I am now faced with a choice that concerns my fate.
Is the person not far ahead real, or a monster hidden in the darkness setting a trap?
There was no answer to this question before I made my choice, and if I chose wrongly, I would likely have no second chance.
Damn it!
I hesitated for a moment, then quickly made up my mind.
I don't know how long I've been walking in the darkness, and the food in my backpack is only enough for a few more days. If I continue like this, I will eventually end up like ez.
The person calling out to me now is an unknown variable. Whether it's a trap or not, I have to take a gamble!
After thinking it through, I resolutely quickened my pace and walked towards the light ahead.
"I'm from the company. Who are you?"
As I approached the source of the light, I slowly drew the hunting knife at my waist. If I detected any strange movements, I would immediately attack.
"Hey, friend. Seeing a company man here makes me so happy!"
I finally got a clear look at the man holding the flashlight. He had a typical Jewish face, with deep-set eyes and a prominent nose. He looked like a complete handsome guy, but it was clear he wasn't in good shape, his face etched with exhaustion.
He was wearing a beige work uniform, which was out of place in the atmosphere of this deserted island. Judging by his attire alone, if I hadn't seen anything else around, I might have thought this was some company's research facility.
"Hey, friend. The company has finally sent someone to rescue me! My name is Evis, what's yours?"
Evis was overjoyed to see me and even wanted to give me a hug.
Dude, we're on this island, don't be so enthusiastic.
"Just call me Luziye. Unfortunately, I wasn't sent by the company to rescue you. I ended up here by chance. We'll probably have to find a way out together."
As I spoke, I cautiously took two steps back, maintaining a distance from Evis.
To be honest, even though Evis looked like a normal person, I still had no trust in him.
On this island, I've encountered more than one monster that can control people's minds or induce hallucinations. Who knows if this Evis is real.
"Damn it, this is the worst news I've heard all day. This damn place is driving me insane!"
Evis noticed my wariness and stopped, his face showing dejection. He then turned and beckoned me over.
"It seems we can't rely on the company to escape this place anymore. We'll have to rely on ourselves now. Follow me. I've been here for who knows how long, and I've found something ahead. I believe it will be beyond your wildest imagination!"
Seeing Evis walk into the darkness, I hesitated for a moment, maintained a meter's distance from him, and followed.
"Evis, who is this Jack you mentioned earlier? Is he a colleague who came in with you?"
Evis seemed to have been without human contact for too long. After a period of dejection, he became like a chatterbox, talking to me non-stop.
As we chatted, a sudden thought struck me, and I remembered what he had said earlier.
"Jack? He's a madman who's addicted to alcohol. Honestly, if the company hadn't assigned me to a team with him, I wouldn't have wanted to work with him. He disappeared without a trace after we arrived here. I hope God keeps him alive."
Evis shrugged his shoulders, his face showing indifference.
Hmm?
I didn't show any outward reaction and casually changed the subject, but my guard was raised.
This person named Evis is definitely suspicious!
I clearly remembered Evis asking me earlier if I was Jack, and if I was sent by the company to rescue him!
How could he have directly confirmed that Jack was his companion who entered here with him, just from my leading question?
Damn it, this guy is probably bait!
At some point, the whispers from behind me had stopped, but this was no reason to lower my guard.
"Evis, where did you come from to this damned place?"
Even though I knew there was something fishy about this Evis, I still needed to extract information.
"It's a long and unlucky story. I was on a mission assigned by the company with my companion. It was a cabin that appeared out of nowhere in the forest. As soon as I opened the door and stepped inside, my vision went black, the door behind me disappeared, and I found myself in this place."
So, there isn't just one way to get to this damned place?!
I silently noted down the information Evis provided. After an unknown period of time, Evis suddenly stopped.
"What is it?"
"We're here!"
Since I was standing behind Evis, I couldn't see his expression, but his tone clearly conveyed an undeniable excitement.
"Welcome to the City of Darkness!"