A Nearsighted Girl’s Journey Through a Horror Game

No one knew what those two had gone through, but their Fear Values shot straight to 100 and that was the end of them.

Just then, I got a private message from Elaine.

【Nina, are you okay? I was dealing with the entity on the second floor all night and didn’t have time to warn you. You need to focus on bonding with your “family” during the first three days. I watched the top player’s previous livestream, and this is everything I know. Consider it compensation for not telling you the room rules earlier, that’s how you ended up on the 30th floor.】

Elaine also shared tips in the group chat, patiently answering questions from the other new players. Jethro popped in once in a while just to complain.

【Why are you helping them? You’re too soft. Helping these newbies won’t do us any good.】

Elaine replied calmly: 【We’re all stuck here together. There’s no need to be selfish.】

Because of that, every surviving player felt deeply grateful toward her.

These two veteran players were… interesting, to say the least.

I smiled slightly, pressed my face close to the screen, and typed back.

【I’m fine, but thanks for checking on me.】

The Headless Boss was in front of me, holding his own head in one hand and Lily still in her white dress in the other, using them like dumbbells.

When he noticed me clutching my phone, he frowned slightly, as if realizing something.

“Don’t get too close to—”

Before he could finish, he suddenly clutched his chest and collapsed.

Lily’s little face scrunched up in worry as she hurried to hold him, and I rushed over too, catching his body before it hit the floor.

The game’s rules clearly prevented NPCs from revealing any direct information about how to clear the scenario.

Then came the sound of footsteps outside the door—‘thump, thump, thump’—each one heavy enough to rattle my eardrums.

Lily leapt into my arms, trying to shove the fallen boss aside with her tiny body.

“Mommy, don’t be scared. Grandpa and Grandma are back.”

The boss, clearly unwilling to lose his spot, didn’t move an inch. After a moment’s hesitation, he grabbed my hand and blushed as he muttered, “Don’t be afraid.”

What a shy and awkward boss.

Don’t be afraid? Please, I couldn’t even see clearly. As far as I was concerned, everyone was just a regular person.

Honestly, I was even excited. New NPCs meant new storylines, new chances to survive. Maybe they were just a nice, healthy old couple.

As the key turned in the lock, the livestream chat lit up again, arguing furiously:

【We’re finally gonna meet the Grandpa and Grandma! Let’s see if they can handle this crazy Nina.】

【What’s wrong with you people? If she clears the game, it’ll help future players too!】

The lock clicked, and the door creaked open.

Two figures entered. Elderly, slightly hunched, each carrying a large burlap sack slung over their backs.

When the old woman saw the Headless Boss lying on the floor, she screamed and rushed forward, shoving me aside. Her voice shrieked with rage.

“You wicked, heartless woman! How dare you hurt my son? I’ll make you pay with your life!”

Black mist swirled around me like a curse.

When she came closer, I finally got a good look at her. The old woman was so thin she was practically a skeleton, her clothes barely hanging off her bones.

Her scalp was bare, not a single hair left. Her features looked melted together, her mouth the only thing still moving.

The skin on her exposed arms was completely charred, black like burnt wood.

If it weren’t for her voice, I wouldn’t even have realized she was a woman.