From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals-Chapter 598 Book Thief

"Wh-what the hell was that...?" he muttered, his breath shaky. His mind raced, memories flashing before him—back when he had been the skeleton, absorbing the life force of those he killed. Was it the same now? Was the blade stealing souls?

A deep, resonating voice echoed within his mind, pulling him from his thoughts. The creature, the one that lived inside him, spoke with disdain. "Nothing but a cheap gimmick," it sneered, a trace of amusement in its voice. "Go ahead and pass out, weakling, so I can take control for a while."

Ty frowned, the corners of his vision already darkening. He sat down heavily, feeling exhaustion creeping through his body. He wasn't ready to sleep, not yet. "Why... why would me passing out let you take over?" he asked, trying to stay alert, his voice barely a whisper.

The creature scoffed, the sound filling his head. "Because you will let me," it said, its tone dripping with impatience. "I want to talk to the goddess—the one you saw through the drone's broadcast. Or at least catch a glimpse of her home. I've been tracking her down for a very long time."

Ty's breath caught, his eyes widening in realization. He looked down at the blade, the burning sensation starting to fade, replaced by a cold, creeping dread. "But... that would mean you are..." His voice trailed off, the pieces of the puzzle starting to click into place. He swallowed hard, feeling a chill run down his spine. He didn't have much strength left to fight, but he had to make a choice.

He took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing with determination. "Five minutes," he said finally, his voice barely audible. He knew it was risky, but he had to take the chance. "The drones... should be all focused on the orange team killing each other and the purples retreating. Just don't hurt anyone here."

The creature let out a low, rumbling laugh, and Ty could feel its presence growing stronger, a pressure building in his mind. The exhaustion became overwhelming, and he closed his eyes, feeling his consciousness start to slip away.

John lay a few feet away, his face pale, his breathing shallow. Blood trickled from the reopened wound on his side, staining his clothes. He looked peaceful in his unconscious state, as if the weight of battle had finally lifted from his shoulders, if only for a moment. Ty's gaze lingered on him, his heart heavy. They had fought so hard, and now John was depending on him—depending on his strength, on his decision.

He turned his head slightly, his eyes landing on the book-wielding man, still crumpled on the floor, the shattered remains of his shield scattered around him. The man's chest moved with shallow breaths, his body battered but still alive. Ty knew they had won, but victory felt hollow, the aftermath of the fight leaving an emptiness inside him.

Ty closed his eyes, his body relaxing against the cold, hard ground. He let out a slow breath, the air escaping his lungs in a shaky exhale. He had given the creature permission, but the unease didn't leave him. There was something about its request, about its insistence that unsettled him. Who was it really? What connection did it have to the goddess? He needed answers, but for now, all he could do was trust that it wouldn't break its word. Stay connected through novelbuddy

The world around him faded, the darkness closing in as he slipped into unconsciousness. The last thing he felt was the cold grip of the sword, the tendrils tightening around his arm, and then there was nothing but silence.

The creature stared at his hands, black flames licking his fingers as he flexed them. The power surged through him, unmistakable, intoxicating. He grinned, a whisper escaping his lips. "Finally." He looked around—Ty had actually handed over control. The hesitation that was usually there, the resistance, it was all gone. No struggle. Something had shifted. Ty was different now, but that wasn't his concern.

He glanced over at John, sprawled on the ground, unconscious. It would be so easy. A flick of his wrist, and John would be nothing but ash. The flames danced at his fingertips, itching to be unleashed, but he hesitated. He couldn't jeopardize Ty's trust—not now. Not yet. The grin faded as he released the flames, letting them dissipate into the air.

Above his head, a timer hovered, counting down. Five minutes. Not a second more. He sneered at it. Five minutes was all he needed. His eyes scanned the area, catching a glint beside John. The book. The man with the book was still alive, and the book—somehow, even with pages torn and the cover scuffed—it was mending itself. Slowly, deliberately.

Curiosity sparked, and he reached down, his fingers curling around the spine. The book pulsed beneath his touch, alive in a way that felt strange, unfamiliar. He tucked it under his arm, a grin returning. "Interesting," he muttered. He shot a glance at the timer. Still ticking. Plenty of time.

With a burst of energy, he launched himself into the air, black flames propelling him upward. The sky spread out before him, clouds swirling as he ascended. Out of the corner of his eye, a drone hovered, its camera fixed on him. He snapped his head toward it, irritation flaring. The black energy sparked from his hand, a bolt of lightning-quick power that obliterated the drone in an instant, shattered pieces scattering in free fall.

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The wind whipped around him, the black flames beneath his feet twisting into a star-like shape. Pain shot through his ribs, reminding him of Ty's injuries—the broken bones, bruises, and aches that marred his borrowed body. He exhaled, pressing a hand to his chest, and let the black flames seep in, dulling the pain. Just enough to function.

"No point in overdoing it," he muttered, shaking his head. He wasn't planning on making Ty comfortable—not yet. He needed the reminder, the pain to keep him grounded, keep him from resisting too soon. He pushed higher, the ground below disappearing as he approached the structure hanging in the sky.