Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening-Chapter 70: Failed Mission (2)

The demon’s loud voice sent chills down everyone’s spine. No one wanted to stay behind to find out how ruthless and powerful the demon was.

’This mission was a complete failure!’ Jess thought with gritted teeth, bypassing the many obstacles in her path with swift and agile movements. ’It had to be a freaking demon of all things!’

Turning to look over her shoulders, she noticed the sinister aura literally morphing the atmosphere. The weather had completely changed, turning a dark and ominous purple.

’Tsk! It’s a survival of the fittest now.’ Jess realized, turning back to focus on the path ahead of her. ’The adventurers from earlier made the right decision in leaving first!’

Of course, she wasn’t the only one to feel that way. However, with the demon leisurely taking its time, it was all good.

Reaching the gateway, Jess and the others wasted no time diving into the swirling vortex. The brief but expected disorientation didn’t hinder the adventurers and knights, bolting forward for the next gateway.

However, the remnant monsters on the floors didn’t miss the opportunity to attack the adventurers. Unfortunately for them, the adventurers and knights were not in the mood to play.

They unleashed their spells and abilities without hesitation, swiftly changing their surrounding terrain in an instant.

The explosions shook the floor, uprooting plants and sending debris and monster parts flying everywhere; this followed in a straight path towards the exit.

Kennedy and Captain Reeder were the last to go through the gateway, thankful the demon was deliberately letting them go.

’But is this okay...?’ Kennedy considered their options, looking back at the gateway. ’This dungeon is close to the capital. With nothing in the demon’s path, we could be facing our greatest challenge yet. Tsk, I have to hurry!’

Kennedy turned to carrying the captain over his shoulders, running through the mess of the floor with a stern expression.

"This way!"

The knights who were kind enough to wait for him and the captain took to his flank, protecting him and the captain as they pushed forward.

The group managed to cover a lot of distance with barely any obstacles in their path. As they reached the next gateway to the next floor, the demonic aura hit them again.

"Fuck...!" Kennedy cursed as the oppressive aura forced him to his knees. "Kill us already!" He was getting fed up with the demon’s antics.

Clearly, the demon was toying with them. It irked Kennedy to no end. Still, he pushed through the strain, getting back on his feet with the help of the knights.

"You!" Kennedy turned to one of the accompanying knights. "Go ahead of us and warn the kingdom. Do not stop for anything, you got it!"

"Yes, Sir!" The knight nodded with gritted teeth, taking a last glance at his comrades before bolting forward faster than before.

While there were other knights already ahead who could deliver the message of what was happening, it was better to still give an official command.

......

On the surface and in the Achil woods, the knights stationed there to monitor the dungeon still went about their business like usual.

However, each and every one of the knights had a gloomy expression. They had gotten word of what was happening in the capital and couldn’t help but worry about their families, friends and people.

Some expressed their desire to go to the capital to help quell the chaos, but leaving their post without permission was considered insubordination.

"Have faith in the abilities of your fellow knights." The captain in charge of the knights said. "The knights and the king will pull through; just like we have done many times. This will not be the end."

The knights and soldiers could only nod in acceptance. However, not half an hour had passed when a commotion from the dungeon’s entrance got their attention.

"They’re back!" The captain got up in excitement, rushing towards the entrance. "W-what’s happening?" What he expected to see was not what greeted him.

"It’s a demon!" An adventurer yelled, bolting out of the dungeon and attempting to leave when the knights stopped him. "Let me go, dammit!"

"Calm down!" One of the knights chided, struggling to hold the adventurers.

"No, you don’t understand!" The adventurer refused to be calmed. "A-a demon is coming!"

"Yes, we got that already." The knight sighed. "Tell us what—" Before he could complete his statement, more adventurers rushed out of the dungeon, dashing towards the city.

Soon after, knights began rushing out as well. At this point, the captain and his men knew something had gone wrong.

"What’s happening?!" The captain repeated, bringing one of the knights to the side.

"C-captain." The knight breathed heavily, his chest rising and falling. "T-the commander failed his mission." He didn’t have to say more.

However, what he added next sent chills down their spine. "Th-the demon is on its way out."

"!"

The expression of the knight guard turned dark, the realization of their reality hitting them like a speeding train.

"Wait..." One of the knight guards muttered. "If the demon is coming and the capital is in a mess right now, then..."

"W-what...?"

At that point, Jess and the others arrived, just catching the words the knight guard said.

"The capital is under attack?" Elyndra asked, stepping closer with a serious look. "What’s happening there? Is there a demon attacking?" Elyndra didn’t want to think of the implications of such an occurrence.

"No." The captain shook his head. "It’s some kind of arsonist attack. We’re not entirely sure, but the knights there are handling the situation."

Hearing the words of the captain, Crusher and Jess came closer, turning their gaze in the direction of the capital.

While it was far away, they could faintly see something rising in the distance. It was easily missed if one didn’t know what they were looking for.

"So, there is no safe place, huh." Jess muttered the words on everyone’s mind. "What do we do?" The catwoman turned to Crusher.

"Not sure." Crusher shrugged, looking back at the dungeon entrance. "But we can’t allow that demon to reach the city."

"You know—" Jess was cut off by the tigerkin.

"I know, Jess." Crusher sighed. "Even with our power boost, we’re no match for that demon. Going against it will be no different than suicide."

"Regardless, we have to get back to the capital." Elyndra said. "Getting another commander here might be our only chance at stopping that demon."

Everyone suddenly turned their attention back to the entrance when another knight rushed out. And unlike the others, he didn’t wait around, going straight for a horse.

"Uriel?" The captain recognized the knight, rushing after him. He knew his actions were due to a command he received.

"I can’t right now, captain." Uriel said, climbing a horse. "I have to get to the capital." The knight guided the horse forward into a sprint. freeweɓnovel.cѳm

"But the capital is in chaos!"

"What?!" Uriel pulled the reigns of his horse, turning to look back at the captain. "What do you mean?" He swallowed nervously, fearing a demon had gotten there as well.

’If that is the case, then...’ Uriel looked in the direction of the capital, finally seeing the faint traces of smoke and dust in the air. ’But I still have to inform His Majesty!’

"HIYAH!"

Uriel decided to not wait around for a response, bolting towards the capital. The captain and the others could only watch on helplessly.

"We have to leave as well..."