Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening-Chapter 60: Briefing

Two days later.

The tournament of selection finally came to an end, and the kingdom was able to select a little over four hundred adventurers for the dungeon mission.

Everyone got what they wanted. The citizens got to see adventurers in their element, experiencing firsthand what they do in dungeons.

Adventurers who were not selected, while disappointed, still left with their names on the lips of the people, and possibly better opportunities.

For those selected, they were invited to a knight garrison where their resources awaited—resources far greater than what they typically acquired from their own adventures.

They were also paid in addition to receiving supplies to help them grow stronger.

The kingdom made a substantial profit from the tournament itself, far more than they had budgeted.

Everyone left with something they desired fulfilled. Well, most people, anyway.

......

It was a normal day in the Crownlands—except for the dark, gloomy clouds above, of course. Thunder occasionally rumbled, signalling the imminent arrival of rain.

The adventurers were at the knight garrison, assigned a special chamber where they had gathered for a briefing.

’There’s some kind of tension in the air,’ Jess noted with a frown. ’And the dark clouds above don’t help either.’

Maybe it was because of the information she carried, or maybe something else entirely. Whatever it was, it made her feel uneasy.

The sensation was akin to a sixth sense tingling, warning her that something was about to go terribly wrong.

’I also haven’t heard anything or seen any signs that the nobles are pushing their plans forward. Whatever this feeling is, I don’t like it.’

As Jess sat by herself, lost in thought, a head knight entered the shared room, flanked by two men on either side.

Dressed in his official uniform, the head knight walked briskly to the front of the adventurers, garnering their full attention.

He was a tall man with short dark hair and a beard, his slightly bulky physique adding to the domineering air around him.

"Good morning, everyone," the head knight, Commander Grid, greeted. "Congratulations on making it to the king’s list.

"I’ll get straight to the point, as you already have some clues about what this is all for."

With that, the commander waved his hand behind him, and a projection of the Achil Forest appeared.

Within its dense canopy of trees stood a tall monolith that everyone immediately recognized as a dungeon.

"In the Achil Forest lies a Tier 5 dungeon." His words immediately made the adventurers tense. "As you’re aware, Tier-type dungeons are usually sealed dungeons that the kingdom handles itself.

"Unfortunately for us, we have an issue with this particular dungeon and need your assistance to clear it once and for all."

He didn’t need to mention rewards or what the kingdom was offering—they already knew.

"The monsters in this dungeon are more bloodthirsty and relentless than usual. While the kingdom’s forces have managed to keep things under control, the situation shows no signs of improving.

"With the ongoing crisis at our borders, you should understand why you’re here."

Commander Grid refrained from explaining why the dungeon monsters had gone berserk. But someone was bound to ask. He expected as much. It wouldn’t make sense otherwise.

"Yes?" The commander pointed at Elyndra, who had raised her hand. "What’s your question?"

"I think it’s only fair to tell everyone here what’s really going on in that dungeon," Elyndra said coldly. "You don’t expect us to go in blind with just a few words, do you?"

The others nodded in agreement, turning to the commander for answers.

"Naturally." He nodded. "But you don’t need to know everything. The kingdom needs you to handle the monsters on the floors, while a separate team—composed of knights—ventures deeper to clear the dungeon."

Elyndra frowned, clearly dissatisfied with his response. But there wasn’t much she could do. Clearing the floors wouldn’t be too difficult given their numbers.

She and the others had gotten the opportunity to see their companions’ skill sets and knew none of them were weak.

Many had their shortcomings, but with other adventurers complementing their strengths and covering their weaknesses, things were bound to be different. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

Most shared that mindset.

But one person still felt uneasy for reasons she couldn’t explain. The feeling wouldn’t leave her, and with each passing moment, Jess grew more anxious.

’Maybe it has something to do with the royals and not the dungeon,’ she tried to convince herself, but the thought didn’t settle her nerves.

’Do I send an anonymous note to the royals? No, they might see it as a prank or something.’

"You have a few days to make use of the resources given to you," Commander Grid said after a brief pause. "You’ll find that the cores all range from Tier 1 to Tier 2."

"Oh my..."

The adventurers had expected valuable resources, but cores of this level were a surprise.

Even Elyndra, despite her reputation, had only ever obtained a Tier 1 core from a high-level dungeon she cleared some time ago. It was what had brought her so much popularity.

’I knew the resources would be good, but I didn’t think I’d see a Tier 2,’ Jess mused. She had made the right call to join the tournament.

’This should push my strength up a few levels—more than enough to do what I have to do.’

"Reconvene here in three days," the commander instructed. "Make sure you have everything you need prepared, just in case."

The kingdom would provide food, weapons, and all necessary supplies, but as seasoned adventurers, they knew better than to rely solely on that. Anything could go wrong, and they had to prepare for the worst.

"You’re dismissed."

With that, the commander ended his briefing and turned to leave, his two assistants following close behind.

Once they disappeared, the adventurers broke into discussion, throwing around guesses about the real reason behind the mission.

"Who knows?" one joked. "Maybe some demon got in there to play ball."

"Be serious, James," another scoffed. "A demon couldn’t have possibly bypassed the knights and soldiers stationed at the shores, towns, and cities—let alone make it all the way to a dungeon in the heart of the capital. Much less one that could cause this much trouble."

The others nodded in agreement.

But Jess—and a few others—kept the possibility in the back of their minds.