From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals-Chapter 568 Resting Phase

Rosana opened her mouth to protest, but closed it just as quickly. She couldn't deny that much was true.

Ty reached the large stone doors of the kingdom grounds and, with a grunt, pushed them open. The heavy doors creaked as they swung wide, revealing the grand hall beyond. The air inside was thick with the scent of smoke and burnt flesh. The first thing that caught Ty's eye was the figure seated casually on a throne-like chair at the far end of the room.

Fernando.

His legs were kicked up on the arm of the throne, his usual smug grin plastered across his face. In one hand, he held a severed head, its face charred beyond recognition from the telltale marks of electricity. Around him, bodies in orange attire were strewn across the floor, lifeless and still.

Ty's gaze dropped briefly to the bandages still wrapped around Fernando's midsection, the lingering signs of his earlier fight with Herian. Though mostly healed, the wound was still visible—a reminder of just how dangerous the tournament had already become.

"Some more than others," Ty muttered, finishing his earlier thought as his eyes locked with Fernando's.

Ty's gaze dropped briefly to the bandages still wrapped around Fernando's midsection, a reminder of the brutal damage still fresh on his body. Fernando caught the look, smirking as he brushed a hand over the bandages like it was nothing.

"Still healing," Fernando said with a casual shrug, his voice lazy. "But good enough to deal with them." He nudged a body with his boot, one of the fallen wearing an orange uniform. The room reeked of burnt flesh, the aftermath of his handiwork.

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"What happened here?" Ty asked, his voice even but cold.

Fernando looked amused, waving a hand over the scene. "What does it look like? They came for me, thought they could sneak in, catch me off guard. I'll admit, they did a decent job. Took out two of the guards assigned to watch this place." He cracked his neck, the grin never leaving his face. "But that was a while ago.

Honestly, a lot of us have been bored since then."

A new voice broke in from the shadows. "Speak for yourself," the man said as he stepped forward, his slick black hair reflecting the dim light. "If I'm not mistaken, both sides have lost at least 10 to 12 people, and the first day isn't even over yet. These kill missions have everyone stressed out."

Rosana tilted her head, her fox ears twitching. "You look familiar. What was your name again?"

The man gave a respectful nod, his sharp eyes flicking to her. "Hello, Ms. Rosana. My name is Ja-Law. We met during the selection phase, but we've also crossed paths many years ago. My family assisted your father in gaining land and favor after some attacks on his people."

Rosana's eyes widened slightly, recognition dawning. "Father did mention the Law family helping out before." Her tone was soft, but she kept her guard up. "It's good to see you again."

Ty watched the exchange with quiet interest, his gaze flickering between Rosana and Ja-Law. He noted how Ja-Law's expression shifted—calm but alert. There was no missing the tension under the surface.

Ja-Law turned his attention to Fernando. "We should move the bodies out and destroy them. No point in leaving evidence."

Fernando scoffed, leaning back against the throne-like chair. "Why? I like looking at my success." His eyes glinted with satisfaction as they scanned the carnage.

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Ja-Law's voice remained calm, but there was an edge to it. "The enemy team has a user who can control strings, bring bodies back to life, or even reanimate minds for a short while. You really want these bodies getting up again?"

Rosana stiffened at Ja-Law's words, cutting in before Fernando could respond. "Him? That bastard's the reason we lost Kern and Gisorn." Her voice dropped, tight with anger. "But Ty managed to take him down along with the rest of his team."

Ja-Law's expression shifted for the first time, his calm demeanor cracking. His heart sank, but he kept his voice steady. "Are you saying Kern and Gisorn have… died?"

Rosana hesitated, her eyes lowering as the memory of that fight came flooding back. "I don't know for sure. Ty made them forfeit after they couldn't speak. They were escorted away since we're allowed to do that, but they were in bad shape. I don't think..."

Ja-Law nodded slowly, the weight of her words sinking in. "I see," he said, his voice quieter now. He glanced at John, still slumped in pain. "And John doesn't seem to be in much better shape. Come on, I'll get you all some rest. There's still some time before any major changes take effect."

Ty gave a nod of appreciation, hoisting John up again as they followed Ja-Law down a narrow hallway. The makeshift throne room faded behind them as they moved deeper into the structure. Six rooms lined the hallway, three on each side. The place felt like a mock-up castle, scaled down but still carrying the weight of old stone and metal.

Ja-Law opened one of the doors, motioning for Ty to bring John inside. Ty carefully laid him on the bed, watching as John winced, but finally relaxed once he was lying down.

"So," Ja-Law began, leaning against the doorway, "did your team get a mission?"

Rosana's mouth opened to answer, but Ty cut in smoothly, his voice steady and calm, "Yeah, we were instructed to kill the puppet user. He was ordered to take out Kern." His words left no room for hesitation, the weight of them hanging in the air as he kept his eyes on Ja-Law.

Ja-Law nodded, satisfied, leaning casually against the doorframe. "That's good, at least. We were assigned to find the traitor."

Ty's brow lifted slightly, curiosity piqued. "A traitor?"

"Yeah," Ja-Law shrugged, glancing at the room's low ceiling. "No clue where to start though. No one's acting out of line, so it's hard to say. Besides, the penalty's just a day without food if I don't find them. My team might complain, but whatever." He waved a hand dismissively, tone light, almost careless. "Not the end of the world."