Genetic Ascension novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136 Seventh

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"I've heard that many of our returnees didn't heed our advice, entering the Trial anyway?" Mortimer spoke in a deep voice.

"Yes." The three spoke at the same time, each one wanting to get the initiative. They had also had their own reports to give, but when they spoke at once like this, they were forced to stop. If they tried to talk over one another, they would just earn themselves the disdain of this man.

Mortimer chuckled. He could see through the thoughts of these descendants of his, and he didn't mind it. This was how a Grimblade should be.

"And what do you think we should do with them? One by one, this time. Starting with you," Mortimer pointed his cigar at Malachi.

Standing up straighter, Malachi replied. "Those not smart enough to grasp our implied meanings can't be nurtured. They've overstepped their bounds and should be treated as such. There's no need to act directly against them, but they shouldn't be priorities. Instead, we can use them as a lesson to others, and a constant reminder of what it means to ignore our words."

Mortimer nodded and turned to Lucius. "And you."

"I believe that it will depend. That they did isn't as important as why they did. We should observe them, maybe even reward them so that they show more of their true natures.

"If they entered the Trial because of curiosity, it can be forgiven, and that courage should be nurtured. If they entered because of ambition, those wills should be crushed, and I believe we should find an opportunity to get rid of them. The dead are not a threat."

Mortimer nodded once again, his expression still giving nothing away before he looked toward Astrid.

"And you."

"I believe that the more ambitious they are, the better. This is how the Grimblades should be. A dull tool is not a useful tool. It is the job of a leader to wield them, and the job of a warrior to not be harmed by their own double-edged blade.

"The head of the Grimblades should have the confidence to use their people. If we neuter them all, what would be the point? We would be a family without generals."

"Haha!" Mortimer suddenly laughed, slapping a palm on his desk before rising to his feet. "I will be honest, of your answers, my style is the most like Lucius'"

Lucius' eyes brightened.

Mortimer continued, "having people that are too ambitious is a problem, and it's best if they're weeded out. Under normal circumstances, this is a strength of a family, but when the world is in a burgeoning state of rapid growth, where heroes can be made overnight, it's much too great a risk to take.

"However, Lucius also performed the worst amongst the three of you, ranking just fifth on the Leaderboard, and Astrid not only ranked second, but her words have stirred something within me.