From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

Fernando shook his head, the lines of his face hardening. "I just want to see her dead," he stated flatly, his eyes cold and resolute.

Ty, a bit taken aback by Fernando's grim determination, responded cautiously, "Oh, I see, any reason why exactly?"

"I have them, and that's enough," Fernando replied curtly, his voice taut with unresolved anger.

Ty pondered for a moment, then said, "Well, how do you suppose you will do that if you're going to die trying to kill me?" He tried to find some logic in Fernando's vendetta, hoping perhaps to find a crack in his resolve.

"I promise you won't be able to kill me," Ty asserted confidently. "Though we might both end up dying in the end."

As Ty finished his statement, he felt the truck come to a halt. The back of the truck slammed down, and a host of guards lined up outside, three on each side. The atmosphere was charged with tension, each guard's presence amplifying the seriousness of the moment.

Shortly after, the restraints keeping them tied to the seats released, allowing them all to stand up. A commanding voice shouted, "One at a time, get off."

Ty tried to think up a response before Fernando stood up and walked off with the other prisoners in front of him. Watching Fernando's retreating back, Ty mused to himself, Can't have one normal day, I suppose. He shrugged before standing up as well, his thoughts drifting to the potential consequences of his revelations. I wonder if I should have info-dumped on him about the Demon King and stuff?

Oh well, it was worth a try.

Ty finally stood, his boots clanking against the rough metal of the truck's floor as he disembarked. Around him, similar scenes unfolded from the other trucks; prisoners stepped down one by one, their movements cautious yet determined. Above them, a swarm of camera drones buzzed, circling like mechanical vultures.

Their lenses glinted in the sunlight, capturing every moment as they had during the showcase event.

Suddenly, a booming voice filled the air, echoing off the concrete and metal around them. "AND WITH THAT, ALL THE PRISONERS FOR THIS YEAR'S ARENA HAVE ARRIVED!!" The voice, deep and resonant, seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere, making it difficult to pinpoint its source.

Ty's eyes scanned the area and finally rested on a man standing on a small, floating platform. It hovered effortlessly a few feet above the ground, granting him an unobstructed view of the newly arrived prisoners. This was the same announcer who had presided over Ty and Fernando's previous fight, his presence as commanding as ever.

Without warning, a massive set of stairs emerged from the ground. What began as raw concrete morphed into gleaming gold steps that led up to a grand platform. This structure opened into a massive circle, surrounded by rows of seats that expanded outward, accommodating an eager audience.

As Ty walked towards the platform, the crowd came into clearer view. Among the faces, many of whom he didn't recognize, he spotted familiar ones—Lt. Daemon and JJ were sitting together in the front row. Nestled in JJ's pocket, almost hidden, was Blue, peeking out with curious eyes, watching the proceedings with as much interest as any spectator.

Ty was momentarily distracted by everything unfolding when the announcer's booming voice echoed once again.

GOOD DAY EVERYONE! BROADCAST IS OFFICIALLY LIVE! WE ARE HERE TODAY ON THE 3RD CONTINENT OF THE HEIAN KINGDOM OR BETTER DUBBED THE DROSIZA CONTINENT!!!

WE ARE WELCOMED BY THE KING OF KINGS! THE VAST LEGION OF KINGS BEFORE HIM CARRIES HIS WORTH AND LET'S ALL GIVE HIM A WELL OF PRESSURE AND WELCOME HIM ONTO THE STAGE!!

Ty observed as everyone clapped their hands while the king, adorned with a massive red cape, advanced forward. The ground beneath them shook slightly, adding to the spectacle.

TODAY MARKS A HISTORICAL DAY AS ONE OF THE 100 WILL BE HOISTED INTO A FOREVER LEGACY AS THEY EMBARK ON THE ARENA OF LIFE! TODAY WILL BE THE SELECTION PROCESS AS THEY FIND WHAT TEAM THEY WILL BE ON, AND A DEMO OF THE ARENA WILL BE GIVEN. So stay tuned, folks, as betting for each contestant will open back up and be closed at the start of the Arena.

But I will turn it over to the king to fill everyone in.

Ty and the other prisoners aligned themselves near the platform's edge. Observing his surroundings, Ty noticed among the crowd the volunteers from Yui and others whom Blue had mentioned during her reconnaissance. They were seated in chairs adorned with gold and diamonds, a stark contrast to the stark attire of the prisoners.

The King, taking the microphone from the announcer, briefly nodded his appreciation. "Thank you," he said simply.

Clearing his throat, the King looked directly into the camera. "Thank you all, from the top down. Moments like this would not be possible without a strong kingdom filled with strong individuals and workers giving their blood and sweat to make moments like this even possible," he declared.

He continued, emphasizing the kingdom's collective effort, "From the smallest worker to the hardest worker to the smartest worker. You have all made today possible."

The King's voice resonated with genuine admiration as he transitioned to acknowledge the volunteers participating in this year's Arena of Life. "And to go on without acknowledging those making this possible would be remiss. Let's give a warm welcome to all the volunteers in this year's Arena of Life."

"While many chase glory, endless life, and who knows what else lies in their hearts, to take on this challenge is still remarkable for these individuals who are hopeful nonetheless. So, let's all wish them the best in the upcoming selection, and may the Titanis goddess guide them well."

The audience responded with enthusiastic applause. Ty looked around, estimating there must be 300 people in attendance, likely family or individuals closely tied to the competitors, their faces a mix of pride and concern.

The King then turned his attention to the prisoners, his tone shifting to one of solemn respect. "Let's also give a round of applause to all of the prisoners. While they may not have a choice in their current situation, they have the opportunity to change their lives rather than live in prison till the end of their days."