Forest

Taking stock of my surroundings, I witnessed the reappearance of the same motionless slime. Despite the persistent agony that wracked my body, I found myself unburdened by fear in its presence. It was as if a peculiar connection had formed between us, granting me glimpses into its consciousness while simultaneously sharing my own thoughts. This inexplicable bond defied rational explanation, suggesting a deeper connection between myself and the enigmatic slime.

Directing my attention to the blue screen, I discovered a disconcerting revelation—the number of survivors had dwindled significantly, now reduced to less than half of the initial count. The implications of this rapid decline remained elusive, leaving me perplexed and uncertain. The blue screen, with its cryptic information, hinted at the potential link between my newly acquired skills and the bizarre transformation of my blood into slime.

Furthermore, as my gaze shifted to where my missing arm should have been, I beheld a grotesque sight. Instead of crimson lifeblood gushing forth, a sickening stream of slime poured out from the void. The absence of my arm had become a conduit for the repulsive green substance, a disconcerting manifestation of the amalgamation between my own being and the relentless slime. This unnatural occurrence only deepened the sense of horror and bewilderment that enveloped me, underscoring the extent to which my body and identity had become entwined with the relentless forces at play.

Within the depths of my consciousness, an amalgamation of horror, fear, and excruciating pain surged forth, enveloping my very being in an oppressive veil of darkness. Amidst this nightmarish state, only my left arm remained intact, a stark reminder of the physical toll I had endured. Unexpectedly, the slime lunged towards me once again, its movements swift and purposeful. A tremor coursed through my body, rendering me immobile, unable to utter a sound. In a startling turn of events, the slime affixed itself to the arm that was no longer present, merging seamlessly with the greenish ooze that continued to gush from my shoulder. Miraculously, the melding resulted in the formation of a new appendage, but one devoid of any semblance of sensation. Though I now possessed two arms once more, the absence of feeling left me profoundly unsettled, an unsettling reminder of the extent to which my existence had become entwined with the relentless forces at play. In a moment of deranged laughter, a realization washed over me—I had at least, reclaimed what I had lost. Ahahah.

I stood up and resumed walking, knowing that the challenges ahead wouldn't be easy. As I continued, a voice from the dark sky announced the end of the first test. The results were disappointing, with more than half of the participants losing their lives. However, a few individuals showed promise and caught the attention of the overseers. Survival in this harsh realm would require great effort.