Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening-Chapter 107: Aftermath (2)

"I’m still confused as to why you’re here instead of the palace," Celistra asked with raised brows. "You should know the king would want to meet you."

"Yeah, I know," Caleb replied smugly. "But I will meet him at my own time. As for now, I just want to be alone with two lovelies..." He grinned mischievously, making the priestess shake her head.

"I don’t know what’s going on in that head of yours, but I have things to do." Celistra walked past Caleb and Jess, heading outside the temple. "You can return to the room we spoke in earlier, and please, restrain yourself!"

The priestess turned around and glared at Caleb, who was shamelessly taking in the view of her swaying backside. Caleb found her outburst funny but otherwise continued to look.

Left with no choice, the priestess could only continue walking, making no effort to change her way of walking just to stop Caleb from staring.

’Hah... This man.’ Celistra thought with a sigh, disappearing through the doors.

’I don’t think I could have been this bold back on Earth.’ Caleb thought in hindsight. ’Also, I don’t recall being this shameless.’

Maybe it was because of his newfound confidence and freedom this world gave him, but Caleb was seeing more sides of himself than he had ever seen.

Suddenly, he felt a heavy gaze digging a hole in the back of his head. Already knowing who it was, Caleb turned around to see the catwoman staring at him like he was a dead man.

"What?" He asked in a clueless tone, leaving the catwoman flabbergasted.

"Tsk."

Jess snorted and turned around, walking towards the corridor that led to the section of rooms in the temple. She was clearly not happy with Caleb, and although her actions seemed petty, she couldn’t help it.

The catwoman only began seeing Caleb as a reliable man, her heart developing emotions she didn’t think she would be capable of. It made her confused, annoyed and unhappy with Caleb for his actions.

"Oh, come on." Caleb called out, following behind Jess. "Have you already forgotten what I said at the palace?"

The catwoman ignored him, hurrying her steps. Eventually, the two reached the privacy of a room. Jess moved to stand by the open window while Caleb moved towards the bed, lying on his back.

The two remained silent for several seconds until Jess spoke.

"I-I’m glad you made it out." She had calmed down enough to put Caleb’s to the side. "I was really worried." Jess glanced at Caleb, noticing he had his eyes closed.

"Yeah, I know..." The reply came, putting a soft smile on her face. "I’m glad to see you too. But I have to say, you sure know how to find trouble."

"What do you mean?"

Jess furrowed her brows, not quite catching what Caleb was referring to. Soon, however, the memories of her situation and how she woke up in this very room brought her to speed.

"Oh, that..." The catwoman turned to look outside, her gaze distant. "I-I had to do something." Jess clenched her fists, feeling a sudden rage burn in her.

"And you have to understand, taking a sealed dungeon alone is not an everyday occurrence. I had to be realistic." She hated herself for saying that, but she chose the truth over lies. "I’m sorry I didn’t believe in you."

"Hah..." Caleb sighed as he sat up, turning to look at Jess. "I can’t say I blame you. And don’t worry, I’m not mad. However, coming to find you in a situation where you were almost abducted tells me you did something you shouldn’t have.

"So tell me, what did you do?"

The catwoman had no reason to lie about her actions, and she didn’t regret them either. After all, she managed to get the information she needed.

"Well, after you were sent to clear the sealed dungeon, ..." Jess carefully narrated what took place in his absence. "I went after that man, Jetro and got a piece of information on who ordered that hit on me and my former party."

She went on to explain what she did to the hitman and her eventual decision to join the tournament for the dungeon operation; mostly for the resources. It boosted her strength alright, but they ultimately failed.

"Still, it was worth it," Jess said in a firm tone. "The name I got was a Count in the Therindor Duchy named David Seres. But before I could leave the city to go back home, those men showed up."

"I see..." Caleb nodded thoughtfully. "The aftermath of your actions must have forced the hands of whoever Jetro worked for. That, or the Count is still after you."

"Yeah..." The catwoman agreed. "Regardless of who it was, I will go after them."

"Sure you will." Caleb agreed, getting back to his feet. "But not the way you are right now." He moved closer to the catwoman and looked out the window.

Jess furrowed her brows slightly, not sure what Caleb meant. Caleb turned to look at Jess, his turquoise eyes glowing slightly. The sight made Jess swallow hard.

"You’re still weak, Jess." Caleb stated bluntly, his expression turning serious. "Even after the resources the kingdom granted you, your strength is still not sufficient."

Naturally, Jess knew this more than anyone. But hearing it come from Caleb made her feel a slight pang in the chest, making her lower her head.

"O-of course I know that..." Jess clenched and unclenched her fists. "But we can’t all be like you, Caleb. I don’t have miraculous abilities like you do. We’re are all not the same!"

The catwoman was frustrated at her own shortcomings. Her eyes turned watery as tears threatened to fall. Caleb observed calmly, a small smile gracing his features.

He slowly moved his right hand and grabbed the catwoman by the chin, gently lifting her head so Jess looked right into his eyes.

"Who said you can’t be as strong as I am?" His knowing smirk caused Jess’s heart to skip a beat. "My abilities allow me to do the same for others as well. I can make you faster, and stronger. Grant you abilities with flexibility that spells cannot give."

"What...?" Jess muttered in surprise. "I-is that really possible?"

In response, Caleb smiled and then asked.

"Do you trust me?"

It was a simple question, but Jess understood it meant a lot to Caleb. She had once dismissed his words, but Caleb hadn’t thought much of it. Given a second chance, she would be a fool not to take it.

"Y-yes."

"Good." Caleb’s smile widened. "Cuz this is going to hurt –a lot."