From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals
Chapter 156: Evening Thoughts

"Let's get a move on," Ty said, his skeletal hand resting gently on Nana's shoulder. His other hand was cautiously positioned over the book, shielding it from any prying eyes. He understood the importance of keeping their discovery under wraps, at least for the time being.

"We might even try to put it back if we get the chance," he added, his voice low and contemplative. The idea of returning the book to where it belonged was a possibility that lingered in his mind, presenting both a challenge and a potential solution.

Nana, her brows furrowed in a mix of curiosity and confusion, reflected on Ty's words. "Well, if anything in this book explains why the swords were turned to stone, maybe we can skip all this other stuff," she said, voicing her thoughts. The mystery of the stone swords was a puzzle they had been entangled with, and any clue within the book could be a key to unraveling it.

Approaching the camp walls, Ty nodded solemnly in agreement with Nana's sentiment. "With Erebos's intervention, it seems we might need to delve deeper into the current issues on this planet. There might be an underlying problem more closely linked to Erebos," he said, his tone indicating a blend of concern and determination.

As they approached the towering wooden wall, its surface a patchwork of ancient timber and modern steel reinforcements, Nana's contemplative gaze turned to the structure. She placed a finger thoughtfully under her chin, feeling the rough texture of the wood. "Well, why not just talk to the Demon King about it?

Didn't he give you something to get back to him?" she mused, her voice echoing slightly against the cold metal.

Ty, standing beside her, gazed at the wall, where shadows danced in the flickering light of distant torches. He paused, the hollow sound of his skeletal hand tapping against his chin bone faintly audible. "It's been a few months since we left. I think he did now that you mention it. I guess I could try that," he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Though, I could have sworn he mentioned something about it not working right away."

With a fluid motion, Nana and Ty scaled the wall, their movements swift and silent. As they perched atop, Nana glanced at Ty, offering a warm, reassuring smile that contrasted with the eerie quiet of the camp below. "Well, it's worth a shot if anything. It would help you figure out the best direction to go from here.

And regardless, I'll help you with anything you need," she whispered, her voice barely a breath in the still night air. The quiet of the camp enveloped them, a stark reminder of the mysteries and dangers that lay ahead.

Ty, stifling a light yawn, remarked, "That's true, it won't hurt to give it a try. But for now, some sleep will do just fine." They rounded the corner toward their sleeping quarters, only to replace King Griswald sitting in front of the entrance.

King Griswald, noticing Ty and Nana, raised an eyebrow. "You're awake at this time of night?" he inquired, his voice tinged with mild surprise.

Ty, feeling a pang of nervousness where his heart used to be, replied, "Yeah, getting good sleep can be hard sometimes, so I try to get some fresh air." He hoped this explanation would suffice, keen to avoid any deeper questioning.

King Griswald, with a kind smile, responded, "As do I, sometimes." His gaze then shifted to Nana, who stepped forward a bit more into the light. "Oh, if it isn't the long-lost daughter of Lady Amaris. I must say, it's quite shocking to see you out here," he said, his tone a mix of astonishment and curiosity.

Nana, regaining her composure, faced King Griswald with a calm demeanor. The surprise of being recognized by the king quickly gave way to a sense of opportunity. This unexpected encounter could potentially aid their quest.

"Lady Amaris has been quite protective of you," King Griswald observed. "What brings you to our camp at such a late hour?"

Nana responded with a smile, subtly positioning herself to keep the book hidden behind her back. "Oh, I just wanted to pay a visit to my handy skeleton friend here," she said, gesturing towards Ty. "He saved me, and I thought it'd be nice to check in on him."

She continued, "I decided to spend the night here and probably head back out in the morning." As she spoke, she subtly moved between Ty and King Griswald, her back now facing the door of their sleeping quarters.

King Griswald, nodding with a hint of admiration in his voice, remarked, "That is admirable of you to come and stop by."

Nana and Ty, sharing a glance that spoke volumes, were acutely aware of the need to tread carefully. Their unspoken understanding was crucial in navigating the conversation with King Griswald without arousing suspicion.

King Griswald, shifting the topic, said, "I've heard you're quite skilled in combat, Nana. We're planning an expedition to a recently emerged cave. It's uncertain what we might replace inside, so having someone of your abilities would be beneficial. Would you be interested in joining us?"

Nana, rubbing her head slightly and trying to mask her nervousness, replied, "Let me sleep on it, and I'll let you know in the morning. That does sound interesting." With a swift motion, she pulled the door open, stepped inside, and quickly closed it behind her, eager to escape the intensity of the king's gaze.

Left outside, King Griswald stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Did she seem a bit flustered to you?" he asked, his tone indicating a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Yes, she has been a bit nervous around me lately, and I think it's due to her mixed emotions and feelings toward me," Ty ventured, trying to deflect further inquiry into their activities.

She seems to have quite a troubled past, so she clings onto everyone that she cares about dearly more than most people. Though I can't return her intimate feelings toward me right now, the best I can do is be there as her friend. Ty continued on.

I see; take it from me, love can and often is a tricky adventure, especially when you become popular; the ones you want to stick with are the ones that love you whether you have rags or riches though and whether you are strong enough only to leave a spoon in 90 years or you are strong enough to lift worlds.

Find that, and you're doing pretty well in life.

Ty took a moment with his thoughts as Jade came flooding forth and he stated "I sure have found that, which of course, makes rejecting a friend difficult