From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

The old man, leaning back with an air of nonchalance, replied after a brief pause, "Oh, I harbor no intentions of fleeing. There exists no adversary I cannot vanquish. My plan? Triumph in this year's Arena of Life, reclaim my former stature, and perhaps, as a bonus, relieve that man of his other eye." His laughter boomed through the cell, echoing a blend of confidence and a hint of vengefulness.

Ty, one eyebrow arched in skepticism, questioned, "Really? If your power is as formidable as you claim, how did you end up losing an eye, becoming a captive, and resembling a disheveled hermit confined in this cell for months on end?"

The old man let out a hearty laugh, his voice resonating with the wisdom of hard-earned experiences. "Being the strongest in the room isn't merely about muscling through every obstacle," he said. "There's a limit to what one can achieve in solitude. It's a lesson well worth learning," he added, his eyes locking onto Ty's with a penetrating, serious gaze.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a loud bang, reverberating through the cell. The distinct sound of a door swinging open resonated in the air, breaking the rhythm of their exchange.

Ty, with a tinge of annoyance in his voice, remarked, "Great, just when I was contemplating having the fairy attempt to shatter these stones."

A moment later, the cell door creaked open, revealing four guards uniformly clad in attire marked by purple masks with golden eye coverings. One of them, exuding an air of officialdom, stepped forward, unrolling a scroll with a practiced motion.

His voice was formal and cold as he announced, "Demon Child, you are hereby summoned to the Testing Arena to demonstrate your abilities. Any refusal will result in immediate execution. Likewise, resist us or engage in misconduct en route, and you will face execution."

The guard cleared his throat slightly before continuing, his tone unyielding, "Should your abilities be deemed inadequate for the benefit of The Heian Kingdom, your execution will be carried out promptly. Do you have any questions, bottom tier?"

Ty, visibly annoyed and with his arms still restrained by the stones, retorted, "So, essentially, any action not in favor of the 'Heian Kingdom' leads to decapitation. And what exactly is a 'bottom tier'?"

The guard nodded, his expression unchanging as he explained, "Correct. The term 'bottom tier' refers to those who fall below the classification of a 'citizen.' Such individuals are subject to immediate punitive measures upon any rule infraction."

He then asked, "Do you have any more questions, bottom tier?"

Ty, glancing over his shoulder towards the fairy, responded, "No, but—is my fairy companion permitted to accompany me?" His gaze shifted back to the guard, "I'm uncertain about leaving her here with the old man. He's been mulling over escape plans, and she retains her abilities, after all."

In the dimly lit cell, the air was thick with tension. The fairy, her wings fluttering softly, gleamed under the faint light as she playfully shot a tiny stream of water from her hands. Her bright smile, filled with mischievous defiance, contrasted sharply with the grim surroundings.

The stone walls, cold and unyielding, echoed with the subtle sounds of her laughter, a rare moment of lightness in the oppressive atmosphere of the dungeon.

The speaking guard, momentarily caught off guard by the fairy's antics, cast a wary glance at his comrades. Their stoic expressions were like masks of stone, unmoved and detached. He reached into his pocket with a deliberateness that suggested careful consideration. As he turned his back to Ty and the fairy, a subtle sense of anticipation filled the air.

One of the guards, standing guard at the door, drew a weapon that bore an uncanny resemblance to an earthly rifle. Its metallic sheen glinted ominously in the low light, adding a tangible sense of danger to the room. Ty's focus shifted to the guard who had turned away, now holding an object reminiscent of a traditional phone.

Ty strained to catch snippets of the muffled conversation on the other side of the cell. He could only discern the guard's voice, seemingly relaying his query to someone else. The discussion, stretching longer than Ty anticipated, ended with the click of a button and the phone disappearing back into the guard's pocket.

Refocusing his attention on Ty, the guard said, "Yes, she may accompany you. But refrain from making unfounded accusations against others unless you're prepared to substantiate them."

Ty nodded, offering a slight bow. "My apologies, I'm not well-versed in your rules. Where I hail from, words often provoke action with scant regard for proof," he said, smirking slightly at the guard.

"Mind your words here, lest you wish to lose your tongue," the guard warned sternly. "Now, follow us."

The old man, with a sly grin, called out, "Farewell, Demon Boy. Try not to meet your end too soon. I might have use for you later." His voice carried a hint of amusement mixed with intrigue.

As they stepped out of the cell, the fairy alighted delicately onto Ty's hair, her tiny fingers gripping gently. Her presence, light yet reassuring, was a small solace in the midst of uncertainty. They moved from the cell's harsh, stone floor into a corridor that contrasted sharply with its sleek, polished surface.

Each step on the glossy floor sent a chill through Ty's bare feet, the cold, smooth texture a vivid reminder of his exposed and precarious situation.

Glancing downwards, Ty observed his feet, marred with the grime of the cell. "Will I get shoes at some point?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of hope and resignation.

The guard cast a brief, dismissive look at Ty's dirt-streaked feet. His voice carried an undertone of scorn as he replied, "Shoes, along with the rest of your attire, will be decided by your designer, should you be chosen. Your immediate concern should be to make a lasting impression on the retainer."

As they continued walking, Ty felt the stark difference between the dungeon's oppressive confinement and the corridor's open expanse. The shift in the atmosphere was palpable, the air less stale, yet the feeling of being trapped lingered, a stark reminder that freedom was still far beyond reach.