The Ancient Genes

"Dad, what's going on?" Lora came downstairs while holding her head. She didn't know what had happened. But, she sure remembered blacking out half the way somewhere. And, the next thing she knew was waking up on her bed.

Roman looked at her and his face immediately twitched. He wasn't sure whether to tell her about Lear or not. He was already sweating inside thinking about Melinda raging over it.

But, he had all the right to test that guy. What was wrong with it?

Yet, here he was regretting it a bit.

"My Lord, we have found Lord Barnes' location.." A servant immediately came in to report, and Roman immediately got up.

"You take a rest for now. And, don't leave the house." Roman gently rubbed Lora's head before heading out of the mansion.

…

Ander had actually gone to a different Hospital which was run by the Barnes House. Arnold was admitted there. He wasn't in any serious condition, but it seemed that the burn marks were going to take a long time to heal.

"Thank you, Doctor.." Ander nodded at the Doctor with a grateful look on his face. And the moment he turned around, he saw Romans standing in front of him with a heavy look on his face.

"I couldn't inform you. I found my son injured. So, I had to rush him here."

Roman turned his head and saw the guy inside the room through the glass pane. But, he remembered that Max had talked about this very guy being a culprit. But, he didn't have much time to dwell on that matter now.

"Is my Wife up? And, how are the kids?" Ander asked as he sat down on one of the seats.

He had heard from Melinda that everything was fine, and there wasn't any need to worry. This was the reason that he was at a little ease. He had already called for the Elder of his House stationed around here. Once he arrived, Ander could free himself to go and have a look at others.

"Hmmn?" Ander saw that Roman was still standing there with a nasty look on his face. Something was definitely off. "What's wrong?"

"I have bad news.." Roman looked at Ander and finally spoke with a serious face. The frown on Ander's face deepened as he got up from his seat.

"What is it?"

Ander had already understood that something had happened. But, he didn't lose his calm.

Roman explained everything to him, and Ander's expression changed with each of his words.

….

Soon, Ander arrived at the hospital and his arrival immediately engulfed the place in silence.

He stood there looking at Lear for a good while before finally turning around and walking out of the place.

"Come with me.."

Ander's voice rang in Max's ear and he turned his head to look at him.

….

Once Max and Ander were outside, Ander finally spoke, "You told me to be careful of my second son. But, he was injured as well. And, even Lear is in that condition."

"Are you really unable to see through lies, my Lord?" Max looked at Ander, and surely felt that distant voice. He could feel that something was coming for sure.

"True, I can't see who is the liar here." Ander looked at Max and the two stared off in silence for a minute.

"You are the only one all fine." Ander finally broke the ice.

"Huh?" Max looked at him feeling it was unreal. Was he being suspected now?

"You think I have something to do with it?" He asked him with a serious face.

"No, I don't think it's you." Ander shook his head. "But…"

There was more to it than that, it seemed.

"..neither do I suspect my son."

"You people are both pointing a finger at each other. And, I am not sure who is right and who is wrong. So, until I find out. None of you two will approach Lear, and remember I will have my eyes on you two." Ander looked at Max with those serious eyes of his..

Max could feel the killing intent in them as well. It was better to not argue with him. As for getting to Lear, Max had more ways than one.

But, what surprised Max was the fact that Arnold was blaming Max for Lear's condition. That guy was surely up to something new now.

'I will deal with you guys soon..' Max muttered inwardly as a chilling light flashed through his eyes.

In the end, Max gave Ander a last look before turning around and leaving.

….

The next morning arrived..

"Will someone explain to me what's going on?" Riser asked with a frown as he looked around. It was time for the competition, and yet their participating members were all missing.

Eren had no idea as well, and everybody kept asking him what was going on.

Lisa on the other hand kept quiet. She obviously knew what had gone down, but she didn't know if it was right to inform them about the matter.

"What is all this ruckus about?"

A voice sounded in the room, and everyone turned their heads to look at Axel standing at the door. The guy had finally returned after going missing for the whole night.

"Where have you been?!"

"Why didn't you pick up your calls?!"

Questions immediately began to rain down on him.

Axel had actually spent the night in the hospital as well. Max had dropped him and Erina in one of the other hospitals. He didn't have any serious injuries, but still to make sure that he was in proper condition for the competition, he spent the night there.

"Where are the other guys?" Eren suddenly asked with a frown.

"They aren't coming, we had some issues. So, we will be changing the line up now." Axel announced, looking at them. And, everybody's eyes widened in surprise.

"It will be me, Terry and Eren participating in the competition."

"Wait! What do you mean they aren't coming?" Eren couldn't help, but ask. He wasn't prepared for this.

"Do you want to waste time on hearing that or listen to the strategy? We have less than an hour to prepare.." Axel looked at him, and Eren immediately shut his mouth up.