BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM

"Analysis," Erik said.

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[Host Information]

NAME: Erik Romano

AGE: 17

POWER LEVEL: 374

SYSTEM LEVEL: 46

EXPERIENCE: 80898/115600

DNA POINTS: 23550

HEALTH: 3440 /3440

MANA: 3370 /3370

[Attributes]

STRENGTH: 176

INTELLIGENCE: 218

DEXTERITY: 156

ENERGY: 167

Available Attributes points: 0

[Powers]

[Biological Super Computer Powers]

(…)

[Host's Powers]

(…)

AEROKYNESIS Cσ1A RANKED

(This innate ability grants the wielder control over wind generation and manipulation. The potential of this power is intricately linked to the user's proficiency, affording them the capacity for both offensive and defensive maneuvers, as well as the versatility to engage targets both near and far.)

[Skills]

(…)

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Erik stood there, still reveling in the newfound power coursing through his veins.

"Aerokinesis, uh?"

The young man was in disbelief. This was a power that would allow him to jump to the next level. It was powerful, belonging to the branch of the elemental powers. Based on what the system told him, this power allowed to control the wind but it was not like Becker's power. The man could do some very bizarre things, like materializing wind weapons thanks to mana. Instead, Aerokinesis was more basic. One could send wind blades, or create some protective winds, or even fly if mana was enough. However, it couldn't do out-of-the-ordinary things. This didn't mean it was a weak power, but it wasn't as unique as Becker's one, which was related to wind too.

Exactly like him, though, this was a power that could turn the tide of any battle and make him a force to be reckoned with.

For a moment, his mind raced with the possibilities. Could he fly? The thought was tempting, but he quickly reined in his excitement.

Such a feat would likely require an enormous amount of mana, something he was still in short supply of. That was the crux of the matter. For all his physical prowess and the array of powers at his disposal, his mana pool remained his limiting factor.

He needed to level up, to accumulate as many Energy Points as possible to truly unlock his potential.

As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Erik suddenly remembered the convoy. He turned his gaze to the horizon, scanning for any sign of the vehicles. They were but tiny specks in the distance now, almost swallowed by the vast expanse of the desert.

By reaching into his backpack, he pulled out his radio, grateful that he had the foresight to keep it on him. "Kael, do you hear me?" he spoke into the device.

Kael's incredulous voice followed a moment of static. "Erik? Is that you? We thought you were... What happened?"

Erik couldn't help being slightly offended by the lack of faith Kael showed. Though, the scowl quickly turned into a radiant smile. "I killed it, Kael. The Thaid is dead. The Galewing is no more."

There was a pause on the other end, long enough for Erik to imagine Kael's jaw-dropping. "You did what? You killed a flying Thaid? Are you serious?"

"As a heart attack."

Another pause, this one filled with awe. "That's... that's incredible, Erik. But, this… means that…"

Erik chuckled. "Don't even think about leaving the body here, Kael. This will fetch us a huge amount of money."

"Wait, Erik, how are we going to explain this? Killing a flying Thaid is no small feat. People will ask questions," Kael's voice crackled through the radio, tinged with concern.

Erik already thought about that, and there wasn't a single problem. "We won't have to explain anything. We're going to sell the body to Lysa. She will take care of the matter, and won't tell anyone who killed it. I trust her that much, not because she wouldn't do it, but because it is not convenient for her. If words spread about this feat, people would start contacting us to kill such monsters. This would mean we would have less time to deal with her, and she would earn less."

There was a brief pause before Kael responded, "But wouldn't be beneficial to us if we do these types of quests?"

"Yes, but such dangerous hunts require time, something I do not have. Only I can do them after all. Besides, I want to keep this a secret." Erik confirmed. "A flying Thaid's body will fetch a high price, not to mention its research value. We won't have to answer to anyone, and we'll make a good profit through Lysa. That is, if the guild members stay silent."

Kael was uncertain about what to do. "Are you sure? This is a monumental achievement. This means your strength is comparable to that of the Fierce Lioness."

"Yeah, and that is a problem. People are already keeping an eye on me because of our results. Imagine if the word that I'm that strong started circulating."

"Understood," Kael responded, the awe in his voice now replaced by the crisp tone of a soldier. "We are on our way to fetch you."

"Good. I'll wait."

Erik clipped the radio back onto his backpack and took a deep breath, savoring the feeling of the warm wind against his skin, a wind he could now control.

He scanned the sprawling surroundings, his gaze locked onto a distant speck that, with each passing moment, grew larger on the horizon.

"I have little time available..."

Erik started channeling mana through the newly established neural link. He wished for the wind to increase its speed, and then it started moving and brushing against his face with stronger force. The wind increased in intensity, moving the sand beneath and throwing it into the air. A small whirlwind appeared. It was barely visible at the start, but the sand quickly entered it, creating a visual spectacle. The whirlwind was small, hardly visible from the convoy. However, since he didn't want to risk it being seen, he stopped channeling mana.

"This is what Becker felt, uh? No wonder he was so arrogant. This ability feels like let me control the planet itself."

Erik's anticipation swelled as the speck on the horizon gradually took on recognizable forms. Then, emerging from the shroud of haze, armored and dirt-smeared vehicles came into focus, their engines resonating like a harmonious chorus of mechanical beasts.

Through the windshields of these approaching vehicles, individual faces emerged. There was Kael, Erik's steadfast second-in-command, whose loyalty was unwavering.

Mira sat in the car behind, her face a canvas of conflicting emotions. Relief and worry warred within her eyes, painting a portrait of someone torn between happiness at seeing Erik and anxiety for his well-being. Her concern for him was as clear as a beacon in the night, unmistakable and bright.

Among the convoy were others, men and women, who had embarked on this dangerous journey with Erik. They had placed their lives in the hands of his leadership, like sailors entrusting their fate to the captain amidst a tumultuous sea.

As the convoy halted in front of Erik, the engines' roar faded, giving way to a serene quiet, much like the calm after a storm.

The surrounding dust settled, like a curtain drawing to a close on a dramatic scene. Doors opened, and people emerged in a cascade, their expressions an intricate tapestry of emotions. Relief was etched on their faces for their leader's survival, mingled with awe and admiration for his almost mythical feat.

Their gazes, Mira's included, turned to look at the dead Thaid. They looked at it in disbelief, their faces mirroring the shock of sailors who saw a ghost ship.

"What the fuck…?"

"It's dead!"

"The guild master did it. He did it for real!"

Their eyes were transfixed on the scene that unfolded before them: the mighty Galewing, once a majestic force of nature, now lay as a defeated giant upon the harsh desert sands.

Its formidable frame, which had once soared through the skies with regal grace, was now motionless.

Beside this colossal creature stood Erik, their leader, an embodiment of triumph against overwhelming odds. The contrast between his human form and the immense size of the Galewing painted a picture of David and Goliath, a visual narrative of courage and determination prevailing against seemingly insurmountable odds.

The air was heavy with the metallic tang of blood, a scent that mingled with the dry, earthy aroma of the desert. The smell permeated the surroundings, an invisible yet potent presence that underscored the gravity of what had transpired.

At that moment, this 17-year-old kid looked like a monster to them. This was no easy feat for anyone with 20 years of experience, yet this kid, barely of age, killed it.

At that moment, the air got filled with murmurs and whispers. Erik's stature as a revered leader was undeniable, but that wasn't all. As it became clear, this was no ordinary man. The not-so-hidden looks of disbelief among his loyal comrades turned into looks of admiration. It was at that moment they realized that joining this guild had been the best decision of their life. If their leader was that strong, nothing could stop them.