From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

Jade couldn't help but smile back, accepting the plate that Rosa handed her. As she looked down, she saw a comforting meal: steamed dumplings, stir-fried bok choy, a small portion of Peking duck slices, and a bowl of fragrant jasmine rice. The aroma was rich and inviting, and her stomach growled in response.

"Yeah, I really should stop doing it when I miss out on such great food," Jade replied, her tone light despite the weight on her mind. She took a bite of one of the dumplings, savoring the delicate flavors.

Rosa settled in beside her, her expression softening. "How are you holding up though? How's your boyfriend doing? He didn't die, did he?"

Jade shook her head, letting out a small sigh. "No, he's fine. I've talked with him a lot since then. They lost so many people; it's more like a small group than a gang for the Gambinos now, but he's been focused on helping his sick father. He got attacked by those… undead, or whatever they are. But yeah, he's fine, and that guy with the black claw is still as annoying as ever."

Rosa began to eat, her eyes fixed on Jade with concern and curiosity. "When I saw you revive yourself and protect Master Ash, I got this feeling that you're meant for some pretty crazy stuff. It's like you're the main character out of one of those mangas… except this is real life, and we could actually die."

Jade laughed softly, shaking her head. "Feels like it sometimes. But unlike in manga, there's no reset button. Every decision we make has real consequences."

Rosa nodded, taking another bite of her meal. "True. But knowing you, I have faith we can handle whatever comes our way. You've got a strength that's inspiring."

Jade glanced down at her plate, then back at Rosa, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Thanks, Rosa. It helps having you around. Especially after everything that happened today."

They continued eating in comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of the city outside a soothing backdrop to their thoughts. Jade took another bite, feeling the warmth of the meal spread through her. It was a welcome distraction from the mental strain of the day.

Rosa reached out, placing her hand gently on Jade's. "We're all in this together. Whatever comes next, we'll face it as a team."

Jade squeezed Rosa's hand in return, the bond between them stronger than ever. "Yeah, as a team. I just hope we can keep everyone safe. There's so much at stake."

Rosa smiled, a determined look in her eye. "We will. We've faced impossible odds before, and we'll do it again. Remember that time we took down that rogue Kaiju? We didn't stand a chance, but we pulled through."

Jade nodded, a sense of resolve settling in. "You're right. We've overcome a lot already. We just need to stay focused and stick together."

As they finished their meal, Rosa glanced at the clock on the wall, noting the time. "We should head down soon. The Director and the others will be waiting for us in the briefing room. We need to finalize the plan before the broadcast."

Jade felt the anticipation building again. "You're right. Let's go."

They both stood up, leaving the tray of empty dishes behind as they made their way through the corridors. The atmosphere in the facility was charged with purpose, everyone aware of the importance of the next steps.

As they approached the briefing room, Jade could hear the low murmur of voices from inside. She exchanged a quick glance with Rosa before pushing the door open.

Inside, the Director, Tyree, Oscar, and the other division leaders were gathered around a large table, a holographic map of the world projected above it, showing potential Kaiju emergence points and strategic locations for the crystal broadcast.

The Director looked up as they entered, giving them a nod. "Good, you're here. Let's get started."

Thank you two for joining, Before we finish for the night I need you all to understand what is happening, well everyone really. He zoomed in on the map and stated 30 minutes before the crystal is broken we will broadcast to the world … Something that has been pending for weeks now since the countless loss of life and death the world has faced.

The Director stood at the front of the room, the hologram casting a soft glow on the gathered group. Jade watched as his eyes scanned the room, a subtle tension in the air as everyone waited for the next steps.

"So please don't worry too much," the Director began, his tone calm but direct, "Once the crystal is fully broken, we aren't sure how long it will take for other humans to emerge with powers. We're advising everyone to head to the designated checkpoints for examination using our specialized equipment.

This gear can detect those with potential abilities, and once identified, they will be brought in for training."

Tyree shifted in his seat, his brow furrowing as he raised a hand slightly. "What if they refuse?" he asked, his voice cutting through the room's quiet.

The Director turned to face him, his expression steady. "That will be handled by the governing bodies directly," he replied. "But generally, refusal isn't an option."

Tyree leaned forward slightly, not fully convinced. "No offense, sir, but we live in a generation of strong-willed people who won't take kindly to being forced into anything. I suggest offering an incentive they can't refuse."

The Director's eyebrows lifted, intrigued. "And what would you suggest?"

"Generational wealth," Tyree said firmly. "Take care of their families, set them up well if they pass the selection phases. That way, they're not just doing it out of obligation but for something bigger. With the world backing the United Nations Defense Force, it shouldn't be too hard to start with. We can always adjust it later and make it voluntary, but this would get people on board quickly."

The Director nodded slowly, considering the idea. "I like it," he finally said. "I'll pass that along. If any government has a problem with it, they'll have to deal with the consequences on their own."

With that, the Director clicked a button on the control panel, and the hologram behind him shifted. Jade's attention snapped back to the screen as an image of the crystal appeared, being carried by a rocket high into the atmosphere. Another larger rocket intercepted it, shattering the crystal into countless pieces that drifted away into space.

"This is the plan," the Director continued. "Once the crystal is broken at the highest point, it will sever every tie humans have with the Angelics, freeing us from their control. Hopefully, this will be the first step toward a better future."

He paused, letting the room absorb the information. "Any questions?"

Jade raised her hand, her brow furrowed with curiosity. "Why destroy it so high up and not just on the ground?"

The Director paused, considering her question carefully before responding. "Simply put, we don't know how the crystal will react when it's broken. It could have a catastrophic effect, like a nuclear explosion. We want to minimize the risk by having it as far away from us as possible."

Jade nodded, but another thought immediately crossed her mind. "Well, what if we didn't break it at all? What if we just shot it off into space? If it went far enough away, wouldn't it just stop working?"

The Director shook his head, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "No, we tested that theory. Remember the moon landing? That was actually a test for this very idea. They took the crystal with them to see if distance would break its influence. Unfortunately, nothing changed. Discover stories at empire

We brought it back for fear of losing our only chance to eventually destroy it."

Jade's eyes widened in surprise. "Uh, that gives me so many more questions, actually…"

The Director chuckled softly. "I'm sure it does, but we'll save those for another time. Right now, let's focus on the task at hand."

He clicked a button, and the hologram shifted to display a new set of information. "Now, let's go over the divisions and leadership assignments. Tyree Maxwell will lead the First Division, focused on Combat Operations. Master Ash will head the Second Division, dedicated to Tactical and Strategic Planning, with Oscar Lux as her Vice-Captain.

Jade, you will lead the Third Division, which will focus on Research and Development, and Rosa will serve as your Vice-Captain."

Jade felt a mix of surprise and responsibility settle over her. Research and Development wasn't just about gathering information; it was about understanding and preparing for the unknown. It would be her job to ensure they had the knowledge and tools to face whatever came next.

The Director continued, "Jade, your division will be at the forefront of analyzing new abilities, understanding the nature of emerging threats, and developing strategies or tools to help us combat those challenges. You and Rosa will work closely together to ensure our forces are always one step ahead."