From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

### Chapter: "A Day in the Life of Todd - Before the Storm"

The sky was still a deep shade of indigo when Todd's alarm rang out, breaking the silence of the early morning. It was 4 AM, and the world outside his modest dwelling was still asleep. But for Todd, a long day was just beginning. He stretched his muscular arms, his mind slowly transitioning from the remnants of sleep to the reality of his duties as a jail guard.

Today, like every other day, he had to be at his post before the first light of dawn.

Todd dressed quickly, slipping into his guard uniform—a symbol of authority and order in a world ruled by the whims of the Yami King. As he fastened the last button, he glanced at the small, faded photograph pinned to his wall. It was a constant reminder of why he persevered, of the family he vowed to protect in these dark times.

Stepping out into the brisk morning air, Todd took a deep breath, trying to brace himself for the day ahead. The streets were deserted, save for the occasional patrol of the King's enforcers. Todd kept his head down as he walked, his boots echoing on the cobblestone streets that led to the prison.

The prison itself was a looming structure of dark stone and iron, casting a long shadow over the town. As Todd approached the gates, he nodded to the night shift guards, their faces weary and drawn. "Morning, Todd," one of them grunted, barely looking up. "Another day in paradise, huh?"

Todd forced a smile, though he felt anything but cheerful. "Yeah, paradise," he replied dryly. He signed in at the guardhouse, taking note of the usual list of prisoners and their corresponding cells. His shift would be long and tedious, filled with the monotonous routine of patrols and surveillance.

As he made his way through the dimly lit corridors of the prison, the stench of despair and decay filled his nostrils. The cells were cramped and filthy, a stark reminder of the cruelty that the Yami King's reign had inflicted upon the people. Todd tried not to let it get to him, focusing instead on the task at hand.

His first stop was the high-security wing, where the most dangerous criminals were kept. He checked each cell meticulously, ensuring that all the locks were secure and that no prisoner was causing trouble. It was a routine task, but in a place like this, complacency could lead to disaster.

Around 6 AM, as the first light of dawn began to filter through the barred windows, Todd's boss, the prison warden, arrived. The man was a brute, known for his corruption and cruelty. He walked the halls with an air of arrogance, a cruel smirk playing on his lips as he eyed the prisoners with disdain.

"Everything in order, Todd?" the warden barked, not bothering to hide his contempt for the prisoners—or for Todd, for that matter.

"Yes, sir. All secure," Todd replied, keeping his voice neutral. He had learned long ago that it was best to stay on the warden's good side, though he despised the man's corrupt ways.

The warden grunted in acknowledgment and then gestured for Todd to follow him. They walked towards the administrative wing, where the warden would no doubt spend his day concocting more ways to exploit his position for personal gain.

As Todd trailed behind, he couldn't help but feel a sense of hopelessness. This prison, this town, this entire kingdom was suffocating under the tyranny of the Yami King. And yet, what could he do but endure and protect those he loved from the shadows of this oppressive regime?

The rest of the morning passed in a blur of routine checks and paperwork. Todd kept his interactions with the prisoners brief and professional, though he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for some of them. Many were here not because they were criminals, but because they had dared to speak out against the King's tyranny.

Lunchtime brought a brief respite. Todd sat alone in the break room, picking at the meager meal provided by the prison. His thoughts drifted to his family, to the world outside these walls. He wondered if there would ever come a day when they could live in peace, free from the fear and oppression that had become their daily reality.

As the afternoon shift began, Todd prepared himself for the second half of his day. Little did he know that soon, his world would be turned upside down by the arrival of someone who would challenge the very foundations of the Yami King's rule. But for now, he continued his watch, a silent guardian in a world on the brink of change.

As the clock struck 12 PM, the atmosphere in the prison shifted. The usual monotony of the day was disrupted by the arrival of inspectors from the King's Court. These inspections were frequent and often dreaded by the staff due to their unpredictability and the stringent nature of the scrutiny.

Todd watched warily as the inspectors, clad in official regalia, made their rounds. They moved methodically, their sharp eyes missing no detail. The guards straightened up, their usual lax demeanor replaced by rigid formality. Even the prisoners seemed quieter, sensing the gravity of the inspection.

The lead inspector, a stern woman with a hawk-like gaze, made her way through the corridors, her entourage trailing behind. She stopped occasionally, pointing out minor infractions and jotting notes in her ledger. Her presence alone was enough to make even the most seasoned guards uneasy.

As the inspection proceeded, a messenger from the King's Court arrived, bringing news that quickly spread through the ranks. A strange individual had appeared in one of the outer districts, causing a stir with their unusual behavior. This news seemed to pique the interest of the lead inspector, who paused to discuss the matter with her colleagues.

In the midst of this, Nanako, one of the two generals serving the Yami King, approached Todd. Despite her small, chibi-like stature, she carried an air of authority. Cursed to never age, she was often underestimated, but her prowess was well-known.