From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

Chapter 146: Title: Grim Reaper

As the chaos of battle subsided, King Griswald turned to Ty, his expression a mix of intrigue and authority. "Come, let's walk for a moment, just yourself and me, Skeleton guy," he beckoned, his voice carrying the weight of leadership.

Ty, ever vigilant and concerned for the welfare of his companions, responded with a hint of hesitation. "The name's Ty, but shouldn't we be focused on regrouping and getting the men and women back to camp for the night? I don't think we will be dealing with many more creatures," he suggested, his tone reflecting his dedication to the safety and well-being of his allies.

King Griswald, signaling his men to move off and give them space, studied Ty with a keen eye. "I have heard quite a lot about you too," he remarked, acknowledging Ty's growing reputation. His gaze lingered on Ty, assessing the skeletal warrior who had become an unlikely hero in their realm.

"It's true you've done great things for our kingdom since coming here, Ogre," King Griswald continued, using Ty's nickname with a certain familiarity. "It's a rare exception, but we are in a time of rare occurrences." His words hinted at the extraordinary circumstances they found themselves in, times that called for unconventional allies and strategies.

Todd, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sudden attention, raised a hand to his head, his cheeks tinged with a flush of embarrassment. He attempted to speak, but King Griswald interjected before he could form his words.

"Please see to it that the men and women here get back to the resting camp for the night, and ensure they all get some good rest," King Griswald instructed firmly, his voice carrying the command of a seasoned leader.

Turning his attention back to Ty, the King added, "I need a private conversation with your skeleton friend, if that's okay."

The old King, his head adorned with frayed grey hairs, offered a warm, reassuring smile. It was a gesture that softened the sternness of his command, revealing the human side beneath the regal exterior.

Todd, still looking a bit perplexed, turned his gaze toward Ty. After a moment's consideration, he responded, "If it's okay with Ty, then that is fine by me, King Griswald," he said, his tone respectful yet tinged with a hint of surprise. "I am assuming from the pictures I have seen," he added, acknowledging his recognition of the King.

King Griswald's laughter, deep and bellowing, echoed through the air, breaking any lingering tension. "Yes, that is me, but feel free to just call me Griswald on the battlefield. Save the lame formalities for the courtrooms," he said, his chuckle reflecting a down-to-earth nature that belied his regal status.

Ty acknowledged Todd with a simple nod, a silent gesture of understanding and trust between them.

As King Griswald and Ty began to walk away from the group, they moved towards the direction of a nearby cave. Walking side by side, there was a noticeable shift in the King's demeanor, turning more serious and contemplative.

After a moment of silence, King Griswald posed a direct question to Ty. "Tell me, and do be honest, are you a hero here to save our world?" His tone was earnest, seeking a genuine response to gauge the intentions of this unique warrior.

Ty, slightly caught off guard by the straightforwardness of the question, answered with equal candor. "No, I am here for a sword that will assist me in defeating Erebos the damned vampire," he admitted, his voice steady and honest. "But if that leads into saving people, I won't turn anyone away."

Ty, acknowledging the paradox of his skeletal existence, added a thoughtful note, "I might have no physical heart, but I am not heartless at the end of the day."

King Griswald, maintaining his composed demeanor, delved deeper into the conversation. "So, Erebos is an enemy of yours, is that right?" he inquired, seeking to understand the intricate web of relationships that Ty was entangled in.

Ty, recalling the video he had seen while in the captivity of the Clovers, took a moment to carefully consider his response. He understood the gravity of his words and the impact they might have on his alliance with King Griswald.

After a slight pause, he replied, "In a way, yes, he is responsible for me being in this form, but it's possible he has another vision that I can't see yet." His answer reflected a degree of uncertainty and a willingness to acknowledge complexities beyond mere black-and-white perspectives.

Continuing, Ty expressed his personal turmoil, "I don't know if he's an ally or a villain to me right now, but he put his hands on someone I love, and I will have my vengeance against him." As he spoke, his eyes shifted in color from green to orange, a subtle yet potent manifestation of his deep-seated emotions and resolute determination.

As they continued their walk, Ty's thoughts were briefly interrupted by a chuckle in his mind, a momentary distraction before he refocused on the conversation. "I am sorry, King, if you see him as an ally, and if that puts us at some type of odds," Ty said, expressing his concern over any potential conflict of interests regarding Erebos.

King Griswald responded with a light-hearted laugh, dismissing Ty's concern. "Oh, no, I have my own plan to rid this world of these monsters once and for all," he declared confidently. "My theory is that these creatures are the essence of the third sealed creatures that have been beaten over time."

The King elaborated on his ambitious strategy, "If I can free them one at a time and beat them, I can absorb their essence and erase their presence from this planet, bringing lasting peace to the world."

Ty, intrigued by the King's plan, started to respond, "I see, I—" but was promptly cut off as King Griswald continued, sharing a more personal detail.

"I don't trust Erebos, however. In return for his assistance, he took my eye many years ago. Also, I trust that this will stay between us. I want to stop any panic from happening." The King's revelation about losing his eye to Erebos added a layer of personal stakes to his distrust and the complexity of their world's politics.

While walking alongside King Griswald, Ty took a moment to articulate his stance. "Like I said, I'm not the hero of this world. As long as the people I care about aren't hurt and I can retrieve the Cross-Link Blade, then we are on the same side, Griswald," he expressed, outlining his priorities and allegiance.

The conversation then shifted to King Griswald's recent whereabouts. "I do have to say, it's rather shocking running into you here. I was told you were off in some other country, doing God knows what, because they wouldn't tell me," Ty remarked, his tone indicating his surprise at their unexpected meeting.

King Griswald nodded in confirmation. "That was true. I was in a far-off land researching weaknesses for the Dragoon creature and looking for hints on how to kill it," he explained. "Then I got the report of the cave's emergence, just as the Erebos guy stated it would, so I hurried back as fast as I could, but the oceans were uneasy to me."

Ty, understanding the gravity of the situation, asked if there was anything else King Griswald wished to discuss. "That does make sense. Well, was there anything else you wanted to go over? I don't have much stamina left to stay awake," he said, conveying his physical exhaustion and the limits of his endurance despite his formidable strength.

Acknowledging his own limitations, Ty added, "While I might be really strong, I tend to get tired easily, and there is a lot about myself I don't understand yet."

King Griswald, relating to Ty's sentiment, replied, "That makes the both of us, Skeleton guy." There was a sense of mutual understanding in his voice, a recognition of the complexities and uncertainties they both faced.

As Ty began to walk away, offering a slight bow out of respect, King Griswald called out with one last question, his voice laced with a trace of vulnerability. "Is it true that you take the souls of those you kill?" he asked, his tone revealing the seriousness of his query.

Ty paused and turned around, his skeletal head tilting in slight confusion. "Yes, though more whatever ability they have. Using them is a massive drain," he replied honestly. "Why do you ask?"

King Griswald, taking a moment to gather his thoughts, made a profound and personal request. "If push comes to shove and I'm going to fail in defeating any of the three creatures, or if a third party like Legato or his Clovers interrupts..."

He paused, his emerald eyes piercingly focused on Ty. "I want to ensure you are the one that kills me," he said solemnly. "In the event I do die, I want to ensure someone strong enough gains my power so you may stop whatever creature is summoned from hurting my people."

Bowing to Ty, King Griswald entrusted him with a grave responsibility. "This is my ultimate request from you, 'Grim Reaper!'"