From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

The creature's face, a dark mirror of Ty's own, contorted in frustration as the burn marks seared its visage, a physical manifestation of its constraints. Ty's curiosity deepened at the sight, pressing for answers.

"These markings... they prevent you from sharing everything with me, don't they?" Ty probed, trying to piece together the mysterious puzzle before him.

"Yes, they are a seal placed upon me by the so-called 'king of gods,' the master of infinite prisons. This seal binds me, limits what I can reveal," the entity confessed, its voice a mixture of resentment and pain.

"And why? Why are you bound so tightly by such restrictions? What purpose does it serve?" Ty demanded, seeking clarity amid the shadows of information.

The creature's gaze, fiery and intense, bore into Ty's soul as it spoke of ancient conflicts and cosmic wars. "In the last cosmic war, the 'king of gods' sought supremacy, facing opposition from the angelic king among others. The battle was catastrophic, resulting in the death of many realm kings, including the previous Demon King.

The aftermath left the Vale of Despair, a kingless realm, in turmoil."

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Ty listened intently, the weight of the revelation settling in. "So, you're trapped inside my soul? I'm not entirely sure I grasp the full extent of this. I thought I was just an ordinary person who happened to be at the wrong place when Erebos killed me."

The creature, mirroring Ty but with eyes that told tales of ancient strife, pondered his words. "I question that simplicity," it replied. "Remind me, how did you end up at the mercy of the Demon King?"

Acknowledging the request, Ty recounted his tale with a hint of disbelief at his own story. "I had worked late and decided to take a shortcut through the park to get home quicker. That's when I stumbled upon Kieran and Erebos in the midst of their battle. What followed was chaos—Kieran was defeated, and I suffered a fatal blow. Next thing I knew, I woke up in the Demon King's throne room.

Erebos declared his obligation fulfilled, and the Demon King dealt with the malevolent souls before turning his attention to me."

He pondered aloud, breaking the silence that had settled between them. "You know, I've been wondering for a while. After your soul ignited that body, causing the lock to activate, I only then gained full consciousness. But it was more like waking up in a groggy, dream-like state. That's how I find myself most of the time, until your stress and blood pressure spike.

That's when my emotions start to seep in, taking over, just a bit."

Pausing, he seemed lost in thought before continuing, "However, I don't think it was mere coincidence that Erebos found you, nor do I believe the Demon King's encounter with you was accidental. Did he mention what that door was for?"

His companion shook their head, a gesture of uncertainty. "If he did, I doubt I could recount it correctly. It feels like an eternity ago, yet I remember the door was massive, adorned with skulls."

"I can't recall ever hearing about such a thing before the cosmic war, before the fall of the previous Demon King. If what he claims is true, that he assumed power after the Demon King's demise, then he likely agreed to remain within the throne room, to keep his realm, his universe, intact."

He sighed, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "The entity I follow was defeated and sealed within a time prison. Even now, I find myself unable to speak of this being without feeling as though my very soul is tearing itself apart. But, that's a tale for another day."

Lost in contemplation, Ty voiced another concern, "I still don't understand how I can inhabit this body without the flesh burning away like the others. And my abilities, I don't fully grasp the nature of this black flame that seems tied to me—or to you, for that matter."

The creature, wearing a smirk that seemed to know no bounds, responded confidently, "Everything you possess is because of me. Without me trapped inside your soul, you wouldn't have any of your abilities. You ought to just hand over control of your body to me and take a long rest."

Ty, far from amused, retorted firmly, "I can't do that. I'm uncertain of your allegiance, and more importantly, I have to find a way back to Jade, no matter what."

With a smirk that deepened, the creature taunted, "Do you honestly believe you'll ever see her again? For all you know, she could be dead by now. Not that you possess the skill, knowledge, or capability to even survive this tournament. You'll be dead within the first minute once they gang up on you."

He pressed on, ignoring the creature's provocations, "Not to mention all you've had has been handed to you, and you've failed time after time to handle Erebos. Once I finish healing from the damage Erebos gave me and I fix my soul, I will be able to take over once you die."

Before he could continue, Ty cut in, "I don't care about that. I will never fully surrender this body over to you. You made it clear many times over you will hurt and kill those I care about if you do. I just don't understand how this flesh doesn't burn like the previous ones."

The creature, smirking still, admitted, "My purpose is to kill anything and everything. It is nothing against you. As much as I may like you and admire what you do, but as far as this body not turning to ash, I don't fully understand either. The restriction placed to ensure I can get free was to burn away... I don't fully understand how this prison works either."

"But I think it has to do with family lineage to some degree," the creature speculated. "If this body we reside in now has connections to you via blood, perhaps that might be a factor. Though I'm not fully aware, and to be honest, it doesn't matter right now. The sooner you give me control of your body, the sooner I can find that Erebos and handle him."