rey infinito - Peru Arc
rey infinito - Peru Arc (無限の王 ペルー編, Mugen no Ō Perū-hen, lit. Infinity King - Peru Arc) is the second arc of rey infinito, a light novel written by Junjo Shindo. It was published in the Winter 2022 issue of JOJO magazine on December 19, 2022 with 8 chapters.[1]
It continues from the Guatemala arc, with the first chapter of the Peru arc being the fourth chapter overall.
Summary
Chapter 4
The 1970s is described by some historians as the end of the age of myths. Throughout history, there were people who attempted to become gods. One of them sunk to the bottom of the sea whereas the other was banished to space. Although there are thousands of holy scriptures, more people started becoming aware of the gods being silent. Kings of countries took this as an opportunity to do whatever they wanted. They acted as tyrants, destroyed civilizations, changed laws, and took land for themselves. Events such as these play out all over the world, even in the present.
There was a man who returned to his homeland of Peru when the 70s began. He was born into a family that became rich off of the oil and mining industries. His father died when he was 17, but he enlisted in the military instead of inheriting his father's lands or mines since he was the third-eldest son. He was assigned to the Agrupamiento del Norte's 33rd infantry brigade and fought in the Ecuadorian border conflict. He suffered from illnesses such as malaria and typhoid fever while witnessing his countrymen and several people shot to death. He was eventually discharged after a ceasefire was declared, and later traveled to places such as Brazil and Mexico. He worked several jobs while traveling, being a day laborer, bouncer, pimp, human smuggler, tour guide, and geological survey assistant. The man always saw himself and others as empty husks. However, he felt like he could hear a mysterious howling within him that sounded like a scream. When he turned 50, he discovered the true nature of his "alma gritando".
One day in 1974, the man heads to Santa Rosa. While laying half-naked on a bed, he has a visitor who introduces himself to his boss as Dos Santos. Santos tells his boss that he should return home soon. However, his boss tells Santos to relax and have some drinks. Consequently, they end up staying in the house for three more days while drinking. It is revealed that the house belongs to Santos, who tells his boss to put some clothes on. The boss asks Santos what the essence of war and murder is, before explaining that they are asymmetrical because they never have equal actions and results. He believes that narcissism, fanaticism, and stubbornness are essential to bringing out one's "alma gritando". Santos tells his boss that there are people waiting for him in their cells, so he finally decides that they should leave. The boss tells Santos to grab the Bow and Arrow. Santos had been avoiding looking to the left of the bed the whole time, where the dead bodies of his pregnant older sister and her husband were laying. He hesitantly pulls the Arrow out, trying to stop himself from shaking. Santos's boss was invited to their home. However, he had forced the man to put his head to his wife's stomach to listen to their child's breathing and kicking. He then shot the man's head with the Arrow, piercing all the way through his wife's stomach, killing their baby as well. He waited for a while but was disappointed that none of them awakened any powers. Santos and his boss then head to the living room, with the corpses of Santos's parents laying on the ground. Santos had cut ties with his family but he still feels confusion, grief, and guilt upon seeing them dead. His boss reveals that he wanted to see whether one's bloodline or environment influences the power that they awaken, since Santos has a unique one. However, since none of his family members had the potential, he believes it depends on the individual.
The man had shot over a hundred people with the Arrow but less than 20% awakened their powers. Instead of wasting his time, he created a set of rules to abide by when choosing his targets. As soon as they leave Santos's home, a horde of Santa Rosa policemen surrounds them with pointed guns and armored cars. The boss assumes that Santos set him up but Santos denies the accusation. He orders Santos to defeat all of the policemen with his "fantasma". Santos obliges, revealing that his boss's name is Alhorn. As Santos unleashes his power, an aura pulsates behind him and the ground shakes.[2]
Chapter 5
Octavio recalls his past. When he was a young child, his father's head was blown off in trench warfare. A few years later, before Octavio could even count his age using all of his fingers, he lost his mother and brother in a car accident. Octavio was in the back seat, but survived. Since he had no relatives that could take care of him, he was placed in an orphanage. Octavio fell into a depression, often having tantrums or sleeping nonstop. One day, the nun in charge of the orphanage took him to the chapel and comforted him, letting him know that it is normal to feel sadness, but eventually he'll be able to store those feelings away deep inside him. One night, Octavio couldn't fall asleep and sneaked out. He tried playing with a soccer ball he found made out of balled-up cloth and strings, but it was boring playing alone. The nun had told him to make friends, but he felt out of place at the orphanage, and the other kids wouldn't approach him. Suddenly, Octavio sees another young boy, smaller than him, standing on the hill with him in the darkness. The other boy, Joaquín, approached Octavio, but didn't say a word. Octavio felt that he could understand what the boy wanted to say, so he allowed Joaquín to be the goalie. Octavio later learned that Joaquín was mute and would be joining the same orphanage as him. For Octavio, all of his distant memories appeared in monochrome, except for Joaquín, who appeared in color ever since their first meeting. Octavio and Joaquín were always together since then.
The duo are now working as salvage dealers in San Juan de Lurigancho, Peru, as a cover job for their investigation. However, Octavio hates it and wishes he never left home. He complains about the heat, flies, gossiping housewives, and having to walk in gravel-filled shoes. On the contrary, Joaquín enjoys it, thinking he's made for work like this. They sold a variety of items ranging from pencils and notebooks to stylish sunglasses and unique trinkets. Their sales were modest, and whatever money they earned, Octavio often spent on food and drinks. He would give away their change to beggars, since their primary motive wasn't to earn money but to gather information from the locals so they could locate their target.
The Speedwagon Foundation had a rigorous training process for its investigators, which included medical examinations and training in self-defense, espionage, and other skills. Octavio and Joaquín were exceptions to this process due to their unique contributions but were still expected to continue their education and training on the go. Joaquín was particularly diligent, immersing himself in the Foundation's teachings, history, and mission. He even memorized the teachings of the Foundation's founder, Robert E. O. Speedwagon, and the history of Elizabeth "Lisa Lisa" Joestar's family. Both wore the Foundation's uniforms, giving them the appearance of secret agents. Octavio, on the other hand, struggled with the academic aspect and often voiced his complaints. An empty house in Lima was transformed into a research base for the investigators. J.D. Hernández emphasizes the importance of desk work and urges Octavio to emulate Joaquín's dedication. Octavio is more interested in learning the Ripple power that Lisa Lisa used. J.D. explains that it isn't just a simple trick but a profound martial art technique. Joaquín, having studied the history, elaborates that the Ripple is an ancient technique passed down from hermits in the East. It harnesses life energy through controlled breathing and circulation, allowing practitioners to transform that energy into powerful physical "Overdrive" attacks through grueling training. Nonetheless, Octavio feels that they should learn it since they are fighting users with powers while they're unarmed. He notes how Lisa Lisa uses it all the time in her daily life, such as how he saw her use it to cook a raw egg yolk in seconds with just her finger. Just then, Lisa Lisa arrives at the base to begin the briefing.
Welmer Domingo, a member of the research division of the Speedwagon Foundation, was leading a section of the investigation. Dressed in a white coat with a metal badge bearing his name, Domingo had a composed demeanor and looked like someone who could grace the cover of Forbes magazine. He reported that the Foundation was analyzing the two superpowered individuals they had encountered in Guatemala. Experts from various fields were involved in the investigation, trying to understand the phenomena surrounding these individuals. Octavio found it hard to concentrate on the report. Domingo highlights that these superpowered individuals saw unique visions when activating their powers. J.D. shares an interview with one of the individuals, Fabio Ubuh, who described seeing a shadowy figure resembling an insectoid nobleman whenever he activated his power. Lisa Lisa questions the authenticity of these visions, suggesting they might be hallucinations or results of certain syndromes. She shifts the discussion to Izahela Mena-Mena, who claimed she could summon a magical chalk. Like Fabio, she too saw a vision that others couldn't perceive. The Arrow was identified as the catalyst for drawing out these abilities.
Aki Marcela de la Vega, a knowledgeable Japanese Peruvian archaeologist, then presents a photograph of Fernando Alhorn, their main person of interest. The photo, taken about eight years prior, shows a man with distinctive tattoos covering his body. Aki describes Alhorn as a highly intelligent individual with a criminal background, involved in smuggling, robbery, and kidnapping. Rumors suggested he was supporting radical leftists and had come into possession of the Bow and Arrow, which he is now using to shoot people at random, possibly to build a paramilitary organization. Lisa Lisa describes Alhorn as a hollow, frivolous individual. Despite his seemingly shallow demeanor, she senses a deep malevolence in him, likening him to a hellish entity. Aki Marcela expresses uncertainty about Alhorn's true intentions and raises concerns about whether he had used the Arrow on himself. She plays a recorded interrogation of Alhorn, where he describes a shadowy figure or "fantasma" that he believed emanated from within him. Alhorn's cryptic words suggested he was aware of the Arrow's effects and might be experimenting on live subjects.
Lisa Lisa revealed that two special investigators, working closely under her, had been in proximity to Alhorn. However, the two ceased communication with the Foundation, raising concerns about their safety. Lisa Lisa believed that Alhorn's actions were a direct threat to her, as the investigators were also responsible for her security. The investigation team grows increasingly anxious as days pass without any news of the special investigators' whereabouts. Lisa Lisa remains steadfast in her belief that the duo is still alive. She questions Aki Marcela about their last known location, which is identified as a "barriada" - a term used locally to describe a rundown, lawless area. The two investigators believed that Alhorn was operating from one of these barriadas, which were notorious for criminal activities and were heavily guarded. Lisa Lisa reveals that the two were not just ordinary investigators; they were trained Ripple users. Lisa Lisa had personally trained them to carry on the legacy of the Ripple, ensuring its survival even if she were to be incapacitated. She emphasizes the importance of these two individuals to the Speedwagon Foundation and the future, urging the team to prioritize finding them and ensuring their safety.[3]
Chapter 6
Octavio and Joaquín decide to investigate at the barriada. Octavio feels that the place isn't good enough for a criminal like Alhorn to run his grand operation. Still pretending to be salvage dealers, they pull a cart full of scrap around to blend in with the locals. While looking around, they witness cats acting territorially aggressive. At night, when Joaquín had gone to buy groceries, Octavio is attacked by a group of about ten thugs in the area. Octavio is knocked down at first, but guards his vitals then strikes each one individually by first knocking down the most vulnerable one. He then jabs their eyes, punches their mouths, and stomps on their faces. A local police officer then arrives, but not to break up the fight. From the officer's demeanor and attire, Octavio quickly deduces that this isn't just a regular cop, but the one who ordered the ambush on him. The officer confronts Octavio, hinting at wanting protection money and implying that he's aware of Octavio's activities in the area.
Octavio, trying to gain an upper hand, mentions the Arrow and a name, Alhorn, which strikes a nerve with the officer. The officer draws his gun, threatening Octavio. However, Octavio, using his wit, tries to negotiate, hinting at possessing valuable information that the officer and Alhorn would be interested in. He takes a gamble, mentioning Fabio and Izahela's abilities, hoping to pique the officer's interest. His gamble pays off as the officer decides against shooting him. Instead, he forces Octavio into his patrol car, presumably to take him to Alhorn. As they drive away, Joaquín, who had been hiding and observing the entire confrontation, emerges from the shadows. Octavio had been projecting his voice during the negotiation, ensuring Joaquín overheard everything if he happened to be nearby. Joaquín is filled with concern and alarm, as Octavio was being reckless again. Determined not to let Octavio face the danger alone, Joaquín starts running, following the trail of the patrol car.[4]
Chapter 7
After the patrol car drives up to the summit of San Juan de Lurigancho, Octavio is forced out of the car and sees the massive, secretive building before him. Its sheer size and the way it's hidden from view at the mountain's base suggest it's a hideout. The structure, a mix of cobbled-together wings and exposed construction, hints at ongoing expansion. Octavio quickly realizes he's in the heart of danger, likely surrounded by Alhorn's personal army, some of whom might possess supernatural abilities via the Arrow. Despite the peril, he's determined to proceed. Octavio is handed over to gatekeepers by the corrupt policeman who brought him. He's then escorted through the massive compound, which seems to be a repurposed factory. The place is a maze, with metal grates, exposed ducts, and mercury lamps. Soldiers are on guard below him, and the path is winding and confusing. Eventually, he's led through a lavishly decorated hallway to a grand room.
The room is vast, with contrasting decor and a mix of luxury and industrial elements. A barrier of curtains at one end hides a figure, who is soon revealed to be Alhorn. Exuding an aura of darkness, Alhorn interrogates Octavio, who reveals he's from Guatemala and has encountered a man who controls iron flies and a girl who uses chalk to make holes. Alhorn doesn't seem to know who Fabio is, but is aware of Izahela and asks whether Octavio could see her chalk. Trying to navigate the conversation, Octavio hints that various organizations are after Alhorn. He emphasizes that he's not just another informant but someone who wants a mutually beneficial deal, since he put himself at risk to provide Alhorn with information. Alhorn tries to gauge Octavio's true intentions, as he's wary of Octavio's potential to betray him, likening him to a dog that might bite the hand that feeds. Nonetheless, Octavio tries to assert his independence, stating he doesn't want to be a mere pawn but seeks a life of his own. He subtly flatters Alhorn, suggesting he has the physique of an athlete, and tries to steer the conversation towards his desire for the Arrow by wondering whether he plays sports or does archery. Alhorn claims he doesn't play sports, but shares his vision of the future of warfare. He believes wars will no longer be between nations but will be privatized, fought by mercenaries for individual gain rather than nationalistic or religious reasons. He likens this new form of warfare to a sport, emphasizing the importance of strategy, logistics, and ammunition. However, he doesn't have time for people who switch sides or refuse to be weaponized.
Seemingly growing tired of the discussion, Alhorn invites Octavio to follow him. They move to a different part of the room, where Octavio is hit with a strong stench of rotting fruit. He sees three large objects covered by a blanket. Alhorn flips off the blanket to reveal that they are all humans. One of them is an indigenous man with his limbs tied to the chair and his hands immobilized by wooden stakes, with burns and lacerations all over his body. The other two had their skin scraped off, fingernails ripped out, and their toes and an ear cut off. Alhorn was torturing them to figure out their limits, keeping them awake without anesthesia, but covering them with a blanket or using smelling salt made from deer horns and hooves so they don't go into shock. Alhorn believes that exhausting both the bodies and spirits of people and pushing them to the limit from stress and fear makes it much more likely that they would awaken powers once he shoots them with the Arrow. As the man in the chair slowly begins to regain consciousness, Alhorn suddenly drives a nail into his thumb and then slices off a sliver of skin from his cheek using a razor. Octavio wanted to stop him, but feels intimidated by Alhorn's piercing gaze and nauseous from the horrific display. Alhorn reveals that the three men were part of militia groups in Mexico and had tried to combine their armies together to capture Alhorn a few days before Octavio showed up. He goes on to brag about how he killed countless people regardless of their age or sex, using various sadistic methods. He claims that it's easy to break people through torture, eventually making them bow down to him once he shows them some mercy. Finally, he orders Octavio to tell him exactly who is leading the investigation and what organization he is part of, since Octavio is next in line to be tortured.
Before Octavio could even think about fleeing, Alhorn's subordinates shove him to the floor and restrain him before dragging him away and throwing him into a solitary cell. Octavio reflects on his predicament and acknowledges that it's his own fault that he is in this situation, especially since he was even ready to become a traitor. He reveals that when he was shoved into his cell, he managed to swipe the jailer's key on habit and successfully unlocks the door. Upon his escape, Octavio cautiously navigates the compound, avoiding detection by hiding and using the environment to his advantage. He picks up a large shard of glass from a shattered window, believing it would be useful. He then discovers a laundry room and changes into a soldier's uniform, allowing him to blend in with Alhorn's men. As he continues his exploration deeper into the stronghold, Octavio stumbles upon a heavily guarded prison block within the compound. The tight security suggests that this area holds significant value, and Octavio deduces that it might be where Alhorn keeps his "targets", potential victims for the Arrow. Octavio hears Lisa Lisa in the back of his mind, not forgetting that her special agents could be among the prisoners. The sheer number of guards makes it impossible for Octavio to act. While searching for alternate solutions, he scans the windows in his surroundings and faintly sees the silhouette of a hazy figure moving in the darkness, about 20 meters away from the citadel. Feeling hopeful that Joaquín ended up following him, Octavio tries to communicate with the person. It would be too dark for Joaquín to see Octavio, but Octavio devises a plan recalling the games they played as children, where they communicated using signals. Using the shard of glass he picked up, he reflects light in a series of dots and dashes, sending a message to Joaquín. The message indicates that he has located prisoners in the top of the south building, who need to be rescued immediately. After a few moments, Joaquín answers "OK" using his flashlight.[5]
Chapter 8
This section requires expansion.
Chapter 9
This section requires expansion.
Chapter 10
This section requires expansion.
Chapter 11
This section requires expansion.
Appearances
Expand/Collapse All
Gallery
Ultra Jump December 2022 Ad
Lisa Lisa on the cover of the second arc
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Vish (November 16, 2022), "JOJO Magazine: Golden Wind Novel, rey infinito Part II, and Manga Techniques Sequel Announced", JoJo's Bizarre Encyclopedia.
- ↑ rey infinito Chapter 4
- ↑ rey infinito Chapter 5
- ↑ rey infinito Chapter 6
- ↑ rey infinito Chapter 7
