BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM

The day had tested Erik's endurance with tension and difficult confrontations, but he understood that there were more trials ahead.

There was a list of people waiting for him, but thankfully, his personal matters were no longer a concern.

However, there was still one task left that weighed on him more than any other. He had to face Armand Becker, the man whose choices had tormented him for years.

Becker, the architect behind the mission that led to his father's imprisonment in an undisclosed place.

Erik's feelings towards Becker were a complex web coated by unresolved anger, emotions that had simmered and stewed.

As the evening shadows lengthened, Erik prepared himself for the unavoidable meeting with Becker. He understood that confronting him was more than just a task to check off.

Erik made his way over to Noah. In the same room where Erik had left him, the clone was still patiently waiting for Erik's return. However, he was alone. There seemed to be something occupying his thoughts.

"It's something wrong?"

Noah turned and saw his master. "Ah… not at all, master," he said. "It's just that I have a lot to do."

Noah felt intrigued. "What might that be?"

Erik's expression grew somber, his face taking on a darker hue. The idea of his father being imprisoned and waiting for someone to come and rescue him was not something that brought him joy.

"When I was in Etrium, I spied the blackguards for a brief time. There I learned something about dad."

"Seriously?! Where is he?" Noah showed a weird concern for the man. It was the very same one Erik was feeling. But contrary to his creator, the clone was learning about that just now, while Erik had a lot of time to calm down and think about what to do.

"That is what I want you to find out. I want you to send people in every corner of the nation and find that out. However…"

"However?"

Erik hesitated. The words he was about to say to this clone were merely a suspicion, but who was the most influential person associated with the Blackguards in Frant? It was Volkov.

Who held power over the country and potentially held his father captive? Volkov was the one. It was Erik's assumption that Volkov had information about his father's location.

"I would like for you to concentrate on Volkov," he said. "I know he governed a city, Fasard, if I'm not wrong."

Noah had more knowledge on the subject than Erik. After all, he spent months preparing the migration of the guild back in Frant.

To prevent any obstacles to his plans, he conducted thorough research on the situation.

"Yes, it was Fasard. Now he leads the entire nation, so he left the city in the care of some trusted aides."

"Even better. I will provide you with an army, Noah. An army of clones." Erik paused. "The guild members and the people from Liberty Watch need to be here," Erik said. "Besides, I don't want them to face unnecessary risk for a war that is not their."

Erik made his way over to the chair and settled himself down in front of Noah. From the moment he entered the room, he had been standing.

"Besides, we will need our most capable people, because the Blackguards will be there. We can't fight a losing battle."

Noah nodded. "If we assume we are going to fight the Blackguards, then 5000 people may be enough for our purpose. The Blackguards are powerful, but it's not like they are many. It will be hard for the average fighter to mess up with the clones."

Erik wasn't sure about that. "Did June give you the suitcases we brought with us?"

"Yes," Noah said. "June explained to me what those weapons do."

"And that is why I don't think it will be easier, even with the clones." Erik then took his backpack and handed some sketches he drew to Noah.

"With the help of the biological supercomputer, I analyzed the weapon. I drew up the schematics so we can make more weapons. Any brain crystal boosts the weapon's power. It results in small particles of mana mingling with it, allowing the laser to bypass the Thaids' natural mana barrier."

Noah took the sketches. "Bring these to Jabir, Darius and Tyree," Erik said.

"I don't think they've got what it takes to make them individually. But they should be able to build them together with no issues."

"I will do as you order, Master."

"Yes. Ask Amos to increase the mining of the Aclaitrium ore, and asks him to expand the tunnels to search for other type of ores. Also send everyone available to hunt for Thaids. We will need a lot of brain crystals. I want this done as soon as possible."

Erik then stood again. "Where is Becker?"

"You'll find him in the conference room. I'll have the butler take you there."

"Thanks, Noah."

The clone gave a nod before summoning a butler to attend to their needs.

With a sense of respect and a brisk pace, a man entered the room and escorted Erik to the conference room.

Since Erik had never been to this place before, he was unsure of where to go.

The structure was well constructed, showcasing a harmonious blend of concrete and wood.

The building had a majestic appearance resembling that of an immense mountain cabin, thanks to the many wooden pillars that were placed throughout.

Yet, not all areas basked in light; various sections of the building lay in shadows, a clear sign they were still a work in progress.

Although the place was crude in certain areas, the guild's clear dedication and hard work in transforming was quite noticeable.

With each step, Erik grew closer and closer to the door until he finally arrived in front of it. It was closed, but based on the butler's reaction, that was where he had to go.

With a polite excuse, the Butler left, leaving Erik to contemplate in solitude. On one occasion, Erik and Becker had a conversation.

Despite his initial unfavorable impression, his friend's words caused him to reevaluate his viewpoint. Could it be he misunderstood the man?

The only way to find out was through that one method. Demonstrating strength and determination, Erik grasped the door handle and pushed the door open.