LEVEL
48
THREAT INDEX
[ UNDER LOCKDOWN ]
Exit: Annexed
[ ENTRANCE PROHIBITED ]
Environment: 4/5
[ PRESENCE OF LETHAL BIOHAZARDS ]
Entities: 0/5
[ UNFIT FOR ALL LIFE ]
Level 48 is the 49th level of the Backrooms.
Description
The Inconvenience Store (Level 48) consists of a boundless, labyrinthine complex of supermarket aisles, sharing many superficial features one may expect to find in a store. While abundant, the products on Level 48's shelves are bereft of anything edible, with the most prominent danger within the level being a stark lack of available resources. As one would expect, Level 48's overhead fluorescent lighting is unpleasantly loud, with many individuals going through extended stays experiencing sharp migraines. As the products on the shelves do not contain anything edible, they are instead filled with a wide variety of questionable items, ranging from questionably sourced live worms to Liquid Pain, among other things.
The electricity within Level 48 is predictably poorly maintained—with blackouts being abundant in occurrence, though it is suggested that this may be the result of external causes. Due to this, vast sections of the area are frequently without power for extended periods of time, often for days at a time. In addition, it is impossible to communicate efficiently, as the level omits radio signals.
It is theorized that Level 48 exists within the confines of Waste Disposal—as numerous pollutants from there have been found in the many aisles. The existence of these substances further elevates the risk of human inhabitance, as the contents of the aforementioned are disgusting and repulsive in nature. In addition, a strange fluid has been observed seeping through the floor tiles, with its composition and properties remaining under investigation. Since initial analysis suggests it is toxic and therefore unfit for human consumption, it is suggested that it may be similar to the fluid saturating Level 0's carpets.
In addition, the faint, rancid smell of rotting food, mold, and other putrid substances can be observed at all times, wafting periodically from seemingly arbitrary directions. Numerous symptoms can be observed when one stays within Level 48 for an extended period of time. Since the prevalent biohazards can cause a wide variety of effects, individuals who remain in the level for too long often experience severe side effects. The most common physical symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and headaches, among other things.
Prolonged stays in the level can also lead to respiratory issues, as the air quality in Level 48 is remarkably poor as a result of radioactive contaminants. Many reports also detail gradual psychological deterioration, with many experiencing visual and auditory hallucinations as a result of the poor air quality. These hallucinations often exacerbate oneself with subtle changes in the environment, such as subtly shifting walls, creaking floors, or objects appearing or disappearing when not directly observed.
Due to the presence of numerous lethal contaminants, Level 48 is extremely dangerous to traverse. Initial investigations into the level suggested that it posed minimal immediate threats, leading to early expeditions and settlements. However, further attempts to establish stable communities were met with fatal outcomes, as settlers soon perished in the hundreds for seemingly unknown causes. Subsequent research initiated by the Major Explorer Group found an abundant amount of radon gas[1] within Level 48, with all known external entrances being sealed off completely.
““The secret is not to give up hope. It's very hard not to because if you're really doing something worthwhile I think you will be pushed to the brink of hopelessness before you come through the other side.”
— George Lucas
Anomaly No. 48, dubbed the Giznya Virus, is a viral contagion present within Level 48, sharing several characteristics with both Varicella and the Hydrolitis Plague. Though its precise biological structure remains unidentified, the virus is characterized by the following:
- Cold or flu-like symptoms;
- The slow, yet gradual sloughing off of skin, not unlike that of the Sanguine Festivus virus;
- Chickenpox-esque symptoms, such as small localized rashes and bumps on the skin;
- The "liquification" of the brain, such that the individual ceases cognitive activity;
- And the development of cancerous tumors.
The virus is quick acting; since the level contains other lethal biohazards, it is quite easy for one to contract the Giznya Virus as it is often contained in the rancid slurry that naturally occurs all throughout the supermarket. The symptoms are apparent and excruciating immediately upon contraction, and reports suggest it takes around 3-5 hours to kill an average wanderer. Due to the presence of the Giznya Virus on Level 48, the MEG has seized all known entrances to the level. Upon entry into the level, it is advised that one seek an exit immediately to avoid contracting the virus altogether.
May god have mercy on our souls.
The crusty air of the supermarket filled my lungs.
It didn't feel out of place considering my prior occupation as a convenience store cashier, though something about this place just screamed "this is totally unsafe". Unfortunately, my tidings and attempts of finding solace within this place were inevitably ill-fated. The illimitable nature of it all — it was captivating, yet consuming.
I drank from a seemingly innocent bottle of water, despite the immaculate amount of questionable sludge seeping through the floor. The symptoms were practically instant; a cough, followed by erratic wheezing and gasps for my own breath.
It was at this point that I realized I had fucked up my entire journey by sipping out of one of many bacterial cesspools. In a panic, I had taken out my spare almond water and took a sip out of it in an attempt to ease the symptoms. Surprisingly, this worked, yet not for long, as I had begun coughing and wheezing once more.
My muscles had begun to tense, and I vomited a clear mucilaginous substance that covered the floor in front of me.
I took another sip.
Another.
Another.
It had fixed the symptoms temporarily, yet it was enough for me to escape the wretched market and live long enough to tell the tale, I suppose.
- Mą̵̥̗̐͗̍̿͜r̴̨̙̤̤̗̿̂̀͌͌k Robins̷̳̹̎, 2̴̪̑0̶̚͜1̷͇̜͛̏8̸̭͝ - The name and date were scratched off almost haphazardly.
References
Footnotes
- ↑ A potent carcinogenic, radioactive gaseous element which is colorless and odorless; and therefore hard to detect.
Cool CSS (and greenlight) by 0nlyOne.
Neat little custom class by ArbiTraitor.
Special thanks to Snow for the concept.
Illimitable Temple │ Hounds │ Party Crashers │ The Abandoned Office │ Senseless │ The Lobby │ Silva Subterraneus │ The Inconvenience Store™ │ Lights Out │ Neon Station │ Chukotka Autonomous Okrug │ Concrete Terraces │ Eternal Eigengrau │ Icarian Fate