"Yeah, let’s talk," Scot said with a smile—but he still didn’t release the spear. "Who are you, really? Lerry said you have no heartbeat, and now my spear’s gone clean through you, yet you’re not even flinching. How’s that possible? Are you a corpse? Some strange new kind of necromancer? Or maybe a golem? I’ve heard of those, but as far as I know, those things are supposed to be way taller than two meters. So who the hell are you?"

  At that moment, I realized I was caught.

  “They’ve known all along I wasn’t ordinary. The whole team’s been on edge, preparing for this? I need to answer confidently—otherwise, this spear might end up in my skull.”

  “I’m a skeleton,” I began, gripping the artifact in my hand. “I was reanimated a little over a month ago. I don’t eat or sleep, but I control my own body. I don’t know why I haven’t fallen apart, considering the one who created—or summoned—me is already dead. As you saw, his body was burned in that pyre. I have no desire to kill or destroy anything. I hope for your mercy.”

  When I finished speaking, I froze, waiting. Scot still held the spear steady but kept glancing questioningly at the others. Sem, after checking on Lerry, sheathed his weapon and walked over to me. He stopped two meters away and continued his questioning:

  “Why were you in that village—and in the tavern?”

  “I found a place that seemed safe enough, so I decided to stay. I worked for that old woman until you arrived.”

  “Right,” Sem rubbed his chin. “The old lady mentioned you were odd, but kept you because you worked well. Fair enough. But how can we be sure you won’t suddenly stab us in the back? Or that some magic won’t take hold of you?”

  “How can you be sure magic won’t take control of any of you?”

  “That’s reasonable—but you still haven’t answered the question,” Sem replied, his tone unchanged.

  “I don’t know,” I admitted. “I can’t be certain some new necromancer—or someone with a similar ability—won’t take control of me. That worries me… but isn’t that normal?”

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  Sem didn’t answer my question either, but the tension in the air eased slightly.

  “What are your plans going forward?” Bery asked.

  “I…” I started, then immediately fell silent. “I don’t know. Your magic—those spiritual things you do—seemed interesting to me. Maybe I’d start studying them. It’d be good to understand how it all works and what I myself am capable of. I don’t fear death from age or illness, so I could devote a lot of time to this without worrying my efforts would vanish in an instant. Something like that.”

  “But right now, you’re weaker than an ordinary human. What could you possibly accomplish?”

  “I can help people and explore this world. Please… don’t kill me.”

  They exchanged glances, and then Sem spoke again:

  “Unfortunately, you’re an unusual—and potentially dangerous—being, so we’re obligated to take you to our guild. You’ll be temporarily restricted in movement until we reach our destination. Bind him.”

  Scot, who had remained silent with a serious expression, suddenly spoke up:

  “Wait… Captain, if we tie him up, who’s gonna carry our gear back?”

  “We’ll carry it ourselves,” Sem replied curtly. At those words, the young man’s face twisted in disgust and utter reluctance. He shifted his grip on the spear and scanned the rest of the group before saying:

  “What if… we just didn’t bind him? Let’s not overly restrict S. He hasn’t done anything terrible. And what’s he even capable of? From what I understand, he’s just a skeleton. Do we really need to fear him? I can keep an eye on him myself—no need to strip him of all freedom. And in exchange for his life, he can keep carrying our luggage, like before. What do you think?”

  “Are you really so lazy about hauling your own gear that you’d risk your safety?” Bery asked.

  “Well, it’s not exactly laziness—it’s just… if we can come to an agreement, why not? You won’t attack us, right?” The boy looked straight at me, and his eyes clearly said: “Agree!”

  “Yes. I was actually going to suggest something like this myself,” I said, tightening my grip on the artifact once more. “I won’t ask for any payment and will follow all orders, just as before. I’m ready to cooperate.”

  Silence fell again after my words. The group exchanged unreadable glances among themselves—until finally, Sem exhaled and delivered their verdict:

  “You’ll remain our pack carrier until we reach the guild—but Scot will watch you constantly. And if you make even one wrong move, he’ll drive his spear straight through your skull—and then carry all the gear himself. Is that clear to everyone?”

  Both the spearman and I nodded in perfect unison, ready to accept any terms the captain set.