Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening-Chapter 95: He’s Back (2)

It took Jess more than half an hour to reach the gates of the castle. Never had she imagined she would one day stand in front of these towering gates.

’I guess things are changing...’ Jess thought with a chuckle.

"Identify yourself!"

A knight stepped forward right as Jess arrived. She could feel the hostile nature of the atmosphere and knew things were so good at the moment.

’With what’s happening in the city, no one will be...’

"Hi, my name is Jess..." The catwoman went ahead to introduce herself.

.....

"His Majesty will be fine..." Celistra assured the anxious crowd. "His injuries aren’t too severe, and his condition will be taken care of soon enough." She cast a calm glance at the prince before shifting her gaze to the queen, her composed demeanour offering a measure of reassurance.

"Soon enough?" Osbourne’s voice carried sharp disbelief. "My father is crippled—he might never use mana again! Not even you can reverse what happened, yet you claim his ’situation’ will be taken care of?!"

Frustration and worry consumed the prince, his emotions running high as he paced the grand chamber like a caged beast. And he wasn’t the only one on edge.

His mother, the Queen, had only just regained consciousness after receiving the healing she needed. Learning what had happened to her husband had nearly shattered her. She refused to leave King Gray’s side, watching over him with unwavering devotion, waiting for him to wake.

A short distance from the grand-sized bed sat Princess Celine, quietly perched on a sofa. Normally, neither her mother nor brother would have allowed her to remain in such a distressing situation.

But after everything they had endured, trust had become a fragile thing within the castle. Keeping her close was the only way to ensure her safety.

Even so, Celine was far from composed. Her delicate hands rested on her lap, catching the silent tears that occasionally slipped from her sightless eyes. Guilt gnawed at her heart—somehow, she had come to believe that her father’s fate was her fault.

But she refused to voice her pain. She simply sat in silence, listening to the tense conversation around her, whispering prayers to the goddess for a miracle.

"I understand how you feel, my prince," the priestess said, stepping closer to Osbourne. "And I know trust does not come easily to you right now. But I did not come here alone."

She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "I brought someone capable. Someone with the power to reverse your father’s condition and..." Celistra’s gaze shifted, prompting Osbourne and the Queen to follow her line of sight. "...help the princess as well."

"What...?"

Anastasia shot up from the king’s bedside, rushing toward the priestess. Her heart pounded, breath hitching. Had she heard correctly? If what Celistra was saying was true...

"You heard right, My Queen." Celistra nodded, then turned to Osbourne, whose stunned expression spoke volumes. "The explosion you heard in the skies some time ago—that was him. He went to deal with the demon generals."

"Y-you’re not pulling my leg, are you?" Osbourne took an unsteady step back, his mind reeling.

"I would never joke about something so serious, Your Highness." Celistra gave a small bow. "He should be done any—" Before she could finish, a knock echoed through the chamber.

"Your Highness?" Daphne’s voice came from behind the grand doors. "The commanders have returned...and..."

She didn’t need to say more, the tone of her voice said it all. However, given the current situation, they couldn’t afford to focus on that when the head of state was in such a condition.

Osbourne spun toward the priestess, then to his mother, before rushing to open the door.

"Where are they?" he demanded. "And are they alone?"

Daphne flinched slightly at his intensity, caught off guard by how quickly he had swung the door open.

"N-no, Your Highness," she stammered.

Osbourne’s pulse quickened. He turned, casting a questioning glance at Celistra, who approached at a measured pace.

"Who are they with?" she asked calmly. "Is it Caleb?"

Daphne blinked in surprise, taken aback that the priestess knew that name. She quickly gathered herself and shook her head.

"No, Priestess. It’s a woman named Jess. She arrived with the commanders and said you requested her presence."

"Oh, right."

"Lead us to them..." Osbourne ordered, turning to his mother. "I’ll be back soon, mother." The queen nodded and watched as her son and the priestess walked out.

"M-mother...?" Celine called out to her mother. "Is everything alright? And who is the person the priestess was referring to?" The princess was dying to know what was happening.

She heard the conversations alright, but she wasn’t sure what to make of them. Her father was in some kind of situation she was not too clear about.

"Ah, sweetie," Quen Anastasia walked over to her daughter and drew her into a hug. "You heard the priestess, right? Let’s continue to pray to Goddess Myrris."

"Mm."

Celine could only nod while fiddling with her fingers. She felt her mother clean the tears from her eyes and then rubbed her head gently.

"Things will get better..."

...

Daphne led the group toward the castle’s inner courtyard, where the rest of the commanders stood in solemn silence, gathered around a body covered with a cloth on the cold stone floor.

The air was thick with grief. No words were spoken, but the weight of loss was palpable.

As the prince and priestess approached, the commanders straightened, stepping aside to greet them.

"Your Highness."

Osbourne gave a brief nod in acknowledgement before his gaze fell on the still figure before him. He hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Who is it?"

Commander Eric shifted uncomfortably, his voice low and heavy with guilt.

"Commander Rudy, Your Highness. We... couldn’t stop the demon in time."

"And the demon?" Osbourne’s jaw tightened. Though he already suspected the answer, he asked anyway.

Eric glanced toward Fred, silently deferring to him. The other commander inhaled deeply before responding.

"A friend of mine intervened in the fight. He took the demon general away."

"Away...?" Osbourne echoed.

Fred nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. He wanted to deal with both demon generals at once, so he took off with the demon toward Achil Forest."

That was all the confirmation Osbourne needed. He exhaled slowly and turned slightly, catching sight of Celistra. She wasn’t looking at the body—her gaze was elsewhere.

Following her line of sight, Osbourne spotted a catkin woman approaching, flanked by a few knights.

"I’m glad you’re safe." Celistra’s voice was warm as she addressed the newcomer. "And don’t worry, no harm will come to you." She smiled reassuringly.

The catwoman hesitated for a brief moment before glancing at the gathered crowd. Despite her guarded expression, she carried herself with practised grace, swiftly displaying proper court etiquette as she bowed before the prince and commanders.

Of all the people present, she only recognized Commander Fred.

"What are you doing here?" Fred asked, his brows furrowed.

Before Jess could respond, Celistra spoke for her.

"She’s with me. Caleb left her in my care."

The commanders exchanged silent glances. None of them understood why this woman was important enough to warrant their attention.

Jess ignored their curiosity, her sharp eyes scanning the courtyard. She wasn’t interested in their questions—she was looking for someone.

"Where is he...?"

BOOM...!

As if in answer, a distant and continuous explosion rumbled through the air from the distance. And as the air explosions grew louder, all eyes turned toward the source.

"Looks like he’s back..."