Chapter 690 The Black-box's content
Kael guided the lead vehicle through the winding streets, steering it deftly towards the guild's headquarters. As they approached, the courtyard unfolded before them, a spacious expanse filled with vehicles. The tires crunched over the gravel path, adding a rhythmic undertone to their arrival.
Upon reaching the entrance, the group was welcomed by the familiar, inviting creak of the massive gates as they swung open. The scent of the nearby gardens wafted through the air, a mixture of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass, providing a stark contrast to the dust of the road they had traveled.
As they entered the courtyard, the ambient noises of the headquarters greeted them—distant voices of guild members, the clatter of equipment.
The moment the wheels came to a stop, a group of professional individuals burst out of the main building and hastened towards the convoy.
In Erik's inner circle, which comprised Noah, Luke, Ari, Yori, Nick, Damon, and Swaran, his clones were among the key members.
Erik disembarked from the vehicle, his boots creating a distinct crunch on the gravel beneath them. He stood tall, his figure imposing.
His team, a group of clones, mirrored Erik's imposing presence. As they approached him, their movements were synchronized.
They halted a few meters from Erik, their postures erect and disciplined. In unison, they bowed in greeting.
"Master Kay, welcome back. May I ask how the journey fared? Was the quest successful?" Noah asked, his concealed eyes scanning Erik for indications of the mission's outcome.
"We retrieved the cargo and earned a lot more," he said, choosing his words with care. "But there's still much to be done."
He turned to Noah, his gaze steady and commanding. "I want everything unpacked and inventoried. Make sure our men and women have everything they need to rest and recover. They've earned it."
Noah nodded, his face obscured by a mask. "Of course, Master. It will be done," he said. His voice was muffled a little by the mask he was wearing.
Noah displayed deference by clasping his hands together and bowing his head. His posture was straight, yet relaxed.
Following that, Erik's expression underwent a noticeable change, transitioning into a more serious and solemn demeanor. Of course, no one could see it because of the mask he was wearing.
"There's another matter. We lost some good people out there. I want their families contacted as soon as possible. Explain the situation to them and make sure they're taken care of."
His words were filled with such solemn gravity that the group couldn't help but bow their heads in acknowledgment. The cost of the mission was not solely measured by the objectives achieved or the treasures gained. The measurement of the lives lost was also considered.
"We also need to find substitutes for those we've lost. We can't afford to be understaffed right now."
The group of clones looked up, their gaze met Erik's through their masks. With a renewed sense of purpose, they chorused: "Yes, Master."
After giving out his orders, Erik watched as the group dispersed, and then he took a moment to stand in the courtyard.
While taking a moment to survey the guild that he had worked to establish, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.
As he glanced at the individuals who had not only become his loyal subordinates but also his chosen family, he realized the profound impact he had on their lives. Many of them improved their economic situation. Almost everyone got new gear and had more time available to train and increase their neural links.
The weight of leadership, though a substantial burden, rested on his shoulders without a whisper of complaint.
Erik saw the tangible outcomes of his endeavors, the fruits of his labor. He engaged in a transformative mission: elevating individuals who once stood little chance of success or power when alone, offering them opportunities.
It was the same opportunity that eluded him back in New Alexandria, one that only a stroke of fortune had brought his way. An opportunity, he knew, that others might never encounter. His role not only involved guiding them, but also providing a path they could not have found on their own.
While making his way through the corridors of the guild headquarters, Erik exchanged nods with the guild members who respectfully acknowledged his presence with bows and salutes.
When Erik looked around, he realized that there were many faces he didn't recognize.
<The clones are working a lot, uh? >
As he moved with intent, he directed his steps towards his private quarters. Once he stepped inside the room, he locked the door behind him, and then he took a deep breath, letting go of the heavy burden of the mission that had been weighing on his shoulders.
As he stepped into the bathroom, he made his way towards the shower and reached out to turn the knob, allowing the warm water to flow out and cascade over his body, washing away the grime, sweat, and stress accumulated from the journey.
In that brief period, he was completely engulfed by the tranquilizing feeling of water embracing his body. Once he was finished drying off, he changed into comfortable clothing, placing the battle-worn gear that he had been wearing for days into a designated laundry bin.
He picked up his phone from the table and dialed Lysa's number. The call connected, and her voice came through the speaker, tinged with surprise and warmth. "Erik! How are you? How did the quest go?"
"We found the cargo," Erik said, cutting straight to the point. "I need you to contact our employer and arrange for someone to pick it up. But clarify that the items will only be handed over after we've been paid."
Lysa chuckled on the other end, her voice tinged with amusement. "Don't worry, I'll handle everything."
"Thank you, Lysa," Erik said, his voice softer now. "I knew I could count on you."
Erik concluded the conversation with a brief goodbye, ending the call and placing the phone to its place on the table. He moved to the bed and lay down, staring at the ceiling.
Despite his weary body, his mind remained active and was filled with thoughts and plans for the future. Amidst the countless thoughts that were swirling around in his mind, there was one thought that stood out above all others, unexpressed but deeply ingrained.
Once again, Erik reached for his phone and tapped on the screen to open the video that Kael had sent and retrieved from the black box. His eyes remained glued to the screen, where the high-quality footage played before him, captivating his full attention. The events of that day on the plane unfolded with clarity, leaving no detail obscured.
The creature it captured was unmistakable—a Thaid, but unlike any he had ever seen or heard of. Theis colossal bird had feathers that were a mesmerizing shade of cerulean, shimmering in the sunlight. The creature's wingspan was colossal, making the plane it had attacked appear tiny in comparison.
Erik tried to comprehend how such a massive beast went unnoticed as he watched the footage.
The Thaid's dominance in the air was unmistakable. The ease with which it manipulated the currents revealed a strong and instinctive connection to its element. However, what fascinated Erik was the creature's extraordinary physical abilities and the incredible amount of mana it must have had to execute such remarkable feats.
<This thing it's much more powerful than a Galewing. Its power seems to be comparable to wyverns. I've never heard of something like that. >
This Thaid was an anomaly, a creature of immense power that defied all conventional understanding. Its existence raised more questions than answers. From where did it come? How had it gained such extraordinary abilities? What was the broader implication of its appearance for the world as a whole?
<Was I right when I said that Thaids from the other continent were migrating here? > A shiver ran down his spine. <But if a flying Thaid it's as powerful as a wyvern, then how strong the other continent's wyverns will be? >
As Erik delved deeper into the subject, his mind churned with a multitude of theories and conjectures. Despite this, he acknowledged these assumptions would remain mere speculations without additional information. Despite everything, the unveiled footage presented a truth that was both surprising and had the power to reshape their knowledge of the Thaids and the vastness of their capabilities.
He remained seated, enveloped in a deep, contemplative silence. His gaze remained fixated on the screen, never wavering, as he remained captivated by the frozen image of the cerulean bird.
A sense of resolve and determination built up inside him as he was driven to find and confront this creature. While witnessing the bird's wind-controlling abilities, all thanks to its unique brain crystal power, Erik was left astounded, having seen nothing like it before.
The thought of combining this new power with the Galewing's abilities that he already possessed intrigued him, making him wonder what extraordinary abilities might emerge.
The possibilities ran through his mind as he pondered for a while. By combining these elements, the potential outcome could cause an unparalleled power that could exert unprecedented control over the wind, showcasing its exceptional strength and versatility. Erik's mind was filled with excitement as he contemplated the potential of such power.
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