Level 563491 - "Abandonment"

Level 563491, designated "Abandonment," is a Class 4 Backrooms level characterized by its unsettling atmosphere of desolate education and lurking danger. The level takes the form of an infinitely stretching network of school hallways, meticulously constructed yet profoundly unsettling in their emptiness and decay.

• • Appearance:** The architecture is reminiscent of a typical mid-20th century elementary school, albeit one frozen in a state of perpetual disuse. White brick walls, stained with grime and the occasional unsettling drawing, line corridors paved with drab gray floor tiling. The ceilings are low, also composed of gray tiling, and are illuminated by flickering fluorescent lights that cast long, distorted shadows. Red metal lockers, dented and scarred, are ubiquitous, lining the hallways in seemingly endless rows. All classroom doors are invariably locked, their surfaces scratched and marred, hinting at desperation and futile attempts to escape. Occasionally, the monotonous gray and white is broken by a wide, solid yellow door, offering a brief change in scenery but ultimately leading to the same labyrinthine network of halls.

• • Environment and Phenomena:** The silence within Abandonment is almost deafening, punctuated only by the hum of the failing lights and the occasional, unnerving creak from unseen sources. A thick layer of dust coats every surface, further emphasizing the sense of neglect and abandonment.

The level's most defining characteristic is its cyclical "hunting period." Every ten minutes, without fail, the fluorescent lights flicker and die, plunging the level into near-total darkness. This darkness lasts for five minutes, during which the entities inhabiting Abandonment become significantly more active and aggressive. The return of the lights does little to alleviate the tension, as the knowledge of the impending darkness hangs heavy in the air.

After a prolonged stay of approximately 5-10 hours, the lights will permanently shut off. This marks a significant increase in the level's danger, as the entities are then free to roam without restriction. The darkness becomes a constant companion, forcing wanderers to rely on alternative light sources, which may attract unwanted attention.

• • Objects:** Resources within Abandonment are scarce. Almond water is the most commonly found item, often located inside lockers or scattered on desks, providing a vital source of hydration. Scattered throughout the level are unsettling children's drawings, often depicting distorted figures and disturbing scenes. These drawings offer no practical value but contribute to the level's pervasive sense of unease. Chairs and tables, of varying sizes and conditions, are found scattered throughout the hallways, serving as temporary resting places but offering little in the way of comfort or safety.

• • Entities:** Abandonment is home to a variety of entities, each presenting its own unique threat.

• **Smilers:** These entities thrive in the darkness and are particularly active during the "hunting periods." Their glowing smiles are often the last thing wanderers see.
• **Bacteria:** While less immediately threatening, Bacteria pose a long-term risk. Contact can lead to illness and weaken wanderers, making them more vulnerable.
• **Clumps:** These entities are unpredictable and can appear seemingly out of nowhere. Their motives are unknown, but encounters are rarely positive.
• **Skin Stealers:** Perhaps the most terrifying of Abandonment's inhabitants, Skin Stealers can blend in with their surroundings, making them difficult to detect. They are known to mimic human voices to lure victims.

• • Entrances:** Wanderers can enter Abandonment through several means:

• No-clipping in Level 19, specifically in a darker area within the roofing.
• Falling asleep in Level 3 can sometimes lead to waking up within the desolate halls of Abandonment.

• • Exits:** The only known exit from Abandonment is a rare occurrence. Amongst the countless locked classroom doors, one may occasionally be found unlocked. Opening this door will immediately teleport the wanderer to Level 963.