The quiet didn't last.
After reviewing the Replay Log and recognizing Slender Man for what he was, Asher had expected something—maybe more watching, maybe nothing at all.
But the system responded first.
> [New Task Received – Tier 1]
[Objective: Increase Entropy to 15%]
[Reward: Unlock Memory Fragment – Pre-Ritual Life | +120 Kill Points | Passive Boost: Mental Clarity (Minor)]
[Status: In Progress – Current Entropy: 7.5%]
He frowned at the projection. "Why now?"
Until now, Parasight hadn't issued structured tasks beyond kill confirmations and subsystem XP updates. This was formal. Directive. Like it had a mind of its own… or like something else was pushing it to evolve.
Still, memory… that was tempting. He needed answers.
Asher stalked through the ruins of a suburb still dripping with rain. The roads were cracked open by roots and neglect. Power lines hung like nooses. Every creak of wind-blown metal put him on edge, but nothing came. Not yet.
He hunted.
Another gang of masked psychos—barely more than thrill-seekers with knives—fell under his blade. They were loud. Predictable. Not like the Rake.
Not like what was coming.
> [Kill Confirmed – Entropy +0.3%]
[Current Entropy: 8.6%]
[Kill Points: +15]
[Total KP: 145]
[Subsystem: Stealth XP 42%]
He exhaled and opened the shop briefly. Weapons, tools, mutations—so many possibilities now, but he held back. Not yet. Not without more data.
> [Replay Log – New Entry Available: Ambush – Alley Sector]
[Subsystem Hint: XP Bonus for Kill Chains in Low-Light Environments]
"Now you're giving tips," he muttered, shutting the interface. "Where were you when I fought the Rake?"
There was no answer.
Just silence… and footsteps.
Asher froze. He wasn't alone.
From the other side of the street, a figure stepped into view.
No mask.
No hesitation.
Just pale skin, charred eyelids locked in a forever-widened stare, and a Glasgow smile carved deeper than sanity would allow. Jet-black hair, tattered hoodie, and that knife—clean, sharp, and ready.
Jeff the Killer.
> [Entity Detected: Jeff the Killer – Status: Proxy of Slender Man]
[Threat Level: Moderate–High | Known Kill Count: Classified]
[Current Directive: Unknown]
Asher's jaw clenched. He knew this face—everyone from his old life did. An urban legend born from nightmare forums and whispered warnings.
Jeff tilted his head, smiling wider.
"You've been making noise," he said, voice like broken glass dragged over tile. "He noticed."
> [System Alert – High Priority Task Generated]
[Task: Survive or Defeat Jeff the Killer]
[Reward: Entropy +2.5% | Kill Points +60 | Memory Log Update – Proxy Protocol]
Asher's hand slid toward his blade.
"So he's testing me?"
Jeff chuckled, low and quiet. "You could say that. He wants to know if you're worth pulling in. Me? I just want to see if you scream like the others."
Asher stepped forward. No fear. No hesitation.
"Come find out."
And the street lit with tension.