BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM

Amber, Floyd, and Gwen offered their reassurance to Erik, expressing their empathy and support. In their perspective, the concept of being robbed was foreign and difficult to comprehend.

They lived in the most affluent sector of the city, where extensive security measures and many guards ensured their safety and privacy.

However, they knew such incidents were a routine occurrence for those not living in such privileged areas. They didn't expect Erik to be subject to them, but unfortunately, they could not control that.

"Let's bring the others back and then go to my home. My father will be glad to make your acquaintance," Amber said.

If it wasn't for the fact that Erik doubted the stone family and Amber to be behind the robbery, he would have said that it was almost like she was going to present her boyfriend to her family.

However, he chose not to express his thoughts out loud for fear that he might miss out on the chance to find shelter for the night.

Following a journey of ten minutes, the group reconvened at Amber's car and proceeded to Gwen's residence.

The disparity in size and opulence between Gwen's home and the surrounding houses was clear.

The property spanned an impressive six hundred square meters, exuding affluence from every facet. A variety of vehicles adorned the driveway, including two limousines, complete with chauffeurs.

Why she asked Amber for a ride was a mystery.

Erik couldn't help but wonder what kind of job Gwen's father did to have enough money just to buy that house.

If it wasn't for the fact he now had a lot of money, he would have felt an insignificant ant in front of such opulent. No, an ant wasn't the right term. A rat was a better term. A creature that dwelled in sewers and ate the scraps of the humans living above.

"See you tomorrow, guys..." Gwen said. She then jumped off the car and went home.

An additional fifteen minutes went on before they reached Floyd's residence. While smaller than Gwen's, Floyd's home lacked none of the luxury.

Amenities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, a miniature football field, and an array of sports equipment, were present, albeit in a less extravagant manner than Gwen's.

"Bye, guys!" Floyd said.

"Bye, Floyd," Amber and Erik said in unison. Then the duo went toward Amber's house, and they arrived after another ten-minute ride.

Compared to the previous two residences, Amber's house was significantly more expansive.

The main building alone covered an area of at least 2500 square meters, complemented by a garden spanning an acre. The sheer magnitude of the property was awe-inspiring.

Many security personnel were stationed along the perimeter of the house, and formidable metal fences encircled the property.

These fences were equipped with an array of surveillance cameras placed atop the fence posts, capable of monitoring any activity within a 300-meter radius.

Any attempt to breach or scale the fence would trigger an immediate alarm response, and armed guards would rush out to stop the intruders.

The fences had some spikes resembling spears pointing at the sky conjoined by sinuous circles and filigrees custom-made for the Joyce family.

The gardens were meticulously maintained, featuring an array of topiary sculptures shaped from the verdant plants that lined the property.

These sculptures, ranging from wolves to faces, and geometric shapes like squares and circles, to even hearts, were a testament to the wealth of the household. The beauty of these plant-made artworks often left passersby in awe.

As the car glided through the main gate, it soon halted in front of the primary entrance.

Erik and Amber got off the vehicle, and after a short walk, they found themselves before the imposing entrance door. At that moment, a butler clad in black attire and a white shirt emerged, opening the door with a practiced ease.

"Please enter, young miss."

His eyes then shifted to Erik, whose disheveled appearance caused the butler's brow to furrow in mild disapproval.

He recognized Erik as a friend of the young miss, and more importantly, as Frant's sole awakener.

Despite Erik's significant status, the butler couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. Erik's presence lacked the grandeur associated with the awakeners.

However, in the presence of Amber, the butler maintained his composure and led the two to the master's office without comments.

Upon reaching the office door, the butler knocked politely and announced their arrival.

"You may enter," Amber's father, Caiden Joyce, said from the closed door. Erik and Amber stepped inside the office.

The first thing to get Erik's attention was a massive thaid pelt draped over an enormous fireplace to the right, near a large window that offered a view of the lawn.

Next to the pelt, the head of a bear-like thaid adorned the wall, its jaws agape like an ancient, silent guardian frozen in a perpetual roar.

Even in death, the mounted head of the bear-like thaid on the wall looked intimidating. Its large teeth and lifeless, yet piercing, eyes gave off a sense of danger.

The matted fur and pulled-back ears added to its fearsome appearance, reminding onlookers of the beast's past ferocity.

The size of the beast in life must have been immense. Dominating the center of the room stood a large brown desk, upon which rested a single computer, the latest and most expensive model available.

The desk also held an array of gold-plated fountain pens and many papers, the contents of which he didn't dare to peek.

"Sit down." There was no warmth in the man's words.

Then, fixing his gaze on Erik, Caiden inquired, "My daughter told me you suffered an ugly crime..."

Feeling somewhat overawed by Caiden's presence, Erik avoided direct eye contact and responded, "Yes, Amber offered me a place to stay while I sort things out. I hope you don't mind..."

Erik chose his words carefully, aiming to convey the utmost respect and avoid any possibility of offending such an influential figure.

"Not at all," Caiden said, "I've actually been looking forward to meeting you, young man, knowing you are Frant's sole awakener."

Caiden was done talking, though. "I am pleased about my daughter getting close to you... You are the future of our country and have a successful future ahead of you."

Erik, unsure of how to respond, remained silent. He focused his gaze on the floor and seated himself in a chair beside Amber.

"Dad, as I said, Erik is my friend, and I want to find out who robbed his house. I was also hoping we could help him fix the house," Amber said.

"Of course, anything for your friends..."

That frankly surprised Erik. His initial coldness toward even his own daughter was baffling already, but he didn't even bat an eye when Amber made that proposal. It was clear he loved his daughter very much. Though how Amber didn't come out as a pampered, arrogant bitch was a mystery.

"Thank you, dad..." Amber said.

Following an extensive discussion, during which Caiden outlined his plans for the investigation and inquired about Erik's background, Amber finally freed her friend out of his dad's clutches.

"Sorry for my dad. He is a very curious person, but of course, his isn't the only curiosity involved. Of course, Richard Stone and General Becker are also interested in you," Amber said. If that had to make Erik feel better, it failed spectacularly. On the contrary, he felt a tremendous pressure on his shoulders.

"Don't worry, Amber. Actually, thank you for hosting me. Without you, I would have had to go to a hotel or sleep outside."

Amber's smile then illuminated the room, akin to sunlight piercing through dense fog, casting a radiant glow. Her smile was breathtaking.

Erik never had the time to admire his friend's beauty, but he could understand why everyone at school fell in love with her.

For the first time, Erik blushed, feeling self-conscious and embarrassed by Amber's presence.

His attempt to hide his reaction was vain, as Amber noticed. She laughed, aware of her charm.

Her laughter eased Erik's embarrassment. Despite his uncertainty about the woman's intentions, he found himself captivated by her allure. The young man didn't know how to react in that circumstance, because all that was new to him.

When Amber's laughter subsided, she asked, "Are you okay?"

"Yes," he replied, somewhat sheepishly. "Let's go to sleep now. It's useless to mull further over today's events."

"All right." Amber then led Erik to his room.

Before separating, Amber stopped. "Tomorrow, after the next tournament round, I'll give you a tour of the house."

"Thank you, Amber," Erik said, smiling. "But regardless, I don't plan to stay here for long. At best, a couple of days to figure out the situation and find a place to stay until the situation is solved."

"If that makes you feel more comfortable, be my guest, but keep in mind you can stay here for how much you need."

"Thanks. Bye then."

"Bye."

Erik entered his room and collapsed onto the bed, exhausted.