Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening
Chapter 158: Reconnaissance (2)

Chapter 158: Reconnaissance (2)

"Hah... I knew they wouldn’t stay put." Caleb shook his head. "At least they’re not going in without some cover." He ’watched’ as Jess and Crusher pulled out cheap cloaks to hide their appearance.

"Don’t attempt to use any magical senses..." he transmitted to Jess through his domain sense. "We’re close to energy territory. Be careful." Once he confirmed she’d received his message, he focused on the path ahead.

Landing on the open road, Caleb adjusted his posture and demeanour to match that of an average traveller, then began walking toward the village.

After several minutes and passing a few villagers working in the nearby fields, he reached the village gate—a simple wooden arch about three meters high and four meters wide.

His arrival drew attention. People nearby paused and whispered to one another, clearly wondering what a complete stranger was doing here.

Even without asking, the mood in the village told him enough: things weren’t good.

There was no laughter, no children playing—just tired-looking adults going about their tasks like lifeless husks.

’The place is even more desolate than I imagined,’ Caleb thought, scanning the village. ’Why are they still here? The leaders must realise something needs to be done, right?’

He couldn’t help but question what the village head and their superiors were thinking. A few possible answers crossed his mind.

’Could the noble in charge really be part of this mess?’

An army garrison was stationed not far from the village. Surely, it wasn’t just for show. ’Then again, putting up a front doesn’t cost much—or raise suspicion.’

Caleb didn’t know much about the Baron or Marquise responsible for the region, so his thoughts remained speculation.

As he walked further in, people continued to eye him cautiously. While the stares were intense, no one dared to approach him. They just watched and whispered among themselves.

"Excuse me, Miss," Caleb said, spotting a young woman carrying a basket of vegetables. She noticed him, paused briefly, then turned to walk away.

At first, she didn’t realise he was calling her. But when she turned and saw Caleb’s outstretched hand, she stopped.

"Ye-Yes?" she stuttered, taking a small step back.

"Oh, sorry for the trouble," Caleb said with his hands raised in apology, stepping back as well. "I was just wondering if you could tell me where the village head lives."

"Oh... It’s that way," she pointed quickly and hurried off, not even waiting for a reply.

"Thanks," Caleb muttered, glancing in the direction she’d indicated. There, he spotted a building slightly higher than the surrounding ones. It wasn’t very noticeable if one wasn’t sure where to look.

He could have easily found the head’s location using his domain sense. But after his recent encounters, he was cautious.

There was always the chance that such beings were hiding among the villagers, and he had no intention of giving himself away. ’My eyes and ears are more than enough.’

He rarely relied on them, preferring the versatility of his domain sense. Still, his enhanced vision and hearing were exceptional—able to pick up on sounds and sights from several hundred meters away.

Ignoring the stares from the villagers, Caleb made his way to the village head’s residence, arriving after several minutes.

’Looks like news of my arrival’s already reached them,’ he mused, spotting a few figures gathered outside, along with several guards standing on alert.

"Stop right there," one guard said, stepping forward to block Caleb’s path. "You’ve gotten close enough." A few more guards moved to stand behind him, forming a barrier between Caleb and the older individuals behind them.

"State your name and your business here," the guard demanded.

"M-my name is El, and I seek employment!" Caleb said, giving a deep bow. "I’m sorry to show up during these difficult times, but I’ve run out of money. Without any, it’s hard to continue my journey!" He tweaked his story.

Caleb had no intention of spending more than a day in the village. Getting the employment only to ghost them the next day would make them even more wary towards real travellers.

"..."

No one replied for a few seconds. The guards simply watched him in silence. Then, the lead guard turned to glance at the village head. After a brief exchange of nods, the guard shifted his gaze back to Caleb, who was still bowing.

"There’s nothing here for you," The guard said. "Most of our lands have been seized by the neighbouring country. And as you clearly experienced, we’re not open to receiving guests."

"I-I understand..." Caleb replied as he slowly lifted his head. He appeared desperate and at his wits’ end, looking around helplessly. "Is-is it possible to stay here for just a day?"

The village head took a moment to consider Caleb’s request before giving the go-ahead. "Of course, it’s the least we can offer." The village chief signalled to one of the guards to lead Caleb to one of the nearby inns.

"Thank you." Caleb bowed to express his gratitude and followed behind the guard.

The village head and remaining guards watched as Caleb disappeared from sight. "What do you think, Harry?" The head asked his guard.

"There’s nothing suspicious about him yet." The lead guard replied. "But don’t worry, I’ll have some of my men watch him."

"Good." The village head nodded and turned around to leave. "Make sure the people keep their mouths shut. We don’t want any trouble."

"Yes," The guard nodded, watching as the head returned to his residence. "You heard the chief." The guard gestured at his men. With a nod, they spread out to carry out their duties.

’So something is indeed going on here...’ Caleb focused his attention on the guard leading the way, having already picked up on the conversation the village head had with his guards.

With a thought, Caleb switched his vision, allowing him to see through all obstacles. He carefully observed the other parts of the village that were unaware of his presence, noting how things weren’t that much different.

He spotted a tavern not far away from the inn he was being led to. For now, the place was mostly empty as it was still daytime. ’Nighttime would come soon.’

"We’re here..." The guard pointed at the small one-storey building ahead.