@Saronite because that is the premise of the entire series. In this world strength means everything and compassion is a weakness, but the MC does not want to give up the values from his previous life and goes against the current. That was the case when he was unwilling to leave Bobby behind, and as a result he gained his freedom, a new body and a loyal follower. I am sure in one way or the other saving those kids will also pay off.
@Ominous I hope the MC has at least checked the kids' stats with his special skill. It's not impossible stats as well could be hidden, but that would be yet another layer for the magician to master in their shapeshifting, which isn't guaranteed at all.
@Kaarme I forgot about that, but since you mentioned it, it is a bit suspicious that the MC didn't immediately check the kids' stats upon meeting them. He usually does that to pretty much anyone he meets.
@Ominous He did end up in a bit of trouble with Jonia by scanning her and getting caught, so the author has a way out of it, kind of, though it would still be dodgy. Unlike Jonia, the kids likely shouldn't notice anything, and even if they did, so what? It's not like they would be related to the MC's gang in any way. So, logically, there shouldn't be any good reasons for not looking at their stats.
@SuppeBargeld i know its the premise, i just think they have so many examples of it that instead of just outright having the MC say "The strong rule over the weak" every other chapter they could just show his reactions or thoughts on him realizing it.
When Jonia said "the little mouse is smart", the MC thought she referred to him, so his first reaction to that statement was "???" like "what the f*ck, did you finally turn crazy???" xD