Chapter 17
I stepped out of the bathroom, Blondie trailing behind me, his face tight with worry.
At the door stood a staff member, his stance rigid and impersonal. He looked at me, his expression unreadable.
"Follow me," he said curtly.
I hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Blondie. His brows knit together in concern, his lips parting as if he wanted to say something. I gave him a small nod, a silent assurance to not worry, though I wasn't entirely convinced myself.
Turning back, I followed the staff member into the hallway.
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Why are they calling me now? The experiment wasn't supposed to happen until tomorrow. My mind raced with possibilities, each worse than the last. Had I done something suspicious? No, I'd been careful. From what I remember I didn't do anything here which may make me stand out. So just what is the reason?
The staff member walked ahead of me at an almost inhuman pace, his long strides forcing me to half-jog to keep up. I gritted my teeth, the burning in my legs a sharp reminder of how pathetically outmatched I was in this place.
This world wasn't like Earth. Here, people wielded power that defied explanation. Ofcourse it was a game world after all but now it was my reality. My body was weak, And I was nothing compared to them. Not yet, I told myself. One day, I'll surpass them all.
The thought felt distant, almost laughable, but it was all I had to cling to. I can't lost hope can I. This place also seemed better then the slums where every piece of food was fought upon....but the that slums food had better taste then the lab. Blondie told me this if your wondering how I'd know.
I think I am even talking to my self now. Some times I feel as if that resilience skill had no effect on me. Heck! If it did then I wouldn't be in this pathetic state.
I sighed, I was more and more becoming like a child. I think living in this child's body take toll on my mind.
I should be great full to the skill if not for that this body of mine can't even had kept up to that man's pace.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice the widening gap between me and the staff member until it was too late. My legs moved faster, trying to close the distance, but the effort was taking its toll. The resilience which was helping me keep up was in effect but it seems my mind can't, I should better Unlock my intelligence fast or later I might not stand a chance before the entities.
--
The time passed by.
The corridor stretched endlessly, its fluorescent lights blindingly bright. My breaths came in ragged gasps, my vision swimming as the edges of the hallway darkened.
How much now? Was this a test? A cruel joke. I try to build up my stamina but it was futile. My mind for now was thinking and thinking.But I can't stop can I?
Suddenly, a sharp sound rang in my mind.
[DING!]
Run 1km: Criteria Met.
Agility [Unlocked].
(Agility +1)
[Current Agility: 1]
My mind barely registered the notification before my legs gave out. Ah, it seems i Unlocked something but i didnt had the time to wonder over that as my body hit the cold, hard floor as darkness abruptly consumed me.
---
The staff member stopped abruptly, his head tilting slightly as he heard the faint thud of Alex collapsing behind him. He turned, his sharp gaze locking onto the figure sprawled on the ground.
A smirk tugged at his lips. "Hah. Lasted longer than I thought. Four Eyes wasn't exaggerating."
He walked back to Alex, his steps unhurried now. Standing over him, he crouched down, his eyes studying the unconscious figure with a mix of curiosity and mild amusement.
"Skinny and weak," he muttered, reaching out to grab a handful of Alex's hair. Tilting his head up, he examined the boy's face closely, a small frown forming. "What the hell does Four Eyes see in you?"
He let out a sigh, shaking his head before straightening up. Without much effort, he hoisted Alex onto his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
"Easy peasy" he muttered with a smirk.
The man adjusted his grip and began walking again, this time at a leisurely pace. He whistled a cheerful tune as he went, his mood strangely light given the circumstances.
"Let's see if you're really worth the trouble, kid," he murmured to himself, his voice barely audible over the sound of his boots echoing through the silent corridor.
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End of Chapter 17