A shock. Worse- worse than the portal. But still not the worst I have ever experienced. [Clearly, since he's still being a jokester.]

We did not know what the buttons are for. I wished to be in what I thought was the right place when the first was pushed, in case its effect was... undesirable. Though I clearly misjudged where the right space would be.

[He sits up.] Give me another minute, then press the button. I will attempt to cross into that same square. Unless it no longer appears safe to you?