Lord of the Time: I Can Reincarnate Infinitely

Chapter 217 217 Scorn and Admiration

One notable achievement in these two years was Caleb's successful navigation of the Silica Valley, a perilous red zone uncharted by the royal army. The once-dangerous territory became a playground for him, a realm where his ability to move incognito in the dark proved invaluable. The red zone, known for its high mortality rate and unexplored dangers, now became a space where Caleb could maneuver with relative ease, avoiding powerful apokalips at will.

In these two years, Caleb adopted a more strategic approach to dealing with the Apokalips menace. Why waste time and energy battling every grotesque creature when you can focus on the ones that truly matter? That became his philosophy, and it served him well.

Venturing into the wild, Caleb honed his stealth skills, using the shadows to his advantage. He became a silent predator, choosing his battles wisely. After all, it's not about the quantity of Apokalips you defeat; it's about the quality. He was on a mission to find three specific targets, and everything else was just background noise.

The Silica Valley, once a treacherous red zone, became his playground. Thanks to his shadow abilities, Caleb could maneuver effortlessly, slipping through the darkness undetected. It was here that he stumbled upon a revelation – tier 6 and 7 Apokalips. The kings of the grotesque hierarchy, and even some tier 5 monstrosities, lurked in the shadows of the Silicone Valley.

Caleb wasn't one to shy away from a challenge, but he knew when to pick his battles. The stronger Apokalips, the three kings, and the tier 5 abominations were in a league of their own. It wasn't long before the General of the Army took notice. When facing foes of such caliber, even the highest-ranking military official had to step onto the battlefield personally.

The Silicone Valley witnessed a clash of titans – the general and his army against the monstrous kings. It was a battle that shook the very foundations of the red zone, leaving devastation in its wake. The casualties among the soldiers were inevitable. The price paid for challenging beings of such formidable strength.

At that time, Caleb observed the chaotic spectacle from the shadows, his assessment clear. "Sometimes, you've got to let the big guns handle the heavy lifting," he even muttered to himself at that time. While he respected the army's might, Caleb was acutely aware of the limitations and risks associated with facing these higher-tier Apokalips.

...

The barracks buzzed with the rhythmic sounds of soldiers going about their duties. In the midst of this organized chaos stood the General of the Army, a middle-aged man whose rugged appearance belied the sharpness in his eyes. His stubble hinted at a life spent on the battlefield, yet the vigor radiating from him was that of a dragon ready to soar into the skies.

As he traversed the barracks, soldiers snapped to attention, acknowledging their esteemed commander. A subtle air of respect followed the General, an unspoken acknowledgment of the authority he held over these men.

The soldiers couldn't deny the sense of pride that swelled within them. To have a comrade recognized by the General spoke volumes about the caliber of fighters within their ranks.

However, amid the positive chatter, a few discontented voices began to rise. Jealousy, like a poison, tainted the air.

"He's nothing special. Just lucky, I'd say," muttered one envious soldier, casting a disdainful glance toward the subject of their discussion.

A couple of others joined in, their discontent fanning the flames of resentment. "Yeah, he probably just knows how to play politics. That's all it is."

The malicious gossip spread like wildfire among the disgruntled soldiers, painting a false narrative of Caleb's rise through the ranks. In the shadowy corners of the barracks, whispers turned into hisses of resentment, and Johan's name became the subject of unwarranted slander.

"He's not even that strong. Just a show-off," one soldier sneered, unwilling to acknowledge the potential threat that Caleb posed to their own standing within the army.

The toxic words slithered through the ranks, fueled by envy and a desire to discredit a rising star. It was a stark contrast to the camaraderie that had moments ago permeated the barracks.

However, not everyone was swayed by the slanderous talk. Some soldiers maintained a sense of loyalty and fairness.

"Cut the crap, guys. Johan's earned his place. General sees something in him. We should learn from his skills instead of trying to tear him down," one soldier voiced his dissent, attempting to stem the tide of negativity.

But jealousy, once ignited, was hard to extinguish. The seeds of discord had been sown, and the barracks, which moments ago echoed with pride, now vibrated with an undercurrent of envy and bitterness. As Johan's reputation ascended, he unwittingly became the target of both admiration and scorn.