Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Screams tore through the eardrums of Player, all of them murky yet so loud at the same time.

In front of them was a mysterious figure with their face covered in a hood, underneath them was Builderman who squirmed in his binds with a look of pure dread and unimaginable terror painting his visage sheet white.

Their hands shake as they held the rubber ball close to their chest while their mind pounds with confusion so overwhelming it threatens to crack their own skull into smithereens.

"...Your mere existence is insulting." The Mysterious Figure sneered "Shouldn't you give up already?"

"I should be asking you that." Their words felt so unfamiliar as if these letters clawed its way from the back of their throat. It left Player frustratingly confused, why did they say that?

"This is pointless, all so pointless..." The hooded figure murmurs, their voice raspy as if their vocal chords were ripped out "It's eating me alive, hero. This eternal dance, a neverending stalemate in our game of chess— is maddening and I know that feeling of hate is affecting you too."

"..."

"Tell me, are you still you?"

"...I know who I am."

"Oh, vessel of suffering, you don't know half of it! Let's start anew then, this time— and this time, once you finally learn the choreography of our wretched dance... I expect you to be at your wit's end!"

"Dude!!!" A scream so faraway yet so close "Aim for the device!"

"No, stop, don't do it! You're—" Builderman's pleas went on deaf ears as his voice was drowned from all the noise of the crowd.

And like impulse of a movement done many times before, Player obeys and attempts to hit the machine held in the hands of the mysterious figure.

But the opponent stood unfazed as they blocked Player's attack before deflecting the ball and letting it bounce off the stage.

A chuckle came from the mysterious assailant "So—" but before they can say anymore they were cut off by a headbutt on the chin.

"Quick get the device!" Builderman yelps as he fought back against the Mysterious Figure.

"You little— oof!"

"Dude, watch out!" The elder penguin yelps as Player barely manage to dodge a steady arrow from a winged noob from above the ceiling.

The atmosphere tenses as more enemies streams down from above and the hero ran as fast as they could towards the device but it was soon snatched by the Mysterious Figure who huffs in frustration.

The unconscious body of Builderman lays a few studs away as they laugh maniacally.

"The world implores you to unwrap its mysteries since you stepped into this convention. Hero, see the world for how it truly is!"

Beep!

The machine whirs to life and levitates in the air as the world so suddenly warped in itself before a bright light tore through the seams of reality and it wasn't before thunder roared from the machine that everything went black.

1x1x1x1 woke up with a gasp as cold sweat clung to his back. He sat up with haste as he slowly surveyed his dark room with a pounding heart.

All of their things still seems to be in place. The drawer by the foot of the bed, the painting of mister Cassel and Builderman taken from the living realm still hung upright, the small carpet is recently cleaned and the window that shines streams of moonlight inside this desolate yet cluttered room is the same as it has ever been.

"Young master, it is time for breakfast." The old butler knocked on his door before opening it to let out an announcement.

"I'm coming..." He groaned a reply back as he stretched his arms and blinked his bleary eyes open.

The bed creaked as 1x1x1x1 stood up, stretching a bit more before leaving his room to enter the dining hall.

"Where is the dining hall?" Was the first thing 1x1x1x1 asked upon arriving at where the dining room is supposed to be only to find a pit and multiple floating furnitures.

"Uh... Young master, this area has been currently undergoing a renovation." The butler explains "You can eat in the kitchen for now, I arranged for you a chair and a table to dine in."

"...Alright."

Breakfast was mid. There was barely any taste to the meat and the texture was tough to bite through yet 1x1x1x1 persists in his chewing with a furrowed brow.

Seriously? In all his time in the manor, they did not even bother to hire a single chef to cook some good meals. The only one who's at least qualified to cook was miss Brighteyes who barely even visits.

"Did you enjoy the food, young master?" The butler asks as he made his way to pick up the dirty dishes to clean.

"...When is miss Brighteyes going to visit?"

"Not today."

"Can I... leave?"

The butler can only let out a sigh "Young master, you know Master Telamon does not permit you to leave the spirit world."

"I never even met the guy!" 1x1x1x1 complained "Who's he to tell me what to do? Please, I want to see what the realm of the living is all about."

"Not that interesting..."

"You destroyed that dining hall just so that I can't go find the exit, didn't you?"

"No, that was Master Telamon's orders. He said that he didn't like the look of the dining hall."

"He never even visits the manor..." The child retorts "How would he even know what the dining hall looks like?"

His words are filled with utmost truth and sincerity. The enigmatic Telamon doesn't visit his home, 1x1x1x1 daresay he never even bothers to enter this haunted manor. In all his ten birthdays he has never even catch a glimpse of this Telamon— there isn't even a single painting in this art-filled manor that depicts him.

He has a small suspicion that the painting of Erik Cassel and David Builderman Baszucki does but the canvas has been repainted to only show the two. But in his bored stupors, he sometimes stares at the painting with scrutiny and manages to catch glimpses of faded outlines and washed-out colors.

Too bad he can't make anything out from just that.

The butler can only sigh as he rubbed his hands on a clean towel "Just because he's not here, doesn't mean he can't see what's happening here. Master Telamon is a man with powers I can't even comprehend."

"I bet I can though..."

"Yes, yes..." The man patted his head as he escorts the child out to kitchen "Now, if you excuse me young master, I have duties to attend to."

1x1x1x1 only hums in understanding as he left the kitchen and came face to face with the door leading outside the manor but it was locked tight and he doesn't even think to leave by going through the front door.

"Hey X!" He turns his head to see an older individual wearing a pumpkin head greet him "Got rejected again?"

"Spookster, how can you even endure being in this stuffy mansion?"

"Well duh, it's my home, technically... Besides this place isn't that stuffy, its pretty spacious in fact!" Spookster defended before muttering in a low voice "More spacious than my last house, at least..."

1x1x1x1 groaned as he pulls his hair in annoyance before turning back to his room, ignoring all other residents he passes by.

The room is the same as ever. A bed facing the door, the hanged painting of Erik Cassel and Builderman (two people he doesn't know but the painting was a gift from Brighteyes who hated his nearly empty room), scattered crayons, scribbles on the wall, his floating desk, piled up papers in the corner— it was all in the same place in this repetitive and monotonous room.

The mattress dipped as 1x1x1x1 laid down, facing the same ceiling that was filled with dust and cobwebs. The only entertainment he could get in this godforsaken manor was talking to the other residents (which he already did for so many times) or doing nonsensical parkour on floating objects (to which he always ended up falling down).

Parkour...

Wait a minute.

A slow and dawning realization made him slowly rise from his bed to look back at the door.

The butler is forgetful, that he knows. Perhaps there's a chance that he may have forgotten to close the entrance to the living realm, giving this conniving child a ticket out!

With newfound hope and a devious plan brewing in his mind, 1x1x1x1 quickly gathered up a few of his belongings before bolting out the door and running towards the backyard that was oftentimes forbidden for him to enter.

He sneaked around, avoiding each and every resident that came his way before finally, he's face to face with the door outside.

He gripped the knob but before he can twist it further open, a hand met his shoulder resulting in the little child jolting to look back in panic.

"...So the little child has hungered for the outside, do you not?" A being as dark as the night with a small and cryptic book placed on top of its head stood behind him.

"Necrobloxicon?" 1x1x1x1 raised a brow before frowning "You're not stopping me."

"I know that."

"So, why are you still holding my shoulder? Let go!"

The only response he got was a tighter grip on his shoulder as the entity pulled him close.

"I came to deliver a prophecy."

Should he entertain this mysterious and cryptic fool? He never shared a deep personal bond with it unlike some others in the manor. Its cryptic riddles and prophesized words left a bitter taste in 1x1x1x1's tongue, a unique frustration of not understanding its beyond comprehensible words that feels as though its mocking his low knowledge of the occult.

But the man is also wise, a person that can give decent advice and he needs that more than anything right now.

"What is it?"

"Your future is grave and unpredictable, like a tempestuous sea that threatens to swallow cities. Once you leave Spooksville, there's no turning back."

That was not helpful at all!

"Are you trying to dissuade me? It's not working."

"No, I'm merely stating facts." Necrobloxicon objects "Your choices matter and every step you take, a ripple forms in the fabric of space and time. The written destiny will be shaken."

"...Ok." What is he talking about?

A tug of anger bubbles beneath the deadpan facade of 1x1x1x1 but just as easily, he pushes it down.

"I'll keep that in mind." He says before he turned the knob and left.

Necrobloxicon watched with a burning stare as the kid, no older than twelve left the manor for the first time "May your path be more righteous than the hero's fate..."

The purple grass sways by the breeze and 1x1x1x1 can faintly hear the soft crunch of the dirt and gravel beneath his shoes as he made his way to the living realm.

A gate, higher than his stature and as tall as a tree can be seen at the end of a long and winding path. It's doors were left ajar and a green glow emits from its surface.

Like a moth to a flame, the child ran towards it with no hesitation.

The other side was still dark but the color palette seems to desaturated and off from its usual colors.

1x1x1x1 stares in awe at the sight as he strolls along the only path leading towards somewhere before he froze and hid before he was spotted.

"Have you gotten any news from the master yet?" The voice of his butler asked another individual with sagging skin and rotting exterior.

The undead shook its head as it let out a low groan "Nooooo...."

"I see..." The butler turns back to the area leading to the Spirit Realm "This is bad, there has been no new delivery of supplies."

The undead groaned in response and the butler shook his head.

"It is better to wait for now, he might be busy. Keep your guard up though, pay attention to the whispers of the wind."

The undead nods before it soon burrows back into the ground and the butler walks back to the Spirit Realm.

After making sure the coast was clear, 1x1x1x1 hops out of his hiding spot with confusion written all over his face.

"What the heck was that?" He mumbles to himself.

Pay attention to the wind? The heck does that mean? Who are they talking about anyway? Oh well, those questions won't matter soon after he leaves this place to adventure and finally explore the world.

So with a pep in his step, he stopped in front of the oddly similar manor to the one from the Spirit Realm but 1x1x1x1 knows better than to believe that it's the same. The color palette is different and the architecture seemed brand new unlike the dilapidated and crumbling infrastructure of his own home.

He can feel himself get envious and a little angry. What's so special about this place that it has to look completely brand new? Why is the one in the Spirit World more dilapidated? The place he calls home looks less taken care of with squatters living rent-free inside the walls of the manor, an odd odor coming from pits of green gas and floating runiture that have been busted down from overuse.

But those question can wait to be answered, he will confront the butler about this once he comes back from his little exploration.

He can hear it from beyond the closed door, the sounds of muffled conversations and it was loud and so unlike the manor he's so familiar with.

He opens the door ever so slowly.

The conversation became louder and the world became brighter. He sees people lazing around, sitting on armchairs in the corner of the room or were seated at the dining table (that was demolished in the Spirit Realm) enjoying a small feast that looks absolutely delectable to bite on.

It almost made 1x1x1x1 have a whiplash, it was so different from the manor he knows and it's disorienting.

"Want some kid?" A person seated at the head of the table asked "There's enough room for you to eat!"

He can only bashfully nod at the invite as he took a small slice of the turkey leg. It looks so juicy and tender and so similar to how Madame Brighteyes cooks meat.

Gingerly, he took a bite and his taste buds exploded with wondrous flavor. The meat was well-seasoned, cooked to perfection and tender to chew unlike the food served at the manor that looks like inedible bricks of meat.

"This... is so good." He says in awe.

"Hahah, I don't pride myself as a cook to be honest but this is the highest form of compliment to my first turkey dish, never cooked turkey before!"

"What are you saying man, this is great!" Presumably her buddy, interjects "Seriously need to stop downplaying your skills... Hey kid,"

1x1x1x1 turned to the man who called him.

"Do you think my friend here can be a spectacular enough cook to maybe even be a personal chef of Blackrock's king?"

"Oh c'mon! My skills are practically incomparable to the chef at Blackrock..."

"I think she can be a great cook, maybe she can be a chef at Telamon's instead!" 1x1x1x1 answers with utmost sincerity.

"See told ya!" The man laughed "Actually kid, she's planning to intern here as a witch cook!"

"Woah really?!"

"Yeah, Telamon's getting a great cook that's for sure!"

The two laughed as they take more portions, and 1x1x1x1 laughed with them as he briefly glances to the side.

"...I need to head out now." 1x1x1x1 abruptly stood up from his seat as he looks back warily to the door leading to the backyard.

"It's cool, kid!" The one across him laughs "Take some portions with you though, you look starved of good food!"

"Tell me about it..." Reluctantly, he dug in to store in more portions of the turkey and a little piece of pumpkin pi before leaving.

So far, the entire manor's structure is nearly the same as the one he lives in, albeit more neat, clean and less destroyed. After exploring the last room and comparing it to the one in the Spirit Realm, boredom gnaws at the back of 1x1x1x1's head and an urge to explore more overtakes his senses because surely the living world isn't just this right? There's gotta be more.

There's only one place left, the area outside the manor. Not the backyard but the one outside the front entrance of the place.

Upon arriving at the main lobby and going down the winding staircase, he sees it, the door leading outside the mansion wide open as if welcoming visitors to come take a look inside the manor and bidding those who are leaving a nice goodbye.

Unlike in the Spirit Realm, the weather looks nice outside. Beyond the manor was a clear sky with a big moon up above brightening the dark surroundings and he can so vividly see the landscape from faraway unlike in the Spirit Realm where the world outside the front door of the manor was covered in an eternal grey fog with a layer so thick you can barely make out anything.

The butler tells him that no ghost or undead ever came back from leaving the spirit realm's front door of the manor. He was right, every spirit that does exit through the front door was swallowed by the fog, never to return to the manor and he never knew what happened to them nor what was beyond the fog.

But this isn't the spirit world, he can go outside without problems and he can even see some people in the distance talking and walking around, no fog and still visible in his peripheral vision.

He's not a kid anymore, he shouldn't be afraid in taking the first steps to a brand new world waiting for him with open arms.

Slowly, he walked out of the manor and into the cemetery that glows by the light of the moon.

A rush of excitement and a tug of wanting more, he walked deeper and deeper into the cemetery until he comes across a crypt.

"Hello." A person greets him "What would you like to know?"

"Uh... Nothing particular." He answers as a quiet befell upon the two that locked eyes in a staring match.

"Then just know that the beds are to my left."

"Okay... Thank you."

"No problem."

The messages on the crypts' tombs are nothing but hilarious and wacky but right now, 1x1x1x1 isn't really looking forward to sleep so with a wave of goodbye towards the lady, he left the crypt to venture deeper into the cemetery.

The place was odd yet unlike anything he has seen before, years trapped in that stuffy manor had deteriorated his sense of wonder. Seeing the same areas, rooms and furniture can be quite maddening and being out here— away from that house is nothing but a breath of fresh air, an ecstacy from a torturous hell of repetitive routine.

He explored every nook and cranny, no stone was left unturned (except for the ones guarded by the undead) and each time he sneaked past a rotting guard brought a rush of adrenaline he never though he'd earn.

It wasn't until he finally got to the end of the cemetery, where a wide plain encompasses a large plot of land. In the distance was some sort of machinery, he can guess it to be a train— if the books he found in the manor were of any help and the testimonies of recently deceased spirits were credible.

There were many people loitering around the area too. Most were chattering to one another about things he could care less about but one such group caught his eye.

It was people in the same age range as him, children probably no older than twelve ran around the large place with sing-song laughter reverberating across the area.

Frustration rears its toxic head from the back of 1x1x1x1's mind as he surveyed his appearance to make sure he looks presentable.

He combed irrationally through his unkept hair and tried to smoothen the wrinkled fabric of his clothes but the longer these endeavours take, the more he became frustrated until he finally made the decision to not interact with them until he checks out the cool (probably) train.

But before he can even take a step forward, a harsh tug on his arm sent him reeling back towards someone's body.

"What are you doing, young master?!" The butler tugs him back towards the manor.

"Wait, no! I'm not going back there." A pang of anger rushed through the child as he harshly pulled back his arm from the butler, but the older man's grip is strong and he doesn't budge no matter how much 1x1x1x1 pulls.

"This isn't a place you're permitted to traverse now let's go—" His words were halted as a groan from an undead alerted him to the rotting corpse shambling towards them "What is it?"

The flying corpse groaned as it flapped its wings in reply.

For a moment, it was silent and 1x1x1x1, looked around in confusion as the breeze became evermore harsher as it scatters piles of leaves.

If he strained his ears enough, he could hear soft laughter from a distance.

"...I see." Finally, the butler nods as he lets go of 1x1x1x1.

The cemetery buzzed with the sounds of insects and the cawing of crows, but between the kid and the butler, everything felt all too quiet.

"Master Telamon has informed me, that you are finally ready." The butler coughed, his tone a soft murmur "...He says that you can finally stretch your wings and fly across Robloxia without needing supervision."

"...What?"

"I never thought, that I'd see the day." The butler began, his voice filled with pride yet also filled with goodbye "Come here, young master."

1x1x1x1 hesitantly obeyed, his steps were meek and careful as he neared the butler who's crouched down to level with him eye to eye.

The butler gifted something to him, held out his hand for the child to take.

It was a pouch filled with tix and bux and a small feather. With how delicate the butler is to the object, he feels that it might've been plucked from an exotic and rare species of bird. 1x1x1x1 inspected it but he can't trace it to anything from the books that he had read.

"Take this, it is a small charm of protection." The old man explains "You've grown but don't forget the teachings I've taught you."

"Yeah, yeah... Still remember." 1x1x1x1 grumbles before a small smirk made its way to his face "I've been preparing it for this day, so how could I forget?"

The butler laughs, the flying undead joining soon after, although croaked.

"Well, I've been holding you back for too long. Take this too, you'll need it for the train." The butler hands him a ticket "Now go, see the world with your very own eyes."

A wave of excitement rattles 1x1x1x1's bones as he gazed excitedly at the train, his first steps meek but as he got closer to the locomotive he became more assured but something was holding him back.

1x1x1x1 stops before looking back longingly towards the man whom practically raised him better than his so-called creator. It took him a moment to think before he sprinted back towards him to give the man a big hug.

"Ah, young master... You shouldn't." The old man hugs back, a big and sincere smile present on his stitched and wrinkled face "You've grown so much..."

1x1x1x1 sniffles. It was embarrassing and he feels angry for showing such vulnerability but it all fades as he comes to realize that it was his butler that he has shown weakness to, a man who has seen him cry time and time again.

The world felt better knowing he is there to support 1x1x1x1's adventures.

"Do... you know where Telamon might be?" He finally pulls back, a question slips out from his tongue, something that has been lingering in his mind for years.

"Ah, Master Telamon... He is at Bizville, at Roblox Headquarters, last I've heard. I haven't visited there in a while though so I won't know how it looks now..."

"..."

"If you want to meet him, go there. I'm sure he won't mind so don't worry too much." He comforted while the ghoul groaned in agreement.

"Alright..."

"Now go, don't let us hold you back. If you want, i'll even escort you there."

"...Yes, please..."

The man held out a hand and the child took it without hesitation. The walk towards the train was quiet, but not uncomfortable. A string of lingering nostalgia binds him in place before a small push of encouragement finally made him take the first step to the train.

"Ticket please." The conductor demands as his butler nods for him to hand over the slip of paper with printed words and symmetrical ends.

The conductor skims the ticket(?) before his eyes widened and a gasp slips through his lips "This is—"

"Yes, personally autographed by the Master of the Manor, Telamon himself."

"Yes, yes... Right away, to the first-class you'll be staying."

"Take care of the young master..."

"Yes sir, the child will be safe with me."

The conductor leads the way deeper into the bowels of the train as the doors slowly close behind 1x1x1x1. He looks back to see his butler with a big smile waving at him goodbye.

The train whirs to life, the engine roars as the horns blew a loud honk of departure.

1x1x1x1 waves back a goodbye as Spooksville became farther and farther away from his line of sight.

But in front of the train's path was a new horizon, a new area and a new adventure that awaits.

The hero's story starts in the future who went back to relive the past but to the little 1x1x1x1, who's filled with awe and wanderlust, his story starts here, in a train that paves a path to a brand new future ahead of him.

Chapter Text

1x1x1x1 left the station after a good nap in one of the rooms with the conductor escorting her and the other passengers outside.

People scattered away from the station as newer passengers entered the train. 1x1x1x1 looks around at the bright scenery of Bizville in awe.

"Oh, engineer. What are you doing out?" She heard the voice of the conductor question.

"Hmm? Oh, I'm just going to visit the kids, y'know how they can be a handful. Have to make sure they ain't doing too much trouble." Another unfamiliar voice replies "I also got a new mission today from Turitopulis, I'll have to check it out."

"Don't overwork yourself, have you at least eaten?"

"I'll eat on the way back but thanks for the concern."

"Nonsense, you should've at least grabbed a snack in the train's shop. C'mon, I'll be treating you, it would still be awhile before the train departs!"

"Oh no, I dont really—" The voice was cut off before they can ever finish their sentence, so 1x1x1x1 diverts her attention from eavesdropping.

The streets were abuzz with music and cheer. People chatter and lazed around while the birds chirped from their perch on the trees.

The place was bright and so full of life. A sight that made 1x1x1x1 shocked yet excited as she has never seen a place so crowded and loud.

It was so unlike the Spirit World of Telamon's manor where the walls whisper, the pumpkins chuckle menacingly in the gray fog and the residents murmur and groan like hungry ghouls whenever dinner time is nigh.

She was almost starting to miss it but it's no good to start feeling homesick this early into her adventure.

Shaking her head to rid herself of such depressing thoughts, she distracts herself by exploring as much to her heart's content except for the restricted areas blocked by engineers and architects busy with labour.

Soon enough, she managed to arrive at what seems to be Roblox headquarters— if the sign outside the building telling the whole world that this is Roblox Headquarters wasn't enough of a dead giveaway.

This is it. She's going to meet Telamon and demand of him answers for why he has never visited he manor in all her life living there, she's going to ask where the best vacation spot is or where the best treasure site is located to spice up her adventure and possibly add this to her portfolio detailing how good of an adventurer she is.

But hesitation bubbles from the back of her head with the thought of denial, confusion and getting kicked out from the building by the man she urgently wants to meet as she fidgets in place while her eyes wander to the doors leading inside the building that suddenly stood very ominously.

A second or so passes watching employees filter in and out the building until she finally got the courage to march inside with light steps.

The receptionist looked over to the doors upon hearing the sounds of footfall before perking up at the sight of 1x1x1x1.

"How can I help you?" The receptionist asked as he fiddles with his name tag that says: Ronnie.

"Is there a man here named... Telamon?" 1x1x1x1 hesitantly asks after a beat of silence passes between them.

"I'm sorry, Mister Telamon wishes not to be disturbed for he's currently in a meeting with Builderman." Receptionist Ronnie apologetically explains "If you have an appointment with him, I can schedule you another time."

"No, no... It's fine."

"Sorry for the inco— what the?!" A low rumble stops him in his tracks, completely halting their conversation as they both looked at the staircases in unison.

The rumble increased in intensity as faraway screams from the upper floors alerts the two of something serious happening from upstairs.

Soon, scrambling employees rushed out of the door like a mob. Receptionist Ronnie pulled 1x1x1x1 by the hem of her shirt away from the path of the double doors as the stampede of panicked workers congregate near the entryway, pushing and shouting for escape.

It was grating to her ears but none could be as alarming as the slow creak of metal bending from faraway. It started off muffled and low but as the people crowding around the door decrease in numbers, the groaning of the building becomes louder and piercing in the silence.

Metals scrape off of metal, the spontaneous crunching of glass as its cracks became ever so larger until it reaches the ground floor in big shards of segregated lines.

Something pulled at 1x1x1x1's clothes as they were dragged outside the building by the receptionist before— in clear view, the building collapsed. The top half of the building getting swallowed by the lower counterpart.

She heard screams of terror; she heard panicked cries— sounds she thought she became used to at Telamon's manor. She can even pretend these screams to be of those visitors from the other side whom stumbled upon the Spirit World that were always shrieking like an alarm whenever they triggered one of her traps that sets off a hilarious prank... But this isn't Telamon's manor anymore, this is different and this realization sends her heart thumping rapidly for an unknown reason.

"What happened?!" A voice from her right shrieked as she turned towards a man (too average and forgettable) craning his head to look in shock and horror at the sight of the HQ.

"Mister Doe..." She heard the receptionist, Ronnie call out.

"Explain."

"That's the thing..." The man scratched his cheek in nervousness "I have no clue, perhaps the other employees do... All I know is that it happened on the upper floors."

"I see..." Mister Doe sighed in frustration as he massaged his temple in annoyance "More work yet no overtime pay for me..."

"Ehem..." A new voice cleared their throat as the three individuals looked over towards a young robloxian (that looked like a foreigner with their odd clothes) standing awkwardly to the side.

"Can I help you?" Mister Doe questions, his tone carries an edge that dares not to be messed with.

Wordlessly, the foreigner hands over a piece of paper with a stamped letter 'R' on the sealed envelope while the wax is colored gold that shimmers in the sunlight. It looked like a letter from a reputable sender.

Mister Doe opened the letter with sluggish movements and as his eyes read the lines of the page, 1x1x1x1 could see his gaze becoming increasingly confused.

"Alright, let me stop you here..." He gently folded the paper as he assessed the foreigner with keen interest "I'm not going to doubt this paper, it seems to be legitimately signed by Shedletsky himself but I have to ask you this... What business do you have with him and is this related to the building's collapse?"

The person could only shrug their shoulders "I dunno, I just got here..."

The conversation was cut short as paramedics and officers from the local station finally arrived at the scene.

They efficiently bordered the entire area while rescuing any stragglers that were trapped in the building.

"...How many do you think is still there?" Mister Doe asks.

"There isn't much employees today, sir. I'm sure everyone is fine..." Ronnie replied as a heavy quiet befell the group.

"...What happened?" The oddly quiet foreigner inquires as they stared at the crumbling structure with an unreadable expression.

"...We don't know."

Quietly, they excused themselves as they made their way to a planked off area leading to the meadows.

They looked at the fenced off area for a few moments before they figured to do the best thing they could come up with and that is to climb to the other side.

"What are you doing? Get down from there!" A voice from Mister Doe halts them in their tracks as they turned around to look at the man with an inquisitive glance.

"Please don't climb those boards, you'll hurt yourself!" Ronnie warned with concern as his eyes flicked towards Player and the wooden planks.

They nod without struggle, not before giving the wooden boards a glare as if it has personally wronged them and 1x1x1x1 can't help but feel as though they're a liar.

And they are a liar, a big one. After getting scolded by Ronnie and Mister Doe, they soon retreated to a secluded corner as the receptionist and the employee converse about the cause of the building's sudden crumble.

But 1x1x1x1 watched like a hawk as the suspicious foreigner blends in to the crowd a little too well before sneaking off inside the halfway collapsed building and she— the ever curious opportunist, followed like a duckling as appall crosses her face when not a single person notice the two sneak inside.

The inside has seen better days.

Unlike a few minutes ago, the entire ground floor was littered with cracks and dust while the floor above was practically sunken in with only a few bits of concrete anchoring it together.

Ever so slowly, 1x1x1x1 ascended to the roof while avoiding pits, cracks and crumbling floors.

The very last floor of the building was submerged and assimilated into the floor below. Broken computers littered the entire area as its smashed bits and chopped wiring proved to become quite a hassle to get through.

1x1x1x1 can make out the view of the rooftop. Its doors flew off its hinges and the walls were caved in.

But before they can make it there, a hand grabbed her shoulder to turn her around.

It was none other than Mister Doe. His face held disappointment, tired eyes burning with exhaustion, clothes rumpled and the name tag pinned to his clothes was askew.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Uh, uhm..." 1x1x1x1 was speechless.

"Kid, are you trying to kill yourself? This place is dangerous!"

"Yeah— but... That foreigner—"

"What about them?"

"Look over there!" With her hand pointed forward on the rooftop, the lone figure of the foreigner stood with their back away from the two.

"How did I not see them?" Mister Doe murmured, flabbergasted.

"I was just... following them, sir."

"You should've told me; this is no excuse to be exploring a crumbling building."

"...Sorry." 1x1x1x1 wasn't sorry.

Mister Doe only sighs in exasperation, his brow furrowed in frustration as he cups his hand around his mouth to shout: "Hey, fo— Player, get down from there before you hurt yourself!!"

The foreigner— now known as Player, perked up upon the voice of Mister John Doe (1x1x1x1 squints at the name tag pinned to the man's clothes and gags at how basic his name is). They turned around to stare at the duo with confusion.

"Don't think we didn't see you sneak in!" 1x1x1x1 joins.

Their face remained neutral and nonchalant as they turned their back away from them to crouch down at something 1x1x1x1 and John Doe can't make out.

"Are you even listening?! Get down!"

Slowly they rose up, now carrying someone in their arms as they slowly staggered their way over to the two.

Mister Doe gasps as he took in the sight of the person that Player was carrying "Mister Shedletsky?!" He yelps.

"Augh... John Doe...?" The man stuttered. He was bleeding from his head and a horrible gash was on his side while multiple of his limbs looked to be out of place.

1x1x1x1 held the urge to make a disgusted look.

"Mister Shedletsky!" Mister Doe calls out "Who did this to you?!"

"M— Maaan... It hurts soooo bad." Shedletsky bemoans as he attempts to move his body only to groan in pain.

"A man?"

"D— devil, with... A— a dominus...Th— they want... the swords, John... Th— the Sword Fight on the Heights s— swords..." Was the last thing Shedletsky uttered before passing out

"Quick, we need to get him to the ambulance now!"

The three made their way down the building, each giving effort in assisting the crippled and unconscious Shedletsky down with them by guiding Player on the right path.

It was tedious work and 1x1x1x1 wishes that they just drop the guy and let the officers handle him.

But eventually, they exit the building to pass over the injured man to the paramedics.

A silence fell over the three before it was broken by Mister Doe "What else did he tell you?" He glanced at Player with a meaningful look.

"...Builderman is kidnapped." Player quietly murmurs.

John Doe's eyes widened in horror as he looks away from the two in panic.

1x1x1x1 meanwhile, wonders if the Builderman they're talking about is the same one with a picture hung up in his room in the manor. She was also confused at the absence of Telamon and the deal with the SFOTH swords.

"What do you mean by Builderman is kidnapped?" Mister Doe quoted "The CEO of Roblox Corp? Him? How did it happen?"

"...I dunno."

"Stop fooling around."

"He never told me."

"Seriously, still not getting paid for this..." John Doe groans in frustration as he looked over to the entrance of the meadows which was blocked by wooden boards "Say... That person that Shedletsky mentioned was finding the SFOTH swords right?"

"Yeah..." 1x1x1x1 nods "I've heard about those swords, erm..."

She recalls her butler talking about it with another resident of the manor. Hidden deep beneath the basement was the sword from SFOTH called the Ghostwalker. She has never seen the weapon herself but she does have the dream to use it one day once she finally achieved the honor to, another way is to just sneak in but she was always stopped by those barbed wires only ghosts and permitted individuals can go through.

They said it was for her safety. What a joke, what's so harmful about a safeguarded sword? The biggest injury she could've possibly get from it is nicking her finger on the blade.

"I know the location of one of them. The Ice Dagger is held at Blackrock Kingdom, we should go there quickly." John Doe urges "If whoever terrorized the headquarters was strong enough to defeat one of our admins then no doubt that they must be heading their way to the closest SFOTH sword and we need to warn its guardian, quickly!"

Player nods in agreement and the two made their way to the boarded up path. John Doe pulls out a hammer from his inventory and with one smash, the planks splintered and the path forward opens.

"Let's go—"

"Wait!"

Hesitantly, 1x1x1x1 steps forward "Can I come?" She asks.

"No." However she was immediately shut down by John Doe.

"But— I can help!"

"No kid, you're reckless and stubborn. Let the adults handle it."

Before Player and John can even take a step forward to the meadows, a tug on both their arms sent them reeling back to face the perpetrator.

"I know where one of the SFOTH are located!" 1x1x1x1 impulsively confesses in desperation before the guilt and gnawing realization that they've just leaked one of Telamon's most guarded artifacts starts sinking in.

"...?" Player only tilts their head with an unreadable expression.

"And how did you know that?" John Doe asks with suspicion in his eyes.

Oh man, she's doomed.

"I— uh..." A pause "I live in Spooksville. Of course I'd know."

"No, no, kid. Only people that works in Telamon's manor knows where the sword is hidden— ugh, what sword was it even again? The Ghostwalker or was it Illumina?"

"...Ghostwalker." She huffs out in frustration "And what if I told you that I'm related to the one in charge there, hmm??"

She reasons with herself that technically, she and the butler were related— not by blood but by relation and if this average joe just shut up and stop acting like he runs the place, she might just have a chance to sneak in to the team with this lie.

"And why would he send you here?"

"Ugh, didn't you hear?!" The little child gasps in shock "I thought the news would've traveled here by now..."

"The building just collapsed..."

"Well— He told me that I should meet him here..." Upon uttering these words, she could feel the awkwardness in the atmosphere and she scrambled to get the next words out before a misunderstanding occurs "He hasn't been sending supplies to the manor, and the boss has started to get worried..."

"I see..."

"...Can we get going?" Player interjects, their hand raised awkwardly as if asking the teacher if they can go to the bathroom.

"Yes, yes! Let's not waste time. Kid, stay close and don't wander."

"Yes sir."

Mister Doe held out his hand as 1x1x1x1 reluctantly takes it. The man's hand is rough and calloused quite similar to his butler who's tasked with laborious work everyday.

It gives 1x1x1x1 the slightest bit of comfort in such an unfamiliar environment.

With one last look towards the collapsed headquarters, the trio entered the meadows and start their journey towards Blackrock Castle.

Chapter Text

1x1x1x1 never expects the meadows to be serene. They halfheartedly expected the place to be either eerie with nothing but crooked trees that covers all light, bathing the forest in darkness or loud with animals constantly making their presence known by making noises and yet, they were proven wrong as they strolled along the desired path in a comforting silence with only the sound of soft footfalls stepping on the most greenest grass 1x1x1x1 has the pleasure of ogling accompanying them.

But things went awry when a bunch of noobs blocked off the path leading to the next area demanding tix while sharpening their wooden swords with a smug grin on their faces.

"I'm stopping you kids right there." Mister John Doe interrupts "Step aside, we are employees from Roblox Headquarters."

The noobs halted, brain in overdrive as they processed each syllable that came out of Mister Doe's lips in confusion.

"... Employees?"

"From Roblox?"

"Yes, admins specifically."

"..."

An air of silence (that would've been more awkward if it weren't for the sounds of nature acting as white noise) befell the two groups. The noobs in front of them seems to be short circuiting as if the wires in their brain ran into overdrive or has come across a command contradicting their code.

"Yes, yes!" A small nooblet yelps before hitting their partner in the shoulder lightly "Uhm... You're free to pass!"

"Thank you." Mister Doe thanks dismissively as he gestures to the group to keep moving. Player and 1x1x1x1 have no other option but to do so with confusion written on their face.

"How did you do that?" 1x1x1x1 asked, incredulous.

"Do what?"

"I mean— tamed them so easily?"

"They're a toxic bunch but if you know how to handle them, you can get by pretty easily. No matter how much they intimidate you, most of them are just thugs or kids looking for a quick fight or spark of drama so if you enforce that you are of higher authority, they'll stand down easily with no problems." John Doe explains with a prideful tone like a man who knows his tricks and has done this multiple times before.

"Are you really an administrator?" 1x1x1x1 asked another question as they watched the face of John Doe sink into a deadpan.

"No, not really. I just say that to convince them to move quicker. We're in a bit of a time crunch aren't we?"

"Yeah, I suppose so." 1x1x1x1 mumbles as Player hums in agreement beside them while Mister Doe led the way with swift movements.

As they made their way through the forest, 1x1x1x1 took the time to examine everything he comes across from the ants in the ground, the bees in their nests and the beetles perched on tree barks. All of the colors in the meadow are so saturated and bright unlike in Spooksville where only death and quiet fill the halls of Telamon's manor while the scent of metallic iron wafts through from the basement's storage room.

The trio reached an area by a cliff as the river flows down calmly. A small fishing spot was set up by the flowing river and a ladder was propped up and anchored to the rocky terrain.

"Man... If only Jane was here." John Doe murmured in a dreamy trance that made the hair of the back of 1x1x1x1's neck bristle in alarm as they fought down the urge to gag from the lovesick display of the guy that was so composed a second ago.

The trio can only stare and dream before moving on. There is no time to be relaxed, there is no time for fishing although Player's gaze seems to linger at the spot for a little longer before soon following the others.

"We need to get there as fast as possible. Pretty sure there's a shortcut around here somewhere..." Mister Doe mumbled as he eyes the surroundings warily.

"Hold it right there!" A voice bellowed, stopping the trio in their tracks as a man jumps down from a tall height, coming face to face with the party as he crossed his arms.

"Can I help you?" John Doe asks.

"I'm looking for my niece and nephew." The man began "They're supposed to meet me here but they haven't showed up, I've been waiting for a while now. Have any of you folks seen them?"

"...No, sorry." John Doe apologized while 1x1x1x1 shook their head in denial.

"Oh, I see. Well, thank you anyway... If you've seen them, tell them that their uncle is waiting by the usual spot." The man with a luchador outfit thanks them as he walked away, leaving them alone.

"That's strange..." A low mumble came from the quiet foreigner.

"What's strange?" 1x1x1x1 inquires with curiosity.

"...It's probably nothing." Player replies, shaking their head before leaving to follow John Doe who seems busy chatting up with a resident near a house that has a watermill that operates by the small stream.

"And who's this, Mister John?" The man asks as they tilt their head to inspect the new arrivals.

"They're with me, Jabroingle." John Doe responded tiredly.

"Well, hello there! Have seen many new faces around these parts but you two look surprisingly unique!" Jabroingle greets.

"My clothes aren't that weird though, right?" Player hesitantly murmurs, a subtle insecurity laced their tone.

"Oh no! Don't get me wrong, I don't mean it like that!" Jabroingle refutes as he waves his hand in denial.

"Well... Now that I think about it..." 1x1x1x1 interjects with a hand on their chin as if in deep contemplation "You're clothes are really weird like you're trying to be trendy with the latest fashion but miserably failing— ow...!" A jab on their side stops them from their monologue as they turned their head to glare at Mister Average Joe looking at them with distaste and disappointment.

"So... Retroslop." Player ends, their face unreadable but 1x1x1x1 could make out the miniscule movement of their eye twitching.

"What's that?" The three others with Player question in unison.

"Oh uh..."

John Doe sighs "Don't worry about the kid, you know how they are. Anyways, Jabroingle, have any idea in getting to Blackrock Castle faster?"

"Well, you'll have to get to Roadtown first and it'll take ages to get there by foot but luckily, I know a shortcut!" Jabroingle clears his throat "There's the route to the town in the caves... But be careful, that path is dangerous. There's many ants there and the air humid."

"Thanks, we'll keep that in mind."

The trio made their way towards the entrance of the cave. There was not much fanfare in the whole ordeal and the three communicated in silence as they took the first step inside.

The cave is darker than the eternal night of the Spirit World but that's to be expected because this place has no moon to shine a luminescent glow and the air is humid as if stuck in a state of stagnancy. Stalactites and stalagmites jutted out of the cave's ceiling and floor with no recognizable pattern while the faint sound of water dripping echoes from an unknown source.

The place looks similar to some back end in the Spirit World. 1x1x1x1 could vaguely recall the times when they sneaked a peek of the other side of the backyard's fences only to find an out of bounds restricted area, still unfinished with garbled code left strewn about with no prompt nor command—

"Ow!" 1x1x1x1 yelps as he jolts from their position to slap their legs and feet, flinging a few ants in the process before shaking their leg from any more lingering insects crawling on their skin.

"Careful, they must be those ants Jabroingle talked about." John Doe warns as he brought down his hammer to crush the entire army into flat paste "This should do it..."

"Ugh..." 1x1x1x1 can't hide the disgust that flared inside him as he stares at the collapsed form of the ant army.

"Take that frown off, kid. You'll need to get used to it if you're going on an adventure."

"Yeah but..." They paused as irritation deepened the frown on their face, their eyes glared at the wall as if it personally wronged them instead of the average schmuck in front of him "Can't you find a better way... I don't know, more refined than barbaric?"

"It is a bit of an overkill for some ants..." Player pipes up from beside them in agreement "But this doesn't mean I'm thankful, if you weren't here... I feel as though this place may be a little harder to traverse."

"Yeah, this is pretty mean bro..." The little ants also squeaked from their flattened forms on the floor to give John Doe their share of opinions.

"...Let's just get going." John Doe sighs for the nth time like a babysitter to a bunch of toddlers with dented heads and underdeveloped brains.

The trio traverse the caves with ease. Player, with grubby hands, picked up left behind junk from other people; John Doe mapped the entire lower floor of the caves and bashed through hostile mobs in an attempt to make the area safer while 1x1x1x1 watches from afar near the entrance.

Soon, they grouped up again to climb a ladder with Player leading the way.

"I'LL KILL YOU!!!" An angered voice bellowed out from above, alarming John Doe who soon climbed up with haste while 1x1x1x1 followed behind in a slower pace.

"Player are you— huh?" John Doe halts in his steps upon seeing the unexpectedly civilized sight of Player and an odd penguin standing side by side inspecting a small card on top of a rubber ball in-between them.

"What is a penguin doing in a cave?" 1x1x1x1 inquires as they regarded the strange penguin with suspicion.

"And who the heck are you to— is that a kid?" The Penguin pauses with eyes that held nothing but appall before his frown deepened as he turned towards Player "Seriously, bruh? First you're a squatter, then you're a slob but now you're being irresponsible too?! Whose great idea is it to send an infant down in a cave? They can't even spell properly let alone fight, dude!"

It took 1x1x1x1 all their willpower for their anger to not burst through and chop up that nasty penguin for lunch.

"It's alright, Terry." Player consoles nonchalantly, clearly uncaring about the situation.

"Ugh, whatever bruh. Continue on with your trashy and reckless parenting style but don't say I didn't warn you when I find your kid dead in a ditch somewhere." With one last glare, the small blue penguin waddled away from the group.

"What is his problem?!" 1x1x1x1 complained as soon as the blue freak was out of earshot as they crossed their arms in anger.

"He's just like that." Player unhelpfully replies.

"Well, seeing as you don't seem to be hurt... We should get going. The faster we get to Roadtown, the closer we are to rest." John Doe exclaims as the other two nodded in agreement.

As they wandered deeper inside the cave, they could feel the temperature drop into a colder air that bit their skin and turn their breaths into puffs of white speckled frost as the stalagmites turn into icicles and the ground was frozen solid with ice.

"This must be what Jabroingle was talking about." John Doe murmurs to himself as he examines the iced cave.

"Huh?" An utterance of confusion came from 1x1x1x1 as they squinted their red eyes to prevent the cold from drying them.

"Jabroingle said that there was a snow storm that covered Roadtown last night, we must be getting close."

At the very top, they could make out a faint light that shines from above as snow drifts from the exit of the cave in slow motions.

Hiking up the steep slopes was a tedious task but as soon as they finally made it to the top, a small whisper stops them in their tracks.

"Your majesty... we have visitors..." A cacophony of voices squeaked.

"Quiet..." Another voice replied with disdain before its voice increased in ferocity "Quiet! Quiet!! QUIET!!!"

"What was that...?"  1x1x1x1 asks as they hid behind their two older companions.

"Good question, child." It praises with satisfaction as antennas pokes out from the ground covered with a thin layer of ice.

An ant as big as a man clawed out of the ground from its icy tomb as it faces the group with pride and ego.

"I SEE YOU HAVE TAKEN A WRONG TURN, AND VENTURED INTO MY TERRITORY!!! BUT FEAR NOT, DEAR SUBJECT. I SHALL EXCUSE THIS INEXCUSABLE BEHAVIOR AS YOU BOW TO MY GLORIOUS STATURE!!!" The Supreme Ant hollers out as he struck a mighty pose to assert his unyielding dominance.

1x1x1x1 held a curse beneath their tongue as the urge to refuse and insult the egotistical bastard was starting to get too strong.

"Forgive me, o' great and supreme ant... We are simply travelers seeking to get by the cave." John Doe, like the spineless fool that he is bows to the Supreme Ant. He doesn't look sincere but he seems to act polite enough to satisfy the Supreme Ant's pride and demands.

Silently, Player follows with a stoic expression while 1x1x1x1 was the last who bowed their head begrudgingly.

"VERY WELL, YOU WHO SEEMS TO KNOW RESPECT SHALL PASS! GO ALONG NOW, YOU'RE FREE TO LEAVE!" The Supreme Ant let out an obnoxiously villainous cackle before flying away to another part of the caves with his ant army in tow following close behind.

"Since when were there giant ants in this cave?" John Doe mutters to himself before leaving the cave with sluggish movements.

Player and 1x1x1x1 followed behind as the world brightens once they stepped outside. In their eyes, the world was filled with white, shimmering snow that they can only see in picture books and try to code with horrible expertise back in the manor.

"Wow..." 1x1x1x1 stares in awe as they looked around the winter wonderland in excitement.

"You three look new!" A voice exclaims as a man with a blue ushanka nears the group with a smile "Welcome to Roadtown! The sunniest part of crossroads, or at least it was."

"Hello, uh... Can I talk to the mayor? Its very important." John Doe greets back as they looked around the snowy terrain with scrutiny.

"Oh, yes! Town Hall is the light-colored cabin, that's where Mayor Monty usually is." The man informs before going on a tangent about the missing ice dagger and rumors about Blackrock.

1x1x1x1 couldn't really care to listen but as they observed their companion's faces turn into one of shock, worry and urgency, they thought that maybe they should've paid attention.

"Thank you for the information." John Doe thanks before the three walked away to the Town Hall.

Upon arriving at the light colored cabin. John Doe instructs Player and 1x1x1x1 to stay outside while he negotiated with the mayor about adult business (or whatever) before walking inside and leaving them to stand in the snow.

Snowflakes danced in the wind like scattered data waiting to be analyzed and 1x1x1x1 could not resist attempting to catch the closest beside them with glee but in the corner of their eyes, they see Player looking forlorn and melancholic as their eyes seems to be somewhere far off reminiscing something in their memories on loop.

A snowball to the side of their head snapped them to attention as they looked around to spot 1x1x1x1 holding a snowball and a mischievous grin.

Player laughs before dropping down to make a snowball of their own before punting the child on the forehead with it.

The civilized air between the two devolved into a snowball fight as snow went flying in all directions like codes that have gone haywire.

"Oof!" A man hit by a snowball face-planted to the ground unceremoniously.

"Ow, can't a girl get some rest? You guys are going to regret that!" A girl by the riverbed groans as she got hit by a snowball before she made one of her own to throw towards others.

"Me snowma!!!" A little child shrieked as a stray snowball hit her little snowman "Yu meanies!" She yells out before joining the free-for-all.

The more time passes, the more snowballs hit innocent bystanders and the more people join in on the snow fight made the once quaint and quiet Roadtown into a giant mess of snowy warfare as the sounds of laughter and squeals decorate the air like chiming bells and well-placed sfx.

John Doe exits the town hall with Mayor Monty after hearing the loud noise only to be met by a snowball to the face. The Roblox employee can only groan in resignation while the Mayor hollers out a loud laugh like he has never seen anything funnier in his life.

He really shouldn't be surprised upon seeing that the two dimwits were the ones who started it.

"Alright you two, let's get going." John Doe announced as he pulled Player and 1x1x1x1 away from the impromptu battleground.

"What C'mon! Can't you have fun too?" 1x1x1x1 complained as they groaned in annoyance.

"That can wait, we need to get to the castle now." John Doe explains "Things are more serious than I thought."

"Ugh. Please?" 1x1x1x1 begs "One more round, one more round!"

"One more round!" Player soon follows as they joined the chant.

"One more round!" Mayor Monty, in a lighthearted mood, joined in the chanting.

"One more round!" Soon the entire Roadtown was chanting the same phrase in an appeal for one more round of fun.

John Doe sighs for nth time, something he has come to realize to be doing often recently "Fine, just one more round."

The crowd cheered as a new wave of snowballs were made and another round of snowball fighting ensues.

Chapter Text

Snow covers the terrain like a blanket. The trio trudge through with restricted movement all while repelling off the hostile wildlife with intimidation tactics.

1x1x1x1 and John Doe waits as the bridge lowers itself while Player emerged from below after hitting a lever.

"As I was saying, we have to find the mayor's accountant named Jim." John Doe states "I made this deal with the mayor to acquire the ID's to be an adventurer."

"I want to see it!" 1x1x1x1 exclaims as he looked at John Doe expectantly.

"The ID's aren't completed yet." John Doe informs "We still need a photo of ourselves and some more personal information. Took a lot longer to have these laminated because the mayor kept talking about something— I can't recall..."

"...His stories are interesting though." Player mumbled in defence as they looked ahead of them.

It didn't take long for them to reach the entrance of the castle but a problem arises when they notice that the drawbridge has stayed suspended and wasn't lowering down.

"Hmm..." John Doe hummed in thought.

"The king..." Player pauses as they massaged their temples, a look of concentration had their brow furrowed intensely "Must be expecting our arrival, so he isn't letting visitors in."

"Most likely conclusion." John Doe nods in agreement as he examines the castle "But how would he know that?"

Player only shrugs in response.

1x1x1x1's eyes wandered down to the ravine where the entrance of the castle's dungeon is. Unfortunately, it was blocked by debris "Look down there! There's an entrance there but it's blocked off..."

"Does anyone here have a bomb or something?" John Doe asks as he glances at the other two with him who only shook their head in response.

"There's another way over there." Player points towards the forest where a heavy fog rolls like clouds.

1x1x1x1 hesitates as he remembers the same gray fog of the Spirit World but shook his head in denial before following the others through it.

He didn't disappear upon entering the white fog but took notice of how it soon turns into a light mist that specks the air just like how snow decorates the ground in white.

There was a tent nearby. It was red in color and looks recently placed.

As the trio got closer to the tent to inspect it, the cracking of a branch alerted them to nearby entities.

Hidden behind a tree were two noobs with clothes colored a deep blue and red.

"Hey, we can see you!" 1x1x1x1 yells as they stared at the oddly shaped tree.

The noobs behind it flinched before slowly moving out from hiding. Their faces were of deep shame and embarrassment from being caught but 1x1x1x1 could make out the slight anxiety that lingers as they look at each other in silent communication.

"What are you kids doing here?" John Doe asks the two who only responds with another silent eye-to-eye contact with each other, probably questioning whether they should tell the truth or not.

"Ehm..." The blue noob utters as she fidgets in her spot "We were hiding..."

"From who?" 1x1x1x1 inquires with a raised brow.

"From a guy—" He was promptly elbowed on the side "I mean our uncle, he's going to be MAD once he founds out what we did!" The red noob cries with his hands behind his back as if he's getting cuffed and sent to jail.

"We didn't mean it, we swear!" The blue one adds on "We were only trying to help him in satisfying client's orders..."

John Doe exhales a deep breath of air before crouching down to their height "It can't be that bad, I'm sure your uncle won't be mad at whatever you did."

"What did you do?" 1x1x1x1 butts in a question impulsively.

"We were just going to meet with the person our client wants us to talk to... But then, the building crashed and there's this per— ow!!" The red noob yelps as he was jabbed on his side by his companion.

"Excuse me? A— are you talking about the Roblox Headquarters?" John Doe asks with, incredulous and wide eyed before his face becomes serious "Kid, this is a serious matter. What did you see?"

"W— we saw someone..." The blue noob explains after being pressured to "Wearing a HOOD and leaving the building in a suspicious manner a— and before they l—left..." She trails off as unshed tears welled up in her eyes.

"They LOOKED at us..." Red mumbles "Like, really looked. We got scared and so, we ran away..."

"Holy ####" 1x1x1x1 guffawed before getting hit in the head lightly by an agitated John Doe.

"No cussing." The man more average than the word average, scolds.

"Okay, Basic Ben." Another hit in the head was given to him while he heard a low snicker come from Player who stood behind him.

It did work in lightening up the atmosphere as the resounding giggle of the two noobs resonates like the laughing pumpkins at the manor.

"It doesn't look safe for you two to be out here alone then." John Doe looks back at the two noobs "What are your names?"

"I'm Red and this is my sister, Blue!" Red introduces with enthusiasm.

"John Doe." The Roblox employee that keeps getting paid minimum wage, introduces himself.

"Player." The person that keeps wearing weird clothes, also introduces themselves.

Soon, all eyes turn to 1x1x1x1 with expectancy and curiosity. He can make out two of his companions look shock for a split second after realizing that they never asked for his name before that look was washed away to a facade that looks like they know him since he was in diapers.

"1x1x1x1." He says nonchalantly.

"That's a long name." Red complains "Can we call you X instead?"

"Nah, Twitter is better." Player objects as they crossed their arms.

"Everyone, stop." John Doe commands in a tired and mellow voice "How about let's come to a decision and give them a nickname called... Onyx?"

"Can it be one eggs instead?— agh!" Player was cut off by a punch to their ribs as an angry 1x1x1x1 stares at them with malicious intent.

"Just call me 1x!" He yelled in exasperation.

His exclamation was followed by noises of agreement as they soon pack up to venture deeper into the forest.

"We already read that." Red informs when Player made a move to try and grab the note on the floor.

"Yeah, uh..." Blue pauses "It just talks about something relating to a mining operation in the area... I can't be sure though, I still have trouble reading."

"Haha, can't be me!" 1x1x1x1 boasts "I can read with my eyes closed."

"Oh yeah? Well—"

"Hold on..." John Doe looks like he just struck gold, a eureka  moment passes between his eyes like a glimpse into the future. "I think we found a lead on where Jim might be!"

"Who's Jim?" Asks Red with a confused face.

"Beats me..." 1x1x1x1 replies unhelpfully.

The now fully formed squad travels deeper into the woods before coming across a knight blocking the way towards an uncharted part of the forest diligently.

"So, there's retaliation already?" The knight questions as he unsheathes his sword from his scabbard tied to his waist.

"Sir, put the sword down. We can talk in a civil manner." John Doe dissuades as he puts his hands up in surrender "We have children; we are just trying to pass by."

"Hmm?? Oh... My apologies." The knight wearing blackened armor apologized as he sheathes his weapon back "I was once a trusted knight of the KING, but I failed him one too many times... I guard this area in an attempt to regain his trust again, but it seems I'm only hurting the innocents in my quest for HONOR..."

"It's cool man." Player gave thumbs up in forgiveness.

"Well, I shan't take up your time any longer! You may pass..."

So, the squad walked passed the surprisingly chill knight to go deeper into the forest of Blackrock mountains. It was cold, the more higher up they went and the terrain was filled with nothing but white, grays and light blues as they trudged through confusing paths in the snow with Player leading the way and John Doe herding the children like lambs towards the right direction.

They eventually stop at a cabin nestled between the pine trees. It is simple in its design yet it is enough to make 1x1x1x1 stop in his tracks as a buried memory resurfaces in his mind like a centipede.

His nightmares of a cabin by the woods, where the air is haunted by the chill of death like a cold embrace. A place where the grass is as desaturated as they are decaying and where the sun never rose— not like it was ever odd as a person who lived in the Spirit World but it was in a way that is was odd, like someone is watching from far beyond the sky with the the moon acting as its pupils.

The memory was vague and he knows that this cabin can't be the same as the one in his restless dreams and yet, why does he feel so anxious?

The nightmare always ends when he opens the door to the cabin and enters the dark void, something scary lies inside he knows. He doesn't want to enter.

The door creaks open like a screeching maw of a hungry beast. There was light inside yet there was no one around.

"Can I stay outside?" 1x1x1x1 requests as he fiddled with his hair in nervousness.

"Sure, kid." John Doe accepts "But if you see something strange, tell us okay?"

1x1x1x1 nods as he watches the group enter the cabin, leaving him behind with all the snow.

In a desperate attempt to distract himself from the nightmare that haunts his very memories, he scoops up a bundle of snow and cradled it in his hands tenderly as he opened up his GUI to inspect its coding.

So far, it was pretty basic yet it was still so mystically unfamiliar to him as he squints his eyes to study it a little better.

"Woah..." He murmured in awe as he squished the snow in his hands as it crumbles back into the earth.

As he made a move to disable his GUI, a hand suddenly intercepts to capture it.

"Hey, what the heck?!" 1x1x1x1 stood up abruptly as he looked at John Doe for such a confusing action.

The man instead looked at him with darkened eyes and a face that held worry and wariness.

"Care to tell me what this is?" He asks with a tone that held anxiety and urgency.

1x1x1x1 would've made the decision to retort but something about the way he said it and the way he looks sent a shiver down his spine because this is so unlike him. So with a heavy heart, he answered honestly.

"It was a gift..."

"From who?"

"..."

"From who?"

"Do we really have to do this?" 1x1x1x1 groans "Why does it matter?"

"Because, this is an illegal contraband." John Doe informs as he looks at the child's eyes widen in shock "Don't tell me you don't know, have you been living under a rock? GUI's can only be strictly owned by high-ranking programmers, moderators and administrators. Those with unregistered GUI's are almost always owned by exploiters and hackers!"

"Whuh... Wuh???"

"Kid, WHERE did you get this?"

"It is, it's just... From..." 1x1x1x1 sighs in defeat "Miss Brighteyes... She gifted to me when I turned seven, she told me I had great potential for programming..."

"Brighteyes?" John Doe looks at him with suspicion and clear distrust "Yeah, I don't believe you kid. Why would an admin gift you something like this?"

"Why would I lie?"

"...Are you really telling the truth?"

"I don't lie like that; I make better lies than that. I am telling the truth!"

"...If I found out you're lying, I'm confiscating this."

"Whatever..."

As if run-of-the-mill Rob can even do something about it, he'll just snitch to Brighteyes if the guy even dares.

"Is everything okay?" Player who watched from afar neared them with slow steps while Red and Blue trailed behind.

"Yes, just a small misunderstanding." John Doe replies "I need some coffee and some good sleep."

"I get it, let's just go. The faster, the better." Player nods as they continue on their journey.

Soon, their adventure takes them to a man selling bombs while a killbot floats in front of the path to the caves.

"Hey, you'll need some bombs to kill that bot over there! And if you don't have any, well you're in luck, cause I just got some in stock!" The man waves the squad over with enthusiasm.

"Ooh..." Red was wowed.

"How much for one?" John Doe asks

"Just a cheap price of fifteen tix."

John Doe slides the money over as the man hands him a bomb. The group thanks him as they walk away to face off the killbot standing in their way.

"Step back." Player instructs as John Doe lights the bomb and threw it at the bot.

BOOM!!

A loud bang shook the air and kicks up dust and snow off the floor as the killbot and John Doe collapsed at the same time.

"Mister John!" Red and Blue calls out while Player ran towards the unconscious man in panic.

Hesitantly, 1x1x1x1 got closer too as they pulled out their GUI and activated a command to heal the target to maximum health and energy.

"Ughhh...." The group heard John groan as he sat up cradling his head like a hammer bashed through his skull— which technically, it was a bomb that did the job instead.

"You passed out." Player explains.

"Yeah, yeah... I figured, ugh!" John clicked his teeth as he stands up with a few of his bones letting out audible pops.

After making sure John Doe was alright (and having them get 1x1x1x1 to check his vitals using his GUI at least five times), they moved on to walk deeper into the forest.

Soon, they came across a part of the snowy biome that had them skating on ice. The only one actually experienced enough to slide through the frozen water was Player whom after seeing John Doe, Red, Blue and 1x1x1x1 flop on the icy sheet for nth time, is forced to guide them by the hand as they skate while avoiding obstacles across the other side.

"How are you so good at this?" 1x1x1x1 inquires as they bump besides a rock wall.

"Call it, natural talent?" They joked, clearly not taking 1x1x1x1 questions seriously which only agitated the child.

They finally skidded to a stop besides John Doe, Red and Blue who were waiting for them on the other side. Upon inspecting everyone for injuries (which were only minor scratches because they kept skidding on ice) and deeming them healthy, they all continued on the path.

The road led to one place, and that was a cave secluded in a vast forest with only a small path indicating the way.

Inside the cave was a man stuck in some rubble, the entrance was blocked off and the guy with a green visor seems to be shivering from the cold while lying face down on his stomach.

A lone dynamite was just a stud away from where he can't reach.

"He— hello? Is t— there anyone?" He stutters as shivers wrack his body and he sniffles as icicles clung to his lashes "I— I need th— that dynamite... Please..."

It was a rather pathetic sight and 1x1x1x1 won't be surprised if he sees this guy in the Spirit World sooner or later from how he looks.

"He looks like he's freezing...!" Blue shrieked as panic had her looking expectantly towards the two adults.

Player picked up the dynamite with hands that does not look like it cares about safety and preservation but before they can actually light up the fuse, a voice from far away startles the group.

"How can this keep happening bruh??" A small blue penguin waddles to the group, its signature frown growing even deeper upon seeing the new members of the party.

"It—" Player can't even finish before the Penguin screeched.

"Bruh?? Where do you keep getting these children?! Don't tell me you KIDNAPPED them, dude! And is that, DYNAMITE?" Terry points at the dynamite in Player's hands.

Player nods in response with a lopsided and frankly, stupid grin on their face.

"Do you even know how to use that?! And don't tell me you're involving these children in your below average criminal activities!" Terry got close towards Player to snatch the red dynamite in their hands "Alright, listen up. I'll be teaching YOU how to properly handle dangerous explosives because YOU clearly can't be smart enough to know on YOUR own."

"And who are you to teach us, chump?" Red interjects with a frown "This oddball can do whatever they want with it!"

"And who's this punk? Shut up before I put a rocket on your big forehead!" Terry soon clears his throat "Anyway, the first and only precaution in using dynamite is to make sure there's no one near it."

The Penguin got close to the red bricked debris and stood on top of the head of the guy trapped in it.

"For example, this guy. Dunno how dumb he must be to get stuck in these, like what a moron— but do NOT plant a dynamite on the top of his head. That is one way to get a criminal charge and serious injuries!" Terry informs "That's all there is to it bruh. Easy to follow isn't it? Don't even need step two. Anyways I'm out of here, I don't wanna get involved when the police finds out you've kidnapped three children."

After Terry disappears to some penguin retreat (or something I guess), Player held the dynamite between their hands, lit it up and promptly put it on the top of the poor guy's head.

"Player what are you—?!" John Doe sputters in shock and horror but he can't even finish his sentence as—

BOOM!

The loud explosion of the bomb covered the entire cave in dust and debris. Once the dust settles, the silhouette of the man trapped in the rubble slowly stood up with shivering movements.

"Don't try this at home, kids." Player warns nonchalantly before walking towards the freezing man, taking off their gloves and offering it to them "It's not much but take it."

"Take my hat too!" Blue offers.

"And my scarf, it's old anyways!" Red follows.

"Take this mask, it'll protect you from the cold winds." John Doe says after recuperating from the shocking sight of a bomb going off on the top of someone's head.

"I got nothing to offer." 1x1x1x1 informs with raised hands in surrender.

"Th— thank you...!" The man smiles in gratitude as he sniffled with a nose as red as Rudolph's "P— please see me back in Roadtown, y— you don't know how g—!"

"Just go back home, Jim. Mayor Monty is worried!" Player informs as the glazed eyes of the accountant snap into clarity.

"O—oh my goodness! Yo— you're right, oh... I ha— have to go now, please visit me back at R— Roadtown!"

With that, the man stumbles out the cave and walks away as the squad gave out a hi-five to each other in congratulations and praise.

With the help of the dynamite, they were able to bomb a nearby blocked off skyline and promptly ride it back towards the entrance of Blackrock Castle that was still unopen for visitors.

"Kids!" A voice from afar called out as Red and Blue freezes in their tracks as if they've turned into ice statues.

"Oh, sir. We found your kids." John Doe greets as the other man nods.

"Thank you, I forgot to introduce myself but I'm Noobador, the legal guardian of these two—" He flashed a disappointed look towards the two children that made them look down in shame "I really am thankful, I hope they weren't too much trouble."

"Nonsense, they're great." John Doe compliments with a small smile.

"Well, it's best for us to be going. It's getting chilly and the sun is going down; these two must be out in the snow for a while and I don't want them to get sick."

"Oh c'mon uncle, we're not that fragile!" Red retorts in dismay.

"Sssshhh!" Blue hushes "This means he's going to make us our favorite soup."

As if a switch was flipped, they've suddenly had wide smiles painted on their faces. Their uncle can only sigh as they bid goodbyes and left the trio in their lonesome.

"It's about time we entered Blackrock... Who got the dynamite?" John Doe asks as Player pulls it out of their inventory with a smug smirk.

It's time to storm the castle.

Chapter Text

Blackrock's dungeon carries the stale air of dust and crumbling infrastructure like it's on its last legs trying to keep up its own weight. There were moss growing in between the cracks of its wall from the humidity of the environment and water running through a man-made canal.

Knights patrol the hall, all welding swords and shields with eyes that survey the area like a hawk.

John Doe insists to be sneaky while 1x1x1x1 urges to beat them up head-on while Player just wants to run away, from everything and all this responsibility.

All plans went downhill as a guard took notice of them and immediately decided to attack without reason.

It wasn't that hard of a battle, barely even needed any outside assistance from scripts.

Their steps echo inside the winding labyrinth but it alerts no one since all the guards have already been incapacitated.

The doors leading towards a new area was locked.

"What are we going to do now?" John Doe asks.

"Break it down!" 1x1x1x1 suggests.

"There must be a key nearby." Player analyzed as their eyes wandered to the prison to their right "I'm going there, stay here."

"Be careful."

Four prison cells lined up the wall to their left and a sleeping guard snores loudly parallel to it. At the end of the hall was a lone cell with a key inside instead of a prisoner.

There was a lock on it with a note attached that reads: Type in the correct passcode.

2605. It felt like muscle memory but they don't know why. They never tried this before yet surprisingly, they guessed the password correctly in the first try.

They snatched the key without any trouble and went back up to where their companions were.

It's strange really, something about them doesn't feel right.

John Doe took the key and inserts it in the lock. With a loud creak, the door opens as its wooden walls drag across the stone floor in a grating manner.

The next room has a crumbling pillar and more debris blocking the path ahead.

"This pillar is on the brink collapsing." Sally comments as she looked at the group that has just entered the room "A single hit should cause it to tip over."

Understanding the subtle implications beneath her words. Player pulls out their superball with no hesitation and threw it at the pillar.

It collapsed and fell, making a new path as it acts as a makeshift bridge for the party to walk on as they walk above the canal with careful steps.

Player arrived at the other side first and without any prompts, pulls out the dynamite from their pocket to drop it off amongst the many rocks blocking the path forward.

Kaboom!

They went up the stairs after that.

"By the king!" A man stops them for their tracks— well, attempts to, as the knight was not in front of them but beside them "I put my mask the wrong way and now I can't see!"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"I can TELL someone's walking by— three people specifically. Assert yourself!" The Black Knight demands "You're a fellow knight, correct?"

The trio looked at each other in silent agreement before responding:

"Yes."

"Yessir!"

"Absolutely!"

"Excellent! Keep watch for any intruders." The Black Knight nods in satisfaction "For the king!"

They made quick work of the floor by breaking down weak pillars, planting dynamite on more debris, fighting the guards that can see (and looting whenever the team wasn't looking) before going upstairs further inside the castle.

The room was filled with more decor than the previous ones. A stairwell that leads further up was in front of them blocked by a trio of knights. Player took the time to observe the decor that litters Blackrock's dungeon (before the knights notices them) and they're sure that these cost more than their salary as a no-named artist and musician.

They weren't hard to defeat and the group ascended to the next floor before coming across a lone knight idly standing besides the stairs.

"Wait!!" The Novice Knight shrieked before the group can pull out their weapons "I... AM not going to fight you!"

"And how would we know that?" 1x1x1x1 questions with suspicion in her voice.

"Because! I am not permitted to..." The knight's voice trailed off into a slow murmur "Because I am still a novice... I do not have the authority to fight or arrest you. So uh..."

John Doe hums, his grip on the hammer going steady in preparation for a sneak attack.

"I hereby... r— request you..." The novice stutters and Player could imagine beads of sweat running down his face inside that helmet "To stay with me until someone of... 'Higher Authority' comes by and does the job themselves."

The party did not, in fact, wait beside the novice knight and instead went up the next flight of stairs without much fanfare.

"Oh, alright..." They can hear the knight's voice murmur in heartbreak before they left.

Another room and another sweep until they finally reach a room with a tall pillar and embedded in its stone architecture, was a long flight of stairs.

"Ugh..." 1x1x1x1 groans "Another one, how many stairs are in this castle?"

"Yeah, I'm surprised too... Surely we didn't go that far underneath the castle, did we?" John Doe agreed besides the child.

Before they could continue the conversation further, a group of knights ambushed them and the party was forced to run up the flight of stairs with hurried steps.

Something feels off though, it feels like they should've fought those knights before going up but they've already arrived at the top of the stairs so there's no more room to regret—

"HALT, in the name of BLACKROCK!"

A sentient statue zooms in front of them with concerning speed.

"I shall strike you down, for the KING!" It declares but before the fight can even start, the sound of increasingly loud footsteps came from behind.

"Stop right there!" The group of knights that they've left a floor ago appears with brandished weapons and expertly coordinated moves.

The group is surrounded.

"You take on the statue; I'll take on the knights." John Doe instructs as Player nods their head in agreement.

"What about me?" 1x1x1x1 speaks up from beside them.

"You can just stay ba—" John Doe can't finish his sentence before someone else answers.

"Support us from behind." Player replies with a wink before attacking the statue.

A chaotic fight ensues, one that has its odd charm fitting to be framed as a painting that depicts nothing but nonsense that critics will fight their lives for a deeper meaning. If Players wasn't so focused and busy with dodging the attacks of the Sentient Statue, they perhaps could've fantasized in drawing this chaotic scene with digital pixels, watercolor or poster paint.

Clang!

The sound of metal hitting metal resounded in the claustrophobic corridor as the ground pounds with the force of a shipping container being dropped.

Great!

Excellent!

Player barely manages to dodge being crushed by the statue's body. The ground quakes by the sheer might of the slam and everyone almost loses their footing.

Sneakily, Player opens up their Screen GUI to assess their health and stamina before carefully summoning a Billboard GUI right after to hover over the enemy to examine their health while trying their hardest to not alert their companions about them holding contraband while avoiding the attacks of the statue.

Gosh, why does it have to be 2010?

–4 HP, Player.

They became too distracted as the statue zoomed past. Their carelessness costing them injuries that ache whenever they moved.

"For the King!" The Sentient Statue hollers, boosting the morale of the knights fighting 1x1x1x1 and John Doe.

"For the King!" They roared back.

–3 HP, John Doe.

"Oof!" John Doe yelps as a shield from a knight bashes his head before doing a boomerang back to its owner.

"You okay, Too-Boring Toby?!" 1x1x1x1 shouts as she knocks out a knight using her GUI hacks.

–2 HP, Loyal Knight.

"Just peachy..." John Doe responds as he rubbed his bleeding nose "Also, don't call me that!"

It took a few turns before the last knight was knocked out but once they did, their attentions snapped towards Player and the Sentient Statue. Both were on low health and on the brink of collapse as multiple scratches and wounds marred the flesh of Player while cracks formed on the surface of the statue.

"For this kingdom... For these people... MUST LIVE ON!!!" Its words ring hollow in the now empty hallway with the bodies of knocked-out knights littering the floor. All it took was one swing of a hammer before its exterior crumbles into dust and regular stone.

"You look horrible..." John Doe comments as he and 1x1x1x1 grimace at Player's appearance.

"It can't be that bad, right?" Player attempts to downplay the situation while quickly disabling the GUI before they notice.

"It is." 1x1x1x1 bluntly replies before walking closer to them "Let me help, just sit still..."

The ten year-old typed something in her GUI while mumbling before a bandage in the size of three studs pop up in existence whilst floating in the air before falling down and being caught by 1x1x1x1.

"Are you trying to bandage up an ant?" John Doe asks as he stares at the short bandage not even enough to wrap around an arm once.

"Hold on! I'm trying to resize it..." 1x1x1x1 answers while in deep concentration in operating her GUI.

A few clicks later, John Doe got to work in bandaging up Player with a concentrated look while 1x1x1x1 observe from besides him.

"Were you supposed to wrap it this way or that way?"

"I dunno, I'm ten years old."

After getting shoddily bandaged up, the trio finally arrived at the courtyard where many of Blackrock's residents loiter around and complain about the locked doors leading inside the castle that was abruptly closed without warning.

"Can we get ice cream?" 1x1x1x1 suddenly asks as she glanced back and forth to the guy selling ice cream and her two companions with pleading eyes.

"It's cold out, not a good idea for ice cream unless you want to get sick..." John Doe reasons.

"Okay... Simple Sam..." 1x1x1x1 sassed "What about you, Retro Robber? Let's go get ice cream!"

"Hmm..." Player hums in thought.

Should they? Sure, why not!

They nodded their head in enthusiasm as the two skip off towards Varrick with bright smiles on their faces.

"Man, setting up shop here was a great idea!" Varrick exclaims after seeing the two "What can I get for you two?"

"Strawberry ice cream!" 1x1x1x1 orders.

"Chocolate, please." Player orders too.

The two glanced at each other weirdly for a split second.

"Why would you like strawberry?"

"And why would you like chocolate?!"

"Well— oh, and a vanilla ice cream." Player hastily cuts off from the brewing disagreement as they looked at John Doe waiting for them with a tired complexion.

After a few seconds, Varrick hands them their ice creams and bids them goodbye with a bright smile after Player's payment (how could they charge a tired employee and a child?).

"What's that?" John Doe asks after being handed a vanilla ice cream "Oh! Uh, thank you... vanilla is my favorite."

"Of course it is, No Wonders Winnie." 1x1x1x1 comments from the side.

"John Doe."

It was oddly in character of him, Player can't help but pat themselves on the back for choosing the right flavor.

"More importantly..." John Doe trails off "How are we to get inside? The doors are locked..."

"I know a spot..." Player actually did not know a spot. They just have a hunch that the glass on the far left of the castle has become extremely weak.

"Well, what are we waiting for?"

The group shuffled suspiciously to the window while trying to act normal after consuming their ice creams. The window itself was made up of stained glass and filled with an artistic flare one would see on medieval castles and gothic churches, although the sight is soured once you see the obvious crack on its surface.

The ball bounced back at Player while the glass shatters in smithereens as the group climbs inside with John Doe leading the way.

An army of knights stood on the other side. Alerted by the shatter of glass, they turned their heads to the three perpetrators with fury behind their bascinet.

"YOU!" A man screeched "HAH YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD JUST WALTZ THROUGH, HUH??"

"Wait, hold on this isn't—"

"C'MON BOYS, BUILD IT UP!!"

They walked over to the right and built up a barricade in record time. The sounds of pikes being built and the area being blocked off echoes across the hall.

After a few moments, pikes and wooden walls were set up to face them. In the small holes and tiny crevices, numerous eyes watch the group as the knights peep from the other side with wariness.

"WELL THEN, LET'S SEE YOU GET THROUGH THIS!!!!"

"THIS REALLY ISN'T NECESSARY!" John Doe yells, his hands cupping his mouth to enunciate every word "We are just here to seek an audience with the KING, it is very IMPORTANT!!"

"Yeah, yeah!" Another voice from the other side scoffs "As if you guys didn't BULLDOZE through our army from the dungeon. Really caught us by surprise but we are prepared this time and we are NOT letting you through!"

"It's for self-defense!" 1x1x1x1 objects "They hit us first and you wouldn't let us in!"

"King's orders!"

Player slinks off and sneaks away as a heated debate and a pointless argument erupts between the two sides. They dashed up the stairs and to another floor suspended in wooden floorboards and a chandelier that is being held by a thinning rope as it stretches itself to its limits to hold up the weight.

"The king is... SICK. We are not welcoming visitors at this time, that's why!"

"Your knights attacked us without provocation back at the dungeon!"

"####"

"Dude..."

"What the heck, kid??"

"No swearing."

"Please, this is VERY important."

"It's only a message!"

The sounds of an argument echoes, bouncing off the attic walls yet sounds so faraway at the same time.

An attic dweller stands by the side, their eyes held deep longing "I long for the day I can go downstairs."

Moving past them discreetly, they pulled out their superball and threw it at the top that held up the chandelier.

They heard the rope creak, the material breaking apart as stray fibers pop out from the braiding while the chandelier clinked in the instability as it whirls around hanging dangerously close to the barricades.

It only took another hit from their ball for it to snap and fall down.

Crash!

How weak was that rope? It only took two hits!

Screams tore through the air, replacing the once loud debate beneath the attic as Player descended down.

The sounds of groaning greets them as they walked closer towards their companions who looked at the scene with wide eyes and gaping mouths.

"Let's go."

"Did you do this?"

"..."

John Doe held his head in his hands before he groaned in absolute exasperation.

"I'm not going to lie..." 1x1x1x1 began "That was a pretty funny prank."

"Kids these days... Making my life harder... Ugh..." John Doe grumbles in dismay "I'm gonna... Never, have one..."

Player can only pat his back in consolation before leaving to go the unlocked room filled with swords and shields where the blacksmiths gathered to keep the key to the dining area.

After getting the key, they went back to finally unlock the dining hall.

"You guys can go first; I'm going to stay here." John Doe admits "I can't let those guys stay like that."

Player nods and 1x1x1x1 shrugs as they both made their way to the kitchen.

"Are you the assistant mage I ordered? I've been waiting... Goodness, I knew RentAnAssistant™ was slow but jeez... No more fooling around! We've got knights to feed!! While I prepare the stove with my MAGIC, I need...." The wizard trails off as he hummed in thought "...One bottle of Rose-Colored liquid. Yes, one will do just fine for now."

Player and 1x1x1x1 looked at each other before their gazes slowly directs to the bottle rack at the corner of the room.

Hesitantly, the two pushed each other forward before Player finally takes the lead and stops at the rack filled with numerous bottles all sporting the same color of glass and with no labels. The only thing specify their differences were the monochromatic color on the side and Player has a feeling that they'd need magic to decipher it.

"I think I can code its true colors..." 1x1x1x1 speaks up from beside them.

Player nods in consent and compliancy as the child pulls out their GUI discreetly before expertly typing in a string of code.

An urge to just randomly pick a bottle made their fingers twitch for just a moment.

It isn't really that big of a deal, why would they need to pull out a GUI for it? Besides the bottle over there gives Player deja vu, a striking feeling that something rewarding will happen if they chose it.

The code works perfectly unlike the spaghetti code that Player often ends up with as an amateur coder whenever they try to paste their PNGs on flat surfaces.

"The one over there!" She points to a bottle as Player obediently takes it for inspection.

Seems like the right one— Actually, they have no clue! But they asked for it though...

They handed the bottle to the Kitchen Wizard with an innocent smile.

Is it the right decision to trust a kid that holds illegal contraband? Yeah, it seems legit.

"Aha! Here we go... Let me just drip a few drops into this here container and..."

The concoction fizzled before turning into a shade of rosy red.

With great satisfaction, the wizard smiles and turns to the duo "There, that should be it! And now— hold on..."

An unnerving silence encompasses the room as the duo stared down at the Kitchen Wizard with varying amounts of anxiety.

"Is that a kid?" He asks as his eyes scrutinized 1x1x1x1.

Player nods in confusion.

"I don't condone CHILD LABOR!" A sudden shout from him jolted the two to clarity "What were you thinking?! I ordered one assistant and RentAnAssistant™ got me two— with a child??? I can't believe this, you bet I'm going to give your website a one-star review!"

"...About the payment." Player began with insane audacity before being immediately cut off.

"Payment? PAYMENT?!" The wizard screeched "Haven't I already gave you advanced payment? What do you mean?! I knew I shouldn't have made that online transaction and just give the money face-to-face..."

"Uh..." 1x1x1x1 scratches her head "I think that guy over there got scammed..."

"What was that?" The Kitchen Wizard asks with subtle fury.

"I think my spine just got rammed...!"

"Ugh..." He groaned "Fine, I'll give you something extra. I'm sure raising a child is pretty tough..."

Player got the urge to tell him that it's not their kid but the fear of being painted as a child kidnapper stops them from doing so.

"First, help me with serving this to the knights— not you kid, stay here and don't touch anything."

It took a few minutes to completely serve all the knights in the dining hall but it's a good thing none of them recognize Player and if they do, they're too hungry to even care at all.

After coming back into the kitchen, Kitchen Wizard turns to the duo "Okay, come with me to the treasury." He instructs as the trio left the dining hall filled with chatter and chewing.

"What the heck happened here?" Kitchen Wizard stares at the scene of multiple guards sprawled around the floor in a line-up, a big chandelier crashed unto the ground and multiple wooden splinters littering the room.

"A chandelier fell!" 1x1x1x1 replies.

"Yeah, I told those architects to fix the ceiling of this castle but they kept being a wimp because there was an attic guy terrorizing them or something..." Kitchen Wizard sighs "Whatever... Is that a new nurse?"

"That's just Average Aaron!"

The three stopped at the door to the treasury. Kitchen Wizard pulls out a key from his pocket to insert it in the lock before opening the door inside.

1x1x1x1 and Player stares in awe at the multiple gold nuggets that's scattered around the floor while chests lined with gold are organized along the shelf overflowing with riches and goodies inside it.

Kitchen Wizard walks towards a chest and opens it as he rummages through to find something.

Player sneaks a glance at the open chest with a key lying unassumingly on top of it. They shuffled closer and closer before snatching it away and hushing Mr. Sunshine and 1x1x1x1 from snitching.

"There it is!" The Kitchen Wizard let's out a sigh of relief before grabbing something inside the chest and heading over to the two "Here."

It was a pouch filled with tix and a few bux inside it. For some reason, it didn't really satisfy Player as they expected something more... card-like, perhaps one that can let you go through places normally inaccessible.

"That should be it, thank you for the help but DON'T EVER force your kid to do child labor again, okay?"

Player nods albeit begrudgingly.

They don't look that old... Do they?

"That money should be enough to let you survive a month. I'm going back to my kitchen."

With that the trio left the treasury and Kitchen Wizard went back to his kitchen.

"Have you got permission to go inside?" John Doe asks while tending to a knight's wounds after feeling the duo's presence behind him.

"Yep!" 1x1x1x1 nods "Let us go!"

John Doe got up after hearing her words as the trio walked towards the double arched doorway that towers over them menacingly.

Player slowly inserts the key unto the lock and with a click, the doors creak open and they were one step closer to the throne room, one step closer to the Ice Dagger.

For some reason, a chill went through their back.

Chapter Text

The hall before the throne room was chilly but not so much that it would get anyone shivering just yet.

There were people standing in the stairwell that leads inside the King's throne room. They all wore clothing fitting for someone of high status, with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship radiating from every wrinkle of fabric they don with pride and grace. Matching these clothes were hats that would've cost Player a fortune to get a hold of if it were back in present time.

It didn't take long before a troop of knights gathered from the other side, all of their bellies filled with the Kitchen Wizard's cooking. They looked battle-ready.

Perhaps it was a mistake serving them food. Player sighs as they wondered what could've happened if they just took another bottle or ate the food while the cook wasn't looking.

"HALT, in the name of BLACKROCK!!" The leader shouted as the commotion paused all activity in the room.

The residents all stared at the confrontation happening at the entrance with curiosity.

Their eyes burned Player's skin and they can't help but feel like they held judgement even though they don't (but perhaps maybe they do).

"Step away, do not disturb the KING!"

"This is very IMPORTANT!" John Doe argues "We simply can't just let this be..."

"And what importance would your message be?" The head knight questioned "You committed an act of TRESPASSING. You cannot RESPECT the wishes of the king and yet you dare to act like you're in the right?!"

"This is about the ICE DAGGER!!!" John Doe screams in frustration as the room was suddenly bathed in a cold and dreary silence.

It was deafening, every single person hushes as a horrible and unsettling feeling itches at the gut of everyone in the room.

"...It is held in the hands of our king." The knight answers, the increasing void of dreadful realization has their voice wavering "What about it...?"

"...Has your king...?"

"I'll stop you right there, that's confidential information." The knight growls "I suggest you leave without resistance..."

"I'm afraid that won't happen."

A cold breeze swept by the hall coming from the throne room. A shiver went down Player's spine as they gazed into the entrance of the throne room with a feeling of dread gnawing at the back of their skull.

Before they knew it, the two sides have pulled out their weapons and the trio were surrounded by knights.

Tensions rise high as the two glared each other down as if they could kill each other with looks alone.

"What the heck is happening here—!!" A man in a chef's uniform pushes through the front lines before he was cut off by the obvious confrontation.

He looks worse for wear. His clothes were rumpled, covered in soot and gunpowder while his hair was charred and blackened at the tips, the hat that was situated on his head was gone.

"Mister Chef, stay back. These intruders are trying to disturb the King's peace!"

"What but that's..."

"For your safety, please stay at the back."

"...I don't understand but, please... don't do anything that steps out of line."

"We won't."

"Player..." John whispers from besides them "... We'll make an opening for you."

Player nods their head in understanding as the squadron of knights surrounds them from all sides while a few got the residents evacuated from the hall.

Player sneakily pulls out their GUI, a risky move but a needed one.

Bang!!

John's hammer bashes down the ground, creating a quake that rippled the code of the floor.

–3 HP, Loyal Knight.

–3 HP, Loyal Knight.

The opening was quickly blocked off by new bodies as the previously injured knights were transported to the side where they were healed by the Kitchen Wizard.

+2 HP, Loyal Knight.

+2 HP, Loyal Knight.

The GUI in 1x1x1x1's hand made a ding before a small baseball was ejected from it, hitting a knight on their helm.

0 (Attack Deflected), Loyal Knight.

It didn't do any damage but it was enough time to distract them and with another mighty slam of a hammer, the front lines tumbled and made an opening big enough for Player to dash through in the nick of time.

"They're running away!"

"Get them— Ugh!" They were cut off by a hammer to the side of their head while Player ran without looking back at the damage that was caused.

Upon their arrival in the throne room, they immediately grabbed the double doors and slammed them shut before grabbing one of the candelabras that lined the walls to wedge it in-between the handles.

And now, they're alone... with the king.

They looked behind them to see the ruling monarch of Blackrock Castle sitting silently upon his icy throne. Icicles grew on the outer edges of his face while his arm was frozen like a block of ice yet held tightly inside it, was the ice dagger.

The dagger radiates a refreshing breeze, calming in nature like a soothing balm— enough for Player to forget the wounds they've sustained in fighting the statue yet they know of its deceptive nature. They felt its icy grip, that thorny frost that spikes the hand with frostbite as it whispers protection yet gives nothing but annihilation.

Apprehensiveness overtakes their body as they stood stunned near the entrance before taking a step forward.

They felt something jolt their foot as they look down to see what it was before their eyes widened in alarm.

A spawn symbol was beneath their feet, the same symbol that they try so hard to ignore in their journey for the longest time. But now, they simply can't ignore the elephant in the room anymore. The symbol was simply getting annoying to look at and Player wants nothing more than to scrape the floor of the castle clean of its presence.

Player had the small window of time to wonder whether such a thing manifested as a result of time travel or their past sins coming to haunt them in a reminder of what they left but can never outrun.

Whatever it came from, whatever its business with them doesn't matter right now. They walked closer to the king who narrowed his eyes upon their slowly creeping form.

"...It's you, I've been waiting." The man spoke in a slow mumble.

"You were waiting...?"

"I've heard so much... From you dismantling my guards, breaking in without authorization... The disrespect is incomprehensible." He informed "You are just as filthy as everyone else. Parade as a HERO all you want, in the end you are nothing but SCUM..."

"..."

"I've heard of the future. The voices whisper to me that this story has been repeating for an eternity..." His eyes become dazed and foggy like reminiscing a faraway memory "Is this what you wanted, to see me doom my kingdom over and over again...?"

"...I don't know what you're talking about."

They really don't, all they wanted was to attend that stupid convention. They wore their best, greeted everyone they came across and anxiously fidgeted in their seats only to see Builderman get kidnapped right in front of their eyes.

"DO NOT PLAY DUMB!!!"

Player flinched at the booming voice of an angry monarch whilst he scorns at them from his high and mighty throne.

"How do you think I feel...?" His voice turned shaky and uncertain as he looked at them with eyes that held desperation "Witholding this information to my people... That their home, their happiness will be gone in just a few years?"

It must've felt horrible.

"..." The words get stuck in their throat.

"Tell me, do I give in to that prophesized future?"

Player attempts to move their head only for a hand to stop them from their tracks. The king looks on in frustration and with barely held back fury.

He massages his temple, his eyes bloodshot yet looks so lifeless "No, don't say anything... I've already heard all the possible answers you could have said."

The echoes of a fight echoes from beyond the locked doors of the room, acting as background noise inside the unbearably quiet throne room. A chilly wind breezes by from the Ice Dagger held in the hands of the half-frozen king and it billows the tapestry embroidered with the insignia of Blackrock while all the candles on top of the candelabras went out and bathed the hall in the light of the sun from outside yet the ice turns the yellow rays blue and cold.

"It doesn't matter..." The king murmurs "Because with this Ice Dagger... I'll rewrite our future, and this time... This time, to break apart destiny at its seams!!"

Player's form tenses as every fiber of their muscles stiffen as if dunked in cold water.

"And you..." He points the dagger right at their heart. The barely constrained wrath turns his eyes bright blue while the whites blood red "You will not stop me... I'll do whatever it takes!"

The temperature drops until it is freezing and their breaths were puffed with white speckles of frost.

Player shivers as the ice on the King's body creeps up to their torso and the other half of his face. He aims his scepter towards their vulnerable form before unleashing a freezing wind before them.

It nips at their skin and forms icicles on their lashes and hair as the cold forms snowflakes that does nothing but freeze their body solid.

–5 HP, Player.

Pulling out the dynamite from their pocket, they lit it up before throwing it at the king. A terrifying explosion shook the ground and burns the carpet yet it does the job of warming the area from a snowy tundra to a bearable chill.

–5 SP, Player.

–5 HP, Cruel Demented King.

The smoke from the explosion drifts away, revealing the king with barely any burns on his body— if anything, he looked colder than he already is.

"I—..." He coughs up smoke, his breathing ragged.

Before Player can even blink, the king was in front of them. His scepter raised high before slamming down on top of their head and freezing them for a moment while every joint in their body stiffens as a result.

–5 HP, Player.

They felt weak, weaker than they've ever been. It feels too cold yet it kept getting colder. It saps away their energy, the ball held in their hands feels too heavy and yet with a mighty throw, it hits the king right on his crown.

–1 HP, Cruel Demented King.

–1 HP (Defense Ignored), Cruel Demented King.

A grueling back and forth between them occured. This time each of the King's hits has been dodged by Player and each hit they landed can only enrage the man even further.

It was up until they were both on low health. Player kneels on the floor as blood pooled from their wound, dyeing the carpet beneath them a sickening red. The king, meanwhile, stands above like an immovable boulder yet the injuries that marred their body prove that the man isn't as strong as he may be.

"It is over, give up...!" The king demands.

"... No..." But Players refuses to obey.

Slowly they stood up and with every bit of strength they can muster, threw two dynamites that cracked the ground and broke every window of the entire hall while the icicles melted, the carpet burned, the candelabras fell over and the tapestries turned to ashes.

–10 SP, Player

–10 HP, Cruel Demented King

It was over, the battle has ended.

Shakily, Player arose from their kneeling form to slowly stumble to the defeated figure of the king.

"... I failed them..." The king cried yet his words ring hollow to their ears as their eyes narrowed to the sword in his grasp.

"..."

"No... No, No, NO!!" He screamed, one of pure terror and dread as if the whole world is going to end as he looks at Player with bloodshot eyes filled with so much pain and hate.

Player flinched as they took a step back, then another as the monarch of Blackrock Kingdom stood up with renewed vigor.

It was impossible— he looks like a cold and frozen corpse.

"I cannot let it happen... I will not be bound by a looping fate..." He looks at them, his face shadowed by his crown yet the malice radiates off him like a snowstorm "And you, oh you... I see it now— you still chose to be compliant...? Even knowing that it'll all repeat— that this will never matter... Not in an hour, not in a week nor a year..."

"What are you saying...?"

"It has to stop... I'll make it stop..." The ice crawls on his face, freezing him as icicles juts out from his skin "The voices... The voices... The Ice Dagger... You... Must be the key to ending this all!!"

"Get away— I don't understand you...! Stay back—" For the first time, visible panic overtakes Player yet a sharp spike from their chest has them coughing their lungs out, cutting off any words that they'd form in the meantime.

It must be from the ribs, it must've gotten shattered.

But Player's thoughts were proven wrong as something cold crept up the back of their throat and with another heaving cough, a bloodied icicle drops to their hand.

"It's cold... It's too cold..." The demented king mumbles the same phrase over and over again like a mantra as the temperature drops even lower— if this goes on, it would be below freezing.

The entire hall is frozen solid. The carpet is covered in mounds of snow, the windows were replaced by a thick layer of ice and it blocks the cold air from escaping the room and it is so cold.

Without a moment's hesitation, Player ran to the doors leading to the exit of the throne room as they slammed their entire body weight for it to open but it's no use, ice has completely taken over its surface and froze the doors solid while the candelabra proved to be nothing but a hindrance now that they realized.

They can hear muffled banging from the other side and with quick thinking, they pulled out their dynamite to throw unto the door.

Suddenly, icicles juts out from the ground before Player can even register it and completely blocks the doors, freezing it even more.

Now, they are alone with the king...

Player turns around to gaze at the king. Most of his body is frozen solid with icicles jutting out of his skin like a thorny armor, one half of his arm has turned to snow on the ground and his crown seems to be embedded on his head by the ice's doing and despite it being blue, the ice is dyed red with the king's blood.

He looks at them with a beastly wrath, his face was covered in crystallized ice and his remaining eye stares at them with hollowness similar to a corpse.

He is rotting yet he has enough determination to still stand.

Player's hands shook, whether it was the doing of the cold or the anxiety of impending death, they are not sure. They can only face the king with nothing but a rubber ball that they are sure will pop before it can even hit him.

They grip the dynamite tighter. Player became startlingly aware of their blood drying up in an alarming rate and was instead replaced by ice covering the wound like an infection.

There's no more time, they have to do something.

Gathering up all the last remnants of their stamina, they took out and drank a storm tea (that they bought from the Iron Cafe) and two bloxy colas (that they found somewhere while exploring), lit up three dynamites and threw it at the door as the a torrent of hail assaulted them from the back and giving them severe hypothermia.

–20 SP, Player.

–10 HP, Player.

–2 HP, Cruel Demented King.

A loud crackle then a sudden booming explosion rattles the hall, cracking the ice and melting the big mound of snow that blocked the door while snapping the candelabra that was wedged between the its handles like a twig.

The double doors open to a wave of knights rushing inside the throne room before all stopping to stare at the sight of the once beautiful throne room reduced into an icy and barren tomb.

A puff of cold air blew from Player's mouth as they sighed in relief before all of their consciousness gets sapped away.

The snowstorm has not once calmed, it remained unforgiving and wrathful as the cold bites their skin and freezes them through their embarrassingly thin clothes.

But this is at least better than the clothes they used to wear day by day until they are driven mad with insanity.

Their back feels heavy despite having barely anything weighing down their backpack. They have left almost everything back there and they don't plan on going back to retrieve anything.

They are ready to leave everything behind, they will leave it all behind them and they won't look back.

By this time, they must've sent search squads to track them down. They have always been a persistent bunch but it doesn't matter.

Those people can't lay a finger on them any longer, they barely even knew them in the first place and they have never come to accept them.

By the time this hail settles, there would be no trace of them left. They made sure of it or they will die trying in the snow, their body lost in the weather. Either way, they'll be free and that's enough of a consolation.

Every trace of what they were before will be stripped away and they will be reborn start anew. Who they were back there isn't them, they won't let their past and their people drag them down.

They can beg all they want or use every lure they can but they won't catch them even in death. By a few years, their name will be spread out through the community as a cold case and a lesson to what never do.

Yet seeking shelter proved to be harder than they thought as every knock was met with silence, every call for help was met with ignorance and every step felt like knives through their feet. It didn't take long for Player to feel the hope dwindle in their chest.

This was supposed to be easy... Why would no one help them? It isn't fair.

The small seed of fear grew the longer they stayed out in the snow. Every door closed shut no matter how much they beg to open and every path is filled with nothing but a monochrome palette of white and grays.

They don't know how long they stayed suffering in the hail but at some point, they succumbed to hypothermia and fell down as their feet froze over with frostbite.

Darkness blots their vision but a small light glowed from afar, reigniting their dwindling hope.

Mustering up all their strength, they clawed their way up from the mound of snow that blocks the way and stumbled to the end of the light. What greeted them was a person— a woman that held an umbrella.

Her face was unreadable and her demeanor relaxed as if going out on a fine stroll.

"Please..." They coughed, clinging to the woman's clothes like an unyielding parasite "C— Can I... stay the night, out from the cold...?"

She says something they can't decipher but they felt themselves nod their head in agreement nonetheless.

"I'll do anything...!" They exclaimed "Please, just get me away... Far away!"

Chapter Text

1x1x1x1 suffered from a nightmare again.

He can't remember anything about it but he knows something terrifying happened.

The only thing he could glean on was the scenery of forests and... a cabin being built in the woods?

The child shook his head to rid himself of the nightmare that plagues his mind and wiped off the cold sweat from his brow.

The door creaks open as he exits from his room. The house of Mister John was simplistic, just like the man that accompanied them in the journey to get the Ice Dagger.

The Ice Dagger... It was a blessing that the nightmare didn't consist of Player. The scene from his memories were horrifying to reminisce even though it were only snippets before his eyes were covered by the adults around him.

Player was crumpled on the floor with wounds dyeing their clothes red with their own blood while behind them was a monster overtaken by ice, its form beastly as a hail surrounds them like a barricade.

It took almost the entire army to subdue the former king of Blackrock and by then, it was already too late. The king only died because they've succumbed to the cold, their body froze into a statue before crumbling to become a pile of snow and ash.

It has been close to a week since the incident and the motions had started to become repetitive.

In the first few days, he could at least distract himself with exploration but now that the places have become familiar and ingrained, the novelty of something new fades away and the thoughts have come to haunt him.

He slowly walked over towards the balcony, hoping for reprieve only to find the fiancee of Mister John to be occupying the space already.

He hesitates before slowly slinking away back to his room.

"Is that you, John?" A voice called out and 1x1x1x1 immediately freezes like a deer on headlights.

The woman turns around with an inquisitive brow raised.

Just like her future husband, she is as plain as she is boring. Truly, how could John Doe pair with a match made from heaven? They both have the most sleep inducing interests that 1x1x1x1 has the misfortune upon experiencing.

Their music taste are heavily influenced by mainstream songs, their fashion relies heavily on what is trendy and their apartment is absolutely covered in minimalistic furniture— and 1x1x1x1 knows they have the money to afford a better interior designer. Seriously?! He lives in Telamon's manor for crying out loud (where things are practically outdated) and these two looked like they'd fit better there.

Not like 1x1x1x1 knows of anything mainstream... or trendy. They just see it on social media whenever there's enough signal to power the internet cables in the manor.

The woman squints her eyes before smiling warmly— 1x1x1x1 almost feels bad that he ranted about her in his mind (almost).

"Oh, little Onyx!" She called out with glee.

"1x." 1x1x1x1 corrected as he crossed his arms

"If you want to take fresh air, don't mind me! We live in the same place, there's no need to be shy."

"Well, I just don't know... It's almost three in the morning and my bu— they normally get mad when I'm up at this hour..."

"Oh, is that so? Well, I sure am supposed to get mad at you at this time of hour but... I'll let it slide, you seem distressed."

"... It's not that serious." 1x1x1x1 attempts to downplay the situation.

"Come here." She pats the chair right next to her, the one that Mister John always sits upon in the mornings.

Hesitantly, he sat down that chair with as much awkwardness as a child would when it comes to something unfamiliar.

"What's bothering you?"

It was a trap for them to spill secrets all along! For some reason though, he finds himself opening up.

"I had a nightmare..."

"Is that so?" She sneaked a glance towards him before looking back at the view "Perhaps you should calm yourself with a view from the outside."

No matter how long it has been, the sight of Bizville remains beautiful. There were a few lights turned on despite the ungodly hour and a few pedestrians strolled along the dark streets illuminated by streetlights.

"I saw it, some sort of cabin... being built in the woods?"

"How would that be scary?" She asks and 1x1x1x1 could find himself getting mad over her questions.

"Oh— I don't know...?! Maybe because the sky was red and there were white eyes in the forest???" He snapped before shutting himself up before any more outlandish words were spoken.

Oops, they may have lost their temper there...

But instead of furrowing her brows, she instead let out a laugh before patting his head softly.

"Sorry, it was my fault for bothering someone who has just woken up so early." She apologizes "Though, that is a pretty scary dream... Want me to make you some hot cocoa to feel better? I'm sure John wouldn't mind his stash having one less packet."

He can only silently nod at her suggestion as she stood up from her chair and went inside. She turned on the light, the interior of the apartment glowing brighter— the light did not reach the balcony though, it was only in the kitchen but nevertheless 1x1x1x1 finds himself getting distracted looking at his silhouette.

For a moment, he lets himself become dazed by the surroundings. From the clinking of kitchenware to the buzzing of the street lamps, it all felt almost calming to the point where he felt safe enough to just close his eyes for a moment and relax—

The sound of radio static cuts through the air like nails on chalkboard and it was enough to snap him awake to assess his surroundings warily.

There was nothing to take note of but the low humming buzz of static reverberating through the air like a fly near his ear. 1x1x1x1 pulls out his GUI as he walked closer to the railings of the balcony with slow steps.

Half concealed in an alley near the apartment was a writhing mass of red and black. The view from the balcony gives 1x1x1x1 a clear enough view to put the anomaly into a description but he's not close enough to actually examine it better.

"What are you leaning on the railing for?" The soft voice of Madame Jane broke his train of thought as he whirls around to look at her with confusion.

Silently, she joined him in leaning on the railing. Her eyes trained on the general direction of where he laid his eyes too, perhaps figuring out what has got him so interested to pull out a GUI out in the open so suddenly.

"Look over there!" 1x1x1x1 guided as she refocuses her vision and finally sets her sights on the mess of red and black squares or perhaps rectangles.

"What the..." She let out a gasp, the mug in her hands were abruptly set on the table before she leaned in to take a closer look with squinted eyes.

"What is it?" 1x1x1x1 asks in curiosity for no matter how much he searched his brain, nothing resembles the mass he's seeing before his eyes.

"It looks like..." She trails off before shaking her head "It looks like dead code but that's impossible..."

"Dead code?"

"Code that is no longer used. The more professional term would be defunct code but dead is more fitting to my vocabulary."

"Yeah, I know that! What I was saying is— why impossible?"

"Well, to simply put it... These kinds of things should only exist in the out-of-bounds zones or experimental plates." She explains, a hand on her hips as she kept a close eye on the writhing mass "What could possibly have it manifest in a fully built and functioning city?"

"Huh, that is strange..."

"Stay here kid, I'll have to contact the authorities about this" With those final words, she went inside and left 1x1x1x1 wondering about the dead code in the alleyway.

1x1x1x1 has never really gotten to fully code out an entire world with the snap of his fingers but they are familiar (if all the books and lessons Brighteyes gave him whenever she's around be of any use) that these experimental plates and out-of-bounds were simply experiences in progress, constructions sites that are being built before habitation. Although, the question stands on where these supposed experimental plates may be still alludes him since Brighteyes never told him no matter how many times he asks.

Either way, the writhing mass of dying code in the alley seems very interesting to look at. It is his first time to witness something this phenomenal and a small urge to prod squirms at the back of his mind like an eager researcher's thought.

The sounds of shuffling became ever so louder inside the Doe apartment. Whatever Madame Jane did must've woken up her fiance.

John Doe joins him in leaning on the railings, a loud yawn was uttered from the man and 1x1x1x1 can't help but roll his eyes at him.

"That blob of code looks dangerously big..."

"Yeah, I can tell."

"Does it hurt for you not to act like a know-it-all every once in a while?"

"... Can't help it when you keep saying such things, Captain Obvious."

John Doe rolls his eyes at the obvious display of a retort and turns around to go back inside.

"Jane— honey, did you call the authorities about this?" The muffled shout of John asks.

"Yeah, said they'll be coming over soon!" Jane replies, voice more muffled.

1x1x1x1 meanwhile, kept his eyes trained on the amalgamation from faraway. His hand operated the GUI, typing out lines of code and pulling out tools from its interface to get a closer look at the writhing mass.

Just as his GUI finally starts decoding what material the mass is made of, he was suddenly pulled back by a hand grabbing his shirt.

"Are you trying to dive off the balcony, kid? Don't do that!" John Doe scolds as he pulls the child back inside "Anyway, Jane says she prepared some hot cocoa for you so try not to think about the code— the programmers have it handled so just drink a very late midnight snack."

"Ugh..."

Sitting down at a chair, he hesitantly picked up the mug from the table and slowly took a sip while looking at the balcony with a focused gaze.

A conversation about something 1x1x1x1 couldn't hear came from the other side of the bedroom door, muffled yet loud enough to hear.

With his interest piqued, he slowly got out from his chair to move quietly to the closed door and put an ear on its rough surface.

"You're seriously going outside to deal with it?!" A muffled shriek that came from Jane questions in disbelief "John, it's supposed to be our day-off. Take a break for once, won't you?"

"It'll be fine, Jane. I'm only going to take a look— I mean, the thing is really close to our apartment that I can't help but be worried!"

"And that's why I called the authorities about it!"

"..."

"...Do whatever you want just— stay safe and don't get too close."

1x1x1x1 quickly goes back to the table to finish drinking his mug of hot cocoa just as John Doe exits from the room wearing a coat.

"Where are you going?" 1x1x1x1 feigned ignorance for his earlier eavesdropping and questioned the man who opens the door that leads out the apartment.

"Outside. I'm going to check out something..." He responded monotonously.

"Can I come?"

"No."

"Oh, come on!!"

1x1x1x1 hastily got out from his seat and sprinted to the door to cling on to John's coat.

"Take me with you. If you're going to see that defunct code, I NEED to see it too!"

"Ugh— seriously?! Kid, it's dangerous so let go!"

"NO."

"What is going on here?" A voice from behind them utters in confusion.

"Jane, help me out...!" John requests while attempting to shake 1x1x1x1's deathly grip on his coat.

She giggles at the sight instead.

"Jane!"

"Alright, alright..." Slowly she came closer to the two and crouched down to be on eye level with 1x1x1x1 "1x1x1x1, let go of John. He's only going to be there in a quick second before returning so why don't you just sit back here and watch television instead, hmm?"

"Lala lala, I can't hear you!"

"It's dangerous."

"Then I am staying eight feet away!"

She sighs before looking at her fiance with resignation.

The man, in turn sighs before closing the door and taking off his coat.

"Hey, what's the hold-up?"

"I changed my mind, I'm not going down anymore."

"What??? Aw man..."

"Yep, I figured my energy is better spent on getting ready to visit the hospital later."

"Wait— they're finally letting in visitors?!"

"Yep."

"...Fine, let's prepare."

With that, the discussion was closed and the trio spent the rest of their time doing absolutely nothing but watch TV and do chores until it was time to visit the hospital.

The walk there was quite calming but to 1x1x1x1, it gives them nothing but anxiety as the doors to the hospital seem so menacing than comforting.

He has wondered multiple times what he's going to say to them but all possible conversation starters has been scrapped after he cringed at the corniness and how bland it is as frustration overtook him when he realizes he has still not made up his mind once he entered the hospital.

"Player, uh... Doe." John Doe asks and 1x1x1x1 cringes even more.

He sure hopes that the nurse at the counter does not think of them as weirdos for that. The only reason why Player even got their last name to be labeled 'Doe' was because the man beside him was the only one with a concrete last name to register in the hospital. Even though the name 'Player' isn't even that common, the staff still insisted for a last name and their two companions didn't have a single clue of their real last name.

After being given directions, the makeshift family went to the second floor where Player's room is but along the way were another group blocking the staircase.

"Hey— hey! Watch it, Matt, don't push me like that— AAAHH!!!" A scream came from upstairs before a crippled man gets pushed down the stairs and landed on the second flight before the first floor.

The trio stopped in their tracks as they watched the (probably illegal) scene with gaping mouths and wide eyes.

Shedletsky seems to be unharmed, though, there was an obvious frown on his face and the palpable annoyance that exudes from his aura is visible as he looks at the man who pushed him. The man who pushed him meanwhile, wears a blue pumpkin head with deer antlers jutting out from it (that reminds 1x1x1x1 of some of the residents in the manor) and a long, flowy white robe with a golden buckle while in his hands was a staff that seems to be made of some magical wood.

"Do not mind this banter for this man went and involve me in his matters." The cryptic pumpkin rhymes as if he is Dr. Seuss or something.

1x1x1x1's face twists at the hilarity of the scene before a voice completely halts all his thoughts.

"1x, baby?" The familiar voice of Brighteyes made 1x1x1x1's brain cease to function for just a moment before he slowly starts to feel bashful and completely attempts to make himself feel small.

But such actions does not deter his uh... technically, mother(?) as she does not hesitate to walk towards him with confident strides before crouching down to level with him eye-to-eye.

She examines him and checks for injuries before sighing "Oh, thank goodness..."

"What's wrong...?"

"I was so worried when I didn't find you at the manor... Only for someone—" A harsh glare was thrown at the direction of the crippled admin "To not tell me that you apparently went here..."

"It was supposed to be a short trip, until uh... I can't really find Telamon and the building collapsed." 1x1x1x1 scratches the back of his neck while avoiding (in any way he could) to look at Brighteyes (not that it would matter when she wears shades but still—).

"Oh, it's okay... It's okay." She consoles "You aren't hurt, are you?"

"No... They took care of me." 1x1x1x1 admits begrudgingly as he points at the couple besides him.

Brighteyes finally tore her attention away from him to look at them with eyes filled with gratitude as she hurriedly stands to give them a handshake.

"I suppose I should say my thanks." She gratefully admits "You don't know how much I owe you..."

"Oh it's nothing at all!" Jane Doe shyly shakes her hand back while her husband stood behind her, feeling intimidated.

1x1x1x1 tore his gaze away from them and directed it to the guy getting aided to have his wheelchair stand upright by the other who's responsible in pushing him down the stairs. Noticing his gaze, the duo directed their attention to him.

"Hey, kid." Shedletsky lazily greets, a hand stiffly moves to wave at him.

"Greetings, little bird." Matt Dusek greets.

"I'm not a bird." 1x1x1x1 retorts, a look of appall was quite striking on his youthful face.

"Hmm, perhaps not, but your father is quite the chicken who is very well-known to be wicked." The pumpkin man scoffs "How dastardly he is, avoiding responsibility only to turn up like this?"

"What are you talking about... You know Telamon personally or something?"

"Quite the headache he could be, I'm surprised you don't know who he might be!" Matt Dusek let out a small gasp of shock.

"What do you mean?"

"Perhaps it is not in my place to meddle. Farewell, I have places to be so I must skedaddle." With that, the man flew away by exiting through the second floor window.

"What."

"That's just Matt." The voice of Shedletsky pipes up from the side "He is quite the rhymer..."

"Yeah, I can tell but thanks for the info, Crippled Crony."

"..."

"Anyway... Let's go back home." The voice of Brighteyes spoke up after conversing with the couple.

"Wait— what...??" 1x1x1x1 groans in dismay "No way, I'm not going back to that place."

"1x, you need to grow in a good environment."

"But that place isn't a good environment. I hate it there, it's too repetitive!"

"Hey, kid, listen to Brighteyes, she knows best." Shedletsky advised.

"And who are you to tell me what to do??? You're not my dad— not even anybody to her!"

"..."

"..."

"We were here to visit a friend, Player..." John Doe finally got the courage to interject as he stepped out from hiding behind his wife to finally face the two admins.

"Oh, is that so? Alright. But after this, we are going home."

"Ugh... But wait—!!!" An idea forms in the head of 1x1x1x1 "Our butler says that there were no supplies left back at the manor since Telamon has stopped giving any!"

"Don't worry about it; I have it handled." Brighteyes says with gritted teeth as she sneaked a glance towards the crippled man who only whistled in response "Now go dear, you don't want your friend to wait."

"Ugh..." 1x1x1x1 groans as he follows the couple up the stairs and down the halls of the second floor hospital before arriving at the door labeled '207', the room where Player must be resting in.