BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM C.823 The headquarters (6)

<June. >

<Yes, Master? >

<I'm coming out. I'm currently following the guys you told me about. >

June thought for a second, but it was clear what Erik wanted to do. <Do you plan on using their identities? >

<Yes, > Erik said. <This guy can meet the Crystal Cross gang leader whenever he wants, and I have some question to ask the prick before I kill him. >

Erik was already envisioning the confrontation, playing out different scenarios and replies.

But Howell was no fool, and the Crystal Cross gang was notorious for its ruthlessness.

He had to make the right questions if he wanted to get what he came here for, among which was dismantling the Crystal Cross Gang.

<What do I have to do? > June asked.

<Follow us from a safe distance. When I tell you, make a distraction so that I can shapeshift and kill them. If the target flees, stop him. >

<They have cars, Master. >

Erik remained silent for a second. <You could have told me that sooner. >

<Sorry. > June said.

<Never mind then. I'll do this myself. You stay there at the Crystal Cross Gang's base. When I'm done, I will come there again in Gus' identity. >

<Understood, Master. I will keep an eye on the place. >

As Gus and his entourage emerged from the building, they made their way to the parked cars with an air of urgency.

The moment they settled inside, the vehicles lifted into the sky, charting a course northward.

Unbeknownst to them, Erik was accompanying them, perched in the car's corner, in the form of a fly.

His tiny, compound eyes missed nothing, absorbing every facial expression while his antennae listened to every nuance of their conversation.

The atmosphere inside the car was charged with tension.

Gus broke the silence, his voice laced with frustration. "Can you believe Howell? Ten million New Dollars is what he's demanding now."

The others murmured in agreement, their discontent palpable.

"It's exorbitant," one of them said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Howell's greed knows no bounds."

However, aside from that, there was a more pressing matter they had on their minds.

"Gus, what do you think Volkov plans to do about Erik Romano?" The question seemed to hover in the car, charged with an undercurrent of concern and curiosity.

Gus took a moment before responding, his gaze fixed on the sky ahead as if searching for the answer among the clouds.

"Volkov is worried, that's for sure," he said, his tone serious. "But he's planning something big to lure Erik away from New Alexandria."

<Something to lure me out, uh? This is likely something related to dad. Too bad I have Noah and the clones on my side. >

Upon arrival, the group entered a towering edifice of glass and steel, its sleek facade reflecting the bustling city around it.

Inside, the lobby boasted marble floors and modern art, exuding a blend of luxury and efficiency.

The building, a beacon of power, stood as a testament to ambition and enterprise.

<These guys treat themselves well. > Erik thought.

"I'm going to talk to Rick. I need to tell him about our agreement with Howell."

The others nodded, and each went their separate way. Gus headed towards the elevator, pressing the button for the fourth floor.

The others dispersed in different directions, each absorbed in their own tasks.

As the elevator ascended smoothly, Gus reviewed the details of the agreement with Howell in his mind.

Upon reaching his destination, he stepped out into a long corridor, its walls adorned with abstract paintings.

He walked, eventually stopping before a door marked with the number "410."

After having opened it, he entered the office. Unseen, Erik, still in his fly form, followed closely behind, slipping through the door just as it closed behind Gus.

There, Gus talked to this guy, Rick, a man of stature, with sharp features framed by salt-and-pepper hair, styled back with precision. Dressed in a tailored suit, Rick exuded an air of understated elegance.

As Gus detailed his encounter with Howell, he recounted the hefty sum demanded for their arrangement, emphasizing Howell's timeline of a week.

Rick listened, his expression betraying a mix of rage and calculation.

It became clear to Erik that Rick's role entailed the meticulous handling of their financial operations.

His fingers tapped on the desk, already thinking about the allocation of funds. That was what they discussed for at least half an hour.

Rick's expertise in navigating their resources was clear as he outlined potential strategies to meet Howell's demands without jeopardizing their financial stability. f𝐫eewe𝚋nove𝗹.𝗰o𝚖

<This is boring. When are you going to go somewhere alone? > After Gus was done, he left the office. <Finally! >

Erik followed the man, who left the building. <YES! > Gus was heading toward his flying car, but was alone. That was Erik's chance.

While making his way to the car, Gus slid inside, the doors sealing with a soft hiss.

Alone and unaware of his tiny passenger, Gus started the engine, the vehicle's hum filling the air.

With a smooth acceleration, the car lifted off, soaring into the city's skyline.

Buildings and neon lights blurred below as Gus navigated through the aerial traffic, his vehicle a mere speck among the bustling cityscape.

<System, I need you to take control of the car. Do it, but make it look like this guy still has control over it. >

[Understood. Connecting to the device. Connection established, control of the car obtained.]

<Good. Let's get to work. >

It was at that moment that Erik shapeshifted into his human form.

Of course, Gus was shocked, as he suddenly found himself a naked man on his right side.

He briefly glanced at the man's face and recognized him. It was Erik Romano.

He understood Volkov's, and the Blackguards' fears were true.

The man left the steering wheel and tried to defend himself, but Erik grabbed his neck and snapped it.

[HUMAN KILLED: MANA ABSORBING PROCESS STARTING.]

[0%...1%....5%...30%...70%...100%]

[MANA SUCCESSFULLY ABSORBED, STARTING CONVERTING PROCEDURE.]

[3...2...1...0]

[MANA SUCCESSFULLY CONVERTED INTO EXPERIENCE. 4655 EXPERIENCE POINTS AWARDED TO THE HOST.]

The man slouched in the seat. The car didn't lose altitude or control since the Biological supercomputer was controlling it.

While the car was still flying, Erik brought the body to the backseat. He took the man's clothes and wore them.

<Let's head back to Howell. >