BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM

Chapter 1040: Third Division Commander

Despite his commanding presence, there was a sense of deference in his posture, and he spoke with careful respect to the person in front of him.

"Third Division Commander," he said, "I've come to report on the situation in Frant, as per your request."

The woman he addressed commanded an aura of absolute authority, her very presence demanding unwavering respect and obedience.

Adorning her uniform was the Justicar insignia, a powerful symbol that showcased her undeniable power and influence within the ranks of the Blackguard.

Unlike her subordinates, the Justicar didn't wear a mask. It wasn't that bold move that made the mean unease, but the intense gaze with which she was looking at him. A gaze that seemed to see right through him as the sun's rays went through the sky.

She studied him, noticing every detail on his body. She could tell a lot just by looking at his posture, deferential, submissive, like all should have in front of her.

"Proceed, Vindicator," she said.

The man took a deep breath before continuing. "I regret to inform you that the situation has... deteriorated. We're losing ground, and our forces are being pushed back on multiple fronts."

The Justicar's expression remained unchanged, but her posture shifted slightly. "And what of Erik Romano? Have we located him yet?"

It wasn't anymore a secret that the blackguards' top priority was him. At that point, the entire war was just a pretense to find and capture him. The foot soldiers didn't know, but the higher echelons of every organization involved did, and they couldn't wait to get their hands on Erik's powers.

Yes, Frant was an important location since it was close to the Mur continent, not as important as Hin, that was true since it was close to the Mur continent, the closest place with human presence around, actually, but it was still close.

Besides, it was the easiest controlled country, and that was since the country's very foundation. It was a country made by criminals, after all, and still today, many of them were around.

At the mention of Erik's name, the Vindicator's composure faltered for a moment. "I... I'm afraid we've lost track of him, Commander. He seems to have disappeared entirely."

The woman's lips thinned into a hard line this time. "Unacceptable. Erik Romano is not just some random factor in this war, Vindicator. Honestly, losing him is the same as losing the target when playing darts."

"I know, Commander," the man said. "We're doing everything in our power to locate him, but he's proven incredibly good at hiding and too cunning to leave traces behind."

The Third Division Commander paused for a moment. She seemed to be thinking about something. Then she asked, "Tell me, Vindicator, have you heard the latest rumors?"

The man hesitated, confusion clear on his face. "Rumors, Commander? I've heard many. You should be more specific if you want me to understand."

"Right. I apologize. Whispers that the soldiers we're facing aren't just ordinary men, but clones. Clones of Erik Romano himself."

"Clones? My lady? I've heard of that... Yes. They call them the White Demons."

The Justicar turned back to face him; her gaze piercing. "Clones, yes. Demons, maybe." She paused.

"Weren't you in charge of all operations in Frant? If anyone should have known about this, it should have been you. Yet you stand here, not addressing the matter as I expected, despite knowing it. Care to explain?"

The man's posture stiffened, and he bowed his head slightly. "My deepest apologies, Third Division Commander. I... I had heard whispers, but nothing concrete. Erik Romano has displayed so many unexpected powers that it seemed impossible to separate fact from fiction. Without solid proof, I hesitated to report mere rumors."

The woman's eyes flashed with anger. "Your job isn't to decide what information is worthy of reporting, Vindicator. It's relaying everything, no matter how implausible it might seem. Erik Romano has consistently defied our expectations. At this point, we can't afford to dismiss any possibility, no matter how far-fetched it might appear."

"You're right, of course, Commander. It won't happen again."

The Justicar nodded, then turned to a large holographic map that appeared. "There's more," she said. The vindicator at that point was trembling. "Before we started losing ground, there were reports of sudden increases in enemy troop numbers in specific sectors. Each time, it resulted in the fall of our outposts or bases."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The Vindicator stepped closer, studying the map. "Yes. T-that, it was entirely my f-fault, third division commander."

"Indeed," the woman said. "Yet, this is not the gravest mistake you made. Don't you notice anything in the sectors that fell?"

"With all due respect, third division commander," the vindicator said. "Too many sectors fell... I understand you are suggesting a pattern, but I fail to see it."

"Yeah, I see that." The woman sighed. "These spikes and attacks follow our key supply route, Vindicator." Her finger stopped at a particular point on the map. "The sorting center for our supply lines was the last to fall." She traced a line with a finger, and a red line appeared on the map shown by the holographic computer. "Do you notice anything now?"

The man leaned in, his eyes scanning the map. Suddenly, his breath caught in his throat. "The route... it ends at a port."

A grim smile played on the Justicar's lips. "Exactly. I believe we might know where Erik Romano is headed."

The vindicator's eyes widened behind the mask as realization dawned. "Are you suggesting... that Erik Romano is the one responsible for all of this, and that he is..."

"That's precisely what I'm suggesting," the woman said. "Think about it. The sudden increase in enemy forces, the strategic strikes against our supply lines, the direction pointed in coastal areas. It all points to one conclusion."

"Erik Romano is headed to Hin. He is headed here," the man said.

The Justicar nodded. "You finally got it. I don't need to tell you what will happen if he reaches Hin, right? The consequences could be catastrophic. That man... We will need an entire army just to kill him, at least three to apprehend him. If we use the old continent's troop, of course, and we can't call our people from Mur."

The vindicator straightened. "Commander, if I may... I'd like to take charge of this situation personally. Allow me to capture Erik Romano and put an end to this threat."

The woman turned to him, her gaze calculating. "You're volunteering for this mission? You understand the risks, don't you?"

"I do, Commander," the man said. "I feel a personal responsibility in this matter. I should have been more vigilant, more proactive in dealing with Erik's situation from the beginning."

A knowing look crossed the Justicar's face. "Well... You have a personal connection to this mission, right? After all, you took care of the kid for some years, even if that was to find Lucius Romano."

The man hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, Commander."

The woman's expression softened. "I see. Well, Vindicator Levium, or should I say, Benjamin Kaminski. Your request is not only granted; it's expected. Your personal connection to this situation and the skills you possess, as testified by your rank, make you qualified to handle

it."