From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

Chapter 185: The Meeting

Ty, his expression a blend of resilience and wry amusement, offered Alek a slight smile before the guards forcefully guided him towards the entrance. The chorus of boos from the crowd seemed to echo above him, a cacophony of disdain that faded into the background of his thoughts. "Wow, this is going to be quite the spectacle," he mused silently, bracing himself for what was to come.

One of the guards, eager to conclude the task, urged him on. "Let's get a move on. The sooner we finish this, the better."

Ty, maintaining his cryptic demeanor, agreed, "I couldn't be more in sync with that sentiment. Believe me, I have no desire to linger here any longer than necessary." His words were met with a forceful shove through the gleaming white sliding doors of the immense black cube structure.

Once inside, Ty couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size of the building. "This is pretty enormous, isn't it?" he commented aloud, though his remark fell on deaf ears as the guards remained stoically silent. They continued to escort him deeper into the building, the pearly white flooring stretching endlessly before them, lined with countless doors.

Ty's curiosity was piqued by the unusual design. "Quite the peculiar entrance, all these doors," he observed, his voice echoing slightly in the vast, sterile hallway.

The guard, his tone matter-of-fact, clarified, "This isn't the entryway for guests or spectators. It's reserved for participants." His explanation provided a new perspective on the labyrinth of doors.

He directed Ty towards one of them, Door 1, indicating his temporary destination. "You'll be waiting here with your mentor," he said, nudging Ty forward. The guard's hand turned the golden knob of the pitch-black door, swinging it open to reveal the room beyond.

As Ty stepped inside, he took in the room's surprisingly spacious interior. It was large enough to serve as a living quarters, he noted. His gaze wandered across the room, landing on a massive glass table that dominated the center. To the left, he noticed a well-equipped bar rack and a sleek bar counter, positioned neatly beside the entrance.

The room, though seemingly designed for comfort, carried an air of clinical efficiency – a blend of luxury and purpose that resonated with the building's exterior.

Ty's curiosity was piqued as he surveyed his surroundings, the stark contrast between the hostility outside and the relative calm within these walls not lost on him.

Ty's attention was immediately drawn to a silver-haired man at the counter, his demeanor one of quiet isolation. The man was engrossed in savoring a glass filled with a brownish liquid, ice cubes clinking softly against the sides. "Might be whiskey," Ty speculated silently, his curiosity piqued.

The guard's voice broke the momentary calm. "Good, your mentor is already here for your introduction." With these words, he slammed the door shut, leaving Ty alone in the room's hushed ambiance with the enigmatic man.

The distant sound of cheers, applause, and a smattering of boos seeped through the door, a muffled backdrop to the room's tranquility.

Ty, pondering the source of the commotion, voiced his curiosity aloud, "I wonder what's happening out there." He made his way towards the counter, approaching the silver-haired man who seemed lost in his own world, the rhythmic sipping of his drink the only indication of his awareness.

As Ty neared, the air in the room felt charged with an unspoken anticipation, the meeting of mentor and mentee unfolding in an environment far removed from the arena's fervor.

Ty settled onto a bar stool two seats away from the silver-haired man, giving him space while trying to gauge his demeanor. The room's quiet was suddenly interrupted by the appearance of a man in a tuxedo, materializing as if out of thin air. His presence was striking – an eye patch covered his left eye, and his black hair, tipped with dark green, added to his enigmatic aura.

His hands were clasped behind his back, exuding a formal but mysterious air.

"Would you like anything to drink, sir, before your match?" he inquired with a polite tone.

Startled by the sudden appearance, Ty responded, "Yeah, can I get a whiskey on the rocks? But... how did you just appear like that?!"

The man tilted his head slightly, a hint of confusion crossing his features. "I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with that request. I'll serve you something basic instead," he said, turning to prepare a drink.

Ty, still trying to process the man's sudden arrival, watched him curiously, his mind buzzing with questions about the peculiarities of this place and its inhabitants.

The bartender, with a knowing smile, revealed the secret behind his sudden appearance. "It's my translucent magic. You can only see me when I choose to be seen," he explained, his voice carrying a note of pride. He began to skillfully mix a drink, pouring a clear liquid into a metal shaker, adding ice with a practiced hand, and giving it a light shake.

As he prepared the drink, he mused aloud, "So, is it true you're a demon, my boy? I must say, the blood-carved skull and bones on your cheek are a bit rough around the edges, but they do possess a certain cool factor from an artistic standpoint." He finished shaking, strained the concoction into a glass, and placed a single ice cube in it before sliding it towards Ty.

Ty took the drink, his mind pondering the bartender's words. "If I am a Demon, it's news to me. But regardless, I'm prepared to prove my worth. I've tried using words to convince others I'm not some malevolent entity, but it seems now my actions will have to speak louder than words."

His grip on the glass tightened slightly, a symbol of his resolve. The room, a blend of elegance and secrecy, seemed to echo his sentiment, the bartender's enigmatic presence adding to the atmosphere of intrigue and determination.

The silver-haired man, upon hearing Ty's words, showed a spark of interest. His demeanor subtly shifted, a hint of curiosity breaking through his previously detached air. Ty, catching the man's reaction, turned his gaze towards him. He couldn't help but notice the distinctive black robe adorned with white tips that the man wore, lending him an air of both mystery and authority.

Taking a sip of the drink prepared by the bartender, Ty was pleasantly surprised. The flavor was exquisite, surpassing any beverage he had previously encountered. "If I had the time, I'd savor these all day," he mused internally, his taste buds delighted by the concoction.