From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

The patrol leader's brows furrowed, and his voice dipped with concern. "Wh-what? Did something happen?"

Yun-Jin's expression remained guarded. "Yes, but I can't disclose the specifics. Just trust me when I say that this is more dangerous than the time the three universities' academies were attacked."

The patrol leader's eyes widened slightly, a shadow passing over his face. "Man, that feels like such a blur now... so much death back then. Understood. I'll get everyone moving and have those with detection skills on high alert. We'll be ready for anything."

"Good," Yun-Jin replied, her eyes narrowing. "Focus on anything electronic-based."

The patrol leader nodded. As he was about to turn away, Yun-Jin added, "One more thing—Gisorn and Kern. Are they healed up and doing well?"

The patrol leader hesitated for a moment, then answered, "Sort of. They're still covered in injuries, but they're awake and taking their medication to heal up. They're both in Room 6 by themselves recovering, decent sized room for 2 people"

"Thanks," Yun-Jin said, her tone softening slightly. "I'd like to speak to them if that's alright."

"Yeah, go ahead," the patrol leader replied. "Once you're finished, just check out with the guards."
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The scent of freshly cooked food hit her immediately, a stark contrast to the sterile atmosphere of the compound. The room was lively, filled with the soft clinking of silverware, low murmurs of conversation, and occasional bursts of laughter. Cooks in pristine white uniforms moved gracefully between the tables, setting down ornate platters and refilling glasses. The contestants were indulging in what might very well be their last proper meal, savoring every bite, every sip of the fine wine being served.

Three contestants sat at a table near the center, enjoying the lavish meal. The table was adorned with fine silverware, bowls of steaming soup, roasted meats, and fresh fruits arranged artfully on plates. It almost looked like a feast, a grotesque irony considering the circumstances—a celebration before an uncertain death. One of the contestants leaned back in his chair, a grin on his face as he watched one of the cooks pour another round of drinks.

"To surviving the first stage," he said, raising his glass high.

"And to the fools brave enough to face the second," another added, clinking his glass with the first. The others joined in, laughter rippling through the group. Their eyes, though tired, held a spark of life—a glimmer of defiance against whatever awaited them.

Yun-Jin paused by the door, watching them for a moment. The atmosphere was strangely light-hearted, as if they were all trying to forget—even for a fleeting moment—the brutal reality that awaited them.

She watched as people came and went, carrying silver trays laden with lavish food—succulent cuts of meat that shimmered with a glisten of oil, seasoned with herbs that filled the room with a heady aroma. There were platters adorned with fruits of varying shapes and colors, some glowing faintly as though imbued with magic, others shaped like delicate stars. Steaming bowls of broth were sprinkled with garnishes of finely cut leaves, and the scent was enough to make anyone's mouth water. Golden-crusted bread sat in woven baskets, steam still rising from the split tops. The wines, held in carafes of delicate glass, reflected the light in a myriad of deep reds and bright ambers. The entire scene was one of luxury, bordering on decadence.

A chef in crisp white attire, his apron spotless, approached Yun-Jin with a polite bow. His eyes twinkled beneath the brim of his tall hat, and he spoke with an inviting tone, "It is nice to meet you; would you care for something to eat?"

Yun-Jin shook her head slightly, her expression measured. "No, thank you. I came to check in on a few people."

The chef nodded, stepping back gracefully. He turned to instruct his staff, gesturing with quick, deft movements as they carried on with their feeding rounds for the contestants.

Walking through to Room 5, she noted it was nearly the same—plush seating, soft candlelight illuminating the rich tapestries hanging from the walls. The mood here was markedly different, quieter. There was no laughter, no relaxed conversation. Contestants sat hunched over their plates, eating in silence. Her eyes landed on Alexander, who was seated at the far end of the room, a table laid before him that resembled a king's banquet.

There were thick, juicy slices of roasted meat that glistened under the candlelight, seasoned with what looked like golden flakes and paired with strange, exotic fruits that shimmered in a deep indigo hue. Goblets of drink sat by his hand, filled with something thick and purple, and on a side platter were mushrooms that seemed to pulse with an iridescent green light.

Noticing two others beside Alexander, she decided not to disturb them, shrugging it off as she turned and headed towards Room 6.

Room 6 was different—spacious, with walls that seemed to shimmer with an illusionary magic, depicting images of forests and mountains that shifted slowly like a living painting. The ceiling was vaulted, with crystalline chandeliers that cast a soft glow, lending an almost serene quality to the space. It wasn't grand in the way the other rooms were; rather, it had an intimate feel, the kind of place where secrets could be shared. There were small round tables, some empty, others occupied by contestants finishing their meals in relative silence. In the far corners, potted plants with oversized leaves provided splashes of green, contrasting the golden hues of the chandeliers.

Kern sat by himself, his broad shoulders hunched as he focused on his meal—a simple arrangement of roasted fowl, bread, and a bowl of something that looked like mashed root vegetables. Across the room, Gisorn sat at a similar table, his expression contemplative, his fingers idly tracing the rim of his goblet.

Yun-Jin stepped into the room, her eyes sweeping over the two of them before she moved towards Kern. He looked up, surprise flashing across his features. They didn't know her well—certainly not well enough to expect her to be here, speaking with them. His eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity, his fork pausing halfway to his mouth.