As the Mad Doctor's booming voice faded into the background and the creatures within the laboratory buzzed with anticipation, Jake's mind raced with questions and uncertainties. With a heavy sigh, he allowed himself to sink deeper into his thoughts, seeking solace in the familiarity of introspection.

What a mess, He thought inside confinement of his glass tank. Thrown into this world without a clue, expected to fend for ourselves like some twisted experiment in survival of the fittest. Well. Exactly like that actually.

His antennae twitched with frustration as he contemplated the lack of answers to the myriad of questions swirling in his mind. How had he come to be in this strange body? What purpose did the Mad Doctor intend for them to serve in the wilderness? And most importantly, how were they supposed to survive in a world filled with unknown dangers and mysteries?

As the hours stretched on, Jake busied himself with studying the information provided to him by the Mad Doctor. Knowing now his time was limited. He pored over diagrams detailing the intricacies of his own biology, marveling at the complexity of his insectoid form.

What's this?

Entry - Biological function of test subjects throughout the facility have been created on the basis of a singe progenitor. Certain physiological traits have been altered, such as limb number and form, or the restructure of reproductive organs. Resulting in forced behavioral adaptations seen in certain many participants. The incubation of and self replication of many test subjects share a common basis. The 30 day gestation and subsequent 30 day growth period of hatchlings or pupae to mature imago are shared across all test subjects. The 'Splitters' have been altered in such a way that gestation is internal, creating a clone of the original, where after the laying of which allow it to mature externally. Note - data supports the possibility of a nomadic or sedentary lifestyle upon release.

With each page turned and each word read, he gained a deeper understanding of the capabilities and limitations of his and his competitors new physiology.

Holly shit. I can clone myself.

Soon countless questions followed. None seeming to have an answer.

Is everyone just able to clone themselves or is that just me? Why isn't it more specific! I really wish I took more biology courses.

Soon the feeling dread took over.

Wait. I'm not ready to be a father! I'm going to have to survive the wilderness with kids!? And a new one every 30 days! OH no. If they're my clones... does that mean they'll also have kids every 30 days? By the time I'm a year old I'll be a... how many greats is that?

Jake proceeds to start counting on his articulable chitinous hands,

1,2, 3... 7... Eight? I'll be a great great great great great great great Grandpa?

Jake wanted to clutch his carapace form the headache he just received imagining such a burden. However was unable due to his restraints.

My life just got a lot more complicated. Oh god. I hope I don't keep laying like a queen ant or something.

Another realization hit Jake like a truck.

I'm... Gonna be a... A MOM? Ok, ok, ok. Calm down. We'll think about that later. I can't handle this right now. I need to figure out if there's anything else useful in this database. Why couldn't anything in my 20 years on Earth prep me for this? Oh yea, because this is fucking batshit crazy.

Despite his efforts to unravel the mysteries of his existence, Jake couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at the edges of his consciousness. He continued to search through the database. Magic, a force beyond his comprehension, seemed to permeate every aspect of this world, its presence both tantalizing and terrifying in equal measure.

His mandibles clicking with frustration. Magic, just when I thought things couldn't get any weirder.

As he delved deeper into his studies, Jake found himself grappling with the fundamentals of magic and its applications in the world around him. From the arcane symbols etched into the walls of the laboratory to the glowing crystals that powered the Doctor's experiments, magic seemed to be an integral part of their existence.

But try as he might, Jake couldn't quite wrap his mind around the concept of magic. It defied the laws of science and reason, existing beyond the realm of human understanding. And yet, it was undeniably real, a tangible force that shaped the very fabric of their reality.

With a frustrated sigh, Jake closed the tome of magical theory and leaned back against the glass of his enclosure. Despite his best efforts, he knew that he still had much to learn about this strange and wondrous world. But for now, all he could do was prepare himself for the challenges that lay ahead and hope that he had the strength and courage to face them head-on.

"Guess I'll just have to figure it out as I go," he muttered to himself, a determined glint in his compound eyes. "One step at a time."

As Jake combed through the volumes of information provided by the Mad Doctor, moving through the strange magitech interface within his tank he focused his attention on the section detailing survival strategies in various climates. Each page held valuable insights into the unique challenges posed by different environments, along with practical tips for adapting and thriving in each one.

May as well read it all, I've got no idea where this lab is located. To think, all this information and not a scrap on where we are.

For the frigid expanses of the tundra, Jake learned the importance of insulation and heat retention. His insectoid body, with its chitinous exoskeleton and layered physiology, provided a natural advantage in retaining body heat. However, he also discovered the necessity of seeking shelter from the biting cold and conserving energy during periods of prolonged exposure.

In contrast, the scorching deserts presented a different set of challenges. Dehydration and heatstroke were constant threats in the blistering heat, requiring Jake to prioritize water acquisition and temperature regulation. He absorbed information about the behavior of desert creatures, learning to seek shade during the day and travel during the cooler nights to avoid the worst of the heat. Although his exoskeleton would certainly assist in water retention.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Jake found himself reading about the lush jungles and dense forests that dotted parts of the world. Here, the abundance of flora and fauna offered sustenance and shelter, but also concealed hidden dangers lurking in the shadows. He studied the intricate ecosystems of the rainforest, learning to identify edible plants and sources of freshwater, while also remaining vigilant against predators and poisonous creatures.

Sprawling plains and expansive savannas, where vast herds of creatures roamed under the open sky. Jake absorbed knowledge about the migratory patterns of grazing animals, the behavior of predators, and the importance of adapting to the rhythm of life on the open plains. He marveled at the interconnectedness of life in these wide-open spaces, where survival depended on keen senses and quick reflexes.

But perhaps most intriguing were the claims of magical biomes. These were regions of the world where the very fabric of reality was imbued with mystical energy, giving rise to phenomena both wondrous and perilous.

One such biome described was the Enchanted Grove, a verdant forest teeming with life and magic. Here, trees whispered secrets in ancient tongues, and flowers bloomed with hues unseen in the mortal realm. But amidst the beauty lurked hidden dangers, as the grove was home to mischievous spirits and enchanted creatures whose whims could spell fortune or doom for unsuspecting travelers.

Another magical biome detailed in the tome was the Crystal Caverns, a network of subterranean tunnels adorned with shimmering crystals of every hue. Here, the very stones pulsed with arcane energy, casting prismatic light that danced across the walls and ceilings. But amid the beauty lay treacherous pitfalls and crystalline guardians, their forms shifting and shimmering with otherworldly power.

These just being two of many otherworldly locations able to be found. As well as information on resources such as powerful reagents, crystalized mana, energized crystals, and more. However the information of how to actually utilize such resources and locations was few and far between

So much information, but it's almost like the Mad Doctor wants us to carve our own path. I guess it kind of makes sense, with all the formulas and explanations of certain universal effects and laws included, while any end result or more convoluted ideas seem to be all but excluded. I guess I'll have to experiment at some point.

Several hours later the countdown to release ticked down to just an hour remaining. While Jake was unaware as to how exactly that would look like, he had come up with a basic plan of action. However they may be released, the best idea is likely to get as far away as possible in the first day, moving while searching for food and water. While not knowing exactly what is environment looks like, Jake thinks its likely his insect like carapace will protect him well from any environmental conditions.

Alright, just a little more until I'm free. I hope that brutish beetle looking thing stays the fuck away from me. Last time I tried talking to it all it did was growl back. I think I'll just sprint as far as I can, and hope my weird new amount of legs wont let me down. I think its time to just relax for a little, maybe look over a couple things, and I'll be as ready as I'll ever be.

The remaining hour slowly ticked by. Jack observing a number of the other candidates, or in the Mad Doctors terminology 'experiments', conversing. Some were calmly talking while others started to savagely thrash against their restraints in impatient agitation from the provocation of their fellow candidates before calming down, by means of sedation from the various tubes attached to their bodies. After half an hour of this, all contestants seem content to prepare. Looking at their crystalline databases, all while sharing warry glances in the directions of their competitors. Their clawed and spiked limbs, assortment of chimeric bodies, and numerous antennae showing signs of tension. The timer slowly reached the one minute mark. The tension in the room grew palpable, a heavy silence hanging in the air like a shroud. The echo of the Mad Doctor's footsteps reverberated through the chamber as they have many times before, each step sending a chill through the restrained awaiting creatures.

With a dramatic flourish, the Mad Doctor swept into the room, his presence commanding attention and instilling fear in equal measure. His long coat billowed behind him like the shadow of a dark master, and his eyes gleamed with a manic light as he surveyed his creations with a mixture of pride and madness. The trapped and restrained creatures watching in a fevered pitch of anticipation and fright.

"Experiments." he intoned, his voice echoing off the walls with a chilling resonance, "The moment of your release draws near. I have a final piece of vital information to share. A month after your release, I will set upon this world a second batch of experiments. This time, predators. They truly are priceless works in their own right. Although I certainly wouldn't call them my magnum opus." A sadistic smile made it's way onto the madman's features. Followed by a manic giggle which seemed as if he could not contain it, choaking on his own laughter. The whirring of machinery around the glass tubes grew louder. The tubes themselves suddenly sinking an inch deeper into the floor, before a hydraulic hiss screamed out and the Glass tubes shot into the floor at astounding speeds. The occupants immediately experiencing a wave of vertigo being flipped around at various speeds and angles. They passed through long twisting transparent tubes, Jake saw glimpses of even larger Glass prisons, inside of which a multitude of arms, legs, claws and creatures floated. Moments later, a bright light pierced Jake's vision, blinding him as he came to a sudden stop with the clink of glass hitting a metal ring. A his of air escaping the capsule sounded out as the lid slightly opened, the fluid in his tank starting to leak out. Before Jake could adjust to the midday sun, the glass tank's lid opened, along with the restraints keeping him in place. The sound of tubes and attachments decoupling from his form were muted by the sound of rushing liquid. Jake was with a splash, unceremoniously vacated onto the grass below the capsule. His body was stiff and wet as Jake lay on the ground for a moment, his senses overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of his new surroundings.

As he struggled to get his bearings, the echo of the Mad Doctor's laugh lingered in his mind, a haunting reminder of the madness from which he had been released. Directly beside him stood his sleek metal and crystalline birthplace known only as the lab. Located in a mist shrouded valley, around which a tall ancient forest stretched out in every direction toward a wall-like mountain looming on the horizon, its sheer cliffs casting shadows over the landscape. This near circle only broken by a gap in the mountain range where a path seemed to stretch from the lowlands below up from the forest, seemingly the only way out of this gargantuan crater.

Jake slowly recovering from his vertigo, and starts to stand on shaky legs. This is his first time doing so. His improvised training seems to have paid off as he can easily support his own weight. Seeing the other creations of the Mad Doctor in a similar state, this gets Jake moving off towards the forest as a surge of adrenaline shoots through his system. Wobbling uncertainly he starts to hear the sound of sloshing behind him, slowly fading as he keeps moving forward. A shrill shriek of panic is heard across the clearing along with the tearing of chitin and ligaments.

This is hell. They're already killing each other! I gotta get out of here. Oh god, I don't know if I can throw up, but it certainly feels like I'm going to.

With countless thoughts running through his head, Jake fights the panic rising up to overwhelm him. Hobbling as fast as he can incentivized by the sounds of gore behind him, his breathing ragged. Jake experimentally spreads his wings, still wet from his month of confinement, and entirely stiff from lack of movement. He starts to flap them, unsuccessfully trying to speed himself up. The mashing of bodies soon fades into the background, as Jake successfully escapes into the forest.