BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM



Erik left the guild hall, carrying the news on his shoulders. The regular commotion of the city looked far away, almost subdued; he felt like he was looking out from behind a thick glass. Everything appeared without colors. He raised his hand to signal for a passing taxi to stop; the motion was automatic.

After the door hissed open, Erik slid into the plush passenger seat and told the driver where he wanted to go. As the engine roared to life and the car started moving, Erik's mind returned to New Alexandria.

He had a terrible experience in the city. The place and the people had been awful to him. Nonetheless, it was where he had made connections where he met people he considered like family. It was where he had successes and disappointments and produced numerous memories. Most were terrible, but some precious ones were there too.

Even if the danger had passed, or at least lessened, even if they managed to repel the parasites the Heniate sent, Erik still worried about the people he had left behind.

He suffered from anxiety over the fate of his companions, Amber and the others. However, contacting them was out of the question. Frant's watchful eyes and ears were probably on him. The Crystal Cross Gang wanted him for who knew what reason; the government wanted him because he faked being an awakener, so any open lines of contact would put him in grave danger of having his whereabouts revealed. The only silver lining was that he left a hint for his friend.

In fact, during his Novice practical exam, Erik purposefully revealed the hilt of his Flyssa for a brief period. That was a risk, but there were more chances that Floyd picked up this hint rather than the government finding out he was alive.

The hint was not that much, to be honest, but he hoped they'd get it: he was still alive and waiting for them.

Now, the ball was in their court. If they found him, they could try to communicate, but until then, Erik wouldn't let anyone tell him how to live his life. He wanted to be free, he wanted to be rich, and he wanted to be strong enough so that anyone could impose their views on the world on him.

As they drove through different city sections, the view from the taxi window changed. People flooded in and out of buildings as neon signs flickered, but Erik paid them little mind.

As the vehicle glided silently and smoothly through the city, he focused on something other than past memories. Instead, he focused on the present and, more importantly, the future.

Creating the guild was a step in the right direction, which would give him a purpose amidst the chaos he was living in.

Plus, things looked good professionally, thanks to his agreement with Lysa. He had to keep moving forward to make the best of his situation.

When the cab pulled up to the Bread & Blade Inn, Erik got out, paid the driver, and entered. He took a few long breaths, straightened himself, and went inside.

Erik opened the thick wooden door of the inn, and the sudden rush of warm air, filled with the smells coming from the kitchen, immediately chased away the brisk night air and the depressing thoughts in his mind. This place made him feel at home.

Due to the mouthwatering fragrance of baking bread and stews boiling on the stove, Erik's stomach let out a rumble as the thought tickled his appetite.

Off to one side, a skilled bartender displayed his talents. He poured cups of frothy beer with deft fingers and undivided attention, ensuring no drop was wasted. It was a practiced dance honed over countless nights with many patrons.

Erik came to the Bread & Blade for two reasons: to satisfy his appetite and, more importantly, to find Mira and the others.

They could have been stronger, just an average team in a border city. Nonetheless, since they had invited him to join their team, it showed they were willing to have him as a partner. And out of all the people he'd seen in the city, they were some of the few he recognized as worthy people because of their skills and ethics. They were friends he often met here and the Bread & Blade, someone he shared food and stories with.

Erik looked around the bar in search of a friendly face, trying not to be distracted by the place's rustic appeal or the toasting patrons' clinks and clanks. Then he saw them, huddled in a shadowy nook.

Aiden sat there, commanding attention, his demeanor strikingly contrasting the buzzing activity around him at the inn. He had the air of a mature and experienced person at just 24 years old. The weight of responsibility, evident in his posture, confirmed Erik's knowledge of Aiden as someone who shouldered the burdens of his group.

Next to him, propped against the wall with extreme care, was his long sword. Even in this laid-back environment, Aiden exuded an aura of unwavering focus, occasionally broken up by his dry wit that would appear in the most unexpected situations.

Mira was there with him. Her green dress popped against the contrast of her lengthy, black hair, braided nicely over one shoulder. The hue complimented her, speaking volumes of her affinity for nature.

Those brilliant, piercing eyes, a color Erik had trouble defining, darted curiously from one corner of the room to another. They occasionally paused to take things in as if in severe contemplation or amazement.

The bow and arrows, which rested near her, were not just weapons but an extension of herself, and through the use of her brain crystal power, she was able to manipulate air currents surrounding her arrows, increasing their chances of a successful hit, even increasing their penetrating power.

After navigating through the numerous tables, Erik finally reached the two friends.

Aiden saw him first as he came closer. He raised his head, and his lips formed a genuine grin for once. Mira followed his glance with a mixture of surprise and excitement.

"Erik!" Amidst the noise of the inn, Mira's voice was a welcome tune. "It's been ages! What brings you here?"

Erik sat before them and said, "I was in the area; I figured I'd grab a bite since I was here." Then, pausing for emphasis, he said, "I was also hoping to find you guys."