BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM



Erik's mana reserves were starting to run low because he used his powers so extensively, despite his feline form giving him an advantage regarding stealth. His thoughts were racing as he was in the laboratory while the constant hum of machines and computers filled the air. He had to collect evidence about what was going on here.

<Copy all the data from the computers. I need to know what they're up to and check for any information related to Uncle Benjamin,> Erik mentally commanded his biological supercomputer, aiming to collect every shred of damning evidence.

[UNDERSTOOD. CONNECTING TO THE DEVICES. PROCESS INITIATED], the voice of the supercomputer resonated in his mind. As more and more data entered the system, it seemed like time was moving more slowly; Erik's sense of urgency increased with each new byte the supercomputer downloaded.

[DATA ACQUISITION COMPLETE.] The message was music to Erik's ears.

He was aware that it was time to leave the building. He could feel his mana reserves dwindling with each second passing, which caused his heart to pound. He was becoming increasingly conscious that he could no longer rely on his Chameleon Veil as a concealment as it had begun to lose its efficacy due to the dwindling mana.

The young man tried to remain as hidden as possible, so each step had to be meticulously planned to align with the shadows.

The constant hum of the machinery in the background provided some cover, which muffled the sound of his padded paws rubbing against the hard floor.

Erik noticed a group of guards engrossed in a quiet conversation as he approached the lab's exit. Their attention was focused on a handheld device, however. Seeing an opening, he took advantage of it by sneaking past them while his steps were muffled by the background noise in the area.

Once out of the lab, Erik ended up again in the dimly lit hallways. Here, without the cover of machinery, every footstep seemed to echo, and each breath sounded louder. Of course, that was only Erik's perception, amplified by what he had seen and found out. Now that the mission was complete, the adrenaline in his veins made him freak out a little.

Still, he was as safe as he entered, with the only difference being the dwindling mana.

He weaved through corridors, dodging guards by blending into the shadows, and finally approached the building's entrance. But there was a hitch: two guards were stationed at the door, seemingly conducting a routine check.

His heart raced. With his mana running low, he couldn't afford to use another power to distract them. He needed a quick plan.

Spotting a stack of crates nearby, Erik hatched a quick plan. Silently climbing to the top, he knocked over a small canister. The resulting noise caught the guards' attention. Erik seized the moment as they moved toward the sound, leaping from the opposite side and sprinting toward the exit with incredible speed.

<Here comes the Money! Money! Money! Money! Money! Money!> Erik couldn't help but sing this tune in his mind, buoyed by his now elated mood.

As he burst out of the building, the night air greeted him like a breath of freedom. The sounds of the city—distant cars, chirping crickets, and muffled conversations—wrapped around him.

He didn't stop running until he was well away from the building, his heart still pounding from the adrenaline and the weight of what he had just uncovered.

Eventually, he made it back to his hotel, finding everything as he had left it. Once he felt safe, he shifted back into his human form, draining the last remnants of his mana. Exhausted but resolute, Erik knew he had gathered crucial information. Now, it was time to act and finally complete the quest.

Still grappling with the shocking discoveries he'd made in the lab, Erik took out his phone and dialed Lyria Bannon's number. The guild had been urgently searching for Doran Stedman, and Erik was the man they'd chosen for the job.

After a few rings, Lyria's incisive voice came through, "Hello, Mr. Kay? I hope you called me this late because you have some good news..."

"I've located him," Erik responded, cutting to the chase.

A brief pause, then Lyria asked, "In just two days? Are you certain it's him?"

Erik sighed, "Yes, Ms. Bannon, I'm certain. I saw him with my own eyes."

"That's... great," she conceded, her voice tinged with genuine astonishment. "Most people thought this would be a futile search lasting weeks, if not months."

A slight smirk crossed Erik's face, though she couldn't see it. "Let's just say luck was on my side."

Lyria sensed there was more to it but decided not to probe further. "Where is he?"

"He's hiding out in a building at 13 Blenheim Close. But listen," Erik's voice took on a more serious tone, "the place is crawling with guards. It's practically a fortress."

Lyria drew in a sharp breath, "That complicates matters."

"There's more," Erik said, his voice laden with gravity. "They're holding people captive there, innocent people, including children. You must send rescue teams and prepare for a significant operation."

Lyria seemed to lose her usual poise for a moment. "This is far worse than we anticipated," she muttered. After a thoughtful pause, she added, "Erik, this additional information is invaluable. Thank you."

Erik nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "I'm just doing my job," he said. Soon after, Lyria replied, "We'll inform our employer and request immediate action," she assured him. "As for your fee, expect a prompt transfer with a little extra. You've earned it."

A hint of a smile graced Erik's lips. "I'm glad I could assist. Make sure Stedman faces justice for his actions."

"I assure you, he will," Lyria said, carefully choosing her following words. "And Erik, if anything like this comes up in the future, you'll be the first person we contact. Your skills are exceptional."

Erik felt a sense of warmth at the genuine respect in her voice. "Thank you, Ms. Bannon. That means a lot."

The woman took a deep breath, "Take care, Erik. And once again, thank you."

The call ended, leaving Erik with a sense of accomplishment. He had done more than just find a man; he had unearthed a dark and twisted operation that the guild was now in a position to dismantle.