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6.

“Talia, wake up. We've got to continue on.” I was gently pulled back to consciousness my father’s calm and soothing voice. It felt like it had been forever since I’d had such a good rest. For a moment I thought that all of that other bullshit had been the dream after eating too much sugar. As my brain truly started to kick into gear and I tried opening my eyes it came to my attention that I couldn’t. A panic ran through me as I tried to make sense of my surroundings when I realized the problem was that I no longer had any eyes to open, and then it dawned on me that there were no other sounds either.

‘Crap. The test ended, I’m back in the void’ I thought to myself. I had no way of knowing how much I missed out on, was it real or a false or modified memory. I truly had no idea. I almost let the depression surround me when I remembered the look on mi mami’s face in the kitchen. That determination was something I could emulate, even if I didn’t feel it, I could pretend. Besides, maybe some of my family was around after all. And if they were in this new world, they may just need my help as well. I turned my focus from my ghostly self and back towards the void, I let out the loudest thought I could, ‘Hey Mr. Demon Voice are you still watching? Can you hear me proper now?’

“Oh yes! The patch worked. Hello Talia, it is very good to talk to you. Thank you for your patience so far, you have been an excellent charge ... wait did you call me a demon? That’s not right, not right at all. Why would you say I was one of those foul creatures? That is very rude you know.” The voice grew a tad indignant toward the end there.

‘Why would I think that? Aside from the accidental killing of one of my friends before a blue light, then waiting in a void for what felt like years, to a disembodied voice whose first course of action was to throw me right back into the worst thing I’ve ever done? Yes, I assumed I actually died in the accident, I was in Hell, and you were my personal demon and eternal tormentor.’ I thought firmly yet defiantly. Having picked up some steam and finally able to vent a bit I continued, ‘Not to mention the fact that you can apparently hear my thoughts. Sure, I started to take you at your word about these tests and the challenges to come, but I figured that was one of those classic death game tropes where the winner gets to elevate themselves through Hell and maybe get to Heaven eventually. Or it was time for Revelations and if I did well my family might have a better shot when the end of the world made its way to the surface.’ I tried to do my best mental shrug and huff to show my rant was complete.

“But, that’s not…. that’s not how any of that works.” The voice sputtered in bewilderment.

‘Yeah, and I would know that how?’ I interrupted the voice. Being able to speak and act at the speed of thought had its perks. ‘And what’s to say that you saying that isn’t just a trick to throw me off my game? Not to say I think you might be a demon specifically, you could just be some other entity dealing in divine punishment, but I did wrong and am in a place seemingly designed to punish me, given my upbringing that screams demon as the simplest term. Sorry to offend and all, but like, how far off am I given my perspective? What would be more accurate?’

“But, that’s just ignorant! I am in no way one of those pathetic demons, they collect and torture souls...oh you just said that’s what you felt like. Oh, they look disgusting and smell foul... right, you can’t see or smell like this. Not dead? I guess your soul did leave your body... well shit. Is that how all you Earthlings see us? Wait, did you say years?” The voice got more and more panicked as it mounted its defense for its kind before coming to its revelation.

I was more flabbergasted that it apparently had no idea how long I was in the dark. Was it another stupid clerical error? ‘Yes, it was a long time. I couldn’t say for sure but it was long enough for things to get weird and circle back to getting used to it. Honestly, I thought you were just being a dick when your first words were “Sorry for the wait. I know it wasn’t that long but still.” At the time it helped reinforce the demon assumption. As far as other Earthlings, Christianity was alike the largest religion worldwide and I think Islam and Judaism hold similar beliefs in demons so that would probably be their first thought as well.’ This was weird, and lent more credence to the idea that this was a legitimate Isekai.

After a moment of what I could only assume was processing a lot of new information and record checking the voice popped back in, “Ok so, wow. That’s a lot to think about and explains why all of your species are taking this so rough. I should let my superiors know, since it wasn’t in the brief I would assume they have no idea. As for your case in particular, I can only reiterate that you are not DEAD dead, the emphasis being on your personal definition but you will be put back together. The other part though, you shouldn’t have noticed much time pass if any at all. I pressed the red button so my boss will check this out right quick. Don’t worry I’ll find out what caused that. In the meantime, I’ll throw you into the next test and we will go over your info. Plus, if I didn’t do anything wrong, I might get a bonus as well as you.”

I could hear the giddy undertone in that last second and was about to go on a full rant using every curse I knew in three languages. Before I could think the first word though, the tug at my center began to grow again and my surroundings blurred into place. And that was that, another test starting. Nothing to do about it but my best as I was reformed once more, in the middle of a massive pitched battle.

The cacophonous shouts and din of metal clashing around me ignited my adrenal glands immediately. “Oh shit! What’s happening?” I yelled in a panic before adding my immediate next thought, “Whose team am I on?”

I had no idea how that thought crept into my head but thankfully a large man in oily and filthy armor stepped up next to me to block an incoming projectile. “Ours you daft fool! Did you get hit in the head? Get a hold of yourself, I’m not stopping the next one.” He was a head taller than me and lagging. Clearly, he had been at this for some time, which would explain the dirt and grime. I thought knights in shining armor were supposed to be just that, in SHINING armor.

I jumped back up to my feet to see another missile flying my way. I crouched back into position in time to lose a chunk of hair as it was slow to follow. “Holy shit! I’m in a war. Colors! That’s how people know who’s on their side right? What was that knight wearing?” I spun in a panic trying to catch sight of that dull helmet. He had already moved about 20 feet down the line, shield in hand and a trail of ruined corpses in his wake. He was swinging his blade in a strong arc to cleave yet another foe in twain, a spectacular and nauseating sight for sure. Bile rose from my stomach and I couldn’t hold back. I don’t know what this body had for lunch, but I knew it was now on the ground as I continued to heave.

“Weak.” That one disgusted word behind me set my goosebumps on edge. My body stopped its purging process in a miraculous act of fight or flight. I hunched myself further to shrink my size as a target and prepared to run from whatever was behind me. I knew whoever was behind me meant business and that they came into this battle prepared to fight unlike me. I turned my head and told my legs to extend and flee for my life. Before I made it two inches, I felt a quick pressure along the back of my thigh and collapsed to the ground in my own mess. As I landed, I could see the culprit in the corner of my eye, she was massive, at least six foot four and built like a brick shithouse, and she was green with tusks!

As I struggled to adjust to the rapid influx of information, I felt my legs growing warm and sticky horror rocked my body. She had just hamstrung me to keep me from getting away. I could see her face shift from a sneer to the gleam of a sadistic cat that pinned a mouse and was ready to play with its food. My face became flush even faster than the blood loss was forcing.

“There we go, don’t wantcha runnin' off now do we?” The woman asked in a guttural tone as though she expected a polite answer. I was awestruck by the audacity to start torturing people and taking time in the midst of a battlefield. Surely someone would interrupt or make a cheap shot from behind her, unable to help myself my eyes darted side to side in search of another ally.

The chieftess noticed my desperation and laughed. “Your friends have left you behind little pup. The ones still livin’ at least. Nope yer all mine, and doncha worry neither, my boys know better ‘an ta get in the way of me and me toys.” I shit you not, she actually licked the blood, MY blood, off of her blade and trembled as though in ecstasy as she said that last part.

With a final look at the trail left behind the knight, I realized this terrifying woman was correct, I was going to die. I wondered how a death would show on the tests, ‘Oh. This isn’t my real body, right? That means I’ll probably be ok and the test will end if something happens.’ I tried to stand on my good leg, the resulting wave of pain was immense, so maybe my new plan didn’t have quite the traction I was looking for. As I fumbled my way to a standing position I asked, “Before you kill me, who are you?”

“Oh, a bit more fight in ya then? Well sorry, pathetic, little piggies don’t get intruhductions. Besides, who said I was killin’ ya? I’m fixin’ ta keep ya a while. I like ta take the time, do it right ya know? Who knows by the end, ya might be beggin’ me for more.” My eyes widened in fear at her words. She was meaning to break me into her pet! Would the test last that long? “And if ya don’t break right, I can just give ya ta me boys ‘ere.”

In the time she had taken to monologue her troops in the area managed to encircle us. Even if I distracted this woman, who I could only describe as an orc with her tusks and complexion, I wouldn’t have anywhere to run to. Every story I’d heard where Orcs were evil was being supported by this despicable group, this meant my options were give into torture, fight back to establish dominance and kill her, or do myself in to get it over with and end her fun before it began. The first was a big No in my eyes, even if the test ended and I went back to the void, what life could I hope to live after that kind of experience, even worse if it went on. The third option sucked for obvious reasons; I’d be hoping I understood the rules of the test with no guarantee but still better than potential years of torture. The middle option seemed to be the best of the bat, best case I get to live or she kills me and I was back at option three, the worst case though was if she beat me in a way, I couldn’t do anything about and I’d be back at option one.

While I appreciate some gambling in a gatcha game, the stakes here were way too high. I’d never fought anyone in life-or-death combat. Hell, I just threw up at the sight of that one guy being killed earlier. If I was some anime protagonist, I’d take the risk and come out on top even against this veteran warrior. Too bad I was just a regular student from a comfortable existence. I scanned the ground around me for a weapon, surely a soldier dropped one or died with one.

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Having noticed my search, the chieftess chuckled and her grin became more predacious. She took a step toward me in a manner of true glee. I think she skipped honestly. With nothing overt around me I lunged forward into a roll and grabbed a discarded piece of jagged armor. Naturally the roll turned into a flop, but I got the jagged metal shard in hand. The chieftess also advanced at my signal and slashed at my torso. She seemed to aim high in anticipation of a tackle, not a dive, so while she missed her mark, she left a deep cut along my ribs.

I bellowed in agony as pain radiated through my body. I could feel the edges of the wound tearing further as I landed to keep my new weapon hidden. I was thankful for the pain; it allowed me to act in a panic without fears inhibiting, if I had the time to think I don’t think I’d ever follow through. I clutched the deformed metal and jammed it into my forearm while in the fetal position. The chieftess started kicking into my fresh rib wound with her manky boots, the tremors induced by each impact ruined the path of my useless blade as I tried to run it along the flesh. As blood fled my body, I realized the jagged cuts would be harder to stitch and would cement my goals further. The heat I had been immersed in fled quickly with each pump of arterial blood and with it went my mental faculties.

I was getting dizzy by the second, only thinking to take care of the other arm to finish the job before any of the orcs noticed. Tears ruined my vision as the pain built and refused to yield an inch. It hurt so much, and everything was so heavy, I wanted to give in so bad in that moment when another kick throttled me to my core. With the sharp sensation, enough sense returned for me to jam the makeshift blade into my other arm and give a small tug. At this point my strength left me entirely and my tormentor seemed to notice what I was up to.

“Oh no ya don’t ya coward. Yer mine!” She reached down to grab me by the shirt and toss me aside to examine the damage and keep the blade away from me. I was rolled onto my back and her face turned wrathful and cruel at the sight of my arms. “You were supposed ta last! Now yer tryin’ ta take me fun away? Hell no!” Feeling a slight wave of vigor, I took the chance to well up a small ball of blood and phlegm and I released the deepest breath I could manage to try and spit on her as a final act of defiance. Of course, I was too weak and only managed to spit on my own face.

She got even madder at my attempted slight on her pride and yelled, “Yer not taking this away from me!” She immediately fell on top of me and stabbed me right in the belly. An explosion of heat and pain radiated through my body once more. The sensation refused to dull this time as put her weight on the blade and twisted.

‘Fuck! This was a terrible idea! Please end it already. Dull the pain, end it all, anything please!’ I thought to myself. I would have begged aloud but between the dizziness from the blood loss and gritting through the gut wound I couldn’t begin to form any words. Tears flew from my eyes with reckless abandon and breathing became a struggle.

The chieftess leaned in toward me to whisper in my ear, “Try ta steal me fun? I hope this is excruciating ya useless cow. Ya know what? That’s whatcha are, so we’ll treat ya like one and cook ya fer dinner.” She sat back up and raised her voice for her men, “Yeah, get a fire goin’! We’re having meat tonight!”

Her proclamation induced enough panic to raise my heart rate enough that, by the grace of some twisted god designing our bodies for a final thought to be thankful as we die, the burning and pain faded to a refreshing chill as numbness weighed on my limbs and pressed the pain from my very body. One final thought passed through my mind as my vision faded to black, ‘Thank God, I’ll be dead before they try to cook me.’ I put my mind at ease and sank into oblivion.

“You’re back already? No, that was too fast, I’m still waiting for my superior to finish looking through your situation. I’ll have to put you in the next test and look at the results later.” The black void didn’t change but that was the voice. I got out of the test! I was so relieved that I almost forgot what dying felt like, until it finished that last sentence.

‘No! That was awful don’t make me do that aga-’ my thought communication was cutoff as the tug changed my surroundings once more.

The change was minor this time, not like any of the ones prior, I was still in a black void but it wasn’t empty. Strands of color swirled around me in intoxicating patterns, it reminded me of pictures of the Aurora Borealis. As I took in the space around me, I tried to reach towards one of the strands. It was a gorgeous, deep red that felt like the warm tingle on your skin while sitting near a bonfire at night on the beach. The following sensation caught me off guard as I cannot say for certain whether I moved toward the strand or, what feels more likely, the world moved around me to bring it closer.

My phantom body in this world seemed to differ from the one with the voice as, by instinct, I stretched my form slightly to touch the neon strand. Immediately I was bathed in heat that seared sensations of destruction and rebirth into my mind. The feeling was too close to my wounds from the last test and I pulled back immediately. I centered myself in the space once more to get as far away from that red glow as possible. Once I got there I noticed a floating pattern that resembled a ball of runes and symbols.

Suspicion gripped my heart and curiosity my mind. The symbols seemed like they may hold a pattern but the strands may hold more fiery sensations. After some internal debate I realized that I could not wait around forever and moved to examine the ball. As I expected, none of it made sense. However, since there were only two types of thing in this test, I decided I had to check. I aimed my attention at a nearby strand, blue this time as hopefully the opposite would be different, and tried to move just it toward me.

I once more made contact with a strand but this time I felt a cool sensation like a babbling brook, followed by the tremendous force of a tsunami crashing to alter the landscape for years to come. This one had to be associated with water, which made the other fire I reckoned. A realization took my suspicions in an entirely different direction and I guided the strand toward the ball. As some of the strand entered the ball, a few of the thousands of symbols began to glow and I was overtaken by shock.

“A puzzle!? You just had me brutally killed, and that was the preferable choice to the alternative, and now you give me a gentle puzzle? What is wrong with you people?” I was so angry that I didn’t realize my attempts at speech were successful. I continued my rant for the next 30 minutes before I petered out and decided to get to work.

The monotony of the task and the challenge presented let me lose track of time easily. The first thing I had to do was figure out how to isolate and move two strands at the same time without moving them all. They would only cooperate if they were essentially tied together. Getting both in the ball at once lit up several runes that were not lit by either alone as well as their originals. Concepts for salt water and fresh water lit their own as well as several combinations, however I soon learned that knotting the strands at different points connecting changed which combinations lit up. For further testing I bit the bullet and mixed the red fire strand with the blue water strand and saw many combination runes react, but I also saw some of the original runes of each strand go out as well. This was going to take a lot of time, tasting each flavor, and experimentation. Maybe I could understand the type of pattern the ball wanted to speed it up.

Apparently there were strands for everything, from simple concepts to the complex; concepts like light in its pure form or the feeling one gets from a familiar smell reminding them of a memory long forgotten. Imagine as many concepts and ideas as you can think of, then multiply that by ten, eventually it reminded of a more complex version of that web browser game, Little Alchemy, except the concepts didn’t boil down to an end. Thankfully after enough time I noticed some specific comparisons and overlaps between concepts. Honestly, after the first day I was having a blast with my experiments and learning complex interactions of the world, even concepts I had never heard of before like the concept of magic itself or if the concept of darkness and light could coexist in one place at the same time.

By playing with the overlaps and working through tediously I finally got a sense of the pattern that the ball was looking for. In retrospect it should have made more sense and I felt like an idiot once I realized, the concept that unlocked the ball was freedom. I could have searched for a fitting strand but I had already been here for so long, so I made my own. It took a fusion of about 20 strands in a fairly intricate pattern but I was proud of the result, the final runes lit up in synchronized movement as I united the final connection in the floating knot.

The ball began to glow in an exponential manner until it finally enveloped me in a blinding light to all form of sensation the voice had seen fit to allow me in that last test. When I felt the tug begin I was abruptly placed back in the void sans colorful strands. “Wow, I know I said last time was too fast but you really took your time on that one. I’m impressed! Most people give up after the first day or two, you went a whole month!” the voice popped in to remind me of my terrible predicament and the dangers to come.

‘I was there for a whole month? How was it that long, it didn’t feel like that at all? Wait, hold on, did you say they give up? That was an option?’ One question rolled through my mind after another and so on. That didn’t make sense at all, sure I lost track of time but it didn’t feel that long.

The voice took a deep breath as though this next part had been rehearsed and was going to take a while. “Oh yeah, actually for you it would have been longer. That’s part of the issue you mentioned earlier about how long you waited for me in the queue. I’ll get to more on that in a bit, as far as quitting goes, yeah some of the tests are designed to be able to give up. Clearly continuing on yields much better results and not every test can you give up, but for others it gives some very valuable information. You didn’t even think about it or a confirmation message would have appeared, that’s even more impressive.”

The speech continued, “Usually some variant of long and excruciatingly tedious challenge comes up as part of the test to tell us who has the guts and who can’t commit to their decisions and their paths. Now that you know, many people make a habit of saying ‘I give up.’ when each test starts.” The voice’s tone grew more serious and said, “I would recommend against this as it will skew your results. Even the act of checking is noted by the automated system and by me. You seem to have a lot of talent, or luck at the least. Roll with it.”

Shocked by the intensity shift in its tone, I floated there in silence for a moment and absorbed the implications. The voice seemed to appreciate my somber consideration, after a moment it continued with cheer once more, “As far as that extra time waiting, we apologize. It seems your soul has a higher affinity for mana than average of people we gathered from your planet, which was not calibrated in the settings. This problem has been calibrated but that meant the dilation system did not work for you with the prior set up and where you were meant to experience less time, you got the regular experience. The good news is that this will reflect well on your test and later statistics, after all, experiencing that much time in a void environment and coming out clean on the other side shows some interesting aspects to your character.”

‘And it’s all taken care of? No more long and indeterminate amounts of time spent without any stimulation, right?’ I asked as my thoughts jumped in elation. Like a man out of torture I saw it as a kindness that it would be done. In retrospect, the voice may have been priming me, I was unsure if it got some kind of reward the better I did and this was a way for it to seem a hero and build a rapport.

“Nope. Everything should be calibrated personally instead of the species wide range. We tend to keep the range as tight as possible to conserve resources, you are a bit of an outlier so I’m sorry you fell through the cracks on that one. We made the adjustment during your last test so the actual time you felt was more like 3 months working on it so again, very impressive. Can’t wait to see how you do on the next tests!” The voice punctuated its last sentence with initiating the process to put me in another test.

I had a bit of a panic as surroundings blurred in around me. I had so many more questions, and I was afraid of what might happen next. Would I die again? Would be a calming puzzle, or a dramatic test? I had time to think in the last one, and with the recent warning, I tried to hype myself up to get the best scores I could, mi mami’s face strong in my memory.