Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening-Chapter 80: The Beginning (1)

Jess expected many things, but an ambush was not one of them. Furthermore, this was the capital and if anyone had a vendetta against her, it would be back in the Therindor Duchy.

’Shit!’ Jess inwardly cursed as she leapt backwards.

Three figures, each covered from head to toe, leaving their eyes as the only part of their bodies exposed rushed inside the room, aiming for Jess.

The catwoman was missed by a hair’s breadth as the hand reaching for her didn’t quite make it. She was faster than before, and even if the assailants factored that in, she reacted too fast.

Jess rushed for one of the two windows. She had no intention of staying to fight them in such a cramped space. Moreover, the city’s infrastructure and layout provided the best obstacles for losing them and disappearing.

"Stop her!"

Jess heard the voice of one of the assailants. She ignored whatever they were saying as she positioned herself to dive out the window.

However, her instincts flared at that moment, warning her of an incoming danger from the front.

Without hesitation, the catwoman leapt to the side instead as the window she was about to jump through welcomed the presence of another assailant wielding a dagger that would have maimed her had she not jumped out of the way.

The second window was broken through at the same time, bringing the assailants to a total of five. The five ninja-dressed assailants formed an arc before Jess, trapping her in a corner.

"There’s no room for escape." One of the men said. "Come with us quietly and you won’t get hurt."

"You promise?" Jess sneered, her eyes darting around for an opening. "Is this about Jetro or the noble who hired him?"

"..."

No response came from the group as they eyed the catwoman cautiously. They had been warned not to take her lightly. As someone who joined the mission for the dungeon subjugation, her strength had increased manyfold.

Suddenly, the two at the edges of her encirclement made a move to subdue Jess, but the catwoman wasn’t about to be captured without a fight.

As soon as the men moved, she dashed forward to intercept one of them, taking the assailant by surprise. Her figure flickered as she appeared on the side of the assailant and took a right swipe at his side, intending to slice him up with her claws.

"You’re fast, I’ll give you that. But you’re only one person!"

A chill ran down her spine when a third member made his move, appearing behind Jess. The first two were a decoy, meant to force her to make a move.

Jess had little time to react to the person behind her, even with her superior speed. However, she still managed to redirect her claw swipe at the man coming from behind.

CRACK!

"Aah!"

A powerful crunch echoed in the room as the assailant connected his blow to Jess’ back. While she managed to graze the side of her assailant with her claw, it wasn’t enough.

Another blow met her right in the face as her initial target repositioned himself to deliver a nose-crunching strike that knocked her unconscious.

"That wasn’t so difficult." The leader sighed. "Bind her quickly. We don’t have all day."

"Yes." The others nodded as they retrieved bindings enchanted to suppress mana circulation.

The leader moved towards the broken window, looking around to see if anyone had noticed anything.

’Thankfully, the mess around the city provides a good cover story for how this place was destroyed.’ Aside from the broken window, there was nothing noteworthy. ’And no one is going to bother searching for someone who just checked out.’

The leader turned around, expecting his men to be wrapping up with everything. However, what he saw was a man standing right behind him, dressed in all black as his blue-turquoise eyes pierced into his.

"The hell...?" The man muttered and attempted to leap backwards. "Ugh!" However, a hand came out of nowhere and grabbed him by the throat, holding him in place.

As he struggled to breathe and break free, his eyes caught the sight of his men lying on the floor, all passed out.

’Since when?!’ He had so many questions, but he first had to free himself. ’Fuck...! How is he this strong!’ His attempts were futile.

"Asking the obvious at this point is useless." The assailant heard the man say with a nonchalant expression. "Do know this... We’ll be coming for you. Tell that to your employer once you wake up." A blow to the head knocked him out.

Caleb turned around as he looked at Jess’ figure, a small smile blooming on his face. "I disappear for a few weeks and shit happens." He shook his head, lowering himself to pick her in a princess carry.

Once Jess was comfortable in his arms, he stepped over the goons and walked out the door. Reaching the ground floor, the receptionist and those around turned to look at him with suspicious eyes.

However, with how bold his actions were, no one stepped forward to intercept him. Also, the very air around him told everyone to stay away.

"Mr. Caleb?"

A female voice paused Caleb in his tracks, causing him to furrow his brows. He turned to look to his left where a woman stepped forward.

’A nun?’ He thought sceptically, but a notification from the system confirmed it. ’I don’t think we’ve met before.’

"Who are you and how do you know my name?" Caleb asked, turning to face the woman. He scrutinized her from head to toe, admiring her impressive figure and ample assets.

"My name is Evelyn." The blonde-haired nun gave a polite bow, her expression serene and composed. "I am but a messenger, Mr. Caleb. The Priestess of the Creator wishes to meet with you. It’s about the chaos happening right now."

Caleb did not immediately respond, his thoughts running as he processed the words he just heard.

’A priestess, huh.’ He silently mused. ’Since coming to this world, I’ve been hearing goddess this and goddess that. This should be it. As for knowing my name and even my appearance...’

It wasn’t difficult for someone with authority, especially since the system had previously processed him for his crimes.

"Commanders from different duchies have arrived in the city." Caleb said. "They should be enough to handle whatever is coming."

"No, Mr. Caleb." The woman shook her head. "This is just the beginning. Please come with me, the Priestess has more to tell you." She gestured towards the exit.

Caleb turned to look at the exit as well, his mind mulling over what he just heard.

’I have nothing to lose and I did have plans on checking out what was so scary about the demons.’ He lowered his gaze to the unconscious Jess. ’There should be a place for her to rest as well.’ With that thought in mind, he turned to the nun.

"Lead the way..."