Lord of the Time: I Can Reincarnate Infinitely

The driver pulled up, right on time, in front of Caleb's massive gate. Caleb, or Adam as he was known in this world, threw his bag into the backseat and hopped in, waving a casual goodbye to the mansion that had been his world.

As the car rolled away, the guards clustered around, their curiosity getting the better of their usual stoic demeanor. "So, what's the deal with Manila Clark Airport?" one of them called out, leaning closer.

Caleb leaned out the window, "Oh, you know, it's less crowded than Ninoy Aquino, faster check-ins, and way smoother for private flights. Perfect for a quick, unnoticed take-off," he explained, with a wink.

The guards nodded, impressed with the details. "And the Earth team, you meeting them there?" another guard shouted, trying to keep the conversation going as the car picked up speed.

"Yeah, that's the plan," Caleb shouted back, settling into his seat. "There are seven of us in total, including me. We're the crew for Universe Ascendancy. Can you believe it? From this old mansion to the stars!"

The guards waved him off, their faces a mix of pride and concern. Caleb watched the mansion disappear in the rearview mirror, feeling a strange mix of exhilaration and something else, maybe fear or just the weight of what was coming.

He turned his thoughts to the Earth team he was about to meet. Seven souls, including himself, chosen for Universe Ascendancy. He mulled over the briefs he'd read about them: a scientist with a knack for astrophysics, a doctor known for her work in space medicine, an engineer who'd spent more time on the International Space Station than on Earth, and a few others from diverse fields, each a pioneer in their own right.

The trip to Manila Clark Airport was a bit of a trek, needing four stops before they finally pulled into the airport. First, they stopped at a quaint roadside cafe, its neon sign flickering against the dawn light. Caleb grabbed a strong coffee, letting the bitterness snap him out of his daze. Then, it was a quick stop at a gas station, where he stretched his legs and watched the sunrise. The third halt was unexpected, a traffic snarl near a construction site, giving Caleb too much time to think, to doubt. But he shook it off, focusing on the journey ahead. The last stop was brief, at a viewpoint overlooking the city, a reminder of the world he was about to leave behind.

Manila Clark Airport was bustling, even in the early hours. The entrance was framed by towering glass panels that gleamed under the first rays of the sun, reflecting a spectrum of colors. The modern facade was punctuated by sleek metal accents, giving it a futuristic vibe. Inside, the terminal was a hive of activity. The departure hall buzzed with travelers, the air filled with a mix of languages and the scent of coffee mingling with the perfume of duty-free shops.

The floors were polished to a high sheen, reflecting the myriad of overhead LED lights that cast a bright, almost sterile glow. Digital boards flashed flight information in rapid succession, and the check-in area was a long row of counters, each manned by uniformed staff wearing friendly, professional smiles.

Caleb noticed the details: the high ceilings giving a sense of openness, the sound-absorbing panels that somehow reduced the noise to a comfortable hum, and the waiting lounges with their plush seating and charging stations at every seat. Art installations, representing the Philippines' rich cultural heritage, adorned the walls, providing a stark contrast to the airport's modernity.

Caleb slouched in the backseat, his gaze fixed on the rearview mirror, watching the airport hustle outside. Turning to his driver, he dropped his usual charm, adopting a more casual, almost indifferent tone. "Hey, when you get back, say goodbye to my two brothers, mom, and dad for me, will you? I didn't get around to it this morning, but we had our goodbyes yesterday anyway."

The driver, accustomed to Caleb's fluctuating moods, nodded, "Of course, Mr. Adam. They'll understand, I'm sure."

Caleb stared out the window, feigning a moment of vulnerability. "Yeah, I just didn't want to go through all that emotional stuff again, you know? Makes it harder to leave."

The driver glanced at Caleb through the rearview mirror, offering a sympathetic smile. "I understand, sir. Leaving is never easy."@@novelbin@@

Caleb shifted in his seat, his tone lightening. "Anyway, you can head back now. No use you hanging around here. I've got to wait for my damn team anyway. It might take a while before they all show up."

"Are you sure, sir? I can wait with you, no trouble at all," the driver offered, his loyalty to Caleb's family making him willing to go the extra mile.

Caleb waved a hand dismissively, "Nah, go on. I'm on my own now. Got to start getting used to it, right? Besides, I need some time to think, plan things out before we all meet up."

The driver paused, then nodded, understanding the unspoken order. "Very well, Mr. Adam. If you need anything, just call."

"Will do," Caleb replied, his mind already racing ahead to his next moves, how he'd spin his solo arrival into a narrative of independence and leadership for his team.

As the car pulled away, Caleb watched it disappear, a smug smile playing on his lips. He enjoyed orchestrating these little scenes, leaving unsaid goodbyes and crafted messages behind him.

As Caleb walked through the terminal, his steps echoed softly on the tile. He passed by the expansive windows that offered a view of planes taking off and landing.

Caleb strolled up to the check-in counter with a charm that masked his calculating mind. Flashing a practiced smile, he engaged the staff, "Hey, can you walk me through the whole check-in dance? I like to know exactly what I'm stepping into."

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The staff member, caught up in Caleb's friendly demeanor, launched into the details. "Sure, you'll need your ID and boarding pass here. Then you head to security—belts, shoes, electronics out. After that, it's straight to the gate. But, you look like a frequent flyer; you know the drill, right?"

Caleb nodded, feigning appreciation, while mentally noting how he could use these procedures to his advantage. "And what about the flight itself? When do we take off and land? I'm all about the details," he pressed, leaning in as if sharing a secret.

"Well, we're scheduled for a smooth seven-hour flight. We take off at 10 AM sharp, catch the tailwind this time of year, so it's faster. We'll be cruising at 35,000 feet, minimal turbulence expected," the staff explained, pointing at the flight path on the screen.

"Nice, nice," Caleb murmured, his mind already racing through the flight patterns, figuring out when would be the best time to discuss certain... business opportunities with his fellow passengers.

Switching gears, he asked, "And what about the rules up there? I'm a stickler for the regulations, you know?"

The staff, now thoroughly engaged, outlined the specifics. "Well, for starters, all electronic devices must be in airplane mode until we say otherwise. No moving around when the seatbelt sign is on, and absolutely no tampering with the smoke detectors in the lavatories. Oh, and for this flight, we have an extra regulation: no unauthorized communication with the ground during the blackout periods for security reasons."

"Got it, safety first, right?" Caleb chuckled, his mind ticking over how he could manipulate these rules to create a narrative of reliability and strict adherence to the protocol, useful for building trust.