The Ancient Genes

"You people.." Eren grinded his teeth in anger as he looked at the guys around. Now, he finally knew what these people thought about him.

"Fine! I admit! I didn't come up with those deductions!!" Eren looked upset as he admitted it. He felt that he was admitting to the fact that he was an idiot.

"Oh.." Everyone suddenly eased on hearing that, and this only made Eren's face darker.

'This guys…' He really wanted to bash their faces. But, he knew he would be beaten if he even dared to say it out loud.

"Who was it then?" Axle suddenly asked as he looked at him.

"Riser," Eren replied with an annoyed look on his face.

"Since Rias was annoying him with it, he shared it with her." The guy had actually told her sister that Max and others had been injured and it was most likely because they had engaged with someone stronger than them.

And, now the question was who?

Well, he asked her to go and check if there were some incidents recently or not. And, then she would find it. After all, if people at Max's level fought, there was no way that it would be quiet.

But, he also asked Rias to not be too nosy about the matter. He had made her promise that she wouldn't ask anyone or even tell anyone about it.

It was clear had just told her about his deductions because she hadn't left him with any option. And, he had enough of her annoying techniques.

"So, how in hell did you come to know?" Axel asked as he looked at him with a frown on his face.

"Umn.." Eren suddenly turned quiet.

"This guy was obviously sneaking around and eavesdropping.." Wilson looked at him suspiciously.

"Well, he has a crush on Rias. So, I think he was looking for an opportunity to talk," Mark said with a smirk on his face.

"Y-You!! Stop talking rubbish!!" Eren immediately glared at the guy. He was seething with anger, and breathing heavily.

If not for the fact that he was hundred percent sure about getting beaten up, he would surely have rushed up ahead to beat these people up.

Max looked at Eren with a smile, he didn't know if the guy actually had a crush on her or not. But, he sure was embarrassed. At least they found a way to tease him.

'Would you guys stop talking bullshit and just answer my questions or not?' Eren glared at them, and the group immediately turned quiet once again.

They really didn't know what to do, and just looked at Max. He had pulled them in here, and another new member would come in with his approval as well. After all, he was the one who was connecting everyone here.

Max looked at the guy and frowned a bit.

It was not like he did not trust Eren.

But, telling about this matter would be of no use to him. Max himself wasn't at a level to affect the bigger picture much less him. Their only goal should be to increase their strength for now or create opportunities for the same.

If he told the guy about everything, then there were changes to two things happening.

First, he might take it in a positive way and work hard.

Second, he might crumble in the stress.

It wasn't easy to accept the fact that humanity might go extinct in the next few years.

So, the decision wasn't an easy one.

"You really want to know?" Max asked him.

Eren looked at them, and nodded. He didn't like being kept out of it.

"What will you do after finding it?" Max further asked. "What if I say it isn't something that someone at your level could do anything about.."

Eren quieted for a moment. It wasn't like he did not believe Max. If even Max and Wilson could end up like that, then surely he would…

He couldn't help but gulp nervously just thinking about it.

"Lear right now, is in a near death state. Are you willing to take the risk?"

Eren's eyes immediately widened.

The information had been made public yet, so Eren had no idea about it. But, looking at everyone's face, he knew that they were serious.

He couldn't open his mouth to reply.

Was he willing to take the risk?

Why had he decided to become a Mage?

Well, it was because he had a great affinity as an awakener.

He hated the way that the Noble Society worked, he wanted to change things for people.

The Nobles didn't do their job well, that was what he thought…

But, what about now?

Wasn't he doing the same? He was hesitating, when as a Mage and a privileged one, he should be stepping up to use his powers for the benefit of the people.

Yet, he felt fear…

There was nothing that he could do about it.

'What am I hesitating for?'

'Fear..' He looked at his shaking palm,

'Who doesn't feel it?' He questioned himself and clenched his fist. Hell, he even felt fear while riding a bicycle. Was the fear greater now?

He didn't think so..

Well, he had a few screws loose as well.

"I will support you guys. I will bear the responsibility which comes with power."

"Woah! Look at him, turning into a real Hero..I am impressed.." Mark smiled, and Eren instantly turned red.

But, Mark couldn't help himself. He had seen him behave like a jerk since the first day after all.

"Well, since you have made the decision. I will appreciate your courage." Max nodded in acknowledgement.

Eren prepared himself for the truth. He couldn't help, but feel a bit nervous.

"I will tell you everything.."

Eren nodded at Max urging him to continue.

"...after you break through Expert Tier.."

"Huh?" Eren stared at him.

All that hype and his internal monologue..

What the hell was that all for?

"Don't give me that look." Max calmly looked at him, "Right now, we don't need anything but to win the competition. That is a part of our important plan, once you do that, the truth will start to become obvious. And, if it still doesn't become clear, I will tell you once I feel you are strong enough to know about it."

Max was serious here.

Seeing how strong their enemies were becoming, he knew that they had to raise their level.. If not, it would be difficult to survive.