From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

Chapter 206: A Bracken Sighting

As the train, suspended above the straight path leading to the cave, hummed with activity, Nana climbed aboard with Todd, who was the last to get on. All three teams found their seats, some taking the opportunity to drink water and engage in light conversation, mentally preparing for the mission ahead.

Bracken, who was managing the train's operations, opened the haul door and addressed the gathered teams. "You all ready to go? We're almost out of fuel cells, so we won't have the time to gently drop you off. Y'all are gonna have to jump. Does that sound good?" His tone was a mix of seriousness and casualness, typical of someone accustomed to unusual and high-stakes situations.

Master Dagon responded first, a hint of humor in his voice. "As long as you come and give us a ride back, all is good for me," he said, raising his bottle of water in a sort of toast.

Silvius, always with his wine at hand, chimed in with a nod, his wine glass mirroring Dagon's gesture. "Yeah, we shouldn't be long, so do make sure to pick us up," he added, the light banter masking the underlying seriousness of their mission.

As they prepared for the mission, Bracken addressed the teams with a mixture of concern and confidence. "I'll see what I can do. Just do me a favor and take care of yourselves while you're down there. No telling what you can run into; after all, no one has returned from there.

But I trust that King Griswald will be able to get this finished," he said, offering a slight bow to the King and the assembled teams.

King Griswald, his expression serious and resolute, clenched his fist in determination. "Yes, I'm hoping this is quick work," he stated, echoing Bracken's sentiments about the unpredictable nature of their task.

Nana, observing the exchange, was lost in thought. She remembered the discussions about Bracken and the high regard in which Ty held her. "Wow, such a cool woman. No wonder Ty spoke so highly of her," she mused to herself. Nana wondered about Bracken's capabilities beyond her role with the train.

"I wonder if she can fight, or if she just has a strong spirit." Her curiosity about Bracken reflected her own desire to understand and connect with the people who were part of their extended circle in this fight against the looming threats.

As the train picked up speed, whisking them towards their destination, Nana's thoughts were interrupted by the slowing of the vehicle. Sensing an opportune moment to voice her concerns, she turned to Todd. "Hey, Todd," she called out, seeking his perspective.

Todd, always ready for a discussion, replied, "Yeah, what is it, kid?"

Nana, with a hint of uncertainty in her voice, asked, "Why do you think these kids were brought along? You mean those kids who fought during the Erebos incident?"

Todd pondered for a moment before responding. "I don't know. If I had to guess, maybe it's so they can grow stronger or something, right?"

Nana, still not entirely convinced, placed her finger under her lip, deep in thought. "Yeah, but something just feels off about it. King Griswald was so quick to take up your idea and have them summoned here by Master Dagon."

Nana nodded in understanding as Todd shared his thoughts. "Yes, he is the guy me and Ty had a short encounter with. I believe he has something to do with a 6th house or something. Though it is strange we don't just have all powerhouses, you are right," she remarked, pondering the broader dynamics at play.

Just then, Bracken appeared, hopping out of the hatch. "Okay, everyone off! Fuel Cells are at 20%, no time for chit chat. Get moving!" he announced, urgency in his voice.

As they prepared to disembark, Armond Zaraki approached Nana from behind. "Let's get going and give this our all. Especially you, Pegasus. I heard Ty took a liking to you, so don't let him down," Zaraki said, his voice firm behind his lowered visor. He then twisted open the side door of the train, giving a nod to the team before jumping off towards the cave's entrance.

Nana, stepping up to Pegasus, offered some advice. "Just do what you can and stay close to us, okay? I'm not sure what's going on, but stay close to me, okay?" Her words were a mix of instruction and concern, ensuring Pegasus knew the importance of staying together as they faced the unknown challenges within the cave.

Pegasus, a hint of blush coloring his cheeks, responded confidently, "Sure, but trust me, I can take care of myself. I will be the next great hero like Legato was!"

Nana, her smile widening at Pegasus's ambition, replied, "I've heard of Legato a few times but haven't had the pleasure of meeting him. That sounds like a fine goal to strive for."

Just as their conversation was reaching a lighthearted moment, a horn sounded, followed by Bracken's voice echoing through the pipes. "Get the hell off my train, or you're gonna have to walk all the way!" His urgency was unmistakable.

The train's engine roared back to life, signaling their limited time to disembark. Pegasus, rubbing the back of his head with a slight nervousness, quickly agreed, "Yes, please."

In a swift move, Todd scooped Pegasus under his arm, and along with Nana, they leaped from the train. The ground was far below them, about 150 feet down. As they plummeted through the air, Nana caught a glimpse of the cave's entrance. She noticed a silver crystal atop the cave, adorned with an array of differently colored crystals, while the cave itself exhibited a unique dirt-brown exterior.

Pegasus, caught in Todd's grip, shouted in alarm, "Ar-aren't we falling a bit fast?"

Todd, unfazed and chuckling, responded, "Yeah, a bit. You might wanna brace yourself." He then tossed Pegasus upward slightly before he himself landed heavily on the ground, sinking about an inch into the earth from the impact.

As they descended rapidly, Nana prepared for their landing. About 20 feet from the ground, she began to release timed explosions. These controlled blasts slowed their descent, allowing her to land gently on the ground. Nana's feet touched down lightly, a testament to her skill and precision.

Meanwhile, Todd caught Pegasus in mid-air, ensuring a safe landing for the both of them.

Zaraki approached the group, his expression a mix of amusement and seriousness. "Wow, you all have a way with landing. However, the reports seemed a bit off," he commented just as a sudden threat emerged.