Paradise of Infinite: 342

Title: Alien Time

Temporarily allied, Nik and Lava-Head work closely. Of course, Nik won’t take charge against the unknown enemy. He watches Lava-Head slide a copper ring onto his middle finger. The man grunts, scowling at the chittering creature. “It’s a mutated xenomorph. I hope you have some metaknowledge about it. Let’s get some basic introductions done. I’m more into movies and not animated media. I also religiously ignore the live actions. What about you?”

Nik and Lava-Head avoid the deceptively agile creature as it lunges at the duo with a sweeping tail that crashes and shreds the sturdy seats.

*Screeeeeeeeee* It hisses as its tail bangs against the wall, earning it a counter from the Scar of Finite.

“A xenomorph?” Nik scoffs, lying through his teeth. “Of course, I know.”

No point in showing weakness to the enemy-ally, right? He adds convincingly, “But I’m not aware of detailed mutations.”

The one thing Nik does best is maintaining a conversation when needed. That’s one of the most basic yet intricate topics banged into potential escorts for the client’s satisfaction.

“Let’s get through its basic fears,” Lava-Head grits his teeth. The ring around his middle finger shatters into motes of light as the man releases a frightening pressure.

[Blood Flame]

Lava-Head grunts as blood-red flames flicker and emerge from his body. A bloody scent saturates the compartment as the splash of fire lights the pool of blood on the floor. Nik snorts and backs away, discreetly waterbending the blood off his boots and hands. Meanwhile, the creature squeals.

“Eh?” Lava-Head catches the tail, tearing it off the assaulting Xenomorph as the effect of the limiter ring dissipates. “It’s not afraid of fire? Managed-Ant must have spent good money on it.”

“You better be quick,” Nik snickers as he notes the creature is nothing compared to a Lava-Head going all out. The flames slowly burn all the blood as the blood-red flickering light casts a wavy shadow upon Nik’s devilish features. “I can sense eggs. Your partner is planning something. You can’t skim on cost, partner.” All the while, Nik observes the Blood Flames.

If it’s fire, Nik can learn to bend it.

Heck, due to Mokshi, Nik can bend ANY element! He’s inherently different from other elemental benders!

‘Flames that explicitly burn on blood? Can I recreate them by igniting my blood? Can I make it more adaptive using Bloodbending?’ Such thoughts fill a discreet corner of Nik’s mind as he keeps Lava-Head on his toes.

“Fuck off,” Lava-Head mutters. Nik chose a good spot. He’s flanking Lava-Head with a roaring Xenomorph on the other side, whose tail flips around like a dying fish.

Something strange happens at this point as the flame catches onto the Xenomorph’s tail.

*Sssssssssss*

‘What’s that smell?’ Nik frowns, unsettled. He blinks before scowling. He’s smelled something similar in Koro’s chemistry classes when Okuda created several ‘concoctions’ to kill Koro—

Acids.

‘Its blood is acidic?’ Nik blinks. He focuses on Lava-Head’s hand that tore off the tail. The hand is undamaged. However, the few splashes on Lava-Head’s clothes left holes.

Under Nik’s gaze, Lava-Head calmly manipulates the Blood Flames to cover the Xenomorph. The fire enters its body through the cut body part that oozes acidic blood that pools onto the floor without damaging its surface due to the Scar of Finite.

The mutated Xenomorph screeches, all the same, burnt from the inside as Lava-Head turns to glance at Nik. “You should feel lucky I didn’t use my previous mental-based attack. It would have harmed you, too.”

“It’s almost as if you’re afraid of harming your Partner and your ally that YOU need,” Nik quips with a breezy smirk. Lava-Head rolls his eyes before glancing beyond Nik to the previous compartments. “Eggs, you said.”

“Several hundred,” Nik nods. “They aren’t the usual size for an insect’s egg, too.”

Lava-Head grumbles as he walks past Nik, taking the lead.

“So, what else do you know about your Partner?” Nik questions as he follows. “I’ll need to know his trump cards to kill him.”

“Wait,” Lava-Head sniffs before walking near a ‘corpse.’ “Ah~!” he smacks his lips. “Lucky. Someone was alive.” He sinks his teeth into the poor bastard’s neck as Nik grows quiet. He’s wise enough to not stop Lava-Head. His temporary partner revealed himself to be more pragmatic than ordinary hosts. So, this man isn’t the one to kill for ‘fun.’ Besides… Nik doesn’t have any right to stop others unless he’s feeling particularly hypocritical or he simply doesn’t want someone in front of him to die.

Desires…

So, hypocritical yet a staple to every living being.

—Like freedom.

Their bodies stiffen as they enter the compartment nearest to the engine room. Gasps simultaneously escape their lips as the duo watches throbbing fleshy eggs releasing slightly wet noise. Unhindered by the darkness, their eyes observe the thick veins mapped upon the spherical eggs.

“What kind of insects are these?” Nik questions as he glances at the nearest egg.

“Who knows,” Lava-Head mutters. “But Managed-Ant won’t let us near him. There’s probably a trap nearby.” The duo would ordinarily communicate using the chat function, alas…

Nik uses spirit senses and other investigative means, frowning. He can sense Managed-Ant inside the last compartment. But what trap?

He didn’t find a thing.

“Ugh!” Lava-Head clutches his chest, buckling to his knees before he can take another step. Black arteries map his skin as the man’s nails grow.

“Fuck!” Lava-Head roars. “Back off, Nut. I’m poisoned. The next attack might get you.”

Nik’s gaze glitters. Can he take Lava-Head out? He resists the urge, quickly backing off as Lava-Head consumes another limiter ring to set himself ablaze on Blood Flames. The massive burst of fire splashes on other eggs as Lava-Head stumbles back.

“The Xenomorph’s blood was poisonous,” Lava-Head glances at Nik. “To the vampiric kind, I suppose.”

Nik shrugs as he sniffs. A similar acidic smell fills the compartment as the blood flames destroy a few eggs.

‘These Blood Flames can deal with poisons?’ Nik feels his thoughts stir. Its value is beyond the blue flames and only below the Nirvana Fire.

“The entire compartment is filled with the same gas.”

“Great observation,” Lava-Head urges. “Do something. I remember you have a few elemental abilities, too.”

“That wasn’t part of the deal,” Nik refuses. “I have limited Limiter Rings. What would I use to kill Managed-Ant if I waste them now?”

Lava-Head grits his teeth.

Karma sure does sting. Lava-Head was the same, using Benny, Revy, Dutch, and others as a hostage to extort Nik.

Not that Nik’s consumed by revenge. However, not squeezing out Lava-Head’s value would be a smack to all he’s learned from his previous teachers, including—unfortunately—Esta.

“What do you want?” Lava-Head directly questions.

“Your Blood Flames look extraordinary,” Nik smiles.

“So is my cock—venture a suck?” Lava-Head snorts. “Be reasonable.”

“I am,” Nik tosses the words once directed at him. “Besides, you should ignore these shallow plots. You’ll be free beyond your wildest dreams once Managed-Ant disappears.”

A vein pops on Lava-Head’s forehead as he snorts. “Blood Flame is my bloodline’s ability. I don’t know how to teach you that.”

“Well, it was nice cooperating until now,” Nik shrugs. There’s no way he’s helping out. Besides, the immediate threat of the Xenomorph is gone, and Nik also earned three Limiter Rings, which are sold for more than 5 AP outside of the Trading Hubs.

“Ugh,” Lava-Head groans. “Can’t you look at the big picture?”

“Nope, I’m half-blind,” replies Nik.

“I’m happy to teach you a bloodline skill if I had the means for it.”

Nik quietly looks at Lava-Head before taking another step back.

Lava-Head’s eyelids twitch before he frowns. “How does 50 AP sound?”

“And how will you pay me—”

Unfortunately, their momentary negotiations fall short once the distant eggs ‘bloom’ like flower buds, releasing their contents—slick scarabs that chitter oddly before bumping into each other. Every scarab is the size of a palm.

‘Fuck!’ Fear flickers in Lava-Head’s eyes. He momentarily considers running away. However, they are imprisoned inside the Scar of Finite. Where can he run to? He immediately glances at Nik. “We need to kill them before—”

*Whoosh*

A massive jet of pale blue fire fills the entire compartment, burning and melting everything save for the dimly glowing walls. This only confirms that the Scar of Finite cannot be broken by destroying the train’s walls since they are protected! After all, Scar of Finite only exists in an enclosed space.

As for Nik?

He has seen these scarabs consume humans like how he gulps down fries and milkshakes! Forget negotiations. Their threat is more prominent than that of the Xenomorph.

The fire burns everything as Nik instantly turns and attacks Lava-Head with another jet of blue fire.

Prepared, Lava-Head backs away as the five-second period ends.

“Huff,” Nik exhales and beams. “Ah, sorry. Your partner is a thing of mystery. He somehow controlled my mind.”

“He’s an asshole,” Lava-Head snickers and doesn’t break the flimsy cooperation as the melting magma covers the compartment’s floor from the melted steel of the seats.

“How do we move this magma?” Lava-Head questions.

“We don’t?” Nik mutters. “The lava should keep your partner at bay for some time. Now, let’s think how you will teach me those blood flames.”

Nik could have frozen the scarabs. However, he burnt them to ashes to reveal his affinity with fire and ‘determination’ to learn the latter’s ability. Lava-Head exhales. “I should have killed you that night.”

“It’s nice to dream,” Nik smirks. He knows he would have given up on Revy and others for the people inside him that night. Now? He’s not so sure. “Insects are usually weak to fire. I’ve got some confidence in dealing with Managed-Ant’s horde. Let’s not waste more time and give him a chance to screw us over.”

Lava-Head sighs, nodding. “Do you know what a Meditation Technique is?”

Nik offers a clueless look, eliciting a groan from Lava-Head. “I follow the power system of magic. It’s a widespread branch that includes any and everything involving magic energy derived from Od, Life Energy, Chi, Ki, Elemental Energy, Spiritual Energy—you name it. I’m not going to go too deep into it. All you have to know is Blood Flames are part of me through this system, namely, a Highgrade Meditation Technique beneficial for my bloodline. I’m what you can consider a Bloodline Warlock.”

Nik nods, “And?”

“I’ll offer you the Meditation Technique describing my Blood Flames.”

“But it won’t help me use it,” Nik narrows his eyes, “Right?”

“Correct,” Lava-Head glances at the Lava. “Even though I can sense the rank of your bloodline is low… its rarity doesn’t lose out. You’ll have to accept the bloodline flowing through my physical and spiritual veins before using my meditation technique. I’ll offer a vial of my blood once you help me kill Managed-Ant. How about it?”

Nik understands that Lava-Head isn’t stinting on offering his bloodline due to the existence of the Bloodline Shackles that represent the hard cap on the host’s upper limit once they advance their bloodlines from the Common Rank. However, Nik is different. Bloodline shackles don’t affect him.

Nik momentarily ponders before nodding. He doesn’t have much hope for Lava-Head’s bloodline. After all, Lava-Head won’t have any obligations to follow through with the deal once Nik manages to strike down Managed-Ant. However, the knowledge of a brand-new power system is welcoming enough!

“Good,” Lava-Head snorts. He wears another Limiter Ring, barking, “I’ll create a memory transfer spell model. Don’t refuse it. I can’t do much if you think it’s a slave brand or some other screwed-up shit.”

Nik observes as Lava-Head creates a strange shimmering pattern. This pattern is like a 3-D holographic model as long as 15 centimeters. Lava-Head exhales and nods at Nik.

“Touch the spell model. It has my complete memory of the Meditation Technique—Blood’s Exultation. It goes as high as three levels—the significance of which will be apparent once you accept the knowledge.”

‘It feels like a Spirit’s essence, only incomplete—fragmented.’ Nik narrows his eyes. He’s ‘eaten’ a spirit’s husk, gaining abilities like Limitless Library and Death Eater. Meanwhile, he’s only held a Spirit’s Essence from primordials like La (Ocean Spirit), Ra, and Raat, granting him a Master-level mastery of Water Element, Flames of Nirvana, and Twilight Thief. So, he’s curious about the connection of a Spell Model with the Primordials’ ability to pass on their skills through essence.

Nik quietly touches the shimmering spell model. It releases a warm glow before disappearing into Nik’s body. A new ‘book’ appears in Nik’s Limitless Library for his perusal at a later date.

Of course, Nik never intended to grow incapacitated by a surge of memories. After all, he can turn memories into books.

“Oh?” Lava-Head whistles. However, he grows more alert. He expected Nik to create some defensive means before experiencing the memory. Even if instant, the memory transfer leaves the host momentarily defenseless. Yet, Nik barely revealed any need for it as he calmly nodded at Lava-Head.

“After you.”

Lava-Head clicks his tongue before gritting his teeth and stepping into the lava.

*Sssssssss*

His boots and the lower portion of his pants burn and melt. Lava-Head refuses to waste another Limiter Ring as he tackles the lava using the sheer quality of his vampiric body! Though suppressed, the host’s mind and physique’s quality are usually unaffected.

“Wow!” Nik muses. Oh, Lava-Head isn’t impervious to magma. However, his recovery ability is unmatched!

So, Nik feels a pang of regret for what he’s about to do.

No, he cannot kill Lava-Head even if he gives his all. However, removing him from the picture is simple. If only Nik could get his blood.

The incubus shakes his head before he suddenly metalbends the compartment’s door before unbolting the last two compartments—

“You—” Lava-Head’s roar is cut short as the two departments are no longer an ‘enclosed’ space. Nik cannot destroy the walls. But he directly targets the train’s infrastructure!

<<<>>>

“—bastard!” Lava-Head blinks as he glances at the brightened world. Paradise’s notifications flood his vision.

[Host expelled from Scar of Finite. Recovered all functions.]

[Paradise Host: Duck-Tape—is no longer in Paradise’s rank. Remaining Teams: 5; Remaining Members: 8.]

Lava-Head instantly scowls.

He glances at the engine room, sending a message.

[Lava-Head: I will kill you… one day.]

[Managed-Ant: Dunno about that, Chief. I’ll see you at the Trading Facility. Bye~! 凸 ( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛)凸]

It’s as if the duo did not try killing each other moments ago.

[Return sequence initiated.]

Lava-Head wished to stay longer. However, Accu-mulet just shot past all threat levels Lava-Head can deal with. Accu-mulet also found a way to pull Managed-Ant to his side. No point in staying longer and risking his life.

‘If only I could complete the mission,’ he exhales, disappearing alongside a ball of ants inside the Engine Room.

<<<>>>

‘Now,’ Nik casts a glance in the other direction. He doesn’t know the situation outside the Scar of Finite. However, there is only one more threatening factor remaining within the train.

‘Just what are those Yellow Flames?’ Nik grits his jaws. Their quality… doesn’t lose out to the Flames of Nirvana.

‘Be careful, Ray.’ He refrains from abusing his Spirit Senses. After all, that host almost locked onto Nik the last time he used Spirit Senses, a feat even Korosensei cannot achieve.

‘But there is SOMETHING Koro can do. Let’s see,’ Nik touches the cold walls of the train, ignoring the corpses and blood around him.

Seismic Sense…

Seamless vibrations originate from his palm, traveling through the metal walls. ‘Scar of Finite does not reduce the physique’s quality, eh? So, Koro’s sensitive ass must be able to sense it.’

—And sense Koro does!

“Nyo?” Koro smiles before sighing. If only Nik knew Morse Code…

‘At least he’s safe,’ Koro chuckles internally.

Koro could sense several things from the vibrations across the train. Other hosts have not been easy on the surface. However, he cannot do anything more due to the oppressive pressure on his shoulders.

‘So, how can I help in such a situation?’ Koro muses. His priority is the students. But they will be out of their luck should the ‘creature’ in the middle compartments stroll in their direction. ‘The last compartment is also filled with restless assassins. Ah, how terrible. We can only hold down the fort—’

“Back off!” one of Boris’ men shouts and fires a few rounds as Boris hisses, “Heads down, everyone!”

*Bang*

*Bang*

*Bang*

“What do we do?” Irina frowns as the assassins from the last compartment try to enter their room.

Tadaomi frowns as a surprised yelp echoes from the opposite side.

“Back off, Mikael!” A familiar, rough shout echoes as a figure barges into their compartment.

“R-Revy?”

“Yep,” Revy beams as she stretches her arms. “The people inside this compartment are Ray’s help. Use them.” She sniffs before glancing at the kids, grinning. “If it ain’t the delusional kids. So, how are you enjoying your first-hand experience of being surrounded by guns?”

Of course, the children cannot understand most of her words. But her condescension surpasses the language barrier.

“Go easy on them,” Tadaomi mutters before frowning and glancing back at the people Boris allows inside the compartment. He can barely make out their dazed features in the dark as he questions, “Where are Nik and Ray?”

“Who knows?” Revy mumbles. “All I gotta do is let Ray’s recruits be used as fodder.”

“Fodder?” Irina frowns, feeling a little stifled.

“Use them,” Boris nods, not feeling the slightest sympathy.

“You heard him, boys,” Revy smacks the back of a middle-aged man. “Go on. I still can’t believe how Ray keeps getting her help.” She shakes her head, slightly fearful of the cheery succubus.

“W-What’s going on, Bitch-Sensei?” a girl questions as Irina remains quiet. They all watch the men and women quietly enter the last compartment, followed by unending gunshots!

The students duck their heads, their expressions growing numb as tears wet their eyes.

Death…

So much death…

Revy glances at the students before sighing. She isn’t excited about ruining their innocence. If anything, her ‘excitement’ only hides her despondence.

Boris shares Revy’s depression. The giant of a man has a soft spot for children, unable to watch the young suffer. However, he remains quiet. It’s either them or the enemies. These students might have already died if not for Nik’s and Ray’s assistance before and after the start of the train. Boris and his men only represent a mediocre portion of Nik’s assistance.

Meanwhile, Ray’s supplementation of men and women can be considered timely.

“Everyone,” Tadaomi opens up once Boris enters the last compartment and gives an ok sign. “Don’t lose your composure. We… we’re going to the last compartment.”

The students shudder.

“It’s going to be fine—” Irina voices, only for Revy to interject, “No, it won’t. Just lay it to them straight, Octopus. Don’t you want to raise assassins? You have to trust them enough for this shit.”

Koro’s smile doesn’t fade as he tilts his head.

“Everyone,” he begins. “Where’s your excitement about killing me? I trust that everyone, deep down, knew how things are. As usual, trust in your Teachers’ abilities to consider your safety. The last thing we want is for anything to happen to you. When you enter the last compartment, think about your loved ones and all the reasons you have to live for.”

Koro doesn’t speak further as he’s the first to enter and lock himself inside the toilet. “Nyohohohoho! You fools! Sensei cannot use his powers for some reason, and you lost out on ten billion yen! Nyahahahaha!”

“Eh?”

Not only the students but Tadaomi’s and Irina’s expression changes.

Is that true?

“No fair!”

“Destroy that door!”

“Today we eat takoyaki!” Karma leads the charge as other men and women watch in stunned silence as how the previously terrified children willingly plunge into the blood-stained and corpse-riddled compartment.

“Sigh,” Tadaomi shakes his head. “Can you guys help me move the corpses into this compartment? Revy, can Ray’s men help?”

Revy shrugs, “Let’s ask them.”

***

Alternate Title: A Xenomorph? You Mean Esta?—Nik Faran; Lava-Head Is a BIG Fan Of The Last Legendary Scene; Blood Flame; Mohg? Is That You?; Warlocks and Magus; The Burnt Xenomorph; Flames That Purify; Highgrade Meditation Technique; Blood’s Exultation; Too Many References; The Mummy Scarabs; Nik Isn’t Having Any Of It; Nik: Sure, You Can Trust Me (Lol); The Spell Model; Essence And Husk; A New Book; The Blue Flames; Melting; Magma; Negotiations; Liar; Betrayal; Used; The Intro To New Power System; The Power of Mana; Busted; Metalbending; Opening The Finite; Nik’s Hidden Plan; Capitalizing Advantage; Managed-Ant and Lava-Head Remain Together; Return Sequence; 8 Members and Five Teams?; Hinting Koro; Korosensei Got The Students’ Backs; Shocked Students; The Scent of Death; Karma: Charge, My Minions; Koro Knows How To Treat Children as One; The Capable Teacher; Ray’s Support; Revy’s Appearance; The One True Threat In The Middle Compartment