Reborn With the Infinite Gods System

**Chapter 154: Awakened One**

The air was stale and thick, carrying an unsettling chill that clung to Axel's skin. Shadows slithered through the darkness, stretching and twisting, creating shapes that teased the mind. The ground beneath him was slick like dark oil, yet surprisingly firm, supporting his steps with an eerie stillness. As Axel took in his surroundings, an uncomfortable familiarity gnawed at him.

This world was recognizable as the place where he first encountered the Dark God—the being who cursed him with strength that seemed more a burden than a blessing. Yet, something about this place was profoundly different. An unfamiliar energy pulsed through the air, colder and more foreboding than ever.

Axel's instincts flared with urgency as he scanned his surroundings, hoping to find some trace of an exit. Each corner seemed to shift, twisting out of reach whenever he tried to focus on it. The entire environment was like a haunted reflection of his past, playing cruel tricks on his senses. *So, where's the exit out of here?* he wondered, his mind racing.

But each thought echoed hollowly into the silence, without response.

A chilling realization set in as he examined himself—he was in his own body, which, thankfully, suggested he hadn't drifted too far from his own world. *But what now?* he questioned internally, his eyes narrowing. He reached out with his mind to summon Velerium, his weapon, but nothing happened. No surge of energy, no comforting weight in his hand. His powers and his system were both out of reach.

The silence of his mind only made his heart pound faster. *So I have to figure this part out too,* he mused, gripping his fists as he braced himself against the encroaching dread.

***

Meanwhile, the others were gathered within an alien laboratory, a far cry from the sterile and metallic surroundings found on Earth. This lab was housed within a colossal structure, its orange-painted walls strangely warm to the touch. The floor, though firm, had a cushiony feel that defied logic, creating an odd sensation with each step.

The air was refreshingly clean, noticeably purer than the atmosphere of any planet they'd visited before. As Loki, Thor, and the others stood within the lab, they couldn't help but take in their surroundings with awe and apprehension.

In the center of the room lay Axel's and Troy's bodies, carefully placed on two sleek, alien tables connected to advanced machines. Holographic displays hovered over each table, projecting digital outlines of their bodies and showcasing a myriad of detailed diagnostics that flickered across the screens.

The aliens monitoring the displays explained that both Axel's and Troy's consciousnesses were lost, displaced in an unknown dimension. Their words hung heavily in the air, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the room.

"This could take days," one of the alien scientists said, glancing at Loki, who stood nearby with an intense look in his eyes.

"Let me help," Loki interjected, his voice steady and determined. "I can tap into my abilities to assist in locating their consciousnesses."

The aliens exchanged wary glances. Though hesitant, they eventually agreed, recognizing Loki's unique godly status. A peculiar setup was prepared—a metallic chair was positioned between Axel and Troy's tables, wires branching out from it and connected to various points on the machines. Loki eyed the seat, nerves flickering in his gaze as he mentally prepared for what was to come.

As he approached, he noticed Thor standing on the other side of the glass wall, his expression calm but resolute, conveying an unspoken confidence in Loki's capabilities. Loki drew a deep breath, calming his racing thoughts. Just then, the lead scientist approached, holding a stack of papers and adjusting his own white lab coat. Loki couldn't help but smirk slightly at the sight.

*Even aliens wear lab coats,* he thought with mild amusement. It was oddly reassuring.

"When we activate the machine, you must remain seated here and use your powers to locate and retrieve their consciousnesses," the scientist instructed. Loki nodded, and without a word, he took his seat, letting the aliens attach the last of the wires.

Another alien approached, holding out a white garment. "You'll need to change into this."

Loki raised an eyebrow but took the outfit, noting its strange fabric that adjusted to fit him perfectly. *I'm taking this when I leave,* he thought, a glint of mischief in his eyes. He settled into the seat, his hands gripping the armrests as the room filled with a low hum, signaling the machine's activation.

"As we begin," the lead scientist spoke over a microphone, his voice reverberating around the room, "prepare yourself. You'll be transported to the astral dimension where their consciousnesses are adrift. Only you can bring them back."

Loki felt his heartbeat quicken, nerves prickling as he nodded, signaling his readiness. A loud click resounded through the room, followed by a powerful shock that pulsed through his body, forcing his mind to blur and drift away from the physical plane.

The scene shifted around him, melting into a dark void before reshaping into a familiar yet haunting landscape. He recognized it immediately—*the Binding World.* This realm was a place of ruin and despair, echoing remnants of ancient battles and lost civilizations. Broken pillars and crumbling structures littered the ground, casting long shadows under an unearthly light.
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Loki took cautious steps, absorbing the eerie silence around him. *It's like walking through a battlefield frozen in time,* he thought, his senses on high alert.

He paused, closing his eyes, and began focusing solely on Axel and Troy, letting his mind reach out across the empty void. Slowly, a peculiar sensation blossomed in his chest—a faint tug, almost like a heartbeat in sync with his own. The sensation spread to his fingers, then to his ears, where he could almost hear the shallow, rhythmic breaths of the two he sought.

Focusing on the sound, Loki moved forward, feeling the pull intensify with each step, his heart pounding with anticipation and the fear of losing them if he lost focus.

As moments stretched into what felt like eternity, Loki's resolve only hardened. Hours blended into days, and days into months within the timeless space of the astral realm. Yet he persevered, finally rewarded with a pulse of energy that shook the very air around him. The shadows beside him swirled violently, and then, in a flash of light, two figures began to materialize.

Axel appeared sprawled on the ground, his hair and beard now grown long, and beside him, Troy knelt with an equally worn and haggard look. Loki let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He crouched down beside Axel, concern etched on his face.

"Axel," he spoke, his voice soft but firm. "Are you alright?"

Axel groaned, his muscles protesting as he moved, joints cracking audibly. "It felt like… a hundred years in that darkness," he murmured, blinking to clear his dazed vision. "But yeah… I'm fine."

Loki's gaze shifted to Troy, who managed a weak thumbs-up, his eyes clouded but determined. Relieved, Loki's lips curved into a slight smile. He had feared that the astral world's effect would have fractured their minds, but they seemed to have retained their sanity—if only barely.

"Axel, listen to me," Loki continued, his voice taking on a serious tone. "I can bring you both back, but I need your cooperation first. There's something we need to address… something I believe will help us uncover a traitor among us."

Axel's eyes narrowed, instantly picking up on the gravity in Loki's tone. He could sense the urgency underlying the words, the weight of a plan that had been carefully thought out. Yet confusion lingered. "A traitor? What are you talking about?"

Loki leaned in, his gaze intense. "I need you to cast a nightmare—a powerful one—over everyone once we return. I'll handle the rest. This will help us flush out the traitor."

Axel hesitated, an uneasy feeling twisting in his gut. *A nightmare? On everyone?* The idea was unsettling, but Loki's expression brooked no argument. His friend's usual lighthearted demeanor was replaced by a dark resolve that left no room for doubt.

"Will you trust me?" Loki asked, his voice barely above a whisper, the plea hidden in his eyes.

Axel took a deep breath, the weight of the request settling heavily on him. But he understood the stakes; if a traitor truly lurked among them, this was a chance to expose them. "Fine," he replied, his tone resolute. "I'll do it. Just… make sure we're ready for whatever happens. And don't hurt Trisha."

***Author's note***

Came back to beg for castle. It's not my fault, a lot has been happening and I need a castle to grow in Webnovel. It's not easy to write please support with any gift you can. Also happy New month. Hope you'll e hoy this month more than the last month and also, don't forget me in all that enjoyment.

"Gift me! Gift the Author."