From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

Chapter 70: Determining Factors

Nana began groaning, "My feet hurt. Are we almost there?" as the long strip of sand began to wear on her feet.

"We could've just grabbed some horses or whatever they use for transportation," she continued her complaints until Todd picked her up and sat her atop his bulky green shoulder, at which she quieted down, stating, "Much better."

"Free transportation," she mumbled before resting her head on his head and soon passing out.

Ty, speaking up, stated, "Wow, she sure can be a handful, huh?"

Yeah, though you never really saw this side of her often back on Alexiera since she was dead set on making people respect her.

Ty shared a moment of reflection with Todd. "Our lives must have been quite difficult," he mused. "As for my own abilities, I've realized that I gather souls from those I've defeated, and there's also the phenomenon of these black flames that encircle me."

He then elaborated on Nana's formidable skill. "Nana has a telepathic ability that causes the space she concentrates on to burst. It's a strategic move we've been keeping secret, to use as our ace in the hole when the time comes."

"But your power," Ty continued, turning back to Todd with a puzzled look, "has been a bit of a conundrum. I assumed it was about creating sonic booms when you clapped, yet your battle with that sea creature suggested something more."

Todd, chin in hand, offered a smile of concession. "I guess I never fully explained my ability to you. In Alexiera, it required me to charge by focusing intently before clapping my hands together."

"It's not just sonic booms; it's the mastery of shockwaves. Everything I touch, I can send an electro pulse through it. Thanks to the intensive training with the Demon King, I've evolved to activate my power with a simple touch."

Moments pass as they laugh and joke about their own moments sharing jokes back and forth

"Why don't orcs trust maps?

Because even when they turn green, they never show where the treasure is hidden!"

Todd's laughter was playful, a lightness in his tone despite the confusion over the various names he'd been called. "I'd like to think I'm just green, like everyone else," he mused.

"Except for the giant teeth and the incredible strength, which are classic traits of goblins, orcs, and ogres," Ty pointed out with a smirk.

"I'll need to see some pictures of them one day because this is just giving me a headache," Todd confessed, rubbing his temples.

As they spoke, a cold gust swept across the landscape, heralding the sun's retreat beyond the horizon.

After a moment's consideration, Ty suggested, "Maybe we should set up camp or find shelter for the night. These outlands can be treacherous after dark." The sands seemed to echo his caution, stretching out ominously as dusk approached.

As Ty's foot sank into the cool sand, the day's last light flickered out, and time itself felt as if it were freezing.

Matching his steps, two shadowy figures emerged silently behind him, one at each side, and two more materialized in front.

They were clad in black robes, their eyes concealed by dark blindfolds, and each wore an eerie, blank smirk. Moving in eerie sync with Ty and Todd, they approached,

Unfazed, Ty and Todd maintained their stride, neither hastening nor slowing, as they waited for the enigmatic figures to make their next move. Then, in perfect harmony, the figures raised their hands, each revealing a blank talisman, and spoke a cryptic incantation, "Deep within."

In the blink of an eye, the sandy beach transformed. The granules of sand became a dark, chiseled floor, and the once-open sky was replaced by walls adorned with glowing blue lines.

The transformation was as swift as it was silent, leaving the world around them entirely changed.

The group of figures merged into a single person who then lifted his blindfold, revealing striking blue eyes that sparkled with curiosity and intelligence.

"I've been eager to meet you," he said, his voice carrying a resonance that filled the transformed space.

"Rumors of your unique powers have reached me from a friend. Your prowess, even without weapons, intrigued me," he confessed, his lips curving into a warm smile.

The man's smile took on a sharper edge as he presented his weapon, a unique short sword with three prongs, forged from a distinctive blue steel. With a casual snap of his fingers, a cage materialized around Ty.

"Apologies, but I desire a one-on-one bout to gauge your--"

Before he could finish, Ty interrupted with a confident smirk, his hands clasping the bars of the cage and snapping them with ease. "If it's a fight you want, just say so. No need for theatrics," Ty retorted coolly.

He then posed a question, practicality lacing his tone, "Are we to duel in this corridor, though?" Ty's gaze remained steady, betraying no concern for the sudden challenge. "We're actually en route to the capital on pressing matters, so let's expedite this, shall we?"

The figure's demeanor turned slightly somber as he inquired, "Have you ever visited the capital?"

With a shake of his head, Ty replied succinctly, "No, this is our first time not only in the capital but in this country altogether."

"I see," the figure responded, his voice revealing a hint of something--was it disappointment or understanding? Todd's muscles remained coiled, a subtle tension in his posture.

"Please, come with me," the man gestured, his tone shifting as he proposed a trial. "Once I've assessed your abilities, we can determine if you're suited to join our cause. We aim to reform the kingdom from the shadows."

Ty held up a hand, "I apologize, but there seems to be a misunderstanding. We're not looking to get caught up in local conflicts.

A friend asked me to lend aid, but only in minor ways." His eyes followed the man to a larger room, where tables were strewn with folders and documents. "So, what exactly is the situation here?" Ty asked, his curiosity piqued despite his reservations.

The man leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. "The noble houses harbor a traitor intent on resurrecting the Dragoon of Aeris. The identity of the traitor remains unknown."

Ty responded pragmatically, "Sounds troubling, but if the Dragoon returns, can't it be defeated as before?"

With a hint of sarcasm edging his words, the man replied, "What a novel idea, except the hero who vanquished the Dragoon lost not only his arm in the battle but his will to fight as well."

He paused, the weight of history in his voice. "The kingdom, ungrateful was for his sacrifice, ostracized him for the destruction that wasn't prevented. Now, he's turned his back on combat altogether."

The room seemed to hold its breath for a moment as the implication hung in the air.

"Should the Dragoon be summoned once more, we are left without a champion capable of felling the beast," he concluded, the gravity of the situation now fully unveiled to Ty and Todd.

The scene intensified as the man, with a blade in hand, lunged at Todd, who still bore the weight of a slumbering Nana upon his shoulders. Todd's reflexes didn't falter; he sidestepped the assault, allowing the blade to connect with the edge of his palm. The force of his touch sent a reverberating shockwave that repelled the man backward.

The man regained his footing, his eyes never leaving Todd, who had instinctively positioned Nana to safety in the fraction of a second that the blade had whistled through the air. There was a newfound respect, or perhaps caution, in his stance.

"So Arien's accounts were accurate," the man said, reassessing the duo before him. "Your abilities are indeed formidable."

Todd, witnessing the exchange, tightened his fists, his body coiled like a spring, ready to unleash a counter should the situation escalate. Yet, his eyes betrayed his confusion, a silent question lingering in the charged air.

Before another move could be made, the door swung open, and the familiar figure from their previous encounter with the bandits entered. The man's casual apology cut through the tension, his words carrying an underlying acknowledgment of the danger they represented.

"Sorry for the abrupt exit last time," he stated with a half-smile that didn't quite reach his wary eyes. "But I wasn't particularly eager to become a casualty to your impressive talents."