After a brief meeting, the group swiftly reached a consensus regarding their cooperation with the AI. The core understanding was that they would first return to the office area, activate the control unit, and then the AI would permit them to leave the site safely.
The agreement itself was remarkably simple; neither side made any binding promises, because there was no real need for formal obligations.
For the AI, regaining control of the site's facilities depended solely on Brit activating the control unit. Meanwhile, the group's only option to achieve their goal, completing the game, was to place their trust in the AI. Given these circumstances, neither side objected to the plan. Logically, both were expected to faithfully fulfill their part of the agreement.
However, just as they moved to leave the room, the AI's voice echoed again through the loudspeaker: "The Foundation's mobile task force has already entered the site facilities. You must avoid them during your actions. If you encounter them, there is a high probability they will eliminate you."
The cold electronic voice delivered these words with chilling precision. The immediate effect was a freeze in their movements, followed by a deep, instinctive surge of anxiety.
"I knew it… the Nine-Tailed Fox Mobile Task Force wouldn't treat us kindly," Kiwo muttered bitterly, her voice trembling slightly.
Vale's brow furrowed deeply as he lowered his voice in a tense, anxious tone: "Damn it… If we run into them head-on, what do we do if they just gun us down without warning?"
Brit's expression was equally grim, concern etched across his face. After a few seconds of thought, he finally said, "Let's not dwell on that now. We have no other choice. We can only take it one step at a time…"
He waved his hand and was the first to step out of the storage room containing the old computer. "Whether we meet the Nine-Tailed Fox or not, we have to keep moving forward. We're as close as we've ever been to clearing the game."
After Brit finished, Vale and Kiwo exchanged a brief, silent glance before following closely behind, their steps firm and determined.
"Yes, we're almost there. No matter how dangerous it gets, we have to face it head-on."
"Everyone, let's move. If worst comes to worst, I'll hold them off while you escape," Brit declared.
The three of them left the storage area, embarking on their return from the source location to the office area. Having traveled this route once before, they no longer wandered aimlessly like headless chickens. Though the path ahead was uncertain, they were at least confident in the direction they needed to take. As for the dangers lurking along the way, worry was futile. All they could do was press forward, one step at a time.
Time seemed to stretch endlessly. In the real world, night deepened into darkness. Meanwhile, within the stream, viewers continued to surge in number, their chatter growing more lively and excited.
Everyone sensed that the game was now within reach of a successful completion, and anticipation built for the next sequence. They yearned to witness the legendary moment firsthand.
After this long journey of viewing, everyone had become utterly captivated by "Containment Breach." The blend of mystery, terror, and the unknown was irresistibly tempting, pulling viewers in even deeper without their realizing it. All they could do was watch nervously, obsessively tracking every move Brit and the others made, terrified of missing even the tiniest detail.
Meanwhile, the chat window exploded with frantic messages:
"Damn, I can't wait…"
"Clear it already, just finish it…"
"Hahaha. We've come this far. Next, they just need to activate the control unit, and everyone will survive."
"God… please, let nothing go wrong at the last second."
"I love this game. I really hope the developers make more in this series, or even turn it into movies or something."
"I agree. The Foundation feels like an unprecedented super IP."
Brit, Vale, and Kiwo moved quickly through the Heavy Containment Area. After navigating the maze-like corridors for a while, they finally found the checkpoint leading directly to the office area.
The journey wasn't long, but it was far from smooth. Along the way, they encountered the terrifying Teddy Bear Builder's Ear Bears.
Fortunately, their experience kicked in just in time, allowing them to make a swift retreat at the critical moment. Otherwise, they risked growing ears all over their bodies and eventually becoming part of the creature's main body.
Beyond the Ear Bears, they also faced a wandering Plague Doctor. The same figure had appeared during the previous chaos outbreak in the office area and had vanished afterward. Seeing it again in the Heavy Containment Area signaled it had finally returned to its territory.
When they encountered Brit and the others, the Plague Doctor, nearly resigned, suddenly erupted into madness. It screamed wildly, obsessively insisting on "curing" them all.
They had no intention of cooperating. Using their accumulated experience, they managed to break free from its pursuit. In fact, after escaping, they even felt the Plague Doctor was less terrifying than before. With enough caution, proper use of their items, and smart tactics, it wouldn't be a truly lethal threat. Of course, a smaller threat was no reason to lower their guard; after all, even a ship that sails safely can still capsize in a shallow ditch.
Finally reaching the checkpoint, they all exhaled in relief.
"Come on… we're really almost done," Brit said with a faint smile.
Kiwo and Vale nodded eagerly, eyes shining with unstoppable anticipation for the imminent game clearance.
But at that moment, Vale, who had been brimming with joy just seconds earlier, suddenly turned deathly pale. He spat out a mouthful of bright red blood, while a violent cramp wracked his internal organs.
"Cough…" Vale managed, blood spilling from his lips as his face turned ghostly white.
"Damn it… I think… I'm really going to die… it hurts so much…" he gasped brokenly, pain evident in his voice.
Brit and Kiwo stared at him, concern and shock written across their faces.
After a few seconds, Vale weakly waved a hand and said with resigned indifference: "This was inevitable… don't overthink it… let's move…"
Just as Brit was about to speak, the heavy metal door of the checkpoint suddenly slid open with a harsh mechanical screech.
What lay beyond the gate made their eyes widen in horror: "Nine-Tailed Fox… Mobile Task Force…"