Following the successful containment of the Hound in Level 1, Alex, under the continued mentorship of Dr. Elias Thorne, prepared for advancement into deeper strata of the Backrooms. The transition to Level 3, designated as the "Electrical Station," was facilitated through a designated egress point—a rusted maintenance door within the fog-enshrouded expanses of Level 1. This level manifests as an expansive network of dimly lit corridors and chambers, characterized by exposed wiring, humming machinery, and elevated humidity levels that foster conductive hazards and auditory distortions.
Upon entry, the environment imposed immediate challenges: sporadic electrical surges illuminated the space intermittently, revealing clusters of pipes and mechanical apparatus that obstructed straightforward navigation. The M.E.G. archives, consulted prior to departure, indicated a high density of entities within this level, necessitating heightened vigilance. Equipped with the trained Hound—now attuned to detect anomalous presences through olfactory cues—Alex proceeded with methodical caution, adhering to established protocols for entity engagement.
The primary objective for this expedition involved the identification and capture of Entity 3, commonly referred to as "Smilers." As documented in the Backrooms Wiki, Smilers are hostile entities that inhabit predominantly dark environments, such as those prevalent in Level 3. They are distinguishable by their luminous eyes and teeth, which reflect ambient light sources, rendering them conspicuous in low-visibility conditions. Biologically, Smilers possess an enigmatic form, with confirmed features including elongated smiles lined with sharp dentition and glowing ocular structures; speculation persists regarding an unseen corporeal body, potentially exhibiting non-humanoid configurations.
Behavioral patterns of Smilers emphasize aggression triggered by movement, noise, or the cessation of direct visual contact. They are drawn to light sources, pursuing illuminated targets with persistence. Containment strategies, as outlined in M.E.G. guidelines, recommend maintaining unwavering eye contact to deter advances, coupled with the deployment of distractive elements to facilitate retreat or capture.
During the traversal of a particularly shadowed corridor, the Hound emitted a low alert growl, signaling proximity to an anomaly. Alex activated a subdued light emitter, casting a faint glow that revealed the characteristic gleam of a Smiler's eyes and teeth suspended in the obscurity ahead. The entity, manifesting as a disembodied visage of malice, initiated pursuit upon detecting the intrusion.
Employing composure, Alex sustained direct gaze upon the Smiler while retreating at a controlled pace, avoiding abrupt motions that might provoke escalation. The Hound, positioned strategically, diverted the entity's attention through calculated feints, exploiting its attraction to dynamic stimuli. With precision, Alex deployed the containment orb, calibrated to emit a stabilizing frequency that disrupted the Smiler's aggressive impulses. The device enveloped the entity in a neutralizing field, compelling it into a subdued state amenable to training.
Once integrated, the Smiler's abilities were redirected toward utility: its affinity for darkness enabled enhanced reconnaissance in unlit zones, while its luminous features served as a controlled signaling mechanism for team coordination. This acquisition augmented Alex's capabilities, providing defensive advantages against nocturnal threats prevalent in subsequent levels.
As the chapter drew to a close, Alex and Thorne debriefed at a provisional M.E.G. outpost within Level 3, analyzing the capture's implications for broader exploratory objectives. The path toward the Entity League grew more defined, with each containment reinforcing the protagonist's trajectory as the emergent infinite explorer amidst the Backrooms' inexorable perils...