From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

Chapter 671 A bit of Marcus

Yagrid chuckled, scratching the gray stubble on his chin. "Storied, huh? Fancy word for old and stubborn. Let's get to it, then."

The audience laughed, charmed by his easy demeanor.

Ya-Mi began, her tone light but probing. "Yagrid, you've survived the Arena of Life so far, but many wonder—what's your secret?"

Yagrid leaned back, his grin widening. "Secret? Ain't much of one. I keep moving, keep swinging, and don't stop to think about how many ways I can die. Thinking too much in a place like this'll kill you faster than a blade."

The crowd chuckled, though some faces held unease. Ya-Mi seized on the moment, her expression sharpening. "But surely there's more to it than that. I hear you've made some enemies in high places. Care to share the story behind that missing eye?"

Yagrid's grin faded slightly, replaced by a shadow of something darker. He tapped the empty socket, his gaze distant. "Ah, this? Let's just say the Heian Kingdom didn't take kindly to me defying orders. They wanted me to kill a woman—a maid who hadn't done a damn thing wrong. I refused."

Ya-Mi's expression softened, but Yagrid wasn't finished. "The general who gave the order... well, I figured he needed a reminder that not everyone dances to their tune. So I took her hairpin and gave him a new eye socket to match mine."

The audience gasped, a ripple of whispers spreading through the room. Ya-Mi's composure wavered for a heartbeat before she regained it. "A bold move, Yagrid. And one that cost you dearly."

He shrugged, his grin returning, though smaller. "Worth it. Some things are more important than keeping your head down."

Ya-Mi nodded, clearly impressed. "With that kind of defiance, it's no wonder you've survived this long. Let's shift gears a bit. What's your take on the Black Bulls and their recent attacks?"

Yagrid's grin twisted into something wry. "Oh, they're a crafty lot, no doubt about it. Can't say I agree with all their methods, but they've got guts. Takes a certain kind of crazy to take on the King and live to tell the tale."@@@@

"And Ty?" Ya-Mi asked, her tone laced with curiosity. "You've fought alongside him. What's your impression of the so-called demon boy?"

Yagrid scratched his chin, his expression thoughtful. "Ty's... complicated. He's got more fire in him than most, but he's carrying a weight I wouldn't wish on anyone. Kid's got a long road ahead, and I don't envy him."

Ya-Mi leaned in, her voice softening. "And what about you, Yagrid? You've faced impossible odds, survived more than most. If you win this, what's your wish?"

For the first time, Yagrid's grin faltered. He leaned back, his gaze drifting to the ceiling. "A wish, huh? That's the big question, isn't it? Truth is, I'm still figuring that out. Maybe I'd wish for a place where folks like me can just... be. No chains, no bloodshed, just peace." Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire

"Simple," Marcus said. "I use vibrations to create illusions—a whole damn army if I need to. Enemies don't know what's real until it's too late."

"Impressive," Ya-Mi said. "And yet, you've faced your fair share of challenges in this tournament. What's been the hardest moment so far?"

Marcus's grin faded slightly. "Hardest moment? Watching good people fall. This arena... it chews you up and spits you out. Doesn't care how strong or smart you are. I've seen teammates... friends... go down fighting, knowing there's no second chance."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling over the audience. Ya-Mi hesitated before asking, "And if you win? What would you wish for?"

Marcus's eyes darkened, his jaw tightening as he considered the question. "I'd wish for... time. Time to go back, fix things I've done wrong. Time to save the ones I couldn't. But I know that's not how wishes work."

"Then what?" Ya-Mi prompted gently.

He exhaled, his voice softer now. "I'd wish for Alexander to get his. Whatever he's fighting for, whatever keeps him going... I'd wish for him to see it through. Because if anyone deserves it, it's him."

The audience erupted into applause, their admiration for Marcus evident. Ya-Mi smiled, her own respect for the man clear in her eyes. "Marcus, thank you for sharing your story. You're a warrior through and through."

Marcus stood, offering her a nod. "Thanks for having me. And hey... enjoy the show. Might get messy."

He turned and walked off, his heavy steps echoing as he left the stage. The audience's applause followed him, a testament to the man who fought not for himself, but for the comrades he held dear.

Ya-Mi adjusted her posture, her bright smile widening as the door opened. "Next, we welcome Wei... Wei, do you have a last name to share with us?"

Wei stepped into the room with a quiet confidence, his movements measured and precise. He was lean, dressed in understated dark gray attire that seemed to blend into the surroundings, his every step soft and deliberate. His dark hair was cropped short, and his sharp features gave him an air of quiet authority.

"Just Wei," he replied, his voice calm, almost monotone. "Anything more is unnecessary."

Ya-Mi chuckled lightly, though Wei's serious demeanor didn't waver. "Well, Wei it is. Please, take a seat."

He lowered himself into the chair, his posture impeccable, his hands resting lightly on the armrests. The contrast between his stillness and the vibrancy of the room was striking.