From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

Chapter 186: Furthered Discussions

The man in the black robe then spoke, his voice carrying a weight of experience and insight. "That's one important lesson to grasp early on while you're here. In this kingdom, people are swayed by only two things: Power and Trust."

His words lingered in the air, resonating with an underlying truth that seemed to define the very essence of this place. The atmosphere in the room, a blend of casual elegance and underlying tension, underscored the significance of his statement.

The man in the black robe leaned in slightly, his tone matter-of-fact yet tinged with a hint of intrigue.

"You have yet to demonstrate either power or trustworthiness, but regardless of the truth, you're already marked as a demon in the eyes of many. This trial, it seems, is less about proving your innocence and more about acclimatizing you to the public before the Arena of Life commences."

He paused, assessing Ty's reaction.

"Gaining favor with the kingdom's populace could be advantageous during the month-long event. However, to be frank, you're likely to be the most vilified participant. Your occasional red eyes and the black energy you wield – they're telltale signs associated with the Demon Clan, feared and misunderstood here."

As the man spoke, Ty continued to sip his drink, the smooth liquor providing a brief respite amidst the complexity of his situation. He listened carefully, absorbing every word.

The room around them seemed to shrink in importance compared to the gravity of the man's words, painting a stark picture of the challenges Ty would face in the upcoming trial.

The silver-haired man's gaze hardened, reflecting a deep-seated animosity. "I detest what you represent, yet fate has ironically tasked me with being your mentor, to maximize your chances of survival," he stated, his voice laced with reluctant acceptance. "Embrace the persona they've assigned to you, and you might just win over some allies."

He finished his drink in one smooth motion, a wry chuckle escaping his lips. "That is, of course, assuming you survive tonight's ordeal." The chuckle seemed to carry a mix of cynicism and a grim understanding of the reality they faced.

"These fights are as savage and merciless as anything this kingdom has ever seen. They don't call it a trial for nothing. Your life, along with those of your opponents, is at the mercy of the circuit judges and the King himself," he explained, the seriousness of his tone underscoring the perilous nature of the upcoming event.

Ty absorbed the man's words, feeling the weight of the challenge that lay ahead. The room, with its deceptive calm, contrasted sharply with the brutal reality of the Arena of Life. It was a stark reminder of the deadly game he was about to be thrust into.

The silver-haired man's expression turned contemplative as he continued, "Victory in the arena often comes with significant rewards – a pardon, a chance at redemption, or a reduction in sentence. It varies, depending on the circumstances and the whims of those in power." He reached for a small folder, sliding it across the glass table towards Ty.

"This contains information about your opponent for tonight. Congratulations, by the way, on securing the main event slot."

He paused, allowing the significance of the statement to sink in. "They believe you're capable of delivering a compelling performance, so they've placed you in the most coveted time slot for combat."

Ty, his glass now empty, watched as the bartender observed the exchange with keen interest. He opened the folder, his eyes immediately drawn to the image of a pale man with a chilling, bloodstained smile. The name 'Fernando Escabar' was printed below the photo, sending a ripple of realization through Ty.

This was his adversary, a figure who appeared as menacing as the reputation that likely preceded him.

As Ty scanned the list of charges against Fernando Escabar, his eyes widened in disbelief. The litany of crimes was staggering:

7 counts of Murder

10 counts of Robbery

15 counts of War Crimes

32 counts of Bodily Harm

The most heinous charge stood out starkly: "Murdering a Family of 3 over a Financial Dispute."

Ty's voice carried a mix of horror and disbelief. "This guy's a straight-up monster. How is someone like him even given a chance at life?" he exclaimed, the weight of Escabar's crimes settling heavily upon him.

The silver-haired man responded with a chuckle, though it lacked any trace of humor. It was a sound that spoke of a deep cynicism, born of witnessing too many such horrors. "In this kingdom, even the vilest of criminals are afforded opportunities in the Arena of Life. It's a brutal system, one that often blurs the lines between justice and entertainment."

The silver-haired man's voice held a note of resigned wisdom. "As I said, power is revered in this world, regardless of the morality of those who wield it. Those in control will exploit any strength for their own benefit, without fail."

He gestured towards the folder. "Make sure to acquaint yourself with his abilities. It might give you some edge, considering he likely only knows about your black flames."

Ty, acknowledging the advice with a nod, turned the page to read about Escabar's powers and tendencies. The profile read: "Lightning reflexes, exceptionally fast movements. Prefers quick kills but revels in the terror of victims in their final moments."

The listed weaknesses were sparse: "Susceptible to opponents with superior speed, reliant on the element of surprise. No notable vulnerabilities."

Ty exhaled a sigh tinged with frustration. "Why does lightning always have to be the go-to for these types? It's overused," he muttered to himself. The realization that he was facing an adversary with such lethal and popular abilities added an extra layer of complexity to the already daunting challenge ahead.

The room seemed to close in around him, the gravity of his situation becoming more tangible with each detail he uncovered about Escabar.

The silver-haired man, his head tilted slightly in contemplation, remarked, "How many people with lightning abilities do you know? It's quite a rare gift in this realm. Less than two percent of the population possesses any magic related to it."