Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening-Chapter 33: Punishment (1)

"This man has no fear at all," Duchess Erindor muttered, sitting at her desk as she perused the reports of Caleb’s interrogation.

Duchess Silvia Erindor was a striking woman, blessed with an alluring charm and an undeniable presence.

Her silvery hair framed her face, her brown eyes sparkled with intelligence, and her smile had the power to captivate any man, no matter his age.

She wasn’t shy about using her looks to her advantage, but it was her sharp mind that made her truly formidable.

At first, when news of Caleb reached her, she dismissed it. After all, he was a prisoner in her city—a mere pawn in a much larger scheme.

But as she read the details of his behaviour and the answers he gave during his interrogation, her perspective began to shift.

’He’s enigmatic,’ the duchess mused, a thoughtful smile creeping onto her face. ’To think he possesses such an ability. Perhaps it would be better to have him as an asset...’

Honestly, it was a shame she was bound to carry out his sentence. Despite the fact that he came from another duchy, the laws of the kingdom were clear, and they were all under the same rule. Still, the potential of someone like him was not something she could easily ignore.

"What did the royals say?" Silvia asked, lowering the report and looking at Velanna, who stood before her, stiff and at attention.

By "the royals," she referred to the investigative and law enforcement headquarters in the capital.

Though the case was small, its mysteries had piqued her interest, and she needed answers to make a more informed decision.

Since there was no evidence of demonic magic or sorcery, the importance of Caleb’s actions diminished somewhat in the eyes of those investigating the case.

And a trial was deemed unnecessary as his charges were clear as day and Caleb admitted to committing them.

"Nothing in particular, my lady," Velanna replied. "Just to make sure the punishment is carried out as you see fit."

"As I see fit, huh?" Silvia muttered, her eyes scanning the report again. "Is there room for a pardon?"

"Th-That is something only you can decide, my lady," Velanna stuttered but quickly regained her composure.

Caleb was to be sentenced to death—in part for what he did to the Baron, his refusal to reverse its effects as well as what he did to the adventurers.

It was evident Caleb was dangerous and showed no remorse for his actions.

Furthermore, his demeanour and refusal to comply with the kingdom’s directive made him a liability the kingdom couldn’t afford to ignore—save for Silvia.

However, the sentence would not involve a beheading or any immediate execution.

There was also a clause that stated his sentence could be reduced if he agreed to reverse what he did. Even then, his life wasn’t guaranteed.

"Hm..." The duchess pondered, considering what kind of punishment to mete out that still left Caleb with a small chance of survival.

Ideally, she wanted him to work for her, harnessing the unique abilities he had.

"You’re excused, Velanna." Silvia gestured dismissively, and Velanna bowed before exiting the room.

Standing silently to the side was Silvia’s butler, John, who had observed the exchange without speaking.

He was not only her butler but also a trusted advisor, offering his wisdom when needed.

"What do you think, John?" She glanced at him, her gaze softening as she sought his opinion.

"I believe you can leave a way out for him," John replied, and Silvia raised an eyebrow, silently urging him to continue.

"I understand you’d want someone like him working for you. So the best option is to impose a punishment that still gives him a chance of survival."

"Hehe..." Silvia chuckled softly. "You know me so well, John. So, what do you suggest?"

John paused for a moment, then asked, "If I may..." He gestured toward the report in Silvia’s hands.

The duchess handed it to him, fully trusting her butler’s judgment. His advice had proven invaluable time and again.

A few minutes later, John looked up and proposed, "I believe sending him to the dungeons would give him the best chance of survival."

"A dungeon?" Silvia repeated, her eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Yes, my lady." John nodded. "His confident demeanour is typical of someone with genuine strength and the ability to back it up. freёweɓnovel.com

"A person like him knew exactly what he was doing and chose to proceed anyway." His words held weight, and the duchess couldn’t help but consider them.

"I see... But you’re not talking about that dungeon, are you?" Silvia asked cautiously, wanting to give Caleb a chance—not a guaranteed death sentence.

"That’s exactly what I’m suggesting, my lady." John’s tone remained steady, though it caused the duchess to frown.

"It’s possible to clear that dungeon, though it would require a sacrifice," John added. "It would serve as a fitting punishment, given that entering alone is essentially a death wish."

Silvia’s eyes narrowed. "What are the chances of even our strongest knights surviving on their own in there?"

"About 11%, my lady," John replied evenly, appearing confident in his calculations.

"..."

Silvia remained silent, mulling over her butler’s words. The dungeon he spoke of was closed to the public, accessible only to the kingdom’s forces.

It was infamous for its extreme danger, with even the lower floors being far too much for most adventurers to handle.

Raids were conducted periodically to thin out the monster population, but survival was never guaranteed.

While one could argue the dungeon housed valuable resources, the true challenge lay in surviving long enough to collect them.

Silvia sighed deeply. "Is there anything else you can propose?"

"Anything else, and your authority could be called into question." John gave a slight bow in apology, knowing this was the best option available.

Locking him away for years wasn’t an attractive solution, as it would drain the kingdom’s resources to sustain the prisoner. In most cases, death was seen as a far more efficient option.

"Then let’s hope he somehow survives." Silvia leaned back in her seat, turning to gaze out at the city view behind her.

"Pass my orders: Caleb Zane is to be sent to the sealed dungeon. If he manages to redeem himself by clearing the dungeon, all charges against him will be dropped."

Of course, the duchess had plans should Caleb return in one piece.

"Yes, my lady." John bowed and exited the office.