BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM

She led Erik into a brightly lit room filled with shelves neatly organized with various vials and containers. Sara began to explain the unique properties of each product, from elixirs that stimulated cell regeneration to pills that minimized scarring.

"You mentioned an interest in healing accelerants?" she asked, her eyes lighting up with genuine interest. "We pride ourselves on our selection of such potions and pills. Of course, it's a bit of a challenge to replicate the effects of a genuine healer, considering the complexities of mana manipulation. However, I must say, our products have proven to be quite effective."

Erik listened intently, his eyes taking in the meticulously organized displays of pharmaceutical wonders. He had to play his part convincingly, all while seeking a way to uncover the hidden information they were after.

"That sounds promising," he said, nodding thoughtfully. "In our line of work, anything that can give us an edge in life-and-death situations is invaluable. Do you mind showing me some of the specific products?"

Sara's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Not at all; I'd be delighted to. Follow me, please."

Erik subtly shifted his attention inward, communicating silently with the biological supercomputer. He needed to use this time available to find what he needed.

<System, I want you to hack into the company's network.>

[UNDERSTOOD. CONNECTING TO HUMMINGBIRD PHARMACEUTICALS' NETWORK. PLEASE PROVIDE SEARCH PARAMETERS.] The supercomputer's voice resonated in Erik's mind, clear and unemotional.

<Search for any information related to Lumina or Catrina. Check employee records, projects, research notes, and any other relevant data that may shed light on our investigation.> Erik mentally instructed, keeping his expression neutral as Sara continued her presentation.

[UNDERSTOOD. INITIATING SEARCH. I WILL NOTIFY YOU ONCE THE RESULTS ARE AVAILABLE.] The supercomputer responded, its virtual presence fading as it focused on the task at hand.

Erik's mind returned to the room, and he resumed his conversation with Sara, grateful for the advanced technology that allowed him to multitask in such a manner. The search for Lumina was now underway, and he could only hope that the information he sought was hidden somewhere within the vast digital landscape of the pharmaceutical company.

"These are our top-selling healing potions," Sara began, her voice filled with pride. "They've been formulated to promote rapid cell regeneration, reduce inflammation, and enhance the body's natural healing capabilities. As I've already explained, they're not quite a substitute for a real healer's touch, but they can certainly make a significant difference in critical situations."

Erik feigned casual interest, asking insightful questions and expressing approval. All the while, he was waiting for the biological supercomputer to give him some good news.

As Sara began listing the prices of the top-rated healing potions, Erik paid close attention, feigning interest in the details.

"The Aegis Elixir, one of our premium products, starts at 500 Eurems for a single bottle," Sara explained, her eyes gleaming with pride. "It has been carefully formulated to accelerate wound healing and alleviate pain. Many of our clients find it particularly useful in emergency situations."

Erik nodded, expressing his approval. "That's quite reasonable for a high-quality product like that. What about the other options in this line?"

Sara continued, warming to the subject. "Well, we have the Phoenix Serum, which is a bit more potent, priced at 700 Eurems. It's known to not only heal physical injuries but also to boost the overall vitality of the user temporarily."

She then went on to describe several other potions, ranging in price and effectiveness. Each had unique properties tailored to different medical needs and levels of urgency. Erik kept up with her explanations, asking occasional questions to keep up the pretense of interest.

All the while, he was waiting for the response from the biological supercomputer. The information about Lumina might be just within his grasp, hidden among the countless files and records of the company. 

He maintained his facade of interest, knowing that he was on the brink of uncovering a vital piece of the puzzle. Every detail, every price, and every feature of the potions served as a distraction from the real purpose of his visit to Hummingbird Pharmaceuticals. The connection to Lumina, whoever she might be, was a mystery that he was determined to solve.

***

Dr. Wainwright's eyes twinkled with excitement as he detailed the remarkable properties of their newly developed potion. Standing in a well-lit office, he and Rebecca were talking business. If the Band of Giants really ended up buying the potions, they would profit a lot due to the sheer size of the organization.

"You see, Miss Ravithier, this potion is unlike anything we've produced before," he said, his voice filled with pride. "Once consumed, it can triple the user's strength for a full thirty minutes. Imagine the applications in battle! A mercenary could carry more equipment, and wield a heavier weapon. It would make a difference in life and death situations, allowing people to escape more easily."

Rebecca listened intently, her eyes fixed on the vial as she considered the potential uses. The potion indeed sounded promising, but it wasn't possible it didn't have any negative effect.

"What about the after-effects, are there any?" she inquired, her tone thoughtful.

Dr. Wainwright's face faltered for a moment but quickly regained its enthusiasm. "Ah, yes, the aftereffect. There is one, to be honest, the user will experience considerable exhaustion following the potency period. But we believe that the benefits during the heat of battle would far outweigh the temporary fatigue. Proper planning and timing could minimize the drawbacks."

Rebecca nodded, appreciating the doctor's candor. The potion's battle applications were indeed appealing, but she also sensed that Dr. Wainwright was hiding something. She filed away the information, keeping her focus on the broader purpose of their visit.

"Thank you, Dr. Wainwright," she said politely. "This is indeed an impressive potion. I'll be sure to discuss it with my mother. I'm sure she'll be very interested."

The old man beamed, pleased with her response, and they continued their discussion. But Rebecca's mind was elsewhere, as she was thinking about Erik and what he was doing. Did he manage to find something? Was the time she provided him enough to do so?