Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening-Chapter 51: Tournament (1)

The capital buzzed with activity. It wasn’t every day that ordinary citizens witnessed adventurers in their element.

Villagers and townsfolk with a bit of money made the journey to the city, eager to catch a glimpse of the spectacle. Merchants arrived in droves, their carts overflowing with wares, hoping to make a fortune.

Nobles—both great and small—flocked to the capital as well. The more powerful ones left their territories in the hands of trusted attendants, ensuring their presence at the event, especially if their descendants were competing.

Inns and hotels were packed to capacity. Everywhere one turned, the streets were alive with talk of the tournament and its outcome. Betting houses sprang up—some operating legally, others run by the underworld.

No corner of the capital was dull; there was movement and excitement everywhere.

Jess had booked a room in an inn close to the tournament grounds. Though her surviving companions were on a break from adventuring, they had come to show their support.

The past week had been difficult for their party, and there was talk of them quitting adventuring for good. Jess couldn’t blame them. She understood their feelings.

But her mission remained unchanged. One way or another, she would have her vengeance on the noble who had ordered the hit.

.......

The day of registration finally arrived, and many rushed to sign up on the first day. Though the process also served as an elimination round—filtering out adventurers with insufficient mana capacity—it didn’t deter the thousands who came.

Even if they failed to qualify for the king’s selection, simply participating could make a name for themselves. And for most, that was the real goal—an opportunity to gain recognition and open doors to better prospects.

Before heading to the registration centre, Jess took care of another matter. She hired a private investigator to dig deeper into the noble issue.

With a rough sketch of the prick she had eliminated, someone would eventually recognize them and link her to their parent—or whoever had been responsible

As Jess stood in line, waiting for her turn, a commotion broke out. A figure entering the facility instantly drew everyone’s attention.

"Whoa... isn’t that Lady Elyndra Froststrong?"

"Yeah... but what’s she doing here?" another murmured, surprise evident in their tone. "Don’t tell me she’s actually participating?"

"Heh... This is going to be interesting."

The source of the excitement was an elven beauty with long silvery hair and matching eyes, her presence radiating an almost ethereal charm. She commanded attention effortlessly, turning heads wherever she went.

Jess narrowed her eyes, not bothering to hide her glare.

’Who is this woman?’ she wondered. ’From what I’m hearing, she must be an important figure in the city.’

Her actions caught the woman’s attention, and she turned to look at Jess. However, the condescending expression on her face immediately rubbed Jess the wrong way.

’What’s with that pompous attitude?’ She also didn’t fail to notice the elven woman cutting the line, heading straight to the front. ’And no one seems to mind, huh? Whatever...’

Whether the elf participated in the tournament or not wasn’t really Jess’s concern. Her focus was on securing good resources to strengthen herself for what lay ahead.

Not long after, it was Jess’s turn. She stepped forward as the clerk collected her basic information—name, city, and occupation.

"You qualify," the clerk announced after measuring her mana capacity. "Here’s your serial number. Keep this with you for all tournament-related business."

Jess accepted the token with gratitude.

’With this, I should be able to get a decent spot,’ she thought as she walked out of the facility. ’That elven woman from earlier is participating as well.’

Despite dismissing her at first, Jess couldn’t seem to get the woman out of her head. The elf had a presence that left a lasting impression.

’We might cross paths during the tournament.’ A strange sensation stirred within her—something akin to a challenge. It was like an instinct she hadn’t been aware of before.

’I’ll get to see what makes her tick... and maybe wipe that smug look off her stupid face.’

.......

Three days later

The selection stage had finally ended, and now, the main event was about to begin.

The coliseum was packed to the brim, filled with the thunderous cheers and excited chatter of the spectators.

Every seat in the common stands was occupied, leaving no space for stragglers. The nobles and rich merchants sat in their reserved booths, receiving the VIP treatment.

As tradition dictated, the king and his family were present on the tournament’s first day, for it was his duty to deliver a speech before officially commencing the event.

In the king’s private booth, his wife and son sat beside him.

Queen Anastasia Allison Gray was a woman of unmatched grace and beauty—the very embodiment of royalty. Draped in her regal attire, she exuded an aura that could captivate anyone fortunate enough to lay eyes on her.

With golden hair like her husband’s, she could have been mistaken for his sister if not for those striking amber eyes—a trait she shared with their son.

Seated to the king’s left was the prince and heir to the throne, Osbourne Marcellus Gray. He bore the family’s signature blonde hair, almost a carbon copy of his father.

Known among the people as a kind and benevolent young man, he upheld the same virtues that made his father beloved by the kingdom.

The only notable absence was Princess Celine, though her reasons were well understood.

Knights and maids stood dutifully in the booth, ever vigilant and prepared to attend to the royal family’s needs.

As the host and commentator wrapped up his announcement, Osbourne turned to his father.

"I think it’s time, Father," he said with a knowing smile. "Just don’t make it too emotional."

King Gray chuckled. "You’ll understand when it’s your turn," he replied, rising from his seat and making his way toward the edge of the booth.

Draped in his royal robes with an ornate cloak cascading over his shoulders, King Alexander Julius Gray III was the very image of a sovereign ruler—his presence alone commanded unwavering loyalty.

"...And now, let us all rise to welcome our benevolent leader and protector of the realm, King Alexander Julius Gray III!"

The coliseum erupted into a deafening roar.