Varian thought collecting the info from the Uranus cluster cities would be a two day job.
But boy was he wrong.
He got it easy on Valos because Liluh's lies gave away his identity. He got it easy on Orion city because it was plagued with drugs and everyone knew of the four big drug lords.
But then, then it finally hit him.
In a particular city, there was no way to know for sure which power had the role of intelligence gatherer.
In fact, such organizations tend to hide.
Like Grant family, everyone only knew them as famous financial investors.
So, Varian and Boo had to undertake the arduous task of finding clues to which power 'might' be the information gatherers.
It'd typically be a long list complied after an hour of work. Then they'd need to check them one by one.
It was excruciating.
Varian didn't participate in the repetitive task and left it to the expert AI.
Exploiting the info gathered and some monitoring, Varian caught gangs when they were in conflict.
And he kidnapped a couple of peak level 6 awakeners that were supposed to be 'dead'.
For example, two days ago, a level 7 slapped a training hall to rubbles. Everyone in it died. Except for two peak level 6 who were saved by Varian.
Boo's persistence got them closer and closer to getting the info of the 20 cities. His persistence finally gave him the 'training bags' he needed.
Since they were all criminals who committed murder and rape, Varian didn't feel any guilt in using them for training.
Thus, he now had a peak level 6 training bag for every divine path.
He decided to focus on the divine paths that were behind others and started training.
During the breaks, he'd enquire Boo about the situation and if needed, give some instructions.
Thus, on the sixth day, they 'borrowed' the databases of 17 cities, including Valos.
These databases all had one prime target—like Betty's father Colin in Valos and Sirk in Orion.
These high ranking officers were the targets.
But—
"What do you mean there is none?" Varian frowned at the white ghost. He was currently wearing white training clothes and was about to go train.
Of course, they'd be stained red after every session. But Boo's report caused him to stop.
"They just don't have a prime target. No high ranking military officer is targeted." Boo pointed to the three cities and said.
"What about other targets? Any peculiarities?" Varian leaned against the sleek black wall of the training room and raised a brow.
"Well…" Boo's eyes flashed with binary digits before it nodded. "Some scientists, some researchers, some architects."
A few holograms popped up, showing the details of said targets.
"Are they related to any high ranking military officer?" Varian crossed his hands and asked.
"No."
"Haa~" Sighing lightly, Varian checked his comm and shook his head. "It's almost time. We should get going."
Boo nodded lightly.
Its master's plan was based on the premise of them following Betty's kidnappers.
They needed to be on the scene.
The ghost ship was on route to Valos.
*** *** *** ***
"Do you have the confidence we can win?" Liluh asked with a smile.
"Hmph! As if those pets stood any chance." Betty raised her chin in pride. Her gaze on Liluh revealed her infatuation and admiration.
"Betty, you don't have to stress yourself. I'll take care of them and protect you." Vinar patted his chest and said.
"Fuck off. I don't need your protection." Betty said and showed her aura. Though unstable due to recent advancement, it was undoubtedly low level 5.
"…you are strong. But I don't want to see you injured." Vinar said with a sincere expression, only to earn a look of contempt.
"Save your tricks for those silly girls. You think I don't know your motive? You just want to climb your way up with a high-class girl like me. All poor people are the same." Betty grounded her feet and said.
Vinar looked at her with a serious expression and decided to reveal the secret. "I know you were kidnapped by them during your childhood, but to put them all—"
"Shut up!" Betty yelled with a pale face and turned towards the exit. "I can't breathe the same air as you."
She trembled with each step and at the last step, her knees buckled and she fell.
"Argh—"
"Are you alrighty, Betty?" Liluh caught her by the waist and asked with a concerned face.
"I…I'm fine. Thank you." Betty's face turned red as she looked at the handsome face at a close distance.
"I see. I'm relieved." Liluh gently removed his hands and turned towards Vinar. "You! If you dare this again, then I'll make sure you die a pathetic death."
Vinar was worried about Betty's reaction, but Liluh's words enraged him beyond reason.
"You can't even win me. What are you bragging about?" Saying so, he looked at Betty.
She was ignoring him completely and was staring at Liluh. Liluh also ignored him and stared at her.
'Why? Why did you change so much?'
"Ahem." Edwina suddenly appeared in the room, startling everyone.
"You are the ace of second year. Don't shame us." She said with a serious face.
Betty didn't care.
"Or you will be the laughing stock."
Betty nodded.
The boys followed.
Edwina inadvertently glanced at the three women in black suits in the distance.
Betty's three level 7 bodyguards were monitoring the training. They didn't even bother talking.
'Three level 7s. And a Space Awakener in that. Nothing will happen.' Edwina tried to reassure herself.
'And Edgar…I don't know his real name. He vanished. I can't find any traces of him. To disappear without any traces, is he a ghost?'
Her thoughts spun as she thought back to the newbie's words.
Wait, he wasn't a newbie. He was a freak with three level 6s!
Even more crazy was his plan. To let Betty be kidnapped to uncover the bigger secrets!
'Whatever.. Everything will be resolved tomorrow.'