Lord of the Time: I Can Reincarnate Infinitely

Chapter 71: 71: At the Peak of the Mountain

Just like that, they have almost reached the peak of the mountain. They maintained their formation along the way so that they would be able to respond to sneak attacks. As always, Fushigiro and Jin were the ones that were leading the way. Caleb and the four teenagers were in the middle. Then their left side was Athena, while Tamasai was on the right side.

'This guy is immune to boredom...' Caleb couldn't help but look at Tamasai, who had just kept his eyes straight the whole time, like a robot. However, Caleb felt a sense of assurance with Tamasai just right beside him. After all, although the bastard doesn't look like much. He was strong. Terrifyingly so...

Then behind them, Dunn and Rina. Dunn was actually the most perceptive member of the group. He has a good talent and skill for perceiving danger in advance. He was the most suitable one for the position.

When you're at the rear of a group, your visibility ahead is restricted. This means you might not spot approaching threats, such as wild beasts, as quickly as those at the front. It's like walking down a dark alley with your back to potential danger.

The rear is often the most vulnerable position because it's easier for threats to sneak up from behind or ambush you. Think of it as being the last line of defense, with limited time to react if something attacks from behind.

If the group becomes separated or surrounded, those at the rear can find themselves isolated and cut off from assistance. It's like being left behind in a maze, while others move ahead.

Being at the rear can also lead to physical exhaustion. You might need to catch up with the group if they move quickly or navigate challenging terrain, leaving you drained and less capable of defending yourself. It's akin to running a race, but always trying to catch up.

Communication with the front of the group can be difficult. If you spot a threat, relaying the information to those in front may take precious seconds. Imagine shouting instructions to someone far away with a delay in response.

In a high-stress situation, there's a risk of friendly fire if the front-line fighters mistake those at the rear for enemies. It's like being caught in the crossfire because others can't see you clearly.

Those at the rear often have to watch for threats coming from the sides as well, making it like keeping an eye on multiple directions simultaneously. This can be mentally taxing, akin to watching multiple TV screens at once.

The position is vital as it can lead to a complete collapse of the formation and chaos among the members of the party whilst amid the battle. Dunn was also the fourth strongest in the group, not weaker than Jin, who could use two of the five powers.

So... How important is the rear of the formation? Well, it was as vital as the frontlines who were the pathfinder.

The rear provides security and ensures that the group is less likely to be surprised from behind. It acts as a rear guard, preventing potential threats from flanking or ambushing the group. Just like in FPS games like Crossfire, CSGO, or Valorant Caleb, played in the past.

In some situations, the rear serves as the last line of defense and can cover the group's retreat if necessary. It provides a buffer for the group to fall back and regroup in case of an attack.

The rear is crucial for maintaining communication within the group. It can relay information from the front to Caleb and the four teenagers, or sides to the rest of the team, helping everyone stay informed about the environment and potential dangers.

The rear may handle logistical aspects of the expedition, such as carrying supplies or managing equipment. This ensures the group's sustainability and readiness.

Their formation was arranged by none other than the think tank of the Hunting Party, Jin. An excellent strategist and a walking encyclopedia.

"Wait, guy... Aren't these the antidote for the Devil's Cry poison?" Athena's loud voice caught the attention of the group... Causing the group to turn their attention to her.

"Hmmm... They are Zephyr Fruits." Jin confirmed.

Caleb looked at the Zephyr fruits with wonder. 'They are really how Jin had described them. Unreal...'

...

An hour passed. And now, they had reached the peak of the mountain. A breathtaking scenery unfolded itself in front of the members. Caleb stood upright as he scanned his gaze ahead of them and he almost forgot to breathe for a second.

He was treated to a sweeping, panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The world unfolds in every direction, revealing a vast expanse of beauty.

Caleb's eyes followed the contours of the mountain ridges that stretched out like giant rolling waves, creating a mesmerizing pattern of peaks and valleys. Each ridge seems to have a unique personality, with its own shape and character. If not for low visibility, he would have thought that he was in paradise.

The distant horizon seems almost infinite, extending far beyond his imagination. It's as if you can see to the ends of the Earth, where the sky kisses the land in a hazy, ethereal embrace.

Dunn, Fushigiro, and the others were in a trance... Unable to say anything, they could only look around in appreciation. Just like a country bumpkin that saw a city for the first time.

As the sun casts its warm glow, the mountains below create dramatic shadows and contrasts. The interplay of light and shadow highlights the rugged terrain, adding depth and dimension to the landscape.

The colors of nature paint a vivid picture. Lush green forests blanket the lower slopes, gradually giving way to rocky outcrops and alpine meadows. The changing hues of the seasons bring variety to the scenery.

Around and below the peak, there are at least ten to fifteen mountains that they have to traverse to reach the City littered with spiders.

The colors of nature paint a vivid picture. Lush green forests blanket the lower slopes, gradually giving way to rocky outcrops and alpine meadows. The changing hues of the seasons bring variety to the scenery.

Above, the sky seems impossibly vast and clear. On a clear day, it's a brilliant blue canvas, while at sunset or sunrise, it can transform into a symphony of warm oranges, pinks, and purples.

"Am I dreaming?" Caleb muttered in a daze.

Luna shook her head.

"No, you're not..."

"Sometimes, beneath the beauty, hides an equal danger." Fushigiro sighed.

From all the climbing from the foot of the mountain to the peak. Caleb realized that the higher you climb, the quieter it becomes. The only sounds are the whispers of the wind, the occasional calls of birds, and the rustling of leaves. It's a serene, almost sacred silence that envelops you.

Standing at the mountain peak on a ridge, there's an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. The group felt they conquered nature's challenges to reach this point, and the view is their well-earned reward! It was a novel experience!

Suddenly, a heavy pressure spread through them, making it harder for them to breathe. They felt an aura of malevolence fourteen meters away, and they saw a burst of shock... Then a pillar of orange flame rose.