BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM

1117  The flock (2)

As Erik gave the order, the Chimaeric Demons started shapeshifting. One by one, they turned into Galewings, their bodies elongating and growing bigger, wings unfurling, and feathers sprouting like leaves from a tree branch. One by one, the clones took to the sky. With crates secured to their talons, they ascended in a massive swarm. Soon, the sky was filled to the brim with their colossal forms, their wings casting vast shadows on the ground below. The air thrummed with the powerful beats of countless wings. Erik turned to look at Mira, Amber, June, and Emily approaching. Each of them had a look of pure focus. They knew what they were going to do could be the last; they didn't know what they would find on Maynard Island, but for sure it was going to be hostile, and hell-bent on killing them. Despite the determination, Emily was a little apprehensive, which worried Erik a lot. Emily, after all, could see the future. Though she said nothing. "What's the matter?" Erik asked the girl.

"Nothing…"

"Did you see something?" he asked. Emily's look was too troubling.

"Well… I did, but it wasn't clear. It wasn't even about the battle on Maynard Island, or so I think... I'm not sure…"

"Ok… Do you have something about that?"

"Well," the young woman said. "I can only tell you we won't have problems reaching Maynard Island, but after that, I couldn't see much... The battle will be huge, but everything is foggy and unclear. I can't really tell much…"

Erik sighed. If Emily hadn't been able to see anything useful, there was no point asking. "Just tell me if you see something important, all right?"

"Yes. Don't worry." She smiled.

Erik finished talking with Emily and looked at the rest of the group. They had been patiently waiting for their conversation to end.

"Are you all ready?" Erik asked.

They nodded. "Yeah…"

Without another word, they each moved towards one of the Chimaeric Demons. Some had been chosen to carry Erik and the others and had been given some harnessed saddles through which they could ride more comfortably and even rest if they were too tired.

Erik turned to his companions. "Listen up, everyone. This isn't like riding an Erendu. We're dealing with giant flying creatures here, so safety is paramount. The journey will be long, so here are some tips."

He gestured to the harnesses. "First, always keep at least one hand on the harness. The air currents can be unpredictable, and we don't want anyone falling off. There is also the matter of thaid attacks. The Chimaeric Demons have received orders to place you as far away from monsters, but I can't ensure you won't be chased. In that case, the situation might turn ugly, so pay attention."

"Second," Erik said, "lean into the turns. When the Chimaeric Demon banks left or right, shift your weight accordingly. It'll help with balance and make the flight smoother."

"Third, if we encounter any turbulence, hug the neck of your mount while holding the harness well. It'll provide more stability and reduce the risk of being thrown off."

Erik's gaze swept over the group. "Last, trust your mount. The Chimaeric Demons will do their best to keep you safe. If you feel unsure, you can just tell them. Any questions?"

The others shook their heads. Erik took a deep breath. With a nod to his companions, he mounted his own clone.

"Let's go," Erik said.

The Chimaeric Demons unfurled their massive wings in unison, creating a thunderous sound that echoed throughout the city. The deafening roar of thousands of wings beating the air was impossible to ignore, likely heard by every citizen in Hin.

It was like a thunder just rolled across the sky. With powerful downstrokes, they lifted off, thousands of massive bodies rising into the air.

<I wonder what the civilians are thinking…> n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

<I don't think there are many of them at this point, master…>

Erik sighed. <Yeah…>

The clones remaining at Sleb Harbor watched in anxiety as the massive army soared across the sky.

As for the ones leaving, the ground fell away beneath them, the city shrinking to a patchwork of streets and debris. Higher and higher they climbed until they broke through the low-hanging clouds.

As they flew, Mira got closer to Erik. "What defenses do you think we'll find at Maynard Island?"

Erik's brow furrowed. "It's hard to say for certain. The blackguards had time to prepare. Most likely, they started months ago with their preparations. We should expect anything from barriers masters, brain crystal artillery, various kinds of ranged fighters, and many melee ones."

"The most pressing question is: will our force be enough to overcome whatever they throw at us?" Amber asked.

35,000 Chimaeric Demons were a lot, but if the blackguards had months to prepare, maybe they had thrice their numbers; besides, that wasn't the main problem.

"That's not really what worries me."

"Are you worried about the Vindicators?"

Mira, Amber, and Emily saw how powerful Levium was and how he fought toe-to-to with Erik, whom they deemed unbeatable. If ten, or even hundred Vindicators fought against him at the same time, they didn't know if they could win. "Yes, but that's not the only thing. I'm actually more worried about their leader. They might even be more than one. I don't really know what is going to happen if they join the fight. Besides, what if they have hundreds of Vindicators? If fighting against Uncle Benjamin had been so hard, I can't fathom what will happen if there are too many."

There was a brief pause. "Didn't you say you got a lot of mana during these days?" Emily asked.

"Yes, but I don't think it will be enough against too many Vindicators. I might have easily won three years ago if I had been as strong as now. The problem is, they got more powerful too. At this point, the blackguards made it clear they know I'm not actually better than them in terms of power, considering brain crystal powers only, and that I'm in an advantage only on the ground, meaning they will do whatever they can to prevent me from taking advantage of that."