Metamorphosis and Mood
The ability [Metamorphosis] is a biological process in which an animal undergoes a dramatic transformation from its juvenile to its adult form, involving significant changes in appearance, structure, and physiology.
However, in the novel's world, [Metamorphosis] means the same, but specifically includes a process where a [Horror] or some rare individuals like Fighter could go through it to increase their strength and their [Class]. [Horrors], being [Rejected], could not ascend the traditional Path of Stories or complete a proper Script. Their only path to increased power was through repeated [Metamorphosis].
Since the novel's protagonist had this ability, and now Fighter possessed it with the option to increase his [Class], it was a significant milestone in his journey. Unfortunately, Rechel's earlier anger prevented him from celebrating properly, leaving him feeling deflated.
Fighter looked at the medicinal hot water. It was long since cold. At least I can celebrate my new abilities by finishing this, he thought grimly. He gulped down the lukewarm, bitter liquid.
He then rose and walked slowly around the edges of the dark space.
Fighter: "What task can I focus on right now?"
Rechel: [I don't know. Maybe you can focus on your trial. Ok.]
Fighter completely ignored Rechel's sassy remark. He focused on the oppressive blackness surrounding him.
Fighter: "Rechel, where are we, exactly?"
The Slum Rat
The last thing the previous Fighter remembered was being struck by a metal pipe and having his body tossed into the infamous Human Void. Yes, the body Fighter now inhabited was dead only moments before his transmigration.
The Old Fighter had been a slum rat, growing up in the filth of the slums since the age of nine. He had no friends and, as far as his memories went, no enemies. So why did someone try to kill him?
Fighter, the new occupant, mulled this over. Old Fighter was barely surviving, and his body was so malnourished he likely would have died naturally within two or three weeks. Why bother with murder?
Fighter: "I don't care about the past. In any case, I will avoid the slum area."
He knew the Human Void was not a dark room. It was where the bodies of non-citizens were dumped—a deep, massive pit perpetually filled with human corpses.
But here, there were no corpses. Just an infinite darkness.
Rechel: [We are in the Human Void. More specifically, we are in the Workshop, a special space Mr. Doll created within the Void. Ok.]
Fighter: "That's why there are no corpses around. Did Mr. Doll pick me up directly from the Human Void?"
Rechel: [No, we are at the Human Void, and the Workshop is located inside the Human Void. Ok.]
Fighter's eyes widened in horror as the implications dawned on him.
Fighter: "Do not tell me... I have to crawl out of the Human Void? Why? Whhhhhyyyy?!"
He started to genuinely weep, imagining the sheer nightmare of climbing through a mountain of dead bodies. He was completely unprepared for such a horrific situation. How could he possibly do that?
Rechel: [Stop crying. I will help you get out. Ok.]
Fighter took a deep, shuddering breath, opening and closing his eyes rapidly. Rechel's abrupt encouragement helped him steel his resolve. He was weak, hungry, and his entire body ached. If he didn't escape this darkness soon, he would truly die here, alone and miserable.