The cold mechanical noise of the machine echoed against the researchers' voices.
"Vital signs stable, subject confirmed alive."
"Release medicated oxygen, 30 seconds."
Oxygen mixed with drugs was released; the man lying on the ground had a faint rise and fall in his chest.
After a while, he woke up. He forced his eyes open, staring at the ceiling that was constantly exuding milky-white vapor, his consciousness drifting.
His mouth was filled with a bitter, metallic tang, a taste far too familiar to him.
Ever since he'd started overusing his ability, he had been coughing up blood.
This bitter tang was the taste of blood.
He breathed in the oxygen but had no strength to get up.
This was the interior of a large mechanical device called "Reversion No.1". Inside this machine, when he activated his time-pausing ability, that ability would be enhanced.
