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Rosy joined the round a bit late, her heart already racing as she materialized in the middle of a dark, eerie place. She quickly took out her lantern, its warm light cutting through the shadows, but she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling creeping up her spine. Sprinting forward, she scanned her surroundings, realizing she'd spawned in Silver Mall. This was no ordinary mall; it was a sprawling, dimly lit labyrinth with multiple stores, winding corridors, tight spaces, and countless rooms. Shadows played along the walls, and the faint echoes of footsteps reverberated through the empty halls.
Just as she steadied her breathing, she heard a sudden whoosh-a flash of something racing past her at alarming speed. Goosebumps prickled her skin. Rosy tightened her grip on her lantern and began moving faster, her eyes darting around as she searched desperately for a familiar face. She couldn't be alone in here, especially if this was the round she dreaded most.
In her frantic sprint, she turned a corner and collided with someone. She stumbled back, ready to apologize, but then she looked up and recognized the blue visor, that reassuring smile... It was Bobo. Relief flooded her, and her face lit up as she let out a shaky sigh.
"Bobo! I'm so glad I found you," she breathed, stepping closer. She was more than ready to stick by him in this dark, daunting place.
Bobo's smile faltered for a brief moment, then returned as he looked at her with a slight seriousness in his eyes. "So, Rosy... You know what round this is?"
Rosy shook her head, her voice tinged with worry. "I... I have no idea. Why is it so dark?"
Bobo's expression softened with a trace of sympathy as he answered, "It's called Lurking."
Rosy's face paled instantly. She knew Lurking. She had bad memories of it, and it was one of the rounds she dreaded the most. The oppressive darkness, the sense of constant danger-it never ended well.
Noticing her discomfort, Bobo gently placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his voice calm and steady. "Hey, it's alright. Just stick with me, okay? I'm used to the dark. I've been through it more times than I can count... but now, I've got you to bring a little light to it."
Rosy nodded, her heart pounding with both fear and a strange sense of comfort. She clung close to Bobo, feeling a touch safer by his side as they navigated the shadowy mall together.
After some tense moments, they finally reached a small, dimly lit area fortified with barriers and scattered with lights. This was the safe spot Jard had prepared beforehand, a rare oasis of safety in this dark world. They found Jard sitting casually, his usual stoic expression softening as he saw them approach.
The three of them settled down within the barriers, engaging in a lighthearted conversation despite the eerie silence surrounding them. Ominous music echoed faintly through the halls, keeping Rosy on edge, but she tried her best to stay focused on Bobo's calming presence and Jard's dry humor.
At one point, though, the tension became too much. Rosy instinctively leaned into Bobo's side, wrapping her arms around him for comfort. Bobo stiffened in surprise at first, not used to this kind of closeness, but then he relaxed, gently returning the hug. His hand rested on her shoulder as he whispered, "I've got you, Rosy."
Jard watched the two, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Seeing them together like this warmed him, and he couldn't help but silently approve. To him, they were like two pieces that perfectly fit together.
But just as things felt almost safe, a sudden, spine-chilling screech echoed through the halls. Rosy's heart skipped a beat as she turned, her eyes widening in horror. Emerging from the shadows was the dreaded Munci-a dark, looming silhouette with two sinister, glowing eyes. It was one of the fastest, most relentless Nextbots in the game.
Before they had a chance to react, Munci lunged forward with frightening speed. Bobo, Rosy, and Jard tried to move, but the creature was too fast. One by one, they were struck down, collapsing onto the floor in defeat. The round ended with them lying in the shadows, downed and defeated.
As the darkness faded and they returned to the lobby, Rosy shivered, clutching her arms. That's why she despised Lurking. Even with Bobo and Jard by her side, the oppressive fear of that round always found a way to take over.
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