A ceiling I do not recognize…

Hands and legs that are bound…

Bright lights, so bright it’s blinding…

“She woke up.” 

“It’s fine. Continue the tests.”

My eyes sprang fully open as I looked at the strange people around me. With a hard pull, I released my hands from the restraints. “What!? Those restraints should have been able to hold back any system holder!”

“Quickly restrain her!” I hear someone yell to see a man in a black suit rush into the room and raise what looks to be a gun. I quickly grabbed the bed I was strapped to and lifted it up, ripping it from the bolts connecting it to the floor, and tossed it at the man before he could fire before grabbing the nearest person by the throat and holding him hostage. “You want to use me for testing!? Back off before I crush his throat!”

I was surprised at my own strength but I had no time to even think about it. Right now, my thoughts were on getting out of this damn place. I wish I knew how to use those skill things I had gotten if they were real and I was not losing my mind. Right now, I wouldn’t mind using that scale-hardening skill. I have no idea what it did since I have yet to get a chance to read anything, but for the most part, it sounded like some kind of armor. 

Right as I was thinking of using the skill I felt a slight stinging sensation in my body. When I looked down, I saw dark green scales slowly forming over my skin. My eyes lit up seeing this. This meant I was not imagining things! I had no idea how sturdy these scales would be or how long they would last for, but I for damn sure was not sticking around in this place.

I began moving forward with the man I was holding as a shield. “Move!”

“Good of humankind? Then why the hell are most of the people on tier one starving to death? Why do we need to eat your leftover garbage just to stay alive!? You have no right to tell me what is good for humankind. Step down from your little throne and move. If you don’t, I swear I will kick you.” I mean it, too. I will kick her. As hard as I can. How dare she talk about the good of humankind to me!

“I will no-oof!”   I did as I promised. I kicked her as hard as I could in her stomach, and she went flying and smashed into the wall. With the man clawing at my arm, his face turning red from lack of air in my hand, I stepped through the door out into the hall where multiple people in black suits were waiting, all aiming weapons at me.

“Stop! Stop right there!” I turned and looked at the man who yelled just now as if he was an idiot. 

“You want me to stop!? Are you stupid? Whether I die here, die in there, or escape altogether will be decided here and now!” I sure as hell was not going down without a fight!

*Clap!* *Clap!*

“Very good! Everyone is to stand down now!” A voice echoed through the hall along with the sound of someone clapping. I look up to see a woman in a gray business suit with a black leather jacket hanging from her shoulders, walking over with a group of guards behind her. She even had sunglasses on, which was giving off that whole I am a rich lady vibe and an arrogant one at that.

“Little Miss, you can let him go. I promise with me here, not a single person will dare lay a finger on you.” The woman acted as if her word was law. Does she not realize I have no idea who she is, and she wants me to trust her? Is she shitting me? Screw that, I would rather snap this guy’s neck and jump out the window, and hope for the best before I believe a word from her mouth.

“Cough!” And so I squeeze the man’s neck tighter, making him gasp and cough for air. His flailing about was getting annoying. If he kicks me again, I might just kick him back. And he’s a man, so I will not be nice about it. Right between the legs is where my foot will go!

“I guess it is too soon for you to trust me, which is understandable. Fine. Bring the man along and follow me. But I promise no one will dare hurt you,” the woman said with a smile before turning and walking away. 

I looked at the men in black, who did lower their weapons, and then at the woman’s back and decided to take a chance. If anything, I can always toss the idiot in my hand at her and run away.