The exit door refused to open, sealed tight, immovable. Strangely enough, everyone had expected this outcome. Brit and the others showed no real shock at all. After all, every walkthrough and strategy guide warned them clearly: escape wasn't that simple.
To clear the game, they needed to first push through the Light Containment Area, then advance into the Heavy Containment Area, complete tasks spread across the office block, and afterward return once more to the Heavy Containment Area for additional objectives. Only after all of that whirlwind suffering could they come back to the office division, unlock the final gate, and finally ascend to the surface, the moment symbolizing true victory.
Now, they found themselves deep in the office area, in the very thick of mission work. Their current objective: locate the electrical center and disable the main control systems. Yet the path ahead demanded constant caution; every hallway, every turn, every drifting shadow might hide something lethal. The terrifying Old Man, the Shy Guy who vanished without a trace, and the bird-masked plague doctor could emerge at any second. Even zombified NPCs stalked the darkness, and countless other creatures waited unseen, hungry, patient.
Fortunately, the "Tickle Monster" accompanied them, a bizarre companion, yet oddly brilliant. With it slithering ahead as a guide, finding the electrical center felt far more possible, almost reassuring in this nightmare labyrinth. Still, no matter how smooth the route appeared, none of them dared relax. This was Foundation Breach, unpredictable, cruel, overflowing with dangers that didn't reveal themselves until teeth were already at your throat.
And moments ago, the radio mentioned the Nine-Tailed Fox Mobile Task Force, identity unknown, intentions unclear. All signs pointed toward hostility, especially toward D-class personnel like them. In truth, their situation was anything but safe. Hidden threats lurked just beyond the thin veil of light, breathing from the unseen darkness.
"Alright, move! Find the electrical center fast! Faster! We clear tasks, we clear the game!" Brit exhaled sharply, sliding his key card back into place as he stared at the cold steel door before them. His clearance level was high, but still insufficient. They needed that power hub active; otherwise, everything ended here.
"Okay, let's go!" Kiwo cheered, full of energy and adrenaline.
Beside her, Vale staggered, coughing blood, his complexion unnervingly pale. The backlash of his overclocked body was becoming impossible to restrain. Brit and Kiwo exchanged looks, concern heavy, helpless. They knew his condition well, but they lacked any means to ease it. All they could do was push forward faster, rushing toward victory so Vale could witness the triumphant moment himself.
So the trio set out again without further debate, the "Tickle Monster" gliding ahead like a slimy lantern-bearer. Three humans. One writhing slug-like creature. Together they journeyed through the office labyrinth, past cafeterias, corridors, and isolated workrooms.
Portraits of forgotten staff stared at them from dull walls, while metal filing cabinets rusted in corners like silent tombs of knowledge. They searched every office thoroughly, rifling through documentation. Nothing useful surfaced, only old files, many describing creatures they had already encountered. One included the "Tickle Monster" dossier, proof that multiple duplicates of each file were scattered across the map like breadcrumbs of terror.
They moved on quickly, time bleeding from them in steady drops. Even guided, progress was slow simply because curiosity, or caution, pushed them to enter rooms they passed. Every detour costs precious minutes.
Yet overall, the exploration concluded far faster than expected. Their search time, though stretched by wandering, remained surprisingly short, far below what Brit and the others had feared. Satisfaction flickered across their tired faces.
Then, at last, a glint of metal at the corner.
"There! The electrical center!" Kiwo shouted, eyes bright as she sprinted to the reinforced door and threw her hands up in victory.
Brit and Vale nearly burst with relief. Vale even slapped the "Tickle Monster" affectionately, then broke into laughter the moment its itching effect hit him back in playful retaliation. The "Tickle Monster" rippled with delight and wrapped him gently in tentacles, engaging in what could only be described as a tickle-war.
Kiwo and Brit couldn't help shaking their heads, smiling at the absurdity, relief mixing with disbelief. Without the "Tickle Monster", they might still be wandering the halls endlessly. Though the creature slowed them when they stopped to explore rooms, it undeniably guided them true. Overall, the search time had been merciful. Remarkably so. They were grateful.
"Alright, inside!" Brit declared, pulling out his key card again.
Kiwo braced beside him, excitement bubbling. Vale and the "Tickle Monster" finally calmed, and the creature, shockingly, became still and obedient. Its tentacles waved faintly, communicating something like silently: I'll behave. I won't cause trouble.
Its restraint was unnatural, even eerie, like instinct pressed beneath loyalty. But seeing such gentle compliance astonished viewers in the Twitch Platform chat:
"The 'Tickle Monster' is so well-behaved!"
"Likes for our slimy king!"
"That thing is adorable, help..."
"Like a puppy. But wetter."
The group shared the sentiment, the "Tickle Monster" felt like a small, shining miracle, a gentle beacon in this chaotic Foundation breach. It guided them, protected them, even carried them through terror. Gratitude filled their hearts like warmth in a frozen bunker.
"Okay," Brit murmured, palm pressed to the electrical center door, voice steady with new determination.
"Let's go in."