Reborn With the Infinite Gods System

Waking up to the comforting softness of a bed, Axel's eyes shot open in shock—but it wasn't the softness that startled him. It was a literal jolt of electricity that buzzed through his body, forcing him to sit upright with a sudden gasp. His heart raced, and the electric charge quickly dissipated, but its remnants left him wide-eyed and fully awake.

The pain lingered like a ghost, unsettling his nerves.

Axel blinked as his mind scrambled to recall what had happened. The portal... the betrayal... His body tensed, trying to move, but something was wrong. His wrists were bound.

Before he could speak, Commander Asher's voice broke the silence. "Wait. Calm down, everyone!" Asher raised his hand, halting any sudden movements from Axel and the others in the room.

Axel glanced around, seeing his entire team waking up in similar beds, all equally confused. His heart pounded faster as he noticed they were all shackled, their hands bound in cold, metallic cuffs. His eyes narrowed, anger brewing. *What is this?*

Williams voiced everyone's shared frustration, his voice a low growl. "What the hell is this? You strap us with chains and expect us to sit quietly?"

It was insane. How could they be expected to remain passive, like caged animals, unable to defend themselves or fight back?

Commander Asher, unfazed by the rising tension, held up his hand again. "I will explain everything in due time. The cuffs you're wearing are power shackles. They temporarily nullify your Awakened abilities. Since you're all S-rank, the effect isn't as strong, but trust me, it's enough to keep things under control."

The room fell silent, though the air buzzed with resentment. Axel could see it in everyone's eyes—the quiet fury that simmered just beneath the surface. Shackling S-ranks? It was a provocation, plain and simple. But something about Asher's tone unnerved him. There was a hidden motive, something more sinister than just containment.

Loki, ever the calm one, broke the silence. "So... what exactly are you trying to say? Explain."

Commander Asher seemed relieved someone was willing to listen. "First of all, it's not entirely my fault you all passed out upon arriving here. The atmosphere of this planet has a peculiar effect on humans. We call it 'Death Sleep.' It's as if the planet's toxins shut down your body temporarily. It's happened to every human who's ever set foot here.

Fortunately, thanks to our adaptability, we wake up after a few days. In your case, three days."

"Three days?" Thor's voice boomed from his bed, his fury barely contained. "Are you telling me we've been unconscious for *three days*?"

Sarah rolled her eyes in frustration, reclining back on her bed. "Great. Three days wasted. I could've used a shower."

Axel clenched his fists. Three days out cold, and now shackled like prisoners. The betrayal stung deeper, but something told him there was more to this situation than just the atmosphere.

Commander Asher continued, his voice cool and measured. "You're bound for your own safety. The beasts on this planet—Rika Zero—hunt based on power levels. Right now, your collective energy signatures are enough to draw the attention of a Grade Three beast."

Axel's gaze sharpened. *Grade Three?*

Josh, still lying in his bed, frowned. "What exactly does that mean?"

Asher took a step forward, his face serious. "We've categorized the beasts on Rika Zero into four grades. A Grade One beast is roughly equivalent to a D-rank or E-rank hunter. A Grade Two would be closer to A-rank or C-rank. But a Grade Three... that's SS-rank to S-rank."

The room tensed further. Axel could feel the weight of Asher's words sinking in. An SS-rank beast? They were powerful, but without their abilities, facing something like that would be near impossible. And the look on Asher's face told him there was more.

"Why are we here then?" Axel demanded, his voice hardening. "What's the real mission?"

Asher's eyes glinted with something Axel couldn't quite place. "You're here because we have a problem. A Grade Three beast has been terrorizing this sector, and I need your team to take it out. However, you won't be using your Awakened abilities."

The room exploded in protests.

"Are you insane?" Williams spat. "You expect us to kill a monster of that size without our powers? We're strong, but not that strong."

Asher's expression remained cold. "You won't be going in unarmed. We need to gather weapons made from the carcasses of Grade Two beasts. These weapons can harness their strength and give you a fighting chance. But you must earn them first."

"And what if we refuse?" Axel's voice was quiet, but the threat beneath it was unmistakable.

Asher paused, his eyes locking onto Axel's. "You won't refuse. Because if you do, you won't make it off this planet alive. Rika Zero is unforgiving, and without cooperation, you'll die here."

Axel's heart pounded, his mind racing. There was something off, something Asher wasn't telling them. And then, like a puzzle piece clicking into place, he realized.

"Our combined presence together... it's enough to attract a larger threat, isn't it?" Axel's voice cut through the silence. "You're worried about a Grade Four, a primordial beast, aren't you?"

Asher's face darkened, and for a moment, the room fell deathly still. A shiver crawled down Axel's spine as he watched a small grin form on Asher's lips.

"You're not wrong," Asher said quietly. "A Grade Four is something far worse than what you've ever faced. But don't worry. I have it under control."

Axel's eyes narrowed. "How?"

Asher's grin widened as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "I've implanted bombs in your necks. They're tied to your power signatures and your watches. You can't remove them physically, and they'll detonate the moment you try to use your Awakened abilities."

The air in the room turned icy. Axel's breath hitched as he processed the words. *Bombs?*

"If you think about defying me, just remember," Asher added with a chilling smile, "this mission isn't about survival. It's about obedience. You don't leave until the mission is complete, or I trigger the bombs. Either way, there's no going home until you do what I say." Chapter Find: