Chapter 2: The Echo of Footsteps
Chapter 2: The Echo of Footsteps
As he continued walking down the endless corridors, something new caught his attention. At first he thought it was his imagination, but the sound repeated itself. It wasn't the buzzing of lights. It was footsteps... but not his own.
-System, are there entities on this level? -He asked, pausing for a moment.
_"No hostile entities have been recorded on Level 0, though some may manifest under certain conditions."_
Ren heard footsteps again, closer this time. They weren't aggressive, but it didn't sound like the sound was far away either.
-"I think this is what they call a 'special condition'. Let's investigate.
Ren turned into a new hallway, following the echoing footsteps. As he approached, a half-open door at the end of the hallway caught his attention. Without hesitation, he pushed the door open slowly and entered a room larger than the previous ones. In the center, a human figure stood with his back to her.
-Well, this is unexpected," he said quietly.
Warning: possible encounter with another explorer or entity. Proceed with caution."_
-_"Let's see what's going on," Ren said, approaching slowly.
The figure, a tall, thin man in shabby clothes, did not move at first. Ren decided to speak to him:
-Hey, are you stuck here too?
The man slowly turned his head toward him. His face was pale, with sunken eyes and a strange gleam in his eye. He smiled weakly, as if he could barely remember how to do it.
-Trapped... trapped... -the man murmured, his voice hoarse and distant.
Ren felt a small twinge of unease, but his curiosity was still stronger.
-How long have you been here?
The man let out a dry, empty laugh.
-Time... it doesn't matter here. Nothing matters. You just walk... and never come out.
Before Ren could ask another question, the man vanished. He just disappeared, as if he had never been there.
-Well, that was... disturbing," Ren said, though without losing his calm demeanor. System, any information on that?
Possible residual manifestation of a former scout. No immediate threat detected. Further progress recommended."_
Ren sighed.
-"So, let's keep going".This was getting interesting.
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