From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

Chapter 228: Preparing the Ritual

In a seamless display of reflex and precision, Jade's body tensed, every muscle coiling in readiness. Within the span of a heartbeat, she achieved what seemed impossible—snatching the small knife out of the air between her two fingers, mere inches from her eye. A wisp of smoke curled from the blade, evidence of its swift journey through the air.

"Director, why did you—" Jade began, her voice laced with disbelief and a hint of accusation.

Cutting her off with an authoritative tone, he declared, "You pass. Gojaro will come to collect you shortly and take you down to the ritual room. There, your true potential will be unlocked, and you will join our efforts to preserve the Earth."

As the gravity of his words sank in, Jade let the knife drop to her lap, a tangible symbol of her initiation. "Keep that as a souvenir, my young prodigy," he stated, his voice carrying a mix of sternness and pride.

Jade's gaze was fixed on the knife resting in Jade's lap, its peculiar design catching her attention. At the center of the blade, a small hole was surrounded by a mesmerizing oil-spill pattern that seemed to dance in the light, the colors shifting with every movement. The blade's curve was such that it hugged Jade's knuckles perfectly, as if tailor-made for her grip.

As Jade stretched her arms, a reflective thought crossed her mind, "Have I really come this far so quickly?" The rapid progression of her skills was astonishing, yet when she considered the intensity of her training, it began to make sense. "They have been pushing me hard," she mused, acknowledging the rigorous preparation she had undergone.

The moment of introspection was interrupted by the sound of the door swinging open. A nurse, clad in blue overalls, entered with a sense of purpose. "Madam Jade, that was your name, correct?" she inquired, her voice carrying a professional tone.

Jade, maintaining her composure and a polite smile, responded affirmatively, "Y-yes, is there anything I can do for you?" Her willingness to assist, despite the circumstances, was evident in her demeanor.

The nurse, maneuvering a cart into the room, laid out the next steps for Jade. "Yes, please change into these white synthetic clothes and take these two pills," she instructed, pointing to the items on the cart. "They assist with pain reduction during the ritual."

As she stretched her arms, a quiet contemplation took hold. "Have I really come this far so quickly?" she pondered, the realization dawning upon her that the rigorous demands placed upon her were indeed shaping her path. "Though, I suppose it does make sense with the intensity of the training I've undergone," she reasoned, accepting the rapid progress as a result of her relentless efforts.

Jade maintained her composure, her smile unwavering as she responded, "Y-yes, is there anything I can do for you?"

The nurse, maneuvering a cart into the room, replied, "Yes, please change into these white synthetic clothes and take these two pills. They are meant to assist with pain reduction during the ritual."

Jade's brow furrowed in confusion. "Pain reduction? I suppose that might make sense... There might be a little pain involved, given the discussions about strengthening my body. But are pain medications really necessary?"

The nurse appeared somewhat disheveled, caught off guard by Jade's question. "Sorry, this was all I was instructed to do," she explained, her demeanor apologetic.

Despite the nurse's obscured features—hidden behind a blue mask adorned with a single rose petal and surgical hair covering—her eyes, a striking shade of purple, captivated Jade. There was a beauty in her gaze that resonated with Jade, prompting a smile of understanding. "That's fine then,"

As the nurse exited, leaving the pills on the table behind her, Jade couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had led her to this moment. The path, fraught with challenges, now seemed to converge towards a pivotal point that demanded all her resolve. "I have to do this, not just for Ty but for many others," she thought, acknowledging the depth of the rabbit hole she had descended into.

The thought of Ty, grappling with his existence as a skeleton, brought a mix of concern and admiration to her mind. "Being a skeleton can't be easy, yet I'm sure he's fighting to find his way back," she mused, her respect for his resilience growing.

With a sense of wonder, she contemplated the vastness of the universe and the trials Ty must be enduring. "Is it possible someone else has caught his attention?" she pondered, the thought sparking a twinge of jealousy. Yet, if it meant his quicker return, she wondered if she could come to terms with that possibility.

As she swallowed the pills, a wave of thoughts cascaded through her mind, each one a thread weaving into the fabric of her resolve. Changing into the provided clothing, she was surprised by its comfort. The white fabric, accented with grey lines, seemed almost tailor-made for her. "This is surprisingly comfortable," she noted internally, a brief moment of levity in the midst of her introspection.

The door opened once more, and Gojaro entered. Catching sight of him, Jade greeted, "Oh, good day. The Director mentioned you'd be coming to take me to the ritual area," her voice tinged with a nervous laugh.

Gojaro, wearing a ragged outfit with black slacks and a black overcoat that made his white hair stand out even more, stated, "Yeah, he can kind of talk so much but reveal so little; it's kind of what he does. But let's go ahead and head down we don't want to keep him waiting.

Jade nodded and stated in response, "That is right; how long do you think this will take anyway?" further leaving a face of wonder and a bit of confusion

"Well, it depends; the only way to really find out, though, is to get down there, and you will find out for yourself." Gojaro did not go further.