Xiao Ran looked around the base established by the Black Knights. Strictly speaking, it was only a small stronghold, but during the time he had been away, they had actually built more than a dozen such bases. Although the Black Knights themselves had developed quickly, there had been no major disturbances in Area 11. For them to grow to this extent while Euphemia had successfully turned Area 11 into a special administrative zone developing toward equality, Lelouch's personal ability naturally went without saying. However, the help provided by Saki and Area 11's Deputy Governor had also been crucial.
The Black Knights' mission was now vastly different from its role in the original storyline. It was developing into an organization like Celestial Being, though it was currently still in the stage of keeping its head down and building strength, lying low as it waited for the right opportunity to make a stunning debut. Before long, that opportunity would present itself to the Black Knights on its own.
After leaving the stronghold where the Variable Fighter was parked, Xiao Ran and Saki Maski got into another inconspicuous ordinary sedan and headed toward the Special Envoy Research Institute.
Along the way, Xiao Ran grew curious about the Black Knights' current development. Although he remained in frequent contact with Lelouch, there were still many details he did not fully understand. Take this base, for example. Xiao Ran knew Lelouch had said he would establish several bases, but he did not know exactly what they were like.
"There are more than a dozen bases like this? Lelouch mentioned before that he had established several bases, but I didn't expect him to set up so many in such a short time. Didn't he establish a dedicated Technology Department?"
Saki had remained in Area 11. When it