A loud thud echoed.Mike jolted awake and quickly turned on his flashlight. He looked around—he was lying on the floor. In front of him, a door…He wondered what he was doing there, especially since he had fallen asleep in a comfortable bed.
He got up, brushed off his clothes—sticky from the liquid—and examined the door. It was twice his height and seemed to be made from an unknown material. He tried several times to open it, forcing the handle, but without success.
Voice? — You won't be able to open it just yet. It's sealed. I think you'll have to figure out why… and how.
Mike — Yeah, I noticed. But… why am I not in my bed anymore?
Voice? — I'm not exactly sure. I think one of the others might have done this.
Mike — Another one? Who are you talking about?
Voice? — Ah, you forgot that too… You'll understand later. It's better if you discover it on your own. For now, head back to the room and grab your gear. Something to prepare yourself.
Mike — Yeah… this is all pretty sketchy. I just hope there's no one else here.
Mike began searching for the room where he had fallen asleep.He entered several apartments, picking up anything useful he could find along the way.
Mike — I need a backpack to carry all this stuff.
He searched what looked like a teenager's bedroom, opened a large creaky closet, and found a black backpack filled with notebooks and school supplies. He emptied it and cleaned it a bit.
Voice? — Hmm… not bad. That should come in handy.
Mike ignored the voice, pleased with his find. He stuffed all the items he had gathered into the backpack, then left the apartment in search of the one where he had first fallen asleep.
Eventually, he found it—he recognized the open closet, the empty wrappers on the floor, and some leftover snacks inside.He chose not to touch them, disgusted by the strange liquid.
Voice? — You're right. Better not eat those.
Mike — Yeah, I know. Don't worry, he replied, a bit irritated.
He inspected the closet with his flashlight, grabbed all the food he could find, and packed it away.
Voice? — Hmm, I know you're not stupid, but food alone won't be enough to survive. You should find a knife or something to defend yourself.
Mike — Right. Almost forgot. Guess you're good for something after all…
He rummaged through the kitchen cabinets and eventually found a large, sharp knife. He picked it up, swung it around a bit… and then dropped it.
Voice? — Whoa! Careful with that thing!
Mike picked the knife back up and carefully placed it in his bag.
Mike — Yeah, yeah, I'll be careful…
He moved into the next room—it was the bedroom where he had slept.The bed was made, as if no one had ever used it.
Mike — Weird. But I'd better find some better clothes.
He was wearing a torn-up T-shirt and shorts. The cold was starting to get to him.He searched the closets and threw anything useful onto the bed. Once done, he changed clothes.
Mike — That's better… and at least these aren't covered in that weird liquid.
He packed a few spare outfits into his now-stuffed backpack.
Voice? — That black pair of pants and that jacket look good on you. But be careful with your bag… it might slow you down if you have to run… or fight.
Mike — Thanks, but don't worry. I'll manage…
Suddenly, a noise echoed through the building.Someone—or something—was knocking on the door. The sound repeated, growing louder.
Mike — What the hell is that noise?!
He rushed out of the apartment and realized the sound was coming from the door he had seen earlier.He approached cautiously.
Voice? — You'd better stay away… and draw your knife. This doesn't sound good.
Before he could react, the door began to glow.The noise grew louder, faster… then suddenly stopped.
Something stepped through.
It looked human, but it was clad in white armor.In its hand, a long, white sword. The being moved quickly.
Voice? — Dodge it, now!
Mike — Got it!
The humanoid swung its sword in a wide arc. It missed Mike—but just barely.Mike jumped back… but stumbled because of his bag.His heart pounded.That thing… it wasn't human.
Armored Being? — Clumsy reflexes… But are you ready for what comes next?