From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

Jade, affected by the somber tone of his admission, asked, "Just how many people are there that have unlocked their abilities anyways?"

"Throughout the years, I mean, probably thousands, but as of right now, we only have about a hundred spread throughout the United States. I'm not entirely sure about Japan and a few other countries, but it's about the same, I'm sure.

These creatures have only been becoming more dangerous," the Director explained, offering a stark perspective on their dwindling numbers and the escalating threat they faced.

Jade, seeking further understanding, pressed on, "What about before these monsters started showing up?"

The Director's smirk hinted at the complexity of their situation, "Well, that was a problem in of itself. From the information passed down to me from the previous director, we had only learned about the crystal and eventually ripped it from the center of the Earth about 20 years before the first creature appeared."

"But there was a lot of infighting and trying to assert dominance in the world. I believe if we ever bring an end to these creatures, we will likely return to such a state where nations are fighting over the crystal."

Jade, pondering the implications, responded, "I see, but like, why not just break the crystal and then everyone gains abilities and stuff? I'm sure there'd be some chaos, but then at least everyone can join in and fight these creatures in the coming months."

The Director, interlocking his hands thoughtfully, addressed Jade's suggestion with a measured response. "Sadly, it doesn't work that simple. Someone has to come into a form of contact with the crystal itself, and breaking the crystal has proven impossible, even for our stronger people.

I think the previous director spent many years trying to break it, even bathed it in boiling lava for a year straight. I never wasted that much time though and just accepted it's unbreakable."

Jade, not easily deterred, mulled over the possibilities. "Maybe these eyes of mine could detect a way to break it once I fully figure out how they work. I believe there is a way to break this crystal, and maybe the King of Nothing was onto something about where our strength really comes from?"

The Director contemplated her perspective, acknowledging the potential in her unique abilities. "Perhaps he does, and when time is on our side, we will have you take another look at the crystal. Try to understand those eyes a bit more in the meantime. I will be pushing you for more encounters with creatures as they come up in the general area to better test and understand those eyes of yours."

He then added an unexpected directive, "Before you go, I want you to consume the cube the King of Nothing gave you."

Jade's gaze lingered on the cube resting on the table, its solitary eye meeting hers in a silent exchange. With a resigned nod, as if acknowledging the absurdity of the situation, she murmured, "Even if the thought repulses me..." Her fingers tentatively encircled the object before she hastily tossed it into her mouth, the act followed by the unmistakable sound of swallowing.

"Notice any changes?" the Director inquired, his curiosity barely contained.

Shaking her head, Jade's response was a subdued, "Nothing," her voice barely above a whisper.

"Understood. Please proceed with your duties, and keep me updated on your findings henceforth," the Director advised, his tone shifting to one of formal dismissal.

However, no sooner had the words left his mouth than Jade's form crumpled to the ground, a wave of dizziness overwhelming her. Clutching her head as the room seemed to spin, she hastily expelled the cube, now pulsating with a soft blue glow instead of its initial white sheen.

The Director's brows furrowed in confusion. "It appears the cube is resistant to being consumed. For now, retain possession of it for further analysis. In its current form, it's rendered inert—a phenomenon I've observed in similar entities, yet the cause remains elusive."

With a hint of resignation, he added, "That sheds light on one mystery, at least."

"Before I go," Jade requested, "I was wondering if we had any chemistry labs I could use?"

The Director stated, "Yes, but I'm not sure why you would be interested in it."

"I want to run some tests on the cube," Jade explained. "The King of Nothing mentioned if I don't eat it within a certain timeframe, it would turn to dust or something like that, if I recall correctly."

She paused for a moment before continuing. "But I graduated with a BA in Chemistry. And since getting these Eyes, I've been able to see things on another level. It's possible I might be able to learn a little bit from this cube. And possibly even learn how to break that crystal in the future."

The director clasped his hands together, lost in thought. The door opened, heralded by the woman who had escorted Jade in.

"Director Sir, you have a meeting with the Japan district in 20 minutes," she informed.

Standing, the Director responded affirmatively, "Very well." He then addressed Victoria, "Please ensure Jade gets a lab set up with anything she might need. Anything else you need, Jade?" he inquired.

Jade hesitated before responding, "Y-Yes, actually. When you have another person to undergo the ritual, I would like to be present to watch it live. Maybe I will be able to see something that hasn't been seen before."

As he buttoned a black blazer he had retrieved from a cloth hanger, the Director considered her request. "I will think about it," he stated.

He then instructed Victoria, "Send her back to the waiting room and have her wait for Gojaro." Explore more at m,v le,mpyr

Victoria nodded in acknowledgment. "Please come with me, Ms. Jade."

Victoria stated, "I will have Master Gojaro ensure you have the space set up as well, so please just follow me."

Jade nodded. As they walked back through the door and passed the library, Jade asked, "Why is there a Library between the Briefing rooms?"

"The Director finds himself around this place often, and he's a huge reader and science nut," Victoria explained. "So, you will often find him reading books and, if he likes them, adding them to this library. All of the rooms connect to this library as well."

Jade nodded, understanding. "I suppose that makes sense," she said as they returned to the waiting room. There, Gojaro was sitting, a hand under his chin, exuding boredom.

"Oh great, you're done," Gojaro remarked, noticing her return. "How did the meeting go?" His gaze then fell to the cube in her possession.

"Oh, so still keeping that, I see."