Descent by Ascent

Lampert braces himself as the elevator lurches and the doors grind open onto a new floor, this one a warped arcade, neon lights flickering over toppled machines. Blixer shoves past him with a muttered warning, eyes darting for loot. Riley hangs back, checking the group with a steadying nod. Just outside, a Robloxian with a square grin waves, but something in its eyes is off. A guttural growl echoes from behind a claw machine. The air buzzes with the tension of players forced together, uncertain who is infected and who’s just faking it. Lampert takes a step forward, heart pounding, as Kasper’s silhouette flickers in the shifting lights. An unseen timer starts to count down. Somewhere, a carnival tune warps and distorts, urging everyone to move, or be moved.