Reborn With the Infinite Gods System

Axel and Trisha met up with the other hunters, and she quickly began explaining their situation. Thor, the S-rank hunter, would stay back for now, keeping an eye out for any other survivors that might emerge from the ruins. The rest of the group, however, had a more pressing matter at hand: their return to safety.

Trisha fished out a small cube from her pocket and began tapping various buttons, her fingers moving in a practiced rhythm over the device. The hunters looked on, confused by her actions. The cube's screen flashed different colors, but no one knew what she was doing.

While this was happening, Loki approached Axel, his face impassive, too calm for a man who had just emerged from a brutal battle.

"So, what did you talk about with that S-rank hunter?" Loki's voice was as empty as his expression, as if he was masking his emotions.

Axel shrugged, glancing over at Thor, who was busy scoping the battlefield, his aura still dangerous and imposing. "He said he'd beat the crap out of me if I don't join his association," Axel said flatly. He heard a scoff from Loki, a forced smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Well," Loki chuckled, his voice tinged with mischief, "just don't get mad when I beat the daylight out of your brother."

Axel's eyes flickered with a spark of amusement. "That would be rather satisfying," he replied, a cold grin forming on his lips. His words made Loki cackle in agreement, their shared animosity towards Thor adding a brief moment of levity in an otherwise grim situation.

Suddenly, a deep hum filled the air, catching everyone's attention. A large purple portal formed before Trisha, swirling with energy and casting an eerie glow over the scene. The hunters, still tense from their encounter, eyed it nervously.

"You're all free to go now," Trisha announced, her voice cutting through the tension.

The hunters exchanged uneasy glances but, one by one, they approached the portal. Nervous murmurs rippled through the group as they crossed the threshold, the portal's energy tugging at their bodies. Axel could feel their fear—it was palpable in the way they hesitated, in the trembling of their hands. Even the strongest among them were visibly shaken.

Axel stood back for a moment, watching his team, his expression unreadable. Rowin, always eager to lead, was the first to step through, followed by Noel, whose calm demeanor remained unshaken. Hera limped after them, wincing with each step as she clutched her injured side.

Axel's eyes lingered on Loki, who stood beside him. They exchanged a silent nod, a mutual understanding passing between them. Loki was the first to enter the portal, his silhouette disappearing into the swirling vortex.

Just as Axel was about to follow, he paused. His eyes darted to Thor, who was still glaring at him, his eyes burning with an intensity that sent a shiver down Axel's spine. The bloodlust rolling off Thor in waves was undeniable.

'I won't lose when you come back, Thor,' Axel thought, clenching his fist.

Without warning, Axel reached out and grasped Trisha's hand, causing her to gasp in surprise. Her cheeks flushed a deep red, her usually composed demeanor faltering.

"Ahh, what are you doing?" she stammered, trying to pull her hand free, but Axel's grip remained firm.

"This isn't the place for a lady," Axel said, his voice steady but gentle, "no matter how strong they are."

For a brief moment, Trisha's eyes widened, and then she relented, allowing Axel to guide her toward the portal. Her mind raced—what was he doing? Why had his touch sent such a jolt through her? But before she could ponder further, they stepped through the portal together.

***

On the other side, the portal closed behind them with a loud snap, the energy dissipating into the air. They were greeted by a stark contrast from the chaos they had just left—a sterile, cold environment filled with men and women in white lab coats.

The scientists eyed the hunters with curiosity, some even taking notes on tablets as the group materialized in what appeared to be an experimental laboratory.

Despite the calm surroundings, the hunters tensed, their instincts screaming at them to stay alert. They had been fighting for survival moments ago, and now they were surrounded by unfamiliar faces. Their exhaustion was evident, but their wariness kept them on edge.

"Don't worry, everyone," Trisha called out, stepping away from Axel's side and addressing the hunters. "These scientists work for my association. They're here to help. Just relax, and they'll take care of us."

Slowly, the tension began to dissipate. The hunters followed Trisha's instructions, albeit with hesitation. Two scientists stepped forward, directing the group to separate chambers where they could be tested and healed.

Axel, however, remained rooted in place. His eyes wandered over the massive, circular metal structures that lined the room—portals similar to the one they had just stepped through. He marveled at the technology. 'The hunters aren't playing around,' Axel thought, letting out a low whistle of appreciation.

Trisha, noticing Axel hadn't joined the others, returned to his side, her brow furrowed in confusion. "What's wrong, Nameless?" she asked, her voice soft but concerned.

Axel shook his head. "I'm Axel Teras," he corrected her, his voice calm but firm. "Call me Axel."

A smile tugged at the corner of Trisha's lips. "Fair enough," she said, her tone light. "But why aren't you with the others?"

Axel met her gaze, his eyes piercing and unwavering. "I wanted some time alone with you," he replied, his voice steady but tinged with a subtle intensity.

Trisha's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts. What did he mean by 'time alone'? Was he implying something deeper? She tried to keep her composure, but the tension between them was palpable.

"Speak," she said, folding her arms defensively, though her voice wavered slightly.

"I want you to join my guild," Axel said, his words precise and deliberate. "Whether part-time or permanent, I want you on my team."

Trisha's eyes widened in surprise. She had been expecting many things, but not this. "Join your guild?" she repeated, her tone laced with disbelief. "You realize I'm already the leader of my own guild and work for an association, right? Why would I risk everything for you?"

Axel stepped closer, closing the gap between them. He was now only a foot away, his presence overwhelming. "Because I can offer you something no one else can," he said, his voice low and intense. "I can offer you the chance to work with someone stronger than Thor."

Trisha raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. "And how exactly do you plan to become stronger than Thor?" she asked, her tone skeptical. "Reaching S-rank isn't easy. It takes years, sometimes decades."

Axel's expression hardened, his determination shining through. "I'll prove it by beating Thor. Next week."

Trisha's heart raced, her breath caught in her throat. Axel's confidence was undeniable, but could he really back up his bold claim?