the threshold chap 1 1/3

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<<fadein 2s>><span class="logo"> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/dae57b59c807b38c184eef562c7b15be/a9138c9ae111df46-28/s96x96u_c1/56e2193895b59b5ba48a258e0b51a45e5e9c6890.pnj"> </span><</fadein>> <<timed 4s t8n>><span class="game-start-timed"> Click anywhere to continue... </span><</timed>> <<cont>><<goto 'start-menu'>><</cont>>

<<fadein 1s>> <div id="start-title">The Threshold</div> <div id="start-subtitle">by obssdog</div> <<nobr>><div id="start-menu"> <<nobr>><<if Save.autosave.ok() and Save.autosave.has()>><<button "Resume Game">><<run Save.autosave.load()>><</button>><</if>><</nobr>> <<button "New Game" "first page">><<set $chapter to "Preface">><</button>> <<button "Load Game">><<run UI.saves();>><</button>> <<button "Settings">><<run UI.settings();>><</button>> <<button "Credits">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("credits","credits"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</button>> </div><</nobr>> <</fadein>>

<h2>Twine + Sugarcube</h2> <li>Twine by Chris Klimas - <a href="https://twinery.org/cookbook/" target="_blank">Twine Cookbook</a></li> <li>Sugarcube by Thomas Michael Edwards - <a href="https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs/" target="_blank">Sugarcube 2 Documentation</a></li> <li>Custom Macros - <a href="https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2" target="_blank">ChapelR Custom Macros Collection</a></li> <h2>Resources</h2> <li>Icons - <a href="https://fontawesome.com/" target="_blank"> Font Awesome Icons</a></li> <li>Fonts - <a href="https://fonts.google.com/" target="_blank">Google Fonts</a>, <a href="https://opendyslexic.org/" target="_blank">Open Dyslexic</a></li> <li>CSS + HTML Tutorials - <a href="https://www.w3schools.com/">W3Schools</a></li> <h2>Disclaimer</h2> The Threshold is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

As you walk down the street, the flicker of streetlamps turning on fills the quiet air, covering the darkening landscape back in orange light. It’s not late yet, but you barely encounter anyone on your way home. People, mostly the young, have begun to follow a tacit curfew that grows more apparent as months go by, the silence of the streets loud with their emptiness as the sun sets. You pass a few posters of missing persons, some yellowed and tattered by the cycle of rain and sun, cold and heat, but still stubbornly holding on to the walls, hoping the question in all caps ‘Have you seen this person?’ doesn’t leave people’s minds, hoping the faces on the photos don’t blur together into an unrecognizable mass. Are these people standing as strong as the paper, wherever they might be? <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You think you'll have to start sticking to a curfew, too.|p_01][$bold to $bold - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You find the curfew unnecessary.|p_02][$bold to $bold + 1]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Maybe you are being overly cautious, and maybe people are overreacting, but where’s the harm in being careful? With the current circumstances, it could be better to be safe than sorry, at least until more information comes out. <<include "p_04">>

<<if settings.notifs>><<if tags().includes('autosave')>><<notify 3.5s>>Saving...<</notify>><</if>><</if>> /* autosaving -- the autosave notif needs to be 'present' at all times so is stored in the passageheader, only popping up when you add the [autosave] tag onto one of your passages. this is mainly for aesthetics as the autosave function is currently set up to save on EVERY passage. this can be changed in the javascript settings, e.g. you could configure it to only autosave on passages with the [autosave] tag notify is also a ChapelR macro, not a default sugarcube macro, so make sure to familiarise yourself with the documentation!*/ <script> var myDiv = document.getElementById('passages'); myDiv.scrollTop = 0; </script> /* scroll top -- this script makes the page scroll back to the top every time you move on to the next passage -- do not delete it! */

<h1>Profile</h1> You are a $mcgender in $his twenties, of $height height. <<if ($showphysicaldesc is true and $nohair is "false")>>Your hair is $hairlength, $hairtexture and $haircolor, your skin is $skincolor, and your eyes are $eyecolor.<<elseif ($showphysicaldesc is true and $nohair is true)>>You have $eyecolor eyes and your skin color is $skincolor.<</if>> <div id="stat-title"> <span>Tough ($bold%)</span> <span>Timid (<<print 100 - $bold>>%)</span> </div> <<showmeter 'Bold' `$bold/ $max_bold`>> <div id="stat-title"> <span>Trusting ($trusting%)</span> <span>Suspicious (<<print 100 - $trusting>>%)</span> </div> <<showmeter 'Trusting' `$trusting/ $max_trusting`>> <div id="stat-title"> <span>Honest ($honest%)</span> <span>Deceitful (<<print 100 - $honest>>%)</span> </div> <<showmeter 'Honest' `$honest/ $max_honest`>> <div id="stat-title"> <span>Friendly ($friendly%)</span> <span>Unkind (<<print 100 - $friendly>>%)</span> </div> <<showmeter 'Friendly' `$friendly/ $max_friendly`>> <<button "Close">> <<script>> Dialog.close(); <</script>> <</button>>

/* comment -- this is where to set up your variables -- you can delete the examples below. note that $chapter is used to change the chapter title in the title bar. you can either delete this, change the variable name, or change the variable(s) used entirely note that $chapter and $name are also used for the autoname save function. you can either delete this, change the variable name, or change the variable(s) used entirely (in the Javascript file) <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue|null]]</div> <div class="flirt-choice-item">[[Continue|null]]</div> <div class="special-choice-item">[[Continue|null]]</div> </div><</nobr>> all that is for dialogue */ <<set $chapter = "">> <<set $name = "Unknown">> <<set $textbox = "textbox">> <<set $listbox = "listbox">> <<set $cycle = "cycle">> /* ChapelR Meter Macro set up */ /* these stat meter set ups are purely examples and do not need to be used */ <<set $bold = 50>> <<set $max_bold = 100>> <<newmeter 'Bold' $bold>> <<colors '#777' '#777' '#333'>> <<sizing '100%' '1.2em'>> <</newmeter>> <<set $trusting = 50>> <<set $max_trusting = 100>> <<newmeter 'Trusting' $trusting>> <<colors '#777' '#777' '#333'>> <<sizing '100%' '1.2em'>> <</newmeter>> <<set $honest = 50>> <<set $max_honest = 100>> <<newmeter 'Honest' $honest>> <<colors '#777' '#777' '#333'>> <<sizing '100%' '1.2em'>> <</newmeter>> <<set $friendly = 50>> <<set $max_friendly = 100>> <<newmeter 'Friendly' $friendly>> <<colors '#777' '#777' '#333'>> <<sizing '100%' '1.2em'>> <</newmeter>> <<set $kaydefr = 50>> <<set $max_kaydefr = 100>> <<newmeter 'Kayde' $kaydefr>> <<colors '#777' '#777' '#333'>> <<sizing '100%' '1.2em'>> <</newmeter>> <<set $camilafr = 50>> <<set $max_camilafr = 100>> <<newmeter 'Camila' $camilafr>> <<colors '#777' '#777' '#333'>> <<sizing '100%' '1.2em'>> <</newmeter>> <<set $taerifr = 50>> <<set $max_taerifr = 100>> <<newmeter 'Taeri' $taerifr>> <<colors '#777' '#777' '#333'>> <<sizing '100%' '1.2em'>> <</newmeter>> <<set $meganfr = 40>> <<set $max_meganfr = 100>> <<newmeter 'Megan' $meganfr>> <<colors '#777' '#777' '#333'>> <<sizing '100%' '1.2em'>> <</newmeter>> <<set $johnfr = 60>> <<set $max_johnfr = 100>> <<newmeter '$john' $johnfr>> <<colors '#777' '#777' '#333'>> <<sizing '100%' '1.2em'>> <</newmeter>> <<set $alixfr = 50>> <<set $max_alixfr = 100>> <<newmeter 'Alix' $alixfr>> <<colors '#777' '#777' '#333'>> <<sizing '100%' '1.2em'>> <</newmeter>> <<set $pronouns_plural to false>> <<set $height to "a certain">> <<set $mcgender to "human">> <<set $his to "their">> <<set $nohair to "false">> <<set $fakeidentity = false>> <<set $study = false>> <<set $work = false>> <<set $nostudywork = false>> <<set $nowantintro = false>> <<set $hasfakename = false>> <<set $showrelationshipstats = false>> <<set $explorewithmegan = false>>

<div id="title-container"> <span class="title-item">The Threshold</span> <span class="chapter-item">$chapter</span> </div>

<<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-bookmark" alt="saves"></i>'>><<run UI.saves();>><</link>> <<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-gear" alt="settings"></i>'>><<run UI.settings();>><</link>> <<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-user" alt="profile"></i>'>> <<script>> Dialog.setup("profile","profile"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("profile").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-users" alt="people"></i>'>> <<script>> Dialog.setup("profile","profile"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("people").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-arrow-left" alt="return"></i>'>><<run Engine.backward();>><</link>> <<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-arrows-rotate" alt="restart"></i>'>><<run UI.restart();>><</link>>

Set up your widgets here!

The current situation is troubling, but being at home early might not even have an impact on your safety, for all you know. With so little information to go off of, it could be better to stick to your usual routine, which has served you fine so far. <<include "p_04">>

The news talks about it in passing sometimes, with hushed comments showing little concern, the results of the last football match way more interesting to broadcast. The authorities are as silent as a tomb. However, the alarm bells in the general population’s minds are ringing loudly as they begin to notice a pattern. People in their twenties are disappearing into thin air. This is nothing new, but the increasing numbers are alarming when you see the phenomenon occurring throughout the whole world. Fear is spreading like a subtle plague, some blaming the government for making young people succumb to the pressure cast on them, the global economy decaying as a corpse making them want to die, too. Others will dart their eyes around rapidly, hand clutching a rosary, their hearts, their heads, as they claim there must be supernatural monsters on the loose, or an evil organization slowly creating a monopoly of organ trafficking in every nation. For the time being, with so many conspiracies and rumors going about, remaining critical of what you see and hear is probably the best decision. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue|p_05]]</div> <</nobr>>

You arrive home safe and sound, <<if $bold lt 50>>and you breathe a sigh of relief.<<else>>as expected.<</if>> You go to the bathroom to wash the day off your body. A wet <<listbox "$skincolor">><<option "pale">><<option "ivory">><<option "beige">><<option "tan">><<option "russet">><<option "brown">><<option "dark brown">><<option "ebony">><</listbox>>-skinned face stares into yours as you look in the mirror, observing a <span id="cycle"><<cycle "$mcgender" autoselect>>\<<option "man" "man">><<option "woman" "woman">><<option "person" "person">><</cycle>></span>, <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[cropped|hair texture][$hairlength to "cropped"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[short|hair texture][$hairlength to "short"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[chin-length|hair texture][$hairlength to "chin-length"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[shoulder-length|hair texture][$hairlength to "shoulder-length"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[long|hair texture][$hairlength to "long"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">//[[Actually, you're bald.|after hair][$nohair to true]]//</div> </div><</nobr>>

You rub your tired <<listbox "$eyecolor">><<option "grey">><<option "blue">><<option "green">><<option "hazel">><<option "brown">><<option "black">><</listbox>> eyes as you hop in your pajamas and drop in bed, wrapped in a blanket, even if the weather is warm. The open window lets a soft breeze enter your room, carrying the flowery smell of spring turning into summer. No matter how busy your life might be, you allow yourself to relish this small respite. Maybe happiness really is about enjoying the little things in life. With no thoughts in mind, you drift into a peaceful sleep. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">//[[Open your eyes.|p_09][$showphysicaldesc to true]]//</div> </div><</nobr>>

Add your custom pronouns here. Subjective: <<textbox "$he" "xe">> Objective: <<textbox "$him" "xem">> Pronominal Possessive: <<textbox "$his" "xyr">> Predicative Possessive: <<textbox "$hiss" "xyrs">> Reflexive: <<textbox "$himself" "xyrself">> <label><<checkbox "$pronouns_plural" false true autocheck>> Plural verbs.</label> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Test.|p_08]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<print $he.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $pronouns_plural is true>>see<<else>>sees<</if>> $himself in the mirror, $his reflection showing a mark that was $hiss alone. But was it really $him? If there's an error, you can go back and correct it. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Looks good.|p_06]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Do it again.|p_07]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Your limbs feel sore and your eyelids heavy when you finally wake up, a bright white light blinding your sight. You ignore how long you have slept, what time it may be, and instead focus on the ceiling lamp directly on top of you. How did it turn on? Last time you checked, you didn’t have any fancy automated lighting system. The drowsiness in your body dissipates in an instant when you sit up and find yourself in a foreign room, the realization hitting you like a bucket of cold water. It’s spacious, and the furniture luxurious. The blankets wrapped around you are as soft as fur, and the floor is covered in a pristine carpet. In fact, every spot in the bedroom looks untouched, unlived. It’s like staring at a photo in a magazine. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[A cold sweat wets your forehead.|p_10][$bold to $bold - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You remain calm.|p_11][$bold to $bold + 1]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Panic slowly rises inside of you, freezing you atop the linen sheets. Your mind hasn’t yet fully processed the image before you, but your body is shouting at you that something is wrong. <<include "p_12">>

The linen sheets and the soft mattress make you feel atop a cloud. Your mind hasn’t yet fully processed the image before you, ignoring that these sensations are too realistic to be of a dream. <<include "p_12">>

You scoot over one side of the queen-sized bed, <span id="cycle"><<cycle "$height" autoselect>>\<<option "your feet dangling over the edge." "short">><<option "your toes brushing the floor." "average">><<option "your feet planted on the cushioned floor." "tall">><</cycle>></span> You are still wearing your pajamas, looking shabby when contrasted with the immaculate setting, like a duck surrounded by swans. You walk around the strange room, everything white and shiny, not a speck of dust in sight. Have you been kidnapped, after all? Or maybe this is a nightmare of what would happen were you so unlucky, trying to prepare you for the possibility. Though you’d imagine that being abducted would mean being locked in a dirty basement, hands tied and eyes blindfolded, not sleeping on an expensive bed as royalty, free to roam about like you’re the owner. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[That’s wishful thinking, you’ve been taken.|p_13][$thinksnotdreaming to true]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Surely, this is a dream.|p_13]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Thick, long curtains drape down the wall next to the bed. You try not to get your hopes up for finding an escape route through a window, since you might be on the tenth floor for all you know. However, you could yell loudly enough for your neighbors to hear you. You approach them and open them slowly. The sight of dull metal plates covering the windows makes you gasp. Shivers go down your spine. <<if $bold lt 50>>With trembling hands you<<else>>You inhale sharply and<</if>> try to pull them open, then rip them off, and then open once more but they won't budge. You notice thick bolts lining the edges of the plates, small pieces of steel locking you from freedom. Your head snaps to the side, clanking noises muffled by a dark wooden door at the end of a short hallway. They start far away, then stop, and start again closer and closer each time. Despite the commotion, you don’t hear any voices. By the time you recognize footsteps, followed by soft rattles of door handles, they have reached you. Were the door transparent, you’d be staring directly at them. The silver handle of your room turns with a tender sound, yet your innards shriek with <<if $bold gte 50>>expectation.<<else>>fear.<</if>> You are frozen to the spot, your eyes fixed on the door, waiting for it to screech open as it reveals a looming figure, shadows covering it until the irritatingly bright light that woke you up in such a dreadful place unveils its identity. Is it the kidnapper? A broad woman with a hammer? A man with a scarred face, fingers pointed with blades? Or maybe it’s a tall shadow, a black blob of a demon with a permanent scream itched into its phantom white face. Your frightening thoughts are left hanging as the handle turns a couple of times again, and it’s left alone. Your heartbeats reverberate in your ears, echoing the footsteps drawing away. <<if $thinksnotdreaming is true>>You were right,<<else>>You’ve changed your mind,<</if>> this is reality. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">''[[Chapter one.|chapter one start]]''</div> </div><</nobr>>

  <<nobr>><<set $chapter to "Chapter one">><div style="text-align: center;"><<fadein 2s>><h2>CHAPTER ONE</h2> <</fadein>><<fadein 5s>>You don't know me, but I know you. I want to play a game.<</fadein>></div> <</nobr>> <<fadein 10s>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">''[[Start.|p_14]]''</div> </div><</nobr>> <</fadein>>

<<if $nohair is true>>scalp<<else>>$hairlength, $hairtexture, $haircolor hair<</if>> glistening with water drops, whose pronouns are… <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[he/him.|p_06][$he to "he", $him to "him", $his to "his", $hiss to "his", $himself to "himself"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[she/her.|p_06][$he to "she", $him to "her", $his to "her", $hiss to "hers", $himself to "herself"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[they/them.|p_06][$he to "they", $him to "them", $his to "their", $hiss to "theirs", $himself to "themself", $pronouns_plural to true]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[custom.|p_07]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

$hairlength, <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[locked|hair color][$hairtexture to "locked"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[coily|hair color][$hairtexture to "coily"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[curly|hair color][$hairtexture to "curly"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[wavy|hair color][$hairtexture to "wavy"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[straight|hair color][$hairtexture to "straight"]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

$hairlength, $hairtexture, <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[black|after hair][$haircolor to "black"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[dark brown|after hair][$haircolor to "dark brown"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[light brown|after hair][$haircolor to "light brown"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[dark blonde|after hair][$haircolor to "dark blonde"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[light blonde|after hair][$haircolor to "light blonde"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[custom|custom hair]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

What color is your hair? <<textbox "$haircolor" "red">> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|after hair]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

  <<nobr>><<set $chapter to "Prologue">><div style="text-align: center;"><<fadein 2s>><h2>PROLOGUE</h2> <</fadein>><<fadein 5s>>Truth had gone, truth had gone, and truth had gone. Ah, now truth is asleep in the darkness of the sinister hand.<</fadein>></div> <</nobr>> <<fadein 10s>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">''[[Start.|p_00]]''</div> </div><</nobr>> <</fadein>>

Chapter one is currently in development. For updates, check <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/thethresholdif" target="_blank">Tumblr.</a> Thank you for playing!

You are an average person in their twenties living in a world where people like you are mysteriously disappearing. With little help and information from the authorities and governments, you are left to live as usual, ignoring any imminent danger. At your prime age, you thought your greatest worries would be the slow decay of the world, the questioning of its leaders, and the deteriorating living conditions with the passing of years, but you’re proven wrong when you are kidnapped, too. Locked in a luxurious but ominous hotel, you are forced to face trials alongside five other people. Who abducted you and for what reason? What does the future hold with different organizations fighting for power over the world? And just how much is at stake when you play a twisted game without rules? Whether you want it or not, welcome to the Threshold. //(CW) It’s rated +18 for mentions and depictions of violence, blood, death, abduction, explicit language, use of alcohol, and more (to be added as more content is released). Viewer discretion is advised.// <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">''[[Continue.|second page]]''</div> </div><</nobr>>

<h2>Author's note.</h2> The Threshold is a work in progress, so things will likely change as I write more content. This also means that saves might get corrupted, and you’ll have to start the game again. I’ll try my best to avoid this, but it can happen. English is not my first language, so there might be grammatical errors and sentences that sound unnatural. Please report these (and bugs) in <a href="https://forms.gle/7WyKb2aWsKW6oJy87" target="_blank">this link</a> if you can! Updates will be slow. I’ll try my best to write as quickly as possible, but with work, college and life, and my ever lethargic disposition, I can’t promise much. I do this project for fun, so I don’t want to feel a lot of pressure when I engage with it. However, I’ll try to make monthly updates so you know how things are going. For updates, asks, and more interaction, please check the <a href="https://thethreshold-if.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr page.</a> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">''[[Start.|prologue start]]''</div> </div><</nobr>>

<h1>People</h1> <<if $showrelationshipstats>> <div id="stat-title"> <span>Camila ($camilafr%)</span></div> <<showmeter 'Friendly' `$camilafr/ $max_camilafr`>> <div id="stat-title"> <span>Kayde ($kaydefr%)</span></div> <<showmeter 'Kayde' `$kaydefr/ $max_kaydefr`>> <div id="stat-title"> <span>Alix ($alixfr%)</span></div> <<showmeter 'Alix' `$alixfr/ $max_alixfr`>> <div id="stat-title"> <span>Taeri ($taerifr%)</span></div> <<showmeter 'Taeri' `$taerifr/ $max_taerifr`>> <div id="stat-title"> <span>Megan ($meganfr%)</span></div> <<showmeter 'Megan' `$meganfr/ $max_meganfr`>> <div id="stat-title"> <span>$john ($johnfr%)</span></div> <<showmeter '$john' `$johnfr/ $max_johnfr`>> <<else>> This information is not yet available. <</if>> <<button "Close">> <<script>> Dialog.close(); <</script>> <</button>>

You are paralyzed in place, your mind racing but also terribly blank. After some time –which could have been minutes or hours, for all you know–you decide it's time to move from your spot and start acting. You have too many questions running through your head, but ‘Am I going to die?’ rings the loudest. Your inner voice answers promptly: ‘Yes, if you keep doing nothing’. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|p_15]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

With the windows covered, the only way to leave is through the door. You press your ear against the wooden surface. Whoever had come to your room seems to be gone. You take a deep breath and open it. Once outside, a long hallway stretches down your right and left. Dozens of doors are lined up, each with card key scanners below their handles. Unlike the one that woke you up, the lights here are warm, making the brown hues of the walls and floor feel cozy and inviting. A carpet with a modern, abstract pattern cushions your feet. To your left, there seems to be a dead end, and to your right, you see an opening around the corner leading to another passageway. Before you can take one step, a high-pitched voice echoes down the corridors: “Is anyone here?!” <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You quickly turn to return to your room.|p_16][$bold to $bold - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Hello?” You ask the voice.|p_16][$bold to $bold + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You stay still.|p_16]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

A short figure quickly emerges through the opening you saw before. The frown on their face disappears when they spot you. “You! Hey! Hi!” They shout with a big smile as they approach you. “Finally, someone! I've been trying every door for so long and no one would open.” <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“You scared me.”|p_17][$bold to $bold - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“That's weird.”|p_18]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I didn't hear you.”|p_19][$honest to $honest - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Who are you?”|p_20]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You stay silent.|p_21]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

“I thought someone was out to get me,” you say, still shaken by the rattling noises. Their expression instantly drops in concern. “I'm sorry! I didn't mean to startle you.” They glance around. “Oh no, maybe that's why no one answered the door.” You shake your head. “I don't think so. Someone would have complained, at least. It's weird it's just the two of us.” “Right?” They raise their palms with exasperation. “This seems to be a hotel, and when is a hotel ever so empty? No workers, no guests, nothing. “Anyway, I'm Camila,” she says. “If this is a dream, then I'm its owner. Nice to meet you!” <<include "p_22">>

“We can't be the only ones here,” you say. “Right?” They raise their palms with exasperation. “This seems to be a hotel, and when is a hotel ever so empty? No workers, no guests, nothing. “Anyway, I'm Camila,” she says. “If this is a dream, then I'm its owner. Nice to meet you!” <<include "p_22">>

“If I had, I would have answered,” you lie, smiling. The person chuckles. “Don't worry! Maybe you are just a heavy sleeper. Anyway, it's good that we are together now. “I'm Camila,” she adds. “If this is a dream, then I'm its owner. Nice to meet you!” <<include "p_22">>

“I'm Camila,” she says. “If this is a dream, then I'm its owner. Nice to meet you!” <<include "p_22">>

“Anyway, I'm Camila,” she says. “If this is a dream, then I'm its owner. Nice to meet you!” <<include "p_22">>

You shake your head. <<if $thinksnotdreaming is true>>“No, believe me, this is real.”<<else>>“I thought I was dreaming too, but no, this is real.”<</if>> Their expression falls slightly. “I hoped that wasn’t the case. It’s so surreal, being alone in a place like this.” She looks around with a sad frown, and you mirror her. Your gaze falls once again on the entrance to the main corridor, where you catch what looks like a wisp of silver hair quickly disappearing around the corner. Camila sees your focused expression and looks behind her. “That seems to be the main hallway. The elevators aren’t working, and I was too scared to go down the stairs.” They turn back to you with a sheepish smile. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“I think I saw someone…” you mutter.|p_23][$honest to $honest + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You don't trust her enough to tell her.|p_24][$honest to $honest - 1, $trusting to $trusting - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You ignore what you saw.|p_25]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

“Wait, really?” she snaps her head around again. “Let's go, then!” She says, and thus, the both of you leave the rooms behind. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|p_26]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

You let out a quick sigh. You aren't entirely sure that you trust what you saw, but either way, you don't want to share too much information with someone you know nothing about. “Let’s go, then,” is all you say, and thus, the both of you leave the rooms behind. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|p_26]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

You let out a quick sigh. Maybe it was your imagination wanting to see someone else in this deserted place. “Let’s go, then,” you say, and thus, the both of you leave the rooms behind. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|p_26]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<if $height is "tall">>Camila’s short legs struggle to keep up with you, but she eventually catches up.<<else>>Camila walks beside you, steps muffled by the soft rug. <</if>> You notice she, like you, is wearing sleepwear. She’s barefoot, and her oversized t-shirt has bleach stains. Their honey-blonde hair is also messy. It seems she was abducted during her sleep, too. Soon, you find yourselves in front of the staircase, marble steps outlined by glass railing. It shocks you to see, though, that the ones going up are locked behind metal bars, brutalist and harsh, discordant in the modern and elegant surroundings. “It’s terrible…” she says with a shaky breath, a palm on her forehead. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You exhale, frustrated with her.|p_27][$friendly to $friendly - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You reassuringly smile at her.|p_28][$friendly to $friendly + 1; $camilafr to $camilafr + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You stay silent.|p_29]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

They don’t seem to notice, though. <<include "p_30">>

They give you one of their own, though she still looks tense. <<include "p_30">>

<<include "p_30">>

<<if $bold lt 51>>Hesitantly,<<else>>With determination,<</if>> you start your way down, the only way you can go. The marble feels cold against your shoeless feet. Camila follows closely. After some steps, you turn a corner, faced with some more. Past the last one, the floor extends beyond your sight. It seems you were on the second floor, after all. Once you reach it, the hotel’s reception opens up before you. The ceiling is high, a halo of light in the center of it, where a big, shining chandelier hangs down, hundreds of tiny diamonds swirling in an abstract pattern. The floor is so lustrous you can see your own reflection. The reception desk is empty of workers, like every part of the building you’ve passed. Though you expected as much, it still feels wrong. The lack of people in a place that should be packed makes it feel like you are not supposed to be there, same as when you go to school too early and find the classroom alone, wondering for a moment if it was a day off and you just missed the memo. “Hm, you think so?” A deep, mellow voice reaches your ears. You and Camila look at each other, her eyebrows raised and her round eyes open wide. Without having to say anything, the both of you hastily approach the center of the reception hall, where several expensive and minimalistic sofas are scattered around. Two seated men turn their heads towards you, their expressions equally shocked. One of them has almond-shaped eyes as dark brown as his skin. His attire is very different from yours, a brown vest over an impeccable shirt, his pants and shoes just as formal. With one leg propped over the other and an arm on the backrest, he comfortably blends in with the refined environment. On the other hand, the other man stands out like a sore thumb, blue scrubs under a white medical coat. His black bangs are almost long enough to cover his dark blue eyes, underlined by dark circles that contrast his pale skin. He’s hunched over himself slightly, shoulders tense and biting his nails. He looks surprised and terrified when he looks at you. The first man stands up, a soft smirk forming on his handsome face. “Hello, it’s good to see more people. I wager you don’t know what’s going on, right?” <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You smile back. “Hello, we are glad to see we are not the only ones here.”|p_31][$friendly to $friendly + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Oh, no, I do, I’m actually the mastermind,” you say with a cryptic smile.|p_32]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Do you?” You question skeptically, folding your arms.|p_33][$trusting to $trusting - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You simply shake your head.|p_34]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

“Same here. We thought there'd be more, but it sure was taking a while for them to appear.” <<include "p_35">>

He feigns a surprised face, while the other's gets somehow paler for a moment. “Is that so? You'd have a ton of questions to answer were that the case, master,” he says with a chuckle. <<include "p_35">>

“That makes four of us, then.” <<include "p_35">>

“No, we don’t. We were discussing some things just now,” he turns to look at the other person, and then back at you, “but it's hard to theorize when we are completely in the dark here.” <<include "p_35">>

The other man stands up too, fidgeting with his hands. “We searched everywhere, or, well, all the places we could access. There’s no one, no phones, no exits…” Camila nods next to you. “Yeah. I tried every door on the second floor, but no one answered. I just found my friend here. What do you think could–” Just then, hurried steps echo through the hall, getting closer to you. The whole group turns to look at the stairs that you just descended. A new person appears and stops to a halt. After a pause, they jog to where you are standing, their short brown hair bouncing as they do. “I… What… What’s going on?” they say breathlessly, their light skin flushed. “We have no idea,” the man in scrubs answers, their panic making his nervousness worse. “Are you okay?” asks Camila, softly holding the person’s arm. “We are all confused here, but we are in the same boat.” <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You nod, giving the stranger a reassuring smile.|p_36][$friendly to $friendly + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You roll your eyes at the sentimentalism.|p_36][$friendly to $friendly - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You look at the stranger with narrowed eyes. Are you really in the same boat?|p_36][$trusting to $trusting - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You watch silently.|p_36]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

They take some deep breaths and their shoulders slowly relax. “Sorry, I’m panicking a little.” They clear their throat. “What’s happening?” they repeat their question, now with a more assertive tone. “We aren’t entirely sure,” answers the elegant man. “For our part, we simply woke up here, but maybe if we share what we all know, even if it’s little, we could piece some information together.” The brown-haired person nods with furrowed brows. “Yes, that happened to me, too. And I think that’s a good idea.” “Who are you?” Before they can say more, another interruption occurs, now from a tall, blonde woman standing on the threshold of the wall opposite the staircase. She has a frown on her face and her arms sternly crossed over her chest. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Another woman peeks from behind her with a sly smile.|p_37][$jman to "woman", $john to "Jane", $jhe to "she", $jhim to "her", $jhis to "her", $jhiss to "hers", $jhimself to "herself"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[A man peeks from behind her with a sly smile.|p_37][$jman to "man", $john to "John", $jhe to "he", $jhim to "him", $jhis to "his", $jhiss to "his", $jhimself to "himself"]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<print $jhis.toUpperFirst()>> eyes look curiously at you behind rectangular glasses. You are surprised to see that $jhis fluffy hair is as white as ivory, with its tips brown. Maybe it was $jhim you saw before? “We are victims too,” says the anxious man. After a moment of analyzing each of you, the woman approaches you expressionlessly, with a walk comparable to that of a runway, her high ponytail swinging behind her. The silver-haired $jman follows her, brown eyes never leaving yours. “There are more people than I had expected,” muses the suit-clad man, thinking aloud. Turning to her, he says: “It's good that you asked that question. I was thinking we could all introduce ourselves, so maybe we can understand why we were brought here.” “Shouldn't we wait to see if there are more people?” asks Camila. “No,” the tall woman cuts. “Let’s get this over with quickly.” “There aren't more,” says the $jman pushing $jhis glasses up $jhis nose, who's now standing next to you. You take a small step to the side. “How do you know that?” asks the person who's still being held by Camila, raising a brow. The finality in the other $jman's voice does raise suspicion in you, too. <<print $jhe.toUpperFirst()>> either knows more than $jhe's letting on, or $jhe's just lying to confuse you.<<if $trusting lt 50>> You'll be keeping a close eye on $jhim.<<else>>You want to believe $jhe's on your side, though. <</if>> <<print $jhe.toUpperFirst()>> simply shrugs. The dark-skinned man clasps his hands. “Well, let's begin, shall we? There's no time to waste. Since I was the one with the idea, it's just fair I go first. My name is Kayde, and I'm currently in law school. As I said, I fell asleep, and the next thing I know I am in a hotel room I hadn't booked. Thought it was a dream for a second, but…” he looks around the hall, the warm lights that dangle from the ceiling like fireflies reflected on his eyes, “I don't think it is, anymore.” “Nice to meet you, Kayde!” says Camila, grinning. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You smile kindly at his introduction.|p_41][$friendly to $friendly + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“This is useless,” you say, frustrated.|p_39][$friendly to $friendly - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You don't want to introduce yourself. Who knows what these people's intentions are?|p_40][$trusting to $trusting - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You say nothing.|p_41]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

What if the lunatic who kidnapped you is among them? You don’t want to give any information that could put you in danger. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Though listening to theirs might be helpful...|p_41]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

“You don’t want to introduce yourself?” says the two-colored-haired $jman with a grin. “It’s not that. I just can’t see how this is going to help us escape from here.” “I’d normally agree with you,” $jhe answers, “but don’t you think more information would be valuable? It might help us keep calmer, if anything, give a sense of control…” You just stare at $jhim. Seems like you won’t be able to talk yourself out of this one. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|p_41]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Smiling, Kayde turns to the man wearing a medical coat. “How about you go next, doc?” He suddenly jumps, surprised by the sudden attention that has fallen on him. He recomposes as he clears his throat. “Yes… My name is Alix, it is very nice to meet you. As you may have figured out already, I’m in med school.” “Of course we figured, you guys wear those damn coats even when you shower, don’t you?” says the blonde with an annoyed tone. Alix’s pale face turns pink as his eyebrows shoot up. “No, that’s…! I just fell asleep during my night shift, it seems, so I’m still wearing these clothes.” “You fell asleep?!” shouts Camila with a terrified expression. “People’s lives depend on you and you fall asleep?!” Kayde snorts as Alix grows even more flustered, waving his hands frantically in front of him. “W-What?! I was on my break! I… I would never–” “O-Okay, let’s move on…” the person with brown hair interrupts with a nervous smile. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|p_42]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

They clear their throat. “I'm Taeri, nice to meet you too. I'm a biologist, and I’m doing a master's in botany,” they say proudly. “Lots of professionals here, huh?” says the blonde, her arms crossed. “Maybe there’s a pattern there?” the $jman standing next to you wonders, and you notice how closer $jhe’s gotten to you. You take yet another step to the side. “No! I’m not a professional,” Camila says, introducing herself. “I'm the guitarist of a band I have with my friends,” she smiles, showing all her teeth. “It's so great to meet you all!” “That's cool,” hums the $jman with white hair. “What type of music you play?” “Rock!” they answer, gleaming. “It's called Neon Pulp. You might not have heard of it because it's kind of new,” she scratches her head sheepishly. “I also work at an antique shop.” <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“Nice to meet you two,” you say.|p_44][$friendly to $friendly + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You sigh. This is indeed a waste of time.|p_44][$friendly to $friendly - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You stay silent.|p_44]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

“Great.” Kayde smiles and turns to the blonde woman, who’s wearing a sweater and a pleated skirt, both pink. “And you, Barbie? Who are you?” ‘Barbie’ looks up from her nails, one perfectly shaped eyebrow perked. She looks at us, one by one, before answering. “I'm Megan. I create content online.” “So… you are an influencer?” asks Taeri. She shrugs. “I guess you could say so.” “Wait, really?” Camila beams at her. “I thought I recognized you from somewhere! Can’t believe I’d meet you in a place like this.” Megan glares at them, her green eyes narrowed in disbelief. She looks almost offended. “That’s the thing you can’t believe? Not being kidnapped?” “No need to react like that,” Alix cuts in with a hesitant smile, but his weak voice does little to intimidate her, who doesn’t even pay a look at him. “Anyway,” says the white-haired $jman as he turns to you, $jhis eyes glinting behind $jhis glasses. “What about you?” <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You introduce yourself.|self intro]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You introduce yourself with a fake identity.|fake self intro][$honest to $honest - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You don't want to introduce yourself.|no want intro]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $nowantintro = true>> <<if $friendly gt 49>> <<if $bold lt 50>>“I… I don’t know if I want to say,”<<else>>“I’m sorry, but I don’t want to say,”<</if>> you admit. The reaction is mixed, most smiling and nodding in understanding, while Megan rolls her eyes and the $jman with glasses looks disappointed. “That’s okay,” says Kayde reassuringly, “but could you tell us how to call you, at least?”<</if>> <<if $friendly lt 50>> “I’m not telling you. We were abducted, and you want to get to know each other as though we’re going to be friends? I’m not participating in this,” you say with so much finality no one argues you. Most avert their gaze, while Megan rolls her eyes and the $jman with glasses looks disappointed. “That’s okay,” says Kayde after a moment of silence, “but could you tell us how to call you, at least?”<</if>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You oblige and tell them your real name.|real name]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You tell them a fake name.|fake name][$honest to $honest - 1]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

“So, there’s only one person left…” says Taeri as everyone turns their heads towards the $jman standing close to you. “Indeed,” $jhis eyes sweep over the group with a cold smile. “My name is $john and I’m a software developer.” <<include "p_46">>

<label>What is your name? <<textbox "$mcname" "Input name">></label> <<button "Name suggestions">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Name suggestions", "charsheet"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("names").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</button>> <label>No need to tell them now, but your surname is…<<textbox "$mcsurname" "Input surname">></label> <<button "Surname suggestions">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Surname suggestions", "charsheet"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("surnames").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</button>> What do you do? <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You study...|nowant study]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You work…|nowant work]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You are unemployed and don’t study.|p_45][$nostudywork to true]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $hasfakename = true>> <label>What is your fake name? <<textbox "$fakemcname" "Input fake name">></label> <<button "Name suggestions">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Name suggestions", "charsheet"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("names").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</button>> <label>And what is your real name? <<textbox "$mcname" "Input real name">></label> <label>No need to tell them now, but your surname is…<<textbox "$mcsurname" "Input surname">></label> <<button "Surname suggestions">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Surname suggestions", "charsheet"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("surnames").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</button>> What do you do? <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You study...|nowant study]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You work…|nowant work]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You are unemployed and don’t study.|p_45][$nostudywork to true]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Erhard. Bruno. Doina. Julia. Melokuhle. Alex. Jin. Noah.

Järvinen. Fisher. Gutierrez. Haas. Grant. Mohamed. Rossi. Kuang.

<<set $study = true>> [[business.|p_45][$studyfield to "business"]] [[art.|p_45][$studyfield to "art"]] [[law.|lawyer][$studyfield to "law"]] [[medical science.|doctorst][$studyfield to "medical"]] [[natural science.|scientist][$studyfield to "natural"]] [[social science.|p_45][$studyfield to "social"]] [[computer science.|programmer][$studyfield to "computer"]] [[English.|p_45][$studyfield to "english"]]

<<set $work = true>> [[in a business.|p_45][$workfield to "businessman"]] [[as an artist.|p_45][$workfield to "artist"]] [[as a musician.|musician][$workfield to "musician"]] [[as a lawyer.|lawyer][$workfield to "lawyer"]] [[as a doctor.|doctor][$workfield to "doctor"]] [[as a scientist.|scientist][$workfield to "scientist"]] [[as a sociologist.|p_45][$workfield to "sociologist"]] [[as a programmer.|programmer][$workfield to "programmer"]] [[as a writer.|writer][$workfield to "writer"]] [[in retail.|p_45][$workfield to "retail"]] [[at an office.|p_45][$workfield to "office"]] [[as a content creator.|contentcreator][$workfield to "contentcreator"]]

You clear your throat, and all heads turn towards you, <<if $bold lt 49>>making sweat form on your brow.<<else>> so you stand straighter.<</if>> “My name is… <<textbox "$mcname" "Input name">> <<button "Name suggestions">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Name suggestions", "charsheet"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("names").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</button>> <label>No need to tell them now, but your surname is…<<textbox "$mcsurname" "Input surname">></label> <<button "Surname suggestions">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Surname suggestions", "charsheet"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("surnames").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</button>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[I study…|study]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[I work…|work]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[I’m unemployed and don’t study.|p_45][$nostudywork to true]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $fakeidentity = true>> <<set $hasfakename = true>> You clear your throat, and all heads turn towards you, <<if $bold lt 49>>making sweat form on your brow.<<else>> so you stand straighter.<</if>> “My name is… <label>What is your fake name? <<textbox "$fakemcname" "Input fake name">></label> <<button "Name suggestions">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Name suggestions", "charsheet"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("names").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</button>> <label>And what is your real name? <<textbox "$mcname" "Input real name">></label> <label>No need to tell them now, but your surname is…<<textbox "$mcsurname" "Input surname">></label> <<button "Surname suggestions">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Surname suggestions", "charsheet"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("surnames").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</button>> What do you really do? <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You study...|real study]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You work…|real work]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You are unemployed and don’t study.|fakeoccupation][$nostudywork to true]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

“Another musician?” says Camila with her mouth agape. “That’s so cool! I’d love to hear your music when we get out of here.” //If// you get out. <<include "p_45">>

“Another lawyer, eh?” hums Kayde. He doesn’t look particularly interested in the fact, but you sense some appreciation in his gaze. <<include "p_45">>

“Another doctor…” says Alix, his eyes slightly widened. “Might be useful.” You don’t want to know what type of situation he’s imagining in which two doctors could be needed. <<include "p_45">>

“Another scientist,” says Taeri, their gaze showing appreciation and some surprise. “How interesting.” <<include "p_45">>

“Another programmer…?” hums the white-haired $jman. “Are you?” “Indeed,” $jhe turns $jhis gaze away from you almost reluctantly to look at the rest of the group. “My name is $john and I’m a software developer.” <<include "p_46">>

“Another writer…” hums Megan, her expression softening for the first time. “Another?” you repeat, confused. “Oh, nothing.” She averts her gaze. <<include "p_45">>

“Another content creator…” Megan looks at you, her gaze inspecting your face. Doesn’t seem to recognize you. “Funny coincidence,” says Kayde, though he doesn’t look either amused or too interested. <<include "p_45">>

“Another medical student…” says Alix, his eyes slightly widened. “Might be useful.” You don’t want to know what type of situation he’s imagining in which two med students could be needed. <<include "p_45">>

<<set $showrelationshipstats = true>> //You can now see the relationship stats.// Everyone nods, and so the last person was introduced. Maybe now you can focus on something more productive, like finding a way out of here… <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">//[[Click.|p_47]]//</div> </div><</nobr>>

//Chhh// //Chhh-kshhh// <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">//[[Chh-kshh.|p_48]]//</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $study = true>> [[business.|fakeoccupation][$studyfield to "business"]] [[art.|fakeoccupation][$studyfield to "art"]] [[law.|fakeoccupation][$studyfield to "law"]] [[medical science.|fakeoccupation][$studyfield to "medical"]] [[natural science.|fakeoccupation][$studyfield to "natural"]] [[social science.|fakeoccupation][$studyfield to "social"]] [[computer science.|fakeoccupation][$studyfield to "computer"]] [[English.|fakeoccupation][$studyfield to "english"]]

<<set $work = true>> [[in a business.|fakeoccupation][$workfield to "businessman"]] [[as an artist.|fakeoccupation][$workfield to "artist"]] [[as a musician.|fakeoccupation][$workfield to "musician"]] [[as a lawyer.|fakeoccupation][$workfield to "lawyer"]] [[as a doctor.|fakeoccupation][$workfield to "doctor"]] [[as a scientist.|fakeoccupation][$workfield to "scientist"]] [[as a sociologist.|fakeoccupation][$workfield to "sociologist"]] [[as a programmer.|fakeoccupation][$workfield to "programmer"]] [[as a writer.|fakeoccupation][$workfield to "writer"]] [[in retail.|fakeoccupation][$workfield to "retail"]] [[at an office.|fakeoccupation][$workfield to "office"]] [[as a content creator.|fakeoccupation][$workfield to "contentcreator"]]

But that's a secret. Instead, you say... <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[I study...|fakestudy]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[I work…|fakework]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[I’m unemployed and don’t study.|p_45][$fakenostudywork to true]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $fakestudy = true>> [[business.|p_45][$fakestudyfield to "business"]] [[art.|p_45][$fakestudyfield to "art"]] [[law.|lawyer][$fakestudyfield to "law"]] [[medical science.|doctorst][$fakestudyfield to "medical"]] [[natural science.|scientist][$fakestudyfield to "natural"]] [[social science.|p_45][$fakestudyfield to "social"]] [[computer science.|programmer][$fakestudyfield to "computer"]] [[English.|p_45][$fakestudyfield to "english"]]

<<set $fakework = true>> [[in a business.|p_45][$fakeworkfield to "businessman"]] [[as an artist.|p_45][$fakeworkfield to "artist"]] [[as a musician.|musician][$fakeworkfield to "musician"]] [[as a lawyer.|lawyer][$fakeworkfield to "lawyer"]] [[as a doctor.|doctor][$fakeworkfield to "doctor"]] [[as a scientist.|scientist][$fakeworkfield to "scientist"]] [[as a sociologist.|p_45][$fakeworkfield to "sociologist"]] [[as a programmer.|programmer][$fakeworkfield to "programmer"]] [[as a writer.|writer][$fakeworkfield to "writer"]] [[in retail.|p_45][$fakeworkfield to "retail"]] [[at an office.|p_45][$fakeworkfield to "office"]] [[as a content creator.|contentcreator][$fakeworkfield to "contentcreator"]]

<<set $study = true>> [[business.|p_45][$studyfield to "business"]] [[art.|p_45][$studyfield to "art"]] [[law.|p_45][$studyfield to "law"]] [[medical science.|p_45][$studyfield to "medical"]] [[natural science.|p_45][$studyfield to "natural"]] [[social science.|p_45][$studyfield to "social"]] [[computer science.|p_45][$studyfield to "computer"]] [[English.|p_45][$studyfield to "english"]]

<<set $work = true>> [[in a business.|p_45][$workfield to "businessman"]] [[as an artist.|p_45][$workfield to "artist"]] [[as a musician.|p_45][$workfield to "musician"]] [[as a lawyer.|p_45][$workfield to "lawyer"]] [[as a doctor.|p_45][$workfield to "doctor"]] [[as a scientist.|p_45][$workfield to "scientist"]] [[as a sociologist.|p_45][$workfield to "sociologist"]] [[as a programmer.|p_45][$workfield to "programmer"]] [[as a writer.|p_45][$workfield to "writer"]] [[in retail.|p_45][$workfield to "retail"]] [[at an office.|p_45][$workfield to "office"]] [[as a content creator.|p_45][$workfield to "contentcreator"]]

"Welcome," an androgynous voice travels through the reception, the main hall where you are, probably the corridor where Camila found you and everywhere else. You see small, black speakers you hadn’t noticed before attached to almost every corner of the ceiling. "This is a pre-recorded message," it continues with a detached tone, utterly professional. "Please remain calm and pay attention. There are seven of you, and you are in a hotel, whose name does not matter. Do not try to leave through the doors or windows, since they are all locked and you will not be able to open them. I repeat: do not try to leave." The whole group stands silent, their thoughts a mystery, veiled under serious and focused expressions. <<if $bold gte 50>> You try to hide your fear too,<<else>>You try to keep your composure,<</if>> although you don't know if you can. The situation is unnerving, it feels like being inside of a horror movie. It can't be real, it can't, but somehow it is. <<if $bold gte 50>> But you have to get through it.<<else>>How you wish you could just wake up.<</if>> "We are sure you want details on your situation: where you are exactly, how you got here, //who// got you here, who are the people with you... These are expected questions for humans to make. Humans wonder, we are curious by nature. We do not judge you for this. However, we cannot answer this now. You will know in due time, if you know where to search. "What we will tell you is what you need to do." There's a small pause and all of you perk up, even more concentrated than before. "You are going to be partaking in a series of games, if you will. Trials that will put your values and deepest fears on display, that will test your minds, your limits." From the corner of your eye you see Alix cleaning his forehead with his sleeve, eyes glued to the speaker as though he can see the very sounds coming out of it. Kayde is next to him, his brows knit together and a hand on his chin. To your right, Camila and Taeri mirror them. Even Megan betrays fear in her expression. The only one who remains calm, or at least appears to be, is $john, who's rocking on $jhis feet. "That is all you need to know about the logistics for the time being. You will understand, when the moment comes. //If// the moment comes." A loud static noise drowns the sound of your seven combined pounding hearts. Then, the voice continues unperturbed. “Now, you will cross two doors, and you will have to exit the rooms to the best of your abilities. These rooms will then remain open for you to use. The first one is the kitchen, which is located in the buffet area. To access the second, please enter the elevator.” With perfect timing, the elevator reaches the first floor with a ding. The doors open revealing a thankfully empty space, big enough to carry ten people comfortably and then some. Its mirrored wall reflects seven worried faces. “The rules are… none. You are free to do things as you think best. We will not influence how you go about your tests. In fact, you may choose not to participate in them at all.” This last statement makes you frown. It seems unlikely for them to go through all the trouble to get you there and then let you leave. The rest seem to agree, since they exchange confused looks. “You can divide the amount of people who go through each door now as you wish, too. We want you to be comfortable, to be yourselves. Be authentic. “Be welcome. We expect great things of you.” And thus, the speaker goes silent like a dead carcass. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Dread invades your senses, panic rising in your body.|p_49][$bold to $bold - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[The situation isn't ideal, but you manage to keep your cool. Or maybe you are dissociating.|p_49][$bold to $bold + 1]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

“Oh, God, this is terrible…” you hear Alix mutter breathlessly. “What the hell is going on?” says Taeri to themself, and then they turn to look at each of you, as if searching for an answer. “How are we supposed to know?” Megan replies and crosses her arms. She stares intently at the speaker, deep in thought, though she knows whatever conclusion she could come up with it's either useless or plain wrong. “It’s so weird that they would let us not participate,” $john thinks aloud. “And to make a game without rules… Odd.” Megan flips her head violently towards $jhim with a look of disbelief. “A game? You are calling this psychotic torture a game?” “What else do you want to call it? Either way, it doesn’t change anything,” $jhe answers, completely unperturbed. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“Anything *but* a game. This is crazy,” you say, shaking your head.|p_50][$bold to $bold - 1; $meganfr to $meganfr + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I mean… that’s what the voice said, that these are games,” you say.|p_51][$johnfr to $johnfr + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Games or not, maybe we should get moving? Who knows what could happen if we take too long,” you say, trying to be practical.|p_52][$bold to $bold + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Games or not, we shouldn’t involve ourselves with this. We should spend our time finding a way to escape,” you say, unnerved.|p_53]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You stay silent.|p_54]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

“It is, and we should find a way out of here,” continues Megan, and without waiting a second for any of you to respond, she makes her way towards the front door, which is tall and wide and made of glass. It, too, is covered by metal plates. <<include "p_55">>

$john grins at you. “I don’t care what it said. We should find a way out of here,” continues Megan, and without waiting a second for any of you to respond, she makes her way towards the front door, which is tall and wide and made of glass. It, too, is covered by metal plates. <<include "p_55">>

“What? No. There’s no way I’ll indulge the psychos that kidnapped us. We should find a way out of here,” continues Megan, and without waiting a second for any of you to respond, she makes her way towards the front door, which is tall and wide and made of glass. It, too, is covered by metal plates. <<include "p_55">>

“We should find a way out of here,” continues Megan, and without waiting a second for any of you to respond, she makes her way towards the front door, which is tall and wide and made of glass. It, too, is covered by metal plates. <<include "p_55">>

“But… the voice said not to try to leave,” answers Alix, biting one nail. “Of course they said that, but there’s no way I’m going to listen to them,” continues Megan, and without waiting a second for any of you to respond, she makes her way towards the front door, which is tall and wide and made of glass. It, too, is covered by metal plates. <<include "p_55">>

“I don’t think we can,” says Kayde with a sad, resigned tone. The blonde woman ignores him completely. “The silence… it’s so unnerving,” Taeri says, rushing a hand through their short hair and down their face with exasperation. “Why is there no sound from outside? It’s like we are in the middle of nowhere.” You have noticed this too. Since you woke up here, you haven’t heard anything apart from white noise and your pounding heart. No traffic or sirens so characteristic of cities, and no sound of wind passing through leaves, crickets or birds. Just eerie, utter silence. “That’s because the walls are soundproof,” explains $john as $jhe plops down a sofa and extends $jhis arms on the backrest. “And so they are fireproof, bulletproof, destruction-proof, maybe everything-proof. There’s no way someone would spend so many resources on a game just to have weak walls and the players escape. That’s why our friend here is just wasting her time.” Now does Megan turn around, her face scrunched up with anger. “What the fuck do you want to do, then?! Just sit down and wait for nothing? Or don’t tell me you actually want to go along with this shit?” “Maybe we could wait?” Says Alix in a small voice, and he flinches when the furious woman’s eyes pierce through him. “I mean, surely someone is looking for us. Seven people missing can’t go unnoticed, I don’t think.” Camila, who has been silent for a while, stands with a hand on their chin, thinking. “A lot of people have been missing lately… And not only in this country, but in many. Do you think it’s related to this? A friend told me there could be a conspiracy behind it, and that no one knows what’s really going on.” “I’ve seen tons of missing persons posters around my neighborhood,” you say, remembering their faces as they watched you go by every day when you walked <<if $work>>to work, <<elseif $study>>to college, <<elseif $nostudywork>>around the town, <</if>> “and some people would definitely say it is.” “I-I don’t really watch the news much lately,” Alix answers, who doesn’t seem to notice he’s drawing blood from the skin around his nails as he scratches it. “How many have been found?” “Hm, I’m not sure,” Camila seems to think harder, but shakes her head. “We didn’t discuss much apart from the conspiracies-” “Few,” interrupts Kayde. The room falls silent. You already knew this information; your town is very superstitious and won’t stop talking about the disappearances, but hearing it in this context makes it more chilling. Because you know that the faces of the six strangers trapped with you will soon be plastered on those walls. That your face will be there, too. “People have always been missing, and some are found and some, sadly, aren’t. But those that have been disappearing lately, that go missing for months or even years, the ones that are being linked to conspiracies and are worrying the entire world, those don’t come back. None of them have been found,” he says with his gaze unfocused, his fists clenching so much his knuckles turn white. His eyes sweep over all of you, and he shows a small, if forced, smile. “But we know nothing for sure. There’s not much evidence of anything, to be honest. It’s best not to ponder on it right now.” You nod. Whatever is happening outside this hotel doesn’t matter at the moment. The problem at hand is that you are trapped and you can either play the game or find a way to leave the place, even if the chances of succeeding are low. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You’d want to be pragmatic and do something, however helpless it might be, but you can’t focus and are rather having a meltdown|p_56][$bold to $bold - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You’d want to have the time to lie down and weep at the predicament, but you have to act if you want to survive.|p_57][$bold to $bold + 1]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<if ($honest lt 50) or ($bold gt 50)>> You turn from the group and sit down next to $john. You try to control your breathing. You don’t want anyone to see you vulnerable or weak, so you muster all your strength to keep your emotions veiled. You stand straight and clench your fists. You can feel tears burning in your eyes, but you can’t cry, not now. You lay back on the sofa as if you were completely calm. You breathe in and out, over and over again after you regain some sense of control over your sensations. You finally become aware of your surroundings again and look up to see everyone talking, some as panicked as you, except for $john that remains seated by your side. “Do you feel better?” $jhe says with the most concerned tone you’ve heard from $jhim until now. “You seem a little troubled there. I’d tell you to take your time, but it seems they have decided to play, after all. It was obvious we were going to do it from the beginning, so it beats me why we wasted so much time, but what do I know?” $jhe looks at you with a warm smile, but you notice $jhe’s also trying to see if you are okay. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’m good, don’t worry,” you say with a smile of your own.|p_58][$friendly to $friendly + 1; $johnfr to $johnfr + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“None of your business,” you say flatly.|p_58][$friendly to $friendly - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You simply nod.|p_58][$johnfr to $johnfr + 1]]</div> </div><</nobr>> <<elseif ($honest gte 50) or ($bold lte 50)>> You turn from the group and sit down next to $john. You try to control your breathing but you fail and end up almost hyperventilating. You bend over yourself and cover your face with your palms. You can feel tears burning in your eyes, but you are so stunned by everything that you can’t even cry. You hear someone saying something to you, but it might as well have been said in a foreign language, because your brain doesn’t register any information. You breathe in and out, over and over again after you regain some sense of control over your sensations. You finally look up from your hands and see everyone talking, some as panicked as you, except for $john who remains seated by your side. “Do you feel better?” $jhe says with the most concerned tone you’ve heard from $jhim until now. “I didn’t do anything because I didn’t want to make you feel worse. I’d tell you to take your time, but it seems they have decided to play, after all. It was obvious we were going to do it from the beginning, so it beats me why we wasted so much time, but what do I know?” $jhe looks at you with a warm smile, but you notice $jhe’s also trying to see if you are okay. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’m good, thank you,” you reassure $jhim with a smile of your own.|p_58][$friendly to $friendly + 1; $johnfr to $johnfr + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“None of your business,” you say flatly.|p_58][$friendly to $friendly - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You simply nod.|p_58][$johnfr to $johnfr + 1]]</div> </div><</nobr>> <</if>>

<<if $bold gte 50>>No matter how tough you might be, the idea of never leaving such a nightmarish place makes you shiver. <<else>>You’ve never been the bravest of the bunch, and the idea of never leaving such a nightmarish place makes you want to puke.<</if>> Still, you turn your survival mode on and try to focus. You let out a deep breath to steel yourself and think about the best thing to do next. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Help Megan find some way out.|p_59][$meganfr to $meganfr + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[It’s time to play.|p_60]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

You two get up from the couch and rejoin the group, which is still in the center of the room. At the same time, Megan reappears after a while of exploring the place. If her crestfallen demeanor is any indication, her efforts were fruitless. “Found anything?” Camila asks anyway with some hope in her voice, though she must have noticed the same as you. Megan just shakes her head without looking at them. Kayde sighs before speaking: “While you were gone, we have decided that we don’t have much option but to do these trials. Alix and I will go to the kitchen, and Camila and Taeri will go through the elevator.” He pauses for a second to look at the three of you. He tries to keep his composure, but you see tiredness in his dark eyes. “Where do you want to go? Or, you can opt out. It’s your choice.” “I… I’ll choose the elevator,” says Megan. <<if $hasfakename>>“What do you want to do, $fakemcname?” asks $john, who’s already at your side, staring at you expectantly.<<else>>“What do you want to do, $mcname?” asks $john, who’s already at your side, staring at you expectantly.<</if>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’ll pick the elevator, too.”|elevator_1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’ll pick the kitchen.”|kitchen_1][$firstgame to "kitchen"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I won’t do this, I’ll stay.” (route not added yet)|noplay_1][$firstgame to "noplay"]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $explorewithmegan = true>> You ignore $john’s comments and go with Megan. She has opened the glass door that leads to a giant metal wall. You look up and down, and even reach closer to analyze the material, but you see no way you could break it. “We can’t do anything to these plates,” she declares next to you. “But maybe there’s a weak spot somewhere.” Her words are confident and matter-of-fact, but her voice couldn’t be further from that. She sounds more desperate as time passes, and her once sleek, perfect ponytail now has hairs sticking out, due to her scratching her head anxiously. “Let’s find it, then,” you say, and so you split and start looking through every window and door. You soon realize that most rooms are locked. The main hall connects to a few places, and only the stairs you’ve descended and the buffet area are accessible, apart from some empty corridors. After searching the limited amount of spaces, you end up in the main hall once again, no closer to an escape route than before. Megan looks even more stressed, and she doesn’t put much effort anymore to hide that she is devastated at the lack of progress. <<if $friendly lt 50>>You stay silent, because you are just as angry, and know that nothing you could say would change a thing. <<else>>You offer her some words of encouragement, but she pays little attention. <</if>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You rejoin the group, which is still in the center of the room.|p_61]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

You don’t know if the trials are dangerous, but you also have no idea of the consequences of not participating. Maybe the key to freedom lies behind those doors, so you’d be a fool not to at least try to get it. Either way, you are locked in this hotel, so you might as well risk it. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“I think we should do these trials,” you say.|p_62]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You made up your mind but you’d rather someone else took the lead.|p_63]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

“Found anything?” asks Camila with some hope in her voice, though she must notice the disappointed looks on your faces. Megan just shakes her head without looking at them. Kayde sighs before speaking: “While you were gone, we have decided that we don’t have much option but to do these trials. Alix and I will go to the kitchen, and Camila and Taeri will go through the elevator.” He pauses for a second to look at the both of you. He tries to keep his composure, but you see tiredness in his dark eyes. “Where do you want to go? Or, you can opt out. It’s your choice.” “I… I’ll choose the elevator,” says Megan. <<if $hasfakename>>“What do you want to do, $fakemcname?” asks $john, who’s already on your side, staring at you expectantly.<<else>>“What do you want to do, $mcname?” asks $john, who’s already at your side, staring at you expectantly.<</if>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’ll pick the elevator, too.”|elevator_1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’ll pick the kitchen.”|kitchen_1][$firstgame to "kitchen"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I won’t do this, I’ll stay.” (route not added yet)|noplay_1][$firstgame to "noplay"]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

“It sounds weird and scary, but I don’t think they will let us go unless we play.” You said what everyone–except for Megan–is thinking, judging from the looks on their faces. No one seems too excited to dive headfirst into this strange mess, but what’s the alternative? “There’s no other option, I guess,” Camila agrees, though her gaze remains on the floor. Taeri nods after some moments. “Maybe we should split up? There are two doors, after all.” “Yeah, we’ll save time that way,” Kayde says, crossing his arms. “I’ll go to the kitchen, then.” “Cool, I wanted to go through the elevator. I wonder where it leads,” Camila says as she stares at her reflection on its mirrored wall. Her once cheerful face now looks dejected. Your heart churns at the sight. Alix decides to go to the kitchen, while Taeri wants to accompany Camila. Just then, Megan reappears after a while of exploring the place. If her crestfallen demeanor is any indication, her efforts were fruitless. “Found anything?” Camila asks anyway with some hope in her voice, though she must have noticed the same as you. Megan just shakes her head without looking at them. Kayde sighs before speaking: “While you were gone, we have decided that we don’t have much option but to do these trials. Alix and I will go to the kitchen, and Camila and Taeri will go through the elevator.” He pauses for a second to look at her. He tries to keep his composure, but you see tiredness in his dark eyes. “Where do you want to go? Or, you can opt out. It’s your choice.” “I… I’ll choose the elevator,” says Megan. <<if $hasfakename>>“What do you want to do, $fakemcname?” asks $john, who’s already at your side, staring at you expectantly.<<else>>“What do you want to do, $mcname?” asks $john, who’s already at your side, staring at you expectantly.<</if>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’ll pick the elevator, too.”|elevator_1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’ll pick the kitchen.”|kitchen_1][$firstgame to "kitchen"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I won’t do this, I’ll stay.” (route not added yet)|noplay_1][$firstgame to "noplay"]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

“It doesn’t thrill me, but… it’s about time we got this over with. Who knows, perhaps we’ll get more information if we complete these trials,” Kayde says, thankfully echoing your thoughts. “There’s no other option, I guess,” Camila agrees, though her gaze remains on the floor. Taeri nods after some moments. “Maybe we should split up? There are two doors, after all.” “Yeah, we’ll save time that way,” Kayde says, crossing his arms. “I’ll go to the kitchen, then.” “Cool, I wanted to go through the elevator. I wonder where it leads,” Camila says as she stares at her reflection on its mirrored wall. Her once cheerful face now looks dejected. Your heart churns at the sight. Alix decides to go to the kitchen, while Taeri wants to accompany Camila. Just then, Megan reappears after a while of exploring the place. If her crestfallen demeanor is any indication, her efforts were fruitless. “Found anything?” Camila asks anyway with some hope in her voice, though she must have noticed the same as you. Megan just shakes her head without looking at them. Kayde sighs before speaking: “While you were gone, we have decided that we don’t have much option but to do these trials. Alix and I will go to the kitchen, and Camila and Taeri will go through the elevator.” He pauses for a second to look at her. He tries to keep his composure, but you see tiredness in his dark eyes. “Where do you want to go? Or, you can opt out. It’s your choice.” “I… I’ll choose the elevator,” says Megan. <<if $hasfakename>>“What do you want to do, $fakemcname?” asks $john, who’s already at your side, staring at you expectantly.<<else>>“What do you want to do, $mcname?” asks $john, who’s already at your side, staring at you expectantly.<</if>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’ll pick the elevator, too.”|elevator_1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’ll pick the kitchen.”|kitchen_1][$firstgame to "kitchen"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I won’t do this, I’ll stay.” (route not added yet)|noplay_1][$firstgame to "noplay"]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

“I’m going with you, then!” $jhe answers. <<if $friendly lt 50>>You perk an eyebrow at $jhim. How can someone be so creepy and annoying is beyond you. <<elseif $trusting lt 50>>You perk an eyebrow at $jhim. Your suspicions are getting higher by the second.<<elseif $friendly gte 50>>You smile at $jhim, unsure of what else to do. <</if>> “That’d mean it’s five of us…” says Taeri. “Maybe one should go to the kitchen, so it’s more fair?” <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“I can do it, if you want,” they add.|elevator_2][$firstgame to "elevatormeg"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’ll go,” Megan answers.|elevator_3][$firstgame to "elevatortae"]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

“I’m going with you, then!” $jhe answers. <<if $friendly lt 50>>You perk an eyebrow at $jhim. How can someone be so creepy and annoying is beyond you. <<elseif $trusting lt 50>>You perk an eyebrow at $jhim. Your suspicions are getting higher by the second.<<elseif $friendly gte 50>>You smile at $jhim, unsure of what else to do. <</if>> Now that you are split, both groups go to their respective destinations. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|kitchen_2]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

//To be added.//

You all nod as they move to approach Alix and Kayde. Now that you are split, both groups go to their respective destinations. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|elevator_4]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

You all nod as she moves to approach Alix and Kayde, not before glaring at $john and rolling her eyes. Now that you are split, both groups go to their respective destinations. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|elevator_4]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<if $firstgame is "elevatormeg">>Megan, <<else>>Taeri, <</if>>Camila, $john and you make your way to the elevator, and you pause in front of its open doors. You know that once you enter, there’s no coming back until you complete the game. What will happen if you don’t make it? Your companions seem at least competent, but you don’t know how hard it will be and if it’s solvable in the first place. It could even be a trap. “Are you ready?” asks $john, pulling you out of your thoughts. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“Yeah, let’s do it.”|elevator_5][$bold to $bold + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Yeah, let’s do it.” You actually aren’t, but you are not going to tell them that.|elevator_5][$honest to $honest - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“No, but we have to do it anyway.”|elevator_5][$bold to $bold + 1; $honest to $honest + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“No, I still think this is a terrible idea.”|elevator_5][$bold to $bold - 1, $honest to $honest + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You nod.|elevator_5]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Alix, Kayde, $john and you get into the buffet area. <<if $explorewithmegan>> You’ve already seen it with Megan, but you take a moment to analyze it again.<</if>> The place, like all the ones you’ve been in, is huge, the floor sparkling clean and with lights so bright you are almost blinded by them. There are dozens of tables, each with its respective centerpiece: a slender glass pot with deeply purple flowers, their petals curled like the hood of a cloaked figure. <<if $studyfield is "medical" or $workfield is "doctor" or $studyfield is "natural" or $workfield is "scientist">>Aconitum. You wonder what such a poisonous plant is doing in a place where food is consumed.<<elseif $studyfield is "english" or $workfield is "writer">>Wolfsbane. You’ve read that it’s associated with death and danger due to how poisonous it is. How fitting.<</if>> At the center of the room there’s a marble island where the buffet is supposed to be served. You can picture exotic fruits, tons of different options of beverages and breads for breakfast, eggs cooked in a million different ways, caviar and whatnot. It’s a pity it’s empty; you don’t know when was the last time you’ve eaten, and that won’t help you face whatever is coming next. You don’t struggle to find the door to the kitchen. The four of you stand in front of it, none looking forward to opening it. You know that once you enter, there’s no coming back until you complete the game. What will happen if you don’t make it? Your companions seem at least competent, but you don’t know how hard it will be and if it’s solvable in the first place. It could even be a trap. “Are you ready?” asks $john, pulling you out of your thoughts. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“Yeah, let’s do it.”|kitchen_3][$bold to $bold + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Yeah, let’s do it.” You actually aren’t, but you are not going to tell them that.|kitchen_3][$honest to $honest - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“No, but we have to do it anyway.”|kitchen_3][$bold to $bold + 1; $honest to $honest + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“No, I still think this is a terrible idea.”|kitchen_3][$bold to $bold - 1, $honest to $honest + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You nod.|kitchen_3]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

You don’t know exactly what you should be ready for, but you are sure that there’s one thing you don’t want to see past these doors. <<if $bold gt 50>>You are not someone who gets scared easily, but you have a fear that’s so strong you start sweating just by thinking about it.<<elseif $bold lt 50>>It’s not hard for you to get scared, but one fear is stronger than everything else, so much so you start sweating just by thinking about it.<<else>>You get scared just like everybody else, but you have a fear that’s so strong you start sweating just by thinking about it.<</if>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You are scared of the dark.|elevator_dark]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You are scared of insects.|elevator_insects]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You are scared of confined spaces.|elevator_claustrophobia]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You are scared of big bodies of water.|elevator_water]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You are scared of fire.|elevator_fire]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You are scared of death.|elevator_death]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

You don’t know exactly what you should be ready for, but you are sure that there’s one thing you don’t want to see past these doors. <<if $bold gt 50>>You are not someone who gets scared easily, but you have a fear that’s so strong you start sweating just by thinking about it.<<elseif $bold lt 50>>It’s not hard for you to get scared, but one fear is stronger than everything else, so much so you start sweating just by thinking about it.<<else>>You get scared just like everybody else, but you have a fear that’s so strong you start sweating just by thinking about it.<</if>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You are scared of the dark.|kitchen_dark]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You are scared of insects.|kitchen_insects]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You are scared of confined spaces.|kitchen_claustrophobia]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You are scared of big bodies of water.|kitchen_water]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You are scared of fire.|kitchen_fire]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You are scared of death.|kitchen_death]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $fear to "dark">> You are scared of the dark. It’s only natural. Humans have poor night vision and have evolved to be scared when they are vulnerable. With one of your senses rendered useless, all the rest seem to hone to compensate, and you can hear the faintest of noises, feel the lightest of touches on your skin. Your body perks up completely, bracing for an imminent danger to jump on you when you are the most defenseless. After all, who knows what lurks within the shadows as dark as your futilely dilated pupils? <<include "kitchen_4">>

<<set $fear to "insects">> You are scared of insects. They might not have a lion's huge teeth or a bear's strength, but they are no less menacing. Their twitching legs, their amber exoskeletons, so strong they won’t break no matter how hard you crush them, just the thought makes you feel a thousand prickles creeping over your body, trying to break into your skin. <<include "kitchen_4">>

<<set $fear to "claustro">> You are scared of confined spaces. Be it a tight cave, a closet, or an elevator, small, closed spaces make your heart rate rise and your skin sweat as though the walls surrounding you are trying to close up on you, moving inch by inch, asphyxiating you and leaving you without escape. The mere thought makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. <<include "kitchen_4">>

<<set $fear to "water">> You are scared of big bodies of water. You could never learn how to swim due to your fear, and now you avoid them entirely. The idea of being submerged into a vast abyss, your limbs useless with no solid ground to stand on, your lungs slowly filling with water until you cannot breathe, until your whole body is bloated with it, it just makes you want to puke. <<include "kitchen_4">>

<<set $fear to "fire">> You are scared of fire. It’s hungry and untamed, it greedily destroys everything in its path, from the strongest metals to your flesh and bones. Smoke clings your lungs, sting your eyes, your skin melts into an unrecognizable, bloody mess. It’s so merciless you’d rather stay far from even the smaller flames, knowing they can get out of control faster than you can put them away. <<include "kitchen_4">>

<<set $fear to "death">> You are scared of death. Almost everybody is, to some degree–it’s the most primal fear a being can have. It’s the motor that makes you try to survive. Ironically, without it life would lose its meaning. Yet, your fear goes beyond mere instinct. Your end terrifies you. You could spend hundreds of sleepless nights trying to figure out what death actually means, how it feels and what comes after it. Does your mind, once full of emotions and memories, truly slip into nothingness for eternity? Do darkness and silence engulf your now rotting body as if you had never existed at all? Or do you maybe enter a new life as someone else? Go to heaven to meet your Creator? You can’t be certain, but you will know eventually, and the inevitability of it all makes you spiral. <<if $studyfield is "medical" or $workfield is "doctor">>As a consequence, choosing a career as a doctor was hard, and maybe not entirely logical. Studying death so closely and having to work surrounded by it will never get easy, but it is your vocation and you couldn’t ignore that. So far, it could be going worse for you.<</if>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|elevator_13]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Kayde is the one who reaches for the door, and it opens without making a sound. The silence around you makes your heartbeat echo loudly in your ears. It only makes you feel more alienated, as if time has frozen and you are trapped in a strange limbo. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Enter the kitchen. (end of demo)|cant go no further]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

You didn’t expect to have to challenge your fears so soon. The elevator is bigger than most, and the four of you can fit and have plenty of room, but that’s not enough. The more you look at it, the smaller it starts to look. It’s getting hard to breathe already. “I know it’s scary, but we are in this together,” says Camila, who’s standing next to you with one hand on your shoulder. Her smile is warm, despite how tense she is. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’m fine, don’t worry. After you.”|elevator_6]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Could we take the stairs instead?”|elevator_7]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You shake her hand off.|elevator_8]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You just smile at her.|elevator_8]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

With no more time to stall, you reluctantly enter the elevator. You watch the elegant but sterile main hall disappear as the doors slowly close. You hope you can get back soon and safe, and that it isn’t just another sight forever blocked by metal gates. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue. (end of demo)|cant go no further]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

She knows you aren’t, but doesn’t press you further. After looking at you for some seconds she enters the elevator with the rest. <<include "elevator_9">>

$john shakes $jhis head with $jhis lips pressed in a thin line. “I don’t think we can. The stairs beyond the second floor, where we woke up, are blocked.” <<include "elevator_9">>

She doesn’t press you further. After looking at you for some seconds she enters the elevator with the rest. <<include "elevator_9">>

You exhale making a shaky sound. Your claustrophobia is never something easy to deal with, but the current circumstances just make it worse. Your body has its guards up with more strength than ever. <<if $firstgame is "elevatormeg">> “Please, can you hurry up? What’s wrong?” says Megan while she presses the bridge of her nose. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“Nothing, I’m fine.”|elevator_13][$meganfr to $meganfr + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Fuck you.”|elevator_13][$meganfr to $meganfr - 1, $friendly to $friendly - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You ignore her.|elevator_13][$meganfr to $meganfr + 1]]</div> </div><</nobr>> <<else>> An open palm appears in front of your face, a red candy in the center. You look up at Taeri, who offers you a small smile. “It’s a sour candy. I don’t know if it works for everyone, but when I’m anxious I always eat these. They calm me down.” <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You grab it and pop it into your mouth. “Thanks.”|elevator_10][$taerifr to $taerifr + 1, $friendly to $friendly + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You politely decline. You need more than candy right now.|elevator_11][$taerifr to $taerifr + 1, $friendly to $friendly + 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You frown. “A candy, really?” you say, though you still grab it.|elevator_10][$friendly to $friendly - 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You frown. “A candy, really?”|elevator_12][$taerifr to $taerifr - 1, $friendly to $friendly - 1]]</div> </div><</nobr>> <</if>>

Although your fear is not completely gone, the sour taste calms your other senses slightly. <<include "elevator_13">>

They blush and silently put it back into their pocket. <<include "elevator_13">>

They nod and put it back into their pocket. “If you want it later, just tell me.” <<include "elevator_13">>