From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

The Demon King put a finger under his chin and nodded. "I see, he probably used it as a way to track somewhere he had been. A lot of people on that planet can move and teleport people with relics."

He continued, "Still, if we can get that finger, perhaps we can trace it back to where Ty's skeleton frame is at... I don't think it will help if we can't find it... I wonder if I should go rip the planet apart to get it..."

Kirana pushed her glasses up and interjected, "I don't think we need to be that brash, sir. I think Ty is handling himself just fine, and if need be, we can send one of your daughters, any of the heroes that flow throughout the castle and sub-castles, or even one of the Twelve to go find it."

The Demon King's eyes narrowed as he contemplated her words. The room seemed to hum with the tension of his suppressed power, the shadows deepening around him.

Kirana added, "I mean, you know the treaty we are under and how you aren't allowed to leave this place since the last war."

The Demon King sighed, the weight of centuries evident in his voice. "I'm well aware, my dear Kirana… However, I think I'm almost done with it all. I planned to wait another 1,000 years, maybe even a few thousand years, as I slowly siphon souls."

Kirana shifted her gaze to a massive door adorned with skulls, about 60% of them glowing faintly.

"You mean Project Zero, correct?"

"Yes," the Demon King replied, his tone resolute. "I think if I do something drastic, I can finish it early and rescue Zenith from the Angels. Then they will have nothing over my head."

Elithira, who had been quietly listening, sat up, her eyes wide with determination. As the Demon King spoke, the room's atmosphere grew heavier with the gravity of his words.

"Father, please… If you are to activate Project Zero, let me be the one to go in… It's my fault she got captured anyways."

The Demon King put a finger between his eyes and stated, "No, that's not—"

Suddenly, behind him where his throne room sat, a sudden bolt of lightning surfaced from the ceiling, cracking down and destroying it as flames erupted around it.

The intense heat and bright flames illuminated the room with a hellish glow.

From the thunder, a man in a white cloak with a crowned symbol "3" on his chest emerged, wearing radiant golden armor around his shoulders and arms, with long white hair flowing behind him.

His presence was almost blinding, a stark contrast to the dark, foreboding atmosphere of the throne room.

The Demon King stared on, his eyes flaring red with fury as he gripped his knuckles tightly. "And what the hell do you think you are doing in my domain, you damn angelic bastard?" His voice echoed with a mix of rage and defiance, the room vibrating with his suppressed power.

The man lifted his arm, causing the chair to ignite in further flames, and stated, "Your fate has been decided. Due to the damage you inflicted on the Angelic Trio that were sent here to retrieve Ty Hockenson, you are to be punished and have a prisoner taken."

The Demon King's eyes burned with defiance as he growled, "Over my dead body. You will get neither Ty Hockenson nor any of my daughters."

The man smirked and raised his hand toward the Demon King. In a flash, the Demon King caught a bolt of lightning in his hand, its crackling energy illuminating the room.

Kirana's eyes widened as she looked forward, seeing the physical bolt of lightning inches from her face. Elithira had drawn her blade, her stance poised and ready. "Just say the word, Father," she declared, her voice steady.

"No, not this time, Elithira," the Demon King commanded, his voice calm but firm. "He is not like those three from before."

"This is the 3rd Division Captain Ziues Riamone," the Demon King announced, his voice carrying a mix of disdain and recognition. "He used to be king of an entire universe that was wiped out by my father. In his depression, he joined the Angelic Race as their lap dog pup. However, his power is still on par with those of king status."

Ziues smirked, his expression one of smug superiority. "Well, as long as you know your position is below the heels of this pup, then we're all good."

His gaze shifted to Elithira, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "You know, I think I like the look of your daughter, Elithira. Maybe I can make her my personal pup," he taunted.

Elithira's eyes constricted with rage. "I will kill you if you—" she began, her voice trembling with fury.

The Demon King raised his hand, cutting her off. "That's enough, my dear daughter," he said firmly. "This treaty is over. Go find Ty's finger, and then we will open the gate."

Elithira hesitated for a moment, her eyes locked on Ziues , before she nodded and turned to leave, her determination clear. The room seemed to pulse with tension, the stakes higher than ever.

The man's smirk faded, replaced by a look of incredulity. "Excuse me? What do you mean the treaty is over?! Don't you know where you stand if you end the treaty? Your dear daughter could be put to death because you don't want to play along."

Ignoring him, the Demon King turned to his daughter. "Elithira, go with Kirana and depart to the planet. Meet with Jalen, who should be arriving. Then, I need you to quickly dispatch the three curses and bring their souls here. Their energy will be more than enough to finish the gate."

"Yes, Father," Elithira replied, her voice steady. "Please take care of him in the meantime."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"Don't worry, dear daughter. I won't allow anyone to sully our family name while I am alive. Now go."

Ziues smirked, then vanished instantly, reappearing in front of the door. Raising his hand, a sword imbued with the likeness of a bolt of lightning materialized in his grip. "No one is leaving here until the demands are met!" he declared, his voice crackling with power.