Days in the Infinite

To make matters worse, neither of the two women seemed particularly concerned about beds or sleeping arrangements—one had lost all hope, and the other had just come off the battlefield.

Expecting them to care about such trivial things was wishful thinking at best. So, pitifully, Li Ke wrapped himself up in his tattered blanket, trying to muffle the surrounding noises and force himself to sleep.

And then, of course, he couldn't sleep at all.

Through the specially left-open window, moonlight streamed in, illuminating Tsunade's pale skin—a whiteness that seemed to outshine even the moon itself. The smooth curves, the flawless texture… no matter how he looked at it, it was impossible to ignore.

But...

"There's no merchant around to relieve stress this time…"

Lying in his makeshift bed, Li Ke felt like crying. He was afraid that if he kept staring, he'd end up losing control, pouncing on Tsunade like a beast—only to be sent flying with a single punch.

So, naturally, he spent another sleepless night.

His reasons for insomnia weren't exactly subtle. So when Lady Kiri woke up the next morning and saw his miserable expression, she burst into laughter, making Li Ke flee in embarrassment. He bolted straight to the merchant's shop, skipping breakfast entirely, and began examining the steel frames he had set to craft overnight.

To his surprise, the steel frames were more useful than he had anticipated. In system mode, they were just regular one-cubic-meter blocks with 10,000 durability. But once materialized into reality, they became solid steel blocks of the same dimensions.

Even better, before finalizing their physical form, he could modify their shape through the system interface. After a quick test, he found himself staring at a newly formed steel casting—already molded into a specific shape.

This discovery set off a flood of ideas in his mind.

"I can use the steel frames as the foundation, then cover them with these steel castings to create actual steel walls."

Watching the steel block change shape at his command, Li Ke's excitement grew. Unfortunately, the system didn't offer pre-designed steel plates with bolt holes. If they had, he would have gladly layered two or three on top of the framework for extra reinforcement.

The downside of system-generated materials was that they followed strict numerical durability values rather than real-world physical properties. Data-based durability was convenient but not necessarily stronger than non-system objects.

So the most efficient strategy was clear: use system-generated structures as the internal framework and reinforce them externally with real steel castings.

"Let's see what shape options I have…"

Li Ke quickly browsed through the available casting molds, searching for components that could interlock with the steel frames.

One design caught his eye—a half-cylinder base with a flat steel plate on top. It seemed to fit perfectly over another steel block that could be shaped into a square. However, it lacked bolt holes or attachment points, making it less than ideal for structural integrity.

Determined to find a better option, he kept experimenting.

Eventually, he settled on a plan: he would mold certain steel blocks into cylindrical shapes and integrate them into the wall. Then, by reshaping the steel frames into hollow cylinders, he could materialize them in reality and slide them over the system-placed supports.

If everything worked as planned, the zombies attacking the walls would strike the steel cylinders instead of the internal frame, ensuring greater durability.

"This should work…"

Licking his lips in anticipation, Li Ke materialized a single hollow steel column to test his theory.

A one-meter-long, one-meter-diameter steel cylinder instantly appeared before him. Though it was technically just two thick steel plates forming a hollow tube, each plate was an astonishing ten centimeters thick!

The sheer mass of the structure exuded an overwhelming sense of security. Li Ke patted the steel column, his grin slowly twisting into something almost maniacal.

"Let's see those zombies dig through this!"

The last time they had broken through his RV's walls was still a fresh, terrifying memory—one he had no intention of reliving.

But then he realized something awkward.

"…This thing is heavy as hell."

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't lift it off the ground.

Frowning, he quickly did the math in his head.

Since the cylinder was one meter in height and diameter, with ten-centimeter-thick walls, its weight was easy to estimate. After a brief calculation, he came to a shocking conclusion.

"Damn… this thing weighs at least two and a half tons."

If he remembered correctly, even world-class strongmen could barely lift 200–300 kilograms.

Staring at the steel cylinder, Li Ke suddenly felt incredibly small.

It was an infuriating paradox—he had found the perfect defense, developed the ideal plan, yet was now stuck because of basic physics.

As he stood there, completely at a loss, Tsunade and Lady Kiri approached, with Tsunade casually carrying a pickaxe over her shoulder.

She glanced at his bewildered expression, her curiosity piqued.

"What's wrong?"

Tsunade eyed the steel structure he had been working on. Hadn't he been planning to build small steel boxes? Why was there suddenly a massive steel pillar here instead?

"Uh… perfect timing, Tsunade. I need your help with something. We need to figure out a way to slide this onto the support structure and test if my idea actually works…"

Before he could finish, Tsunade rolled her eyes, stepped forward, and—with a single hand—lifted the steel column as if it were made of plastic.

With effortless precision, she fitted it over the designated system pillar.

The whole process took mere seconds.

Li Ke just stood there, utterly speechless.

Li Ke couldn't help but swallow hard as he watched Tsunade work. Her effortless strength left him in awe, and his gaze was instinctively drawn to her smooth, fair hands and her seemingly delicate, soft arms, which didn't appear particularly muscular at all.

"..."

Good thing I have self-control.

Li Ke felt immensely grateful for his rationality. He was also relieved that the traveling merchant existed to help him release his excess energy. Otherwise, if his overwhelming stamina drove him to attempt using her hemophobia trauma to control Tsunade… she wouldn't even need to get serious. A single punch would be enough to pierce through his body instantly.

"This should be fine, right? But doing this… won't the system component inside still take damage?"

Tsunade tapped the steel column she had just installed, understanding Li Ke's idea.

"Yeah, so we need to test it with an attack."

Li Ke nodded. If adding an outer shell still allowed damage to transfer to the system components, then the problem remained unsolved.

"Then let me handle that."

Just as Li Ke was considering the issue, Tsunade casually raised her fist and delivered a punch directly to the steel structure.

The moment her fist connected, a shockwave burst outward, accompanied by a sharp, piercing sound. The hollow steel column, originally just resting atop the system's cylindrical structure, was instantly displaced.

When Tsunade withdrew her arm, Li Ke could clearly see the result.

In theory, a column of steel should be impervious to destruction by mere flesh and bone. Yet now, embedded deep into the metal surface, was a perfectly defined fist imprint.

"I didn't use much strength, but this should already be far stronger than those zombies. If it can withstand this, then it shouldn't be an issue."

As she spoke, Tsunade removed the hollow steel column from the system-built frame.

A moment later, the durability value remained at its maximum.

Raising an eyebrow, Tsunade smirked. "This world's mechanics are pretty interesting."

Li Ke let out a relieved sigh. If that were the case, then there was no problem. As long as they built two layers of these steel walls, they should be secure.

With that thought, he prepared to hand over all the steel blocks to Tsunade and have her construct the steel fortress. But just as he was about to do so, he saw Tsunade slot the hollow steel column back into place—then, without hesitation, raise her fist again.

Li Ke froze for a moment before instinctively covering his ears and stepping aside with Lady Kiri, moving out of the possible impact zone.

The next instant, Tsunade threw her punch again—this time, much more seriously.

Another deafening crash rang out. But this time, Li Ke saw everything clearly.

His carefully crafted steel column wasn't just dislodged—it was sent flying straight into the massive pit nearby. And when he looked at what remained, the column was unrecognizable. The section that took the punch had been completely obliterated, leaving nothing but a gaping hole.

Li Ke stiffly turned his head, his gaze locking onto Tsunade, who was casually stretching her arm.

Did… did she just punch through 10,000 durability in one hit?!

"Hmm, I used a bit more strength that time. I needed to break through to test its limits. Looks like it should be enough to hold up against that zombie horde you mentioned."

Tsunade flexed her arm nonchalantly, causing a certain pair of assets to bounce with the motion. Her expression remained as calm as ever.

Under normal circumstances, such a casual movement wouldn't be particularly remarkable. But right now, in this moment, it exuded an undeniable dominance.

"My god… are you really human? You sure you haven't undergone some kind of cybernetic enhancement?"

Lady Kiri was equally stunned as she stared at Tsunade.

The strongest people she had ever seen could, at best, lift concrete pipes to smash their enemies. Those with even greater strength had either undergone bodily modifications or relied on powered exoskeletons.

Even among mechanical exoskeletons, she had never heard of a model capable of punching straight through solid steel.

Of course, she also acknowledged that her exposure to cutting-edge tech was somewhat limited—after all, she was just a rogue gunslinger from the lawless zones.

"This is the power of chakra. But even among ninjas, few can reach my level."

Tsunade shrugged, preparing to resume mining.

But before she could, Li Ke decisively stepped in front of her, his expression sincere. He pulled out every steel frame in his possession and extended them to her with both hands.

"Please… be our construction worker too!"

There was no doubt about it—Tsunade was hands down the best candidate for the job!

"Hey, hey… stop handing me these weird tasks all the time… Ugh, whatever. Looks like I'm the only one capable of doing it, and brute strength is my only real advantage anyway."

With a twitching eyelid, Tsunade accepted the bag Li Ke handed over, taking all the steel frames off his hands. Still, just to be clear, she set some expectations beforehand.

"I'll just build it however I see fit, so don't expect it to look pretty."

"That's totally fine!"

Li Ke had zero objections.

"Alright then. Kiri, you help too. Oh, and since you're asking for a favor, bring me some sake, playing cards, mahjong tiles, and dice when you get the chance. Sitting around all day is kinda boring."

Tsunade took the opportunity to throw in a few personal requests.

Li Ke didn't even hesitate. "Of course!"

"Can you at least phrase it differently?"

"Absolutely!"

"…Never mind."

Watching Li Ke's inexplicable excitement, Tsunade rubbed her forehead. She had a feeling he was getting a bit too hyped.

And truthfully, he was.

Li Ke wasn't just excited—he was ecstatic.

Now that he realized Tsunade could single-handedly construct a fortress capable of withstanding the zombie horde, he was beyond relieved.

Because this meant he no longer had to worry about the undead swarming and breaking through!

Even though he still had to complete Tsunade's mission, Li Ke watched her test a wooden frame first before starting on the steel one. He couldn't help but let out a word of praise—Tsunade was, without a doubt, reliable.

Lady Kiri was just as dependable.

With these two working together, a solid and trustworthy defensive stronghold was rapidly taking shape.

Li Ke had barely made it halfway through watching the construction when he left to complete some missions. In less than an hour, he had finished all four.

As usual, the scavenged loot wasn't particularly impressive. The best find was twenty rounds of ammunition, which left Li Ke speechless—he didn't even know how to react.

However, the mission rewards were a different story. He received twenty Molotov cocktails, a revolver—perfect for Lady Kiri—and a handful of medical supplies, all of which were useful.

This time, Li Ke allocated all four of his stat points into Strength, instantly boosting it to Level 5.

At Strength Level 5, he found that tasks that once required his full effort could now be completed with only a fifth of his previous exertion. And when he went all out, he could unleash five times his original strength!

Level 5 Strength!

Five times the power!

Five times the force!

Five times the dominance!

Li Ke had instantly gone from being a weakling to possessing quintuple the might!

This wasn't just some arbitrary increase in raw numbers—it was a five-hundred-percent amplification of his actual strength!

In that moment, his confidence skyrocketed. Eager to test his newfound power, he strode over to the workbench, where steel frames were being produced. Grinning maniacally, he materialized a hollow steel column that, just moments ago, had been impossible for him to lift.

With a smug expression, he let the heavy column drop to the ground.

Then, rolling up his sleeves, he grasped both ends and—

He lifted it.

But not all the way.

"..."

The steel column had only budged slightly before his arms started trembling, and his grip threatened to give out. He simply couldn't lift it like Tsunade had.

Tsunade, who had come over to collect more steel frames, paused to watch and had to stifle a laugh.

"You must've boosted your strength stat with that system of yours. But if you didn't have much strength to begin with, no amount of amplification is going to help."

Her remark was a precise and brutal strike to Li Ke's ego. Silently, he released the steel column and walked away, looking as lifeless as a condemned prisoner.

Both Tsunade and Lady Kiri burst into laughter.

She was right.

Those professional strongmen—who trained relentlessly, followed strict diets, and pushed their physical limits—could lift over 200 kilograms through sheer dedication. Meanwhile, he… was an office worker.

What right did he have to think he could match them just because of some skill points?

However, the trio soon ran into a more pressing issue during construction.

When Tsunade reached a height of fifteen meters and attempted to turn a corner, she installed a new system-built steel column—only for the entire structure to collapse in an instant!

Caught off guard, she, along with the system-generated pillars supporting the wall, plummeted downward!

Li Ke instinctively lunged forward, but there was no need—Tsunade reacted instantly. She hurled a kunai attached to a steel wire, embedding it into a section of unexcavated earth. Then, with a single punch, she cleared away all the falling steel columns in her path and swung herself safely onto a nearby staircase, escaping the disaster with ease.

However, the now-materialized steel columns tumbled down into the excavated pit, taking with them the additional columns Tsunade had previously placed for convenience.

Meanwhile, the system-generated pillars deformed in midair, turning into scrap I-beams before they even hit the ground.

Staring at the chaotic mess below, all three of them wore grim expressions.

The pit was about thirty meters deep.

"Goddamn it… I didn't expect this kind of mechanic."

Li Ke cursed as he looked at the fallen steel columns. He had warned Tsunade that system-built structures had stability limits, but he never imagined that simply turning a corner would cause everything to collapse.

"It's fine. I'll go down and retrieve them after we eat. It'll take about an hour at most. The real shame is losing the system-generated steel columns… And don't worry about me—I won't die from a fall like this."

Tsunade casually made her way back up, though there was a hint of unease in her expression.

If she hadn't kept a backup steel wire and kunai on her just in case, she really would have fallen!

Not that it would've killed her, of course…

But still.

Li Ke: "..."

I… don't really understand you ninja.