From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

The Lt and Yun-Jin shared a glance, both confused. "Good news? How could something like this remotely be good news?!" Yun-Jin exclaimed, unable to see the silver lining Ty perceived.

"Sorry for the harsh words, but it's good news that I at least have an idea of what side Erebos is on right now, and I might be able to get some information out of the old general. Erebos is a threat to everyone at the end of the day," Ty clarified, his tone suggesting a strategic advantage in the otherwise grim revelation.

Yun-Jin, still puzzled, asked, "Er-erbos? Who is that exactly?"

"Oh, I'll explain another time; it would take a while to explain. But briefly, he's why I'm here, and I still don't know why I'm here," Ty responded, hinting at the complexity and mystery surrounding his presence and purpose.

"So, if I can capture him in some way, perhaps... Though I'm not sure if I am stronger now or before I got here," Ty mused aloud, contemplating his own strength and capabilities in this new context.

Yun-Jin watched as Ty's expression sank into a light depression, his gaze dropping to his hands

"It's okay! We will figure it out together! You just need to focus on not dying in the Arena, and then we can plan something to do with the General and this Erebos," Yun-Jin reassured Ty, trying to bolster his spirits with a sense of teamwork and shared purpose.

"Yeah, that's assuming they don't have something planned for the Arena… What even is the rebels' end goal?" Ty pondered aloud, his mind racing with the uncertainties of their situation.

The Lt provided his insights. "That is up for debate mostly, but from the few that have been interrogated, they mention returning things to how they were and some other nonsense. So, it's likely they are following a strong leader feeding these ideals."

"Like the General who retired?" Yun-Jin inquired, trying to piece together the connections between the retired general and the current events.

The Lt, thoughtful and analytical, clarified, "No, no, it would likely be someone else who convinced him. Ever since he lost someone special to him, he slowly became more distant, but to this level? There has to be someone above him that he's following or believing in."

"Let me do some research, and we can plan from there," the Lt stated, setting the direction for their next steps. "Yun-Jin, go ahead and escort the Demon Boy back to the confinement. It's near the coast, about 20 minutes south from here. Then, go get some sleep, okay?"

"Sounds good, sir. Where are you going exactly?" Yun-Jin inquired, concern lacing her question.

"I have to validate some information, and I have a briefing for all the mentors about how to handle the coming days," the Lt explained, indicating the urgency and importance of his next tasks.

"I see, well then, be off and stay safe. I will ensure Ty gets back safely as well," Yun-Jin assured him, her commitment to Ty's safety evident in her voice.

"Thanks," the Lt said as he handed her the black-stoned cuffs. "Place these back on him once you get within eyesight of anyone."

Yun-Jin nodded, the rough texture and surprising heft of the cuffs in her hands marking a moment of solemn understanding between them.

As she looked up, she noticed the Lt had already departed. "Huh… Well, anyways, these must be pretty heavy on the hands, huh?" she asked, turning her attention back to Ty.

Ty acknowledged the initial discomfort of the cuffs. "At first, they really did feel heavy, but I've sort of got used to them. Thankfully, it doesn't leave any marks. Well, let's get back before the sun starts to set."

"Right…" Yun-Jin replied, her voice trailing off as they began their journey back. Holding the cuffs, she ventured, "Do you really think we can get revenge?"

Ty considered her words carefully. "Well, whether it's revenge or just finding peace, it's a bit all in the same. But you can't see the day clearly until the issue is resolved. I promise I will help you handle this general guy once the time comes."

Yun-Jin, heartened by Ty's assurance, nodded. "Well, this is pretty close, let's get these back on you."

As she secured the cuffs around Ty's wrists, his hands dropped slightly from the weight, but he quickly adjusted. "Don't worry, I get used to the weight pretty quickly," Ty assured, noticing the worried look on her face.

"I see, sorry, I really don't know what's come over me lately. It's just, I can't figure you out most days, and when I think I do, I just get more confused by you," Yun-Jin expressed, her voice laden with a mix of frustration and curiosity.

"Oh, well, I do apologize for that. I'm just trying to do what I can to—" Ty began, his response trailing off as he tried to articulate his intentions and actions.

"Yeah, yeah, I know, well mostly, I think. You have a lot of baggage on your shoulder, and you're trying to do so much," Yun-Jin interjected, her understanding of Ty's complexities deepening.

"I never expected a demon to be so kind, though, but also so strong. It's all weird, and I can't really fully explain how I feel," she continued, her thoughts spilling out as they walked, eventually arriving back at the docking site.

Ty, a bit standoffish, simply responded, "I am just me, I guess. I don't see myself as some evil demon or anything like that, but if I need to play the part a bit, I do what I have to. But—"

Yun-Jin, cutting him off, placed a hand gently on his cheek and looked him in the eyes, her gaze searching. "You say all you care about is getting back and your own goals, but every time I see you, and I rewatch that video of you with Jedo, all I see is someone caring and seeing past his own feelings."

"I don't know if you lie to yourself or what, but it's okay to accept your emotions and that of others," Yun-Jin said, her words a gentle urging for Ty to acknowledge the depth of his own feelings.

Without giving Ty a moment to respond, she leaned in and planted a kiss, holding it for a brief moment before backing away slowly with a flushed face. "Don't get the wrong idea. It's just... I trust you, so don't go dying and wasting my feelings," she whispered, a mix of vulnerability and assertiveness in her demeanor.

Moments later, as the door to the confines opened up, a guard greeted them. "Oh, Yun-Jin, thank you for escorting the Demon back. Where is the Lt?"

"He had a meeting to attend to for the mentors and asked me to deliver him. I already beat this guy's butt once, so he wasn't too concerned," she replied with a slight chuckle, brushing off the gravity of her task with lighthearted bravado.

"I see. Well, tell him hi for me when you see him, and remind him he owes me a few drinks. Also, your cheek is flushed red. You finally catching feelings for anyone?" the guard joked, noticing Yun-Jin's unusually rosy complexion.

"Of course not! I'm too busy focusing on becoming a general one day," Yun-Jin retorted, a hint of annoyance in her voice. Her expression dropped momentarily before she swiftly composed herself. "You got him from here," she said briskly and walked off.

"Huh, wonder what has gotten into her?" the guard mused, left to ponder the abrupt change in Yun-Jin's behavior and the unspoken emotions that seemed to ripple beneath the surface of their interactions.