Lord of the Time: I Can Reincarnate Infinitely

The next day, the murder incident that had claimed the lives of Caleb's squad members was the top story across the kingdom. News crews were stationed outside the police department, capturing every moment as the latest updates were broadcasted live to the entire kingdom. The scene was hectic, with journalists jostling for the best spots and cameras focused intently on a police spokesperson ready to share details with the public.

"Today, we are investigating a heinous crime that resulted in the loss of several lives last night," the police spokesperson stated, his voice steady but heavy with the gravity of the situation. "Our officers are working tirelessly to uncover the motives behind this attack and to bring those responsible to justice."

The broadcaster then asked, "Can you tell us more about the victims and any leads on the suspects?"

"We have identified the victims as members of a well-known adventurer squad. Preliminary evidence suggests this was a targeted attack, possibly related to a dispute over property. We are following up on all leads and ask anyone with information to come forward," the officer explained, ensuring to provide enough detail to inform the public without compromising the investigation.

As this news unfolded on a public TV screen in a bustling square, Caleb happened to walk by. Catching sight of the broadcast, he stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes locked on the screen. The news hit him like a physical blow, igniting a fierce anger that coursed through his veins. His hands balled into fists, his jaw clenched tightly, and his whole body tensed as if ready to explode.

Onlookers could feel the intensity of his anger without him saying a word. His body language alone conveyed a storm of emotions raging within him, so powerful that it began to manifest physically in the environment around him.

Suddenly, the air pressure around him dropped sharply, creating a vacuum effect that rattled windows and shook buildings within a 500 km radius with him at the center. The weather, too, became erratic, flipping from scorching heat to biting cold and back again, causing disorientation and fainting among the people caught in this climatic chaos.

Realizing the destructive impact of his emotions, Caleb took a deep breath, struggling to regain control over his powers. He knew that his abilities could easily level a planet if unchecked, and the last thing he wanted was to cause more harm. As he calmed himself, the atmospheric disturbances began to subside, but the residual energy continued to pulse from him, a clear sign of his still simmering rage.

...

Over the next few weeks, Caleb dedicated himself to mastering the Light Clone Technique, an advanced Ki technique he had received as a reward. The technique, renowned for its complexity and utility, would allow him to create clones of himself made entirely of light energy. Each clone would be capable of independent action but connected to his consciousness, a significant tactical advantage in any situation.

Caleb sat cross-legged in a quiet room of the inn, the scroll unrolled in front of him. The ancient parchment was filled with intricate symbols and diagrams, explaining the scientific principles of the Light Clone Technique through the manipulation of Ki. According to the scroll, the technique was divided into three distinct phases, each essential for mastery but varying significantly in difficulty.

The first phase involved learning to manipulate and condense light energy, a basic requirement for forming the clones. The second phase required the practitioner to project this energy externally, shaping it into a human form. The third and final phase was the most challenging—it involved animating the clones with a semblance of consciousness, allowing them to perform tasks independently while still linked to the caster's will.

Deciding to take it one step at a time, Caleb focused on the first phase. He closed his eyes, channeling his Ki, feeling it flow through him like a radiant, warm current. He visualized the light energy gathering in his palms, trying to condense it, to give it form and substance.

Hours passed, and Caleb repeatedly attempted to create even the smallest spark of light, but each attempt ended in failure. His concentration wavered, fatigue set in, and frustration mounted. He remembered the scroll's words, "Mastery comes not in the flood but in the persistent drip of effort." Yet, despite his persistence, the results were disheartening.

By the end of the day, Caleb had attempted the technique a hundred times. Each failure taught him something new about his limitations and the technique's demands, but no tangible success was achieved. As the sun set, casting long shadows into the room, Caleb finally allowed himself a moment of rest.

Exhausted and somewhat disheartened, he rolled up the scroll and lay back, staring at the ceiling. The day had been long, and the lack of progress was frustrating. However, his resolve did not waver. "I'll continue tomorrow," he whispered to himself,

The following morning, Caleb woke up with the resolve to tackle the Light Clone Technique again. The air in the inn was cool and quiet as he made his way down to the common room, where the innkeeper was busily arranging things behind the counter. Caleb grabbed a cup of coffee, his demeanor cool but tinged with a sharp edge of suspicion toward the innkeeper. The previous interactions had left a complex layer of distrust, yet he chose not to confront the man directly. Caleb's strategy was deliberate; he didn't want to "startle the snake," as it were, preferring to keep his doubts and watchfulness silent.

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The innkeeper noticed Caleb's reserved attitude. There was a flicker of guilt in his eyes, but he masked it quickly with a practiced poker face, engaging in small talk with other guests to avoid any direct interaction with Caleb.

Cup of coffee in hand, Caleb left the inn for the training grounds, his mind buzzing with the day's tasks. Once there, he set up in a secluded spot, surrounded by nature, which helped him concentrate. He was determined to experiment with two unconventional methods he had brainstormed the previous night, hopeful one might lead to a breakthrough.

The first method involved using mirrors to reflect and multiply the light, hoping to enhance his control over its condensation. Caleb carefully arranged several small mirrors around him, channeling his Ki into the light, trying to capture and amplify it through the reflections. However, the light simply scattered in multiple directions, diminishing in intensity rather than strengthening.

Frustrated but not deterred, he moved on to the second method. This time, he attempted to use sound vibrations to stabilize the light energy, theorizing that the right frequency could help maintain the form of the light clones. He hummed at different pitches and tones, trying to sync his Ki with the vibrations. Yet, this too ended in failure as the light flickered erratically and faded without taking any solid form.

Exhausted and running out of ideas, Caleb slumped down, muttering to himself like a mad scientist lost in his failed experiments. "Not like this... there has to be a simpler way, a direct line... think, Caleb, think!"

Just as frustration was about to give way to despair, a sudden, simple idea struck him. It was so basic, so ingeniously straightforward that he almost laughed. His eyes widened, and a smile cracked across his face, "Of course, why didn't I see it before?"