Lord of the Time: I Can Reincarnate Infinitely

As the team continued their search through the area, tension hung in the air, thick and palpable. They relied heavily on Markus's sensory abilities to guide them, each member alert and on edge. After some time, Markus halted abruptly, his expression grave. He gathered the team around him, ensuring everyone was close enough to hear the critical update.

"I've just picked up on the presences within our 2-kilometer range, and it's worse than we expected," Markus began, his voice low and serious. "The difficulty of this mission isn't just A-level—it's at least S-level. We're looking at eight Silver tier members of Evil's Eye Call, about fifty Bronze tier, and there's a strong presence that could only be a Gold tier, likely their leader."

The news struck the team like a cold wave. Elina, the support member, was the first to voice the concern that shadowed all their faces. "This is out of our league. Taking on a force like that head-on... it's too much. Should we even proceed?"

The question hung in the air, heavy and unsettling. Tomas, ever the strategist, offered a different angle, trying to salvage their mission without unnecessary risks. "What if we adjust our approach? Instead of confronting them directly, we focus on rescuing the victims. We could possibly take out some of the Bronze tier members, or even a few Silvers if we find the right opportunity."

Markus considered Tomas's suggestion, nodding slowly. The plan had merit, focusing on their strengths and the primary goal of reducing the Evil's Eye Call's grip on the innocent. He then turned to Caleb, seeking the perspective of their most experienced member. Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire

"Old man, what do you think? Should we proceed with Tomas's plan, try to save those kidnapped, and fight only when necessary?" Markus asked, his gaze fixed on Caleb, recognizing the value of his wisdom in such a critical decision.

The group's eyes turned to Caleb, awaiting his answer, the weight of the decision pressing down on them all. Caleb paused, his expression thoughtful as he considered the dangers and the slim chance of success. The tension rose as he opened his mouth to respond, his next words potentially deciding the fate of their mission...

...

With the plan to adjust their approach and focus on rescue rather than direct confrontation, the group looked to Caleb for his thoughts. The old blacksmith, seasoned yet spirited, gave a grin and shrugged, "I'm just going to go with the flow here. But let's be clear, it's crucial we wipe out those scumbags and save the children. If I can lend a hand in saving the young ones with these old hands of mine, then that's an accomplishment."

The squad exchanged looks, some rolling their eyes at Caleb's words, which seemed a mix of bravado and genuine determination. Despite their skepticism about his dramatic phrasing, they couldn't help but be impressed by Caleb's bravery and readiness to face such dangers.

With their plan in place, the team began to move stealthily towards the suspected location of the Evil's Eye Call's base. Elina, their support member, stepped forward, activating her Level 1 Ki technique known as "Chameleon's Stealth." As they moved, they became nearly invisible, blending seamlessly with their surroundings.

Marcus, keeping close to Caleb, explained in a low voice, "Elina's technique is what's keeping us off the enemy's radar. It masks our presence, almost like we're part of the landscape."

Elina, overhearing Marcus, decided to add more details for Caleb, who seemed fascinated. "The principle behind Chameleon's Stealth is simple yet effective. It alters the Ki energy around us to match our environment, making us virtually invisible to the naked eye and most sensory abilities."

Tomas, always quick to simplify complex ideas, chimed in with an analogy, "Think of it like we're chameleons, old man. Just like how the lizard changes its color to match the tree or the rock it's on, we're doing the same with our Ki."

Caleb nodded, clearly appreciating the explanation. "Clever technique," he murmured, his eyes scanning the shadowed path ahead.

As they continued their careful advance, the tension among them grew. Every shadow and every sound seemed to hold potential danger. But then, as they neared a particularly dense thicket, Markus signaled for a halt. His face set into a serious expression as he pointed towards a hidden, almost imperceptible pathway that led underground.

"There," he whispered, his voice barely audible even to his nearby teammates. "That has to be the entrance to their base."

...

The squad approached the entrance to the underground passage, the air thick with anticipation and unease. Each member paused, taking in the foreboding entrance that dipped beneath the earth.

Caleb, squinting into the darkness, muttered, "Looks like the mouth of a beast ready to swallow us whole." Despite his words, his grip tightened on his tools, ready for what lay ahead.

Elina, ever the calm one, took a deep breath and reassured the group, "Stay close, and keep your eyes peeled. We've got this."

Markus, examining the structure, nodded, "This won't be easy, but we're prepared." He then led the way, his senses heightened.

Rolf, cracking his knuckles, grinned, "Time to show what we're made of."

As they cautiously made their way down the dank, echoing passageway, the silence was abruptly broken. A minute into their descent, a hidden trap was triggered—an onslaught of shurikens hurling towards them.

Markus reacted instantly. "Duck!" he shouted, then with a dramatic flourish, he yelled, "Wind Barrier Blast!" He executed a wind-type Ki Technique, creating a powerful gust that repelled the incoming shurikens back towards the walls, where they clattered harmlessly.

Their relief was short-lived, however, as Markus's keen senses picked up more danger. "Three more waves coming!" he warned, positioning himself for another defense.

Elina, staying close to the group, whispered, "Keep down, and follow Markus's lead."

Rolf, lying flat on the ground, looked up, his face set in a determined scowl, ready to jump into action if needed.

Meanwhile, Tomas was preparing his own countermeasure. Crouched low with the others, he began to concentrate, his hands forming precise gestures. Just as he was about to unleash his technique, his eyes widened in horror.

"Above us!" Tomas yelled, his voice cracking with urgency. He had noticed another trap—something far more sinister than shurikens—being activated directly above their heads.

The team's eyes shot upwards, following Tomas's gaze. The darkness of the ceiling barely concealed the new threat, its details obscured but its intent clear. Caleb was speechless.

Tomas's mouth opened, about to shout the name of his defensive technique but he was dumbfounded by the sight.