Crystal stood over the place where the Slasher had fallen, breathing hard.
There was no body left.
Instead, the monster melted into thick black smoke that spread across the tiles like spilled ink. The air smelled burnt and rotten. Crystal lifted her shaking hand and tried to wipe the blood off her face, but it only smeared across her skin. The red streaks made her look like she was wearing war paint.
In the mirror, her reflection stood straight and calm.
Clap.
Clap.
Clap.
Slow. Mocking.
"Bravo, Crystal," the reflection said with a smirk. "You're surprisingly good at getting your hands dirty."
A blue screen appeared in front of her.
[QUEST COMPLETE: THE RESTROOM SLASHER]
[REWARD: 'THE NOVICE HUNTER' SET]
A bright blue light surrounded Crystal.
Her torn white dress disappeared. In its place was a fitted black combat suit, reinforced with light armor plates. It felt strong, flexible made for fighting.
The rusted pipe in her hand changed too.
It shrank instead of growing, the metal folding in on itself with a sharp metallic sound. The rust flaked away, replaced by smooth, dark steel. In seconds, the heavy pipe transformed into a sleek black dagger.
The blade was slightly curved, its edge razor-sharp and faintly serrated near the base. Strange lines glowed softly along the metal, pulsing like a heartbeat. The handle fit perfectly in her palm—light, balanced, and made for close combat.
Crystal looked at herself in the mirror.
"Who are you?" she demanded, raising the new weapon toward the glass. "I've played this game so many times. You were never part of it."
The reflection leaned closer, her amber eyes glowing brighter.
"Oh, sweetie," she said softly. "I'm not just part of the game. I am the story. Every fight. Every death. Every drop of blood—it all leads back to me."
Crystal hesitated. "Are you… helping me? Did the System send you to guide me?"
The reflection burst into laughter. It echoed sharply in the empty restroom.
"Do I look like a savior?"
Crystal studied her cruel smile and cold eyes.
"No."
"Good," the reflection said. "Hope gets players killed. Logic keeps them alive."
Crystal swallowed. "Then what's your name?"
For a second, the reflection's face glitched turning into static before fixing itself again.
"I don't have one," she replied calmly. "Names are for things that can die."
Crystal stepped closer and touched the mirror.
The glass didn't feel solid anymore. It felt thin. Almost soft.
"Are we the same person?" Crystal whispered. "Did you steal my face… or did I steal yours?"
The reflection placed her hand against the glass from the other side.
Their palms aligned.
Their amber eyes glowed in perfect sync.
"We have always been one," the reflection whispered. "I am the monster you haven't become yet. And you… you are the heartbeat that keeps me real."
Suddenly...
Ping.
A new message appeared.
[NEW OBJECTIVE: REACH THE CITY CENTER]
[WARNING: 'THE WATCHER' IS OBSERVING YOU]
Crystal stiffened.
She slowly looked up at the air vent.
A tiny red light blinked in the darkness.
Someone was watching.
And in that moment, she understood something terrifying...
The System wasn't in control.
Something else was.