Regression Is Too Much

“…”

I stood there, stunned, frozen in place for quite a while. My temporary state of shock lasted until the black cube crumbled.

"Congratulations!"

"Congratulations!"

The shower of flower petals falling all around and the resounding trumpet fanfare snapped me out of my thoughts. But my mind was still in chaos.

“…What’s going on?”

What exactly happened?

I patted myself down in a daze, but nothing had changed. I’d returned, regressed. This was a scene I’d seen before. But why?

I absentmindedly touched the spot on the back of my hand where I’d once felt pain. All I could feel was the familiar, smooth yet hefty texture of leather. Yes, my transparent gloves were still serving their purpose.