BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM

Chapter 854  Hunting for Shade (11)

"This list comprises names, locations, and signals for secret meetings. It is a tangible point for tracking Shade's movements. "

He let the significance of his findings sink in among the group, each member processing the implications of such a network.

"However," Erik said, "using this might not be necessary at the moment, unless things take a turn for the worse."

"Why so?"

"Because I found out something else," Erik said, pausing again to gather his thoughts before delivering the next piece of crucial information.

"Apparently, Gabriel is aware of an upcoming secret meeting that's considered pivotal to Shade for his future operations. This event will take place at an abandoned location on the outskirts of Nokisi Point, an old city in ruins because of the thaids. It was chosen for its isolated position and the ease of defending it."

As Erik shared his discovery, a collective grin spread across the faces of those present. Finally, they had not only one, but two possibilities to find Shade.

One was the list, the names there would eventually lead them to him. The second was the meeting, which was much more immediate to find Shade compared to the list.

There was only a problem: while the list could lead them to him, maybe when he was alone, or in a moment of vulnerability, the meeting would not be simple. Shade was bound to have guards with him, making everything dangerous.

But despite everything, a swell of pride filled them. They did something no one achieved: to trace a figure shrouded in myth, all within a single day's work.

However, this pride was tempered by the acknowledgment that their success was not the result of their own skills or cunning.

It was Erik's extraordinary ability that had paved their way to this moment.

His mind-reading power was not merely useful; it was invaluable, transcending any description of utility. Words fell short of capturing the advantage it provided them.

This singular ability had not only led them to the Shadow's Market and its hidden sanctum, but also enabled them to extract vital information from Gabriel—the man seemingly orchestrating the underworld's chessboard.

That was important. Gabriel looked like the actual leader of the underworld, and if it wasn't for them, knowing Shade was real, someone else might have killed Gabriel and went home, not knowing that the real threat was still lurking the shadows.

Though, doing all of this was still akin to a miracle.

However, a thought spread across their minds as they heard Erik talk. "What is this meeting about?" Ramon asked.

To that question, Erik grimaced. Gabriel possessed little information, suggesting that Shade might not fully trust him, or perhaps Shade intended to unveil his plans to all his important associates simultaneously.

Was Shade simply one that loved theatrics, or did he really not trust Gabriel? Honestly, Erik didn't care.

From the fragments of Gabriel's thoughts, whatever was in the works would be monumental, sparking several theories in Erik's mind.

Thanks to what he already knew, plus what he found out from Gabriel, he pictured everything together, at least enough to make an educated guess.

"I discovered hints of an ambitious project that Shade is about to launch. Something that could not only solidify his dominance over the underworld but also pose a threat to the global balance of power."

He paused, letting the gravity of his findings sink in among his companions. "Although the specifics are vague, it's clear that this project represents a never seen threat."

Erik pieced together the puzzle with a clarity that sharpened the gravity of their situation. He identified two chances, or things, that had the potential to alter the global power dynamics.

First, there was the proliferation of brain crystal weapons. These weren't just the melee variants that had become somewhat common within certain circles; Erik was talking about brain crystal rifles and other advanced armaments.

While in Etrium were relatively spread out, it wasn't true for the rest of the world.

Since he faced these weapons himself, Erik understood their lethality, even against opponents like the Thaids. It was clear they were going to make whoever had them much more powerful.

Yet, as dangerous as these weapons were, their spread throughout the underworld—and beyond—even if not common, made Erik believe this wasn't what Shade hinted at in his conversation with Gabriel. It was a significant concern, certainly, but there had to be more.

This led Erik to his second, and far more alarming, realization: Doran's research.

The infamous mad scientist had conducted his experiments under the auspices of the Blackguards, who, through Shade, exerted control over the underworld's intricate web.

Erik was convinced that the Blackguards had not only completed Doran's research but were on the brink of employing it to enhance their pawns.

This wasn't just about escalating violence through more sophisticated weaponry.

It was about fundamentally changing the playing field. If the Blackguards completed Doran's research, they would likely end up with people with double or triple Brain Crystal Powers.

That also raised other concerns. His father's rescue operation was going to be carried out soon, after all.

"Ok, then what's our next move?" Rebecca asked.

Erik turned to face her, his expression serious yet determined. "The first step is securing our entry key into the meeting," he said.

"A key?" Rebecca's brows furrowed in curiosity.

"Yes, but not just any key. A small sculpture of a dragon, carved from onyx." n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"And where might this key be?" June chimed in.

"Shade has entrusted one to Gabriel. He keeps it well-hidden in his house, specifically within his bedroom."

"So, our plan is to infiltrate Gabriel's house, secure the sculpture, and then?"

"Then we wait, and then we strike." A grin slowly spread across his face, not one of arrogance but of confidence in their collective capability to pull off such a critical part of their mission.