From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals
Chapter 121: How Many Years of Planning?

Ty slowly came to, his head clearing as he took in his surroundings. He was immediately aware of the hundreds of chains wrapped tightly around his body. Each chain pulsed with a constant blue energy that seemed to hum with power.

Confused and determined to free himself, Ty tried to activate his black flames. To his dismay, each time he conjured the flames, they flared up briefly only to be quickly absorbed by the chains. After four failed attempts, frustration overtook him. "What's going on?" he demanded, his voice echoing in the unknown space.

Just then, a cloud of smoke drifted towards him. Ty's gaze shifted upwards, and his frustration turned to recognition and further annoyance. "Oh great, it's you and your lame gang of murderers," he said, his tone laced with disdain. The man standing before him was the same one he had battled not too long ago – a familiar adversary in an unfamiliar situation.

Ty, despite his precarious situation, maintained a defiant tone. "I'm surprised you still have anyone left to fight your cause after they all died during your pathetic attempt to destroy the church," he said, a plume of smoke accompanying his words, hinting at his smoldering anger.

The man facing Ty, unfazed by the accusation, responded with a candid admission. "That is true, that night really didn't go exactly as I had planned. But most people don't have a plan for getting punched in the face. But our goal was still completed nonetheless." His words carried a mix of concession and an underlying sense of satisfaction about the outcome of their mission.

Just then, another figure emerged from the shadows, standing beside the old general. The newcomer's cloak bore the scars of recent battles, covered in burn marks.

The shadowy figure acknowledged Ty's comment with a sense of pragmatic appreciation. "Thanks again for not killing this one at least, he's very valuable for our efforts," he said, handing the old general a rolled-up scroll with a distinctive blue chip attached.

Curious, Ty couldn't help but inquire about the item. "And what exactly is that? And what of Mattison?! Is he still okay? He informed me of how far you had fallen."

The man took a deep drag from his cigarette, releasing a cloud of smoke as he answered with nonchalance. "What does any of that matter for? Sure, he's alive. He's too naive to understand things right now. But someone from not here won't have rose-tinted glasses when presented with the truth."

Just then, the old general clapped his hands, and the area was suddenly illuminated by multiple yellow lights. Around them, 6-7 computers whirred to life, their screens showing views of various locations. Smaller screens displayed an array of numbers running across black backgrounds with green digits, creating an atmosphere of high-tech surveillance and control.

The general, with a precise motion, inserted the blue chip into a device that Ty recognized as resembling a computer tower, similar to those he had seen in old magazines back on Earth.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Ty called out to the old general, "Hey, you old geezer, is that a computer tower?"

The general, without looking back, responded in a matter-of-fact tone. "No, it's a Data Analyzer. It takes a constant influx of RAM and allows coding. With a sufficient energy source, it allows us to display images and moving images on the screen you see here."

Ty paused, processing the explanation. After a moment, he replied with a hint of sarcasm, "...So, a computer."

The old general, choosing to ignore Ty's sarcastic remark, pressed on with his explanation. "Our whole purpose for attacking the Cathedrals was because they had the weakest defenses. It was viewed as lesser for a long time, so it made the perfect target."

Ty, still trying to make sense of the situation, interjected with confusion and a hint of accusation. "A target for what? Murdering children?!"

The general chuckled at Ty's response, revealing a deeper layer to their plan. "No, that was a simple cover to keep everyone fully distracted while we stole the data revealing where they are keeping Exander Bolgard and what their motives are, mainly involving King Griswald."

Ty's confusion only deepened as he tried to piece together the information. "Why would the cathedral have such an item, and why would this involve King Griswald? And more importantly, who is Exander?!" His questions came rapidly, one after the other, reflecting his perplexity and eagerness to understand.

The old General, looking slightly puzzled at Ty's inquiries, responded with a tone of solemnity. "My skeleton friend, maybe another time I will explain things to you fully. For now, I must withdraw the offer about you joining our cause. There's a lot at stake here. If this data turns out to be proof of the dangerous scheme the King is orchestrating, it could change everything."

As he finished speaking, the computer emitted a beep, signaling the start of a recording. On the screen appeared an old, stocky man, somewhat heavier than Ty had expected. He was surrounded by a group of individuals clad in white trench coats, creating an imposing and somewhat secretive assembly.

To the stocky man's right stood a hooded figure. Although his face was hidden, the unmistakable orange strands of hair peeking out gave away his identity. Ty instantly recognized that Erebos was part of this gathering.

Ty, caught off guard by the sight of Erebos in the recording, tried to point at the screen in shock, but the chains restricted his movement. "What is he doing there?" he shouted, his frustration evident. Even the old general appeared confused, a rare look of uncertainty on his face.

"That's a good question," the general mused, his gaze fixed on the screen. "I do recall seeing him that night, but I wasn't sure of his identity. How much do you know about this orange-haired man?"

Ty, still trying to process the scene, asked, "How old is this video file?"

The general took a moment before responding. "Hard to say, but judging by some of the decorations on the wall, it could be 3 or maybe 4 years old. That would place it right around the time when King Griswald started making some questionable decisions."