The black-robed skeleton's body began to light up with dense red runes, these lines as fiery as burning flames, yet as vivid as flowing blood.
A thin layer that seemed to be condensed from magic energy covered the bone surface, and under the reflection of the red runes, it shimmered with an eerie and dangerous glow.
Ian could feel a heart-pounding power hidden within.
However.
It wasn't exactly dangerous.
Because this power, upon sensing, turned out to be too weak. As if it could extinguish again at any moment, with no chance of bursting forth.
All things considered, the fact this skeleton could still move, could still communicate, was already a great miracle. The feeling of running on empty on this skeleton was utterly apparent.
"It's actually alive! No, wait! It's risen from the dead!" Ian's voice sounded slightly disappointed, yet he remained vigilant, asking in a tone tinged with curiosity.
After all.
No one knew if this skeleton's running on empty was just a facade. The Little Wizard silently pulled out a few bottles of [Forbidden Magic Potion], pondering if ancient people had any use for them.
"I will not die..."
The black-robed skeleton supported itself and stood up, its voice carrying an ancient and mysterious rhythm. It stood there quietly, like an ancient and mysterious sculpture.
The black robe tightly wrapped around its skeleton, though the fabric was already tattered and worn, it still faintly revealed its past luxury and dignity, with many runes that Ian couldn't understand engraved on it.
"Are you one of the legends who once guarded that city?" The Little Wizard observed the runes on the black-robed skeleton's body, covering every bone after spreading throughout.
To be honest.
It was quite similar to the Proof of Legend runes that had previously appeared on his own body, except the runes lighting up on the black-robed skeleton's bones were more complex, almost occupying every area of every bone.
Those red runes danced along the skeleton's bones like burning flames or flowing blood, forming a complex and exquisite pattern.
These runes not only granted the skeleton a sense of awe-inspiring power but also made it appear more vivid and real, as if it could unleash a devastating force at any moment.
Ian found this strange red somewhat familiar — previously in the Echoes of the Past composed of Black Sand, the sun hanging in the dark sky seemed to have this same hue.
"I can't remember..."
When the skeleton opened its mouth, which no longer had flesh, its jawbone moved in an incredible manner, emitting a low, hoarse voice.
"Then what do you still remember?"
Ian swallowed hard and continued to ask.
"I can't remember."
The skeleton repeated its previous response and raised a hand to point to its empty skull, seemingly indicating to Ian that it had lost the brains to store memories.
"..."
Ian was at a loss for words.
He felt something was off, yet he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"You can speak without vocal cords, but care whether you have a brain to recall the past?" It finally burst out — the Little Wizard could no longer contain the odd sensation in his heart.
"Need... a brain."
The black-robed skeleton spoke again in its hoarse voice.
"Where am I supposed to find a brain for you? Would a cow's brain do? Make do with it?" Ian pulled out from his money bag brains he had previously prepared to use for hot pot in the Room of Requirement.
"I also have pig brains; I feel pig brains will surely make you a bit smarter." Ian signaled the Black Phoenix with his eyes to carry over the brains he held for the black-robed skeleton to choose from.
The Phoenix, being in perfect sync with his mind, immediately complied.
"..."
This series of actions left the black-robed skeleton speechless for a long time.
It was clear.
The newly revived was at an utter loss because of Ian's antics.
"Those loved will regenerate flesh." The black-robed skeleton did not reach out to select the brains Ian offered but rather continued to speak in a low voice to Ian.
"Tsk, tsk, who fed you this sentimental nonsense?" Ian initially thought the black-robed skeleton was joking, but unexpectedly, the black-robed skeleton kept staring at him with sockets burning with deep red soul fire.
Silent again.
Yet, exuded immense seriousness.
"You don't want me to kiss you, do you?" The Little Wizard suddenly widened his eyes, recalling scenes that appeared to have occurred in many fairy tales.
Those stories of princes kissing sleeping princesses, or princesses kissing frogs — these scenes he had just reviewed in the murals on the tower wall, now all flooding his mind.
"Those loved will regenerate flesh."
The black-robed skeleton repeated like an unyielding echo.
"?????"
Ian's expression went through several obvious changes, and amidst the odd laughter of the Black Phoenix, he swallowed hard and assessed the approximately six-foot skeletal figure before him.
"Those loved will regenerate flesh."
The black-robed skeleton repeated once more, even extending a hand towards Ian.
"Alright, alright, you witty corpse!"
Ian didn't hesitate.
He immediately turned around and ran.
What a joke!
How could he kiss this spooky thing in front of him?
He's still got his proper first kiss!
Not that he would give it to some pretty lass, but to a bronze eagle-head kind of thing, Ian still wasn't willing to engage in a bone kiss with a possibly male skeleton!