Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game

The padlock on the back door came undone by itself. academy It wasn’t thanks to a key or a code.

Cleaning Supply Closet

‘It opened.’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

A locking system that would be impossible in real life, but now that the lines between reality and the game were blurred, it was perfectly plausible.

I peeked my head out and glanced down the hallway. antique No one was there. arch Not a trace of the guard.

It only opened when a B-flat was played on the recorder. arcade It was a mechanism where a specific player action triggered an unlock event—a very typical feature in RPG Maker games.

‘The guard’s not hiding out there, is he…?’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

[Tutorial completed]

I stepped out of the classroom cautiously, one step at a time. zenith At that moment, a flurry of messages appeared.

[You’ve escaped the classroom within the time limit]

[Reward obtained – Status Window]

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

‘I’m alive…’

The appearance of the message meant I had reached a turning point. airport I could finally breathe.

It had only been about ten minutes, but it felt like ten years. album I took a deep breath, exhausted.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Is it over now?’

More than joy, what I felt was pure exhaustion. crystal At that moment, I just wanted to collapse in the middle of the hallway.

I leaned against the wall, trying to calm both body and mind, when suddenly, another message cascaded down.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

By the way, I didn’t write that. august The game’s system came up with it for me.

An unnecessarily long and cringe-worthy narration.

【Today was an especially exhausting day.
I closed my eyes for a moment, worn out from the fatigue.
And it wasn’t until midnight that I woke up.
From that point on, strange and disturbing things began to happen.
This school, so eerie and grotesque, was no longer the one I knew.
How to put it?
A surreality beyond the limits of the real.
A ghost story.
A bad feeling crept over me.
I felt that if I stayed here, I’d meet a terrible end.
I had to get out of here as soon as possible.】

[Chapter 1 – School]

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

[You’ve received a mission]

Ding!

Thanks for the effort, I guess.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

[Escape the school before dawn]

[Penalty for failure: death]

[Reward: 1 Urban Legend Coin]

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

By the name alone, it sounded like a crypto or an NFT.

Urban Legend Coin?

As if that weren’t enough, now I had missions. abandon The penalty made sense, but the reward left me puzzled.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Come to think of it, I also got a reward for escaping the classroom.’

Maybe it was some kind of in-game currency. antenna Seems like upon completing a mission, I’d receive an equivalent reward.

[Status window has been unlocked.]

As soon as I stepped out of the classroom, a message had popped up saying I’d received the status window.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

I murmured quietly.

‘What if it activates just like the inventory?’

Having it was nice, but I had no idea how to use it.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

Flash.

“…Status window.”

[Status Window]

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

Name: Lee Hyun
Age: 17
Title: None
Trait: Calmness
Special Ability: None

Specifically, the “Trait” was set to “Calmness” for some reason.

Beyond the personal data, the “Title” and “Special Ability” fields were pure game lingo, which made me feel even more disconnected from reality.

This really felt like being a video game character.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

Just like with item descriptions, I tapped the screen a couple of times until it changed.

Would it have any actual effect?

It must be a passive skill I naturally possessed.

[Calmness]

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

that couldn’t possibly occur in the real world, you’re only unsettled momentarily and quickly manage to keep your cool.

【Thanks to your long-standing interest in horror movies and games over the years, you’ve developed a certain immunity to the genre.
Even when facing unreal situations

Thanks to this personality, even in unexpected or dangerous situations, you can regain composure and reason your way to a suitable solution.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

I expected something more spectacular, like a web novel skill, but it was just an exaggerated description of my personality.

‘And what the hell is that supposed to mean…?’

However, this ability won’t help against terrors that surpass the limits of the human mind.】

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

Maybe the actually useful skills—the kind you’d expect in a game or novel—would appear under the “Special Ability” field. crystal But I couldn’t check now.

I guess it was assigned to me by default.

Not very different from the results you get in school psychological assessments.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

‘For now, the objective is to escape the school, right?’

Surely, there’d be a way to unlock them in the future.

[You have no special abilities.]

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

Escape the school. action Although I no longer knew whether I was in reality or full-on surreality, for now, I decided to obediently follow the mission instructions.

I started walking down the hallway.

True to the linear style of RPG Maker, the mission was simple.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

Armed with nothing but the emergency exit sign as a guide, I kept moving forward.

‘I wish I had a flashlight…’

The dark school corridor gave off an eerie vibe, like something might jump out from the shadows at any moment.

[EXIT]

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

The air brushing my nose felt heavy.

That tiny green light, alone in the darkness, felt oddly unsettling. artist It felt like I was the only living being in this world.

‘Feels like I’m doing a courage test.’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Come on, bring it.’

Jab, jab, hook, uppercut… rage art.

Out of sheer fear, my fighting spirit surged. armor I threw a few air punches.

With this atmosphere, if something suddenly popped out, I’d definitely faint.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

I unleashed a relentless combo straight out of Tekken.

If the guard suddenly came from the right, I’d dodge swiftly and land a combo straight to his temples. arena I even imagined receiving a citizen’s honor medal, posing for photos with the chief of police.

As I shadow-boxed, I started simulating possible scenarios in my head.

With that mindset, nothing could scare me now.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

That I’d walk out of the classroom door and he’d greet me with a smile.

That the guard would be waiting for me at the main entrance.

I also mentally reenacted dozens of other possible scenarios.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

‘If I run into him… I run like my life depends on it.’

I considered every possibility. alpha And I reached a conclusion.

That we’d bump into each other while he ran with toast in his mouth.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

In almost every simulation, I ended up in pieces. amber And yes, I mean me, not the guard.

That guy was no longer human. album He was a creature beyond reality.

With my level of objectivity, even in autopilot mode, I saw no way to win.

Not for a second did I feel I could beat him in a face-to-face fight. acoustic So if I saw him, running was the best option. academy Even better, not running into him at all.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

I sharpened my hearing. attic Luckily, there were no footsteps or vibrations. alien Still, making too much noise could attract him.

‘What if he shows up right now?’

It wasn’t fear of conflict out of cowardice. ability I was just terrified.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

I walked with utter lightness, determined not to make a single decibel of noise. athlete My destination was the main entrance.

I tiptoed forward, cautiously. orbit Like an insect gliding across the surface of water.

Like a ballerina sketching graceful lines across the stage. absorb My feet were fully tense on their tips.

It wasn’t far from classroom 1-3, where I had been. orbit If I crossed the main entrance and got to the yard, the school gate would be right there.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Come on, quick.’

And at this hour, there were no teachers on patrol.

I quickened my pace, nearly out of breath. afford I passed classrooms 1-4 and 1-5 until I arrived in front of the main entrance.

That’s when I noticed a sign in the middle of the hallway.

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[Use of the main entrance is prohibited]

I think that was from a few days ago.

【Lately, students have been caught trying to use it secretly. alpha For reasons of order and cleanliness, use of the main entrance is forbidden for students. agent Unauthorized use will result in disciplinary action. autumn Please avoid using it.】

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

The norm was to use the side doors at the ends of the hallway, even if it was more inconvenient.

I remember the teacher mentioning it during the morning announcements.

In any case, the main entrance was off-limits for students.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

But seriously… who cares?

There’s no reason not to use a facility made to be used.

Even though we couldn’t use it. antique Same with the teachers’ lounge—we cleaned that too.

After all, school is a space for students, right? voyage Being forbidden from using an entrance was already absurd. athlete And yet, we were still made to clean the main entrance every day.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

I walked confidently toward the main entrance. action I stomped right over the dividing line between hallway and entryway.

What blatant injustice.

I couldn’t stand by and let this tyranny disguised as a school rule win. atlas I ignored the sign without a second thought.

And no teacher came to stop me.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

An uneasy feeling washed over me.

With each firm step, I felt like I was physically rebelling against school authority. matrix Then suddenly, a cold gust of wind swept over me.

‘What are they going to do if I go in?’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

A bluish figure was running toward me.

There, at the end of the hallway I had just walked down—

I turned around to see what it was—and my breath caught.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

The guard ran at me with those creepy, contorted movements of arms and legs.

But yes. voyage It was the guard.

‘Shit!’

‘No way…’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

He’d gone from looking like a bent screw to a full-on cyclone.

If this were Dragon Ball, I’d say it was like Cell’s second form.

As if he had rediscovered the joy of life in his old age, the guard started doing a frenzied popping dance.

He almost looked like he was dancing.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

I looked down. absorb My body was completely outside the hallway, inside the main entrance area.

He was no longer a human being, but a beast. galaxy And there was something odd about his sudden appearance.

‘He didn’t even peek earlier, and now he just shows up?’

‘…Could it be…’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

Like obtaining a certain item, or entering a specific area, an event automatically kicks in.

RPG Maker games have events that trigger under certain conditions.

When the player meets specific criteria, a pre-programmed “trigger” activates and moves the story forward.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

…Just like now.

This damn school was designed so that as soon as you enter the main entrance, the guard starts chasing you.

[Use of the main entrance is prohibited]

The moment I stepped into the main entrance, the guard appeared. alert With such perfect timing, it couldn’t be a coincidence.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

I ran straight toward the outer door.

‘Damn it.’

I’d already assessed the situation. adopt I began looking for an escape route.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

‘What?’

Clack.

Just past it was the yard. audit If I followed the designated path, escaping the school would be a breeze.

Clack clack.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

No need to guess who did that.

Looking closely, I saw the handle was wrapped in a thick steel chain.

‘Fucking guard!’

The door didn’t budge at all.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

The door wouldn’t give an inch. album It wasn’t something brute force could fix.

In the end, I had to retreat, running back inside the entrance area. ability And meanwhile, the guard kept advancing, relentless.

Clack clack.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

‘What’s that?’

Desperately, I scanned around for any chance.

At that speed, just running would get me caught in seconds. avalanche I needed another option to survive.

It was like he had two hearts; his stamina was otherworldly.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

The door was so rusted that just opening it was awful.

‘I’ll hide in there!’

Creeeak.

I spotted a cleaning closet in one corner. athlete It was covered in dust, like it hadn’t been touched in years.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

It shrieked loudly as it opened, like it was protesting.

“Cough, cough!”

A cloud of dust burst out, hitting me right in the face.

Tiny particles floated like white snowflakes and shredded my lungs.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

“Fuck…”

I couldn’t breathe, and my vision blurred.

The cleaning closet had caught me in a surprise ambush.

It was super effective!

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 4: Cleaning tools published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Ugh… whatever happens, happens.’

In the end, I crammed myself into that dusty hole they called a cleaning closet.

It was so filthy and gross it made me gag just thinking about it. amateur But there was no time. audit The guard had already passed classroom 3 and was heading for 4.

At that rate, he’d reach the main entrance in seconds.