While leaving the train station, Erik and June stepped into the streets of New Alexandria, only to be t by a ghost city.
The vibrant life that once filled the city's avenues was now replaced by an unsettling quiet.
The attack of the Heniate's offspring, which had turned the inhabitants into mindless beasts, left deep scars not just on the infrastructure but on the community's soul.
"It looks like the city never recovered from the attack," June said, his voice carrying a somber tone.
Erik nodded, scanning the surroundings. "Volkov has his work cut out for him. Rebuilding this place won't be easy, especially with half the population gone or turned."
As they walked, the sparse population beca apparent. The few civilians they encountered hurried along, casting cautious glances their way.
It wasn't long before they realized that most of the figures moving in the distance were not civilians, but soldiers and police officers, their eyes trained on Erik and June with a mix of suspicion and interest.
While feeling the weight of their stares, Erik said to June, "Sothing's not right."
Their suspicions were confird when a group of five officers approached them.
The lead officer, a man with a stern expression, stopped them with a raised hand. "Do you have a permit to stay outside?"
"A permit? Sorry sir, we are from Fasard," Erik said. "We didn't know we needed a permit. We're here to visit a family mber," he lied. Erik hoped the officers would buy the simple cover story.
"Weird. They should have told you this back at the entrance." The man observed them better.
"I'm afraid we'll need you to co with us to the station for further questioning."
June and Erik exchanged a glance, a silent agreent passing between them.
They knew compliance might lead them into a trap, but open defiance could escalate the situation.
Erik weighed their options and gave a slight nod of consent.
"Very well, officer. We'll follow you," Erik said, masking his reluctance with feigned cooperation.
That may have looked like a dangerous situation, but in truth, it presented an opportunity. He could ask questions to the officers.
As they were escorted through the eerily quiet streets, Erik took note of their surroundings, planning their next move.
He knew well that the trip to the station could be a pretext for sothing more sinister, especially with the Blackguards' influence perating the city.
June, ever vigilant, remained alert to any sign of danger, ready to transform and take to the skies should the need arise.
He understood the importance of gathering intelligence on the Crystal Cross Gang, but not at the cost of falling into an obvious trap.
"Excuse , sir, mind if I make so questions?" Erik asked.
"Depending on the question, I might not reply."
"Of course. You see, I've noticed there aren't many people around. Is this due to them not having a permit?"
"Yes, and no. After Volkov ca to the city, to further avoid the spread of parasites that were not completely eradicated, he made a law to prevent people from going out unless they had a permit."
"Isn't that excessive? I an, don't they need to buy groceries and other stuff?" June asked.
The police officers looked at each other. "If you are from Fasard, then you don't know the horrors we had to face here in New Alexandria. To kill your family mbers, your friends. That is not simple."
Erik didn't overlook the glance the officers exchanged. He observed the group more, and then he noticed sothing.
Small cufflinks he overlooked when the officers approached. However, the cufflinks had a pretty easily recognizable insignia.
Erik said telepathically to his clone,
It made sense. The Crystal Cross gang was linked to the Blackguards. Volkov worked for the Blackguards.
If Erik had to make a bet, the gang mbers were implented into the military and police to bolster their numbers.
Erik had a look of understanding and of grim resolve.
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