We walked, and walked, and walked.
Fifteen full minutes of trudging through sterile white corridors, each one identical to the last—bright lights above, spotless floors below, and not a single piece of furniture or decoration anywhere. Just endless white.
This place was unnecessarily huge. But finally, the white-coated man stopped as he entered another room. We had arrived.
It was a wide, circular room with a large round table at its center, surrounded by sleek, futuristic tech. Panels, floating monitors, machines I couldn't even begin to name. My eyes sparkled at the sight of such wonders that could only be seen in movies back on Earth.
The researcher guiding me scurried toward a nearby console and tapped away like a man possessed.
I opened my mouth to ask something—but froze.
The screen... wasn't a screen. It hovered in midair like a projection, full 3D.
A freaking hologram.
'No way. That's actually sick.'
Before I could fully process the sci-fi marvel, a distinctive click echoed from the console. Then darkness took over the whole room.
The lights cut out all at once, plunging the room into black.
A few faint lights soon flickered back on, casting long shadows stretching across the floor. Nevertheless, it was still too dim to see much, until the center of the table hissed open.
A new hologram emerged.
It formed slowly—a person. Or at least, the vague shape of one. Hands clasped behind their back, posture rigid. However the face was an indistinct blur, shrouded in shadow and static, unreadable.
The moment it appeared, the researcher knelt calmly on one knee and spoke steadily.
"Boss. It was a success. Here is the final product."
Turning his head, he thrust an arm in my direction like I was a prize pig at a contest then began explaining with a newfound excitement in his voice.
"This is test subject C-127! Previously known as Eliza Belladone, noble daughter of the Belladone family. I fused her with dragon and demon genes—and even managed to incorporate the Extranebularian being and the Ascended One's!"
There was a pause.
Then the hologram spoke.
The voice was masculine, calm, distorted.
"Her body accepted the Xenomorph genes? That is indeed impressive. This marks significant progress. You've done well, Isaac. The next part of our plan can now further advance. But before that—are there any abnormalities in the subject?"
My blood ran cold.
'What?'
Why was my luck so bad! Well thinking about it, it seemed quite normal to ask something like that, but still!
I looked at Isaac, silently pleading.
'Please.. Just say everything is fine... Please!'
But, of course, fate had other plans.
"Yes." he said regaining his composed tone. "There is one issue. The Soul Binding was severed, and she seems to have lost all memories. Rebellion is a possibility to consider... Do you have any countermeasures in mind?"
Silence.
Long, suffocating silence.
I could hear my heartbeat in my ears. Part fear. Part adrenaline.
And maybe, just maybe... a little excitement?
This game was way too realistic. Was this even still a game?
Notwithstanding, it was supposed to be the tutorial. I probably couldn't die here... Probably.
The figure then finally spoke again, voice grave.
"For now, it won't be a problem. She wouldn't survive long alone. Since the Soul Binding has failed, I'll send someone to take over the next phase. You may leave. I'll speak with her alone."
"Yes, Boss!"
Isaac slowly turned around and walked out of the room silently.
Leaving me alone.
With it.
The holographic figure stood still, silent.
"..."
Then, finally, it spoke again.
"Eliza Belladone. Though the name means probably nothing to you now. Tell me—what should I call you?"
Polite.. that was unexpected for a big 'Boss'?
"Eliza is fine." I answered with a shrug. "Feels right."
'Well it's my real name. Why change it?'
"Very well, Eliza. Let me introduce myself. I am Lothair Cartheyia, CEO of Arcane. We are a covert organization dedicated to one goal: the ascension of mankind. To break free from the control of the Chtonians—also known as the Ascended Ones. Eliza... I formally ask for your cooperation in this mission. For the sake of humanity."
I blinked.
Woah.. He's dramatic.
Also, this definitely wasn't in the game's original plotline. Could this be a hidden mission?
I smirked and gave a theatrical bow.
"What a moving speech. Of course, I'd be honored to join your noble cause."
'No way I'm missing out on something this interesting!'
"Good," he said. "I'll send a trusted subordinate to oversee your training. Follow their instructions and learn well." He paused for a second. "And also, you don't need the taser-collar anymore. Just ask Isaac to remove it for you, I'll notice him to do so."
"Sir, yes sir!" I said with a salute, practically vibrating with excitement.
'At least nothing too bad happened!'
The hologram shimmered and vanished.
The table closed back up with a hiss, and the room lit up in full again, so bright it made my eyes sting.
I rubbed them, groaning.
And then paused.
'By the way... How do I log out?'
I searched through my mind for any information I may have missed, but.. nothing.
It would be too boring just staying here waiting for this mysterious 'subordinate' to show up...
A soft chime rang in my ears. A bright red system message blinked into view.
[Notice: Once the Soul Link has been completed, the host can no longer return to their original body.]
...
I stared.
And for the second time that day, I had no words.
— — —