From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

Ty's hesitation was a mere flicker, quickly overshadowed by a surge of defiant resolve. With a gesture as deliberate as it was powerful, he called forth a black arrow, conjured from the very essence of the creature beneath them.

The arrow, dark as the void, shot toward Erebos with an intensity that mirrored Ty's burgeoning resolve. Erebos, unfazed, intercepted the projectile with a display of mastery that was as effortless as it was precise. The moment the arrow met his grasp, it merged with the molten metal, a union of dark fire and liquid steel.

In a motion that was both graceful and explosive, Erebos completed the arc of his attack, redirecting the combined forces at Ty. The impact was immediate and brutal, sending Ty hurtling backward, his body skimming the surface of the monstrous creature.

Ty, clutching his chest, struggled to his feet, casting a wary glance at Erebos, who appeared momentarily puzzled by his own hand's actions. "I think that should do for now," Erebos mused, a hint of satisfaction in his voice despite the confusion.

With a casual snap of his fingers, a portal shimmered into existence. "Well, until next time," he remarked, his gaze shifting to Rusuf. "And Rusuf, was it? You've shown much promise. I was initially inclined to merely drain you, but your potential has persuaded me otherwise. For now, you live."

Ty, now upright but visibly exhausted, sweat trailing down his face, confronted Erebos. "Stop pretending you're here to aid me. Why can't you be straightforward about what you want from me?"

Erebos's response was calm, measured. "I have always been straightforward. I seek the best version of yourself, as I do with all I've marked. It's simple, really. The ability to merge two souls into one body is a notable achievement, yet it's not requisite for what lies ahead."

As Erebos's arm began to glow with a sinister red light, he offered a parting insight. "Well, for now, I must depart. But I'm eager to see what you're capable of. We shall meet again once you unlock the next barrier. Truth be told, you're the only one who can truly achieve it. Any other method would be mere conjecture on my part."

His words carried a weight, a mix of expectation and a cryptic sort of faith in Ty's unique potential. "Don't let yourself be defeated or lose your soul to that creature. I have plans for it as well." With those final words, Erebos vanished into the portal, leaving a charged silence in his wake.

Rusuf, regaining his composure, stood up, noticing the blood scattered across Ty's body, yet finding no wounds. The aftermath of their encounter left a tangible tension in the air, a mixture of relief and unresolved questions.

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"Things got a bit hectic, but I can try to explain if you have time," Ty offered, his voice a blend of exhaustion and earnestness.

Rusuf approached Ty, his demeanor cold yet not without a hint of curiosity. "That's one thing we're short on right now, but you owe me a lot of explanations. At least I don't sense that dark malice in you anymore," he acknowledged, his statement leaving room for a cautious trust to be reestablished between them.

Rusuf's touch initiated a cascade of energy that enveloped both of them in a bubble of pure, though delicate, force. In an instant, they were transported above a dock, materializing just as Ty tumbled onto the solid ground. Behind him, a red wood bridge led to a ship, its side marred by a gaping hole—the aftermath of Rusuf's hasty entrance.

Regaining his footing, Rusuf leaned on his sword, using it to support his weight as he caught his breath. Meanwhile, Ty, finding himself unexpectedly supine, was abruptly confronted by two guards. "Do not resist," they commanded, their stance unyielding.

Ty's response was a mix of defiance and frustration. "If I wanted to resist, I could burn this whole place down!" Yet, within moments, he found himself restrained once more, cuffs binding his hands as a man adorned in a blue vest and a white hat approached.

"Rusuf, what took so long? Did this demon give you trouble?" the man inquired, his tone suggesting both concern and a hint of reprimand.

"More than you will ever know," Rusuf replied, his voice betraying the toll of their encounter. "Though things are under control now. I'll escort him to the holding area. The media have their questions for today, and then we'll move him to another area for the sponsors' inquiries."

The man saluted Rusuf, a gesture of respect and acknowledgment. "Sounds good. If you need to rest, just let me know. I know you aren't used to an assignment like this."

"Thank you, Sir. And no need to salute me; I'm not an officer or anything like that," Rusuf responded, modest despite the gravity of their situation.

The man laughed lightly, a hint of foresight in his tone. "Not yet, but as soon as you're old enough, I know the king will put in a great recommendation for you."

Rusuf's aspirations seemed to lie beyond the accolades and ranks. "Perhaps. I just want to stop all the fighting, really. I don't—"

But his idealistic hopes were swiftly interrupted. "Stop talking that nonsense. Fighting is what we do," the man interjected, though not unkindly. "But I do agree, we need to handle these rebels attacking innocent people. All in due time. I'll have the guards handle the rest of these guys, and the blue shirts should be arriving tomorrow."

"Thank you. I'll probably take the rest of the day for some rest after this," Rusuf mentioned, a hint of weariness in his voice. "My father has a ranch about 20 minutes from the media rooms, if I remember correctly. I'll spend the day there once I finish taking the Demon to his holding cell."

"Sounds good, sir. You enjoy it," the man responded with genuine admiration. "To survive an encounter with a creature like that, with no casualties and even to wound one, is most impressive."

Rusuf sighed, the weight of his responsibilities momentarily pressing down on him. "Let's go, Demon," he said, a mix of resignation and readiness in his tone.

Ty, ever watchful, stretched slightly, acclimating to the rhythm of the moment. "Sure, sounds fine by me," he replied, his tone light, almost casual amidst the tension.