BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM C.1015: When Fortifications Meet Flying Pests

Erik and June squeezed through the tiny gaps in the manhole cover, emerging into the city streets. Their compound eyes adjusted quickly to the daylight, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.

<This place is different from New Alexandria, > June said.

The city stretched out in front of them, combining old-world charm with military fortifications. Unlike the magnificent skyscrapers of New Alexandria, the city's skyline was humble. There was nothing that could compare to something like the Red Palace, but honestly, the tallest building here couldn't compare to the smallest in Frant's capital.

Most buildings were no taller than four or five stories, constructed of concrete and bricks. Narrow cobblestone streets wound between them, occasionally opening into small squares or marketplaces.

There were some public buildings there, whose architecture hinted at a rich history. It couldn't be otherwise, since this was an ancient city. It wouldn't find itself at a crossroads, otherwise.

The buildings had ornate facades and intricate stonework adorning them. There was even a clock tower, followed by many but smaller churches, whose spires punctuated the skyline.

Despite its smaller size, the city still covered a considerable area. But not so much as to trouble Erik.

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<Yeah, but I wouldn't live here even if I got paid to do so. This place is too far from anything worthy of attention. I bet you can't even find a decent market here.>

<Well... maybe. But the blackguards chose to come here for its strategic importance.>

<That's because our artillery makes it impossible for them to ship the goods by air. These ancient roads are the only things worthwhile about this place.>

Indeed, ancient highways, relics from the pre-Thaid era, stretched out from the city like spokes on a wheel.

Modern military additions contrasted with the city's historical charm. Sandbag fortifications and gun emplacements dotted rooftops and intersections, while hastily erected barricades blocked streets.

Erik and June noticed that the city's layout seemed to thicken in one area, likely the one having the command center. The streets were also filled with civilian and military traffic, with people moving with urgency.

<Well, at least they didn't kill people for no reason.> There wouldn't be citizens in the city if it had been otherwise. Though it was clear, there weren't many around.

The two intruders kept flying around. At that point, the scope of this strategic location became clear.

<The blackguards chose well,> Erik said.

As if to underscore his point, a convoy of trucks rumbled into view, their cargo holds laden with supplies. Soldiers swarmed around them, efficiently unloading crates and redirecting them to various parts of the city.

As Erik and June hovered, observing the city's bustling activity, they noticed an unusual pattern emerging. While convoys of trucks continued to pour in, unloading their cargo. The people seemed tense; Mira and Amber were right. There was something big going on.

Soldiers scurried along the city walls, their eyes scanning the horizon for some unseen threat. On rooftops, teams assembled anti-aircraft guns, their barrels pointed at the sky. They were going to be repurposed to kill thaids.

That became clear at that point given the fact the blackguards were worried about 'increased thaid activity'.

It was just that Erik expected it was because of his and the Chimaeric Demons' actions instead. It looked like one or more flying thaids were coming this way. Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense for the anti-aircraft guns to be pointed at the sky.

Even civilian buildings weren't exempt from the preparation, as people climbed onto them, with binoculars able to make the wielder see at kilometers, nestled on their noses.

<Do you think it is some kind of flying thaid that is coming here?> June asked, his tiny form darting between two agitated soldiers.

<My guess? Yes. Probably something bigger and nastier than the usual Zephyrwings or Galewings.>

<But why here? Why now?>

<Not sure,> Erik said. <But for the blackguards to be this agitated, the situation must be serious.>

They watched as a commander barked orders, directing more troops to reinforce the city's perimeter.

<Whatever's coming,> Erik continued, <it's got them scared. And that worries me. We've seen blackguards face down some terrifying Thaids before, but this... this is different.>

<Should we abort the mission?>

<No,> Erik said. <If anything, this makes our job more easy, because if the thaids are really attacking this place, we must capitalize on the situation. Jerry went to lure more thaids. If we make a double attack, we might be able to destroy this place, instead of just sabotaging it.> Erik and June flew closer to a group of military officers huddled near a makeshift command post. The two insects perched on a nearby crate, their tiny bodies unnoticed.

"Sir, reports confirm the flock is heading here," one officer said. "Estimated time of arrival is two hours."

The commander cursed under his breath. "What is the situation with the anti-air defenses? We can't let them breach the city walls."

"We placed everything we have, sir, plus, we are on our way to deploy mechas."

<A flock of flying Thaids?> June's thoughts reached Erik. <We were right then...>>

<It couldn't be otherwise. It looks like destiny really wants the blackguards to be wiped out by

this planet.>

The two officers kept talking.

<Should we split up? I could scout the city; look for weak points we could exploit when the

attack comes.>

Erik considered for a moment. <Great idea. You go ahead and search around. I'll stay here and try to gather more intel. I want to find out who's in charge of this place.>

<Understood. Be careful, Master.>

With that, June zipped away, his tiny form soon lost in the bustling crowd. Erik remained, his compound eyes fixed on the officers as they pored over maps and barked orders.

As Erik listened, he learned more about the city's defenses and the growing panic among the ranks. The name "Colonel Vance" was mentioned several times.

<This Colonel Vance must be the one running things here,> Erik thought to himself. <If we can take him out during the chaos of the Thaid attack... Of course, after having taken all the information we need from him...>