Chapter 26: Proper Understandings

Chapter 26: Proper Understandings

Coming back to Ty.

Resting on a soft bed, Ty's bony form squirmed uncomfortably, ensnared in the tendrils of a dream where mundane reality and bizarre visions melded, giving rise to confusion. His jaw clacked as he mumbled, "No, no, just call in sick this time... too early," his words were barely more than a spectral whisper.

A robust, grumbling voice intruded his dreams, gently mocking him. "How are you feeling, buddy?" The voice carried a hint of joviality as it tugged him toward wakefulness.

With a slow creaking sound of the joints, Ty's skull rolled to the side, revealing a warmly lit room.

Taking a look around, he found himself in a cozy, somewhat cluttered room that was filled with an assortment of antique furniture and the rich, inviting aroma of brewing tea.

His eyes then landed on the sturdy figure, which he was able to recognize.

The figure was none other than Todd, and he was sitting on a wooden chair that seemed too small to host a goblin of his stature.

Ty couldn't help but marvel as to how it remained unbroken as the big fellow sat on it.

After recalling that he had suddenly passed out after this fight, he inquired, "What happened after I fell unconscious?"

"Well, first off," Todd was about to start when the door creaked open as Kaiko walked in, wearing nothing but a loose bra and some plaid panties, while it didn't reveal much, it also left little for one to imagine.

Ty couldn't help but blurt out, "No clothes?"

In response, she gave a slight chuckle and explained, "Why would I be bothered with wearing too much this early in the morning? Besides, Todd has seen even less." She gave Todd a sly glance, making him blush slightly as he accepted the hot tea which she offered.

"You're a bone man or skeleton man, so I don't think it's an issue regardless," she added before grabbing a wooden chair and pulling it next to Ty.

Kaiko detailed as she took a seat, "We were forced to move to hideouts for a bit, but thanks to your weird one-liner and taking down the Head Captain, we were able to escape before any more backup could arrive. Though Todd is still healing from some of his severe burns."

As she said that, she lifted Todd's shirt, revealing black marks that ran along his green-skinned back.

She then continued, "He will make a full recovery, and I'm glad you woke up after almost two days. If you had taken any longer, I might have assumed that you were just bones and had let Todd use you as a toothpick."

"Based on what I've seen, they're like farmers tending a giant plot of land on a grand scale. But I only spent a brief time with the Demon King and while he seemed to care, it's hard to pinpoint his true intentions. I hope to find out more once I complete my mission here."

Finally, Todd spoke up, asking, "So when you said you'd take me and my family somewhere safe, you meant with you to the Demon King's home world, is that it?"

Ty gave a light chuckle, "Yes, he kind of owes me for getting me killed, and he stated it's something like a final destination for strong warriors who lead a good life."

Kaiko intervened, "Calm down, Todd. You can daydream about leaving this place later. For now, we need to focus on how to get you close to the Yami King. He's bound to have the Relic item close to his personal stash, given how useful he finds it."

"Maybe if I understood what you all have going on, I might be able to help a bit and even get some idea of where this Relic might be." Ty suggested.

Taking a sip of tea, Kaiko explained, "I suppose, but to keep it quick I will have to get my shop set up soon."

"Roughly 15 years ago, Elithira and Sogetsu killed an evil tyrant and set up King Julius as the ruler, However, after Elithira left, everything quickly crumbled to pieces as the Yami King killed Julius during his yearly speech using the Relic item to make himself look like Sogetsu."

"The rest of the twelve years were the time when the Yami King infected the land and transformed anyone who defied him into lifeless zombies."

Ty perked up at her statement and recalled something, "Hmm, I killed some people who had pale blue skin and acted strangely at Sogetsu's home village."

"Elithira thought it would have been a good place to start, but it turned out Sogetsu's father was rather pissed off with her." Ty stated, dropping his legs to the ground, ready to get up fully.

"I don't blame him. She simply disappeared as suddenly as she had arrived, so it kinda makes sense as she was the one who had ingrained into Sogetsu the possibility of creating a better life. I guess it makes sense her stories from being from another land never really added up. But it's possible she was taken captive, and we need to rescue her regardless."

Ty perks up. "What about Sogetsu?"

Kaiko's face grew grim as she stated, "No one has seen him in over ten years. I had Todd take over the work at the prisons to hopefully catch a glimpse of him once if he ever happened to get transferred, but all of it was for nothing."

She then continued, "So we can only assume that he has been killed. But even if you didn't plan it, Mr. Skeleton boy, who is trying to go back to his home. You've killed not one, not even two, but three pieces of the Yami King and have begun a stir about his power, losing some vein."

"So we will be activating a beacon to rally the resistance together for one last push. This should hopefully give you a chance to confront the Yami King. We can save Elithira and get some closure. If we die in the process, so be it."

After taking a long pause she continued, "It was nice to see that flame bastard kick the bucket."

Moments later, laughter echoed from the ceiling, proclaiming, "Ha ha, both, you and me, girl."