Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening-Chapter 46: Floor Boss (1)

Caleb was improving with every battle, becoming more skilful and creative with each monster he defeated.

Most of the creatures he faced weren’t humanoid, but they provided excellent training nonetheless.

Each mana core he harvested and absorbed brought noticeable, albeit gradual, improvements to his strength, speed, stamina, and senses.

[Mana core: 99.56%]

[Strength: 355 → 360 units]

[Speed: 350 → 359 units]

[Stamina: 405 → 420 units]

[Domain sense: 500-meter radius → 520-meter radius]

[Intelligence: 1000 units → 1110 units]

The intelligence stat influenced his ability to use skills and spells—determining how quickly and creatively he could wield them in combat.

’I might have unlocked my full genetic potential, but to grow even stronger, my cells will need to evolve... and mana seems to be the catalyst,’ Caleb thought with a faint smile.

His musings were interrupted as he slapped a Shadow Gremlin aside, sending it crashing headfirst into the wall with a resounding crunch.

He had been exploring the dungeon for days and was now making his way through the 10th floor.

From the first floor to his current location, Caleb hadn’t noticed any change in scenery.

The dungeon floors remained a network of winding tunnels and damp caverns, populated by the same monsters—only stronger the deeper he went.

Even so, they posed little challenge. With every fight, Caleb continued to grow stronger, making steady progress.

After harvesting all the mana cores, Caleb began making his way toward the gateway cavern.

His pace was deliberately slow as he absorbed the system-cleansed cores one by one.

"Well, this is new," Caleb muttered, stopping before a massive door etched with intricate, exotic inscriptions. "A floor boss’ chamber, huh?"

A quick sweep using his domain sense, along with a confirmation from his system, validated his assumption.

Beyond the door was a vast chamber with towering pillars arranged at regular intervals. The room was dimly lit, much like the rest of the dungeon.

At the far end stood a massive creature—a towering, armoured beetle. Its hulking frame exuded an aura of dominance. Behind it, a tunnel led to Caleb’s next destination.

[Cavern Colossus – A giant, armoured beetle guarding the gateway] freēwēbnovel.com

[Abilities: Exceptionally strong with an impenetrable defence. Capable of emitting a blinding light that stuns targets, shooting webs to bind prey, and unleashing a disorienting screech.]

"Three abilities on top of its strength and defence," Caleb remarked calmly, studying the beast. "It’s manageable... but a little insurance never hurts."

Caleb took a seat in front of the massive door, focusing on absorbing as many mana cores as he could. Then he tapped into his genetic system for a small change. Minutes later, a familiar ping echoed in his mind.

[Mana core: 100%]

Standing up, Caleb clenched his fists, feeling the raw energy surging through him. The sensation was intoxicating as if he were invincible—untouchable.

An illusion, of course.

’The feeling never gets old,’ Caleb mused, a slight smile tugging at his lips. ’With this, I should be able to boost my stats for some extra power when needed.’

Turning toward the imposing double doors, Caleb took a deep breath. The anticipation had him pumped, ready to tackle the challenge ahead.

He stepped forward, placing his hands on the cold, unyielding surface, and pushed.

The doors creaked open, revealing the chamber beyond. Instantly, a wave of cold, ominous energy washed over him, sending a tingle down his spine.

’Yeah, no trouble at all,’ Caleb thought sarcastically, gulping as he took his first steps into the chamber. Behind him, the heavy doors groaned shut, sealing him inside.

His eyes quickly adjusted to the dim light, but he relied mostly on his domain sense to assess the room.

The chamber was as vast as it was foreboding. No other monsters lurked here—only the floor boss. And it had already noticed him.

The giant, armoured beetle shifted, its massive frame exuding menace. Caleb felt its attention zero in on him the moment he crossed the threshold.

The monster slowly rose, letting out a low, sinister snicker that echoed throughout the chamber.

The dangerous aura Caleb had felt earlier was pouring off the creature, suffocating the air with malice.

Its eyes, glowing with hatred, locked onto Caleb as it stepped forward. It had been a long time since it last had prey, and it wasn’t about to let Caleb escape its mandibles.

Even at a distance, Caleb could tell those mandibles were no joke—powerful enough to crush massive boulders with ease. A single mistake could mean getting caught in a grip he wouldn’t escape.

Caleb began pacing to the side, his sharp gaze fixed on the monster. Its eyes followed his every movement, unblinking and predatory.

Even when he disappeared behind one of the towering pillars, the creature’s senses remained locked onto him.

’With a defence like that, my blades won’t even scratch it,’ Caleb noted, his mind racing. ’And my light-stunning skill won’t work either. It has the same ability.’

He narrowed his eyes, analyzing the monster as he stepped back into view. ’Brute force is my only option—just like with the worms. At least the pillars should help me evade its webs.’

Taking a deep breath, Caleb clenched his fists as his aura surged to life. The energy flared wildly, colliding with the monster’s own oppressive aura.

The entire chamber trembled slightly under the weight of their power.

The distance between them was a mere 370 meters—a trivial gap for beings like them. The tension grew thick, and both sides were ready to strike.

And then, the monster made the first move.

SCREECH...!!!

The ear-piercing cry echoed through the chamber, signalling the start of their battle. However, Caleb simply smiled.

He saw the monster’s mandibles snap open and its mouth stretch wide as it let out its deafening cry, but he couldn’t hear a thing.

’It worked!’ Caleb beamed internally, feeling a wave of satisfaction. ’But I need to make this quick.’

Before entering the chamber, Caleb had tapped into his genetic material, manipulating his brain’s auditory processing centre.

By "tuning out" incoming sound signals, he had effectively rendered himself deaf—temporarily.

It was a risky move, but one he knew would pay off against an opponent that used sound-based attacks.