Chapter 3: The Infinite Modus Operandi
The air buzzed with anticipation as Alex entered the training grounds for awakeners. The field was bustling with activity, filled with newly awakened individuals attempting to harness their powers. Everyone, like Alex, had been propelled into this new era of spiritual energy awakening. But unlike them, Alex carried a secret—one that set him apart from the rest of the world.
He observed the scene, noticing that everyone seemed to have access to the planetary system, a mechanism that allowed individuals to absorb spiritual energy from the environment to build their strength. Groups of F1 awakeners struggled to pull energy from the sparse spiritual veins surrounding them, their brows furrowed in frustration. Some managed faint flickers of light in their palms, while others seemed utterly stuck, unable to progress.
Alex, however, felt... different. Ever since he awakened the Infinite Physique, he had noticed a strange warmth within him, like a gentle current of power that never seemed to fade. The planetary system had tried to connect to him after his awakening, but it had failed. Instead, his own personal system had emerged, declaring him beyond the planetary system's reach.
His system had been silent since then—until now.
"Welcome back, Alex," the system's voice chimed in his mind, catching him off guard. "It is time for you to learn the method that defines your Infinite Physique. Your journey begins with the 'Infinite Modus Operandi' technique."
Alex's gaze sharpened. "What is this technique?"
The system's voice was calm, yet carried a weight of authority. "While others rely on the planetary system to absorb external spiritual energy, you are independent. The Infinite Modus Operandi allows you to generate energy from within your own body. It is a reverse-entropy mechanism, creating power where none should exist. As long as your body exists, you will never run dry. This is the essence of your Infinite Physique."
Alex felt a surge of exhilaration. To never rely on external energy—to have an infinite source within himself—this was an ability that defied logic.
"But how do I use it?" he asked.
"The process is passive. Your body will automatically generate energy over time. However, you can accelerate this growth through focused meditation and combat. The more pressure you experience, the stronger the energy flow becomes."
Before Alex could fully grasp the implications, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Hey, you!" A tall, broad-shouldered young man approached him, flanked by a small group of onlookers. His arrogant smirk and the confident stride screamed trouble. "Why are you just standing there? Too scared to train like the rest of us?"
Alex turned to face him, raising an eyebrow. "And you are?"
The young man puffed out his chest. "The name's Marcus. F1, almost F2. You don't look like much of a fighter. What, still stuck at F1?"
Alex chose not to respond. His instincts told him to keep his abilities hidden for now. But Marcus wasn't about to let him off the hook.
"Tell you what," Marcus said, cracking his knuckles. "Why don't we have a little sparring match? A real man doesn't just stand around doing nothing."
A crowd began to gather, eager for a show. Alex hesitated for a moment but then nodded. This could be a good opportunity to test the limits of his new power.
The two stepped into the sparring ring. Marcus grinned as he summoned a small orb of spiritual energy in his hand, a faint golden light that flickered weakly. The crowd murmured in approval—most F1 awakeners couldn't manifest energy externally yet. Marcus clearly prided himself on being ahead of the curve.
Alex, however, remained calm. He didn't need to summon any energy. The Infinite Modus Operandi was already working silently within him, steadily generating power.
Marcus lunged first, his fist enveloped in the golden light. Alex dodged effortlessly, feeling his body react faster than it ever had before. It wasn't just reflex—his energy reserves were amplifying his speed and strength.
"Stand still, coward!" Marcus growled, launching another barrage of punches. Alex weaved through them, his movements growing sharper with each attack. With every dodge, he felt the energy within him pulse stronger, responding to the pressure.
Finally, Alex countered. His fist connected with Marcus's chest in a single, fluid motion. The force sent Marcus stumbling backward, his golden light flickering and fading. The crowd gasped.
Marcus glared at him, seething. "You got lucky!" He charged again, but this time, Alex felt something shift within him.
A notification appeared in his mind.
[Congratulations! You have advanced to F2.]
The warmth in his core intensified, spreading through his entire body. His muscles felt lighter, his mind sharper. He hadn't even tried to absorb energy, yet he had already surpassed the others in the crowd.
Marcus attacked, but Alex met him head-on this time. Their fists clashed, but it was no contest. Marcus's golden light shattered under the impact, and he was sent sprawling to the ground.
The crowd erupted in cheers and murmurs of disbelief. "Did you see that?" one of them whispered. "How did he get so strong? He was just standing there!"
Marcus staggered to his feet, his face red with humiliation. "This isn't over!" he spat before storming off, his entourage trailing behind him.
Alex stepped out of the ring, his expression calm but his mind racing. He hadn't even tapped into his full potential, yet he had already outclassed an F1 who was on the verge of advancing to F2. The Infinite Modus Operandi was far more powerful than he had imagined.
---
Later that evening, Alex sat alone, reflecting on the events of the day. He opened his personal system interface, which displayed a simple status screen:
[Name: Alex Johnson]
[Rank: F2]
[STR:300
[DEF:300
[DEX:300
[MP: Infinite]
[Technique: Infinite Modus Operandi]
[Energy Generation: Passive | Unlimited Potential]
His system spoke again, its tone neutral. "You have taken your first step, Alex. But be warned—your independence from the planetary system will not go unnoticed. There are forces at work that will see you as a threat."
Alex frowned. "What kind of forces?"
"The planetary system is controlled by overseers who regulate the flow of spiritual energy across the world. They do not tolerate anomalies. Your Infinite Modus Operandi places you outside their control."
Alex clenched his fists. He hadn't asked for any of this, but now that he had it, he wasn't going to let anyone take it away from him.
He looked up at the night sky, determination burning in his eyes. This was just the beginning.