Infinity, The Arcade Age
Chapter 525: Spiritual Power

Chapter 525: Chapter 525: Spiritual Power

Qin Ming’s battle with Akuma this time had nearly torn down an entire city. Such a commotion naturally couldn’t go unnoticed.

After seeing the fight broadcast on the news, a certain martial arts-obsessed little girl had rushed straight over to beg him to take her as a disciple.

Someone wanting to become his disciple was, of course, a good thing—especially when that person was a girl, a high schooler at that, with a great... build... and decent talent!

Qin Ming had no reason to say no. Even though, truth be told, he didn’t actually know much. His power came entirely from skills and bloodlines, and accepting a disciple might very well end up misleading someone down the wrong path.

At this point, Qin Ming had indeed shaken off the influence of power—he was no longer so bloodthirsty or frenzied. His mindset had become fairly stable.

But that didn’t mean he wasn’t still a lecher... or that he didn’t chase after beautiful things! That was instinct! Had nothing to do with power!

So he very happily accepted Sakura Kasugano as a disciple. And then—two days later—he kicked her out.

Why? Because the girl kept asking questions that were way too advanced—Qin Ming didn’t know how to answer any of them!

To avoid exposing himself, to keep anyone from realizing he was just a fake martial arts master and a total fraud...

Qin Ming quickly used the excuse that Sakura wasn’t suited to train in Killing Intent Wave and booted her out.

But who could’ve guessed this girl was so stubborn? She refused to give up and had been squatting outside for days now.

Looking at the clearly frustrated Mai Shiranui—who’d obviously run out of ways to deal with Sakura—Qin Ming scowled and spoke sharply.

"I’m asking you, Senior Sister—are you dumb?"

"Ah?!"

"No, I mean, don’t be so rigid! If she won’t leave, just find a reason and kick her out! Didn’t I already say this? I only accept geniuses! Tell her to come back after she’s enlightened Killing Intent Wave! Simple!"

But the moment he finished speaking, Mai’s face darkened.

"That’s the problem. That little brat... she’s already enlightened Killing Intent Wave!"

"What?!"

Now Qin Ming was the one stunned...

In the King of Fighters world, there was Yuri Sakazaki. In the Street Fighter world, there was Sakura Kasugano. People called them the twin prodigies of their generation, both with insanely terrifying talent.

Just how terrifying was that talent?

Let’s put it this way—Yuri Sakazaki could independently comprehend and master Akuma’s Shun Goku Satsu. And Sakura? She could spontaneously learn Killing Intent Wave all on her own!

That’s how insane these two were!

Originally, this kind of talent was just a gag the developers added—like an easter egg.

But once the game became a real-world instance... those easter eggs? They became reality.

So when Qin Ming saw that Sakura had managed to comprehend Killing Intent Wave just from casually listening to him and Akuma discuss it for a bit...

He couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming urge to strangle this monstrous girl.

What the hell is this?! Is no one allowed to enjoy their game anymore?!

Dressed like a 300-yen streetwalker... and you’re telling me this girl’s talent actually exceeds even Akuma and Ryu?!

Looking at Sakura—her face full of excitement—and at the shiny S-rank Killing Intent Wave skill glowing on her body, Qin Ming could only sigh in resignation.

Then he raised a hand, reached into his shirt, and pulled out a yellow notebook.

Annoying or not, Pokémon with talent this rare don’t come around often... Might as well collect her...

[Ding! Adventurer No. 441985 has returned! Main quest completed! Optional quest completed! Total reward: 20,000 points! 20 free attribute points!]

The system notification echoed in his ears, but Qin Ming paid it no mind.

After returning to the Nightmare Space, he found a place to sit down. He lifted his hand and stared blankly at his palm.

Because at this moment, there was a new kind of power stirring inside him—something called Spiritual Power!

[Name: Spiritual Power]

[Grade: S-Rank]

[Effect 1: Mental Brainwashing (Can alter the memories of individuals whose spiritual power is less than half of the user’s; the stronger the target’s willpower, the slower the alteration speed.)]

[Effect 2: Mental Imprint (Implant a core of spiritual power into the target’s mind. Even if they break free from brainwashing, the user can continue to influence them until they are completely controlled again.)]

[Effect 3: Spirit Wave Combat Style (A special fighting technique modeled after Wave Force, allowing the user to enhance themselves with spiritual power to assist in combat.)]

[Description: Vega always dreamed of strengthening his spiritual power so he could brainwash all of humanity and rule the world. Sadly, he never succeeded—and just got beat up daily instead.]

That’s right—Vega’s ultimate skill had dropped for Qin Ming!

Even in one-on-one combat, beating that spiritual power master Vega in a fair fight only ever dropped a broken, A-Rank fragment of the skill.

So the fact that this time, it dropped in full—an S-Rank version—was absolutely insane!

He had already become a complete monster:

Bloodline granting him immortality

Blood control to accelerate regeneration

Asura Wave to boost attack

Arhat Golden Body to strengthen defense

Homing Hadouken to improve technique

Those five powers already worked together like a perfect system... And now he’d gained a top-tier mental ability that focused entirely on spiritual domination.

Qin Ming had now officially become a hexagonal warrior—maxed in every direction!

He tested out the new power by summoning a little underling and trying the ability out on him.

The guy, completely unsuspecting, fell under the effect instantly. Qin Ming could freely edit and delete his memories at will.

Qin Ming couldn’t help but click his tongue in amazement. Now I get it. No wonder Vega, who doesn’t exactly come off as a genius, was able to create such a massive Shadowlaw empire.

Memory manipulation... Truly one of the strongest abilities out there. It’s the go-to skill for every classic villain!

Wait a minute...

Why is it another villain’s ability?

Looking at his own arsenal—an entire loadout of supervillain-tier powers—Qin Ming grimaced and pushed open the door, heading toward the trade market.

Now that he had:

SSS-level Asura Wave

S-Rank Spiritual Power

And most importantly, finally learned how to properly master and resist the backlash of his powers...

Qin Ming was ready to launch a major operation.

It was time to level up fast—to fully optimize and strengthen all his powers!

His goal: to push all of his abilities to their ultimate forms—and then strike at his next designated target!

And that target was...

After a year of trading goods, reselling items, and spending points to extend his stay in the Nightmare Space, Qin Ming finally decided to leave seclusion.

That year-long closed-door training had turned him into a complete form—the most perfect version of himself.

Using the Blood of the Blood Buddha, he had now upgraded all his skills to SSS-Rank.

His inventory was full. His gear was enhanced. Everything was ready.

With a flick of his wrist, he threw out a glowing card.

A shimmering portal opened before him.

King of Fighters ’97 Invitation Used! Selected World: King of Fighters ’97! Initiating!

This time... the target is—GODSLAYING.

(End of Chapter)