From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

Chapter 303: The Gedan-no-Kamae

Ty's focus narrowed to his hand, tightly grasping the sword as its form began to tremble and shift. The black flames enveloping the blade converged into the center slot, forming a swirling black flame that seemed to churn endlessly at the core of the weapon.

"Wow, so it does seem this sword was meant for me, or at least someone who can wield fire," Ty mused, marveling at the transformation and the unique connection he seemed to have with the blade.

Curious about its history and testing, Ty asked, "How far did you test this blade again, Mr. Lieutenant?"

The Lieutenant unsheathed a katana-like blade, its dark leather hilt complementing the seamless steel color of its blade. "I tried all the main element users to hold it, and none were able to ignite that core like you did," he explained, indicating that Ty's interaction with the sword was unique among those who had attempted to wield it.

"Let's go ahead and test it out. Take a stance, will you?" the Lieutenant suggested, eager to see the sword's capabilities in action.

He settled into Gedan-no-kamae, a stance emphasizing readiness and potential for swift retaliation. Lowering his center of gravity, he positioned the sword down at an angle, pointing toward the ground but with his eyes locked on the Lieutenant, a silent challenge and a testament to his readiness.

"Let me know if you have seen this form," Ty stated, his voice steady, as he pushed forward into the stance, embodying the full spirit of Gedan-no-kamae.

Ty pondered silently, realizing that even though Erebos had stripped him of the ability to wield his red flames, the memories and years of relentless training remained deeply embedded within him.

As the Lieutenant shifted his weight off his heel and drew his sword, slicing towards Ty at a breathtaking pace, Ty observed the movement in what seemed like slow motion. He slid back an inch on the sandy floor, taking a shallow breath, and swung his sword upward in an attempt to parry the attack. Their blades met and slipped past one another in a fluid motion.

Finding his own parry diverted into the air, and the Lieutenant's blade now aiming for his neck, Ty panicked internally. "Shit, what do I do?" he questioned himself. Driven by desperation, he ignited his entire body in an explosion of black flames, compelling the Lieutenant to leap back, narrowly deflecting sprays of the black fire with his sword.

"Quick reaction speed. You use your black fires as well as the history books say flame users ever could," the Lieutenant observed, acknowledging Ty's adept use of his unique power

Ty offered his thanks, reflecting on his experiences. "I've had a lot of close encounters that have allowed me to start perceiving threats a bit early and act on them. Though, that time, something inside of me just screamed out, and that's the explosion of black flames you saw."

The Lieutenant, acknowledging the practicality and uniqueness of Ty's response, advised, "Still, many of the contestants this year will likely be aiming to eliminate you first. Having the ability to surprise and effectively counterattack can't be overlooked. Learn how you triggered that response and start planning with it in mind."

Intrigued, Ty inquired about the specific mechanics behind his action. "I suppose, how did you even do that?"

"Oh, you mean the Phase Dilation?" the Lieutenant clarified, ready to delve into the details. "You see, my ability is pretty simple, but anything I come into contact with, if I time it perfectly, I can bend time and space around that pinpoint for a fraction of a second to phase through it. In my early life, it didn't do much for me, and I relied on my other two skills to win fights."

Ty, curious about the Lieutenant's mention of other capabilities, asked, "What do you mean by skills?"

The Lieutenant paused, considering how best to explain the complexities they faced. "I guess it's important for you to understand what you're facing," he began, his hand automatically moving to rub the top of his head as he delved into explanation.

"So, most people are granted one skill at birth. This skill usually isn't discovered until they reach the age of 5-7, when they're able to walk, talk, and undergo testing. This first skill enhances a particular aspect of the individual, whether it be perception, strength, or anything else you can imagine.

I've even encountered individuals who can discern different molecules in water, able to tell if it's been poisoned."

He continued, revealing more about the unique aspects of their world. "Then, as someone reaches the age of 12-14, they undergo a moment of transformation. They have a vision in their dreams, an encounter with the Titan Goddess, which awakens an elemental ability within them.

Sometimes, this new ability doesn't synergize well with the skill they were born with, leading most to rely predominantly on one or the other."

Ty was about to inquire about the Lieutenant's first skill when the Lieutenant preempted him with further insights. "And those who master both of their abilities might have a rare chance of encountering the Titan Goddess once more. Currently, there's a prodigy in the kingdom named Rusuf Goldire, who is the youngest to ever attain a third skill at the mere age of 15."

Reflecting on his own journey, the Lieutenant added, "Even I, considered a prodigy, took until my early 20s to master both of mine."

Ty, slightly overwhelmed by the concept, remarked, "I see, that's pretty cool. I guess all I have to work with right now are these black flames."

The Lieutenant, however, offered a different perspective. "That's not entirely true. If you truly are from the Demon Clan, or at least linked family-wise, you will likely unlock your passive at some point, if you haven't already done so. Let me ask, have you ever been able to sense something without being able to see it?"

This question stirred something in Ty, his eyes widening as a realization dawned upon him. "Y-yeah, actually, now that you mention it, I have always got a scent or smell as the wind around me changed."