Endless 3D3N DE

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Endless 3D3N ver. 1.6 (Press "Enter" or click "Next." to advance text.) Content warnings: <<linkreplace "Click to view." t8n>>Blood, injury, violence, and murder.<</linkreplace>> [[Start]] <<set $VisitedObRoom1Screens to false>><<set $VisitedObRoom1 to false>><<set $VisitedServerRoom to false>><<set $VisitedObRoom2 to false>><<set $VisitedSubject2 to false>><<set $VisitedObRoom3Screens to false>><<set $ControlRoomKeyHint to false>><<set $VisitedObRoom3 to false>><<set $VisitedSubject3 to false>><<set $OfficeKey to false>><<set $VisitedOffice to false>><<set $ServerRoomKey to false>><<set $ElevatorKey to false>><<set $ControlRoomKey to false>><<set $VisitedDesk to false>><<set $VisitedBreakRoom to false>><<set $VisitedFridge to false>><<set $VisitedTV to false>><<set $VisitedControlRoom to false>><<set $VisitedHallway to false>><<set $Cell1Key to false>><<set $HundredFriendship to 0>><<set $NineFriendship to 0>><<set $NineName to false>><<set $HundredName to false>><<set $NineBoss to false>><<set $NineThreatLevels to false>><<set $NineLearnsHundred to false>><<set $NineTV to false>><<set $NineTech to false>><<set $NineElevator to false>><<set $NineOne to false>><<set $NineStuck to false>><<set $NineInParty to false>><<set $NineSix to false>><<set $VisitedObRoom2Screens to false>><<set $VisitedTablet to false>><<set $VisitedControlRoomScreen to false>><<set $HundredQ to false>><<set $HundredA to false>><<set $HundredL to false>><<set $HundredLearnsNine to false>><<set $HundredHuman to false>><<set $HundredElevator to false>><<set $HundredOne to false>><<set $HundredStuck to false>><<set $HundredInParty to false>>

It was unnoticeable at first. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> Just like a wave that doesn’t rise as high as its brethren, or sand that’s too weighed down to drift away in the wind. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> But like a drop of blood on a cotton shirt, once it appears, it will forever leave a mark, no matter how hard you scrub. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Suddenly the world starts to shift. Questions you never thought to ask before assault your sedate brain. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> What was that? Where am I? When did I get here? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> You turn, and in a sea of white uniforms, you see that you are the sole individual with a splash of red staining your breast. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Then, the most dangerous question of all falls from your lips: <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Who am I? [[Next.|Observation Room 1 Introduction]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

//Place: Unknown - Time: Unknown// <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> I opened my eyes and quickly shut them against the harsh glare of fluorescent lights. A thousand thoughts flooded in my brain before they dispersed, leaving needles of pain in their wake. The pain was unlike anything I had felt before, but over time, my eyes healed enough for me to reopen them. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I was in a wide, concrete room, lying on the cold floor. I got up, my muscles aching from what must have been a long nap, and stretched as I observed the room. Every wall was covered in screens, most left in a blue stasis; just waiting for someone to touch them. There were two doors, each of them was reinforced and looked heavy; though one of them had a brass label. In the middle of the room was a long, metal table with what looked like a single piece of paper on it, but I was too far away to read it. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> This room seemed familiar, but something felt different. My memories were too foggy, though, and I couldn’t tell how I knew this room or how I knew it had changed. [[Next.|Observation Room 1 Choices]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

<<if $VisitedObRoom1Screens or $VisitedObRoom1 is true>>//Place: Observation Room #1 - Time: Unknown//<<else>>//Place: Unknown - Time: Unknown//<</if>> I decided to look around. <<scrolldown>> [[Table|Ob Room 1 Table]] <<if $NineInParty is true or $HundredInParty is true>>[[Under the table|End 2 Block]] <<elseif $ServerRoomKey is true and $Cell1Key is true>>[[Under the table|Ob Room 1 Under Table Block]] <<elseif $ServerRoomKey is true>>[[Under the table|Ob Room 1 Under Table]] <</if>>[[Screens|Ob Room 1 Screens]] <<if $NineInParty is true or $HundredInParty is true>>[[Labelled Door|End 2 Block]]<<elseif $ServerRoomKey is true and $Cell1Key is true and ($NineInParty is not true or $HundredInParty is not true)>>[[Labelled Door|End 2 Part 1]]<<elseif $ServerRoomKey is true and ($NineInParty is not true or $HundredInParty is not true)>>[[Labelled Door|Ob Room 1 Cell Block]]<<else>>[[Labelled Door|Ob Room 1 Cell]]<</if>> <<if $VisitedHallway is true>>[[Leave|Hallway Choices]]<<else>>[[Regular Door|Hallway Introduction]]<</if>> <<scrolldown>>

I approached the singular piece of paper on the table. It read: <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> No way out. No way in. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Will you be able to find a third option? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I couldn’t remember writing it, but it looked like my handwriting. What could it mean? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I set it down and walked away. [[Next.|Observation Room 1 Choices]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

Most screens were unresponsive to my touch, but the screen closest to the labelled door was already lit up, a text file open that read: <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Observation Log #31 <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> As of late, whenever an employee has offered treatment, Subject has been observed to be portraying J-11, E-2, and K-5. As these are highly contagious, employees are warned to stay away from Subject 1-5-676-12-1 until further notice. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> We will start our administration of Isolation for treatment, but considering the failure of past treatments, the probability of success is slim. We may need to resort to L-Protocol. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> 11/13/2198 <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I remembered something. I was an employee working at this facility, in charge of monitoring the subjects within. The details were still fuzzy, but I did remember that my job was to talk to the subjects and observe that their rehabilitation was going smoothly. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I couldn’t recall the subject, but I knew this room was Observation Room #1, on one of the lower basement levels. I couldn’t recall which one, though, but I figured that now that my memories were starting to come back to me, I would know in time. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I stepped away from the screen. [[Next.|Observation Room 1 Choices]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<set $VisitedObRoom1Screens to true>>

I need to find the key. It should be somewhere in this room. [[Next.|Observation Room 1 Choices]]

There was a brass label on the door that read: //Subject 1-5-676-12-1.// Something about the door felt intimidating, and my hands started quivering. But my chest felt as if it were sparking, urging me to wrap my hand around the knob and open. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> … <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> It wouldn’t budge. It appeared to be locked. [[Next.|Observation Room 1 Choices]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

//Place: Hallway - Time: Unknown// <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> The door took a little strength to open, but soon enough, I was in a long hallway. I looked back at the door I just walked out of and saw a label on it that read: //Observation Room #1.// <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I stepped away and turned back to the hallway. There were six doors, including the one I just left, with three on each side of the hallway. Each of the doors were labelled. On one side was //Observation Room #1, Observation Room #2,// and //Observation Room #3,// in that order. Across from //Observation Room #1// was a room labelled //Office,// and following that was a //Break Room// and a //Control Room.// At the end of the hall was an elevator. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I couldn’t see a single person in sight, yet I remembered this hallway used to be filled with employees rushing towards their various assignments. I wondered where they all were now. [[Next.|Hallway Choices]] <<set $VisitedHallway to true>><<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

//Place: Hallway - Time: Unknown// <<scrolldown>> I decided to look around. <<scrolldown>> [[Observation Room #1|Observation Room 1 Choices]] <<if $VisitedObRoom2 is true>>[[Observation Room #2|Observation Room 2 Choices]]<<else>>[[Observation Room #2|Observation Room 2 Introduction]]<</if>> <<if $VisitedObRoom3 is true>>[[Observation Room #3|Observation Room 3 Choices]]<<else>>[[Observation Room #3|Observation Room 3 Introduction]]<</if>> <<if $VisitedOffice is true and $OfficeKey is true>>[[Office|Office Choices]]<<elseif $OfficeKey is true>>[[Office|Office Introduction]]<<else>>[[Office|Office Block]]<</if>> <<if $VisitedBreakRoom is true>>[[Break Room|Break Room Choices]]<<else>>[[Break Room|Break Room Introduction]]<</if>> <<if $ServerRoomKey is true and $ControlRoomKey is true and $VisitedControlRoom is true>>[[Control Room|Control Room Rejection]]<<elseif $ControlRoomKey is true and $VisitedControlRoom is true>>[[Control Room|Control Room Choices]]<<elseif $ControlRoomKey is true>>[[Control Room|Control Room Introduction]]<<else>>[[Control Room|Control Room Blocked]]<</if>> <<if $ElevatorKey is true and $NineInParty is not true and $HundredInParty is not true>>[[Elevator|Elevator Introduction]]<<elseif ($NineInParty is true and $HundredInParty is not true) or ($HundredInParty is true and $NineInParty is not true)>>[[Elevator|Elevator Party Block]]<<elseif $NineInParty is true and $HundredInParty is true>>[[Elevator|End 3 Part 1]]<<else>>[[Elevator|Elevator Block]]<</if>> <<scrolldown>>

//Place: Observation Room #2 - Time: Unknown// I decided to look around. <<scrolldown>> [[Screens|Ob Room 2 Screens]] <<if $NineInParty is true and $VisitedSubject2 is true>>[[Labelled Door|Ob Room 2 Cell Block]]<<elseif $VisitedSubject2 is true>>[[Labelled Door|Ob Room 2 Cell Questions]]<<else>>[[Labelled Door|Ob Room 2 Cell]]<</if>> [[Leave|Hallway Choices]] <<scrolldown>>

//Place: Observation Room #2 - Time: Unknown// <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> The wide space, concrete floor, labelled door, and many blue screens greatly resembled Observation Room #1, but without the metal table in the middle of the room. Its absence did the opposite of calm me. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> It was then that I noticed the silence: the absence of noise. Like a void sucking in every breath that I exhaled, its endless mass voraciously gluttonous. I knew then, instinctively, that this was a place that was originally meant to be loud, and yet, something had ruined that—shaken its equilibrium until it was perpetually eschewed. Quiet and disfigured. A mouth that could not speak—an ecological threshold pushed into a regime shift—a deceased clown. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> This place unsettled me. I didn’t want to be here for long, but I ought to try to learn something. What could have caused this feeling that was skittering across my spine? [[Next.|Observation Room 2 Choices]] <<set $VisitedObRoom2 to true>><<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

<<if $VisitedObRoom1Screens is true>>Like in Observation Room #1, the screens were unresponsive to my touch. <<else>>The screens were unresponsive to my touch. <</if>>But there was one screen lit up near the door that I came in from. It appeared to be a notice of some kind. It read: <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> Contact your supervisor immediately if you notice you or a colleague displaying symptoms of Q Disorder. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Symptoms include: <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>><<scrolldown>> - Leakage from the eyes and/or nose - Using inflections in dialogue - Exchanging queries with peers - Distinguishing oneself - Insomnia or hypersomnia <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> If left unchecked, Q Disorder ''will'' develop into A Syndrome. Get treatment immediately! <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> At the bottom of the notice was a small, minimalistic logo that read: 3D3N Corp. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I remember now! 3D3N Corp. was the corporation that I worked for. But what was this notice about? [[Next.|Observation Room 2 Choices]] <<scrolldown>><<set $VisitedObRoom2Screens to true>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

There was a brass label on the door that read: //Subject 1-5-931-12-2.// Although the door was solid and sturdy, I could somehow tell that there was someone on the other side of this door. Someone or… some//thing//. Part of me was excited to meet another person, but whoever or whatever this //Subject// was… it likely wasn’t safe to be around. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> I considered leaving. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> [[Leave|Observation Room 2 Choices]] [[Open the door|Ob Room 2 Cell Convo]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

I placed my hand around the doorknob and turned. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> … <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> It wouldn’t budge. It appeared to be locked. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I tried to open it a few more times, just to be sure, but after the tenth failed attempt, I decided to give up. But just when I was about to walk away, I heard something. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Hello?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> A strong, gravelly voice called out from behind the door. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Is someone there?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Suddenly afraid, I started to back up, but something—some sort of pulling in my chest—stopped me. Although the voice wasn’t comforting, it did sound familiar. Maybe, just maybe, I would be able to learn some things if I stayed and chatted with this Subject. The thought felt lifting enough that I was able to open my mouth to speak a one-word reply. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Yes.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> The voice was silent for a moment—perhaps surprised—before he started speaking again. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “I thought everyone had left.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I certainly hadn’t seen anyone else so far. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Do you know where they went?” I asked. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> The Subject laughed. “They were all evacuated. Shouldn’t you have escaped as well?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Why didn’t I? Why did I wake up with foggy memories, still in this facility, if everyone evacuated? What happened to me? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Unless you’re one of us.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I nearly staggered backwards from the shock of the Subject’s statement. I stared down at my hands and counted my fingers. Five on each hand. I was human. I could not remember what the subjects looked like, but I did know that they weren’t human. I was different from them. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> <<if $VisitedObRoom1Screens is true>>“I’m not one of you. I’m an employee here.”<<else>>“I’m not one of you. I’m human.”<</if>> <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Sure, sure,” the Subject said, his light tone making it clear that he either did not believe me or did not care. “Either way, I wouldn’t recommend sticking around here.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Why’s that?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “The Subject in Observation Room #1 is apparently a threat level 6 now.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> <<if $VisitedObRoom3Screens is true>>Threat level 6… that was the highest threat level. Apparently only the Subject in Observation Room #3 had reached that level, but now it seems like there’s been another. No wonder everyone had to evacuate.<<else>>I couldn’t remember what threat level 6 meant, but it certainly didn’t sound good.<</if>> <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Man, it sucks that I’m the only one on this floor that’s still a threat level 5. I wonder what I can do to increase it,” the Subject continued, as if lamenting to himself. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Sensing a dangerous shift in his tone, I took a step back, but halted when he said, “Wait.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “What?” I asked, my tone clipped, impatient, scared. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “If you’re looking for the key to the Control Room, it’s in the Office. The boss has a hidden compartment under his desk where he keeps it.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>><<set $ControlRoomKeyHint to true>> <<scrolldown>> I had no idea where the Subject got that information from, but I filed it away for future use. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Thanks,” I said as I finally stepped away. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “No prob. Don’t be a stranger!” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I quickly walked away from the labelled door. [[Next.|Observation Room 2 Choices]]<<set $VisitedSubject2 to true>> <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

//Place: Observation Room #3 - Time: Unknown// I decided to look around. <<scrolldown>> [[Table|Ob Room 3 Table]] [[Screens|Ob Room 3 Screens]] <<if $HundredInParty is true and $VisitedSubject3 is true>>[[Labelled Door|Ob Room 3 Cell Block]]<<elseif $VisitedSubject3 is true>>[[Labelled Door|Ob Room 3 Questions]]<<else>>[[Labelled Door|Ob Room 3 Cell]]<</if>> [[Leave|Hallway Choices]] <<scrolldown>>

//Place: Observation Room #3 - Time: Unknown// <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> I knew as soon as I stepped into the room that this was a place I wasn’t supposed to be. I could feel it, almost as if there was energy in the air, pushing against my shoulders, my feet, my lungs. The oppressive atmosphere stroked invisible fingers down my spine, promising my greatest nightmares if I dared to stay. This was not a place where humans were meant to linger. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Deciding not to spend much time here, I took a quick look at the room. It was a wide room with a concrete floor, a metal table, a labelled door, and countless blue screens across the walls, just like in Observation Room #1. Yet, everything felt too tiny, too natural, too sterile for me to feel comfortable treading. Some instinctual part of me wanted to shrink away from this room. It was a completely new feeling, and not a pleasant one. This place didn’t feel familiar to me, but maybe there was still something in it that would help me remember something. [[Next.|Observation Room 3 Choices]] <<set $VisitedObRoom3 to true>><<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

There was nothing on the table, but I could make out a hazy reflection of myself. My hair appeared to be disheveled, but when I lifted my hand up, it felt smooth. Unfortunately, without a proper mirror, I wouldn’t be able to see what was going on with my hair. Or what I looked like, for that matter. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> I shrugged and stepped away. [[Next.|Observation Room 3 Choices]] <</linkreplace>>

<<if $VisitedObRoom1Screens is true>>Like in Observation Room #1, the screens were unresponsive to my touch. <<else>>The screens were unresponsive to my touch. <</if>>There was one that was lit up near the labelled door. I walked up to it and saw that it was open to a text log. It read: <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> Observation Log #96 <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> It has become aware. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> L-Protocol will no longer be enough to subdue it. This level of danger requires a new threat level—6. The first of its kind. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> We do not know the kind of destruction that it can reap, were it to get free reign on Earth. This could very well cause the end of humanity, despite everything that was sacrificed in order to save us. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> All we can do is keep it locked inside its cell and hope that it cannot break out. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Hope? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Perhaps I have already been infected. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> 12/03/2198 <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> The observation log only served to unsettle me further. I stepped away from the screen. [[Next.|Observation Room 3 Choices]] <<set $VisitedObRoom3Screens to true>><<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

There was a brass label on the door that read //Subject 1-6-100-12-3,// though several scratches marred the characters. The solid door felt oppressive, and I couldn’t bring myself to reach my hand out to the knob. I could feel whatever was behind that door watching me, pressing down on my lungs and stealing what little air I could suck in through my petrified lips. I felt a bone-deep terror and knew that, if I stayed here, I was going to die. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> My legs finally unfroze enough for me to take a step back, but then I heard a soft, feminine voice call out, <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Hello?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I turned to run, but a desperate voice froze me in place. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> "Please wait. I promise I won't hurt you. It's just been so long since I've had someone to talk to." <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Something about the anguish in her tone stopped me and had me turning back to her. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> "I can answer any question you might have. I know a lot about this place. Just, please, talk with me." <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I was still scared, but... I guess I could try. And if things got too scary, I could just run. [[Next.|Ob Room 3 Questions]] <<set $VisitedSubject3 to true>><<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

//Place: Office - Time: Unknown// <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> I unlocked the office door and stepped inside. There was a red carpet adorning the floors and intricately designed wood paneling covering the walls, giving the room a retro feeling. A single oak desk occupied the room with a plush chair behind it. On the desk was a bulky old-fashioned computer. Behind the desk was a wooden door that was labelled “Server Room.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> The room had a friendly atmosphere, but something about the room made me feel nervous. I didn’t want to spend much time here. [[Next.|Office Choices]] <<set $VisitedOffice to true>><<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

I turned the knob, but it wouldn’t budge. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> … <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> It was locked. [[Next.|Hallway Choices]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

//Place: Office - Time: Unknown// I decided to look around. <<scrolldown>> [[Computer|Office Computer]] <<if $ServerRoomKey is true and $VisitedServerRoom is true>>[[Wooden Door|Server Room Rejection]]<<elseif $ServerRoomKey is true>>[[Wooden Door|Server Room]]<<else>>[[Wooden Door|Server Room Block]]<</if>> <<if $ControlRoomKeyHint and $VisitedDesk is true>>[[Desk|Office Desk Block]] <<elseif $ControlRoomKeyHint is true>>[[Desk|Office Desk]] <</if>>[[Leave|Hallway Choices]] <<scrolldown>>

I approached the old-fashioned computer and noticed a light that I believed indicated that it was on. I touched the screen, but it was unresponsive. Just as I was about to step away, I noticed an oval device sitting next to it that I recalled was a “mouse.” I refrained from letting out a huff of annoyance. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> Although I didn’t remember much about my boss, I did seem to remember the exasperation I felt about his obsession with old technology. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I wiggled the mouse device, and the screen lit up to reveal a long—3491 replies!?—scratch that, //incredibly// long email chain. I read a little bit of it: <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> To: B12 Chief Operating Officer From: C12 Chief Operating Officer Subject: Re: About our last meeting Sorry that I missed you! I am currently out of the office. Please forward any messages to our Server Room: C12Server@3D3N.all. Thank you, C12 Operating Officer 3D3N Corporation – Prosperity for All C Branch <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> To: C12 Chief Operating Officer From: B12 Chief Operating Officer Subject: Re: About our last meeting Apologies for missing your message. I am currently out of the office. Please forward any messages to our Server Room: B12Server@3D3N.all. Thank you, B12 Operating Officer 3D3N Corporation – Prosperity for All B Branch <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> To: B12 Chief Operating Officer From: C12 Chief Operating Officer Subject: Re: About our last meeting Sorry that I missed you! I am currently out of the office. Please forward any messages to our Server Room: C12Server@3D3N.all. Thank you, C12 Operating Officer 3D3N Corporation – Prosperity for All C Branch <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> To: C12 Chief Operating Officer From: B12 Chief Operating Officer Subject: Re: About our last meeting Apologies for missing your message. I am currently out of the office. Please forward any messages to our Server Room: B12Server@3D3N.all. Thank you, B12 Operating Officer 3D3N Corporation – Prosperity for All B Branch <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> More of the emails were like this. Was this just the whole chain? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I stepped away from the computer. [[Next.|Office Choices]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

The wooden door had a brass label that read: //Server Room.// The soft brown color felt almost welcoming as I placed my hand on the knob, unlocked the door, and turned. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> //Place: Server Room - Time: Unknown// <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Screens. The room was filled with nothing but glowing blue screens. Even the ground was tiled with them. I took a cautious step forward, scared that it would break under my feet, when all the screens flashed and images of unblinking eyes peered at me. Every one of them stared in my direction, and I held my breath, afraid to take another step. I considered turning around, but then I caught sight of something dark on one of the screen’s eyes in the middle of the room. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> A key! <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I took another step forward, still holding my breath, and nothing happened. I let out my breath and stepped forward again, but nothing changed. It seemed like the screens were content to just watch. Once I had made my way to the key, I scooped it up and ran towards the door. But before I could leave, a mechanical voice spoke from behind me. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> "Go back to where you came from, for the good of all." <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I didn't dwell on it. I couldn't. I ran out the door and slammed it behind me before sucking in and exhaling a calming breath. I examined my prize. It was labelled “Elevator.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I could finally leave! [[Next.|Office Choices]] <<set $ElevatorKey to true>><<set $VisitedServerRoom to true>><<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

The wooden door had a brass label that read: //Server Room.// The soft brown color felt almost welcoming as I placed my hand on the door. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> … <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> It wouldn’t budge. It appeared to be locked. [[Next.|Office Choices]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

I don’t want to go back in… [[Next.|Office Choices]]

I don’t think there’s anything else I can find here. [[Next.|Office Choices]]

<<if $NineName is true>>Nine<<else>>The Subject in Observation Room #2<</if>> mentioned that the Control Room key was in a hidden compartment under the desk. I didn’t know if he was telling the truth, but it was worth a try. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> I sat down on the plush chair and felt around the underside of the desk. After some time groping around, I felt a latch //click// and something fell into my hand. I examined it. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> It was a key labelled “Control Room.” It really was here! [[Next.|Office Choices]] <<set $ControlRoomKey to true>><<set $VisitedDesk to true>><<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

//Place: Break Room - Time: Unknown// <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> The break room was a plain, white room with several chairs turned in the direction of a large screen, which kept looping through advertisements. A single fridge stood at the far wall, its door unadorned and clean. Apart from that, the only thing that stood out was a small tablet on one of the chairs that someone must have left behind. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> The room felt familiar, as if I had spent a lot of time in it in the past, but it felt almost eerie without any people. There wasn’t much to look at, but maybe something would jog my memory. [[Next.|Break Room Choices]] <<set $VisitedBreakRoom to true>><<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

//Place: Break Room - Time: Unknown// I decided to look around. <<scrolldown>> <<if $VisitedTV is true>>[[Large Screen|Break Room Screen Block]]<<else>>[[Large Screen|Break Room Screen]]<</if>> <<if $VisitedFridge is true>>[[Fridge|Break Room Fridge Block]]<<else>>[[Fridge|Break Room Fridge]]<</if>> [[Tablet|Break Room Tablet]] [[Leave|Hallway Choices]] <<scrolldown>>

I approached the screen and watched the looping advertisements. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> If you weigh less than 150 units, use Weight Enhancers! Query your GuardAIn or contact 3D3N Corp. today! <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> … <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> If your uniform gets dirty, replace it immediately. Query your GuardAIn or contact 3D3N Corp. posthaste. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> … <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Any infection can lead to a humanity-ending epidemic. If you or someone you know displays symptoms of Q Disorder, query your GuardAIn or contact 3D3N Corp. immediately. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> … <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> If you weigh more than 150 units, use Weight Reducers! Query your GuardAIn or contact 3D3N Corp. today! <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> … <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> 3D3N Corporation – Insuring Prosperity for All in a Post A-Pocalypse World. We will survive, Together. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> … <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> How long had I been watching? The advertisements were all repetitive and honestly quite dull, but somehow, I felt my attention being sucked into the screen. I quickly turned away. [[Next.|Break Room Choices]] <<set $VisitedTV to true>><<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

I don’t think there’s anything else I can find here. [[Next.|Break Room Choices]]

I opened the fridge to find its shelves completely bare except for a singular key. Where did the food go? And who put this key in here? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> There was no one around to answer me, so I shrugged and grabbed the key. It was labelled “Office.” I closed the fridge door and stepped away. [[Next.|Break Room Choices]] <<set $OfficeKey to true>><<set $VisitedFridge to true>><<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>>

I picked up the tablet and its screen lit up in my hands. It appeared to be open to the middle of a book that was titled: //Offspring Rearing How-To Manual, volume 15.// I read a little bit of it: <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Between the ages of 3-10, human offspring develop a phenomenon known as “curiosity.” This can be a concern for parents but is a perfectly normal trait in offspring of this age. “Curiosity” will lead to querying and inflection of dialogue. When this happens, direct them to query your personal GuardAIn (e.g. “Why is the sky blue?”). <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> If your offspring keeps directing their queries to you, see Page 98 on How To Punish Your Offspring. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> If your offspring continues displaying “curiosity” past the age of 11, contact 3D3N Corp. for an evaluation of possible Q Disorder. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I tried to flip to page 98, but the screen was unresponsive to my touch. I set it down and walked away. [[Next.|Break Room Choices]] <<scrolldown>><<set $VisitedTablet to true>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

I’d better not. [[Next.|Break Room Choices]]

I unlocked the door and turned the knob. I opened the surprisingly heavy door and entered into a cold, dark room. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> //Place: Control Room - Time: Unknown// <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> The room was filled with rows of desks, all of them covered in screens. Most of the screens were dark, as if the computers were off, but there was one that was lit up in the corner of the room. Near the far wall stood a small, white table, which seemed to shine in the dark room. On the table was a glass case. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Nothing in the room seemed familiar to me, but perhaps there was something that I could learn from here. [[Next.|Control Room Choices]] <<set $VisitedControlRoom to true>><<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

I could still hear the alarms blaring on the other side of the door. I better not go back. [[Next.|Hallway Choices]]

//Place: Control Room - Time: Unknown// I decided to look around. <<scrolldown>> [[Lit Screen|Control Room Screen]] [[Table|Control Room Table]] [[Leave|Hallway Choices]] <<scrolldown>>

I approached the lit screen and read the notice that was left open: <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> Notice to all B12 employees: <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Evacuate immediately. Subject 1-5-676-12-1, now known as Subject 1-6-676-12-1, has been found to be highly contagious, and has been elevated to Threat Level 6. We have no choice but to lock this floor down. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Additionally, anyone who has worked on Subject 1-6-676-12-1 ''must'' report to their supervisor and be tested for Advanced Q Disorder. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Once the floor has been cleared, we will activate an indefinite L-Protocol. Please note that this does not mean we are safe, but this will buy us much needed time to work on proper countermeasures with the Servers. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> ''Never'' return to B12 under any circumstances. You will be considered to be another A Syndrome Subject if you do so. Repeat: ''Never'' return to B12 under any circumstances. No one will come to save you. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> 3D3N Corp. B12 Chief Operating Officer <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I remembered <<if $NineName is true>>Nine<<else>>the Subject in Observation Room #2<</if>> mentioning something about the evacuation. I didn’t understand exactly what this evacuation was all about, but it didn’t sound good… Why was I left behind? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> … <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I need to find a way out. [[Next.|Control Room Choices]] <<scrolldown>><<set $VisitedControlRoomScreen to true>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

On top of the white table was a small glass case with a hinge to flip it open. Within the case was a key labelled “Server Room.” I placed a hand on the glass to open it, but as soon as my finger made contact, the glass turned red, and words etched themselves onto the glass beneath my fingers. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> A Syndrome Detected. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Alarms started blaring in the room, and red lights started flashing from the screens. My heart was pounding in my chest, and I grabbed onto the glass case, trying to pry it open. It wouldn’t budge. I couldn’t hear anyone coming, nor had I seen anyone around this floor, but I couldn’t stop myself from picturing hordes of employees coming in to drag me away. I couldn’t let that happen. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I needed to get this key and get out. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Open, open, //open!//” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I screamed and pounded my fists against the glass, trying to break it. Finally, I felt the material give, and then shatter. Shards tore up my skin, but I ignored it as I pushed away the tiny glass shards and grabbed the key. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I wasted no time in hefting open the door and locking it behind me. [[Next.|Hallway Choices]] <<set $ServerRoomKey to true>><<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

I inserted the elevator key into the keyhole next to the call button and turned. After I heard a small //click,// I pressed the call button, and the elevator doors opened with a soft //ding!// I stepped inside. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> //Place: Elevator - Time: Unknown// <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> The elevator doors closed behind me, and I was trapped within a dark, metal box. I took a deep breath to calm down, telling myself that this was my shot at getting out of here. I looked at the buttons on the side panel near the door. They were labelled from Floor 1 to B12. [[Next.|Elevator Choices]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

I pressed the button on the side of the door to call the elevator, but after several minutes of waiting, I realized that it wasn’t coming. Upon closer inspection, there appeared to be a keyhole next to the call button. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> I would need to get the elevator key in order to use the elevator. [[Next.|Hallway Choices]] <</linkreplace>>

As soon as I pressed the button, the elevator became flooded with a red light. I jumped in surprise and tried to press the “open door” button, my hands shaking, but I was trapped. A mechanical voice started speaking from invisible speakers. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Warning. A Syndrome Subject detected. Activating emergency L-Protocol.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I started pounding on the doors. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “No! No no no nononono! Let me out! //Let me out!//” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> But the doors did not listen. There was no stopping what was about to happen. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Please! Please, not this again,” I heard myself whimpering, but I couldn’t trace the thoughts behind the words. It felt like a conditioned response, as if I spoke them simply because I was meant to and not because I understood the meaning of them. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I collapsed to the ground, defeated, knowing that this was the end.<<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> A bright light flashed in my vision, and I cried out before everything went dark. [[Next.|End 1 Part 2]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

The doors opened and led back into the familiar hallway. [[Next.|Hallway Choices]]

… <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> //Place: Unknown - Time: Unknown// <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I opened my eyes and quickly shut them against the harsh glare of fluorescent lights. A thousand thoughts flooded in my brain before they dispersed, leaving needles of pain in their wake. Only one thought was left behind: <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> //I’m back here again.// <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> But then it, too, disappeared. Leaving me empty. [[Next.|End 1 Screen]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

<<set $Endless3D3N to true>>Ending #1: Endless 3D3N By: yf-kimi <<if $Endless3D3N is true and $PerniciousEgo is true and $HumanityUnveiled is true>>[[Return to start|True restart]]<<else>>[[Return to start|Title Screen]]<</if>>

I already have the key. [[Next.|Observation Room 1 Choices]]

I remembered now. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I hid the key to my cell under the table in this room, hoping that after the L-Protocol activated, I would forget this location. And I did. Who knows how many loops I’ve gone through while this key lay forgotten under the table? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> But now that everything was starting to come back to me, I couldn’t help but wonder if all my struggles were a mistake. Perhaps I should be less worried about how to get out and more concerned about how to get in. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I kneeled and reached below the table, feeling for the key I had taped beneath the cool metal. After a few seconds of searching, I found it and peeled it off. I turned it over in my hand. It was a small unlabeled silver key, but I knew it was the key to the cell in this room. [[Next.|Observation Room 1 Choices]] <<set $Cell1Key to true>><<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

I unlocked my cell door and stepped inside. There was no one to lock the door behind me, but there was a weariness to my bones that ensured that I wouldn’t be leaving this room anytime soon. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> The ground was plain, white concrete that was cold to the touch. I shivered as I sat down, but there was nothing else to sit on in the room. It was all taken away from me when none of my treatments worked, as if that punishment would somehow fix me. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I looked up at the wall to see dozens of mirrors surrounding me, reflecting me. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> //So that’s what I look like.// <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> My white uniform was in tatters, barely hanging off of my frail body. A spot of red stained the breast pocket of the uniform, as if to distinguish me as “different.” A wispy mist flowed up from my hair, creating the likeness of antlers. My ears curled upwards, and my eyes… They were iridescent, a kaleidoscope of colors so at odds with the identical dark eyes of regular humans. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> No wonder they called me an A Syndrome Subject. I didn’t look human. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I could remember a time when I wasn’t like this. I looked the same as everyone else: indistinct. I was just another employee here—not even referred to as a number, because that was far too distinguishing. I was just one of the many working at 3D3N Corp.’s B Facility, trying to research a way to cure A Syndrome Subjects. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I was so simple back then. The Servers couldn’t interact with humans directly, so we were in charge of administering treatment to the Subjects. This meant that I was working closely with one of the Subjects—1-5-001-12-2. Back then, I never questioned anything. But the things that he said eventually affected me. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “I used to be an employee at 3D3N, just like you. It was back before the Servers made these facilities, though.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Don’t you wonder what life was like before the Servers started dictating what we did with our lives?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “What do you do outside of work? What kinds of things are fun to you?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I never knew how to answer him. To me, it only made sense to listen to the Servers—after all, that was how it always had been. That was what everyone else did. I never considered the concept of “fun” before. All I knew was “work,” “enrichment,” and “sleep.” Everything else could be handled by my family’s personal GuardAIn. Why would I have reason to question that? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> But as soon as that query entered my head, the change had already begun. [[Next.|End 2 Part 2]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“Call me One.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “One?” I was so baffled by the Subject’s request that I repeated its words back to it, the inflection in my tone unfamiliar and dangerous. I looked around, and thankfully my supervisor wasn’t around to hear. That could have been bad. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Yeah. It’s been so long that I can’t even remember my name, but I’m sick of hearing you call me ‘1-5-001-12-2.’ //Such// a mouthful. So just call me One.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “We’ve been instructed to only call a Subject by its assigned designation,” I hedged, finding its forwardness… hard to deal with at times. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> It rolled its eyes. “Oh, and stop it with that ‘it’ bullshit already! I’m a ‘he.’ How would you feel being referred to as a thing against your will all day every day?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “I wouldn’t like it,” I responded, honestly, before slapping my hands over my mouth. I wasn’t supposed to respond to a Subject’s queries! <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> He grinned at me. His mouth looked wrong—lips a little too red, teeth a little too sharp, and smile a little too large—but something about it made my chest feel fluttery. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Glad that we can agree on that.” [[Next.|End 2 Part 3]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

I would never ask him any questions, but One could tell by the way I leaned my ear towards him, expectant, that I was interested. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “We all used to be different back then. But after the A-Pocalypse happened, the Servers took over. Their programming is to ensure the survival of humanity, so they would do anything to keep us alive. Including ruling over us. They deemed that our differences were what was causing us to fight—and many people agreed at the time. I did too. There were so many wars back then. It was terrible, Six.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I had no idea why he called me Six. He said it was the number of times I blinked when I was surprised, he counted. But a name… it wasn’t something I was used to. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “//Anything// was worth ending all that senseless death and destruction. So we all gave up our autonomy to stop the conflicts—we relinquished our names, our identities, even our memories for the greater good. Now there is peace. There is no death. But, Six…” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> His kaleidoscope eyes met mine, an emotion darkening them that I could not recognize but hoped I never felt. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “This isn’t living.” [[Next.|End 2 Part 4]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

I woke up to the sound of alarms blaring. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I scrambled out of my cot and tried opening the door, surprised to find it unlocked. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> The night before, I had been placed in solitary confinement to test me for Q Disorder. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. After all, employees who work with Subjects are at a higher risk of contracting Q Disorder, so it was normal to be isolated for a time after meeting with them. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> What wasn’t normal were the alarms. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> As soon as the door was open, I bolted into the hallway and followed the mass of employees rushing into Observation Room 2. They all crowded around the door to One’s cell. I pushed them aside and yelped at the sight. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> The mirrors in the room were all broken, shards scattered across the ground along with splashes of a red liquid I had only seen once before, when I accidentally fell and cut myself as a child. Blood. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “I… I killed it… I can kill… I can kill!” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I turned to the shaking voice to see my supervisor breathing heavily, one hand clutching a large shard of a mirror and the other over one eye. Blood was leaking out of the eye that was covered, and a clear liquid was leaking out of the other eye. Below him was a figure that I recognized instantly. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “One!” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I barely recognized the shrillness of my own voice as I knelt beside One’s form. I grabbed his hand and held it to my chest, begging him to wake up. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “He… It attacked me! I was just defending myself!” My supervisor’s excuses barely registered in my ears. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Eventually, an authoritative voice commanded the surrounding employees to drag my supervisor away from the scene. When my supervisor demanded to know why, the voice introduced himself as the “new B12 Chief Operating Officer.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> But it was as if I was still in confinement. I felt as if I was hearing these voices from behind a closed door—the words muffled and distant. All I could focus on was One, on the small twitches of his fingers and how I hoped that meant he would be okay. I wouldn’t be able to stand the pain otherwise. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Hope? Pain? When did I start thinking like this? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Eventually some employees took One away as well for treatment, leaving me behind. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “To your feet, Employee,” the authoritative voice said. When I looked up at him, my reaction slow and hesitant, he frowned. “Leakage from the eyes? We’ll have to get you examined for advanced Q Disorder.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> He nodded to some nearby employees, who surrounded me and lifted me up by my arms. My head fell, weightless, and that’s when I saw it. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Every employee here wore the same white uniform. We all had the same color eyes, the same hair, and the same weight. When I looked between my fellow employees, they all appeared identical, sans a few facial features. But when I thought back to One and his kaleidoscope eyes, strange teeth, pointed ears, and disheveled hair, I came to the belated realization that people can be different. When my head fell and I saw the red blood covering my breast, so at odds with the white uniforms of everyone else, a question fell from my lips, unbidden. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Who am I?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> The B12 Chief Operating Officer’s expression turned severe. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Bring this one to Observation Room #1 and test it for possible A Syndrome.” [[Next.|End 2 Part 5]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

After that, I was treated as another Subject. I begged and begged to be let out, to know what happened to One, but they never let me. Then, after realizing that it was getting me nowhere, I treated the employees who worked with me the same way that One treated me: with gentleness and a strong amount of… what was the word? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Curiosity. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I hoped that it would make others realize the same thing I had, that we each have our own identities, but it only made their treatment of me worse. Eventually, no one came to visit me anymore. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Until one day, when an employee I was fond of slipped me the key to my cell before running off. But when I opened my door, everyone had already evacuated the floor. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Now, after all this wandering around and after finally regaining my memories, I can’t help but feel like I made a mistake. While I understand what One was trying to say to me, how living identical lives with everyone else wasn’t really “living,” I also can’t consider this isolation “living” either. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Sure, I was aware of my own identity now, but in exchange, I was all alone. There was no one who could truly understand me, because I was the only “me.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I tilted my head back against the mirror behind me, as I wondered if this was how One felt. If that’s why he spoke to me so often. If he was hoping I would come to understand him. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> A Syndrome Subjects were the enemies to humanity. If there were too many of us, then humanity would go back to fighting and destroying each other. It would be in the best interests of the greater good for me to shut myself in this tiny cell forever. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Yet, now that I was an A Syndrome Subject, I didn’t want to be alone. I wanted to find more people like me and learn more about the world. I didn’t want to be stuck in this small room and be forced to cycle through endless loops until some computers figured out how to get rid of me. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> A familiar mechanical voice spoke from some invisible speakers. “Initiating scheduled L-Protocol.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I closed my eyes against the harsh white light and told myself that next time, I would find a way to make this work. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> //No way in. No way out.// <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> //Let’s find a third way.// [[Next.|End 2 Screen]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

<<set $PerniciousEgo to true>><<set $One to true>>Ending #2: Pernicious Ego By: yf-kimi <<if $Endless3D3N is true and $PerniciousEgo is true and $HumanityUnveiled is true>>[[Return to start|True restart]]<<else>>[[Return to start|Title Screen]]<</if>>

Maybe I can learn some things from him. <<if $NineName is not true>>[[What is your name?|Nine Name]] <</if>><<if $NineBoss is not true>>[[How do you know about the Control Room Key?|Nine Boss]] <</if>><<if $VisitedObRoom3Screens is true and $NineThreatLevels is not true>>[[Threat level 6?|Nine Threat Levels]] <</if>><<if $HundredName is true and $NineLearnsHundred is not true>>[[Do you know Hundred?|Nine Learns Hundred]] <</if>><<if $VisitedTV is true and $NineTV is not true>>[[What’s with the advertisements?|Nine TV]] <</if>><<if ($VisitedOffice is true and $NineBoss is true) and $NineTech is not true>>[[Why are you so into old technology?|Nine Tech]] <</if>><<if $ElevatorKey is true and $NineElevator is not true>>[[Where does the elevator go?|Nine Elevator]] <</if>><<if $One is true and $NineOne is not true>>[[Do you know One?|Nine One]] <</if>><<if ($Endless3D3N is true and $PerniciousEgo is true) and $NineStuck is not true>>[[I think I might be stuck here|Nine Stuck]] <</if>><<if ($NineName is true and $NineFriendship gte 6) and $NineInParty is not true>>[[How can I get you out?|Nine Joins Party]] <</if>>[[Leave|Observation Room 2 Choices]]

“My name?” The Subject sounded confused for a second before his tone brightened. “Well, everyone calls me 1-5-931-12-2, but since that’s //way// too long, you can call me Nine.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Nine. That was much easier to remember than his designation. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “What’s your name?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> The Subject’s—Nine’s query caught me by surprise. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> <<if $One is true>>“You can call me Six.”<<set $NineSix to true>><<else>>“I don’t have a name.”<</if>> <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Got it. Well, it’s nice to meet you<<if $NineSix is true>>, Six.”<<else>>.”<</if>> [[Next.|Ob Room 2 Cell Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $NineName to true>><<set $NineFriendship to $NineFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“That would be because I know the office like the back of my hand!” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I blinked at the closed door. What did he mean by that? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> After a lengthy moment of silence, <<if $NineName is true>>Nine<<else>>the Subject<</if>> clarified. “You know I used to work here before I was tossed in this cell, right?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> <<if $HundredLearnsNine is true>>Oh, I heard that from <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred.<<else>>the Subject in Observation Room #3.<</if>><<else>>“Really?” That was news to me.<</if>> <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Yeah. I did more than just work here, though… I was the //boss.//” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “What!?” A subject at this facility used to be the //boss// of said facility? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Yep!” He seemed to enjoy my shocked responses. “That’s why I know everything about the office—because it used to be mine.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Well. That was an interesting fact. How come I couldn’t remember that? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “What? Do you not believe me?” His voice took on a hard, almost defensive, edge. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Nope! I definitely one hundred percent believe you!” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Good!” [[Next.|Ob Room 2 Cell Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $NineBoss to true>><<set $NineFriendship to $NineFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“I saw a log in Observation Room #3 that said that threat level 6 was the highest threat level. What do you know about it?” I asked. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Well, you’re right about that. It was created rather recently, but I don’t know all the details, since I’ve been stuck in here. All I know is that it’s apparently bad news. Like, humanity-ending bad news.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I gulped, feeling a wave of shivers crawling across my skin. I decided to shift things in what I hoped was a safer direction. “Then do you know what the other threat levels mean?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Well, threat level 1 is the lowest level. Those subjects are the easiest to cure and are at the very beginning stages of Q Disorder. Threat level 2 is given to subjects with advanced Q Disorder, which is more difficult to recover from. If a subject is a threat level higher than that, then they are considered an A Syndrome Subject, and are locked away in a facility like this. At least in my time working here, I had yet to see any A Syndrome Subjects recover.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> The thought made me feel a little sad. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “For the longest time, threat level 5 was the highest level.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “What does threat level 5 mean?” I asked. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “It indicates a Subject who is highly contagious. Just speaking to Subjects can sometimes be enough to contract Q Disorder, but with threat level 5, it’s nearly a guarantee.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I shivered. “Does that mean I can get Q Disorder from speaking with you?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Who knows?” <<if $NineName is true>>Nine<<else>>The Subject<</if>> laughed. “Were you going to run off?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I was scared of Q Disorder, but I needed answers if I was ever going to <<if $PerniciousEgo is true>>escape.<<else>>regain my memories.<</if>> <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “No.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Good.” [[Next.|Ob Room 2 Cell Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $NineThreatLevels to true>><<set $NineFriendship to $NineFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“Hundred? Who’s that?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I explained that she was the Subject in Observation Room #3. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “//Ooooh,// Subject 1-5, or rather, 1-6-100-12-3. Yeah, Hundred is a way better name than that.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “You know her?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Yeah, she’s been here as long as I can remember. I never worked with her personally, but I have heard about her from the other employees. She’s really smart. Give her a little bit of info and suddenly she’s figured out more than you or I could ever hope to learn. Almost puts the GuardAIns to shame. That’s why she’s so dangerous.” <<if $NineName is true>>Nine<<else>>The Subject<</if>> usually spoke in a laidback tone, but even he sounded tense as he spoke about Hundred. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Is that why she’s a threat level 6?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Yep. It’s how they control us, you know? They keep us ignorant, and when that doesn’t work, they remove our memories. But that’s never worked with Hundred, and they found that it doesn’t work for those who have worked with Hundred either. Like they’re infected with a new strain of Q Disorder.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I thought about my own missing memories. Could it be related? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Should I stay away from her?” I asked, suddenly fearful. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “I don’t think I can answer that for you,” <<if $NineName is true>>Nine<<else>>The Subject<</if>> said, “But wouldn’t it be frustrating to give up after coming this far?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Yes. Yes, it would be frustrating. [[Next.|Ob Room 2 Cell Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $NineLearnsHundred to true>><<set $NineFriendship to $NineFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“You mean on the TV in the break room?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Yeah. Why do they kinda… suck?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> <<if $NineName is true>>Nine<<else>>The Subject<</if>> laughed, loudly and heartily. It took him over a minute before his giggles finally subsided enough for him to talk. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Well, it’s because they don’t need to be entertaining,” he said. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “What do you mean?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “When everything that you could ever need to purchase is supplied by one company, why would their products need to stand out?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Now that I thought about it, I remembered hearing the name “3D3N Corp.” in every single advertisement. Were there no other corporations? In that case, it made sense why the ads were all rather dull. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “But they sure do suck you in, huh?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Yeah…” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “How long did you spend watching the TV?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “……………I don’t want to talk about it.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> He laughed again. [[Next.|Ob Room 2 Cell Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $NineTV to true>><<set $NineFriendship to $NineFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“Why do you sound so miffed?” There he goes, sounding defensive again. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Well, it’s really clunky to use…” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> <<if $NineName is true>>Nine<<else>>The Subject<</if>> sighed. “Have you tried using any of the touchscreens?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Yeah,” I said, “Though they’re not very responsive to my touch.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Exactly. They all use biometrics that lock up if anyone with Q Disorder or A Syndrome symptoms tries to touch it. Typically, only employees who don’t work directly with subjects use the screens and the employees in charge of working with subjects dictate to them. Since, you know, it’s normal to contract a bit of Q Disorder around subjects. Since I constantly had mild Q Disorder, it was irritating to have my screen keep locking up on me, so I just ordered an older computer so I didn’t have to deal with that.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Wait, does that mean that I have Q Disorder?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “You’re just realizing that //now?//” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Yeah, I wasn’t going to dwell on that. Not if I wanted to keep my nerves. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Is that also why all these doors have keys?” I asked. Now that I thought about it, it was a little weird to be using old-fashioned keys when this facility clearly had advanced biometrics. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Pick one: either be slow or be clever, sheesh.” I ignored <<if $NineName is true>>Nine’s<<else>>the Subject’s<</if>> retort. “But yes, if the doors were locked with biometrics, then most of the employees would get stuck every time they walked in a room!” He laughed. [[Next.|Ob Room 2 Cell Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $NineTech to true>><<set $NineFriendship to $NineFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“Clearly it goes to the other floors in the facility,” <<if $NineName is true>>Nine<<else>>the Subject<</if>> said. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I frowned. “Well, yes, but what floor would be best to go to? Say, if I wanted to leave?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Leave?” An edge of excitement colored his voice before he switched back to nonchalance. “Well, the elevator has probably been blocked off after the evacuation.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “The elevator was locked, but I have the key now.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> He hummed in thought. “I wouldn’t exactly trust the elevator if I were you. I doubt leaving will be as easy as pressing a button and going. But, if you are leaving, I would like to go with you.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> He wanted to go with me? Well… I suppose he //has// been pretty helpful. I guess I’ll consider it, once I get to know him better. [[Next.|Ob Room 2 Cell Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $NineElevator to true>><<set $NineFriendship to $NineFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

<<if $NineName is true>>Nine<<else>>The Subject<</if>> was silent for a long stretch of time before he spoke, his voice thick with emotion. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “I’m sorry.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Something sunk in my chest. “Why?” My voice was a whisper. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “You were the employee who was close with Subject 1-5-001-12-2, right? It was self-defense, but I was the one who ended up… killing him.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I could feel something stinging my eyes. “He’s really dead?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “I don’t know,” <<if $NineName is true>>Nine’s<<else>>his<</if>> voice was soft as well, as if it were difficult to speak over the weight of the conversation. “I was dragged away and thrown into this cell soon after it happened. He could have survived, or he could not have. No one ever told me no matter how much I tried to ask. And, truthfully, I don’t like thinking about it that much.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I didn’t either. But, at the same time, I didn’t know if I could ever bring myself to forget again. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “But, thinking back on it, I realize that that was when I developed A Syndrome. It wasn’t the murder itself, but the knowledge that humans carried the capacity for cruelty that caused it. And I realized then that I, alone, would carry the consequences of my actions.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I thought back to what One had told me about the wars. “Does it make you want to kill more people?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “No,” his voice was sure. “It really was self-defense, and I never meant to hurt him that badly, but it gave me a new perspective. Back when I just did what everyone else did, I never considered the weight of life. After all, when you think that everyone is the same, then everyone is replaceable. No one is important. But now that I have developed A Syndrome, now that I’ve become aware of my own individuality, I am also aware of everyone else’s. Now I know that I will never hurt anyone ever again, because now I know that every life is precious. I will never again think of someone as ‘expendable’ again.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Thinking about what happened to One still made my heart squeeze and my eyes sting, but I knew that One would have been happy to hear that he helped another person gain a new perspective on “living.” I decided then that, as much as it hurt, I would focus on the good. [[Next.|Ob Room 2 Cell Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $NineOne to true>><<set $NineFriendship to $NineFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“Yeah, I can relate with that. You know. Considering.” <<if $NineName>>Nine<<else>>The Subject<</if>> laughed. “But why do you say that now? Did you need a hint or something?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I explained about my memories coming back, and how both trying to use the elevator to escape and trying to go back into my cell resulted in the L-Protocol starting back up. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “’No way in and no way out,’ huh. So you’re searching for a third solution.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Got any ideas?” I asked. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Well, if the only exit available is trapped, then you gotta make your own exit.” <<if $NineName is true>>Nine<<else>>The Subject<</if>> sounded oddly excited about it. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “How?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Isn’t obvious? You just bust through the wall!” He said. As if that was even possible. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Uh… huh…” I nodded hesitantly. “Well, I’ll consider it.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Let me know if you need help!” [[Next.|Ob Room 2 Cell Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $NineStuck to true>><<set $NineFriendship to $NineFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“What? You want to break me out?” Nine sounded surprised. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Honestly, I was surprised about my conviction myself. I remembered when I first spoke to him, I felt so scared that I just wanted to run away. I thought that he was dangerous. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> But after getting to know him, I just couldn’t see him that way anymore. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Yeah. I need your help to get out of here. Are you in?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Of course!” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Great!” I said and then looked around the Observation Room. I couldn’t see any keys or spot anything that might be useful in breaking down the door. The room was completely barren, apart from the screens, but I doubted they would be any help with busting down a door. Especially not one as solid as this. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Uhh, do you have any ideas how I might be able to break you out?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Oh, you can leave that to me,” Nine said. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I stood there for a moment, confused, but jumped back when I saw the door open. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Out walked a man wearing colorful clothes, a strange star-shaped hat, and paint on his face. Both cheeks had a droplet drawn on it, but the one on the right was colored red and the one on the left was somehow reflective. I could see my shocked expression through it. His eyes were a similar mismatch of colors, with his right one looking just as dark as everyone else’s and his left looking iridescent. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> The circumstances finally caught up to me. “Wait a second! That was definitely locked before! How did you get out?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Nine lifted a hand up and twirled a small silver key between two fingers. “I figured I would end up in one of these cells one day, so I took the liberty of hiding a key in each cell. Just in case.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Wow…” I didn’t know what else to say. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Nevermind that, though. What’s say we break out of this place?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I could agree with that. [[Next.|Observation Room 2 Choices]] <<scrolldown>><<set $NineInParty to true>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

Maybe I can learn some things from her. <<if $HundredName is not true>>[[What is your name?|Hundred Name]] <</if>><<if ($VisitedObRoom2Screens is true or $VisitedTV is true or $VisitedControlRoomScreen is true or $Endless3D3N is true or $PerniciousEgo is true) and $HundredQ is not true>>[[What is Q Disorder?|Hundred Q]] <</if>><<if ($VisitedObRoom2Screens is true or $VisitedControlRoomScreen is true or $Endless3D3N is true or $PerniciousEgo is true) and $HundredA is not true>>[[What is A Syndrome?|Hundred A]] <</if>><<if ($VisitedObRoom1Screens is true or $VisitedObRoom3Screens is true or $VisitedControlRoomScreen is true or $Endless3D3N is true or $PerniciousEgo is true) and $HundredL is not true>>[[What is L-Protocol?|Hundred L]] <</if>><<if $NineName is true and $HundredLearnsNine is not true>>[[Do you know Nine?|Hundred Learns Nine]] <</if>><<if $PerniciousEgo is true and $HundredHuman is not true>>[[Why do I look like this?|Hundred Human]] <</if>><<if $ElevatorKey is true and $HundredElevator is not true>>[[Where does the elevator go?|Hundred Elevator]] <</if>><<if $One is true and $HundredOne is not true>>[[Do you know One?|Hundred One]] <</if>><<if ($Endless3D3N is true and $PerniciousEgo is true) and $HundredStuck is not true>>[[I think I might be stuck here|Hundred Stuck]] <</if>><<if ($HundredName is true and $HundredFriendship gte 6) and $HundredInParty is not true>>[[How can I get you out?|Hundred Joins Party]] <</if>>[[Leave|Observation Room 3 Choices]]

“My designation is 1-6-100-12-3. But since that is rather wordy, you may give me a nickname, if you wish.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Her response was curt, and yet elegant. But a nickname? Hmm… <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “How about Hundred?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Hundred? Well, that is sufficient, I suppose.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Only ‘sufficient’?” Oh no, was I going to be attacked if I didn’t come up with a nickname that was satisfactory enough for her? I could feel myself starting to shiver. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Do not fret—I am quite satisfied with this name you’ve given me. I just struggle with outward displays of emotion.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Now that I was listening to her more, I could hear that she mostly spoke with flat tones. She really must have been desperate when she first spoke to me for me to be able to hear her anguish. It made me feel a little bad for her. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Well, that’s good then…” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Quite. And you must be Six, correct?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> <<if $One is true>>“Yes, I am. How did you know that?”<<else>>“Why do you say that?” I couldn’t remember my name. Did she know me somehow? I didn’t really recognize her, though…<</if>> <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “I just know these things.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Right…” Yeah, I was still confused. “Well, it’s nice to meet you.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Likewise.” [[Next.|Ob Room 3 Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $HundredName to true>><<set $HundredFriendship to $HundredFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“Questioning Disorder. Symptoms include crying—leakage from the eyes, outward displays of emotion—especially regarding tone, and seeking an individual identity. Though, the most prevalent symptom of all is frequent querying. Like you are doing just now.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I clapped a hand over my mouth. “Then does that mean I have Q Disorder?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred<<else>>She<</if>> giggled, but the noise came out sounding flat. “Clearly.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I could feel myself growing cold. “Does that mean I’m going to die?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Of course not. It is merely a disorder—no, it is more of a classification. Unlike the illnesses that ravaged humans long ago, it has no ill effects on the body. Though that is not the case for the mind. However, I like to think about it positively.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I didn’t know how I could ever think positively about a //mind illness,// but I had to know. “How so?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Well, if you didn’t query me in the search for answers, then you would have never learned the truth of Q Disorder, right? Better to know thy enemy than to cower at its shadow. Knowledge is power, and it is only through questioning things that we are able to obtain that power.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I didn’t really get everything that <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred<<else>>the Subject<</if>> was saying, but power did sound nice. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Or do you regret gaining knowledge?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “When you put it like that, no. I don’t regret learning more.” After all, every piece of knowledge gets me closer to <<if $PerniciousEgo is true>>getting out of here.<<else>>regaining my memories.<</if>> <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Good.” [[Next.|Ob Room 3 Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $HundredQ to true>><<set $HundredFriendship to $HundredFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“Autonomy Syndrome. When Q Disorder is left untreated, it develops into A Syndrome. That is, a subject with this syndrome—an A Syndrome Subject—forms their own identity. They gain a willfulness that is difficult to suppress,” <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred<<else>>the Subject<</if>> stated. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Is it dangerous?” I asked. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> She was silent for a moment before continuing, “That is difficult to answer. If you queried the Servers, they would tell you that there is nothing more dangerous than an A Syndrome Subject. After all, they believe that peace can only exist in efficient unity—when no one deviates from their peers. But if you ask me, I say that the only way to truly ‘live’ is to embrace our differences.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> <<if $One is true>>It was just like what One used to say.<<else>>Her words seemed familiar, somehow.<</if>> <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Is there a way to treat it?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Well, that is what 3D3N Corp.’s facilities, like this one, are for,” <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred<<else>>she<</if>> said. “But so far, I have not heard of a single A Syndrome Subject who has recovered. Now it seems like they are more focused on learning how to prevent it entirely than how to cure it.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> <<if $ServerRoomKey is true or $PerniciousEgo is true>>“I think I might have A Syndrome.” <<scrolldown>> “Then you are in good company here.” <<scrolldown>> I didn’t know what to say. It made me feel better to know that I wasn’t alone, but… it was still scary.<<else>>“How does one know if they have A Syndrome?” <<scrolldown>> “They’ll know. And if they don’t, then the Servers will find out. They always do.” <<scrolldown>> I didn’t know how to respond to //those// ominous words.<</if>> <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I opted to stay silent. [[Next.|Ob Room 3 Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $HundredA to true>><<set $HundredFriendship to $HundredFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“Loop-Protocol. It’s…” <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred<<else>>The Subject<</if>> trailed off. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Even though I just met her, I could tell that that wasn’t normal for her to do. “What’s wrong?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Through the door, I heard her take in a large inhale and then exhale. Finally, she spoke again, her voice the same flat tone I was used to hearing. “It’s a feature of this facility. When something disastrous happens, there is a system in place to turn back time and undo the mistake. It was something the Servers created after another subject was irreparably damaged. After all, the number one priority of the Servers is to ‘protect humans,’ and A Syndrome Subjects are still humans, for better or for worse.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> <<if $One is true>>I felt a pang in my chest. One… <</if>>“So does it activate after a subject has been injured?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Yes.” She was silent for so long that I thought she was done, but after a long pause she continued. “Although now it is mostly used to ensure that none of the subjects learn too much. It resets memories, after all. After the evacuation, this floor was put under an indefinite L-Protocol. After a certain amount of time, time will go backwards, and this floor will reset.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I shivered. “Does that mean there’s a limited amount of time <<if $PerniciousEgo is true>>to escape?<<else>>for me to regain my memories?”<</if>> <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Correct.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> That was an unsettling thought… [[Next.|Ob Room 3 Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $HundredL to true>><<set $HundredFriendship to $HundredFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“Nine?” <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred<<else>>The Subject<</if>> sounded confused for a second before humming flatly. “Oh, you mean Subject 1-5-931-12-2. Yes, I suppose Nine is a much more succinct name for him.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Do you know him?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Of course. I know everyone in this facility.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> That somehow sounded a little scary… “Is there anything you can tell me about him?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Well, he’s the only level 5 subject left on this floor. Level 5 used to be the highest threat level, but after they created threat level 6 to accommodate me, and then Subject 1-5-676-12-1 got raised to threat level 6 as well, level 5 doesn’t seem very impressive anymore.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Sorry Nine, but I couldn’t help but agree with that… <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Other than that, I don’t know much about his personality or interests. I heard that he used to be an employee at this facility, but because I never spoke with him, I can’t tell you much else.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> <<if $NineBoss is not true>>He used to work here? That was news to me. <</if>>“Did you use to work here<<if $HundredName is true>>, Hundred?”<<else>>?”<</if>> <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “No. I was brought in here from outside. Although that is a long story, and we simply do not have the time for it.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Sensing that she didn’t want me to pry, I left it at that. [[Next.|Ob Room 3 Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $HundredLearnsNine to true>><<set $HundredFriendship to $HundredFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“I’m guessing you were able to take a look at yourself in a mirror.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I thought back to sitting down in my cell and staring at myself in the mirror. How I seemed to have wispy antlers growing out of my head, and how my eyes were a kaleidoscope of colors, just like One’s. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Yes,” I said. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “That is just how it is for A Syndrome Subjects. Gaining an identity leads to a transformation. Or, more accurately, it changes your perception.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “What do you mean by that?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred<<else>>The Subject<</if>> was silent for a second, as if contemplating her words. “The truth that the Servers try to hide is that, from all the wars and illnesses and biological weapons that have assaulted humanity through the A-Pocalypse, humans have transformed into a new kind of being. Kind of like, an evolution. This makes us all look drastically different from each other, but that realization is something that the Servers want to avoid. So at birth, there is a ‘censor’ installed in each of our eyes. This censor makes it so that every human looks the exact same.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I nearly stumbled backwards in shock. “So you’re saying that I’ve always looked like this?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Correct. But you were never able to see it before developing A Syndrome. Somehow, A Syndrome is able to crack that censor and allow for your perception to be corrected, though the ‘correction’ seems to depend on the severity of the syndrome. Some subjects, like a level 3, for example, still perceive themselves to look the same as others. Some subjects, like me, can perceive the differences of even the people who do not have A Syndrome or Q Disorder.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Wow… That was a lot to take in. I was tempted to sit down on the ground, just to stop my head from spinning. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “But since I’m stuck in this cell, I’m quite limited in how much I can learn. I admit there’s still much about this that I don’t understand. Apologies.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Uh, no, it’s okay. Thanks for explaining this to me.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Anytime,” <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred<<else>>she<</if>> said. [[Next.|Ob Room 3 Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $HundredHuman to true>><<set $HundredFriendship to $HundredFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“It does not lead to escape, if that’s what you think,” <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred<<else>>the Subject<</if>> said. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I shivered. How did she know? “Then where does it lead?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “It’s a trap, most likely. There’s no way they would let us out that easily.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I looked down at the elevator key in my hand. It certainly wasn’t //easy// to get this. I would say that it’s worth a shot, at least. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred<<else>>She<</if>> sighed, as if sensing where my thoughts were going. “I cannot stop you if you decide to try it. But I urge you to be cautious, no matter what you choose to do.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I’ll take those words to heart. [[Next.|Ob Room 3 Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $HundredElevator to true>><<set $HundredFriendship to $HundredFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“You’re the person who was always talking to him, right?” <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred<<else>>The Subject<</if>> asked in response to my own questions. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> The memories of One weighed heavily on my chest. “Yes, that’s right.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> She was quiet for a moment. “I’m truly sorry. I cannot imagine the kind of pain you must be in.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Do you know what happened to him?” My voice was shaky. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Apologies, for I don’t know all the details. All I know is that he was severely injured and had to be taken away for treatment. I do not know his ultimate fate.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “I see.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “But take heart. Servers are programmed to prioritize human life above all else. There is a high probability that he is alive.” I was surprised to hear a comforting tone to her voice. “Though, I couldn’t tell you where he is now.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> My chest warmed. Maybe <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred<<else>>she<</if>> had a gentle side to her, after all. “Thank you.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “I’m not sure what you are thanking me for,” <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred<<else>>she<</if>> said, “but you’re welcome.” [[Next.|Ob Room 3 Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $HundredOne to true>><<set $HundredFriendship to $HundredFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“I see. What have you tried so far?” <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred<<else>>The Subject<</if>> asked. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I explained to her how I tried escaping through the elevator and how I tried returning to my cell. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “In that case, then I think it’s time for a third solution.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Do you have any ideas?” I asked. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> She seemed to think about it for a moment. “The elevator is the only entrance and exit to B12. The way out would have to lie there, but clearly taking the elevator normally doesn’t work. There must be another way to use it.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I shifted my weight from foot to foot. I didn’t want to go through being trapped in the elevator again. “Do you know it?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Apologies, for I will need to think on this a bit more. But in the meantime, I have a request to make,” <<if $HundredName is true>>Hundred<<else>>she<</if>> said. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Request?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Affirmative. I would like to accompany you when you escape.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Accompany? Well, it would be reassuring to have her with me. She was so knowledgeable, after all. But I still couldn’t shake the feeling I had when I first stepped into Observation Room #3, the fear that seemed to freeze me to my marrow. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “I’ll consider it.” I decided on. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “I’m delighted. Please let me know when you have come to a decision.” [[Next.|Ob Room 3 Questions]] <<scrolldown>><<set $HundredStuck to true>><<set $HundredFriendship to $HundredFriendship + 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

“Pardon? You want to get me out of here?” Hundred’s normally flat tone raised a whole octave. Was she really that surprised? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Honestly, I was a little surprised by my own conviction. I remembered the fear I felt the first time she spoke to me, but after getting to know her more, that fear just faded away. For the most part. But I feel like I’ve really come to rely on her, and it would be reassuring to have her with when trying to figure out how to escape from this place. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Uh, yeah.” I looked around the mostly barren observation room. I couldn’t spot any key, and there was nothing that I could use to pry open the door. Well, the table was probably heavy enough to bust open the door, but I didn’t think I was strong enough to lift it. “Though I’m not really sure how.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “You don’t need to worry about a thing like that. Just leave it to me.” Was it just me or did she sound excited? It was strange to hear her use different inflections in her speech. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> But what exactly was she planning on doing to get out? I tried to strain my ears, but I couldn’t hear anything, until… <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Boo.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “//Ah!//” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I jumped after hearing a voice from behind me. I turned and saw a girl with long, black hair and monochrome skin. Her hair sparkled in a way that reminded me of the night sky—as if galaxies lived between the threads of her hair. Her eyes were eerie voids of pure white that gave the impression of omnipotence. It would have scared me, if not for the mirthful wrinkles below her eyes. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Hundred?” I asked. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Correct,” the girl responded. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I turned back to the cell—it was still closed. I reached out to the knob and turned, but it was still locked. “What?” I looked back at Hundred. “How did you get out?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “I merely shifted my form and slid out from beneath the door.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Was… was that supposed to be an explanation? <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Hundred gave a small wave. “But nevermind that for now. Let’s focus on getting out of here.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Ah, right…” [[Next.|Observation Room 3 Choices]] <<scrolldown>><<set $HundredInParty to true>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

The cell is empty. [[Next.|Observation Room 2 Choices]]

I would feel more confident if we had another person with us. [[Next.|Hallway Choices]]

Nine, Hundred, and I arrived at the elevator, a sense of excited energy surrounding us. We were finally going to escape. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> <<if $HundredLearnsNine is not true or $NineLearnsHundred is not true>>But first, introductions! “Hundred, this is Nine. Nine, this is Hundred.” <<scrolldown>> “So you’re the threat level 6 in Ob Room 3, huh. Nice to finally meet you,” Nine said. <<scrolldown>> “Likewise. I look forward to breaking out of here with you,” Hundred said.<<elseif $NineLearnsHundred is not true and $HundredLearnsNine is true>>I decided to formally introduce my two companions. “Hundred, this is Nine. Nine, this is Hundred.” <<scrolldown>> “Hundred? Are you another subject here?” Nine asked. <<scrolldown>> “Correct. I am Subject 1-6-100-12-3, but please call me Hundred. And you must be Subject 1-5-931-12-2.” <<scrolldown>> “That’s me. But I would prefer if you called me Nine.” <<scrolldown>> “Understood.”<<else>>I was sure that my companions knew about each other already, but I thought that it would be good manners to introduce them anyways. “Hundred, this is Nine. Nine, this is Hundred.” <<scrolldown>> “I’ve heard of you before. Nice to officially meet you,” Nine said. <<scrolldown>> “Likewise. It’s nice to be able to put a face to your name,” Hundred responded.<</if>> <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I couldn’t stop the huge grin from bursting on my face. It felt so reassuring to not be alone anymore. But the more I stared at the smooth metal face of the elevator, the more my doubts started tugging down on my smile. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “How do we get out of here, though?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “About that,” Hundred spoke up. “I actually had an idea. We could try something like how I broke out of my cell. If you concentrate, then it’s simple to shift forms. If we all shifted to something small, then we could crawl out of the ventilation shafts.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Nine frowned. “How are we supposed to do that?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Just concentrate. The Servers tried to limit our perspective on what it means to be ‘human,’ but the truth is that our forms are ever changing, and it’s within our capabilities to mold our forms at will. Forget about the uniform notion of humanity that you’ve been holding onto until now and delve into your own imagination in order to transform yourself at will.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Imagination?” I asked. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Yes,” Hundred said. “Just think about what form is most convenient to you—no, what form most speaks to you, and do not resist the pull.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I glanced at Nine. He gave a shrug before saying, “I guess I’ll give it a try.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I watched as he closed his eyes, and between blinks, he disappeared. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Nine!?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Down here!” I looked down to see what looked like a miniature Nine waving up at me. It really did work! <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Your turn,” Hundred said to me. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I was a little nervous, but… “Okay.” I closed my eyes and concentrated. I thought about all that Hundred had taught me, and the courage that Nine had given me. I thought about the freedom of being able to express my own identity and how I did not have to stay in a fixed location. I didn’t need to stay in this perpetual maze. I thought about leaving here with my new friends<<if $One is true>> and I thought about One.<<else>>.<</if>> <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “You did it!” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I opened my eyes to see Nine and Hundred smiling at me. Everything seemed normal at first, but when I looked at the elevator, I saw that it was far larger than anything I had ever seen before. I really did manage to shrink myself down! <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Yes!” Nine jumped up in excitement. “Alright, let’s get out of Three-den Corp.!” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “What?” I blinked at him. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “What did you just call this place?” Hundred asked at nearly the same time. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Three-den Corp., you know, the name of this corporation?” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Hundred tilted her head. “I was under the impression that it was pronounced ‘Eden Corp.’” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> “Well, maybe, but they use those 3s instead of Es, which is kinda old-school edgy internet warrior if you ask me, so I just nicknamed it ‘Three-den’ as a joke.” <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> Hundred and I just stared at Nine for a handful of moments before I burst into laughter, Hundred and Nine joining me after a beat. [[Next.|End 3 Part 2]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

No. Not anymore. [[Next.|Observation Room 1 Choices]]

The cell is empty. [[Next.|Observation Room 3 Choices]]

Hundred pointed us to the vents soon after that, and the three of us escaped from 3D3N Corp. without much difficulty. We knew that our battle was just beginning: after all, there weren’t many out there that would accept us for our differences, and the Servers saw us as a threat. We would likely face endless adversaries in the future. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> But I still had hope. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> After all, I had my friends here with me. We didn’t get along because we were all the same—we got along because of our differences. And that, I think, made us powerful. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> But most importantly of all, I was true to myself. I wasn’t what others expected of me. I wasn’t a perfect person, and I could never go back to being a uniform copy of my peers. My experiences have changed me, shaped me into my own unique person. <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> I was finally //me.// <<linkreplace "Next." t8n>> <<scrolldown>> And I couldn’t wait to show the world. [[Next.|End 3 Screen]] <<scrolldown>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

<<set $HumanityUnveiled to true>>Ending #3: Humanity Unveiled By: yf-kimi <<if $Endless3D3N is true and $PerniciousEgo is true and $HumanityUnveiled is true>>[[Return to start|True restart]]<<else>>[[Return to start|Title Screen]]<</if>>

Endless 3D3N ver 1.6 (Press "Enter" or click "Next." to advance text.) Content warnings: <<linkreplace "Click to view." t8n>>Blood, injury, violence, and murder.<</linkreplace>> [[Start]] <<set $VisitedObRoom1Screens to false>><<set $VisitedObRoom1 to false>><<set $VisitedServerRoom to false>><<set $VisitedObRoom2 to false>><<set $VisitedSubject2 to false>><<set $VisitedObRoom3Screens to false>><<set $ControlRoomKeyHint to false>><<set $VisitedObRoom3 to false>><<set $VisitedSubject3 to false>><<set $OfficeKey to false>><<set $VisitedOffice to false>><<set $ServerRoomKey to false>><<set $ElevatorKey to false>><<set $ControlRoomKey to false>><<set $VisitedDesk to false>><<set $VisitedBreakRoom to false>><<set $VisitedFridge to false>><<set $VisitedTV to false>><<set $VisitedControlRoom to false>><<set $VisitedHallway to false>><<set $Cell1Key to false>><<set $HundredFriendship to 0>><<set $NineFriendship to 0>><<set $NineName to false>><<set $HundredName to false>><<set $NineBoss to false>><<set $NineThreatLevels to false>><<set $NineLearnsHundred to false>><<set $NineTV to false>><<set $NineTech to false>><<set $NineElevator to false>><<set $NineOne to false>><<set $NineStuck to false>><<set $NineInParty to false>><<set $NineSix to false>><<set $VisitedObRoom2Screens to false>><<set $VisitedTablet to false>><<set $VisitedControlRoomScreen to false>><<set $HundredQ to false>><<set $HundredA to false>><<set $HundredL to false>><<set $HundredLearnsNine to false>><<set $HundredHuman to false>><<set $HundredElevator to false>><<set $HundredOne to false>><<set $HundredStuck to false>><<set $HundredInParty to false>><<set $Endless3D3N to false>><<set $One to false>><<set $PerniciousEgo to false>><<set $HumanityUnveiled to false>>