Lord of the Time: I Can Reincarnate Infinitely

The pub was alive with chatter and the clinking of glasses as Caleb, Kazuto, Rozho, Kidd, and Rekka gathered around a table in the corner. The atmosphere was charged with the energy of their recent victory and Caleb's ascension to Tier 8.

Caleb raised his mug, a grin stretching across his face. "To ascensions and unexpected victories!"

The others joined in, clinking their mugs together, and the celebration officially began.

Kazuto, with a smirk, remarked, "First one to ascend, huh? You're really setting the bar high for the rest of us, Johan."

Caleb chuckled. "Well, someone had to be the trendsetter. Might as well be me."

Rozho, sipping his drink, leaned back in his chair. "I must admit, the way you suddenly created those purple tentacles was impressive. What's the secret behind that, anyway?"

Caleb winked. "Ah, a magician never reveals his secrets. Just a little something I picked up along the way."

Kidd, always the analytical one, chimed in, "But seriously, how did you manage to overpower Amelia like that? She's no pushover, and you just made it look easy."

Caleb leaned forward, adopting a more serious tone. "It's not just about power. It's strategy, understanding your opponent, and exploiting weaknesses. Besides, every fight is a learning experience."

Rekka, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "I have to admit, I was a bit surprised by your performance. You've come a long way since our early days in the Scout Regiment."

Caleb nodded, a sense of nostalgia crossing his features. "Yeah, it feels like a lifetime ago when we were just fresh recruits. Who would've thought we'd end up here?"

Kazuto raised an eyebrow. "Speaking of 'here,' what's next for you? Now that you're a big shot Tier 8 Destiny and all."

Caleb grinned, swirling the contents of his mug. "The sky's the limit, my friends. I've got my eyes on that Tier 9, and maybe, just maybe, we'll uncover more mysteries beyond that Gate of Babel."

As the night wore on and the celebration continued, the conversation shifted towards plans for the future. Caleb, swirling the remnants of his drink in his mug, leaned in and shared his thoughts.

"I've been thinking," Caleb began, eyes glinting with determination, "I might join the royal army for a year or so. Hunt down Apokalips beyond the wall, accumulate some contribution points, and stabilize my realm. It's a good opportunity to strengthen myself further."

Rozho, always practical, nodded in approval. "Not a bad plan. The royal army missions can be intense, but the rewards are worth it. Plus, it'll give you a chance to face stronger opponents and test your new powers."

Rozho, intrigued, chimed in, "And what about you, Kazuto? Any grand plans for the future?"

Kazuto exchanged a glance with Kidd before replying, "Well, Kidd and I were thinking of teaming up for missions. Maybe attempt to break through Tier 8 like Caleb here." Your next journey awaits at empire

Caleb, smiling, raised his mug in a toast. "Now that's the spirit! Teamwork makes the dream work, right? I'll be cheering you guys on, and who knows, maybe we'll all ascend to new heights together."

Johan, always the realist, offered a word of caution. "Just remember, the path to ascension is fraught with fucking danger. Take it step by step, and don't rush things. Quality over quantity."

The laughter in the pub was infectious, a sense of shared dreams and aspirations filling the air. The prospect of facing greater challenges and breaking through to new realms fueled their conversation.

Caleb, looking at his friends, felt a surge of pride. "We've come a long way from our early days as recruits. Now, let's carve our names in history, one mission at a time."

The night had been filled with laughter, toasts, and jokes, and as the group decided to call it a night, they made their way to the hotel where they had booked separate rooms. The atmosphere was still light, and the banter continued as they interacted with the receptionist.

Caleb, with a charismatic smile, engaged in playful banter with the receptionist, making light jokes about the eventful day. The receptionist, a young woman with a subtle blush on her cheeks, responded with polite laughter, seemingly enjoying Caleb's charm.

Rekka, perceptive as always, noticed the receptionist's discreet glances at Caleb. The way her gaze lingered a moment longer than necessary and the subtle smiles she reserved for him didn't escape Rekka's keen observation.

As the group received their room keys, Rekka shot a knowing look at Caleb, accompanied by a sly grin. He leaned in and whispered, "Looks like you've got an admirer at the reception, my friend."

Caleb, feigning innocence, raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You think so?"

Rekka chuckled. "Trust me, I've seen that look before. Enjoy your admirer's attention."

The group dispersed to their respective rooms, leaving Caleb alone with his thoughts. As he entered his room, he couldn't help but reflect on the events of the day. The ascension, the victory in the challenge, and now, a subtle admirer at the hotel reception.

Unbeknownst to him, the receptionist, while going about her duties, occasionally stole glances at the entrance, secretly hoping to catch another glimpse of Caleb. There was a mix of curiosity and perhaps a hint of infatuation in her eyes.

Rekka's words lingered in Caleb's mind, and he couldn't resist a quiet chuckle. "Life as a Tier 8 Destiny sure comes with its perks," he thought to himself.

Caleb entered his room, and his eyes were immediately drawn to a captivating painting hung on the wall. The artwork depicted the majestic Gate of Babel, an intricate portrayal of the mysterious structure that held profound significance in the Destiny world. The details were exquisite, capturing the essence of the gate with mesmerizing precision.

What particularly caught Caleb's attention, however, was the presence of a black man in a flowing robe, leaning against the gate in the painting. The artist had skillfully rendered every nuance, from the intricate folds of the robe to the enigmatic expression on the man's face. The combination of the man's presence and the Gate of Babel created a striking composition.

Caleb couldn't help but be captivated by the painting. The colors, the brushstrokes, and the overall composition seemed to breathe life into the canvas. The mysterious figure in the robe added an element of intrigue, leaving Caleb to ponder whether this character was purely a creation of the artist's imagination or if it represented a real person within the Destiny world.

"Good technique," Caleb muttered.