Chapter 43: Reversed Movements
Elias frowned, absorbing the words, as the Doctor continued, "Focus on getting faster at reading situations. Pay attention to subtleties—the tone in someone's voice, the small shifts in their body language. A low perception score usually means you're easily manipulated, at least from what I've seen in previous users."
"Previo—" Elias began to ask, but his words were cut off as he blinked, the world around him twisting sharply.
Suddenly, he was back in his chair, the quiet hum of the room disorienting. He attempted to raise his hand, but instead, his other arm shot outward uncontrollably, slamming against Colby, who was standing nearby. The force sent Colby stumbling, and he dropped to the ground with a startled yelp.
"What the hell was that for?" Colby shouted, rubbing his shoulder as he sat up. His expression shifted quickly to confusion as he noticed Elias's twitching form.
Elias tried to move, but his body refused to cooperate, his limbs spasming as though controlled by an unseen force.
Information flooded his mind like a torrent, sending him crashing to the ground as his muscles contorted in unnatural ways.
He managed to lift his head slightly, just enough to see a translucent window materialize in front of him.
It displayed his stats and an active... quest? Goal? He squinted, his vision blurring, as his crossed eyes failed to focus on the words.
Colby groaned, still seated on the ground. "What the hell was that smack for?" he repeated, annoyance clear in his tone. But his expression softened as he realized Elias was stuck, his body almost convulsing on the ground.