From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

"Academy boy," Gears said, his voice smooth and almost mocking. "I am Gerald of the Black Bulls, and I've come to take your life for a better world." As he finished, the black metal orbs he had dropped on the ground burst into thick black mist, swirling around them both. Ty's mind reeled, questions springing to the surface. Why not just attack our physical bodies while we're unconscious? Unless those disappear during this ethereal battle? And how did he even get here?

The smoke thickened until it formed an opaque wall between Ty and the battle about to unfold. Ty's vision was reduced to murky shapes as Gears and Aldric disappeared into the fog, their voices muffled.

Aldric dropped into a defensive stance, his feet shifting as he grounded himself, eyes darting in the direction of Gears—or at least where he'd last seen him. But then Gears materialized from the smoke, his hands now wielding two black swords that seemed to absorb the very light around them.

Aldric wasted no time. His mind focused, channeling power into his Platinum Cavalier, the piece's spectral form shimmering on the ethereal plane behind him. "Gallant Shield!" Aldric shouted, as a wall of energy emerged around him. The transparent barrier pulsed in sync with his heartbeat.

Gears grinned, almost amused, as he lunged forward with blinding speed. His swords whirled in an intricate dance—blades striking against Aldric's shield with metallic clangs that echoed through the void. Aldric swung his arm, a pulse of force exploding from his shield. Gears seemed to fly back, disappearing into the mist. Find your next adventure on My Virtual Library Empire

"Got him," Aldric murmured, narrowing his eyes. He didn't relax his stance, but for a heartbeat, confidence returned. That was until the mist rippled and Gears emerged once again—this time from a different angle, a half-smirk playing across his lips.

With an explosive burst of speed, Gears closed the gap between them, his two swords slashing at Aldric from opposite sides. Aldric turned his wrist, his Platinum Cavalier intercepting one of the strikes, while his Sapphire Enchantress summoned a barrier of frost to counter the other.

There was a metallic screech as one of Gears' black blades met the icy shield, shattering it like fragile glass. Aldric's Cavalier lunged forward to counter, striking at Gears with its spectral lance. The blade connected—or so it seemed. Gears shattered into pieces, dissipating into the mist, his form a mere illusion.

Aldric's eyes widened. His breathing grew rapid, frustration edging in. "Where are you?" he muttered, his eyes darting about, trying to pinpoint the real Gears amidst the tricks.

Suddenly, Aldric felt a presence behind him—and Gears emerged, swords already in mid-swing. "Too slow," Gears whispered as he struck. Aldric barely managed to bring up his shield, deflecting one sword but feeling the other slice across his side. Pain exploded along his ribs, a deep gash ripping through flesh and muscle. He staggered, gritting his teeth against the agony, feeling the distinct snap of a rib breaking.

"This isn't just brute force," Gears said, his voice calm, almost as if lecturing a student. "This is precision—the art of dismantling someone piece by piece."

Drones materialized around Gears—small, spherical constructs, dark as night. They moved in sync with him, mimicking his attacks, their movements creating afterimages that added to the confusion. Every strike, every slash that Aldric blocked seemed to be replaced by another, coming from a slightly different angle, until the barrage became impossible to track.

"Enough!" Aldric bellowed, channeling energy into his Sapphire Enchantress. "Commanding Grace! Frost Convergence!" He brought his hand down, and pillars of ice erupted from the ground, sharp and deadly, converging on Gears' position.

The drones moved first—a synchronized dance as they intercepted the ice, shattering on impact but giving Gears the time he needed to evade. He leapt, using one of the pillars as leverage, vaulting over Aldric, swords at the ready. Aldric spun, but Gears was faster, his form almost a blur.

Aldric thrust with his Platinum Cavalier's lance, his eyes catching the target—only for Gears to disappear again, replaced by another drone that shattered upon impact. Aldric barely had time to react before he felt the cold edge of a blade at his throat.

"Precision," Gears whispered, leaning in close, his voice barely audible over Aldric's rapid breathing. "And misdirection."

Aldric twisted, bringing his Gilded Sentinel forward—its massive golden bulk moving to smash Gears into the ground. There was a sickening crunch, and Aldric allowed himself a moment to think he had finally won.@@novelbin@@

But as the smoke cleared, he saw it—only shattered metal, remnants of yet another decoy. His instincts screamed a warning, but it was too late. Gears appeared at his side, his swords a blur of motion, cutting through the space where Aldric stood.

The sound of bone cracking echoed in the mist as Gears' blade connected with Aldric's arm, snapping it like a dry twig. Aldric cried out, the pain blinding, his vision blurring as he staggered backward. His left arm hung uselessly at his side, bone protruding through torn skin, blood pouring down in rivulets.

"Coward?" Gears tilted his head, an amused glint in his eyes. "Or just someone who knows how to use his resources wisely?" He raised his hand, and suddenly the air around them shimmered. His third skill—Materialization—activated. With the rise in his body temperature from the heat of battle, metallic constructs began to form around him—swords, shields, more drones—an arsenal brought to life from sheer willpower.

Aldric's eyes widened as he realized the full extent of what he was up against. Gears wasn't just skilled; he was adaptable, a relentless force of ingenuity. The black metal constructs moved, their forms shifting, merging with Gears' movements, each one an extension of his intent.

"Now, where were we?" Gears asked, his smile turning predatory.

Aldric braced himself, summoning his last reserves. His Platinum Cavalier and Gilded Sentinel formed up beside him, their spectral energy pulsing. He needed to outthink Gears—predict, adapt, overcome. x c x