The Ancient Genes

Outskirts, Ishtar City.

The sky was still a little dark, and it was almost the time for daybreak. The streets of the city were pretty much empty, and occasionally a few people could be seen here and there.

A group of mercenaries were currently heading outside of the city in pickup trucks. The vehicle sure seemed to be modified for off road travels. It was not something uncommon around Ishtar. After all, the Borders were not that far, and Mercenary groups were always moving in and out.

But, there were sure some familiar faces among this group of mercenaries.

"Are we really going towards the border?" Mr. Cool asked with a little surprised look on his face.

"Lower your voice…" Bayu gave him a glare. "People here do not know that you are normal humans.."

It was true, this group was actually made up of all demons. But, most of them seemed to have been former humans who had undergone transformation. Even Mr. Cool was shocked when he suddenly found himself surrounded by so many creepy auras. But, with his personality, it sure took him less than a minute to adjust.

After all, aside from girls, he only had himself in his eyes.

"Chill..I was just asking.." Mr. Cool gave him a smile, and lightly combed his hair with his fingers. "I would have prepared things, if I knew that we were going through jungles.."

"By the way, what's with that huge Armored Vehicle?" Mark asked in a low voice as he looked at the vehicle which was moving in between all the other units. It was clear that it had the most amount of protection.

"There is someone important tagging along this time. If not, there wouldn't be so many people for protection. Not to mention, we wouldn't even be able to get you guys inside," Bayu further added.

He didn't say that this important person was the Princess.

After all, there was no way that such information would be divulged so easily. There were too many enemies waiting for an opportunity.

"By the way, do I really have to keep this thing on me all the time? It's honestly disgusting.." Mr. Cool looked at the pouch that he had tied to his waist. And, this pouch wasn't ordinary. It was made from an extremely tough beast hide, and there were even defensive formations on it.

But, that still wasn't the most important thing about it. The most important thing was that it was giving off a strong Demonic aura, and had totally suppressed the human-like aura.

As for what was inside this pouch. Well, it was actually a throbbing heart.

An artificial Demonic heart.

It really was disgusting, and hence the three of them had tightly tied it, so as not to get a single glimpse of it.

"Hmph! That is the only thing which will be saving your lives from here on. Remember, normal demons can't tell the difference between humans and demons just like it is on your side." Bayu explained it to them, "But, those pure blood ones are different. They are like the scums of the Ancient families, and have their own tricks to identify humans. So, be careful and don't let that pouch get away from you even for a second.

"Can it hide us even if we use our powers?" Wilson asked with a serious look on his face. It was an important thing for them.

"Channel your mana energy through the Demon Heart. It will help you to convert it to Demonic energy. But, since it is not in direct connection with you, I doubt you will be able to display your true strength. Even one-fifth would be a lot, if you manage to achieve it," Bayu replied.

What he said was being practiced by Max as well, but Max could actually use almost all the power as he had his clone in direct connection with the Royal Demon Blood.

"But, what if we need to use our full power. Like a serious battle.." Mark asked with a serious look on his face.

"If there comes a time, when you have to use your full power. Then make sure to do either of these two things," Bayu replied as he looked at the trio, "Either kill every person who saw you using your power, or open that pouch and swallow that goddamn thing.."

"…"

A silence immediately enveloped the three of them.

"Yeah, there is a third option as well…death.." Bayu further added with a smirk on his face. He was clearly looking down on them. The kids were here on an infiltrative mission, and they wanted to use their powers.

It was not like they were planning to infiltrate the common populace. They were actually aiming for the Royal Tribes. Trying to use your powers in such a place, was the same as seeking death.

It would take a second for people to realize that you were a human and one more to sever your head.

Mark's expression turned serious. He fully understood how risky this mission was going to be. As for the two other guys beside him, they still had that nonchalant look on their faces.

Soon, their entourage reached the Border City of Kline.

Max had emerged from this part of the border and made his way towards Ishtar when he had come out of the Ancient Cemetery.

There were a lot of strong auras around the city, and their group sure garnered some attention. After all, when such a huge team was venturing into Orena, it was usually for something very important.

It was very likely that they were going to face some very dangerous mana beast in the deeper regions.

"Get ready for combat. We are moving in!" The leader of their group gave out the command.

Mark turned his head, and saw the gates of the city getting farther from them as lush green vegetation began to fill their surroundings.. They were finally out of human territory.