Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening-Chapter 34: Punishment (2)

Caleb had been in his cell for another three days after his interrogation with little to no news of his fate.

However, he was ready to leave anytime and depending on the outcome of his trial, he would decide whether to leave the hard way or the easy way.

’I more or less understand how the nobles of this kingdom work, if not the entire world.’

He was keen to understand how the kingdom’s nobles ruled. While it seemed simple enough to learn by watching the people and asking a few questions, he was more interested in uncovering their true strengths and resources.

How formidable were their forces? What kind of artefacts might they wield that could pose a threat to him? Questions like these lingered in his mind.

Although Caleb hadn’t faced the knights directly and couldn’t gauge their exact strength, he had a sense of their collective power.

’But the capital might have secrets hidden away,’ he thought, recalling Jess’s cryptic words.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps broke his train of thought. He quickly stood, waiting for what was to come.

The knight commander who had led his arrest appeared, flanked by two knights at his sides.

The commander stared at Caleb for several moments, his piercing gaze heavy with curiosity. It was clear he was eager to uncover Caleb’s true identity, though he said nothing.

"Your punishment has been decided," Fred finally stated, his tone flat.

Caleb raised an eyebrow. "Punishment? I thought there would be a trial."

"The kingdom has all it needs to determine your fate," Fred replied.

"I see..." Caleb said with a nod. "And what about the Baron? Will he face any consequences?"

Fred’s lips tightened. "I’d say what you did to the Baron and his lackeys is punishment enough. Unless you’re willing to reverse—"

"No," Caleb interrupted sharply. "He stays that way." His tone left no room for argument.

"Then the Baron’s fate is no longer your concern," Fred said, signalling one of the knights to unlock the cell.

With his hands still bound, Caleb was dragged out of the cell as the commander took the lead.

"The kingdom is giving you a chance, despite your actions," Fred said as they exited the prison and stepped into the courtyard.

Caleb was ushered into a carriage, with the commander joining him while the other knights formed an escort.

Inside the carriage, Caleb remained on edge, waiting for Fred to explain further while preparing for any surprises.

"You’ve been tasked with clearing a dungeon," Fred said, breaking the silence. "Succeed, and you’ll be granted a pardon."

Caleb was momentarily taken aback by Fred’s words. "Is that it?" he wondered. But the more he thought about it, the more he doubted it would be so simple.

’No. If it were that easy, he wouldn’t have said ’a chance.’ That dungeon must be one of the more dangerous ones,’ Caleb reasoned.

He turned to Fred. "I’m to clear it solo, aren’t I?"

Fred gave a curt nod. "Yes. It’s a sealed dungeon with a level of difficulty that even we would struggle to handle."

Caleb chuckled dryly. "So, this so-called chance is just a way for me to deal with something the kingdom can’t handle."

"Not exactly," Fred replied, shaking his head. "There are more pressing matters requiring the kingdom’s focus right now."

Fred’s words confirmed a few things for Caleb. First, there were likely beings stronger than him within the kingdom.

Second, his situation wasn’t as critical as he’d thought—they had bigger concerns.

’Probably demons or something,’ Caleb guessed. He was right on the mark, but with no access to information, he could only speculate about the kingdom’s troubles.

’Still, this is a chance,’ he thought, ’It’s an opportunity to grow stronger without interference.’

Even so, Caleb wasn’t going to underestimate the dungeon’s dangers. He knew it could very well cost him his life and resolved to approach it with absolute seriousness. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ

’A world of survival,’ Caleb mused. That line of thought brought someone specific to mind.

"Has anyone tried to visit me while I’ve been in your custody?" he asked, looking at Fred.

"If you mean that Catwoman, then yes," Fred replied. "But she was turned away every time."

The commander paused, considering his next move. Despite Caleb’s crimes, nothing about him suggested he was inherently evil.

"Do you have a message for her? It’s the least I can do," Fred offered.

Caleb was taken aback by the man’s unexpected generosity. ’He’s not so bad,’ he thought, a small smile forming on his face.

"Tell her not to worry—I’ll be back soon. And... tell her not to do anything until I return," Caleb said firmly.

Fred’s brows knitted together at the request. It sounded like the two might be up to something suspicious.

Still, he didn’t dwell on it too much. What lingered in his mind was Caleb’s unwavering confidence in surviving the dungeon.

’We still don’t know how strong he really is. All we have is his self-assured attitude,’ Fred thought, debating Caleb’s odds. After a moment, he nodded in acknowledgement.

"Thank you," Caleb said before turning his gaze out the window.

The carriage had already left the city and was moving deeper into the woods, the hills in the distance growing closer.

Eventually, they arrived at a remote location far from the city. Stepping outside, Caleb took a moment to study his surroundings.

They were deep in a forest, standing in a wide clearing. In front of Caleb loomed a towering structure, made of a mysterious black material that gleamed ominously under the sunlight.

Surrounding the tower was a small camp manned by guards and knights. Caleb quickly surmised they were stationed there to monitor the dungeon.

"That is the dungeon you’ll be entering," the commander said, leading Caleb toward the foreboding structure. "You’ll be provided with a few essentials to aid you on your journey."

The final preparations were handled swiftly before Caleb was brought to the dungeon’s ground floor, where a swirling vortex marked the gateway inside.

"Good luck," Fred said solemnly. "May the goddess watch over you."

Caleb nodded and turned to the vortex. With a final deep breath, he walked into the gateway, his life now in the hands of fate.