Lord of the Time: I Can Reincarnate Infinitely

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In the training facility, the team confronted Caleb, their determination etched on their faces. "Caleb, you're the strongest among us," Leo stated boldly. "We want to test that strength. All of us, against you."

Caleb looked at them, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. "You little shits think you can take me on? Fine, let's have at it."

He stood relaxed, his posture deceptively casual. "Here's the deal, I won't attack for the first minute. You just have to touch me to win. Sounds easy, right?"

The team exchanged glances, their resolve hardening. "Arrogant as ever," Mia shot back. "We'll take that challenge. Even if you're strong, we're not backing down."

The training area was a large open space, equipped with sensors and soft flooring to adapt to various combat scenarios. The team spread out, encircling Caleb, who stood still, almost taunting them with his calmness.

As the timer started, they launched their assault. Leo charged forward, using his bear-like strength, trying to overpower Caleb's defenses. Mia, with her sharpshooting skills, aimed small, non-lethal training projectiles, trying to distract him.

Ethan, relying on his enhanced senses, attempted to predict Caleb's movements, while Sarah, with her serpent-like agility, slithered around, looking for an opening. Alex, utilizing his aerial advantage, dove in from above, aiming to outmaneuver Caleb.

Caleb, however, was a step ahead, dodging, weaving, and using their momentum against them. His movements were fluid, almost effortless, as he parried and sidestepped their attacks, a grin never leaving his face.

"Come on, is that all you've got?" he taunted, easily evading another coordinated attack. "I thought you wanted to test my strength!"

The team, growing more frustrated and indignant, intensified their efforts. "Arrogant prick!" Alex yelled, swooping down again, only to find Caleb gone from where he had been just a second before.

Despite their strategies and concerted efforts, the minute ticked down without any of them managing to lay a finger on Caleb. As the timer beeped, Caleb stood in the center of the room, untouched, his smile wider.

"Well, that was fun," he said, his tone mocking. "You guys need to work on your teamwork, though. Being strong individually doesn't mean shit if you can't work together."

The team, their pride wounded but spirits unbroken, faced Caleb again. "We're not done, Caleb," Leo growled, his eyes burning with determination. "We want another round."

Caleb chuckled, crossing his arms. "What's this? Can't accept defeat? You lot are like fish trying to challenge a dragon. You might stir the water, but you ain't gonna win against the beast."

His words stung, sparking a fire in the team's eyes. Mia, her mind racing, quickly devised a new strategy. "Alright, team, let's sync our efforts. We need to outthink him, not just outfight him."

The second round began, and this time the team's approach was more calculated. They feigned a direct assault, but at the last moment, split and attacked from multiple angles, coordinating their movements to trap Caleb in a pincer maneuver.

Ethan used his heightened senses to track Caleb's movements, predicting where he would dodge. Sarah and Alex, combining their agility and aerial skills, herded Caleb into the designated spot, while Mia and Leo lay in wait to close the trap.

For a moment, it seemed like they had succeeded, cornering Caleb with a well-timed encirclement. "Got you, Adam!" Alex shouted triumphantly as they converged on him.

But as they moved in to 'touch' Caleb, a smug grin spread across his face. "Not bad," he conceded, "But not good enough."

In a flash of movement, Caleb revealed his counter-strategy. He had anticipated their plan, using their own tactics against them to create openings in their defense. With swift, precise moves, he exploited these gaps, breaking through their encirclement without being touched.

As the timer beeped, signaling the end of the round, Caleb stood outside their trap, untouched. "You thought you outsmarted me, but I was always two steps ahead. You played right into my hands."

The team, panting and defeated, realized they had been outmaneuvered again. Caleb's analogy of the fish and the dragon resonated painfully; they had stirred the water, but the dragon remained supreme.

"Remember, it's not just about strategy," Caleb said, his tone less mocking and more instructive. "It's about adapting and thinking beyond the current game. Learn from this for the real battles."

Gathering around Caleb, the team expressed their curiosity and frustration. "How the hell are you so fast, Adam? Is there some speed-related gene thing you've got going on?" Leo asked, still baffled by Caleb's performance.

Caleb, leaning against a training machine, explained, "It's not about speed, not directly anyway. My genetic enhancements come from two primary gene locks. The first is the Undead Devouring Dragon, known for its incredible durability and strength. It gives me the ability to withstand and recover from injuries that would kill a normal person."

He flexed an arm, showing the subtle shimmer of his skin where the dragon gene manifested. "This gene lock enhances my muscle density and skeletal structure, allowing me to exert and resist tremendous forces. It's like having armor under my skin and the strength of Undead Skeletal Dragon."

"Then there's the second gene lock," Caleb continued, "the Demonic Warring Ape. This one is notorious for its physical prowess and combat skills. It boosts my agility, reflexes, and overall bodily coordination to an extreme level, making me move faster and strike harder than what seems humanly possible. Anyway, we're genetic warriors in the first place."

He paused, letting the information sink in. "These genes don't just grant me speed or strength; they enhance every physical aspect of my being, creating a synergistic effect that makes me what I am."

Noticing their intrigued yet slightly disheartened expressions, Caleb added, "But listen, don't get too hung up on your abilities. They're tools, not crutches. If you strip away those fancy powers, what are you left with? You need to strengthen your body, train it to be your foundation. Abilities enhance, but the body endures."

Caleb's advice hit home, reminding them of the importance of physical conditioning and training. "If you rely too much on your abilities and neglect your physical training, you'll become dependent, vulnerable. In a real fight, especially if your abilities are countered or nullified, your body's strength and endurance are what will keep you alive."