Chapter 737 The apartment (1)
Melded into the crowd, Erik and June had moved like phantoms. The surrounding city was increasing its activities since the night started.
A symphony of sights and sounds that were both chaotic and harmonious engulfed them like a wave and allowed them to talk without the fear of being heard. If they wished.
Neon lights danced upon the surfaces of buildings, casting multicolored glows that bathed the streets in an ethereal hue.
<What's the plan now, Master? You mentioned you found a place for us to sleep tonight. >
<Yes. I wanted to get some new powers, and since we are going to kill a couple of people, I just guessed the best thing would have been to stay in their apartments. >
<Understood. You have someone in mind already? >
<Yes, actually. It's a guy with a shapeshifting ability. It is not as powerful as we need it to be, but if we can merge it with others to get something better, so I'm not worried. >
June had paused for a moment. <Is killing him to get his brain crystal power really the right thing to do? >
<I don't care, > Erik said, his tone devoid of emotion.
<This guy is a real scum. The guild has evidence he murdered his comrades during quests just to hoard more rewards. The only reason he wasn't arrested or killed is because he has some friends in the mercenary guild that covered his wrongdoings. This doesn't mean the guild didn't collect evidence or investigated the matter. >
Upon hearing Erik's words, June tensed, a subtle stiffening of his posture reflecting his inner turmoil.
That someone could coldly betray and eliminate friends and comrades for mere financial gain was an incomprehensible idea for him.
Yet, his lack of understanding did not mean ignorance. Deep within, he held Erik's memories, a source of experiences that made him aware of such harsh realities.
These memories served as a reminder of the world's cruel nature, even if the concept remained difficult for June to grasp at an emotional level.
<So, we could say that killing him is going to be good, right? >
<Murder is never right, June. But I am a hypocrite, you know. >
Erik knew his actions strayed from the moral path, yet his experiences had taught him the harsh truth that life seldom followed the rules of fairness.
He had learned through bitter encounters that if he always chose the morally correct option in the face of dilemmas, he would have met his demise long ago.
Meanwhile, June stood beside him, his head bowed, immersed in his own thoughts.
The complexity of what churned in Erik's mind eluded him, but it did not perturb him.
His loyalty was not contingent on understanding every facet of Erik's plans; his faith in Erik's judgment was absolute.
<We'll use his identity to hide and rest. With luck, we should be able to lie low for the next weeks. >
<How long do you plan on staying in this city? > June asked.
<Long enough to get what I need, and to find out what the hell is happening. >
Erik and June had moved through the city like shadows, their forms blending seamlessly into the urban tapestry.
They navigated the labyrinth of streets with ease, not only because of the two's powers, but also by taking advantage of the many people outside.
After some time walking, they arrived at the mercenary's residence, a towering skyscraper that pierced the sky.
The building was a marvel of modern architecture, with reflective glass mirroring the city's neon lights.
The skyscraper was in one of the city's most prestigious districts. It looked like the man's murders weren't for nothing. But he couldn't judge that yet. He needed to see the apartment yet.
The duo entered, with June rushing in at top speed. A sign said dogs weren't allowed, so the clone sprinted at top speed to avoid being seen.
The entrance to the skyscraper was grand, with a large revolving door that led to a spacious lobby.
Inside, the lobby was as opulent as the exterior, with marble floors and high ceilings. A large reception desk sat in the middle, manned by robotic assistants who attended to residents and visitors.
Erik and June had slipped past the reception desk unnoticed. They made their way to the elevator, which whisked them up to the mercenary's apartment on one of the higher floors.
<We are finally going to rest after this is done. >
Exhaustion weighed heavily on Erik and June. Their journey to the city had been long and arduous, and upon their arrival, they were thrust into a battle for survival.
The relentless pace of the day afforded them no respite to eat or sleep.
Erik, in particular, faced the added strain of infiltrating the mercenary guild to gather the information he needed.
The toll of their schedule was clear in their weary movements, and the fatigue etched on their faces. Despite their resilience, the physical and mental demands of the day had pushed them to their limits.
<I can't wait to sleep in a bed, > June said.
<Don't get too comfortable yet. We don't know if the guy is at home.>
As they ascended through the skyscraper, Erik and June found themselves in the elevator's silence. The hum of the city below was a distant murmur, replaced by the whir of the elevator's machinery.
<Do you think he's home? >
<Regardless, we'll deal with him either sooner or later. > Erik's tone was calm and collected.
<What we will do about the body? > June asked, his voice tinged with unease. Despite his trust in Erik, he couldn't help but worry about the potential complications of what they were going to do.
<I'll take care of it,> Erik said, leaving it at that. He didn't elaborate further, choosing to keep his plans to himself. If he needed June's help, he would just tell him what to do. However, there was some unease in his tone. If he didn't kill the man as soon as he stepped inside the apartment, or as soon as they entered, they would bound to make a commotion, and that was going to be dangerous.
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