From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

Ya-Mi greeted him with her signature professionalism, though there was a flicker of intrigue in her eyes. She gestured toward the chair, and John sat down with a practiced ease, resting his forearms lightly on the table.

"John," Ya-Mi began, her voice smooth but probing. "You've been described as both pragmatic and reserved by your peers. How does someone like you approach an event as chaotic and unpredictable as the Arena of Life?"

John's lips curled into a faint, wry smile. "Carefully," he said simply. The audience chuckled softly at his dry tone, the tension from Fernando's interview easing slightly. "The Arena isn't about jumping headfirst into chaos. It's about seeing through it. You take stock, plan your moves, and hope you don't screw up too badly along the way."

"Sensible," Ya-Mi remarked. "And yet, the chaos you speak of has claimed many competitors. What keeps you grounded amidst it all?"

John's expression grew more serious, his fingers tapping lightly against the edge of the table. "Grounded? I'm not sure anyone truly stays grounded in a place like this. But if you're asking what keeps me going…" He paused, his gaze distant for a moment. "I'd say it's the same as anyone else here. We all have something we want, something worth fighting for. For me, it's about making sure that what I've lost doesn't outweigh what I'm trying to gain."

"A cryptic answer," Ya-Mi noted with a small smile. "Let's explore that further. You've been a crucial strategist and fighter throughout the Arena, often taking on a leadership role in critical moments. What drives your decision-making? Is it purely tactical, or is there a personal element involved?"

John leaned back slightly, his bracelets clinking softly as he crossed his arms. "It's a mix of both," he admitted. "Tactics get you through the immediate problem, but personal stakes… they're what keep you sharp. When you know what you're fighting for, you fight smarter, harder. Every decision I make is about keeping my team alive and getting us closer to the finish line. That's the deal."

"Speaking of stakes," Ya-Mi said, leaning forward slightly. "Every contestant enters the Arena with a wish in mind. Something they're willing to risk everything for. Would you be willing to share yours?"

John's jaw tightened imperceptibly, his gaze dropping to the table for a moment before meeting hers again. "My wish… isn't something I've talked about much," he said, his tone softer but resolute. "But if I'm being honest, it's about redemption. I've made mistakes. Lost people I cared about because I wasn't good enough, fast enough. This wish… it's my shot at making things right. Or at least trying to."

The audience was silent, his words hanging in the air like a weight. Ya-Mi's expression softened, her usual polished demeanor giving way to genuine curiosity. "Redemption is a powerful motivator," she said. "But it's also a heavy burden to carry. Do you believe the Arena can truly offer you what you're looking for?"

John's smile returned, faint but genuine. "I don't know," he admitted. "But it's the only shot I've got. And if there's even a chance… I'll take it."

Ya-Mi nodded, her respect for his honesty evident. "One last question, then. You've been described as pragmatic and cautious, but also as someone who's willing to take risks for the greater good. How do you reconcile those two sides of yourself?"

John considered her question for a moment, his fingers brushing against the golden bracelets on his wrists. "Pragmatism and risk-taking aren't opposites," he said finally. "They're tools. You use one to measure the other. Being cautious doesn't mean you don't take risks—it means you take the right ones. The ones that matter."

"An insightful answer," Ya-Mi said, a hint of admiration in her voice. "Thank you for your time, John. Your perspective is both refreshing and thought-provoking."

As John exited the stage, Kern entered with an air of confidence, his lanky frame moving with a mixture of swagger and precision. His messy brown hair caught the overhead lights, and the faint purple glow from his scimitars—sheathed at his sides—seemed to flicker like a warning. He adjusted his coat before sitting down, flashing a quick grin at Ya-Mi.

"Kern," Ya-Mi greeted, her voice warm but probing as always. "Thank you for joining us. How are you feeling, now that you've made it this far in the Arena of Life?"

Kern leaned back in his chair, one hand resting casually on the table. "Well, Ya-Mi, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying myself a bit. But let's not pretend this hasn't been brutal." He smirked, tapping the table lightly. "It's survival of the fittest out there, and I've got a lot to prove."

"Prove to whom?" Ya-Mi pressed, leaning forward slightly. "Your opponents? The audience? Or perhaps yourself?"

Kern's smirk faltered for a split second, but he recovered quickly. "All of the above," he said, his voice tinged with honesty. "I've got a family name to uphold. Being noble doesn't mean much if you can't back it up. I'm here to show that I'm more than just my bloodline."

Ya-Mi nodded thoughtfully. "Your abilities have certainly set you apart, especially your control over wind and those striking purple flames. Could you share more about how you honed those skills?"

Kern's grin returned, this time with a hint of pride. "Years of practice," he said. "The academy didn't exactly go easy on us, and let's just say I had my fair share of 'motivational' lessons. But truthfully, I think my drive comes from wanting to carve my own path. The wind… it's unpredictable, untamable. Kind of like me."

"And the flames?" Ya-Mi asked, her tone curious.

Kern unsheathed one of his scimitars slightly, allowing the blade's edge to ignite with a faint purple glow. "A little trick I picked up along the way," he said, sliding the blade back into place. "Adds a nice touch, don't you think?"

The audience chuckled, charmed by his bravado.

"It certainly does," Ya-Mi agreed, smiling. "But let's move beyond the battlefield for a moment. Everyone who enters the Arena has a wish. Something they're fighting for. What's yours?"

Kern's grin faded, replaced by a more serious expression. He glanced down at his hands, his fingers brushing the table's surface. "My wish…" he began, his voice quieter. "It's not just about me. My family's legacy… it's complicated. There's a lot of weight on my shoulders, and if I can win this, maybe I can change how people see us. Maybe I can prove we're more than our mistakes."

Ya-Mi's eyes softened. "That's a noble goal, Kern. But it sounds like it's also a heavy burden. How do you balance that pressure with the chaos of the Arena?"

Kern exhaled, leaning forward slightly. "You don't balance it," he said simply. "You let it drive you. Every fight, every risk… it's all fuel. If I stop to think about the weight of it all, I'll crack. So I keep moving, keep fighting. One step at a time."

"And speaking of fighting," Ya-Mi continued, "you've had some close calls. One in particular stands out—your near-death experience. What happened out there, and how did it change you?"

Kern's jaw tightened, and for a moment, his confident exterior wavered. "That…" he began, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant. "That was a wake-up call. I was cocky, thought I could handle anything. But Ty… he stepped in when he didn't have to. Saved my life." He paused, his gaze distant. "I didn't want to admit it at the time, but it made me realize how much I still have to learn. How much I owe the people who've had my back."

The audience's murmurs grew quieter, the weight of his words settling over them. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire

"A humbling moment," Ya-Mi said gently. "And perhaps a turning point?"

Kern nodded slowly. "Definitely. I've still got my pride, don't get me wrong. But now, it's not just about me. It's about proving that the people who believe in me… they're not wrong to."

Ya-Mi offered a small smile. "One final question, Kern. If you had to face the King himself, knowing what you do now, would you still fight?"

Kern's grin returned, sharper this time. "Would I fight? Absolutely. But this time, I'd fight smarter. The King's strong, no doubt about it. But strength isn't everything. Strategy, determination… and maybe a little luck. That's how you win."

Ya-Mi nodded, her respect evident. "Thank you, Kern. Your journey has been one of growth and resilience. We'll all be watching to see where it takes you next."