Test.

"Ahhh!" I yelled as I felt my soul shattering into shards. It was a painful feeling… more painful than the body tempering method.

But it was all or nothing, I need to get stronger… The pain is worth it!

"Ahhh!" Yelling with all my willpower, I drowned in the sea of pain, losing consciousness as I sank deeper.

_____

"Liam!"

Hearing a soft voice by my ear, I couldn't help but jerk my head upwards, putting on my guard. I can't relax in such an environment.

Opening my eyes, I couldn't believe what was before me. "Huh?"

"Why the strange face?" Asked the voice owner, looking at me curiously.

"A dream?" I asked, surveying my surroundings.

"Hmmm? Seems you're having an episode," said the voice, glaring at me.

"I'm…"

"Don't give excuses, how many times have I told you not to come here," said the voice dragging my ears.

"Look, you…"

"Loneliness, you're going to say that again. Really?" Said the voice in dejection.

"I've told you many times; I'm here for you, so don't feel lonely," said the voice, holding my hands.

It felt soft and warm, something I would have never imagined doing again… no matter the number of life's I get.

In front of me stood a feminine figure, her nursing clothing emphasizing her hourglass figure.

She had a light skin tone, an oval-shaped face, and upturned eyes with a brown color that shone brightly.

Looking at her black silky hair that cascaded down her back adding to her seductiveness; I couldn't help but take in deep breaths.

She had always been beautiful, but today just seems different, is it because It's a dream, or am I truly here; examining my body, hers, and the surroundings to find any object or subject that supports my theory?

"Wakey! Wakey!" She said pouting, adding another level to her seductiveness.

Is this a test of the soul? It must be, I've seen a lot of stories with similar scenes.

"Why must you be like this, Liam?" She said, tightening her flabby grip. "Your situation gets worse every day because of your stubbornness."

I can't fall for these cliche scenes, I'm going to refuse her, then… It's easier said than done.

Following her as she dragged me forward, taking me back into the building.

Just as I remembered, people dressed distinctively roamed the hallways, only a few individuals like the nurses, doctors, cleaners, and other hospital personnel wore uniforms, going about their duty.

"Grace!" I called out, finally drawing the courage I needed.

"Yes!" She said, looking at me curiously.

"Is this real…" I said, unsure of how I should put it. "This world…"

"Don't be a baby, and follow me. I don't know why you are so careless. Do you know how bad I'll feel if anything happens to you?" She said, giggling.

Though she was smiling and joking, I could see that sad look in her eyes; something I always pretend not to notice back then… I just wanted to live alone.

"Don't give me that look, just come to your room and I promise to serve you a special meal," she said jubilantly, continuing her motion toward my room.

"Nurse Grace!" A voice came from behind. Though it felt like years, I still remembered that voice… Claudia, my greatest enemy here.

"You have a lot of work. I'll advise you to let the patient be and concentrate on your job," Claudia said as she approached, seeming disgusted by our presence.

Glancing briefly at our hands which were joined in an interlocked pattern. "You can't go about like this," she sneered.

"Don't misunderstand," Grace spoke out. "He's not doing good, so I decided to…"

"Ohh! Same excuse," Claudia said, her eyes squinting. "What do you see me as?"

"I…"

"She's right, Grace," said a masculine voice from within the gathered crowd. "This is a hospital, not a circus… return to your designated assignment."

Not wasting time the crowd dispatched, heading in separate directions. It seems this place won't change even in my imagination.

"I…"

"Don't say anything, Liam," the male said, raising his hand. "You have caused a lot of damage to this place."

"He didn't do anything!" Grace said as she tightened her grip. "It…"

"You're even at a loss for words," he said In annoyance. "Claudia, take him."

"You can't blame, Grace!" I yelled, moving to him. 

Feeling the grip on my hand tightening, I stopped, turning to meet the sad eyes of Grace. "Just go with her… if you act like this, then…"

Though she had ended her sentence halfway through, I could still guess her thought process. "Okay," I replied, walking past Claudia in my room direction.

Reaching a turning in the hallway, I turned back to give Grace one last glance; as if planned… should I say predetermined by fate. She turned her head back, giving me a brief nod before continuing her journey.

Moving toward the right, I entered another hallway, walking at a steady pace; I could feel the stare of the people around, but not like it was weird. I'm the trouble king of this place, so giving me those stares doesn't bother me.

I could pick up the sound of faint footsteps behind me. It was not difficult to guess the person's identity.

"When would you change?" Claudia asked, matching my pace.

"I don't see anything worth changing," I said, increasing my pace.

"Don't lie. I was trained to read patients' body language. And yours, tells me something strange," she said softly, performing small bows or waves at times to greet the individuals we passed by.

"What do you mean?" I inquired, pocketing my hands. 

"Hmm? Let me see," she said with a thoughtful expression. To be honest, in my memories I never experienced a situation like this. 

Though there were many situations where Grace was yelled at for associating too closely with me… there was nothing like Claudia talking to me in this manner. She always yelled when addressing me.

"You always show signs of depression and tiredness, as if you were tired of living. But, now… all I see is regrets," she said, observing me from the side of her view.

"Hmm? I didn't know about that," I said in exasperation. Though I was only faking my reaction to her words… how the hell can she read me! I have to finish this test quickly!

"You're a bad liar. I guess that's the consequence of being a loner," she said giggling, sending chills down my spine.

What the fuck! She…

"Don't fret, I got you," she said smiling. "Though I'll advise you not to get too comfortable with Grace… trust me, it won't be good for your health," she said, turning to leave.

"W-wait!" I exclaimed, stretching my hands out to her. 

"What?!" She said in surprise.

"Aren't you escorting me anymore?" I asked, pointing toward our destination.

"..."

"Don't get me wrong, I just thought you loved following the rules," I said in a rush, so as not to look like some weirdo.

"In front," she said, gesturing at my back, to which I turned slightly to meet a door, a number, boldly written on it.

                   RM 111

50 PS= 1 extra chap.

100 PS= 2 extra chap.

150 PS= 3 extra chap.

200 PS= 4 extra chap.

5 GT= 1 extra chap.

10 GT= 2 extra chap.

For gifts, I will release chapters at the end of the week, depending on the situation.