Being an Extra Actor in an Escape Game

Their hard work and patience paid off.

Right now, the ring that the gold dot can be in is as thin as a line.

Theyre waiting for the dot to jump right into their lap and it does. X Beijin was crouching the entire time, and with a quick swipe, grabs the rusty key out right from the dirt. On the control panel, the position for the gold dot is finally fixed.

Having waited tensely for a while, X Beijin sighs in relief.

Lin Qin quickly helps him up.

X Beijin is a little dizzy standing up so quickly after crouching for so long, but hes still excited, saying, we got it!

Yes, we did, replies Lin Qin, as he helps him nudge their way through the crowded madmen into the Tower.

At least they dont have to get shoved around by the madmen outside anymore.

From the door, countless madmen are still emerging, in enough numbers that even Lin Qin seems uneasy.

He asks, if this keeps up are all of them going to come?

Thats right X Beijin, looking at the crowd with narrowed eyes, smiles and tells Lin Qin, that is exactly what we need.

Lin Qin, mystified, looks at him for an answer.

X Beijin mumbles, a great amount of useless, empty rubbish data no longer with human players within

Lin Qin doesnt understand, but he isnt that interested either. He takes X Beijins hand and wipes it clean again, also carefully touching where the skin was broken on his hand.

Lin Qin says, we havent even escaped yet, and youre already hurt so bad.

X Beijin, seeing Lin Qin this way, tells them, Im sorry, I

I know you want to do this this is what we have to do, Lin Qin gives him a hug, confessing, Im really, really worried for you. Im also worried I cant protect you well. Im worried youll be in pain.

X Beijin answers after a bit, I know, but, it wouldnt hurt right now, were moving right on target. Im really happy.

Lin Qin watches him and gives him a little peck on the lips. Then he says, it feels dry already. Lets go back to the bookstore and get you some water.

X Beijin can only follow his steps.

What they can do at this stage is over. Now it all comes down to those in the Nightmare.

X Beijin looks behind him one last time those who have made it into the Tower are walking around in the Tower with some purpose, it seems, like theyre looking for the right place. Then, they stand right there after they do, as if theyre waiting.

Theyre all waiting, for something.

X Beijin gives them one last meaningful glance surprised by their calm, he realises something and his expression twitches slightly.

Then, he takes a deep breath, before going forward.

Outside the Tower, more doors are appearing, and more people are emerging.

Right now, both the Tower and the Ultimate Nightmare are filling up with people who once succumbed to Nightmares.

Some have stiff poker faces, some have wrathful, aggressive faces like someone insane. They all have different looks and appearances, but the one common thing they share, is the aura of hopelessness.

If one carefully examines all of these people, then perhaps, a familiar figure might emerge.

For example a woman?

Jiang Shuangmei wipes her sweat off in rather dramatic fashion, and asks, irritated, are we there yet? I feel like its been hours weve spent in this grey fog

Shes exaggerating, but its true theyve been walking for at least half an hour through the impenetrable grey fog.

Though according to their previous estimates, they should have arrived at a scene without the grey fog in less than 20 minutes.

Jiang Shuangmei knows her complaint might feel annoying too, and adds, could it be that the landmark were looking for is already consumed by the fog? And we didnt realise?

Its quite possible, replies Fei, who then asks Wu Jian, where were we supposed to stop next?

When they ventured into the fog, they already considered how difficult it is to identify direction and location in the fog. So they must keep a close eye out for any local landmarks on the way to ensure theyre not lost.

Wu Jian has quite the long face, not that anybody can see his expression clearly, and he says, its the theatre but to be honest, I suspect weve went past that too.

They fall completely silent.

They realise its far more difficult to navigate the grey fog to reach a specific location.

They not only have to be mindful of the direction, but they also have to watch out for the now invisible doors.

Ye Lan almost walked into one, actually, but Xie Zhijin noticed the fog in front not moving uniformly there, so he pulled her back; Ye Lan could very well have disappeared into that door without that.

The incident also sent morale plummeting even more.

Their great enthusiasm they had setting out has simmered in the difficult process.

But at least, they are still heading in the correct direction.

Wu Jian, watching his laptop monitor with brightness set to maximum, suddenly says, a bit nervous in tone, I only have 50% battery left.

The mood is souring ever more.

That is when some footsteps can be heard through the fog in their front, and so the five of them come to stop, waiting.

Slowly, two silhouettes emerge. Wu Jian, the first to be able to make their forms out clearly, excitedly calls out, Mu Jiashi! Shen Ynj!

The Missiontakers sigh in relief in reflex meeting up with their other companions.

Mu Jiashi doesnt look remotely as excited, though, even furrowing his brows a little.

Examining the Missiontakers in front of him, hes about to speak when he notices a stranger among them.

Wu Jian makes the introductions, while also telling him about Xie Zhijins situation.

Mu Jiashi raises his brows a little as he observes him more closely.

Shen Ynj also gives him a glance.

Not long ago, Mu Jiashi and he met someone whos possibly going mad escaping from a bakery.

They decided to separate with him immediately, worrying the madness may spread to them.

But right now, this man, clearly succumbed, given his amnesia over the Tower and Nightmares, is still walking with the other Missiontakers without seemingly causing anything to happen.

He even looks to be of sound mind, mostly.

Is there something special about Xie Zhijin, or

Mu Jiashi falls into thought.

Fei seems to know what Mu Jiashi is pondering, and asks, should we move together? Ill tell you about what were trying to do right now.

So Mu Jiashi asks, what are you going to do?

Jiang Shuangmei declares, somewhat excitedly, go give NE what for!

Mu Jiashi

Shocked, he looks at the Missiontakers once more. Putting it bluntly werent they expecting to work together with NE before coming here?

Its barely been a few hours and theyre already going to betray that alliance?