The Ancient Genes

A group of people laid low in the green forest cover observing something in the distance. This group was precisely the one trailing Max and others.

"Why are we not making a move? There were several opportunities to act.." One of the guys suddenly spoke looking towards a man who had strange tattoos all over his body. And from the way everyone else looked at him, it was obvious that he was the team leader.

"Don't forget that their individual strength is greater than ours. Don't underestimate them.." The man spoke with a calm look on his face. "Besides, it seems they have noticed us already.."

The other three people's expressions change upon hearing that. They didn't in the least have an idea about it. They were very confident in their skills to camouflage themselves and hide their tracks.

"How is this possible? We have been maintaining an appropriate distance, and I am sure they haven't tracked our steps in any manner, we were always behind them.."

The other guys too had a frown on their face with a similar thought in mind.

"I know, but.." The tattooed guy spoke with a pause as he once again looked into the distance. "Those two guys are a little different then the chief..it's just my intuition..but something is off about them. So, don't let your guard down.."

The three of them nodded with a serious look on their face. If they knew one thing, then that was to trust this man blindfolded. He was the leader of their unit, and the reason they were called the best was all because of this man's lead. They knew this fact themselves.

"Told you there was someone here.." Suddenly, a voice rang around in the vicinity and it immediately alerted the group.

The tattooed man still maintained his calm as he slowly tilted his head to look at the person standing above at the branch of the giant tree.

It was Blinken.

The tattooed man slowly turned his head towards his man, and gestured them secretly not to make any move. He knew what his advantages in the current situation were.

"How can I help you?" The tattooed man asked as he looked at Blinken.

"Since you didn't ask for an introduction, then I assume you already know who I am?" Blinken asked with a smile as Max and Village Chief's figure descended from the sky near the group.

"Look, I told you guys there was someone behind.." Blinken said with a joyful look on his face as he jumped down landing beside the two of them.

Village Chief on the other hand ignored him and instead stared directly at the tattooed man and the group with him.

"Are you guys from the village?" He finally asked with a calm look on his face.

"Yes, Chief.." The tattooed man politely replied with a bow. Since he was send on the mission, it was obvious that he knew the Chief well and that included his personality too.

"Why are you here?" The Chief asked with a dominant tone as an oppressive aura surged out of him. It was not something that came from his own personal strength, but authority that he had cultivated. Even Max would lack when compared to him in this aspect.

"We are here just to ensure your safety. Please forgive us for tailing you. But, even if you have to punish us, you will have to wait until we get back to the village. Because we still have the mission to protect you."

"Oh…well ain't this great.." Blinken cut off in between the two before the Chief could reply. He happily walked up to the tattooed man and put his hand across his shoulder with the widest smile on his face, "We were just lacking people, your help surely has come at the right time, and will definitely be appreciated.."

Hearing his words the group's expression twitched a little but their leader still maintained that calm expression on his face.

"We are not well versed in combat, we prioritize in protecting from shadows…." The tattooed man spoke with a polite tone as he looked at the Chief.

"Come on, you won't have that much pressure. We just need you to fill in the numbers.." Blinken smiled at him, and the leader's face twitched a little at this guy's attitude.

"We are indeed in need of a few people. Don't worry, we will make sure not to burden you people. So, help out a little…" The Village Chief spoke as he looked at the man.

And, even though it sounded like a request, it was an order indeed.

Everyone knew, and the tattooed man just bowed a little as he spoke, "As you wish, Chief.."

Well, no one could see his face with it facing below. But, his expression seemed to have changed a little, and there was indeed a frown on his face.

'This can be an opportunity but why does something feels off....'

"Well, it's getting late…let's stay the night and begin the work in the morning.." The Chief once again spoke, and the group dispersed a little to take their places.

The tattooed man and his group maintained a little distance, as if showing respect to the Chief and allowing him his space.

"They sure are not the most friendly type.." Blinken laughed a little as he looked at those guys far away.

"Well, they definitely didn't expect this situation I think.." Max spoke with a smile.

"But, are you guys sure? Isn't it like inviting the wolf inside the house? If they really are the bad apples, then they will stab you in the back…" The Chief spoke with a serious look on his face.

"Well, leave that to me. I am just happy to see that you are finally on the same page as us.." Max smiled. He had it all planned. The only thing that he was more interested to know was how things would go after these guys revealed their true faces. After all, the Chief's words have given him a bit of expectation.

He was hoping for some surprises.