Reborn With the Infinite Gods System

Axel felt the weight of the oppressive energy thickening with every step deeper into the cave. The presence of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox had been overwhelming enough, but now it was clear that whatever lay ahead dwarfed even Kurama's formidable power. Doubt clawed at Axel's mind, urging him to turn back, but two things anchored his resolve.

The first was the growing, suffocating energy that increased with every step, a testament to the power that awaited him. The second was the notification that hovered before his eyes.

**[You are about to enter the final part of this trial. Prepare yourself.]**

The notification felt like a ticking clock, counting down the seconds to his fate. Axel clenched his fists, reassuring himself of his strength. He had fought against beasts, monsters, and gods before, and now, with his system fully powered and an army at his side, how bad could this final test be?

Still, the sight of the looming mountain cave ahead filled him with unease. The entrance was ominous, a dark maw in the earth, as if the mountain itself was swallowing light and life. The Nine-Tailed Fox halted just before the cave, its colossal frame unable to pass through.

Kurama's golden eyes glowed in the dim light as it growled, "Within that cave lies your final test."

Axel paused and glanced back at Kurama, noting a rare, unmistakable flicker of dread in the beast's eyes. Seeing such fear in a being like the Nine-Tailed Fox sent chills through Axel's spine. What could be powerful enough to frighten a creature like Kurama?

He turned back to the cave, swallowing his fear. "Thanks, Kurama," Axel said, stepping forward into the darkness, though his words felt hollow in the face of what he was walking toward.

The air in the tunnel was suffocating, heavy with an unseen pressure. As Axel descended deeper, the light from the entrance behind him faded, leaving only the dim, unnatural glow of the rocks to guide him. Every step seemed to magnify the presence ahead, each breath harder to draw than the last. It wasn't long before the oppressive energy began affecting his soldiers.

"Master," a voice rasped from behind him. Axel turned to see Mane, one of his most reliable soldiers, struggling to breathe. "The presence... it's too much."

Mane's face was pale, and his steps had grown sluggish. Axel could sense the others were in no better shape. The energy in the cave was crushing them, suffocating their spirits. They wouldn't survive if they kept going.

Axel frowned, realizing what he had to do. "You've done well to make it this far," he said, waving his hand. In an instant, Mane and the others vanished, dismissed back into the safety of the system's realm.

Alone now, Axel pressed on, his thoughts growing heavier with each step. He hadn't realized just how much the energy was affecting him until now. His breathing became labored, his limbs felt like they were being weighed down by unseen chains. It was as if the cave itself was alive, testing his resolve with every heartbeat.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of walking, Axel stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes fixed on a figure sitting motionless ahead of him. The figure sat upon the rocky floor, head bowed, cloaked in tattered robes that seemed older than time itself.

The aura radiating from the figure was suffocating. It was worse than anything Axel had ever felt. The power wasn't just overwhelming—it was ancient, primal, like the essence of death itself. For a brief moment, Axel wondered if this was what Velerium had felt like, but this... this was something else.

The figure slowly raised its head, revealing its ghastly visage. Its face was a skull, similar to Velerium's skeletal form, but much bulkier, more imposing. Two glowing blue eyes burned with malevolent light from within the empty sockets.

"Welcome, candidate," the figure rasped, its voice deep and otherworldly, reverberating through the cave like the final toll of a death knell.

Axel staggered, feeling the weight of the being's voice alone threaten to crush him. His heart pounded violently in his chest as he clenched his fists, trying to keep from collapsing under the immense pressure. Every instinct screamed at him to flee, but Axel forced himself to stay rooted to the spot.

The being stood slowly, towering over Axel, its robes falling to the side to reveal a body made entirely of bones and ancient armor, each movement causing a grotesque creaking sound. "For this battle, I shall grant you three things," the figure said, extending a bony finger toward Axel. "An introduction, a goal, and a reward."

Axel's throat was dry, but he managed to find his voice. "Who... who are you?" he asked, though he already had a terrible feeling he knew the answer.

The figure grinned, the bones of its skull shifting unnaturally. "I am Mictlantecuhtli," it said, and the very name sent a wave of terror crashing over Axel.

Axel's knees nearly buckled. **Mictlantecuhtli**, the god of death, the Aztec lord of the underworld. It was as if every story, every myth of death and the afterlife had suddenly materialized before him, in the form of this monstrous deity.

Axel's mind raced. 'If this is the real Mictlantecuhtli, then I'm facing a god... a true god.' Sweat dripped from his brow as the realization hit him. This wasn't just some trial. This was a fight against a death god. Experience more tales on m v|l e'm,p| y- r

"The rules are simple," Mictlantecuhtli continued, his voice a low rumble. "One of us must die. If you defeat me, I will grant you three wishes. If you fail, I will enter your world, and death will walk among the living once more."

Axel's heart skipped a beat. Three wishes. That was what Velerium had meant when he said Axel could bring his mother back. A flicker of hope ignited in his chest, only to be extinguished just as quickly by the cold reality of the situation. Could he really defeat a god?

Axel's gaze hardened as he summoned his weapon, the **Fang of Kaijus**, into his hand. The familiar weight of the blade gave him a momentary sense of comfort, but even that comfort felt fragile in the presence of the god before him.

Mictlantecuhtli grinned wider, his skeletal features twisting grotesquely. "So, you wish to fight," the god murmured, taking a step forward. "But can you truly stand against death itself?"

Without warning, Mictlantecuhtli lunged. The god moved faster than Axel had ever anticipated, a blur of bone and robes tearing through the air like a missile. Axel barely had time to raise his blade as Mictlantecuhtli's fist came crashing down.

The impact was devastating. Axel's sword shattered upon contact, and before he could react, the force of the blow sent him flying across the cave. He hit the rocky floor hard, skidding dozens of feet before coming to a painful halt. Blood gushed from his nose and mouth, and his vision swam.

His sword—the weapon he had relied on in countless battles—was broken. The Fang of Kaijus lay in pieces beside him, chipped and useless. Axel's heart sank.

"You... friggin' bastard..." Axel growled through clenched teeth, wiping the blood from his face. He struggled to his feet, his body aching, but his resolve unshaken. If it was a fistfight Mictlantecuhtli wanted, Axel would give him one.

Axel squared his stance, raising his fists. "I'll tear you apart with my bare hands if I have to," he spat.

Mictlantecuhtli chuckled, a low, bone-chilling sound that echoed through the cave. "You amuse me," the god said, taking slow, deliberate steps toward Axel. "I almost forgot to ask your name, but it hardly matters. From what I've seen, you won't last another minute."

Axel's eyes narrowed as he activated his system. He couldn't rely on the Fang anymore. **Evolution pills**, he thought, already planning to purchase them. He needed to survive this—he needed those three wishes.

For Mum and for...

Dad.

***Author's note***

Three chapters today also. Please support me with a gift of an price, it'll be appreciated.