Erik came to the restaurant later. "Elegance's" exterior was a stunning example of modern design, with a harmonious blend of glass and metal interwoven with vertical gardens that offered a touch of green to the urban scene.
A neon sign spelled out its name in flowing cursive overhead, giving a gentle glow that invited customers in.
Erik was initially struck by the restaurant's promise of refinement. The delicate melody from a live piano, combined with the ambient lighting, produced an ambiance that was both intimate and opulent.
The floor was a thick crimson carpet, and the walls were carefully arranged artwork. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their light reflecting off the mirrored walls and brightening the space.
The employees received Erik, who went under Anderson Red, with the respect reserved for their most distinguished guests.
With a friendly grin, a hostess in a fitted suit with a silver name tag read "Lana" approached him. "Mr. Red," she said softly, "it's a pleasure to have you with us today. Please follow me."
Erik surveyed the customers as he was led through the main eating area. Business tycoons and mercenary guild leaders were discussing their latest endeavors, affluent couples were absorbed in quiet chats, and people like himself came to enjoy the environment and exquisite meals.
The tables were dressed with crisp white tablecloths and shining cutlery. Large windows provided a panoramic view of the city, while private booths were available for those who preferred more privacy.
Lana guided him to a table near a window with a city view. "Your table, Mr. Red," she said elegantly. A waiter approached him as he sank into the luxurious seat, holding a leather-bound menu.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Red," the server chirped. "May I interest you in today's specials, or do you have a preference?"
Erik opened the menu and scanned the outlandish selection of foods. "I'll start with the pan-seared scallops with lemon beurre blanc," he said, recognizing the meal from a previous visit with Amber to another exquisite restaurant, and memories surged in.
"Followed by roasted duck breast with berry reduction and lavender-infused crème br?lée for dessert."
<This will be a pricey lunch, but hey... I don't have money problems right now...> He smiled as he pondered.
The waiter nodded, noting Erik's selections on his notepad. "A fantastic choice, Mr. Red. Would you like something to drink with your meal?"
"A cola will be enough," Erik replied, returning to the menu.
"Very well," the waiter said with a little bow. "Your order will be ready soon."
Erik took a moment to take in his surroundings as the waiter walked away. The atmosphere of "Elegance" was a tool for him; no one would think he was there to investigate someone.
Erik's thoughts alternated between the goal at hand and the luxury he was about to taste as he waited for his lunch.
<System, enter the computer and search for the target last meal here.>
[UNDERSTOOD. CONNECTING TO THE COMPUTER. SEARCHING FOR THE TARGET. PROCEDURE COMPLETE. INJECTION TO THE HOST'S BRAIN.]
Data surged into his brain within moments as it was instantaneously 'injected.' It was odd, like a sudden burst of knowledge flooding his senses.
Erik gleaned important details regarding Doran Stedman's trips to the restaurant as the information settled.
Doran had last visited "Elegance" two weeks earlier, which confirmed Erik's assumptions that the man had come here before the search had begun.
A piece of information piqued Erik's interest: Doran was not alone on that particular visit. He was accompanied by a second man, Joonas Koskinen.
The young man's eyes sharpened at this new piece of the puzzle. Who was this man, and what did he have in common with Doran? Was it a friendly meal or a secret meeting of business associates?
He began to mentally backtrack on any information on such a person that may link him to Doran or the Silver Serpents.
Erik was intrigued by the name Joonas Koskinen, a lead he had yet to come across. As he eagerly anticipated the arrival of his pan-seared scallops, the tantalizing aroma briefly diverted his attention.
He couldn't wait to follow up on this new lead, hoping it would bring him closer to Doran Stedman.
At that moment, the exquisite melodies of a live piano performance filled the air, and his focus shifted again, but to the music this time.
<System, connect to the internet through the restaurant's computer and learn more about this Joonas Koskinen,> Erik silently directed towards his internal ally.
[UNDERSTOOD. SEARCHING INTERNET DATABASES FOR JOONAS KOSKINEN. PROCEDURE COMPLETE.] The biological supercomputer's response echoed in Erik's mind.
The young man waited patiently, taking a sip of his drink, letting the chilly beverage run down his throat, feeling it contrast with the information surges he was experiencing as the information was injected into his brain.
Joonas Koskinen's face, details, and associations were laid bare. Erik saw a driven man with excellent business sense. A central piece of his business was the "Haven Market."
The Haven Market wasn't just an ordinary place but an opulent emporium. A gigantic architectural masterpiece where top-tier vendors congregated to promote their premium goods and services.
Thanks to the injected information, Erik saw enormous passageways filled with exquisite weapon displays, luxurious homes in holographic viewports, top-tier armor models displayed like haute couture, and a parade of high-end automobiles, each a beacon of workmanship and invention.
It was more of a symbol of grandeur, an epitome of excess where the wealthy and prominent of Testrovsc's Rest came to satisfy their sophisticated tastes.
But Joonas, the place owner, drew Erik's attention more than the market's grandeur. His relationship with Doran could be business-related or more hidden.
With its renown and vast clientele, Haven Market might conceivably be a front, or at the very least a nexus point, in whatever operations Doran was involved in, or they could simply have a buyer-seller connection.
There was also a strong sense of irony in the scenario. Erik sat in a luxurious restaurant, and his target, Doran, was associated with a place that sold the same kind of opulence. Both locations were linked by the complicated web of the city's high society, and Erik was now right in the center of it.
After finishing his lunch and taking the last bite of his dessert, he contemplated his next steps. He realized he needed to visit Haven Market but had to be careful.
If Doran and Joonas were running the business together, they would likely be suspicious of outsiders, especially those who asked too many questions.
Erik paid the bill as Mr. Red, mentally preparing for his next destination, Haven Market.
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