Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening-Chapter 64: Tier 5 Dungeon (1)

After a few days of preparation, the selected adventurers were stronger than ever.

They had been provided with everything they needed to tackle the Tier 5 dungeon—from weapons to provisions. Still, seasoned hunters knew better than to arrive unprepared.

Once they reported to the garrison, the knight commander in charge gave them a final briefing, ensuring they were ready for what lay ahead.

Their destination: Achil Forest.

It was a day’s ride from the capital—not too close, yet not too far.

........

Inside the Tier 5 Dungeon

"Alright, folks," Commander Grid began. "As I’ve said before, this dungeon is unlike anything you’ve faced."

The adventurers were currently gathered on the second floor, and to their shock and disbelief, the sheer scale of it was staggering—comparable to the outside world.

Vast stretches of land stretched as far as the eye could see, mountain ranges loomed in the distance, water bodies shimmered under the glow of an artificial sun, and dense vegetation covered the terrain.

Then came the roars and screeches of the monsters lurking within, echoing across the expanse.

"This dungeon has only ten floors," Commander Grid continued, his voice steady, "but each is large enough to fit multiple cities and still leave room for towns.

"The kingdom’s forces have managed to clear up to the seventh floor. And that..." His gaze swept over the assembled adventurers "... is where the real challenge begins."

He took in their serious expressions and nodded in satisfaction.

"You already know your teams," he said. "Stick with them and cover each other’s backs." Turning toward the vast landscape ahead, he raised his hand.

"Let’s move."

At his command, the knights took the lead, with the adventurers following closely behind.

Among the hundreds of adventurers were Jess and her assigned teammates. Their group consisted of five, with the most prominent figure being Crusher, the tigerkin warrior.

Not far away, Elyndra, the elven mage, led another team. Since the tournament, Jess had yet to face her in battle.

’Why am I even thinking about that?’ she thought, flexing her fingers and feeling mana pulse through her veins. ’My strength is all that matters. Once this mission is over, I’ll have my revenge.’

A deep voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"You okay?"

She turned to find Crusher walking beside her. She hadn’t even noticed when he got that close.

"It’s not my concern," he continued, his tone calm yet firm, "but you should be careful."

Jess frowned, confused by his words.

"What are you talking about?" the catwoman asked.

"I’m a tigerkin, woman," Crusher said with a grin. "Our instincts are sharper than most. I can smell the dark and gloomy air around you."

Jess halted at his words, forcing Crusher to stop as well. The others noticed but didn’t think much of it.

"Is it that obvious?" she asked, quickly regaining her composure.

"Not to most," Crusher replied. "But whatever’s weighing on your mind, set it aside. A dungeon like this isn’t the place for distractions.

"You’ll have all the time in the world to deal with whatever’s bothering you after we get out of here."

"Haa..." Jess sighed before resuming her steps. "Thanks, Crusher. I needed that."

"Of course," the tigerkin smiled. "We’re teammates, even if only for this mission."

Sometime later, the group reached the gateway to the lower floors. They barely encountered any monsters, as most of the creatures left on the upper levels were stragglers—remnants of those already cleared.

They posed no real threat to the powerful knights, soldiers, and adventurers.

As they descended beyond the second floor, however, the fights became more frequent. The monsters grew stronger.

The adventurers took full advantage of their numbers, bombarding the creatures with spells before they could react, cutting down anything in their path.

By the fifth floor, they faced Tier 2 monsters—powerful creatures unlike anything the adventurers had fought before.

Yet, despite their strength, the group pressed on, tearing through them over the course of four grueling days.

’Tiered monsters are no joke...’ Jess thought grimly. ’And these are just the leftovers from what the main force is already dealing with.’

By the time they reached the seventh floor, the scenery had changed entirely.

A thick blanket of snow covered everything in sight. The cold was biting, and no matter which direction Jess looked, all she saw was endless white.

The adventurers and forces of the kingdom took out their comfy and warm jackets for situations just like this.

"We’re here," Commander Grid announced, gazing ahead. "The captain should be waiting for us."

In the distance, a sprawling campsite came into view. Even at a glance, Jess could count at least sixty tents.

"Commander Grid!"

A knight spotted the group and waved excitedly. His companions, noticing the commotion, quickly stepped out of their tents.

"Finally, they’re here." A collective sigh of relief passed through the soldiers—grateful that the reinforcements had arrived on schedule.

"Lead me to the captain," Commander Grid ordered.

"Right this way, Commander." One of the knights stepped forward to guide him. Before leaving, he turned to his lieutenant.

"Introduce the adventurers to the rest of the camp," he instructed.

As Grid followed the knight, they approached the main tent, where Captain Reeder, Kennedy, and two knights stood at attention, awaiting their arrival.

"Commander." The captain and his men saluted the moment he arrived.

"We don’t have time to waste," Commander Grid said, acknowledging their salute with a brief nod.

"Of course," Captain Reeder replied, stepping aside to allow him entry.

Without hesitation, Commander Grid stepped into the tent, followed closely by Reeder and Kennedy. The two knights remained outside, standing guard.

"What’s the situation?" Commander Grid asked, getting straight to business as he circled the table in the centre of the tent.

Spread across the table were rough maps of the dungeon’s lower floors, made by the stealth team. The map marked feasible routes for the special forces.

The plan was clear—while the elite unit infiltrated, the rest of the troops and adventurers would engage the monsters head-on, drawing their attention.

"Not good," Captain Reeder admitted. "Even with their stealth abilities, navigating a safe path has proven incredibly difficult. The rest of the force will have to take on a lot of pressure for this to work."

"We’ll have to make do," Grid said, scanning the maps. "It’s not fair, but we can’t allow that demon to continue whatever it’s planning. If we don’t act now, we could be facing something far worse." He lifted his gaze to the captain.

"Get the special forces ready. We march at first light."

"Yes, sir." Captain Reeder nodded before gesturing for Kennedy to carry out the orders.