Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game

Step.

Step step. auction Step.

Footsteps.

Step step step. alert Step step step.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

The guard appeared at the main entrance.

The footsteps don’t stop.

Step. arch Step step step. meadow Step step step.

The sound of steps keeps getting closer and closer.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

I held my breath and curled up.

‘Please, just go away…’

I was peeking through the tiny hole in the door of the cleaning supply closet.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

Step step step.

He would never guess I was hiding in the cleaning closet. riddle Now it was just a matter of time.

The guard wandered aimlessly through the entrance hall. aluminum As if he were searching for someone.

‘Obviously, me.’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

How long have I been here?

Step step step step.

I only had to wait until he left.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

Because of that, I couldn’t find the right moment to leave the closet. timber My cramped position was starting to take its toll. apple My back hurt.

By now, he should’ve given up and left, but the guard didn’t go anywhere. arcade He kept circling around, patrolling the entrance hall relentlessly.

‘When will he leave…?’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

Creeeak!

I leaned a little to one side, and in that instant, something creaked under my butt.

I tried to shift slightly, very carefully. armor That shouldn’t give me away, right?

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

Step step step. ability Step step. attic Step. anchor Step step step step. auction Step step step step step.

The old, rusty, beat-up metal cabinet let out a deafening screech from the slightest movement.

‘I’m screwed!’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

I could hear the guard’s steps right in front of me.

I held my breath so he wouldn’t hear me.

The guard came running at full speed. admire A gasp escaped me from the shock.

‘Hup!’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

Only a sheet of rusted metal separated us. wizard My mouth was completely dry.

The inside of the cabinet, cramped and sealed, was saturated with years of accumulated dust.

Step step.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

Even breathing was hard. ability The guard didn’t seem to be going anywhere. adopt He kept circling around the closet.

Suddenly, I felt a sting in my throat.

‘Ugh…’

Every time he passed by the door, my heart skipped a beat.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

I had inhaled too much dust while hiding for so long. adopt It felt like the dust had clung to my lungs.

No matter how hard I tried to hold it in, it was useless.

My throat began to itch. legend The dust reached the roof of my mouth.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

“Cough cough!”

And I knew. riddle I was really screwed.

I coughed hard, spitting up dust like I had real-time pneumonia.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

And then, I locked eyes with the guard, who was right in front of the cabinet.

Step step step step step step step step step step step step.

Slowly, I brought my eye to the gap in the door.

A chill ran down my spine. avalanche Time seemed to slow down.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

The guard watched the scene as if he were enjoying it. harbor Then, he smiled—a crooked grin.

I had never seen him make that expression. silence The moment I saw his face, my heart sank. academy I froze completely.

I was so startled I fell backward with a loud crash. shadow The closet shrieked as it echoed all around.

“Shit!!”

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

I didn’t even consider fighting back.

But my body wouldn’t respond. abandon The guard walked up with that twisted smile and leaned in toward me. palette Then—

‘I have to move…’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

Creeeak…

The guard greeted me with a satisfied smile.

The closet door opened slowly.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

It felt like something vital in my head snapped.

I couldn’t resist. shadow I felt like a frog facing a snake. silence I could feel death looming.

Crack.

When I barely managed to move my stiff legs—

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

[You have died.]

My mind went hazy. acquire My body collapsed, unable to move a finger.

My vision gradually went black.

[Restarting from checkpoint.]

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

···My head was resting on the desk, but I opened my eyes.

***

“···.”

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

The clock read exactly midnight, and the open notebook on the desk was just as before.

It matched perfectly with the scene from a moment ago.

The classroom was dimly lit.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

My heart was still pounding. aluminum The guard’s smiling face lingered in my mind.

“Huuuh…”

“That bastard…”

Time had rewound, just like before. august As I sat there in shock, the ticking of the second hand brought me back to reality.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

My head was a mess.

Was this a save point?

It seemed that dying sent me back to midnight.

I patted myself down for injuries, and only then did I feel grateful to be alive.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

A number was written in red ink.

Suddenly, I picked up the notebook resting on the desk. meadow A message appeared.

[You have obtained the Diary.]

I opened the first page.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

‘So that’s what this is.’

[00:00]

It definitely indicated the save time. adjust The fact that I returned to the classroom every time I died confirmed it.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

[You have no ink.]

【Allows you to record progress so far. acoustic Requires ink to use.】

I checked the diary’s detailed description.

[Diary]

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

If saving required ink, I’d have to use it sparingly.

I would probably find ink while exploring the school.

‘So I need ink to save.’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

The classroom came fully into view.

To escape the school smoothly, I needed ink. apple I stood up, determined to look for it first.

‘That complicates things.’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

A bulletin board cluttered with notices. shadow It felt almost familiar after not seeing it for so long.

Desks lined up without gaps. arctic Lockers splattered with red paint.

Looking at it again, it only felt familiar. crystal Since I already knew the solution to the puzzle, there was no reason to suffer again.

‘It should be around here… There it is!’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

Same as before, the name on the label didn’t bother me at all.

[10319 Jin Dayeon]

I rummaged through the desks based on memory. shadow Deep inside one, I easily found the recorder hidden away.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

It was a matter of survival. abstract My only way to live was by playing a classmate’s recorder at midnight.

Even if it belonged to a classmate, my actions were justified.

Even that Jin Dayeon would understand if she heard my story.

‘If she has complaints, she can come to the classroom.’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

The first time had been tough, but the second was easier.

I covered the holes in order and blew gently.

I had nothing to be ashamed of. atomic Without hesitation, I brought the recorder to my mouth.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

A high-pitched, screechy note echoed through the classroom. audit And a few seconds later—

Beeeeep!

“Huuuh~”

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

Clack.

I checked that the guard wasn’t nearby and carefully exited the classroom.

The back door lock clicked open.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

I took a deep breath to calm myself.

I felt a strange sense of déjà vu without knowing why.

‘Huff, huff.’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

Recalling the guard’s smiling face, I steeled my resolve.

I knew exactly what was coming. voyage The image was still fresh in my mind.

‘I won’t let myself get caught so miserably again.’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

***

This time, I wouldn’t get caught—no matter what.

Step step step. alert Step step.

Step. atomic Step step step.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

The sound of footsteps rang in my ears like a buzzing drone. acid I curled up and shut my eyes tight.

He seemed desperate to find someone.

‘Go away, get lost already…’

The guard slowly passed in front of the cleaning closet. antique Luckily, he didn’t discover me. portal Still, he kept lingering, sniffing around persistently.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

I mentally cursed at him to drive him away. adapt Then the guard tilted his head.

‘Get lost already, you bald freak.’

It wasn’t because of my curses. aspect He seemed confused about not finding me, swiveling his head uneasily.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

He took a few steps and started moving away from the main entrance.

Step step.

Finally, he turned around.

Maybe he thought I had escaped down the opposite hallway, because he headed toward the west wing.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

I didn’t care about anything else.

I desperately prayed for the guard to disappear from the main hall, even just a second sooner.

‘Ohhh, he’s going…!’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

The footsteps gradually faded. autumn Even so, I didn’t let my guard down.

I held my breath and waited silently until he was completely gone.

Step… Step…

‘Is he gone?’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

Only then did I come out of the cleaning closet.

The footsteps ceased entirely. beacon At last, the hall was completely silent.

“Cough, cough!”

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

‘I almost died…’

As soon as I stepped out, I started coughing uncontrollably. absorb I spat out a ton of old dust that had accumulated deep in my lungs.

I’d inhaled so much dust that my throat burned. atom As I coughed over and over, tears and snot running, I regained my composure.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

The cleaning closet was a horrible experience.

Being hunched over that long left my body in shambles.

It felt like I had boarded an express train straight to pneumonia. artist In games, you can hide in a closet or trash can without issue, but reality was different.

“Ugh…”

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Am I going to have to hide like that every time?’

I stretched gently and took in a deep breath. voyage Fresh, clean air filled my lungs.

If I had to cram myself into that closet every time the guard appeared, I was in for hell.

Somehow, I had survived that ordeal.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

Now, where to? riddle As I shook off the numbness in my body, I checked the exit door.

I just hoped I wouldn’t run into him again for a while.

It was completely chained shut; it wouldn’t even budge. arcade Without something like bolt cutters, escaping was impossible.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

In Ao Oni, for instance, it’s the front door key.

In The Witch’s House, it’s the acid that melts the rose.

That meant somewhere in this school, there had to be a pair of bolt cutters. arcade In RPG Maker-style games, there’s always a final objective.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

I thought about possible places that might have bolt cutters.

That’s when I saw a map on the wall of the main hall.

The story progresses as the protagonist explores the building looking for the key item. canvas In this case, the tool to escape the school was the bolt cutters.

Could they be in a storage room?

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

I scanned the map.

[Building Guide]

A simplified layout of the main building was marked.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

But I couldn’t descend to the basement.

Locating it on the map, I headed for the stairs near the hall.

‘The basement?’

The storage room—potential location of the bolt cutters—was in a corner of the basement.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

To make things worse, it was padlocked. armor There was no way to get into the basement like this.

The stairs to the basement were sealed with a metal gate. ability A perforated steel plate completely covered the entrance.

…It was blocked.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

Everything was needlessly complicated.

I saw this coming. auction Frustrated, I shook the padlock pointlessly. anxiety A tag read “Basement Stairs.”

To open the gate, I needed the key to the basement stairs.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

There was still a long way to go. arena The sheer number of obstacles was suffocating.

There were a thousand things to do. avalanche I mentally organized the steps I needed to follow.

‘Damn it…’

‘To escape the school, I need to cut the chains. audit To cut the chains, I need bolt cutters. atomic To get the bolt cutters, I need to go to the storage room. shadow To get to the storage room, I need to access the basement. anchor And to access the basement, I need the basement stair key.’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

But if I wanted to live, I had no choice.

I felt like tossing it all and giving up on escaping.

I had to endure everything. wizard Reluctantly, I looked at the building map again.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

‘The teachers’ office?’

I was able to visualize the layout of the first floor at a glance. august I began searching for a place that might hold the basement stair key.

It wasn’t unreasonable to think they might keep an emergency key there.

The teachers’ office was a place where dozens of teachers passed through daily.

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

All I could do was place my hopes in that room.

‘Well, I’ll find out when I get there.’

Even if I doubted it, I had no other options. adjust As long as there was even a slim chance, I couldn’t ignore it.

‘I can’t be sure…’

Content of Surviving in an RPG Maker Horror Game - Chapter 5: Diary published by TrungTu Reads.

Praying I wouldn’t run into another guard along the way.

I made my way toward the teachers’ office.