"We already know that," Caiden paused. "We are currently trying to root them out, but it's not straightforward to find them."
There was a brief silence.
"Anyway, how are the preparations for the Law Gate assault going?"
"We've positioned almost all available forces," Erik said. "The last group, including myself, is going to leave soon."
Concern flickered across Caiden's face. "Is Amber coming?"
"She is..."
"Keep her safe, Erik."
Erik nodded but spent so reassuring words on the man. The last thing he needed was for Caiden to make problems.
"Even in large-scale conflicts like this one, she has grown powerful enough to protect herself."
Caiden nodded. "Yeah, I know that. Amber ntioned your latest power." He paused, studying Erik's reaction. "She told what you did for her."
Erik suppressed a grimace. While he understood Amber sharing such information with her father was natural, this knowledge would spread.
Caiden served as Richard's right hand, who in turn acted as General Becker's closest advisor. The information would reach Becker's ears, inevitably leading to requests-or demands-for Erik to share his power with their forces.
This reinforced Erik's decision to end the Law Gate operation as soon as possible, and once they secured their goal, he could leave for Mur.
There, Becker's influence couldn't reach him. While he changed his overall opinion of him, it was still true that he was a ruthless person, one that would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.
Then it was Erik's turn to ask questions. "Are the others ok?"
Caiden paused, then nodded.
"They joined the war..."
"Ah..."
Erik was referring to Floyd and the others. "We also taught them the technique you provided us. We figured it would have been impossible for them to share the techniques with the blackguards, and we introduced them to the program."
"You did well," Erik said. "They are people you can trust..."
He then sighed.
"Ti grows short." He turned to Caiden. "What will you do now? Will you stay in Hin?"
"Until you leave for Mur," Caiden said. "I want a chance to see my daughter before you leave."
Erik understood the father's concern. "Don't worry, Caiden. Amber's safety is a top priority for ."
Caiden's expression tightened. "I appreciate that, Erik. But you have to understand that it's not easy for and her mother to think she is joining a war and that this war is going to bring her into the most dangerous place in the world."
"I know," Erik said. "But Amber is capable, and groups of clones will always be around her." Caiden sighed.
"Just... promise you'll look out for her, Erik. I know I can't ask you to keep her out of the fight, but..."
"I promise," Erik said. "I'll do everything in my power to make sure she cos back safely to Frant."
A smile crossed Caiden's face. "Thank you. That's all I can ask for."
A Chimaeric Demon entered the chamber. "Master, the vehicles are ready. We can leave whenever you give the order."
Erik nodded. "Good. We leave in one hour." He faced Caiden. "This is where we part ways."
"Good hunting," Caiden extended his hand.
Erik clasped it. "Keep pressure on Etrium's forces. The more resources they commit to attacking Frant, the fewer they can send to reinforce the Law Gate if the blackguards ask for troops."
"We'll give them no respite."
"Excellent."
After Caiden's left, Erik addressed the assembled Chimaeric Demons. "Begin the last preparations. I want everything ready for transport within the hour."
The clones dispersed to their tasks, leaving Erik alone with his thoughts. The coming assault would test their capabilities to their limits. The Law Gate's defenses had never fallen to external attack. They would make history-or start the list of failed attempts.
...
...
Erik paced around the room, reviewing ntal notes of their preparations. The Chimaeric Demons were currently loading equipnt and coordinating movents through their tunnel network.
The journey to the Law Gate, on foot, was going to take at least three days due to the forest.
A clone approached. "Master, our forward observers report increased activity around the Law Gate's outer defenses. They're reinforcing their positions."
"Expected," Erik said. "Any sign they've detected our tunnels?"
"None, Master. The underground network remains safe."
Another Chimaeric Demon joined them. "The first transport group is ready, master. Five of our brothers transford into suitable Thaids. We gave them harnesses and attached them to so small trailers. That way, you can rest while traveling."
"Good."
The underground shelter was busy with last-minute preparations. The Chimaeric Demons were getting ready for battle.
They checked their weapons, made sure they knew their routes, and planned their timing. The attack on the Law Gate needed everyone to work together perfectly. Different groups had to coordinate their actions to succeed.
"The last supply convoy from Jabir arrived," another clone said. "The stimulating serums have been distributed among the units."
"Excellent. Is everything in position for our departure?"
"Yes, Master. The route is cleared and secured. Our brothers maintain surveillance along the
entire path."
Erik then left the room and went outside. There, he saw the assembled force.
"Make so final equipnt checks. I want no surprises during the journey."
A clone approached with updated weather reports. "Clear skies predicted, Master. Visibility
will be high."
"Ah... shit."
...
...
The last hour was very busy. Erik carefully checked all the final preparations. He made sure everything was ready.
He looked over all the equipnt again, went through their plans one more ti, and made sure all teams were ready to leave.
It wasn't needed, but since this was going to be a crucial mont, an important battle, he wanted to be sure everything was as it should have been.
As ti was running out, everyone beca more tense. Then Amber, Mira, Emily, and June
showed up.
"You are late..."
Mira smirked. "Don't you know you have to give ladies proper ti to prepare?"
Erik sighed, then turned to June. "What's your excuse?"
"S-sorry, sir... I,"
"I what?"
"I think I found the best kebab shop in Sleb Harbour."
June was late because he was gorging himself on food.
"How typical..."
Facepalming, he turned to the three won.
"Ti to move," he said. "Are you ready now?" "We are," Amber said.
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