1157 Surviving Data (2)


    What Erik needed right now was to analyze the information about the ckguards''mand structure. Based on what he learned until that point, there were at least three divisions, meaning three leaders. But were there more? He had to find out, because that would change his targets, his strategy, and his approach.


    He kept searching.


    While the files were frustratingly sparse, one crucial detail emerged: there were only three divisions. <At least some good news…>


    It meant there were only two moremanders to eliminate, and the ckguards'' leadership would be dismantled. There wasn''t actual data on who these people were. Obviously, they made it, so every piece of data about them had been erased. Something that was also missing was everything rted to Doran''s research. That would have been a great boon, because he might have shared this information with Becker. If he wanted to use it, to fight the ckguards or do something else, even better.


    <But he could have also bared his fangs against me.>


    Erik didn''t really care. He was nning on disappearing once and for all, once all of this ended. Humans had been a disappointment for Erik throughout his life, and a minute more spent among them was too much. <Go somewhere isted, have only the Chimaeric Demons forpany, and have my own little and self-sustainable farm. I don''t think I will have problems.>


    Then a funny thought crossed his mind.


    <It would be cool to live in a giant tree like I did in the White Desert. I would have an enormous ce for me and the Chimaeric Demons, a stunning view of the surroundings, and fruits as big as watermelons... Yeah, it is actually not a bad n.> Something else caught his attention then. Hidden among the standard operational data were personal records—journals, letters, internalmunications. Most were the usual sterile official reports that an organization like this did, but some—more than a few, actually—were intimate glimpses into the organization''s inner workings. The ckguards'' thoughts.


    —Journal Entry—


    Entry 1: I heard the others are having trouble on the Mur continent. I''m actually worried about Phill. He said they got some bases operational, but based on what ck Skull said, those didn''tst for long. Damn Thaids. (…)


    (…)


    (…)


    (…)


    (…)


    Entry 212: The higher-ups said the research is progressing well. Based on the schedule, I should receive my second brain crystal power in two months. I wonder what they will give me.


    (…)


    (…)


    (…)


    —END—


    <Interesting,> Erik thought. <They left behind their personal correspondence?>


    [It was most likely overlooked during the data purge,] the system said. [Such personalmunications often contain valuable insights despite their informal nature.]


    <Yeah, I see what you mean…>


    There was a good deal of information. From there, Erik pieced together a timeline of key events. For instance, he learned that Doran''s research had beenpleted shortly after Erik inadvertently revealed his location to the ckguards.


    What surprised the man the most, though, was that the guy hadter been killed, and his research was taken over by a woman only going by the name of Dr. Lena. She had a brilliant mind, based on what the ckguards said about her, and she not only took over Doran''s research, but it also improved it. She was the one who made it possible to give three brain crystal powers. However, based on what these guys were saying, that wasn''t something they often did, but there were no specifics about that. No reason exined.


    One thing Erik failed to find were mentions about mutations.


    [Apparently, they didn''t have mutants rampaging their bases yet.]


    <Yeah, they have been lucky…>


    Erik dug deeper into the messages and notes left behind. These showed what the ckguards did every day, how they dealt with each other, and what they worried about or hoped for. However, this was limited to personal matters. After Erik''s appearance, the ckguards altered their information-sharing protocols. Members were now only privy to details directly relevant to their individual tasks.


    Yet, despite Erik not finding exactly what he wanted, these personal writings helped him understand how the ckguards ran things, who had power, and what they argued about. They revealed the human side of the organization, showing that the ckguards weren''t just cold-hearted agents but people with their own thoughts and feelings. Albeit very hidden ones.


    That was what surprised Erik the most. [Well, they don''t act like humans, if I have to say.]


    Themunications revealed the hierarchy''s dynamics, but also some power struggles between divisions and members. The first division was on the Mur continent because they thought that was the ce where they could gain the power they sought. Nothing much was said about their goals, because few knew the real reason they were doing what they did.


    All the agents said it was just for humanity''s good, but Erik wasn''t sure about that. If that was the case, they wouldn''t have kidnapped people. Did the goal really justify the mean in this case? Maybe, but even if it did, Erik didn''t like it.


    <This looks like the main reason for them to act. Gain power and control.> n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [It wouldn''t be surprising.]


    <Yeah… but I actually expected more, to be honest.> [Some people are just greedy, Erik.]


    The other two divisions decided to stay on Mannard, but the reason was unclear. For sure, Erik''s presence there was a huge contribution to that choice.


    <It almost looks like…>


    [Like the first divisionmander abandoned the idea of getting me from you,] the biological supeputer said.


    <Right, while Monica and the other guy didn''t.>


    [It might also be because they thought they could give time to the guy on Mur to do something.]


    <Or to find something…> Erik said.<Based on what dad said, you have been created there, so maybe the crafting process might still be there.>


    [It is a possibility, but after centuries, I think not much remains.]


    <Even if there is not much, a little is still good. They might be able to understand the procedure with a little information. Add that to the information they already have about brain crystals, thanks to Doran''s research. Maybe they can make something even better than you.>


    There was a pause.


    <Analyze thesemunications,> Erik said. <Look for patterns, recurring themes, anything that might hint at their current operations on Mur. It is now clear what these guys are doing there; I want to know where they are, though. >


    He paused. <I don''t want to scour an entire continent for them. I need at least a general idea of where they are.>


    [All right, but it will require time.]


    [Injectionplete.]


    Erik removed his hand from the server. The room seemed different now, as if it were filled with the echoes of countless private conversations, secret doubts, and hidden ambitions.


    He gave a look at his watch. <5 seconds passed.>


    He thought about what he had gained.


    <The best informations are about the geographical data. That wille in handy.>


    The geographic data would help him navigate Mur. It would tell him what to search for and what to avoid.


    Despite everything, he got what he needed—not everything he''d hoped for, but enough to begin nning his next moves.