New System?

An eerily cheerful voice resounded in the empty space, "Welcome to the Trial of Endurance!"

I would have fallen in shock if I could. First was the shock of a voice suddenly speaking next to me in this pitch black darkness, a voice which was distinctly different from that of the System. Then came the realization that I could suddenly feel the presence of time, the familiar sensation of it flowing over me like a river of relief.

Previously, the concept of time seemed to be nonexistent in this endless expanse of black. Now, it seemed that this strange voice had applied it once more to the area.

"Actually, I did not 'apply time' to the chaos you were in. I just pulled you into a separate place, one that does not distort time like chaos does," the voice suddenly answered.

Suddenly, I had so many questions.

____________________________________________

"So… you can read my mind, and you aren't the System that was with me earlier?" I asked after recollecting my thoughts.

"No, yes," came the reply, "as I have said multiple times already, I can read thoughts but not minds and yes, I am a different System with different capabilities."

"Okay… so how are you different from the-"

"My purpose is only for the Trial of Endurance, I am neither allowed to disclose my abilities nor the abilities of others, and how did you know that the last System was male?" the new System asked.

Then, just as I formulated my response, the System spoke again.

"I see… I'm surprised that a System would show themselves - I guess that he has more freedom than me. Not that I can be sure that's a he from a mere mana avatar, though it would be rare for someone to change their gender for their mana avatar." mused the System.

Just as I thought about asking a few questions to the new System, it once again started answering my queries before I could even voice them.

"I can read your current thoughts, but not every part of your mind, otherwise I would need some effort, that's why I didn't know when I asked the question. Yes, there are many different Systems, with different restrictions upon each of them. I don't know who manages us, nor would I tell you if I knew. My name? In your language, it would be close to Eleanor. I can't explain a mana avatar to you, not with your current comprehension." Eleanor said quickly.

"I'll start the briefing now. During this set of Trials, you will be subjected to immense physical pain and may experience traumatic events multiple times, including but not limited to death, grief, etc. Keep in mind that these are all illusions, none of which are real. If at any time you wish to stop and return to reality, you may ask me to, just verbally ask and confirm your stance."

"The amount of time you last before you give up will affect your grade. This is your last Trial, and the results will be visible when you return to wherever you came from. I will not be telling you your grade, nor will I be here to see you out. Remember, the only way that these illusions will stop is if you ask for it, otherwise they will not end. If you think you can't handle it, ask for an out, because this can possibly turn you into an idiot if you don't stop when you reach your breaking point. Good luck!"

The moment I finished processing the words, darkness enshrouded me once again.