Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening-Chapter 58: Progress (2)

Jess wasn’t sure what to do with that information, but she still wanted those resources.

’Whatever they’re cooking might not happen any time soon. There should be time.

’And the royals aren’t weak either. They should be able to see something’s up.’

Jess sighed as she went to her bed. She needed rest just as much as time to sort out her thoughts.

She finally got what she wanted and soon, would go after them. But she planned on being smart about it. A plan was needed but...

Tomorrow was still competition day, and she was looking to make it far.

.....

The next day.

Just like the day prior, the area was packed with separators, all pumped up for what was to come today.

The only difference was that some adventurers were already out and the Royal family would not make an appearance.

The judges were the ones to handle everything and their judgements were trusted. After all, some of the judges were adventurers themselves.

"Ladies and gents..." The host got the crowd to roar in excitement. "Today, things will be a little different..."

He went on to explain how the second stage of the competition would go.

The second stage was a team-based challenge. Competitors would be randomly grouped and tasked with defending or capturing a series of objectives scattered across the arena.

Magic barriers, hidden traps, and shifting terrain were introduced to add layers of complexity, forcing even the most skilled fighters to rely on teamwork and adaptability.

In this stage, individual brilliance could shine, but so could the ability to collaborate and lead. Those who lost their matches but demonstrated exceptional leadership or problem-solving skills could be chosen.

Jess ended up in a relatively good group, fortunately enough to end up in the same group as Crusher, the tigerkin.

"Alright everyone," An adventurer in Jess’s group stood up and got everyone’s attention. Clearly, he wanted to take charge.

"My name is Max as some of you already know." Max began with a soft laugh. "This stage is equally important as the first stage.

"From all accounts, everyone gathered here are strong adventurers and prefer solo hunting.

"However, we all know what this is about. To survive this, we need to be able to work together."

"Hold up." One adventurer interrupted. "Who made you the leader here?" His words caused some people to nod while others frowned.

"Just like you said, we all here are strong and could be the leader, so why should we listen to you?"

Max remained calm and composed, clearly expecting something like this. Adventurers were a proud bunch and wouldn’t accept just anyone to stand above them, even if they had to stand together.

"You don’t" His response raised eyebrows. "I’ve been here and haven’t seen anyone step forward, so I chose to do so. You’re free to take this spot if you want."

The smile on his face told the man he was doing this only out of necessity and not because he was some pompous prick who wanted attention.

"Tsk, whatever." Not what he expected, the man backed down.

Unfortunately, not everyone was happy about the interruption.

"So you had nothing to say and just felt like interrupting. Are you a fool?"

A woman with a stern expression berated, her eyes staring straight at the other adventure.

"Watch your tongue, woman." The man replied. "You’re not my equal."

’Fuck.’ Jess cursed. ’We haven’t started and we’re already falling apart. This is going to be hard.’

However, a foreboding pressure fell on everyone in the room, causing them to turn for a look.

Behind, Crusher stood there with a serious gaze and both arms crossed over his chest. He didn’t like what he saw. Any more and he might snap at his teammates.

"We’re here on serious business." Crusher voiced in a deep tone. "If we’re too weak for you, you can leave."

Crusher was one of the stronger adventurers around, and well respected too. He didn’t step out to take charge because that was his style.

But for someone to interrupt when another was making the effort just annoyed him.

The room quieted down as everyone stayed silent. Some didn’t care while others just snickered at the man who interrupted for whatever reason.

"Thank you, Crusher." Max nodded before turning to the rest. "As I was saying earlier, working together wouldn’t necessarily outshine others.

"As a matter of fact, some of us use spells and wield abilities that complement others and would be best to pull those abilities together so we can win this.

"The other teams are sure to have powerful mages and adventurers you all know about. It won’t be easy, but we won’t go down without a fight either."

His words were sincere and smart, convincing the adventurers. As they had already seen most of the abilities of their companions, coming up with a strategy was relatively easy.

Finally, the time came for Jess and her teammates to step into the arena. The spectators like usual cheered for their favourites, some calling out the names of those who stood out the most on the first day.

As the cheers died down, the magic barrier was put up and the adventurers looked on while the arena grounds changed.

The skies remained their blue with clouds drifting above. However, the environment changed into forested ruins. Old buildings and houses were overrun with vines and trees.

The distance roars and cries of magical beasts resounded throughout the entire space. At a glance, it looked like the typical ruins you could find in some parts of the world.

However, the adventurers realized this place resembled a floor in a dungeon, but with unique twists. The way they would navigate the dangers and fight their way to the end was what the judges were evaluating.

Can the adventurers put their pride aside and work together even if the kingdom’s assigned leader was out for the count or would they fall back to their selfish ways and become a hindrance to their own progress?

That and more would be determined today as this stage was even more important to the kingdom.