BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM

763 Finding Max (8)

Erik had nothing more to do there at that point. Whatever the two would say, text, see, or hear, he would know.

The young man, still in his fly form, left the car flying out of the window.

In his minute fly form, a gust of wind that was a mere breeze to his human form, but a tempest in his current state swept him around. The sheer force of the elements caught his tiny body, now devoid of its usual weight and size, off guard.

For a few disorienting seconds, the powerful gusts tossed him about in the air, causing his gossamer-like wings to flutter frantically. His world became a tumultuous whirlwind, his senses overwhelmed by the sudden onslaught.

The world around him transformed into a dizzying blur of motion and noise as he wrestled to regain control.

Buffeted by the wind's unpredictable whims, his minute body spun wildly in the air.

The sensation was akin to being a tiny speck of dust, lost and tossed about in a turbulent sea, at the mercy of relentless elements.

With a concerted effort, he stabilized himself. He adjusted the angle of his wings, using the wind's force to his advantage rather than resisting it.

His frantic flapping developed into a steady rhythm. He ascended, soaring higher into the sky. The exhilarating sensation of flight replaced his initial struggle.

He then turned around and assessed his position. <Let's go back to the apartment now. >

Erik flapped his wing and flew through the city. As he navigated his way back to the clandestine apartment he shared with his clones, he took a moment to observe the cityscape spread beneath him.

The city was a hive of activity, its inhabitants going about their day, oblivious to the machinations unfolding behind the scenes. From his vantage point, he could see the people walking by, their faces etched with the mundane worries of daily life.

<It's weird. They walk around thinking they're safe and that they can trust their government to protect them. But they do not know what's truly going on in their city. They're living in a bubble, > he thought.

After a while of flying over the city, Erik arrived at the apartment. Without missing a beat, he maneuvered towards an open window - a precaution he had taken before leaving.

He slipped through the narrow opening, his compact form fitting through the gap.

<This really is a convenient form. In and out through the window in my fly form. It's discreet, it's quick, and it doesn't draw attention. I just hope there won't be birds trying to kill me. >

That thought crossed Erik frequently while in this form. The thought of having to face a gigantic crow wasn't really the most appalling of the ideas. No, it would be a scary encounter.

Once inside, he took a moment to survey his surroundings, ensuring everything was as he had left it. He quickly saw June seated on the couch watching TV.

< I need to make some rules about TV later. >

Upon Erik's entrance, June sensed his master's return. Rising from the couch, he turned to face the fly.

He looked apologetic, his normally steady eyes tinged with an apologetic look. There was a hint of shame for being found in such a state - lounging on the couch when there was critical work to be done.

He seemed to have let his usual vigilance slip, as a moment of mundane relaxation replaced it amidst the chaos they were embroiled in.

"Sorry Master!"

Erik began his transformation back into his human form. His tiny body expanded, the delicate wings disappeared, and within moments, he stood in the apartment in his full human form and completely naked.

"Don't bother," Erik said. "Any news?"

June's face fell. "No useful information, I'm afraid," he said. "But your message on TV... it's created quite a stir. People are talking about it everywhere."

Erik nodded. That was exactly what he was hoping for. While they didn't have any concrete leads yet, at least they had shaken things up. It was a start.

The only problem was that Time was running out for Erik. Despite his formidable strength and the myriad of abilities at his disposal, there was a persistent feeling of unease gnawing at him.

He knew that luring the Blackguards here had been hazardous, but this was also the only way for him to get some information. Even if it wasn't about uncle Benjamin, or their base of operation, or simply what they wanted from him, he had to get that.

Besides, Erik knew the Blackguards were aware of how strong he was, or at least knew a fraction of his strength.

If they linked him to his Awakener's identity, the fact he used a different brain crystal power altogether, while in Etrium, it meant they also knew something was wrong with him.

Erik was uncertain whether their curiosity was about his potential to possess more than two brain crystal powers or if he was an exceptional case of an awakener with three brain crystal powers.

Their reasons might have been unclear, but their intentions were not. They were determined to understand how he could do that.

The problem was that based on what they made Doran and Catrina do, meant a grim fate for Erik if captured. They were itching to get their hands on him and turn him into a lab rat.

"What are people saying about it?"

Erik thought for a second before giving an answer to his creator.

"Some say that the Crystal Cross Gang has lost their minds, at least those who are familiar with them," June said.

"However, there are others who did not know what the Crystal Cross Gang even is. Some do not even know who Max is, but those are few."

June paused for a moment before continuing, "And interestingly, there were a few who reacted rather peculiarly. Whenever they heard people talking about that, they appeared… confused. But there was something else in their eyes too - a hint of recognition, perhaps. It's almost as if they were in some way connected to the Crystal Cross Gang."

"Did they say something?"

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Some simply left, others listened to the rumors."

It was at that moment that the apartment door opened. Another clone had come back.

Forged by flames is out.