Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening-Chapter 126: Count Seres (1)

As one of the bigger duchies in the kingdom, the Therindor Duchy had seven counties, each with one main city and several smaller towns and villages scattered like freckles across its expanse.

The counts governed these regions alongside their appointed deputies—viscounts and barons—tasked with overseeing the people and ensuring the steady collection of taxes.

Power moved down bloodlines, and as long as one did their job well and kept their skeletons hidden in the dark, the system worked without much protest.

After all, nobility wasn’t always about justice—it was about control. And inheritance didn’t ask if you deserved the seat, only if you had the name.

To the west of the duchy lay the County of Seres, a fertile and industrious land long ruled by the Seres family. It answered only to the ducal line and had done so loyally for generations.

The county was known for its rich farmlands, sprawling forests, and mining districts that fed raw materials into the duchy’s heart. While it wasn’t without trouble—occasional monster threats and a few mid-level to high-level dungeons kept adventurers busy—it was considered a thriving domain.

On this particular night, darkness blanketed the county like a warm quilt, and most of the towns and villages had long settled into sleep.

But in the county’s capital, the city still stirred. Certain districts were alive with the sounds of late-night merriment.

Tavern doors swung open to bursts of laughter, flickering lamplight, and the twang of stringed instruments, while night merchants hawked skewers and dice games in shadowed alleyways.

About a kilometre from the city centre, tucked behind gently sloping hills and a copse of whispering trees, stood the Seres Manor—the seat of the ruling count.

The manor wasn’t the grandest in the duchy, but it carried an air of stately grace. Built of grey stone veined with ivy, its walls stood firm under the moonlight, the lamps glowing like warm eyes in the dark.

Guards patrolled the perimeter, their armour softly clinking as shifts changed under whispered orders. In recent weeks, the watch had doubled.

The official reason: protection.

After the sudden attack in the capital, security across the kingdom had been heightened. Important figures were now more cautious than ever—some even choosing to mask their whereabouts entirely.

Inside the manor, the quiet was heavier. In the western wing, behind a door of polished oak and iron trim, Count David Seres sat in his study, the fire’s glow dancing across the room’s tall shelves and heavy drapes.

He leaned over his desk, quill in hand, eyes skimming across reports and letters with methodical focus. Land summaries, tax records, and an urgent missive from a baron bordering the forest line all waited in orderly stacks.

He exhaled slowly and set the quill aside, rubbing at the corner of his temple. Outside his window, the sky had already turned a deep navy, the stars sharp and clear.

One more seal pressed into warm wax, and David closed the final folder for the night. The day’s work was done—at least on paper. However, the unrest beyond his walls was a different matter entirely.

A soft knock interrupted the quiet.

"Enter," The count said, already knowing who it would be.

The door creaked open, and a man in dark, plain clothes stepped inside. No armour. No insignia. Just a simple coat and boots that made no sound on the floor.

Calren Thorne, head of the count’s secret force—his eyes sharp, his face unreadable. David gestured toward the chair opposite his desk.

"You’re late."

"The roads from the capital are watched," Calren said as he sat. "I took the long way."

David arched a brow. "And?"

Calren leaned forward slightly, voice low despite the sealed room. "The capital’s still a mess. Nobles are pointing fingers, and the crown has gone silent. It’s making everyone nervous."

"Silent?" David narrowed his gaze.

This was not the kind of news the count expected. Still, it was good to know what was going on in the shadows.

"No public addresses. No official decrees. But privately... word is spreading. The king’s council has drawn up a list."

David’s expression didn’t change, but the slight clench of his fingers revealed his concerns. "A list of?"

"Suspected collaborators with the demons. Nobles, merchants, and even some within the military. Anyone who might’ve had a hand—or knowledge—of the capital attack." Calren paused, his expression hesitant.

"Out with it." David pressed. "What do you make of that action?"

"I’m not sure." Calren shook his head. "This may purely be conjecture, but I believe the king wants to make an example of those involved."

David exhaled through his nose. "So it’s going to be that kind of cleansing."

"Most likely. What’s even more boggling is that there has been no mention of how this cleansing would be done."

David paused for a moment, gazing into the hearth. The situation for the nobles in the kingdom was dire. Such silence was the most terrifying.

"What else did you learn?" He asked. "Aside from the list of suspected individuals, any new developments?"

"A few, actually." Calren replied. "The demons weren’t handled by the Knight Commanders as we thought. Someone else intervened; someone by the name Caleb Zane."

"Caleb?" The count narrowed his eyes. "Why does it sound familiar?"

"That’s because he was the one who crippled the baron in the Vawns duchy some time back." Calren explained with a bit of dread in his eyes. "Sources say he wields some incredible abilities – some even called it god-like."

David remained quiet, mulling over those words.

"The princess’ miraculous healing from her birth defects was apparently done by that man. Whoever he is, he’s incredibly powerful"

The count’s eyes squinted even more, his thoughts racing rapidly. Things didn’t go well as those people said; everything had fallen apart. Now, the fallout was upon them.

’Something has to be done, and fast.’ David thought.

"There’s more." Calren shifted in his seat, catching the count’s attention again. "I caught wind of a name. Yours" ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com

The air stilled.

David leaned back slowly. "That can’t be good."

The worst part? He wasn’t hearing from the others. Their lives were their highest priority; enemy kingdom invasion be damned.

"It’s only among the quieter circles. Nothing formal. But a count who hasn’t visited the capital in months, keeps his own council, and tightens security after the attack? It raises questions."

David gave a nervous smile. "Curiosity doesn’t kill counts—unless it finds answers."

Calren nodded. "Still, it might be wise to play the court’s game, even from a distance. Send letters. Show concern. Pretend loyalty, if nothing else."

That was a good suggestion. But would it work? With how furious the king was, he doubted doing any of that would help. Still...

"I’ll draft something tomorrow," David actually said, reaching for a fresh parchment. "In the meantime, keep listening. Especially for names. If the king’s going to make this personal, I want to know who he’s targeting before they vanish."

Calren stood. "Understood. I’ll head back before dawn."

David gave a curt nod. "And Calren—make sure you stay in the shadows."

The man smiled faintly. "Don’t worry, my lord. I’ll be careful." With that, the door closed behind him, and the quiet returned once more.

But then a sudden, continuous clap, slow and deliberate, echoed throughout David’s study, sending a shiver down his spine. He swiftly jumped out of his seat and readied his weapon.

"Who’s there?!"