BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM C.800 Erik and Noah (2)

Noah and Erik spent considerable time discussing the recent events in Testrovsc's Rest.

Noah, Erik's clone, detailed how problems originated with the Border Wolves, a rival group, instigating issues with their members.

These confrontations weren't limited to external hunts.

They spilled into the city streets, escalating tension within the two organizations.

The situation deteriorated when several brawls erupted, leaving many individuals with severe injuries.

In an unexpected twist, a formal investigation was launched, placing Erik's guild under intense scrutiny.

This was not just a simple inquiry; the guild found itself being closely watched by the Band of Giants, explaining why they rushed toward Testrovsc's Rest when Erik left the city.

The premeditated nature of the events was apparent from Noah's account.

The band of giants had already arrived at Testrovsc's Rest, while the guild wasn't under investigation yet.

The guild faced a sudden restriction on their quest-taking activities, further hampering their operations.

Amidst this, the mercenary guild publicly accused Erik of the murder of civilians in the city's slums.

This accusation, baseless as it was, stirred a wave of disbelief and shock within the city.

Erik's fellow guild members stood by him, confident in his innocence, but the rumor mill of Testrovsc's Rest churned, with many residents swayed by the allegations.

The Border Wolves capitalized on this atmosphere, fanning the flames of discontent among the population.

Their manipulations exacerbated the divide, turning citizens against Erik's guild.

Rumors and false accusations intertwined with the truth, creating a tangled web of suspicion and hostility.

This campaign by the Border Wolves not only ruined Erik's reputation, but also threatened the stability and unity of the entire guild.

Members found themselves navigating an increasingly hostile environment outside their ranks.

As Erik listened to Noah's story, he felt a surge of anger. Things had spiraled out of control in Testrovsc's Rest.

In an unexpected move, the mercenary guild did not halt Erik's guild from producing their signature stimulating serums.

Instead, they urged an increase in production.

Shortly afterward, they demanded the serum's formula. They argued it would prove Erik's willingness to cooperate and possibly compensate the affected families, clearing his name.

Noah declined to disclose the formula. That wasn't meant for someone outside the guild, and definitely not for them.

The refusal intensified the pressure on the guild. With tension building, Noah made the choice to relocate the guild.

Two primary factors played a crucial role in driving this decision.

First, relocation offered a chance for reorganization and regrouping.

While some members departed because of their ties to Testrovsc's Rest were too strong to sever, a significant number remained committed to Erik's guild.

Their loyalty and resilience provided a solid foundation for rebuilding in a new location.

Second, the move opened up new opportunities.

Frant officially lacked a mercenary guild, mostly because of Becker's policy against 'self-armed' citizen groups.

Its purpose was obvious - to prevent more people from joining the Blackguards indirectly.

However, Noah saw potential advantages in this void. Their presence in Frant could prove beneficial to the nation, and would ease the pressure on the guild.

While Noah oversaw the transfer of personnel, equipment, and resources to Liberty Watch, he received troubling news from Frant.

There was a notable change in the political landscape.

Not only was Becker removed from his position, but he was also charged with bringing the Heniate to the country, along with other allegations.

In the wake of this upheaval, Sinisa Volkov rose to power as the new general.

He showed no mercy towards Becker's loyalists, displaying ruthless and vengeful behavior.

The purge spared only a handful, including Caiden Joyce and Richard Stone, who were protected by their physical strength and influential position in society.

Noah then resolved to find Becker, convinced the man held crucial information.

Noah thought that since Volkov was working with the Blackguards, Becker, who had been his and their enemy for years, might know something useful they didn't.

In order to enhance their efforts, Noah contacted Richard Stone.

The collaboration with Stone had a double advantage: it increased their resources and manpower while guaranteeing the safety of Amber and the others.

Noah then detailed his initiatives in Liberty Watch.

He had established many facilities for producing weapons, armors, and potions, aiming to strengthen both their guild and the community.

His methods, while controversial, were driven by a desire to protect and empower those around him. Erik already knew that Noah had all of Erik's memories up to a certain point. The clone loved them as much as he did.

Despite recognizing his methods could be seen as questionable, he knew his intentions were for the greater good.

However, amid these revelations, a more pressing problem emerged.

Noah switched gears and emphasized the importance of taking immediate action on this urgent matter.

"Have you decided what to do? "

"Not yet," Erik said. "I tried to push him, but he hasn't made his mind up," June said.

They were talking about Amber and Mira.

"You gotta decide. Plus, everyone was devastated when they thought you were dead. You're in debt to everyone."

"I know that," Erik said. "I will talk to them. As for the other matter, I don't know what to do."

"I already explained much of the situation to them, Mira included."

Erik grimaced. "Now you have to do what is right, but also what will make you happier."

"You are right."

Erik pondered for a moment. He had powerful feelings for both women and struggled with the decision to choose between them.

The best thing Erik could do was to apologize to all of them.

To his friends for having abandoned them. To Amber for having put her through loss, and to Mira for not having told her the whole truth.

"I ensured they were informed of your presence."

His complexion turned a ghastly shade of pale when his clone mentioned his friend's awareness of his presence.

He wasn't prepared for this confrontation this soon, the weight of his actions bearing on him.

His eyes flickered with a mix of regret and apprehension.

A visible tremor passed through him, a physical manifestation of the turmoil churning inside.

He took a hesitant step back, his gaze dropping as he grappled with the reality of facing those he had let down.

"They should be in the next room."

As a result, Noah placed a stone on the matter. The issue could no longer be ignored.

With a countenance resembling that of a mournful pup, Erik made his way towards the exit.

He had to be careful and pick his words wisely.

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