From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

"I don't understand," Gojaro said as he flipped through the pictures. "Why would angels—those who are stated to nurture and protect humanity, at least in those religious books—wish us harm?"

The director nodded and stated, "We simply call them Angelics because those are the words brandished by them. It's unknown if they are the embodiment of angels themselves. However, we have historical records of those who have broken the bond with the crystal long before the Vale monsters even appeared, and they were punished and wiped out by the Angelics."

Gojaro's eyes widened in surprise. "These events were long before the Americas learned about the crystal and were majorly in Southeast Asia?"

"Yes," the director confirmed. "During annual summit meetings with the elders, they all confirmed these passed-down accounts that Angelics are never to be trusted. We fear them enough to bend to them. However, they have never lifted a finger since the Vale monsters began to appear. We take life into our own hands here."

Gojaro nodded. "But we acted in response to a need to protect our planet. How is it fair that we be punished for doing what is necessary?"

The director sighed, glancing at the historical records spread out before them. "Fairness doesn't seem to factor into their judgments, Gojaro. They operate on a different set of rules, ones that we have yet to fully understand."

Gojaro looked down at the pictures, a sense of dread creeping into his thoughts. "So, what do we do now?"

The Director reached into his desk and threw a small crystal orb to Gojaro. Catching it with a curious glance, Gojaro examined the orb, its surface shimmering with a faint blue light and intricate runes etched around its circumference.

"This can be used to create a powerful illusion and get away," the Director explained, his tone serious. "The chances of seeing one is next to zero, but never zero. And this info is to stay just between us as we don't want it spreading like wildfire."

Gojaro nodded, slipping the orb into his pocket. The weight of the new knowledge and the device felt heavy, a constant reminder of the lurking danger. "Understood, Director," he said, his voice steady despite the unease gnawing at him.

The Director leaned back in his chair, folding his hands in his lap. "That is all, Master Gojaro," he continued. "On another note, the Chicago department has begun experiments on soul transplantation, which means moving a soul and keeping the memories intact, then transferring it to a new body. From my last meeting, they have proved it worked, but now they are attempting cross-world movements.

You will travel with me to that meeting in a few weeks. They have a group of five they plan to test it on." Enjoy exclusive content from empire

Gojaro's eyes widened with intrigue but also confusion. "Soul transplantation? That sounds... revolutionary. But what exactly is a soul? How do you even find it inside a person?"

The Director's expression softened slightly. "A soul is often considered the essence of a person—their consciousness, memories, emotions, everything that makes them who they are. Finding and extracting it is a complex process that involves both technology and a deep understanding of metaphysical principles.

The scientists in Chicago have developed a method to locate and isolate this essence within the body."

Gojaro furrowed his brow, trying to grasp the concept. "So, it's not something you can see or touch directly. It's more like an energy or a presence?"

"Precisely," the Director confirmed. "It's an intangible force, but one that is integral to our being. The technology they are using can identify the unique energy signature of a soul and transfer it to a new vessel without losing the person's identity or memories."

The enormity of the situation began to sink in for Gojaro. He could feel the gravity of their responsibilities pressing down on him. "I'll be ready for the trip," he said, determination hardening his resolve.

The Director gave a slight nod, satisfied with Gojaro's response. "Good. We need to stay ahead in every possible way. Knowledge and innovation are our best defenses against the unknown."

As Gojaro stood to leave, he couldn't help but glance back at the Director. "And this soul transplantation... it could change everything, couldn't it?"

"Yes," the Director replied quietly. "It could redefine our very existence. But with great power comes great risk. We must tread carefully."

Gojaro left the room, his mind racing with thoughts of Angelics, soul transplantation, and the precarious future they were hurtling towards.

As the door clicked closed, Gojaro closed his eyes and paused for a moment.

Flashback End

Gojaro opened his eyes as he stood among the battlefield again. Only a few seconds had passed since he had gripped the small orb in his pocket. He felt the weight of it, a silent promise of escape or diversion if things went south.

Masabi began to lower his stance, his voice resonating with disdain. "If you all are truly humans, then you have done much worse than these Vale monsters. You have broken the golden trust enabled by the one true!"

He raised his voice, a chilling finality in his tone. "The only option for you all is death along with this entire planet!"

Rosa shouted, her voice defiant. "That's bullshit! Who the hell even are you to make statements like that? Where have you been while we fought for our damn lives the last century?!" The anger filling her lungs as she looked on with anger and disrespect.

Masabi's eyes flashed with fury. He ruptured off the ground, his palm dropping as he prepared to strike them down. The ground beneath them shook violently, and a massive crack opened up. Bolts of lightning erupted, encasing Masabi in a web of electric fury. His body jittered and shook uncontrollably as a large serpent creature emerged from the ground with a mighty roar.

Gojaro, taking deep breaths, watched as the serpent climbed toward the sky. The creature was enormous, its length stretching for what seemed like a mile.