753 Finding Max (5)
Was Lyria involved in the mission to capture him? Or was her presence merely coincidental? The answers eluded him, hidden within the confines of that conversation.
As Erik cracked the door, he held his breath and listened. It was true he didn't expect Lyria being there, but that didn't have to be something entirely negative.
Despite fearing the woman's skills at accomplishing missions, he could still gain some valuable insights from that conversation.
Thankfully, the two were engrossed in their conversation to notice him. Erik transformed into a fly and slipped inside unnoticed, using his newfound shapeshifting abilities.
As he flew around the room, he took in every detail, scanning the area for any clues that could help him with his mission.
Erik's eyes darted around the room, taking in its details while his mind was focused on a more pressing task.
The walls, though beautifully adorned with intricate tapestries and paintings that spoke of wealth and power, little interested him at the moment.
His attention was on the documents over the desk the man was sitting in front t.
All the while, he kept an ear tuned to the conversation between Lyria and the man she was engaged with.
He hoped to glean useful information without drawing attention to himself.
Erik flew closer to them first to better see the documents and second to listen with more ease. He couldn't afford to miss any details.
Lyria leaned forward, her eyes fixed on the man. "I know Erik well," she said, her voice laced with a mix of caution and fear. "I've been keeping him under observation for quite some time."
That surprised Erik. There shouldn't have been a reason for Lyria to monitor him unless she approached him because of that.
<I knew the Blackguards usually sends scouts to someone promising enough to be recruited. But is this really the reason she came to me? >
The man's brows furrowed, his curiosity piqued. "And what have you discovered?"
Lyria paused for a moment, choosing her words with care. "He possesses remarkable escaping abilities that have confounded my agents repeatedly. It's as if he has an uncanny knack for slipping through their grasp."
The man leaned back in his chair, absorbing the information. "Escaping abilities? That could complicate matters."
Lyria nodded, her expression grave. "Indeed. It's a skill that sets him apart from others we've encountered. His agility, quick thinking, and resourcefulness make him a real thorn in the side."
The man's eyes narrowed. "If he's that skilled at evading capture, how do we stand a chance?"
A small smile tugged at the corners of Lyria's lips. "Help is on the way."
"From who?" the man asked.
"The Blackguards," Lyria said.
If Erik could grin in his fly form, he would do that right now. Making the Blackguards come here was exactly what he was hoping would happen when he killed the shapeshifters so blatantly.
The man nodded, at ease because of Lyria's words. "We must find a way to keep him here inside the city until they arrive then. "
<Don't worry. I have no intention of leaving. >
As they continued their discussion, their voices lowered even further, ensuring their plans remained hidden from prying ears.
Lyria leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "There's something else you need to know about Erik Kay," she said. "He is insanely powerful."
"How powerful are we talking about here?" There was skepticism in the man's tone. How could this young man be stronger than a fully trained team of blackguards?
How could he fight against hundreds of mercenaries? In his opinion, Erik had only been lucky in entering the city.
"He is very powerful." Lyria took a moment to gather her thoughts before replying.
"Based on our observations and encounters with him, I suspect he hasn't even shown a fraction of his actual power. It's as if he's been holding back, concealing his true strength."
The man's brows furrowed in deep contemplation. "But why would he do that? What could he gain from hiding his true abilities?"
Lyria shrugged, her expression thoughtful. "It's hard to say for certain, but even if that is only to mislead us, that would be a good enough reason. By keeping his true power hidden, he maintains an element of surprise and unpredictability. It makes him even more dangerous."
The man leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Lyria with a mix of curiosity and concern. "I need to know just how powerful Erik Kay really is. Can you give me an estimate?"
Lyria took a deep breath, her gaze steady as she met the man's intense stare.
"Based on the extensive analysis we've conducted on his movements and abilities during combat, we estimate him to be at the γ level in terms of physical strength."
The man's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "WHAT?!"
Lyria nodded. "I'm not joking…"
The man, the Deputy Chief Administrator of the guild's operations in Caelora City, sat back in his chair, his shock clear on his face. "That much power at 18?" he said, his voice filled with disbelief.
Lyria nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, it's quite remarkable. But as I said, I believe he's hiding his true strength."
The man's eyes widened further. "If that's true, then he's even stronger than the Fierce Lioness or Becker from Frant. They were considered the pinnacle of power in our world."
Lyria nodded again, acknowledging the man's astonishment. "Indeed, in terms of sheer physical prowess, Erik surpasses them. However, there is a crucial factor that makes him weaker."
Curiosity mixed with concern, the man leaned forward. "What is it?"
Lyria leaned in closer, her voice lowered to a hushed tone. "Based on the information we gathered when he joined the Mercenary guild, his amount of mana is surprisingly low. Despite his immense physical strength, his brain crystal capabilities are limited."
The man's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "But how can that be? How can someone with such incredible power have low mana?"
Lyria shrugged, a hint of intrigue in her eyes. "That's the mystery we're trying to unravel. Erik may have found alternative ways to channel his strength without relying heavily on mana. Or perhaps he's intentionally concealing his abilities."
Forged by flames is out.
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