BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM

1120  Preparations for War (1)

Vindicator Vex stood at the observation deck of Maynard Island's central command, his eyes scanning the multiple screens in front of him. The vast, circular command center housed many floating screens displaying any kind of data. The room's round shape made it easy to see all the screens from anywhere the Vindicator stood. There were multiple stations there, and each boasted a state-of-the-art holographic computer manned by an expert operator. There was a hum echoing the room from the advanced machines and worried whispers from the various people present. Everyone in that room knew something big was going to happen. They were sure of it.

Vex's post stood at the heart of this controlled chaos. An unobstructed view of the entire room gave him perfect control of the operation. "Any sign of them?" he asked at the nearby technician.

"We have nothing concrete yet, sir. But our long-range sensors are picking up unusual energy signatures approaching from the south. We sent some drones to find out what these are, but there is no doubt Erik Romano is coming, bringing an army with him."

Vex nodded. It was finally starting.

Two days earlier, they had lost all communication with Levium. This silence meant only one thing—the man had been killed. Erik Romano could now advance towards them unhindered. It wasn't that Levium was there to stop him, anyway. Levium had been sent by the third division commander to catch Erik. Had he been successful, this attack wouldn't happen. But they hadn't been lucky. Levium's failure meant more people were going to die. Erik Romano's attack on Maynard Island was inevitable. <Let's just hope the third division's commander's idea works…>

There was no doubt in Vex's mind about Erik's intentions. He came all his way to this remote corner of the world just for war. <Why else would he come to Hin if not to strike at Maynard Island?>

Under his mask, Vex was sweating. Even he didn't know the exact reason, but he could do nothing but wrinkle his forehead and focus his eyes while thinking.

<But you won't have it your way, Erik Romano. Not with the third division commander here…>

But Levium was a powerful blackguard. One of the best among the Vindicators, almost to the point he was on par with the Justicars. Losing Levium was a severe blow and said a lot about Erik's might. It was then that images from the drones arrived. The drone images were worrying. The night vision cameras showed a vast flock of Galewings heading towards the island. They looked like a dark cloud in the night sky. They were getting close to Maynard Island's shore, and there were so many that they blocked out the stars.

Vex's eyes got wide when he saw this. <Shit… I was right, then…>

"Relay these orders to all units. I want every Veritas Lens operational and every soldier at their stations. Erik Romano is almost there, and we cannot allow them to gain a foothold on this island. Prepare all defenses. Every soldier must be ready to fight. Don't leave an inch of the beach free."

As the technician hurried to relay the orders, Vex's mind raced through their preparations. All units had to be operational.

<We also need to do some stockpiling, but will it be enough?>

The war could end up being long. That would play to their advantage because the Third Division Commander knew what to do to defeat Erik, but it required time. She was already working on it, though.

Vex thought back about the reports from Sleb Harbor. The devastation that resulted from Erik's and Levium's fight was huge, even for them. It was... unprecedented. Unable to keep his composure anymore, since the various radars showed nothing yet close to the island, the man left the room. There was still time to prepare.

Vex made his way to the war room, where holographic displays showed the island's defensive grid. Turrets, energy shields, and patrolling squads of elite blackguards fortified every conceivable approach.

"Vindicator!" someone said. Dr. Lena, who led the research team, ran into the room. Her lab coat flapped behind her as she hurried in. "I've just received orders from the first division commander."

Vex raised an eyebrow. "Speak freely, Doctor."

The First Division commander's direct orders were something he couldn't ignore. The woman then entered the room, but she had an uncomfortable look on her face.

"I didn't want to bother you, Vindicator Vex, not with all that's happening."

"If the first division commander told you something, it is only right for you to report it to me."

The woman grimaced. "Yes, sir. I've received urgent orders from the first division commander. He has specifically requested my immediate presence in Mur."

The commander's frown deepened. "You want to go to Mur? But it's very dangerous there," Vex said with concern. "The weather is harsh. Monsters might attack without notice. It's hard for our most skilled soldiers to survive there. Are you sure you're ready for this?"

"Yes… I know, sir, but with 'Project Octavia' reaching its final stage, he doesn't want to risk Erik Romano sending everything to hell."

Vindicator Vex looked at the woman with a frown. "There are not suitable structures on Mur to continue our research, from what I know... Not unless the First Division Commander made one, which I doubt given how many thaids are there. How do you think you can keep the research on there?"

Dr. Lena shook her head. "The first division commander said they created a bunker in the Lorogia Region. There he set up a suitable place."

"Right… So, what is that you are asking me, Doctor?"

Dr. Lena paused, feeling conflicted. She knew she was asking for safety while her coworkers faced danger. She felt guilty about leaving as Erik Romano's forces approached. Her request for protection was selfish, but she couldn't ignore how important her research was for their future. "I need your help with travel plans and protection for my team," Dr. Lena said. "We need a plane that can fly long distances. We also need skilled blackguards to keep us safe during the trip and when we arrive."

12:30

"A plane and bodyguards? I get the plane, but the bodyguards are a little bit problematic." Vindicator Vex didn't really like that. With Romano approaching the island, they needed all the soldiers they could get.

"These are orders, Vindicator Vex. I don't like it as much as you do. But I don't think I need to tell you what will mean losing our research data. We would have to start from scratch. Of course, it will be impossible if Erik Romano kills me…"

Vindicator Vex stood silently for a moment, his mind racing. The timing couldn't have been worse. Erik Romano's imminent approach was going to put a stop, or at least severely slow down their research.

Safeguarding the research was crucial, and with the first division commander deeming Dr. Lena's team's journey to Mur paramount, Vex had no choice but to comply. After a tense minute, Vex's expression hardened. Turning, he beckoned to a nearby soldier.

"Warden," Vex said. "Prepare a team of 30 of our best Enforcers and ready our fastest aircraft. Dr. Lena and her staff need to be escorted to Mur immediately. Make sure their safe passage goes without a problem."

The Warden snapped to attention. "Yes, sir! Right away, Vindicator Vex."

As the Warden hurried off to carry out the Vindicator's orders, Vex turned to Dr. Lena. "Is the third division commander aware of this?"

"She is…"

They both fell silent. Vex and Dr. Lena looked at each other with worry. They knew things were serious. They didn't speak, but they were both thinking about what could go wrong and what might happen if things didn't go their way.

Vindicator Vex turned to Dr. Lena. "I feel I must explain the situation to Mur."

"I know how the situation on Mur is, Vindicator Vex. I've spent so much time here on Maynard Island to say I'm the most knowledgeable of us all here."

"Maybe, but since you are going there, it might be good to remember a couple of things." The man paused again.

"Thanks to your research, based on Doctor Stedman's work, we've made significant strides in improving our strength. As a result of the double brain crystal powers, we also made Mur safer to be traveled by our forces. However, that doesn't mean the dangers there have been eliminated."

He paused, his voice taking on a grave tone. "The Lorogia Region, where you're headed, is particularly treacherous. It's next to the Lorogia Mountains, and I'm sure you can imagine what that means. There are still thaids there that could wipe out an entire army in seconds."

"I understand the risks, Vindicator. But I'm willing to face even Mur's wyverns if it means completing my research. Do you truly understand what this could mean for humanity and for us?"

She leaned forward. "If I succeed, we'll be fulfilling the founders' wishes. We would have a better grasp at what mana is... The implications are... monumental."