From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

Chapter 254: Heart Warming Hug

Jade, momentarily ensnared by her own thoughts, broke free with a nod. "Sorry, just lost in my own thoughts, I suppose," she articulated, her voice trailing off into the dimly lit corridor.

"That's fine," came the unruffled response from Alfred, the stoic butler whose expression remained as impassive as the stone walls that lined the grand hallway. With a genuine warmth radiating from her smile, Jade added, "Thank you, Alfred. I owe you drinks one of these days." Read now on m_vl_em_p_yr

The butler's reply was as unchanging as his demeanor. "Sorry, I don't drink," he stated, his voice devoid of any inflection, as if carved from the same cool, detached professionalism that seemed to be his second skin.

As they continued on, Jade couldn't help but query, "Is he always that... straightforward? Though I've only met him twice, you'd think he would have some personality to him."

Gojaro, sharing the corridor's journey with her, offered his insight. "Yeah, that's just him. I've never seen him not working." He paused, a thoughtful look crossing his features. "But that can be a fun off day for another time. Let's go ahead and head over to the infirmary to check on Rosa and Oscar before calling it a night."

The thought of rest seemed to weigh heavily on both their minds, with Gojaro voicing the sentiment that hung in the air, "God knows I need a glass of tequila and a good night's sleep." His words were a soft exhale, a release of the day's weight as they made their way toward the infirmary room.

As they navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the estate, Jade and Gojaro finally approached the infirmary, its doorway an unassuming threshold to a place of healing and rest. The hallway, bathed in the soft glow of overhead lights, seemed to stretch with an air of quiet anticipation.

"They should both be in here," Gojaro remarked, his voice a mix of concern and gratitude. "They are both pretty beat up, but they will make a full recovery. Thank you for everything you did to ensure they would live as well."

The mention of Oscar and Rosa brought a humble acknowledgment from Jade. "Oscar and Rosa haven't stopped talking about how your quick decision-making saved their lives. Let me go in first so I can talk to them real quick," Gojaro added, indicating a need for a moment before Jade's reunion with the two she had helped save.

Rubbing the top of her head in a gesture of modesty, Jade responded, "Well, I was just following the path these eyes sort of built, but thank you." It was a simple statement, but one laden with the weight of the actions she had taken, actions that had turned the tide in their favor.

With a hand on the door handle, Gojaro turned back to Jade, imparting a final thought before entering the infirmary. "It's not about the visions you had, but the strength to act on them in a fight or flight response. You chose to punch it in the face and keep moving forward. Wait here."

As Gojaro entered the infirmary, Jade, lingering at the door, could hear the faint sounds of distress emanating from within. Rosa's voice, fragile and laden with sorrow, reached her ears. "Ma-Master Gojaro, what are you doing here this late at night?" The young fighter's voice cracked as she tried to compose herself, the effort palpable even through her words.

Attempting to lighten the mood, Gojaro interjected before Rosa could spiral further into her grief. "No, there is no monster spawning right now, or at least I sure hope not," he managed a slight laugh, an attempt to bring a momentary respite from the heavy air that filled the room.

"How are your injuries doing?" he inquired, steering the conversation towards her physical well-being. Jade, standing just beyond the threshold, strained to hear Rosa's response.

"Good, lots of bruising on the face though," Rosa managed, her voice reflecting the pain of her injuries even as she attempted to jest about her encounter. "That creature's fists weren't exactly fluffy pillows. It was sort of a bad decision to let myself get hit like that."

But it was not just the physical wounds that tormented Rosa; the emotional scars ran deeper. "Nothing hurts more right now than my chest, though. I've never lost anyone before that was in my hands to save. I mean, I just met her like yesterday, and we didn't even get a chance to talk about boys or grow stronger together."

Gojaro, ever the pragmatist, acknowledged Rosa's pain but reminded her of the harsh realities of their world. "I see, that's cute and all and would almost bring tears to my face, but Rosa, you have been with the organization for a while now. You know death could come for us at any moment."

Rosa, lost in her thoughts, barely whispered, "I know, but to—" before Gojaro gently interrupted her, "But... just for today, you don't have to face losing someone you love."

Confusion and hope mingled in Rosa's expression as she looked up, tears starting to form. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

"It's about using this feeling, turning it into strength so you won't have to lose someone important to you again. Sometimes, Rosa, luck is just as crucial," Gojaro explained, trying to instill a sense of hope.

With a light snap of his fingers, he signaled, "You can come in now."

Jade, having overheard the exchange, felt a rush of emotions, her hand covering her mouth to stifle her sobs. She took a moment, then pushed the door open, stepping inside with a mix of anxiety and relief.

Seeing Rosa, Jade managed a warm smile despite her own tears. "Hey, Rosa, it's good to see you. Sorry for making you worry," she said, her voice soft but sincere, her long black hair with white tips framing her face, adding to the moment's emotional intensity.

As Rosa felt the cold floor against her skin, she didn't hesitate. Her reaction was pure and unfiltered, driven by a surge of relief so intense it could only be expressed through action. She scrambled out of bed, her movements unsteady but determined, propelled by the shock of seeing Jade, whom she believed was gone forever.