Level 192 is the 193rd level of the Backrooms.
An image of Level 192.
Description
Level 192 is an extensive mazelike structure composed entirely of an amorphous rotating mass of steel chains. The space one can traverse in the level is dictated purely by the shape created by said chains in each area at a given time, with most spaces being tight, claustrophobic, and occasionally, too small for the average person fit through.
The mass of chains in Level 192 rotates clockwise at an approximate speed of seven RPM (revolutions per minute), enough for one to walk or crawl through the tunnels without significant difficulty. It is imperative, however, that one maintains a steady pace whilst traveling through the passages of the level; standing or lying still can cause a loss of balance as a result of the rotation, which can potentially result in injuries involving falling on the moving chains.
The mechanism by which the rotation occurs is currently unknown; all attempts at parting, sawing, or breaking the links have yielded no results thus far. It appears that nothing else is present under the first layer of chains, other than, unsurprisingly, more chains. No solid structures, including walls or floors, have yet been discovered underneath. The level's temperature remains at a humid 30° C (86° F), leaving the level habitable, albeit uncomfortably warm. The source of the temperature has not been yet discovered.
Wanderers who have spent a substantial amount of time in Level 192 have reported that there must be other, undiscovered elements within the level. Whilst the sound of metallic grinding is commonplace, more uncanny sounds, such as distant machinery and cogs grinding, have also been reported. The origin of these sounds is unknown, but their existence only strengthens the aforementioned theory of there being more to be discovered.
Certain sections of Level 192 have been found to be unstable; in these areas, gaps may open in the floor at random, swallowing any wanderers above. It is unknown what occurs after one falls through, as the moving chains quickly close up the gap and continue revolving, the metallic grinding obscuring any attempts at communication. In all cases thus far, fallen wanderers have never been recovered.
Entities
There is one currently known entity on Level 192, that being the Steelhead.
Steelheads
Steelheads are snakelike entities that camouflage themselves amongst the chains in Level 192. These entities appear to be a subspecies of the Dendroaspis polylepis (black mamba), similar in color and shape to the chains found in the level. These venomous entities camouflage themselves by hitching onto a link and waiting for unsuspecting wanderers to pass by overhead. Steelheads typically reside in the more claustrophobic areas of Level 192, presumably for ease of hunting. They typically apprehend their prey by grappling at the victim's legs and quickly pulling them under the chains.
Colonies and Outposts
Due to the claustrophobic and ranging conditions of Level 192, colonies and outposts are considered infeasible to create, though some undiscovered colonies may exist in the level.
Entrances and Exits
Entrances
- One can enter Level 192 by chance via the door in Level 332.
- Other entrances to Level 192 have been theorized to exist in Level 3 and Level 47.
Exits
Constant exits are difficult to come across in this level; however, one has been discovered thus far:
- Wandering far enough in Level 192 may lead one to come across direct entrances to Level 27, Level 187, or Level 289.
Recovered Log
The following is a one-to-one transcript of a log discovered in Level 192, written by an unknown wanderer.
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For I am but a prisoner of Hell; Chained walls contain me whilst I remain free. My initial stumble changed to a glide, Ambulating through these shaped corridors became but facile as I acclimate to the Chained surfaces surrounding me. The infrequent one catches on my foot But I pay no mind; its fault it is not.
I amble on, beseeching for the Chains to part and make a way for an exit. However, I ken this may be futile. Wherefore am I hoping to reach an end? What happens may just be extraneous, As am I not already in Hell now? Am I the one imprisoned; or rather, Are the Chains confined, and I the warden? |
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