Luca's point of view
A mysterious chamber emits a light whose source is invisible.
The wall of the room is covered with a thin layer of creepers.
A closer look reveals tiny mushrooms stuck together, in every conceivable color and shape.
As a result of the vegetation present, the atmosphere is heavy and humid.
What's more, there are a few rodents on the ground, making the place even more unwelcoming.
"No doubt about it, I'm at the second test".
As I approached the center of the room, the door through which I had entered disappeared from view. Giving way to vegetation.
Without even giving me time to understand what's going on, a sweet scent tickles my nostrils.
"T-that smell..."
Turning around, I discover a carefully decorated table, adorned with fabrics worthy of 5-star restaurants.
In the center sits a dish I know all too well exists.
"L-le curry massaman"
Originally from Thailand, this dish is distinguished mainly by its creamy, spicy sauce.
Generally accompanied by meat, potatoes and cashew nuts.
Its unique flavor subtly blends spices such as cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, with a touch of heat from the chili pepper.
I still remember that this delicious dish offers a rich and exotic taste experience, taking my taste buds on a journey to the delights of Thai cuisine.
Yet right next to it was an envelope just as presentable as the table.
Unfolding it to see the contents, it says: "do not eat this curry".
I suspected as much
Just as in the first test, there's a mark indicating the aptitude you need to adopt in order to move on to the next test.
If you don't obey, you're sure to get stuck or even die.
In fact, this dish in front of me conceals a deadly poison that would instantly kill anyone who dared to taste it.
At the time, this idea came to me as I was quietly enjoying my curry. But now, that same curry will be the cause of my death.
The key to passing this test and moving on to the next is simply to abstain for 1 month.
But that's easier said than done.
Candidates don't know how long they'll stay.
What's more, starvation will eat away at them bit by bit, forcing some to give in within the first few hours.
Each individual will see his or her favorite dish carefully placed on the table.
And worst of all, other side dishes will be added as time goes by.
Because of this ordeal, only a quarter will pass.
Having learned a lesson from his previous experience about the importance of sticking to what's written, protagonist Kim decided to look for another solution.
So, to appease his hunger, he first opted for mushrooms. However, Kim quickly abandoned this option, finding that the taste worsened with every bite.
He then resolved to catch with difficulty the rodents moving around the room, and roasted them over candles for food.
YOU ARE READING
double pov
FantasíaLuca and William, two writers at the peak of their craft, find their lives abruptly ended when their apartment is destroyed by a devastating earthquake. Suddenly reincarnated in the world of their own unfinished fantasy novel, they quickly realise...
