From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals
Chapter 180: The King's Plan

Ty watched, his soulful gaze fixed as Jade vanished from sight, leaving him engulfed in an abyss of pitch blackness.

He felt a tumultuous sensation, as if being torn through the very fabric of space and time, anticipating a return to his physical form confined within the cell cage, where the blue fairy and the peculiar old man awaited.

However, contrary to his expectations, when his vision cleared and his fading spirit form stabilized, Ty found himself not in the familiar confines of the cell but in a half-destroyed chamber. It was a place of ominous power, the stronghold of the Demon King.

The chamber bore the scars of untold battles, its walls partially crumbled, revealing the dark sky outside.

Hovering above him was the Demon King, a figure of imposing authority. His hands were clasped behind his back, his stance exuding an air of stern control.

His eyes, sharp and penetrating, held a strict gaze that seemed to pierce through the very essence of Ty's spirit.

In a swift, fluid motion, the Demon King's hand passed through Ty's ethereal form, a gesture that felt dismissively nonchalant. To Ty, it seemed as though he was as insubstantial as air, a ghostly presence in the eyes of this formidable being.

The Demon King, his expression unreadable, murmured, "It was worth an attempt, at least." He then extended his hand, hovering it over Ty's spectral form. As he closed his eyes, a subtle aura of power emanated from his fingertips.

"So, while your tangible existence eludes my grasp, there remains a faint connection to the essence of your being," he mused, a hint of realization coloring his tone. "Ah, I comprehend now. That is the sequence of events that unfolded."

He opened his eyes, fixing them on Ty's ghostly figure with a look that conveyed a mix of relief and concern. "Fortunate for me, you haven't betrayed our alliance, Ty. However, I must convey that the predicament remains perilous, not just for you but for everyone involved at this juncture."

As Ty's orb waned, its luminescence diminishing to a mere flicker, he remained adrift, his attention anchored to the Demon King's words. "Your exact location eludes me," the Demon King confessed, his voice resonating with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Yet, glimpsing briefly into your recollections, it's clear that Erebos has not cast you into the Vale of Despair."

His gaze, intense and calculating, seemed to pierce through the veil of uncertainty. "Rest assured, I will assign one of my most formidable generals the task of safeguarding your companions. They will ensure their safe return to this realm. However, your primary objective must be survival at all costs. And heed this warning: exercise caution and skepticism should Erebos reveal himself to you."

Pausing, the Demon King's tone hardened, emphasizing the gravity of his words. "Do you comprehend the magnitude of these instructions, Ty?"

Ty responded with unflinching directness, "Yes, I will exert every effort within my power. But I'm puzzled - why am I now capable of manifesting flesh once again? Also, this enigmatic black flame, I was under the impression it was linked to the remains of your deceased comrade."

The Demon King's response was measured, his voice tinged with a mixture of uncertainty and contemplation.

"As to why the spell binding your soul, which previously incinerated any flesh, has ceased its effects, I cannot say with certainty. Kirana will conduct thorough examinations to unravel this mystery.

Regarding your black flames, my earlier claim was a fabrication. I was initially unsure of its nature and sought to delay its revelation.

It's possible that these flames are more intimately connected to the core of your soul.

Once Kirana sifts through the amassed data, we shall strive to extricate you from this predicament."

As he spoke, Ty's form dwindled, shrinking to the diminutive size of a coin. His vision started to blur, the outlines of his surroundings melding into indistinct shapes, signaling the waning of his spectral presence.

Ty's voice carried a note of concern, "And the contract we have – are you still sharing half my pain? Please, above all, ensure the safety of everyone in the meantime." His eyes searched the Demon King's for reassurance.

The Demon King nodded solemnly, his expression a blend of determination and resolve. "Keep the crystal close at hand. I'll devise a way to deliver a similar one to Jade. When it activates next, you must cease all actions immediately. This will be your lifeline back to Earth in dire circumstances."

He paused, his gaze intensifying. "Initially, I viewed your conflict with Erebos as a personal affair. However, his dark pursuits have escalated, posing a threat to us all. It's conceivable that these troubles might even extend to your home planet. Remain vigilant and prepared for any eventuality."

Ty's fading spirit clung to the last image before him: the Demon King, an embodiment of poised confidence, hands clasped behind his back, declaring with unwavering certainty, "We will win." As these words echoed in his diminishing consciousness, Ty's vision dissolved into darkness.

Abruptly, his eyes snapped open, reawakening to the familiar surroundings. The fairy and the old man hovered over him, a mixture of relief and anticipation on their faces. The fairy's voice rang out, triumphant and playful, "I told you he wasn't dead!"

The old man, with a wry smile, conceded, "Well, it seems I owe you some of my bread, as per our wager."

As Ty observed, the Blue fairy's face lit up with a victorious grin. She soared into the air, her movements a graceful, jubilant dance. "Yes, I was certain you wouldn't succumb to such a foolish end," she declared, her voice tinged with mirth.

Ty, despite the weariness that clung to him, managed a chuckle. "You wagered on my life?" he asked, amusement coloring his tone.

Turning to the old man, his expression shifted to one of mild curiosity, "And why didn't you employ her aquatic abilities to facilitate our escape from this place?"

"We still possess our abilities, albeit in a restrained form," Ty mused, eyeing the bars of their confinement. "Perhaps we can break through these and attempt an escape."