Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening
Chapter 170: Word Going Around

Chapter 170: Word Going Around

Caleb didn’t immediately leave the borderlands once he defeated Malrik and his vice-commanders. He stuck around to observe their actions.

Furthermore, he needed to rest after having a rather hectic night filled with ups and downs.

The fight he had with the commanders was one of the hardest he had ever experienced. He had to give his all, both physically and magically.

His combat skills were unimpressive, but combining that with his explosive speed boosted by his almost unlimited mana gave him the advantage.

Fortunately for him, his fire domain and light-stunting ability played a major role in aiding him to defeat the commanders.

’But who am I also kidding?’ Caleb couldn’t help but chuckle at such thoughts. ’I fought four strong individuals almost on par with me, and I defeated them — I made it look easy.’

The fort was gone, and the strength of the Growian forces was crippled. Whatever plans they had would have to be pushed back.

’At least they know this much.’ Caleb looked into the distance, seeing the Growian forces retreating deeper into their land. ’All that is left now is to deal with the nobles, and things would be quiet for a while.’

A tired sigh escaped his lips. Closing his eyes, Caleb decided to get some much-needed rest.

There was no need for him to actively refine monster cores to grow stronger. The process was now a passive action done by the G-system.

Jess was already on her way towards the capital, and it should take around three days for her to arrive. While he could pursue his woman and the tigerkin, he chose to stay behind and observe some more.

He wasn’t worried about the nobles, as there was nothing they could do.

Soon, they would be put in their place, and with it, his name would be cleared. He hadn’t experienced everyday interactions since he was captured in the Therindor Duchy.

Caleb was constantly on the move, either by his own actions or the mission assigned by the system. The only time he genuinely sat down to rest was when he met the Duchess.

***

Three days later.

The Crownlands were once again back to their cheery atmosphere and liveliness, as people went about their business and adventurers went back to adventuring. There were no demons in sight, and there certainly was no madman running about.

Although the name Caleb was still on the people’s lips, only the bounty hunting squads went around searching for him. However, news of what happened in Duke Coldmere’s region began reaching the people, making them realise how futile the hunt was.

Caleb was not someone they could take even if they wanted to. He was beyond what even Knight Commanders could handle — according to eyewitness reports, of course.

Furthermore, the word going around suggested that Caleb was directly under His Majesty, King Gray. No one was entirely sure if that was the case. However, it made the most sense, as only the Royal family could have power of that kind.

This sparked another round of rumours suggesting Caleb’s actions against the nobles must be at the behest of the king himself. That implied the Count must have been guilty of something.

What it was, they didn’t know, and they didn’t care.

Amid all these circulating words, news of what happened in the lands claimed by the Growian Kingdom spread like wildfire across the land.

Reliable sources from the military and knightage confirmed that a battle of epic proportions occurred at the borderlands. The word circulating was of fires raining from the skies and the heavens rumbling.

Those who ’witnessed’ the battle with their own eyes felt the earth beneath their feet shake — a prelude to a conflict of heavenly proportions. The fort, which was taken over by the forces of the Growian Kingdom, was lost, forcing the enemy to retreat.

No one knew who the people involved in the battle were, but they could only think of one person.

If the rumours going around were true, and Caleb was a subordinate of His Majesty, then that man must have taken action on the king’s behalf, claiming the lands once seized.

"This makes me wonder..." A random adventurer in one of the guilds in the city echoed thoughtfully, drawing the attention of his companions.

It was nighttime, and adventurers were doing what they typically did after a long day of adventuring: filling their stomachs with food and drink while discussing current affairs.

"What do you mean?" the man’s companion asked.

"Well, ever since Caleb was pronounced a fugitive, His Majesty never once stepped up to defend or clear his name." The adventurer furrowed his brows.

"Yeah... Now that you mentioned it." His words seemed to arouse interest, as the others around paid attention, their thoughts considering things for themselves.

"The nobles are the ones pushing for his capture or elimination." The adventurer added, turning to look at his companions.

"You don’t mean..."

A sharp look from the adventurer silenced the rest of the words. Their conversation was purely conjecture and had no basis in truth.

Who knew who was listening? They were simple folks trying to raise their strength and make some money to feed their families — they didn’t want trouble.

Regardless, the meaning behind the man’s words was clear. Count Seres was no more, and Caleb had something to do with it, more or less. Something was going on with the nobles of the kingdom that the regular folks were not privy to.

Meanwhile, Jess and Crusher were on the roof of a three-storey building a few blocks from the guild. They had just arrived and wanted to stay informed about the latest news.

"You and Caleb never cease to amaze me," Crusher muttered with a soft sigh. "Even from all the way here, you can hear the conversation happening in that guild."

The two beastkins were in cloaks and avoided the public eye as much as possible.

"It’s nothing special," Jess played it off, a slight smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Also, it seems Caleb did more than he initially intended."

"What do you mean?" The tigerkin furrowed his brows in confusion.

"He clashed with the Growian forces at the border, forcing them to retreat," Jess explained casually.

"W-What...?" Crusher stuttered in shock.

"Come on, I’ll tell you on the way." Jess turned around, briefly glancing at the Royal Castle in the distance before focusing on the temple. "Caleb will be joining us soon."