Reborn With the Infinite Gods System

Axel bent swiftly down another corner in an attempt to lose his pursuer or catch them off guard. His heartbeat quickened, the adrenaline in his veins keeping his senses heightened. Every shadow could be an enemy.

He couldn't head to sell his weapons without figuring out who was following him or knowing their motive—whether it was mere curiosity, hostility, or something far worse.

Finally, he came upon an empty alley. No one in sight. It was perfect. Axel darted behind a rusted trash can, crouching low, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the alley entrance. The dim streetlights flickered ominously in the distance.

'Now, from this angle, I should be able to see who's following me. I still have time to get to the auction house if I wait an hour,' Axel assured himself, opening his hand and summoning his dagger. Its cold, sleek handle felt reassuring in his grip.

'I just have to wait for him to come here, then I attack. If he's more powerful than I expect, I'll use *Deceased Touch* on him,' Axel thought, gripping the dagger tightly. He kept his eyes glued to the entrance, his muscles tense, ready for the moment his target would reveal themselves.

But the minutes dragged on, and no one came.

'Where the hell is this guy? He should be close... or should have been here by now. Or... have I been hallucinating?'

Doubt began to gnaw at the edges of Axel's mind. He shifted uncomfortably but refused to leave his spot. Something in his gut told him to wait just a bit longer. This could be a game, a psychological tactic from his enemy to expose his impatience.

In the distance, a faint breeze stirred the trash in the alley. The creaking of a distant door made his hand twitch. Still, no one appeared.

Then, out of nowhere, Velerium appeared, his gurgling voice dripping with eerie calm. "Master, have you noticed the tail?"

Axel's frown deepened. "Would I be waiting here if I'd seen the idiot? What kind of questions do you ask?"

"Have you noticed that the guy is behind yo—"

Before Velerium could finish, Axel lunged, twisting his body swiftly as his dagger flashed forward, pinning the hooded figure to the wall with brutal force. The figure gasped, a sharp intake of air escaping as the back of their head slammed hard against the cold brick.

"What the fuck?" the figure spat, coughing in pain.

Axel didn't waste time. He pressed the dagger closer to their throat, his eyes blazing with fierce intent. "Better answer my questions, or I'll slit your throat. And trust me, this cheap dagger won't make clean cuts."

The figure struggled but didn't reply. Axel's grip tightened, and he leaned in closer to catch a glimpse of their face. The hood slipped back to reveal—

"Noel?!" Axel's eyes widened in surprise, but only for a moment. Her face was angrier than usual, her breath coming in ragged gasps as Axel kept her pinned.

"You came here to spy on me? How foolish," Axel growled, pushing the dagger ever so slightly closer to her neck. His mind raced. This was the perfect opportunity to get rid of a liability, to remove someone who could potentially become a threat. 'She's staring at me like a plate of cake… who am I to refuse taking out a liability?'

"I know you can't kill me, Axel Teras," Noel's voice, though strained, held confidence. "If not, why would I reveal my identity? After all, we are both Halflings—we should take care of each other."

Her words didn't amuse Axel in the slightest.

"What does me being half-elf have to do with you being half-dwarf?" Axel hissed, pushing the dagger so close that a single twitch of his wrist could cut deep into her skin.

"I was sent as a spy, but not in the way you think," Noel continued, unfazed by the dagger. "I'm your partner. A protector, sent by the Association Leader to assist you. Killing me would lead to all your secrets being exposed. I would comply if I were you."

Axel studied her eyes, weighing the truth in her words. For a moment, he hesitated, the tip of the dagger hovering at the breaking point. Then, with a low growl, he pulled the blade back. His decision wasn't because he trusted her—but because killing her might come with unforeseen consequences.

"I'm not short on help," Axel grumbled, releasing her completely. Despite lowering his weapon, tension coiled within him. Her presence still felt like a liability.

Noel shoved his hand away as she slid down the wall, finally standing on her feet. "That's your problem, Axel. You don't trust anyone. Not more than your family, at least. And you're planning to build a guild with that kind of attitude?" she scoffed.

"How the hell do you know about my plans for a guild?" Axel's voice hardened.

"I pieced it together after reading your file," Noel shrugged, wiping a trickle of blood from her lip.

Axel clenched his fists. 'Whoever wrote those reports is too good.'

"Master, do not heed her advice," Velerium's voice echoed in his mind, as cold as ever. "A true god must stand above all."

Axel smirked inwardly. 'If Velerium's against it, then it must be the right option. Thanks, bone man.'

"Fine. You can come along," Axel muttered, though his distrust was still palpable. His eyes betrayed his inner thoughts—he might tolerate her for now, but she was far from being in his good graces.

Noel narrowed her eyes. "Where are we heading? More hunters to find?" she asked, her tone sharp.

"Something like that. But first, we're going to sell some artifacts. Make some sweet money," Axel dismissed his dagger, letting it fade into thin air.

"An auction house, then," Noel muttered, reading between the lines.

'How is she so damn smart?' Axel thought, suppressing a groan. His instincts screamed at him to stay cautious. 'I hope I'm not making a mistake here…'

---

**Clang!**

Annie dropped the spatula onto the kitchen floor, her face pale as she rushed to the sink. The retching came hard and fast, bile burning her throat as she vomited. After several agonizing minutes, she collapsed against the counter, wiping sweat from her brow.

'Damn… I really messed up. Mum… Axel…' Her hand instinctively rested on her stomach, her thoughts drifting to memories of when things were simple, back when their family was still together.

'I can't trouble Axel with this pregnancy… but I can't… I won't terminate it… I'd rather die…' She washed her face, trying to steady her racing thoughts. But deep inside, she knew her mind was made up.

'I have no choice but to run away… Maybe after the baby is born… I'll end it all… If not, I'll ruin everyone's lives…'

A sudden chime broke through her somber thoughts. She fumbled for her phone and glanced at the screen.

**Hot Chicks Only:** I heard you're pregnant. What if I could help you with the baby? You don't know me, but I could be of assistance.

Her blood ran cold. The message was cryptic, but Annie couldn't deny the desperation gnawing at her. Was this her way out? Should she even respond?

**Annie:** What can you offer me? And why?

There was a brief pause before the next message appeared.

**Hot Chicks Only:** I was a friend of your brother Axel. We awakened the same year. To earn your trust, I'll tell you my real name…

**Annie:** ???

**Hot Chicks Only:** I'm Williams. S-rank hunter.

---

**Author's note:**

Williams from chapter 2 if you don't recall.

A friend or foe...

Thanks for the castle really Thanks... Thank you... Thank you... I'll be mass releasing soon because of you