BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM

Amber appeared like a ghost at the door, shocking Erik, Richard, and Becker with her sudden presence. An unexpected as a shadow in the bright noonday sun.

These were the words she said were what made the three men tense. What Amber suggested on doing was very dangerous, especially for her.

However, such a statement was expected from Amber, especially from Erik. The conversation momentarily halted.

"Amber, you understand the dangers involved?" Richard asked. He knew Amber since she was a child, and his tone was laced with concern.

"Yes, I'm fully aware," Amber said without hesitation.

"This is important to me, too. I want to help... him." She looked at Erik as if she was looking at an arch enemy.

That statement really caught Erik off guard. They haven't really had much interaction since he returned to Liberty Watch Village.

Erik kinda repaired his friendship with the others, but Mira and Amber were totally distant.

"This operation is fraught with risk. We're going up against the Blackguards, and the stakes couldn't be higher," Becker said.

"I understand the risks. But I can't just stand by and do nothing. When the others' parents got kidnapped, Erik was the first to help. I'm sure even Floyd and the others want to reciprocate."

Erik, who had been silently observing the exchange, felt a swell of gratitude towards Amber.

It was so moving that she had his back in such a crucial moment, given everything that happened.

"Thank you, Amber," he said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Your help means a lot to me."

But Amber didn't answer him. She wanted to put a distant air in front of him.

Richard, still concerned, turned to Erik. "Are you sure about this? Involving her puts her directly in harm's way."

Erik met Richard's gaze, his own determination mirroring Amber's.

"If I can't trust Amber, then who can I trust? She's decided, and I respect it. We'll make sure she's well-prepared. Right?"

Erik turned to Becker, who was now training her and the others.

Of course, he wasn't shy about training himself. Erik shared the neural link training technique he made with the system's aid with everyone.

Even Becker was using it, and his progresses were increasing by leaps and bounds.

"Don't worry," the general said.

The conversation that followed revolved around ensuring Amber's safety and integrating her into the plan in a way that minimized the risks.

Training and preparation would be key, and both Richard and Becker agreed to assist in any way they could.

They kept talking for a while, and Erik stated he was going to leave the following day, heading to New Alexandria.

A somber look appeared on Becker's face. "Once you return, tellwhat is the situation there. I know Volkov well. I don't expect it to be good."

"Don't worry."

Then they all left. Richard and Becker went to see Noah, as he was the one preparing the plan.

If Erik hadn't grabbed her arm, Amber would've done the sthing.

She turned. "What?"

"Are you seriously going to keep this attitude towards me?"

"And what attitude should I use?"

"I don't know, Amber. But you know I don't deserve this."

"That's forto decide."

When Erik grabbed Amber's arm, the atmosphere between them charged with tension.

Amber was still wrestling with a storm of emotions. Anger was present, but it wasn't only that.

But in the middle of all this chaos, she was trying to let go of the anger and move on from the pain Erik caused. But it wasn't just that.

Amber's icy attitude was all part of a bigger plan, one she cooked up with Mira.

They acted harsh and distant towards Erik, but it wasn't just because they were angry. Instead, they wanted to teach him a lesson.

Amber and Mira, having already largely forgiven Erik for his past actions, had ctogether with a shared purpose.

They needed Erik to understand they were more than just his accessories, available whenever he wanted.

They pretended to be all mad, hoping Erik would reflect and improve.

They were hoping this would make him see the error of his ways and start treating them better.

Amber may have cacross as strict, but she wanted to see Erik change and be more aware of his relationships.

They both tried to show Erik the way, not by confronting him or accusing him, but by being independent and respecting themselves.

They genuinely cared about Erik and wanted to see him grow. They figured that if they confronted him indirectly about what he did wrong, it might help him beca better partner and friend.

"Amber. Please."

The woman turned to leave. "See you around."

Erik watched her walk away, a mixture of sadness and regret clouding his expression.

He felt a pang in his heart, a deep sense of loss as she disappeared from view.

Despite his efforts to reach out, the distance between them seemed to only grow, leaving him feeling more isolated than before.

Erik sighed. There was nothing he could do for now but wait for them to calm down.

***

Despite making Erik think she went to Noah, Amber went to Mira.

She and the others were training. Smaking neural links with the new and incredible technique Erik shared, others increasing their expertise using their brain crystal powers.

"I have news," she said. Everyone stood at attention and looked at her.

"Noah found Erik's father. He is in Fasard. Noah is preparing a rescue mission, and I'm going to join. What do you want to do?"

The group members looked at each other. What they were going to do was very clear.

"I Will join," Floyd said.

too," Benedict said.

Everyone else did the sthing. Considering all that Erik did for them, this seemed like the least they could do.