Infinity, The Arcade Age-Chapter 277: The Power of a High-Level Adventurer

The storm of gunfire raged on, energy bullets infused with White Blaze streaking through the air, turning into a milky-white barrage that pounded forward relentlessly. The bullets tore through walls, sending wooden debris flying, while the twin-barreled energy cannon blasted massive holes into the walls, reducing them to rubble. Qin Ming didn't stop. For over thirty seconds, he kept firing, completely demolishing the structure ahead of him.

Only after the walls had collapsed entirely, revealing the vast sea beyond, did Qin Ming finally ease off the trigger. Standing still with his machine gun and energy cannon raised, he took two deep breaths before shouting into the smoke-filled ruins.

"Hey! You dead yet? If you're still alive, make a noise!"

As soon as his voice rang out, the sound of heavy, labored footsteps echoed from within the smoke. Then, a battered and bloodied Oni En stumbled forward, emerging from the wreckage.

Seeing him still alive, Qin Ming's eyes gleamed, and he immediately lifted his weapon to open fire again. But just as his finger squeezed the trigger, as the machine gun began to roar—Oni En, who was already riddled with bullet wounds and looked barely holding on, suddenly threw up both hands, crossing them above his head. A cold glint flashed in his eyes—

Orochi Blood Activation!

Burning the Blood of Orochi! Consumption: 50%!

A deep humming sound resonated as the entire ship's interior fell silent. Then—From Oni En's upraised arms, a blinding white light erupted. It expanded outward, scattering in all directions—transforming into countless rays of light, raining down indiscriminately!

Pseudo-S-Rank Skill! Sunlight Purge!

By burning a permanent 50% of his Orochi Blood, Oni En, using the unique traits of the Violet Blaze, had actually unleashed the signature ultimate move of Orochi, the final boss of King of Fighters '97!

Even if it was only a weakened imitation, it still reached the level of a half-step S-Rank skill!

The omnidirectional light barrage vaporized everything in the vicinity. The incoming storm of energy bullets—completely erased. The cascading rays of light rushed forward. Qin Ming panicked, immediately taking cover behind his warhorse.

But a moment later—

A horrifying shriek filled the air.

The Gold-Tier Warhorse, a mount stronger than most boss-level creatures, was completely disintegrated by the radiant assault!

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And the moment the warhorse was reduced to nothing, the exposed Qin Ming screamed in agony as his body also began to dissolve at an alarming rate!

The Sunlight Purge lasted a full thirty seconds before finally fading away. As the glowing afterimages dissipated, Oni En collapsed to his knees, panting heavily. His body was utterly exhausted, and he gasped for air.

Burning 50% of his Orochi Blood in one go—this was an immense loss for him.

Although he could replenish it later in the Nightmare Space by spending points, right now, his combat capabilities had been permanently reduced in this world. In fact, with so much of his Orochi Blood drained, he could no longer activate his Berserk Mode—not even his Violet Blaze.

This self-sacrificing technique, which consumed Orochi Blood to unleash Sunlight Purge, was his last resort—his ultimate trump card.

Panting, Oni En struggled to his feet, body covered in wounds and burns. But when he looked up—his expression instantly twisted in disbelief.

Qin Ming was still alive.

Even after taking Sunlight Purge head-on... he was still standing!

Oni En was shaken to his core.

There had never been a low-level adventurer who could survive an S-Rank technique—not even among those at his level!

Even if a fellow high-rank adventurer were to recklessly take this attack head-on, they would be instantly reduced to ash!

How was this guy still alive?!

Oni En stared at the man before him, stunned by how much punishment he could withstand. How high is this guy's Constitution...? No! No, even if he had 60 points in Constitution, there's no way he'd survive that attack!

This wasn't just about durability—this bastard had some kind of damage-reduction ability!

It was damage immunity!

Realizing this, Oni En's gaze darkened as he scrutinized Qin Ming, his expression growing increasingly grim.

Meanwhile, Qin Ming, who had barely survived Sunlight Purge thanks to his Iron Hide ability, slowly lifted his head to meet Oni En's gaze.

His warhorse had been disintegrated instantly, and his skin had been melted clean off. Now, he looked like a skinned frog, his exposed flesh twitching in pain as he struggled to stay upright. Every breath was labored, and his body trembled uncontrollably.

Seeing him like this, Oni En suddenly let out a sigh and spoke in a low voice.

"I have to admit—you're strong. The fact that you're still alive after that... I'll give you a chance, Hyena. Join us. We're both badly injured, there's no need to keep fighting. Join King of Fighters, and I'll let our past grudges go. I won't avenge my brother."

Originally, Oni En had no intention of sparing Qin Ming. The order to "cripple him and recruit him" was never something he planned to carry out.

After all, this guy had killed his brother.

But now, seeing Qin Ming in this state—pushed to the very edge of death, yet still standing—he couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration.

Oni En wasn't just an older brother; he was also a high-level adventurer in King of Fighters and a trusted subordinate personally groomed by the King of Fighters himself.

At the same time, he was someone who knew how to repay kindness. The King of Fighters had given him power and supported him every step of the way. Now, seeing such a promising talent, he couldn't just let personal grudges dictate his actions.

This wasn't just some random tough guy—this was a low-level adventurer with monstrous potential! If they could recruit him, it would be a huge boost to their squad's strength. Even if there was bad blood between them, Oni En had to make the offer.

He extended a hand, his face dark with frustration as he gritted his teeth. "Join King of Fighters! From this day on, you'll be one of us. I'll forget about my brother's death—wipe the slate clean!"

Across from him, Qin Ming—his body in ruins—twitched at those words. His lips curled in a grimace.

"Your brother's death has nothing to do with me. Whether you avenge him or not is your problem. But the grudge between you and me? That's already set in stone."

Crack!

Oni En's outstretched hand clenched into a fist. A vein bulged on his forehead.

"You seriously want to fight to the death? Do you really think I've run out of trump cards? You think, in this state, you can trade your life for mine?"

Lowering his arm, Oni En took a deep breath. A second later, his entire body convulsed as the veins on his skin bulged grotesquely.

Orochi Blood—Ignition!

Burning the remaining Orochi Blood in his body, Oni En's wounds—his bullet holes, his scorched flesh—began to rapidly regenerate.

In just a few seconds, he was completely healed, standing at full strength once again.

The only cost? His Orochi Blood. After already depleting 50% of it with Sunlight Purge, this final ignition consumed nearly all that remained.

Qin Ming's eyes went wide in shock.

Oni En sneered. "This is the power of a high-level adventurer. You couldn't even imagine competing with me—you can't even begin to understand my bottom line. You're just a talented rookie. But talent isn't enough."

He extended his hand again, his killing intent so thick it was almost tangible.

"I'll give you one last chance. Join us—or die."