Chapter 635 The War that was to come
Erik left Noah's room, his mind still buzzing with the potential and complexity of their project. But another matter was calling for his attention. With purpose in mind, he deftly dialed Lysa's number, his fingers dancing over the device.
The call connected, and Lysa's voice came through the speaker, warm and familiar. "Erik," she greeted, a touch of relief in her tone. "I'm glad you called. How are things on your end?"
Erik's response was calm and collected. "Good. I called to find out about the situation in the slums. Any news?"
There was a pause, and Erik could almost hear Lysa's worried frown. "The police are investigating," she drawled. "They're asking around, trying to piece together what happened. But all they have is the description of two masked people, which could fit anyone."
Erik's lips quirked in a small smile. "That's good to hear. So, they don't have any leads?"
Lysa's voice tightened, her worry palpable. "No, but Erik, this isn't something to take lightly. They're determined to find out who did this. And even though no one recognized us or our vehicles, the guild has issued a reward and a quest to find the killers. It's possible that you might confront someone in the future."
Despite the mounting pressure, Erik's composure remained unshaken. He was acutely aware of the risks involved, having meticulously weighed them against the potential outcomes before deciding on a course of action.
He understood their actions were drastic, but he also knew they were inescapable. Erik needed to punish the Crystal Cross Gang.
"I understand your concerns," he said, his voice a steady baritone that cut through the tension in the room. His gaze was unwavering, his eyes reflecting the resolve that had carried him through countless challenges. His hands, though scarred and weathered from many battles, were steady as he clasped them in front of him.
"But we did what was necessary, Lysa," he continued, his tone firm yet empathetic. He understood the weight of their actions and the potential fallout that could ensue. But he also knew that hesitation or inaction in the face of such a threat was not an option.
"We'll face whatever comes at us," he concluded, his words ringing with a silent determination. His shoulders squared, ready to bear the burden of their choices. His calm demeanor belied the storm of challenges they were about to face, but Erik was ready. He had to be.
Lysa's sigh came through the phone, a mix of frustration and concern. "I know, Erik. I trust your judgment. But I can't help but worry. This is a dangerous game you are playing."
Erik's expression softened, his voice gentle. "I know you're worried, Lysa. And I appreciate your concern. I'll be careful, and we'll be prepared."
A silence descended upon the room, dense and tangible, laden with unvoiced thoughts and suppressed emotions. It was as if time itself had paused; the air seeming to thicken around them.
The only sound was the distant hum of the building's central air system, a soft, rhythmic drone that underscored the weight of their conversation.
Erik could sense Lysa's fear, a tangible undercurrent that ran beneath her otherwise usually composed exterior. He could see it in the tone of her voice and in the way her fingers nervously tapped over her desk, as they were loud enough to be heard on the phone.
Finally, Lysa spoke, her voice firm. "Alright, Erik. I'll trust you, as always. Just promise me you'll be careful."
Erik's response was immediate and sincere. "I promise."
Lysa's voice softened, the tension easing. "Thank you. Is there anything else you need, Erik?" She asked.
He paused for a moment, considering how to phrase his request. "Actually, Lysa, there is something. I need you to find a building for me, one that can house around two hundred people. It must have training rooms, kitchens, and all the basic amenities."
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, filled with Lysa's contemplation. "That's quite a request," she finally said, her tone laced with curiosity. "May I ask why you need such a place?"
Erik's mind twirled a web of lies, fabricating a reason that would satisfy her without revealing too much. "I need a place to train some selected people without disturbance," he replied, his voice steady, betraying no hint of deception.
"Have you found someone strong?" Lysa's voice was filled with interest, her mind racing with possibilities.
"Yes," Erik affirmed, keeping his response short, his tone confident.
Lysa's curiosity was piqued, but she knew better than to press further. "Is any building good, or do you have specific requirements?"
Erik thought for a moment before answering, "Any building will get by, but if it's close to the guild's headquarters, that would be ideal."
There was a reassuring note in Lysa's voice as she responded, "Consider it done, Erik. I'll take care of it."
"Thank you, Lysa," Erik said, his voice softening with gratitude. "I knew I could count on you."
"Don't worry about it," Lysa said, her tone lightening. "Just let me know if you need anything else."
They exchanged a few more pleasantries before ending the call, both returning to their respective tasks.
Erik found his gaze locked on the phone that lay innocuously on the polished mahogany desk, its screen now dark, the echoes of the conversation still ringing in his ears.
The device seemed almost too mundane, too ordinary for the weight of the words it had just carried. His fingers absently traced the cool, sleek edges of the device, his mind lost in thought.
He knew fully that he was involving Lysa too much, especially considering the recent upheaval in the slums. The vivid images of those events were still fresh in his mind - the chaos, the rage, the urge to kill. He could still hear the cries for help, and see the desperation in the eyes of those he had killed.
On one hand, he felt glee knowing that those people suffered when they died, but on the other, he couldn't stop feeling like a monster.
But amidst the turmoil, he also knew that Lysa was one of his most steadfast allies. She was a friend, and she was one of the few people who would stand by him, who would face the storm at his side without a moment's hesitation.
However, he felt a pang of guilt for lying to her, for keeping her in the dark about his true intentions, but luckily she didn't ask questions, as she was too smart to not understand when and if asking questions was right.
Nevertheless, he also knew that it was necessary to lie to protect her, to keep her safe from the storm he was sure was going to fall on him and the surrounding people.
With a nod that was as much an affirmation to himself as it was a conclusion to the conversation, Erik slipped the phone into his pocket.
The cool metal of the device disappeared into the fabric, leaving only a slight bulge as evidence of its existence. His hand lingered there for a moment, a silent promise of the commitments he had just made.
He then turned his attention back to the array of documents appearing on his computer. The sight was daunting, yet oddly comforting. It was a tangible representation of their plans and their strategies, a testament to the care and thought they were putting into their preparations for what Erik could only define as a war.
There was much to be done, an overwhelming list of tasks that would require his full attention and dedication.
"Ahhhh. Fuck! I will do this later!" Erik then left the room, since he couldn't concentrate.
His thoughts were still mulling over the things that had happened in the past weeks as he made his way through the halls of his guild's headquarters.
His mind was focused on the tasks ahead, particularly the urgent need to increase his rank to the Warden level. The requirements of taking specific quests weighed on him, a necessary step in his preparation plan.
As he reached the entrance of the building, Erik motioned to one of his men, a loyal and attentive member of his guild, who was always ready to assist him.
"Prepare a car to take me to the guild," Erik ordered, his voice firm but not unkind. "I'll be leaving shortly."
The man nodded obediently, his eyes betraying no curiosity about Erik's sudden departure. "Right away, sir," he responded, moving promptly to fulfill the command.
Erik watched him go, appreciating the efficiency and dedication of his men and women. They were the backbone of his operations, reliable and skilled individuals who played their part without question.
With a hum that resonated through the cool evening air, the sleek flying car swiftly made its arrival. Its streamlined body, gleaming under the glow of the sun, cut through the daylight sky with an effortless grace.
As it came to a gentle stop, the humming of the engines subsided, replaced by a soft purr that hinted at the latent power under its hood. The car's doors slid open with a whisper of hydraulics, inviting its passengers into the plush comfort of its interior.
As he entered, he turned his gaze to the window; the cityscape sprawling before him as the car started lifting in the air, a world filled with complexities and secrets. He knew that every step he took was fraught with risks, every decision a delicate balance between opportunity and danger.
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