Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening

"You alright…?"

Caleb asked the disoriented instructor after standing back up. It took several moments for the instructor to process what had happened. When he did, a sudden rush of embarrassment washed over him as he quickly sat up.

With the momentum broken, the spectating knights and the others knew the fight was over. However, like Caleb had mentioned, he was far stronger and faster than they had anticipated. He didn't even use spells or abilities.

Although the fight was not particularly intense and none of them went all out, reaction time and perception played a vital role in fights. Even if the instructor had increased his reaction speed, it still wouldn't have been enough to outdo Caleb.

"That was so cool…!"

Before the instructor could even respond to Caleb's words or shrug them off, Princess Celine squealed like a fangirl and rushed towards the two men. She completely ignored her instructor and came to stand before Caleb, her eyes shining brightly.

The excited smile on her lips was infectious, prompting Caleb to smile as well. 'This girl is something else… She does not hold back at all.'

He wasn't complaining at all. In fact, he liked the princess's energy.

"Impressive, Caleb."

Everyone's attention was drawn when Prince Osbourne praised Caleb as he closed in on the crowd. Swiftly, the surrounding knights and everyone around bowed their heads.

"Your Highness."

"At ease, everyone." The prince waved off the greetings with a gentle smile.

The spectating knights opened a path for the prince to move closer to Caleb and the princess. The instructor was already on his feet at this point, standing to the side while the prince came to stand before Caleb and Celine.

Whatever grievances that were manifesting in him were swiftly set aside. Before the Royals, his petty feelings and sense of self-importance were insignificant.

'Hah… What am I even thinking?' The instructor berated himself. 'What was I even trying to prove with this fight?'

"Instructor Klein."

Prince Osbourne acknowledged the instructor, who bowed in respect and replied in kind. After another nod of acknowledgement, Osbourne focused on Caleb and then on his sister, who looked at him like he had stolen her precious moment.

'I can't believe my sister was this headstrong.' The prince could not help but shake his head. 'Hopefully, she's making her mark on him.' He looked at the man who had completely captured his sister's heart.

"You're too kind, Prince Osbourne," Caleb called to the prince next, pulling him out of his thoughts. "This was nothing but a friendly sparring match."

"Regardlesss…" Osbourne chuckled as he looked at the knights who had eyes filled with awe and respect. "Your display of strength was truly domineering."

The prince was not afraid to compliment Caleb, even if it meant revealing his fondness for him. He might not know Caleb very well, but the little that he did placed Caleb on a pedestal.

"What brings you here, brother?" Celine chipped in to break the growing bromance. With a piercing glare, she continued, "I'm still not done with my training for the day."

"Hehe, I apologise for interrupting, but I need to borrow Caleb for a moment."

Osbourne smiled at Celine's pouting expression. Her glare did nothing but make her look adorable in his eyes. "There is something I want to talk to him about."

"Hmph! You just had to show up when he just got here." Celine folded her arms over her chest and looked away in mock indignation.

"..."

The spectating knights could not help but look on in mild shock. They knew the princess was expressive of her emotions. However, they hadn't seen much of this side of her, as only her parents and servants were privy to this scene.

"Don't worry, princess." A faint blush painted her cheeks when Celine felt Caleb pat her head reassuringly. "I'll make it up to you."

"O-okay…" Princess Celine had no choice but to agree to Caleb's words, once again leaving the spectators speechless.

Seeing that the princess was satisfied with his proposal, Caleb lowered his hand and turned to the prince, gesturing for him to lead the way.

The princess looked on as Caleb and her brother stopped by the catwoman, exchanging a couple of words before leaving the training space.

"Princess… Shall we continue?" The instructor had closed in on her while she was distracted.

"Ah, yes."

***

"So, what do you want to discuss?"

Caleb asked once they were pretty much alone. Standing in the cloister overlooking the open courtyard that served as the training ground for the princess, the two men watched as the princess resumed her training.

The guards stationed around were asked to vacate the space and also stop any servants from coming near, giving them a bit of privacy for their conversation.

"It's about the Royal Assembly that will be happening soon…" Osbourne leaned against one of the pillars, watching the show in the distance. "Father received a report not long ago. Some of the nobles have arrived."

"Isn't that a good thing?"

Caleb looked over to the prince with a slight frown. From what he gathered, Osbourne wouldn't have been here if there were no problems. However, his words were quite the opposite.

"That's because some have already deserted the kingdom despite my father's words," The prince added coolly. He then turned to Caleb, looking at him directly. "Those traitors will be dealt with in time. For now, however, my father wants me to go inspect the cities."

"That's where I come in," Caleb nodded thoughtfully.

"Exactly…" The prince nodded, turning his gaze back to the training yard. "While the shadow guards do a good job, the king wants you to tag along. Your unique set of abilities would make the job easier."

Caleb had no problem with this arrangement. In fact, it came at the right time. He was contemplating how to spend the next couple of days. Naturally, he had plans to visit his wife when she arrived, but this worked out too.

'I'm sure she's part of those who have already arrived,' Caleb smiled at the thought, already imagining his duchess's mischievous smile. 'Hehe, I miss her already.'

"My companions will be tagging along, correct?" Caleb looked at the prince and then at the courtyard.

"Naturally… It's an open visit, so they're welcome to join." Osbourne replied. "Though it would be best if they stuck to the shadows. We will stick to the surface…"

"While they watch from the shadows." Caleb completed the prince's words, liking the suggestion.

Prince Osbourne glanced at Caleb, nodding approvingly. "The goal is to simply uncover what they have planned, disrupting them if possible."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Good… Then I'll see you tomorrow, Caleb." The prince pushed himself off the pillar, coming face-to-face with Caleb. With a final nod of agreement, the prince turned around and left.

Left alone in the cloister, Caleb watched the prince disappear before turning his gaze back to the training ground. A slight grin tugged at the corner of his lips as he watched the princess fight with fervour.

'I wonder if she'll insist on coming with us,' Caleb thought amusingly. 'Yeah… I can see that happening.' With a shake of his head, Cale turned around and left.

Meanwhile, the prince headed straight for his father's study once he was done with Caleb. The prince was interested in seeing the full report and what his father intended to do.

"Father…" Osbourne called as soon as he entered the study.

Inside the study, King Gray had a hand on his chin as he pondered. A little bit to the left was Commander Lance, who stood by with the same contemplative expression. The two men did not even bother to look as the prince made his way over to one of the chairs before the king's desk.

"What are you going to do about the abandoned domains?" The prince asked, looking at the king and then at the commander. "There could be a power struggle if this is not handled quickly."

"Hah…" King Gray sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Those bastards sure act fast."

The king did not immediately tackle his son's question, choosing to get the complaint off his chest. While this was within his considerations, the numbers revealed just how loose his authority was.

"Some of them had managed to get their offspring and relatives out of the academy and the expeditions some were undertaking." King Gray exhaled loudly.

Naturally, the ruthless ones did not even bother trying to get their children out of wherever they were when they chose to abandon ship. The king's private forces had managed to apprehend a few of them, while others were still on the run.

'They took my known benevolence as weakness, huh?' He thought to himself, almost laughing at the thought. 'They will definitely pay for their treason, even if they ran into the arms of our enemies.' He gripped the armrest of his chair tightly.

Glancing at Osbourne sitting across from him, King Gray finally answered the question. "Lance has dispatched a few commanders to act as wardens in the meantime. This was bound to happen, after all."