Discord
07-31-2025, 07:19 PM
Your hand grabs a case, and you open your eyes.
The game you're holding is called 7KNIVES.
It's got a pair of white eyes behind the title, a long dagger in place of the 'I',
and a nondistinct claw in the background, with a dotted circular line around it.
Checking the back, it's apparently a horror action RPG,
but otherwise none of the info is particularly helpful.
You've never seen this game before in your life.
You find this odd, considering you did a cursory glance over all the game cases on one of the first days you got here.
They aren't exactly well organized, though.
It makes sense one might've escaped your notice before.
You take it out, pop it into the game console, and turn it on.
Controller in hand, you plop yourself on the couch, watching the time using the clock on the wall just in case.
The game boots up.
On the title screen, the claw silhouette reaches forward,
only to stop as the title crawls in above it, the dagger rising up from the claw.
You check through the options first out of habit, but find almost nothing to adjust.
You do turn the volume down a little bit, though.
You find yourself feeling both self-conscious and cautious about having the game up too loud.
You know there's nothing around for miles,
but
some instinctive part of yourself doesn't want to attract attention.
As you start playing, you soon find yourself sucked in.
Not too far into the game, you're already finding yourself stuck; repeating some fights many, many times.
The movement and rhythm of combat is addicting enough to keep you coming back,
but you already feel out of your depth and you've only made it to the second area.
The saves being relatively far apart isn't helping.
But, you've got nothing else to do, and you're genuinely enjoying your time so far.
They nailed the atmosphere.
An old gloomy castle gave way to an eerily-empty space station,
the game apparently taking place across disparate time periods and settings;
though, somehow the protagonist never seemed to change.
You're very curious to see where the story ends up.
But, with a quick glance at the clock, you realize your two hours is nearly up.
You hurry back to the last save point, worrying you may have forgotten to use it.
You hadn't, but you can never be too careful.
You shut off the game and stand up, finding your wrists a little bit sore.
You could probably stand to be more careful next time.
You step back over to the computer and click the task box, the green check mark appears.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM: BREAK
Right. You have those.
Considering you just spent the last two hours playing video games,
you aren't exactly sure what would constitute a break right now.
You could use a shower, you think.
You last took one
Friday evening, you think.
You had been taking them every day.
The last few days are a blur.
You don't think about it.
You rummage through the drawers in your bedroom.
You're running out of clean clothes.
Laundry tonight, then.
The sun is finally coming up, you notice through the frosted glass of the tiny bedroom window.
In the shower, you try to keep your mind busy.
It's been too easy lately to lose time when not doing anything.
You used to talk with your friends while in the shower.
It's a weird habit you picked up as a kid.
You were always afraid to take a shower without talking to someone through the bathroom door.
You definitely don't need to do it, but
it always helped to pass the time.
And, if you were particularly worried about something, it
And really, it
And it ,
nything to not think about later today.
It always comes up faster than you want it to.
At least you could use the drone this time.
You turn off the water.
You grab the towel, running it ov
n check mark.
Just in time, too.
Your shower must've run a little long.
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM: UNLOAD/CHECK: DELIVERY BAY
Oh.
It's Monday. That's right.
You don't even particularly remember what you ordered.
You suppose you'll find out.
You make your way back to the work room, through the side door,
into the entryway.
There, you've hung your-
Well, you've mostly just tossed your snow boots, padded jacket and pants onto the floor.
You make relatively quick work of slipping on your snow clothes,
once again finding the extra layers cumbersome.
With that done, you unbolt the entrance door, and step into the stairwell.
You make your way down to the first floor, glancing briefly at where the stairway leads even further down.
You haven't even looked at the underground tunnels yet.
A small network spanning the various buildings in the area.
You could only guess at what they were previously built for,
though their only use to You would be as passage around the area without needing to brave the outside.
Luckily, you've never needed to use them.
You hope you never have to.
You're done staring, though.
Not helping your nerves at all.
You step through the exit door into the concrete area just under the base.
You still think it looks kind of like a parking garage, what with the metal walls with many holes at the sides, and the numerous support beams.
Knowing where you need to go, you pick the north door and walk out into the snow.
The wind hits you, and you swear that it scalds your cheek.
There have only been a day or two that you can remember where it wasn't windy out here.
You can't stand it.
You bundle up into your hood and begin trudging northwest.
Still, something about this weather...
You're very certain it should be even colder than it is.
You remember the brief walk you made from the you made your way here in, to the inside of this area.
There must be some kind of temperature control keeping it from getting cold to the point of uninhabitability.
You've never seen any sort of devices around for this purpose, other than those that kept your station and the other buildings relatively warm.
You wonder if the large concrete walls around the area are truly helping that significantly.
No, probably not.
It must be something under the ground, you conclude.
Though, you don't have a clue how that would help the ambient temperature in the air.
You're no less puzzled by this when you reach your destination.
The delivery bay isn't all that far away at all, but the wind and snow make it feel like a proper hike.
You reach the building and force the door open.
The doors here so often got stuck, you'd gotten very used to bracing them with your shoulder just to get them open.
As you step inside, you quickly pass one of the drones at the side wall.
It's bipedal, with heavy-looking legs and powerful claws.
It sports a long, cylindrical head with a camera lens at its center, and a boxy torso.
There were three of these total throughout the area,
each one with differences in their physical construction, functions, and consequently, what areas they had access to.
All three were grey, but with their own colored patterns to identify them.
This one has a worn, yellow pattern of stripes, and what look to be little scribbles on its side,
though they're far too worn away to see properly.
It looks like it's seen the most use out of all three.
This one has the most access, with free reign of all outside areas, as well as every building apart from the station and the gate.
The one at the station has a wavy green pattern, and can't leave the station itself,
while the one at the gate has a pattern of purple triangles and could only be used within the gate and during expeditions.
Of the three, this one in front of you has the bulkiest frame,
with the station one being the lightest,
while the one at the gate seemed to be built for a mix of speed, dexterity, and sturdiness.
This is more than you've ever really thought about them, though.
You never use them.
They're creepy. Standing silently in their little corners.
They're like mannequins; artificial, corpse-like things that feel like they possess the capability of movement,
but simply choose not to do so.
These are
maybe a little bit better than mannequins.
By a smidge.
Not that it makes a difference.
You have no reason to use them.
They apparently have microphones in them somewhere that would respond to simple voice commands,
but you've only ever piloted them remotely via the station computer, and mostly just for expeditions.
You've actually never taken this one out of its wall charging station at all.
You realize you've been staring at this one's non-face this entire time.
You brush at your arms to shake away that awful, restless feeling; like bugs are crawling over you.
Ugh.
You resolve to finish up here quickly.
You step properly into the room, and find your delivery boxes; still attached with the guide wire.
You detach the super thick metal wire and hit the button on the wall to reset it,
watching as all the slack gradually leaves it.
With that done, you get to work opening all the boxes, sorting out your various bags of supplies.
You never use all that much during the week, though the medical supplies are a notably new restock, after y
esh vegatables. You know they'll likely just go bad in the fridge before you use them all, but you're getting sick of your usua
With the groceries all sorted and ready, you open the final box; the one labeled 'PERSONAL ITEM'.
You're allowed to order one personal item at the end of every week;
something not related to food or other supplies at all.
The selection was always limited, but it was nice just to have a treat for yourself,
or to replace something you'd forgotten to bring out here,
or just to order some sort of new activity yourself.
The box is only about as long as your arm, and you'd seen them put much smaller things in bigger boxes before,
so, you likely didn't go too overboard.
You at least hope it isn't anything too heavy, considering the other stuff you've got to carry.
Truth be told, you don't have a clue what you ordered for this.
You remember what you ordered.
The game you're holding is called 7KNIVES.
It's got a pair of white eyes behind the title, a long dagger in place of the 'I',
and a nondistinct claw in the background, with a dotted circular line around it.
Checking the back, it's apparently a horror action RPG,
but otherwise none of the info is particularly helpful.
You've never seen this game before in your life.
You find this odd, considering you did a cursory glance over all the game cases on one of the first days you got here.
They aren't exactly well organized, though.
It makes sense one might've escaped your notice before.
You take it out, pop it into the game console, and turn it on.
Controller in hand, you plop yourself on the couch, watching the time using the clock on the wall just in case.
The game boots up.
On the title screen, the claw silhouette reaches forward,
only to stop as the title crawls in above it, the dagger rising up from the claw.
▶ Main Theme
King's Field IV
King's Field IV
You check through the options first out of habit, but find almost nothing to adjust.
You do turn the volume down a little bit, though.
You find yourself feeling both self-conscious and cautious about having the game up too loud.
You know there's nothing around for miles,
but
some instinctive part of yourself doesn't want to attract attention.
As you start playing, you soon find yourself sucked in.
▶ Arise Within You
Parasite Eve
Parasite Eve
Not too far into the game, you're already finding yourself stuck; repeating some fights many, many times.
The movement and rhythm of combat is addicting enough to keep you coming back,
but you already feel out of your depth and you've only made it to the second area.
The saves being relatively far apart isn't helping.
But, you've got nothing else to do, and you're genuinely enjoying your time so far.
They nailed the atmosphere.
An old gloomy castle gave way to an eerily-empty space station,
the game apparently taking place across disparate time periods and settings;
though, somehow the protagonist never seemed to change.
You're very curious to see where the story ends up.
But, with a quick glance at the clock, you realize your two hours is nearly up.
You hurry back to the last save point, worrying you may have forgotten to use it.
You hadn't, but you can never be too careful.
You shut off the game and stand up, finding your wrists a little bit sore.
You could probably stand to be more careful next time.
You step back over to the computer and click the task box, the green check mark appears.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM: BREAK
Right. You have those.
Considering you just spent the last two hours playing video games,
you aren't exactly sure what would constitute a break right now.
You could use a shower, you think.
You last took one
Friday evening, you think.
You had been taking them every day.
The last few days are a blur.
You don't think about it.
You rummage through the drawers in your bedroom.
You're running out of clean clothes.
Laundry tonight, then.
The sun is finally coming up, you notice through the frosted glass of the tiny bedroom window.
In the shower, you try to keep your mind busy.
It's been too easy lately to lose time when not doing anything.
You used to talk with your friends while in the shower.
It's a weird habit you picked up as a kid.
You were always afraid to take a shower without talking to someone through the bathroom door.
You definitely don't need to do it, but
it always helped to pass the time.
And, if you were particularly worried about something, it
And really, it
And it ,
nything to not think about later today.
It always comes up faster than you want it to.
At least you could use the drone this time.
You turn off the water.
You grab the towel, running it ov
n check mark.
Just in time, too.
Your shower must've run a little long.
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM: UNLOAD/CHECK: DELIVERY BAY
Oh.
It's Monday. That's right.
You don't even particularly remember what you ordered.
You suppose you'll find out.
You make your way back to the work room, through the side door,
into the entryway.
There, you've hung your-
Well, you've mostly just tossed your snow boots, padded jacket and pants onto the floor.
You make relatively quick work of slipping on your snow clothes,
once again finding the extra layers cumbersome.
With that done, you unbolt the entrance door, and step into the stairwell.
You make your way down to the first floor, glancing briefly at where the stairway leads even further down.
You haven't even looked at the underground tunnels yet.
A small network spanning the various buildings in the area.
You could only guess at what they were previously built for,
though their only use to You would be as passage around the area without needing to brave the outside.
Luckily, you've never needed to use them.
You hope you never have to.
You're done staring, though.
Not helping your nerves at all.
You step through the exit door into the concrete area just under the base.
You still think it looks kind of like a parking garage, what with the metal walls with many holes at the sides, and the numerous support beams.
Knowing where you need to go, you pick the north door and walk out into the snow.
The wind hits you, and you swear that it scalds your cheek.
There have only been a day or two that you can remember where it wasn't windy out here.
You can't stand it.
You bundle up into your hood and begin trudging northwest.
Still, something about this weather...
You're very certain it should be even colder than it is.
You remember the brief walk you made from the you made your way here in, to the inside of this area.
There must be some kind of temperature control keeping it from getting cold to the point of uninhabitability.
You've never seen any sort of devices around for this purpose, other than those that kept your station and the other buildings relatively warm.
You wonder if the large concrete walls around the area are truly helping that significantly.
No, probably not.
It must be something under the ground, you conclude.
Though, you don't have a clue how that would help the ambient temperature in the air.
You're no less puzzled by this when you reach your destination.
The delivery bay isn't all that far away at all, but the wind and snow make it feel like a proper hike.
You reach the building and force the door open.
The doors here so often got stuck, you'd gotten very used to bracing them with your shoulder just to get them open.
As you step inside, you quickly pass one of the drones at the side wall.
It's bipedal, with heavy-looking legs and powerful claws.
It sports a long, cylindrical head with a camera lens at its center, and a boxy torso.
There were three of these total throughout the area,
each one with differences in their physical construction, functions, and consequently, what areas they had access to.
All three were grey, but with their own colored patterns to identify them.
This one has a worn, yellow pattern of stripes, and what look to be little scribbles on its side,
though they're far too worn away to see properly.
It looks like it's seen the most use out of all three.
This one has the most access, with free reign of all outside areas, as well as every building apart from the station and the gate.
The one at the station has a wavy green pattern, and can't leave the station itself,
while the one at the gate has a pattern of purple triangles and could only be used within the gate and during expeditions.
Of the three, this one in front of you has the bulkiest frame,
with the station one being the lightest,
while the one at the gate seemed to be built for a mix of speed, dexterity, and sturdiness.
This is more than you've ever really thought about them, though.
You never use them.
They're creepy. Standing silently in their little corners.
They're like mannequins; artificial, corpse-like things that feel like they possess the capability of movement,
but simply choose not to do so.
These are
maybe a little bit better than mannequins.
By a smidge.
Not that it makes a difference.
You have no reason to use them.
They apparently have microphones in them somewhere that would respond to simple voice commands,
but you've only ever piloted them remotely via the station computer, and mostly just for expeditions.
You've actually never taken this one out of its wall charging station at all.
You realize you've been staring at this one's non-face this entire time.
You brush at your arms to shake away that awful, restless feeling; like bugs are crawling over you.
Ugh.
You resolve to finish up here quickly.
You step properly into the room, and find your delivery boxes; still attached with the guide wire.
You detach the super thick metal wire and hit the button on the wall to reset it,
watching as all the slack gradually leaves it.
With that done, you get to work opening all the boxes, sorting out your various bags of supplies.
You never use all that much during the week, though the medical supplies are a notably new restock, after y
esh vegatables. You know they'll likely just go bad in the fridge before you use them all, but you're getting sick of your usua
With the groceries all sorted and ready, you open the final box; the one labeled 'PERSONAL ITEM'.
You're allowed to order one personal item at the end of every week;
something not related to food or other supplies at all.
The selection was always limited, but it was nice just to have a treat for yourself,
or to replace something you'd forgotten to bring out here,
or just to order some sort of new activity yourself.
The box is only about as long as your arm, and you'd seen them put much smaller things in bigger boxes before,
so, you likely didn't go too overboard.
You at least hope it isn't anything too heavy, considering the other stuff you've got to carry.
Truth be told, you don't have a clue what you ordered for this.
You remember what you ordered.
