The Ancient Genes

The next morning arrived as the sun once again rose, lighting up the dark forest.

And, the group got up in preparation for the task at hand.

"Act according to the plan. We don't need to kill that thing. We aren't even sure if it is possible to kill it. All we want is to get past it." The Chief explained things to everyone. He was obviously was the best person to take charge since there was another group from the village now.

"And, you guys don't rush forward. We don't need you to be the fighting force, but just be there as a distraction. It shouldn't be too much for you people." The Chief spoke as he looked at the group of four from the village.

"As you command Chief.." The tattooed man replied with a light bow.

"Good, then let's move.." The Chief nodded before turning his gaze towards Max. There was a serious look on his face. To be honest, they haven't decided how to keep an eye on these people while leaving their backs to them.

And, the reason for this was Max. He had asked them to let him deal with it. As for how he was going to deal with it, no one had any idea.

The group soon began to move, and with the past experience and the right path in mind, it didn't take them long to get back to the place where they had faced the never ending vines last time.

"Be careful.." The Chief spoke as the group slowed down their steps and cautiously proceeded ahead. Last time they had been caught off guard, and before they knew it, they were surrounded. This time, they weren't planning to make the same mistake.

"This is a little thrilling.." Blinken muttered with a smile.

"Yeah, until they suffocate you to death…so be careful.." Max replied with a smile. It was not like he couldn't understand this guy's words. The creatures in this forest were all very normal things which had somehow turned abnormal. Maybe it was for this reason that their presence resembled nature. And, it was very hard to single them out.

Old habits were hard to die out, hence, it was a little challenging which made it a bit thrilling as well.

"Ahh!"

Suddenly a scream rang and everyone's expression changed.  The person who had let out the scream was a member of the group of four from the village. He was walking furthest behind and a vine had somehow managed to sneak to him, and wrap onto his legs.

"Whoosh!"

As if his scream was some kind of signal, thick green vines began to surge from all directions.

"Charge!! Ahead! Pierce through.." The Chief shouted as he threw a fistful of flames straight towards the guy who was being dragged away after being caught by a vine. The flames perfectly incinerated the vines leaving the man without a slight hint of burn.

"Get yourself together. Are you really an elite squad? Or is something wrong with you now?!" The Chief glared at the group as he shouted at them. The display right now was indeed pathetic. Getting caught like that without even being able to struggle a bit or inform their teammate. There was no way one could tell these people were elite.

The tattooed man glared at the guy as well. They had discussed things thoroughly yesterday. And, it was planned they would try to tire them out by creating obstructions, and then use an opportunity to strike if it arises.

But, that didn't mean to create obstruction in such a foolish manner. The Chief wasn't a fool. He would probably be able to tell that something was wrong if it happened again.

After all, there was no way that an elite squad would act like amateurs.

Hence, the tattooed man immediately made signals with his hand, instructing his team to not act that foolishly.

"Tear ahead.." The Chief once again let out a roar as flames burst forth from his body, and rushed ahead.

On the other side, Blinken smirked and as if not wanting to be left behind, a gust of wind encircled his body and the next instant his body turned into a flash of light which began to cut through everything it came across.

Max on the other hand let out his wings and took to the sky to deal with the attacks coming from above as well as to provide support wherever necessary. And, of course, he was also observing the movement or the group of four.

'Well, they sure don't seem to be doing a bad job. It seems they won't come out and show their real face so easily..' Max muttered inwardly after observing them. The group was in back, so it was obvious that they didn't have that much toughness. And, it would be obvious if they made a slip there. But, they too seem to have realised this thing, and were doing their best.

Max actually was worried that these guys would not make any move. After all, the way Blinken and Chief were tearing apart things, he wouldn't blame these guys if they got scared.

'Well, let's see what they do. Their leader seems to be calm in all situations and his team seems to have their full trust in him too. This can be a little troublesome..'

….

On the other side…

Ocien.

"Wahh!!"

A girl's cry resounded through the room. The little girl who had been rescued by Aria and Elly had finally woken up.

Currently, Elly held the little girl in her arms as she wailed. But, it didn't seem the physical pain was more pressing to her, but it was probably the mental one.

The pain of losing her brother right in front of her eyes.

The little girl had shared her story a little earlier, and it had really sent chills down everyone's spine while turning their faces dark.

The sound of sobbing slowly dimmed down and it finally stopped after a while. It was apparent that the little girl had fallen asleep after tiring herself out.

A pin drop silence slowly covered the entire room. The atmosphere was gloomy and no one seemed to know what to say.

It was at this moment that Aria spoke up with a grim look on her face, "I can't let this pass…that guy must be met with judgement.."