BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM

While leaving the train station, Erik and June stepped into the streets of New Alexandria, only to be met by a ghost city.

The vibrant life that once filled the city's avenues was now replaced by an unsettling quiet.

The attack of the Heniate's offspring, which had turned the inhabitants into mindless beasts, left deep scars not just on the infrastructure but on the community's soul.

"It looks like the city never recovered from the attack," June said, his voice carrying a somber tone.

Erik nodded, scanning the surroundings. "Volkov has his work cut out for him. Rebuilding this place won't be easy, especially with half the population gone or turned."

As they walked, the sparse population became apparent. The few civilians they encountered hurried along, casting cautious glances their way.

It wasn't long before they realized that most of the figures moving in the distance were not civilians, but soldiers and police officers, their eyes trained on Erik and June with a mix of suspicion and interest.

While feeling the weight of their stares, Erik said to June, "Something's not right."

Their suspicions were confirmed when a group of five officers approached them.

<A permit? What the hell is this? >

"A permit? Sorry sir, we are from Fasard," Erik said. "We didn't know we needed a permit. We're here to visit a family member," he lied. Erik hoped the officers would buy the simple cover story.

"Weird. They should have told you this back at the entrance." The man observed them better.

"I'm afraid we'll need you to come with us to the station for further questioning."

June and Erik exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between them.

They knew compliance might lead them into a trap, but open defiance could escalate the situation.

Erik weighed their options and gave a slight nod of consent.

"Very well, officer. We'll follow you," Erik said, masking his reluctance with feigned cooperation.

That may have looked like a dangerous situation, but in truth, it presented an opportunity. He could ask questions to the officers.

As they were escorted through the eerily quiet streets, Erik took note of their surroundings, planning their next move.

He knew well that the trip to the station could be a pretext for something more sinister, especially with the Blackguards' influence permeating the city.

June, ever vigilant, remained alert to any sign of danger, ready to transform and take to the skies should the need arise.

He understood the importance of gathering intelligence on the Crystal Cross Gang, but not at the cost of falling into an obvious trap.

"Excuse me, sir, mind if I make some questions?" Erik asked.

"Depending on the question, I might not reply."

"Of course. You see, I've noticed there aren't many people around. Is this due to them not having a permit?"

"Yes, and no. After Volkov came to the city, to further avoid the spread of parasites that were not completely eradicated, he made a law to prevent people from going out unless they had a permit."

"Isn't that excessive? I mean, don't they need to buy groceries and other stuff?" June asked.

The police officers looked at each other. "If you are from Fasard, then you don't know the horrors we had to face here in New Alexandria. To kill your family members, your friends. That is not simple."

Erik didn't overlook the glance the officers exchanged. He observed the group more, and then he noticed something.

Small cufflinks he overlooked when the officers approached. However, the cufflinks had a pretty easily recognizable insignia.

<June, > Erik said telepathically to his clone, <These guys are Crystal Cross Gang members. >

It made sense. The Crystal Cross gang was linked to the Blackguards. Volkov worked for the Blackguards.

If Erik had to make a bet, the gang members were implemented into the military and police to bolster their numbers.

<They are likely not bringing us to the police station. >

<I noticed that, Master, this is not the way I remember would bring us there. >

Erik had a look of understanding and of grim resolve. <Let's play along for now. These guys are not pretty smart and are not a threat. >

The man had used his analysis power to find out that. They weren't even at the μ rank; they were pretty weak compared to him.

But they were in power and with no one around, they believed they could do anything to anyone, no matter how much weaker they were.

"Mind If I ask something else?" Erik said.

"Tell me," the officer said with an annoyed look. In his opinion, Erik was too talkative.

"I remember the city had some scum, the Crystal Cross Gang, or how it was called." The officer scowled at those words but paid attention not to be seen by Erik and June.

"What happened to them?"

"They all died during the parasite's attacks. It was a messed up situation. After all, there was little anyone could do to save themselves." The officers had dark looks on their faces.

Soon, they reached a small park, an oasis of calm in the otherwise bustling city now silenced by recent events.

The usual laughter of children and chatter of visitors were absent, replaced by the gentle rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of a distant bird.

The benches, once popular spots for relaxation and conversation, stood empty, their weathered wood bearing witness to better days.

The echoes of play lingered in the playground, where swings and slides stood.

The place felt eerie and still, lacking people, which was a stark contrast to its once vibrant atmosphere.

Of course, there was no one there. No person, no witness.

There was no chance, at least in the officers' minds, someone could report what they were about to do to these two stupid guys that strangely looked alike.

A grin appeared on one of their faces.