Infinity

Shen stood in the foyer, swarmed by most of the Relic Raiders. Rachael was at work, and Xavian had mysteriously disappeared… again. Everyone else was eager to meet with the one and only benefactor who started Kaito and Rina’s journey.

Shen stood there in front of everyone, dusting himself off. His long, stone gray hair was tied in a ponytail. He wore a beige mage robe tucked into samurai-esc pants, accompanied by stilted sandals to complete his Japanese aesthetic.

“It’s nice to meet you, uh…” Shen did not know the group’s name.

“Relic Raiders, Master Shen,” Celeste answered.

“Relic Raiders… An excellent name,” Shen responded.

Kaito was bewildered that Celeste did not insult Shen as she did with everyone else, but the thought was put on hold.

“Now, to get down to business,” Shen got serious. “I imagine Kouki will be more eager to retaliate against us, knowing that I have escaped, so we have limited time.”

“Why do we have to wait for him?” Kaito announced. “ With our forces, we should be able to mop the floor with Kouki! Let’s attack him first!”

“No,” Shen said bluntly. “Kouki could easily defeat everyone here alone, except for me.”

“H-how?” Kaito asked, being humbled.

Shen answered with one simple word…

“Infinity.”

Infinity was a special, exalted form only the reincarnated could use. It allows the bearer to have infinite stamina and enhanced physical capabilities. Kouki and all his allies were capable of using this form.

With it activated, someone could use infinite skills with no drawback. Appearance-wise, the user’s eyes will glow and be encapsulated in an aura.

The primary prerequisite to use it properly is level 100. It could be activated without being level 100, but it would only be unconsciously when the user’s life is at risk. Even then, the user will be on a time limit. The lower the level, the shorter the time limit.

“I-I think this was how I defeated Francis,” Kaito explained.

“Good, you have at least experienced it once before,” Shen responded. “It was only for a brief moment, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah, but it felt amazing!” said Kaito.

Shen smiled with solace. “Well, the first thing we need to do is get you to level 100. We’ll still be heavily outnumbered two to five in those who can use Infinity, but it’s better than one.”

“U-um,” Iori interrupted sheepishly. “I’m actually a reincarnated too…”

Shen looked pleasantly surprised. “Oh, this is excellent news! I was unaware there were two reincarnated in your group. Now tell me, what levels do we have to work with?”

“Master Shen, allow me,” Celeste responded.

____________________________________________________________________________

Shen now sat slouched over on the patio, hand to his face. The group began training immediately after Shen learned of Kaito and Iori’s level. According to Celeste’s recent appraisals, Iori was level 34, and Kaito was 73.

Shen sighed, “Kaito’s level is at least workable, but I can’t see how we’ll have enough time to level up Iori.”

“My apologies, Master Shen,” Celesete said, standing behind Shen. “If only I could have given you more acceptable information.”

“It’s not your fault, Celeste. Pay it no mind.” Shen reassured.

Just having finished her fair share of mock battles, Rina approached Shen.

“Hey Shen, do you mind if I ask you a question?” Rina asked.

“Oh, Rina,” Shen responded. “If I can, I will gladly.”

“I appreciate it,” Rina thanked Shen, before sharing her thoughts. “Do you know who killed my father, King Nakamura?”

Shen looked confused. “Huh? I thought I already told you all, Kouki killed him. Were you not present during that message?”

Rina’s eyes turned emotionless. “Oh, really? Excuse me for a second.”

Shen and Celeste looked terrified upon seeing Rina’s expression.

“Did I say something I shouldn’t have?” Shen mentioned.

“I-I’m not sure,” Celeste answered.

The two watched as everyone’s training was halted by Rina alone. The sound of punches and objects clashing was heard until those who were Rina’s target were punished.

Kaito, Khrom, Evona, and Iori all sat on their knees with huge lumps on their heads. Iori was the only one crying, but the others still felt the pain.

Rina stood before them with her arms crossed as Shen, Celeste, and all the other present Relic Raiders members watched on the patio behind her. Lessia, in particular, was letting out a few giggles before Estelle had to silence her.

“So…” Rina eerily shared her complaints, “Who would like to share why I wasn’t informed about the killer of my father?”

Khrom turned towards Kaito, “Wait, you didn’t tell her!?”

“The opportunity never arose…” Kaito said, ashamed.

Rina glared at Kaito, not accepting that as an answer. Kaito flinched in response.

“Evona can’t tell up from down,” stated Evona as she wobbled in her sitting position.

“We’re sorry, Rina.” Iori finally apologized for the group, still crying from the pain.

Shen, feeling bad for them, came to their aid. “Rina, surely you can give them a break? I’m sure they had no ill intentions behind it.”

Rina turned to Shen and thought about his suggestion. Hesitantly, she backed off to let the four off the hook.

“I think this is a good time for a break,” Shen announced.

“Then I have questions!” Kaito shouted, adamantly raising his hand. “Ones that won’t hurt me.”

“Ask away,” Shen responded.