Second round

Because of his wealth Taylor liked fine alcohols. He was more a snob than an actual expert, but at least he knew something; which was more than he knew about many other subjects. His focus did not change between the rounds, but that did not mean that his knowledge increased, so most of the answers were educated guesses at best.

By US laws, bourbon has to be made from a grain mixture containing at least 51% of which ingredient? Wheat. The moment he gave the answer he knew that it was WRONG. Damn it! It’s corn. Too late. Sangria is a wine-based beverage from which country? Spain. Correct. Tokay is a sweet white wine from which country? Hmm… Moldova maybe? WRONG. Kirsch is a fruit brandy made from which fruit? I think it’s… plums? WRONG. Slivovitz is a fruit brandy made from which fruit? Plums again? Correct.

“Three mistakes this time,” the host announced, “you’re making progress. Draw three transformation cards.”

“Leg Feminization, Submissiveness, Height Reduction.”

“What do you think about them?”

“If Leg Feminization is as smooth as the Corset it should be fine. Height Reduction is bad, but it’s not the end of the world. I might’ve discarded it, if not for Submissiveness, which is awful.”

“It’s one of the audience’s favourites,” Frank pointed out.

“I know. I liked it too when I was in the audience, but now I’m a contestant and I hate it. I want to discard it.”

“Draw two new cards then.”

“Face Feminization and Lips Enlargement.”

“Better?”

“Tolerable. Slightly worse than Leg Feminization, but not a reason to panic.”

“Enter The Chamber then.”

Taylor was not exactly happy with the result, not just because of the transformations. As he had stated they were tolerable, even if not necessarily desired. But each mistake also meant less money and that was a serious concern in the long run. He tried his best not to worry about the future and focused on the task at hand. The contestant entered the device with a neutral expression and closed his eyes. Once again his entire body began to tingle, but this time he felt it in his bones rather than skin. The sensation was especially prominent on his face where two transformations were taking place. The process was intense, but painless and swift. Soon all activities ceased and the door to The Chamber opened. Taylor realised, to his own astonishment, that he was curious, rather than fearful, to see the results of his transformations on the screen.

It was… weird, for the lack of a better word. If given a choice the contestant would prefer to remain unaltered, but his new body did not look that bad. The height reduction was barely noticeable, because the proportions of his body had changed as well; his legs became slightly longer and the torso - shorter. The legs were still covered with trousers, so it was hard to say how shapely they had really become. But together with the slender waist Taylor’s entire body had a more feminine appeal, although the effect was quite subtle. Equally subtle were the changes done to his face. Previously androgynous and pretty, with a youthful boyish charm; now it was still pretty, but in a feminine way, which was further enhanced by the full lips. The lips were natural and would most likely look attractive on a male face as well. Overall Taylor looked like a cute albeit flat-chested tomboy dressed in male clothes. Trying to maintain high spirits, he decided that his new appearance was not so bad after all. The audience’s clapping confirmed that opinion.

“Welcome back, Taylor,” the host greeted, “looking good,” he added with a smile.

“Thank you. I’m pleasantly surprised myself.”

“Don’t you want to show off those smooth sexy legs of yours?”

“What?” the contestant was startled by the question, but reacted with a smile, “no, thank you. I’d rather keep my clothes on.”

“...for now,” Frank teased.

“Preferably until the end.”

“We’ll see about that. Ready for round number three?”

“I think so. Let’s try European countries.”