I woke up flailing and gasping.

  Images of blood, bodies collapsing and screams penetrated my mind. God, the screaming. Some had faces twisted in despair and pain, frozen in their final gasping moment. Others had no heads, their limbs were already stumps. Then, all of the bodies melded into one grotesque pile of flesh. Something screamed out, piercing my brain with more hellish scenes.

  The chamber became filled with viscera, the chamber became filled with blood, the chamber became filled with melting pink matter, the chamber became slop and drained into a cup—

  A hand with eight fingers reached out and lifted it, tilting it back. Too many fingers. Too many bodies swimming in the pool. Too much soup to drink.

  It was my hand.

  I woke up flailing and gasping again. The sound of rain blasted in my ears and thunder roiled after, rearranging my hammering head’s thoughts. My mouth was dry and my head hurt. Who was I? Where was I? I was… Alive? Well, this was a start.

  Heh, I let out a sharp and bitter chuckle. What a hangover! I certainly wasn’t used to seeing dead bodies. Especially so many lying around in a room. I never was the tough girl, after all. The stupid dot in the right hand corner of my vision still remained, even though I had my eyes closed. Meaning? I was still in this hellish world, in it to win it. Wonderful.

  My hand froze once it struck something soft. I cracked an eye open. It was nighttime, and a flash of lightning split the room in halves of blinding light and shadow. No one was in sight and the sad little wardrobe at the corner was a familiar sight. I was back in the room where this nightmare began, tucked away under a comfortable blanket.

  Ah, how nice of the evil cult! To do a bit of aftercare for a little troubled girl like me right after shoving poison down my throat. I couldn’t move, so I focused on the tiny notification dot.

  ———————————————

  — Blood of the Ravenclast Bearer Purity Level: 100%—

  ———————————————

  That was nice, I supposed. I checked if my body was still intact. Arms, legs, feet, hands. I wiggled each limb and found them to be satisfactory, albiet a bit too cumbersome to move. Despite the struggle, I could sense that my strength had improved somehow. Using magic, even though it was like trying to scoop water out of a capsizing boat, was simply exhilarating.

  I looked at the notification window. It still hovered over me like someone rolled a massive flatscreen tv right above my bed. What happened to me while I was out? There was not even a lingering taste of that nasty purple blood left in my mouth. A welcome boon. I closed the window and started to lay back until I saw the number of Status points on the panel. My eyes widened.

  ———————————————

  > Status [+58 points available]

  > Notifications [3]

  > Unknown [Level 10 Required]

  > Skill Points [0]

  > Exit

  ———————————————

  Is that a 58? Do my eyes see things right now? A lightning bolt screamed through the sky, illuminating the screen while I marveled at the digits. It was really there, like an old long lost twenty dollar bill discovered underneath my couch. A big, fat 58 right next to the Status waiting for me. I sprang up, but then a wave of dizziness pushed me back down. What the hell? That was a lot of points to worry about, was it not?

  ———————————————

  Notifications

  > Blood of the Ravenclast’s impurities have successfully been purged from the Host.

  > The Host has leveled up!

  > Encountered a Carrier Demon of the Ravenclast Bearer.

  ———————————————

  So that’s how it is. I guessed I must have encountered a Carrier Demon in my sleep, which means this Plus Menu works while I’m offline. I don’t suppose it could be an alarm system as well, right? I didn’t recall being in the care of such a creature. To be honest, I didn’t recall much of anything at all, but if the Notifications said I encountered a demon, then that’s that.

  The amount of bonus status points given from a level up was troublesome. How much was one point worth? If I invested in Attack, would I be able to slap that Emily girl back and do some huge damage? This was too vague and I did not want to rush things with my points, despite the overwhelming desire to putting them all into Attack for that reason.

  Just from the size of the magical ball in my mind’s white void changing into a monstrous size from only 20 of them seemed significant. After focusing and closing my eyes, I saw the magical core floating like a burning star high above me. It was still as big as the time I had increased my Magical Power.

  The amount of pain I was in must have triggered a level up, making me rethink the Plus Menu overall. Was nearly dying the only way of leveling up? Or was it because of the corrupted blood I expelled? Maybe this Menu was downright sadistic, toying with the heart of a poor girl like me.

  Watching me get bullied was quite some taste, you know. I frowned.

  This was indeed a fantasy world, so there was bound to be dangerous monsters to slay and gain experience points, no? There’s got to be another slightly less inconvenient way of leveling myself up. There was too little information in that kind of business, I sighed. And too little time.

  If slaying monsters and drinking poisonous juices was the only way, then so be it. But, I’m a healer class. Perhaps, I could get a change of class. I doubted it. From the looks of it, Awakening seemed like a rare thing to happen to somebody. I peeked at my Status numbers and felt a surge of giddiness.

  ———————————————

  Status [+58 points available]

  Attack Power: 10 (F)+

  Magical Power: 35 (F)+

  Constitution: 15 (F)+

  Wisdom: 15 (F)+

  Movement Speed: 10 (F)+

  ———————————————

  The more I looked at these numbers, the more the excitement subsided. I became overwhelmed and quickly closed the window. I would rather lie flat than think of all the possibilities. A single point could change a lot or nothing at all with these kind of numbers. The pillow felt nicer than the one back in my old apartment, I sank into it and closed my eyes. But my mind was busy doing backflips, constantly trying to gain a new perspective on these attributes.

  Some seemed fairly useful and the Plus Menu’s description of each was solid. Take Movement Speed, for example. It was quite obvious in its function. However, based off the monsters I saw on stage last night I didn’t think I could get away from them even with a thousand points. There was no way of testing it either.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  On the other hand, Constitution, stated that it governed how well the Host’s body works. In essence, it seemed like my HP bar. But it was more than that. I felt strangely better just from 5 points. Wisdom seemed to be my defense against Magic Attacks. As for how effective putting points into any of these attributes, it would be impossible to tell.

  I got lucky placing them in the right attribute to save myself from that vile drink. Almost too lucky to even comprehend. But I knew I couldn’t keep a reactionary style for too long. Eventually I, Kathleen, will have to be someone who knows what she wants. Even if I had lost my way to an endless and hopeless grind in my previous life. Coasting wasn’t an option.

  I groaned. I knew I should have played more than just idle phone games. I tossed and turned as more rain and thunder showered the building. Then I’d know exactly where to put all these points! These panels and menus were the closest thing to a phone I’ll have in this life. Thinking of this, I figured I might as well close my eyes and try to get comfortable.

  The next thing I heard was the sound of a heavy knock beating the door. I was startled awake, only to see a similar gloomy overcast sky weeping outside. It was that easy to fall asleep, huh? At least that part of me carried over to this world. The thumping continued, so I sat up and swung my legs over the bed feeling particularly nervous over who could possibly be outside.

  The door swung open and Maria stepped in, holding a sack in her hands. Worry etched her tough face. Why? When she saw me swinging my feet over the bed, she gave a gasp of something like relief and rushed over to me.

  “Miss Ravenclast, you’re alive!”

  I was instantly smothered in warmth and a tight embrace. Disgust from my personal bubble being invaded so brazenly welled up inside of me, but all I could do is ball my fist uselessly and pound her back to release me. Maria peeled herself off of me, looking apologetically.

  “I— I’m pleased that you’ve returned from the Test Ritual safe and sound, Miss Ravenclast.”

  I remained silent. I truly didn’t know what to say. Maria, fortunately, snapped out of her shock and picked up the sack. I was happy to let her speak first, but apprehensive over what could possibly be lurking inside that burlap prison. She wasn’t going to stuff me inside of it, right?

  “You will be now attending the next Test Ritual soon,” Maria spoke. She flipped the flap of the pack open, and I saw something red inside of it. Clothes? I glanced at myself in the mirror. Same cute girl, looking frail as ever in a white nightgown like a hospital patient. Then, she lifted me to my feet with one hand. “Up you go. We must get you ready for it.”

  The clothes she lifted were labeled as a standard [Ravenclast Hunter attire] in the Plus Menu. I recalled that the others wore uniforms similar to these garments, whereas I was stuffed in a brown cloak. The obvious disdain for people who weren’t gifted in fighter capabilities was apparent here, but it seemed silly to me. Who’s going to heal them from their messes? It didn’t matter. The test tube babies could all burn for all I care.

  Based off Maria’s relaxed manner, I could sense that this Test Ritual did not seem to be as deadly as the first one. She even fastened that illegitimate Ravenclast band gently around my wrist, but it felt like a heavy weight. I glanced at the sack, which she left on the ground. It was labeled in my Plus Menu as an [empty burial sack]. How convenient, and a little alarming. This was probably looted off of someone from a dead Batch.

  It fit well, so that was that. When Maria saw me glancing at myself in the mirror, she smiled warmly. It was strangely endearing, and probably the closest thing to friendly I’ve encountered in this world so far. I shall tolerate it, as long as she keeps her bear hugs away.

  “The coat is from the Young Lady of the Main Family herself,” she informed me, as if discussing the weather. A bomb dropped inside my mind. The powerhouse that slapped me gave this to me?

  I felt a sense of dread flutter in my chest. What could that woman want with me? Then it hit me. She probably needed me for whatever a Rift was and this was simply a formality. Or she wanted to slap my face again. Should I put my 58 points in Constitution? Maria didn’t notice my uneasy expression, her grip on my hand tugging me along also knocked me out of my temporary dissociation.

  Down the hallway again. Déjà vu aside, the place didn’t seem as imposing as it did yesterday. Servants still cleaned diligently, and the shadows outside still remained dark as if a hundred or so people weren’t sacrificed the night before. Such is the cult life.

  Only three people were standing at the entrance in front of the grand staircase, their faces haggard. Ah, my fellow batchlings, huh. It seemed that the darling Tiffany and Eric made it through the purple juice sipping contest. So did Devon, the eldest one. I supposed that it was only natural that the oldest one would live. That left that quiet one down for the count. I stared at their Statuses and found them lacking.

  They were still the same level as before. A 2, a 3, and a 4 standing like zombies. Veins bulged around their necks and eyes, visible signs that the corrupted liquid was still flowing inside of them. I did not look at myself too closely in the mirror, but even my complexion was better than these creatures. I felt no pity for them. To me, the trio and I were all dead men walking. Maria once again abandoned me at the top of the stairs and I stalked down the stairs with my staff.

  I approached and joined their solemn ranks, this time glueing my eyes to the floor. Whoever comes through that door better not slap me this time. They didn’t even have the energy to look at me disdainfully, which solidified the toll last night had inflicted on their bodies to me. Silence hung in the air.

  Tiffany leaned against her spear, looking like she had seen a ghost. The Plus Menu revealed no changes about their bios, but I supposed I didn’t need it to see that the little thing had probably lived by a thin strand of her frazzled hair. The grand entrance began to open, nearly causing my fellow test tube babies to topple over. Only I remained still and composed. But I was secretly hoping it was not someone with a propensity in slapping people.

  Like the last time, several level 10 Human Guards marched in and lined up for the VIP to come in last. Lady Emily. I stared at the floor, where my Plus Menu’s Status page was open. Should I put the points into Constitution now? I felt her eyes sweep over us, as if assessing damaged goods. Then I felt her gaze land directly on me. Great. My fingers curled on a gnarled knot on my staff.

  Come on, Kathleen. You are invisible. If you think hard enough, you won’t be noticed. The heavy pause finally lifted and I heard a snort of disgust, as if Emily was telling me, “Now you know your place.”

  Well, I’ll take that over getting whacked. My eyes were hovering over the Constitution attribute, ready to add all the remaining points and confirm the change. It might not be a bad idea, but I knew that I had to hold onto them a bit longer so I can figure out exactly what this upcoming test was.

  “Take this batch to the Reader’s Laboratory,” Emily barked. Then she turned on her heel and stepped into the curtain of silver rain.

  Into the torrential downpour we go, I guess. The silent guards stared at us with cold eyes, their spears ready if any us dared to fall behind. We marched like prisoners. I didn’t have any trouble keeping up, and quickly found myself at the head of the pack. Huh? I turned my gaze back to the three fools behind me, along with a guard. Tiffany’s breath was ragged. A mocking look flashed in his eyes, and he gestured at a guard behind her.

  A sharp crack shattered the quiet, and spits of displaced rain splashed in an arc as the butt of a spear rammed into her back. Tiffany spilled over like a toppled shopping cart, her own spear clattering on the ground. A grim satisfaction welled up inside of me. Eric grabbed his sword, but was stopped by Devon.

  “You dare keep the Reader waiting?” The guard who thwacked her barked. “Do you wish to die here and now?”

  Oh, how the tables have turned. The darling’s role and mine have switched. Tiffany’s hand shot to the spear, and she recovered from the blow without a word. It appeared that she has learned from this big sister. I scoffed, but covered my mouth when I noticed the guard glaring at me.

  The Reader’s Laboratory was quite a sight to behold. Its stained glass patterned windows and also sported a spiraling tower at its front. Its wooden rooftop made it stand out and over the collision of grey buildings and stone pathways. It also had those ominous goatheaded raven statues dotting along its perimeter in between withering bushes. Perfect. Every evil cult compound needed a spooky laboratory, did it not?

  To my surprise, the esteemed and icy Emily Ravenclast was already standing at the entrance. A guard held an umbrella over her, while she kept her distant demeanor. What miserable luck, I sighed. We were herded over and lined up like cattle before a slaughter. Tiffany’s face had gone noticeably paler, Eric’s was darker and Devon seemed to be expecting this farce.

  I, on the other hand, was shaking in my boots and doing my best to be an invisible statue. Emily said nothing, but I dared not look at her. A new presence crept onto my skin, and I couldn’t help but peek towards the Laboratory’s entrance. It wasn’t a person, it was a purple glowing sphere the size of a basketball flying over like a drone. A singular black rock was embedded on it, pointing at us.

  ———————————————

  Notifications

  > Encountered an Observer Eye. It has been added to the Database. [Locked]

  ———————————————

  This little toy was a security camera. How interesting! And very rude. The ball wobbled a bit, its magical rock scanning us head to toe. Emily huffed, then took her leave from us with her guards in tow out the gates. Another lightning bolt flashed, then a deep voice came from the Observer Eye.

  “Children of Batch 1061, you may enter for testing.”