Horror Game Designer

Chapter 15: Seven Levels

In the past, a detailed inspection revealed that Zhao Xi’s black and white memorial photograph, which Gao Ming had acquired, was distinct from any he had seen before. The photo bore numerous folds and cracks, all converging on the chains binding the arms of Gao Ming and Zhao Xi. Intriguingly, the black chains in the image seemed to move, and Zhao Xi’s figure within it appeared blurred, as though he was transmitting something to Gao Ming through the chains.

Pondering over this memorial photo, Gao Ming speculated that understanding and spreading awareness of Zhao Xi’s past might be crucial for acquiring his abilities and aiding Zhao Xi in releasing his obsessions. Gao Ming was curious about the nature of these abilities; perhaps they involved surviving a fall from a building. He noticed significant variations among the memorial photos, suggesting there was much to explore and experiment with.

Resolved to delve deeper, Gao Ming planned to bring all the memorial photos into the game on his next entry, hoping to enable the families in the photos to recognize each other. He also considered the possibility that Qi Yan might still be alive and thought it wise to alert Zhao Xi and Teacher Yao about a potential murderer in the apartment building on this rainy night.

Upon his return to the fifth floor, as the hallway lights illuminated his path, Gao Ming encountered a scene where Xuan Wen, with a swift backthrow, had just floored a disfigured investigator. In a mocking tone, Gao Ming questioned whether the Investigation Bureau neglected combat training, startling the investigator who had expected his intervention. Gao Ming’s comment left the investigator speechless and defensive, insisting they never attacked ordinary people.

Entering his apartment, Gao Ming secured it by locking the anti-theft door, closing the windows, and drawing the curtains, creating a private space for candid discussion. Xuan Wen, visibly angered, confronted the investigator about his unexpected intrusion into her home. Nursing an injured arm, the investigator divulged details about the bizarre occurrences, stressing their role as both witnesses and experiencers.

Despite her aggressive demeanor moments earlier, Xuan Wen’s voice was now eerily calm as she inquired about the lack of public information on the abnormal events in this city over the past six months. The investigator revealed that even those familiar with survival rules had low survival rates in such events—around 34% for investigators and less than 10% for ordinary people. He noted that survivors often endured severe psychological and physical trauma, receiving free treatment from the Bureau. Admiring Gao Ming’s capabilities, he expressed a wish to recruit him into the Bureau.

Previously, Gao Ming, displaying a look of intense curiosity, posed a critical question to the investigator: “If I choose not to join, will I be forcibly taken away for ‘treatment’?”

Adopting a serious and somber tone, the investigator reassured Gao Ming, “No, that won’t happen. The nature of these secrets means they can’t remain hidden indefinitely. Abnormal events are bound to escalate broadly. Our current strategy is to postpone this looming catastrophe while preparing extensively to manage it.”

Xuan Wen, evidently contemplating alternative strategies, asked, “Is it possible for just anyone to join your organization?”

Pointing to Gao Ming, the investigator commented, “You have an astute and remarkably courageous friend here.” He touched his own disfigured face, a testament to past encounters, and continued, “By joining the Investigation Bureau, he could potentially save numerous lives, but he would also face various hazards. My current appearance is the result of an abnormal event. I’m relatively fortunate; I am the sole survivor among all the investigators who accompanied me.”

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Gao Ming, weighing his options amidst uncertainty about when the disaster might fully unfold, responded thoughtfully, “I will give it serious consideration.” The prospect of joining the Investigation Bureau appeared to be a viable option.

The investigator then hinted at the potential benefits of joining the Bureau: “We confront dangers head-on, but in turn, our rights and authority significantly increase in times of danger.” Shifting the conversation subtly, he added, “You’re likely to encounter more abnormal events. I’d like to give you this survival guide our team is developing.”

He then handed Gao Ming a black ring, requesting him to take out his phone. After exchanging contact information, the investigator sent Gao Ming a critical document and explained the contents, which detailed abnormal events and classified them into seven different levels based on their severity, danger, and potential for destruction:

“Level 0: There’s a definite occurrence of an abnormal event, but it lacks any serious or dangerous characteristics typical of levels 1 to 6.”

“Level 1: The event displays abnormal phenomena, but these anomalies don’t interact with people in the real world. They don’t make contact with individuals and don’t disrupt the daily lives of those near the event’s location.”

“Level 2: The abnormal phenomenon noticeably impacts individuals. Those close to the event start showing unusual behaviors, such as mental disarray, sensory confusion, and cognitive impairment. The anomaly is confined to its location, and affected individuals maintain their sanity. They can be returned to normal through others’ persuasion after losing control.”

“Level 3: Specific ‘ghosts’ manifest in the abnormal event. Anyone in contact with the anomaly completely loses behavioral control, leading to self-harm, suicide, or aggression towards others. Their self-awareness is fully absorbed by the anomaly, and not even family members can halt their actions.”

“Level 4: The abnormal event begins to spread. As fear escalates, the affected area widens. The central ‘ghost’ of the event grows stronger, feeding on negative emotions like killing, bloodshed, and fear. All unease becomes its sustenance.”

“Level 5: The event’s impact extends over a wide area. The ‘ghost’ within has ‘matured’ and becomes incredibly difficult to eliminate. It has entrenched itself in people’s psyches.”

“Level 6: The abnormal event becomes utterly uncontrollable. No known solutions exist for such events. They embody fear itself, and investigators must prevent a level 6 event at all costs.”

“We recently encountered a Level 3 event due to a particular ‘ghost,'” the investigator remarked as if remembering something crucial. “I would’ve been dead if not for you. By the way, what happened to the old man with us?”

“He vanished after heading to the first floor,” Gao Ming replied, omitting the photograph’s existence.

Reacting with alarm, the investigator’s face turned pale, and he hurried towards the door. “The old man is caught in the abnormal event!”

Gao Ming followed him to Room 2707, where they found Teacher Yao lifeless. His daughter had called emergency services earlier, but it was already too late.

Teacher Yao’s frail, emaciated body lay in stark contrast to his wall adorned with various awards and honors. Until his death, he clutched a photo of his younger self performing a heroic deed next to his pillow.

Gao Ming mused, “Perhaps the old man chose his own fate.”

The old man, Teacher Yao, was absent from the room, and notably, there was no eerie presence lingering. It seemed as though he had finally attained a peaceful rest.

Following the departure of the ambulance that took Teacher Yao’s body, Gao Ming and Xuan Wen retreated to room 2507, seizing a moment of solitude.

With a tilt of her head and a soft smile, Xuan Wen asked Gao Ming, “Did you really go through my room’s ghost story game with that uncle?”

Gao Ming, extracting Zhao Xi’s photograph, replied, “It’s not as odd as you make it sound. I had intended to bring you along, but you weren’t there.” He then shared, “The blank photo you gave me disappeared. It appears the ‘ticket’ is a one-time use item.”

Xuan Wen moved closer, her curiosity piqued. “I was somehow prevented from joining. That ghost story game is fraught with danger. How did you manage to navigate through it?”

After contemplating whether to reveal Zhao Xi’s photo to Xuan Wen, Gao Ming decided to do it, “The ghost story game that unexpectedly triggered was about Level 3 in danger according to the Investigation Bureau. Yet, the ghost seemed capable of evolving into a more formidable entity.” He then offered her Zhao Xi’s photo, saying, “Take a look at this. I’ve discovered another method to enhance your reality, to make you more powerful.”

Xuan Wen, examining the photo, noticed the peculiar movement. “The chains and blood vessels in this are pulsating? What’s that about?”

Turning the photo over, Gao Ming elaborated, “The chains symbolize familial bonds. I can harness his abilities by making people aware of Zhao Xi’s suffering.” He then theorized, “If we can stir emotions in others by sharing Zhao Xi’s story, perhaps it could benefit him posthumously. I’m contemplating transforming his tale into a tribute game where players’ emotional responses could influence Zhao Xi.”

“That’s a plausible approach,” Xuan Wen noted. “But remember, your game materialized into reality due to your experience in that tunnel, not any inherent power. If you wish your current game to take on a similar reality, revisiting that tunnel might be necessary to gain a full understanding.”

Gao Ming, putting away the photo, responded, “My goal isn’t to continually manifest games into reality. I aim to spread Zhao Xi’s story more widely.” He then added, half-jokingly, “If Zhao Xi’s situation improves, it might also serve as a safety net for your existence.”

Xuan Wen, playfully posing with her hands behind her back as if bound, quipped, “Are you planning to ‘eat’ me?”

Gao Ming, picking up his backpack and heading out, retorted with a smile, “There you go with that tease again. Do I really seem like that type of person to eat a woman?”