The Questioner System (Ask Me Anything)

### Chapter 34: The Hunt for Allies

The journey toward locating Nathaniel Cross began at dawn. Adam, Victor, and Marcus made their way through the dense forest, the air thick with anticipation. Victor had explained just enough about Cross to spark intrigue—a former military strategist with a knack for unconventional tactics, he had once been an invaluable ally to Victor. But he had disappeared years ago, living off the grid and leaving no clear trail.

Marcus broke the silence. "So, this Nathaniel guy… is he more of a genius or a madman?"

"A bit of both," Victor admitted. "But if anyone can help us figure out how to dismantle Verdan's network, it's him."

Adam glanced at the system's interface, now displaying a faint blue glow in his peripheral vision. He whispered, "System, where is Nathaniel Cross right now?"

<**Analyzing known data… Possible location: Northern Outlands. Probability: 78%. Description: Remote cabin within the Red Pine Forest. Warning: High risk of ambush in the region.**>

Adam relayed the information, and Victor nodded. "That fits. Cross always liked being hard to reach. We'll head for the Red Pine Forest."

Marcus groaned dramatically. "Great. Another hike through hostile territory. My boots are going to hate me."

---

The group's trek was uneventful at first, but as they approached the edges of the Red Pine Forest, signs of activity became evident. Tracks crisscrossed the muddy terrain, and distant figures occasionally moved through the trees.

Victor raised a hand, signaling for them to stop. "Looks like Verdan's people are already here. They must be searching for Cross, too."

Marcus crouched beside him, his rifle ready. "So what's the plan? Sneak past, or give them a reason to rethink their life choices?"

Victor considered the options, but Adam spoke first. "System, what's the best way to reach Cross without getting caught?"

<**Recommendation: Use northwest route to bypass patrols. Engage only if detection is unavoidable. Probability of reaching target undetected: 64%.**>

Victor smirked faintly. "Good call. Northwest it is. Let's move."

---

The group advanced cautiously, weaving through the forest's natural cover. Marcus, ever the joker, occasionally whispered sarcastic commentary about the "fantastic vacation spots" they kept finding themselves in, but his sharp eyes never missed a movement in the distance.

As they neared the location described by the system, the air grew colder. A faint plume of smoke rose in the distance, marking what appeared to be a cabin nestled against a rocky hillside. But before they could reach it, a sharp crack split the air—a warning shot.

"Hold it right there!" a gruff voice barked.

From the shadows emerged a tall, wiry man with graying hair and piercing eyes. He held a rifle trained on them with steady hands, his expression a mix of suspicion and curiosity.

Victor stepped forward slowly, his hands raised. "Cross. It's me."

The man's eyes narrowed, then widened in recognition. "Victor? I thought you were dead."

"Not yet," Victor replied. "But if you don't lower that rifle, one of us might be soon."

Cross hesitated, then lowered his weapon. "You've got some nerve showing up here. What do you want?"

Victor gestured toward Adam. "This is Adam Miller. He has something Verdan wants… and something that could stop him. We need your help."

---

Inside the cabin, the group sat around a worn wooden table as Cross listened to their story. The cabin was cluttered with maps, old tech, and survival gear, a testament to Cross's reclusive lifestyle.

"So let me get this straight," Cross said, rubbing his temples. "Verdan's after some kind of AI system that this kid"—he jabbed a finger at Adam—"is carrying around in his head?"

Adam nodded. "It's called the ChronoOracle. It answers questions about the future and the past. But Verdan wants it for something called the Chronos Core."

Cross leaned back in his chair, letting out a low whistle. "Well, if Verdan gets his hands on that, we're all screwed. What's your plan?"

Victor laid out the details, including the data they had recovered from Zone Alpha. Cross listened intently, his sharp mind already working through the possibilities.

"You're going to need more than just me," he said finally. "Verdan's got resources, manpower, and a head start. But I know someone who might be able to even the odds."

"Who?" Victor asked.

Cross grinned. "A hacker named Lex. If anyone can figure out how to sabotage the Chronos Core, it's her. She's holed up in an old tech hub in Sector Delta. Getting to her won't be easy, though."

Marcus groaned. "Of course it won't. Why would anything ever be easy?"

Adam, however, felt a flicker of hope. They had a direction, allies to find, and a chance to stop Verdan before it was too late.

"Then we'd better get moving," Victor said. "Verdan won't wait for us to catch up."

As they prepared to leave, Cross clapped Adam on the shoulder. "Kid, if you've got that kind of power in your head, you'd better start thinking like a leader. Verdan isn't just your problem anymore. He's everyone's."

Adam nodded, determination hardening in his chest. The fight was only beginning, but with allies like Cross and the promise of more to come, he felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.