Chapter 621 The Slums Again
Having settled everything, Mira, Kael, Aiden, and Lila made preparations to depart the location, their faces displaying resolute determination. Erik watched them, grateful for their support and trust in handling such a sensitive and dangerous mission. Mira turned to Erik and Rebecca, her face showing a mix of commitment and something else that hinted at dissatisfaction.
The glance was not lost on Erik, though he didn't fully understand its cause. There was something in her eyes that caused a momentary pause. The look had a hint of jealousy, making it not entirely pleasing.
Since Rebecca arrived, Erik spent a significant amount of time with the beautiful woman. But there was nothing he could do about it; he was trapped due to work. "Let's get to work," Mira said firmly, her eyes lingering on Erik and Rebecca. "We'll keep you updated on our progress."
"Thank you," Erik answered, nodding appreciatively. "Be careful out there."
The four of them left quickly, but Erik couldn't shake the feeling that he was in huge trouble. However, he pushed the thought aside, knowing that they had a daunting task ahead of them.
Rebecca approached Erik, her eyes filled with questions. "So, what do we need to do?" she asked, eager to contribute to the plan.
Erik's mind returned to the task at hand as he turned to her. "The Crystal Cross Gang usually sends men through the streets to monitor the surroundings and avoid the authorities," he explained, his voice thoughtful. "Besides, I think they'll for sure start selling drugs and would likely try to expand their business in Etrium if they aren't already doing that."
Rebecca's eyes widened at his insight, her curiosity piqued. "How do you know all of this?" she asked, genuinely impressed by his understanding of the criminal organization.
Erik met her gaze, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "I don't," he said, his voice even. "I'm simply speculating based on the information I have about the Crystal Cross Gang. If you want to establish a guild, you must know this stuff."
Rebecca looked at him, her eyes searching his face for signs of dishonesty. But Erik's expression was unreadable because of his mask. She knew he was hiding something, and though the connection between them was strong, there were still barriers, still secrets that were kept.
They stood there momentarily, the silence between them heavy with unspoken truths and veiled intentions. Then Erik broke it; his voice filled with determination.
"We need to hit the streets," he said, his focus returning to the mission. "We need to find any leads we can, gather intelligence, and build a clear picture of what the Crystal Cross Gang is planning here in Etrium," he added.
Nodding, Rebecca's mind immediately switched gears to focus on the task at hand. "Let's do it," she agreed, her voice brimming with determination.
"Where do you plan on starting the search?" Rebecca asked. Erik looked at her, his expression thoughtful. "The best place to start would be the slums," he said, his voice firm. "If the Crystal Cross Gang is expanding their operations into Etrium, they'll likely target the most vulnerable areas first. If there are new drug dealers, we'll find them there."
Rebecca's face became tense upon hearing his words, and her mind grappled with the unforgiving reality of the situation. The slums were treacherous environments, teeming with despair and despondency. They were waging a battle against forces that jeopardized the safety and well-being of the community, and she was determined to do whatever was essential to safeguard them.
"That means we'll also have to search for drug addicts," Erik continued, his voice filled with a grim determination. "They'll be the ones who can lead us to the dealers. Give us information on who's supplying them. It's a challenging and unpleasant task, but unavoidable."
Rebecca nodded, her face set with determination. "I understand," she said, her voice steady. Erik looked at her. With gratitude, he relied on Rebecca's help for this challenging task. She was strong and willing to face the harsh realities of their mission.
"Thank you," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity. "I know this will not be easy, but I'm glad we're in this together."
Rebecca flashed a modest yet sincere smile that reflected in her eyes. "Likewise," she said, her voice brimming with warmth. They then made their way back to the car, the grim task ahead settling heavily upon them. "Take us close to the slums," Erik instructed the driver, his voice resolute. The driver nodded, and the car's engines hummed to life as they lifted off the ground, gliding smoothly through the city.
As they flew over the bustling streets and towering buildings, Rebecca couldn't help but gaze out the window, her eyes widening at the stark disparity between the city's prosperous areas and the neglected slums.
The bright lights and gleaming structures gave way to dimly lit streets and crumbling buildings, a visual testament to the inequality and suffering that lay hidden beneath the city's surface.
Erik watched her, understanding her reaction. The slums were a world unto themselves, a place where hope seemed to wither and die, replaced by desperation and despair. It was a place he knew all too well since he lived in a rundown house most of his life.
Before long, they made their descent, and the car's engines gradually grew quieter as they touched down on the outskirts of the slums. Stepping out of the vehicle, Erik and Rebecca were met with the harsh reality of their surroundings, their eyes quickly taking in the scene before them.
"Thank you," Erik said to the driver, his voice filled with gratitude. "We'll take it from here."
As the driver nodded, signaling the car to lift off once again, they found themselves left standing amid the slums, feeling the heavy weight of their task pressing down upon them.
As they glanced at one another, their faces displayed a strong sense of determination, fully aware that the true labor was about to begin.
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