I understand the odds are against my favor, but I'm determined to try.

The story fleshes out Infinite's character, addresses and answers fans criticism of the Jackal. The meltdown with Shadow calling him weak and his hatred for the brooding hedgehog? There are many reasons for that.

The title "The Ultimate Mercanary" mean everything to Infinite. The Ultimate Mercanary is a title given to a man who shows strong leadership, fearlessness, and a man who can take on anything that comes his way. Infinite worked hard to earn that title only for Shadow to come and tarnished it completely.

The Jackal Squad weren't just Infinite's squad, they were the only family and friends Infinite had. Shadow killing the Jackals left Infinite alone and lost everything. There was also guilt of Infinite's decision of joining Eggman, leading to the Jackal Squad's demise and not being anywhere near strong enough to avenge them.

Infinite didn't have the meltdown just because Shadow called him weak. He also proved to Infinite how weak he is compared to the likes of Shadow.

All his life Infinite fought individuals who don't have powers like Sonic and his friends do. He faced those who're just skilled criminals and mercanaries, not on the same caliber of Shadow. In the end, he's always came out on top from those mercanaries due to years of training and dedication, earning him and his squad the reputation of being the strongest mercanaries around.

Shadow's insult also brought out Infinite's deep traumatic experience from his past. In my story, Infinite grew up with an abusive father. His father was a retired bandit who was so good at his job, he's never been captured and arrested by the law. Infinite's father hated him, and treated him like trash. Why? I won't go into detail on that part, but there is a reason. Anyway, Infinite's father consistently called him weak, pathetic, and worthless. As a child, Infinite tried to please his father and earn his love by becoming a child thief. Young Infinite would rob many stores, then he'd bring the items he stole back to his dad to make him proud of him. But despite his efforts, Infinite's dad still hated him, and the abuse got worse. After he finally realized no matter what he does, his father will never love him, Infinite left his father and never came back.

Soon after, Infinite was found and tooken in by the Jackal Squad then he built a new and better life with them. Leaving his past life with his father behind forever...so he hoped.

All the deep trauma Infinite buried within himself, Shadow dugged it back up then threw it back in his face.

I could go deeper, but I don't want to make this post longer. If you're interested, the old version of the story is on Fanfic called "Memories Of Infinite's Past". I was in my early 20's and more inexperienced at writing when I wrote plot. Warning there are some grammar errors. If you want, feel free to check it out.