The Ancient Genes

Worker's District, Ocien.

'That certainly feels odd..' Rihanna muttered inwardly as she walked through the streets. The words of those workers in the restaurant had certainly left her confused.

"I have someone trailing me.." Argus's voice came through the transmitter, and Rihanna's steps paused.

"Good, the ones near Argus's location head towards him." Max's voice rang.

They already had a group of people from the Ancient family spread alongside them in disguise as civilians to act in time of need.

Rihanna turned her head, and her eyes met with a few of other people all around. These were all civilians, but that was only a disguise. She made a sign to them and spoke through another private channel, "You guys head to the Plum District for backup. I will follow in a bit."

The people around didn't immediately react, but slowly their movement began to change. Soon they would be gone from the place.

Rihanna on the other hand stayed behind because the factory firing workers seemed to be bugging her. She decided to take a look at the factory, just to get rid of the itchy feeling.

…

Resting Quarters, Ishtar Academy.

"Do you think August would be able to take the win for us?" Eren asked as he looked at Mark. The two were watching the live broadcast being displayed on the television.

It was only the first day of the competition yet Ocien, Blue City and Vienna were already out of the game.

Ocean didn't have Erina participating, their strongest member, it automatically put them at a disadvantage. Blue City was definitely not used to fighting in desert-like terrain. Hence, when the participants from the two Academy came across Arthur from Ishtar, they suffered a defeat.

The two definitely underestimated Arthur's advantage in this terrain.

As for Ren from Vienna, that guy was strong no doubt. But, he focused on his sword much more and hence specialized in close combat. And, one's movements were naturally affected with sand beneath. He too met his end in front of Melan from Trinity.

If the Academies thought they could just send their strongest to win, it was definitely wrong. They had to select the one best suited for the event in front of them, and most people seemed to be realizing it.

There was one surprising thing in this competition though. Orca hadn't sent any of their celestials. Instead they had to send out Arnold Barnes.

The guy's appearance naturally made Axel's face change. What he had been fearing for had happened.

The chances of Orca sending out Arnold were never low. Axel knew it from the very start. The guy had always thought of Arthur as a competition, and even if he didn't, it was obvious that he was the one most familiar with him.

Knowing one's enemy well, was naturally an advantage..

As long as Arnola could convince others that he was confident in bringing the win for them, they would naturally have to consider it.

And, even if Axle left all of that aside, one thing was known by everyone, Arthur would definitely hesitate to go seriously against his own brother. This was very obvious from his personality.

If Lear was present right now, Axel too would have used him to take advantage of this. So, naturally the Orca's thoughts shouldn't differ much from him.

Mark sat there on the couch looking at the screen. He was hoping for August to meet with Arnold before Arthur and eliminate this guy in order to prevent any mishaps.

"Crash!"

Eren's face twitched as he turned his head to look at the door of the room where the noise came from.

"What's wrong with him? Did Wilson piss him off?" Mark asked in confusion.

"He has been calling someone and the person is apparently hanging his call up." Eren shook his head with a smile.

"Is it his brother?" Mark asked, it was no secret among them now.

"I don't know, but it doesn't seem like it.." Eren replied as his lips curled up into a smile.

Mark looked at his expression with a faint smile on his face, and then got up and put his hand over Eren's shoulder before asking with interest, "Who is it?"

"He has been acting strange ever since Erina left," Eren said as he glanced at Axel's door.

Mark who had been excited all this suddenly seemed to lose all his interest as he shook his head. "Tsk..I got excited for no reason. I bet he is just too happy with both the siblings not in front of him.."

Erina was gone, and Wilson appeared once in two days for a few minutes. He bet Axel was having the time of his life.

"I am telling you it's not like this.." Eren was adamant on it though.

"Yeah.." Mark waved his hand clearly not believing him.

"Then how about we make a bet.."

"Oh.." Mark's interest was definitely caught in that.

"If it really is as I say, then you will help me with Ri.." Eren paused and then didn't continue.

"Help with what?" Mark asked in confusion.

"I will tell when the time comes," Eren replied.

"What if you asked me to rob a bank?" Mark asked as he stared at him.

"Seriously? You think I am going to do that?" Eren replied with a frown.

"Fine, as long as it is something I deemed to be not against my beliefs. I will do it." Mark nodded, "But, if you lose, I will have you accompany me in my training whenever I want.."

Water was the opposite of fire, it naturally was beneficial for him to train with Eren.

"Deal!"

"But, how are we going to find the reason for his current state?" Mark asked as he looked at Eren.

Eren too wasn't prepared for this.

As the two were pondering, the door to Axel's room opened up, and he walked out all dressed up, with a little frown on his face.

"I am leaving early. Take care of things behind my back." Axel looked at Mark, and then proceeded to head towards the main door.

"Leaving? Where?" Mark got up from the couch in surprise at this sudden event.

"Well, there is nothing more in Ishtar. So, I will go ahead and leave for Ocien." Axel calmly replied, and walked out of the room before anyone could say anything.

Both Mark and Eren stood there with a dumbfounded look on their faces before exchanging a look.

It was clear who had won the bet now.