Letters ...
Containing only the letters relating to events within the manor specifically. In places where characters are refered to vaguely I have used their icons to indicate who is being spoken of, please refer to the key.
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One Page of the Notes
There were knocks on people's doors every day, handing me notes that contained their secrets.
But there was never a knock on my door.
That day, the "knock... knock... knock..." first rang at ten in the morning. By the time the girl knocked on her door, Wick and I had been waiting for quite some time.
Instead of heading to her room right away, I spoke to Wick, "Shh—be gentle, buddy."
Wick now understood the knockings are the new "bronze bell" for him. Every time I opened the door, he rushed out with a wagging tail. His enthusiasm always frightens the girl, making her shut the door immediately. When she heard my footsteps coming closer, she would leave the door ajar and hand me a note above the door chain. I took the note and handed it to Wick, who would leave with the note in his mouth, looking contentedly.
I could hear the sound of the door closing from behind when I opened my room.
The second "click... hiss... bang..." sounded punctually before lunch.
I was waiting with my head pressed against the door of my room. Wick, on the other hand, was already circling around me impatiently. After I heard him close the door, I made a "ready" gesture to Wick. And I wouldn't open the door until his footsteps were gone, just to make sure the only thing I saw would be a lonely note he left on the hallway carpet.
Although we had only met twice, he was my favorite of the three. The notes he wrote were always long and drawn-out, so I preferred to call them letters. All the narratives were in the past tense, which made me wonder if he had exceptional education.
The "Bang! Bang! Bang!" knocking on my door this afternoon was unexpected.
The knocking from a distance seemed cranky, which I hadn't heard before. It sounded not like the two came before, then it must be him. As I hesitated, the knocking suddenly became rapid, making Wick and I look at each other with concern.
After a rush of footsteps, my door was knocked for the first time. The loud knocking sound thumped my heart. Looking back on it now, I still can't tell if I was more excited or panicking.
I didn't want to open the door, as I had encountered someone as irritable as him before. I was unsure how to interact with him due to that experience. But then I remembered the rule that we should not talk to each other, so I gathered the courage to open the door.
I opened the door slightly, and immediately the door was pushed open and bounced off the wall with an angry "bang!" I lowered my head to avoid eye contact with him, and my eyes fell on the gray(sometimes translated as "white") clothes. Wick pricked up his ears and wagged his tail forcibly.
Then, a note was left on the ground. I didn't dare to pick it up as I saw he raised his huge right foot. "The terrible hammer is going to smash the wooden box!" I thought. Fortunately, it ended up just smashing the ground.
After the feet disappeared from my sight, I finally breathed a long sigh of relief, knelt down to pick up the note, and then closed the door.
The note was folded up irregularly. There were a few scribbles on it, seemingly for the girl. The surface of the paper was rugged, as if the handwriting had been altered many times. Perhaps this was the reason he was unwilling to write the note.
I hesitated and left the note folded.
After putting down the note, I tapped on the desk and listened to the knocking sound. I looked down and asked Wick, who was relaxing and wagging his tail, "Don't you think this is the most beautiful sound in the world?"
Note: Poor Ganji, the lone extrovert in this game of anxious loners. He's not coping well with the isolation it would seem, made all the worse by his poor writing. In his defense english is likely his second language.
Aesop Carl's Diary
…
Everyone's finally here. The letter said that the match would start in three days. Tomorrow, it'll be time for me to talk to that man.
Last night I dreamt Jerry, who was standing in the dim yellow light and arranging human remains in the coffins. I helped him place white flowers in the coffins, he patted me on the shoulder and said I had done a good job.
I think that dream may have been a sign, congratulating me on finding my purpose and reminding me of what I must do.
Over the years, I have kept Jerry's teachings in my mind and have never forgotten my duty as an undertaker. Since entering the manor, I have been looking for the right person to attempt a new start. That flakey girl won't do, and neither will that cranky guy with a strange accent. Someone quiet would be best suited for lying in a soft comfortable coffin... and now, my search is over!
He truly has a face made for eternal slumber! He always sits in the corner silently, looking as though he holds a secret he is terrified of anyone finding out. I think... I'm the only one who understands him, and he understands me as well. I'll talk to him tomorrow... or maybe I should write a note or a letter to him. Only he can understand that I badly need him to become my "silent friend."
If he wants me to, I can even "take care" of his dog as well. And the other two, although they're not the most suitable candidates, I can bide my time for the perfect chance to send them off.
I can't wait to open my makeup box and complete my mission.
Last Page of a Diary
I'm just lying around in my room, indulging in a day of idleness, with Wick napping at my feet. In these peaceful moments, unwelcome memories often come flooding back. Perhaps I have replayed them too many times, as I have grown numb to them.
I've always been true to the postal worker's code, ensuring every letter is delivered with care, and no letter is left undelivered. But it has been quite some time since I last received an actual letter—the kind that arrives neatly folded in an envelope adorned with stamps.
Thankfully, they sent me plenty of notes. One by one, they knock on my door-some anxious and scared, some urgent and irritable , and some calm and composed. In moments like these, that familiar sense of trust and responsibility comes rushing back to me. Perhaps these notes serve as my reward. Thanks to this game, I believe I have, in a way, fulfilled my wish.
Now, I am left with one final task—giving these notes the proper "packaging." It feels like fate has given me a second chance. While I failed to achieve perfection the first time, I now have a shot at redemption, where all imperfections can turn to ashes. Only then will these notes truly become "letters."
I wonder if this diary will ever see the light of day. Maybe one day, my secrets could be someone else's secrets for once.
Final Diary Entry
Returning to my room and writing these words means that everything is over. Anne Lester and I dealt with that guy, and she kept screaming irritatingly throughout the process. Later, I made arrangements for her and completed my mission in an orderly fashion.
The flames seem to be sending everything off, and my friend has fallen asleep in flames for his pursuit.
I admire his persistence, but I still feel sorry for him.
Mr. Jerry Carl said rebirth of the soul requires a whole body at peace. My friend has been always been silent as a corpse. It is like he has been preparing for the path of return, and not only did I bury him in a sea of flames, I didn't even see him close his eyes.
As for Mr. Jerry Carl, the one I'm most grateful to, the last time I saw him, his entire body was soft as if his bones were made of noodles.
I spent quite a bit of time embalming him, and he groaned in pain when he finally took his last breath.
The flames are growing. I can smell the burning, and dust from the broken wood is falling on me.
It's like a stone thrown at me from long ago. It isn't very painful, but it distracts me.
Like how the dust falling from covering the coffin stained the makeup Jerry had done for her.
Like the day he took my hand and led me out of the graveyard, the air was full of dust from the storm..
..
It's finally time for me to be on my way, but there's no one to embalm me now.
So, the sea of flames is the best home for me.
These flames will illuminate my new journey ahead.
Toward new beginnings, and to usher in the last hymn of the soul.
A Message
Aesop Carl has accompanied countless souls to their end, and now, his own journey nears its closure. While he finds solace in fulfilling his duty, he carries regret for the souls he couldn't guide. But it's time for it all to conclude. As he said—There is no one to bury him, and these flames are a fitting illumination for his lonely journey.
A Page from Ganji Gupta's Experiment File
Serial No. 3-1-4
Name: Ganji Gupta
[Test Indicators]
1. Social Rejection
2. Lack of Security
3. Impulse Control Disorder
[Test Trend]
A dangerous individual lacking self-control.
[Test Results]
1. Overall Evaluation:
Within the confines of our vigilant observation, any act out of the ordinary is deemed a potential threat. Subject 3-1-4, driven by a heart aching for his distant homeland, displays a fervent resolve and an insatiable thirst for victory. Coupled with the random outbursts stemming from his impulse control disorder, he emerges as the most ostensibly threatening character within the group.
2. Methodology:
Owing to past experiences, 3-1-4 habitually rejects social interaction in unfamiliar environments. However, fueled by his desire for victory, he actively explores the manor and engages in brief exchanges with 3-?-1 and 3-1-2.In comparison to the open communication between 3-?-1 and 3-?-3, 3-1-4's reserved behavior has resulted in a limited understanding from the equally curious 3-1-2. Additionally, the frequent unexplained loud noises (it was observed that 3-1-4 chooses to alleviate anxiety by practicing cricket) have caused 3-1-2 to develop a sense of aversion towards him.
Given the group's general reluctance to communicate proactively, textual exchanges provide greater secondary maneuverability but inevitably reduce the speed and frequency of inter-group communication. Consequently, targeted information and "supplies" were selectively provided to the experimental subjects to enhance observation and facilitate experimental progress.
Early in the experiment, this provision significantly intensified 3-1-2's wariness of 3-1-4. The effects of the compound further heightened 3-1-2's anxiety, prompting reduced rest periods and nocturnal exploration. However, the bright lights triggered a loss of control in 3-1-4. The loud noise caused by 3-1-4 attracted the attention of other subjects. 3-?-1 and 3-?-3 arrived promptly, restraining 3-1-4 and relocating him to a pitch-black room. Upon awakening and realizing his state of confinement, 3-1-4's animosity toward the other subjects escalated. Even when an anonymous note of camaraderie was slipped through the crack of his door, he feigned agreement, intending to exploit the situation to eliminate the sender from the game.
The initial note was authored by 3-1-2, but before 3-1-4 saw it, we subtly modified its wording to intensify a threatening tone. It is worth noting that, while 3-1-2 did not genuinely cooperate, he merely sought to control 3-1-4's actions in order to prevent further gameplay, without considering even more drastic measures.
At the agreed-upon dusk, 3-1-2, who had gained an understanding of the cause of 3-1-4's condition, had prepared a glider in advance and arrived with a light, attempting to induce 3-1-4's symptoms.
3-1-4 was not entirely unprepared, as he had previously obtained a potion to temporarily diminish his perception of home in his consciousness, stabilize his emotions, and thereby avoid the onset of his symptoms.3-1-4 preemptively ingested the elixir, gaining an advantage over 3-1-2 during their struggle. However, chaos ensued when 3-1-2 accidentally knocked over the lantern, igniting the room.
3-1-2 escaped through the window using the glider, while 3-1-4 navigated the rapidly spreading flames in search of an escape route. Unfortunately, as the elixir's effects waned, anxiety and fear consumed 3-1-4's thoughts, pushing him perilously close to a full-blown episode.
In his agitated state, 3-1-4 encountered 3-1-2 together with 3-?-1 and 3-?-3 called out by 3-1-2. While 3-1-2 attempted to control 3-1-4 with 3-?-1, the latter, driven by a sense of duty, chose to use 3-1-4 as the true inception of their work, guiding him toward a dignified end.
3. Experiment Summary:
The "further ideal" that 3-1-4 so desperately sought was but a mirage, confined to the labyrinth of his own psyche—his aspirations unfulfilled in foreign lands, his homeland but a fading memory. Amongst the participants, 3-1-4's motives, though tragically mundane, were the most comprehensible, leading inexorably to his sorrowful demise.
The experiment revealed that while the introduction of specific stimuli and "supplies" did indeed catalyze interaction, the potion's efficacy was mired by 3-1-4's own pathology and the reticence of 3-?-3, yielding scant valuable data. Further trials are warranted to refine the criteria for such interventions. In the artificially induced pressure of our construct, the reserved subjects displayed latent tendencies and potential for progress when faced with perceived threats. Considering the unique nature of communication employed, future experiments may benefit from selecting subjects with stronger interrelations or providing more subtle cues to guide the proceedings and ensure the integrity of our observations.
A Page from Victor Grantz's Experiment File
Serial No. 3-?-3
[Test Indicators]
1. Reticent and Withdrawn
2. Insecurity
3. Emotional Cutoff
[Inclination]
Subject 3-?-3's secrecy is a projection of the negative emotions in his subconscious.
[Test Results]
1. Overall Evaluation
Subject 3-?-3's past made him develop a withdrawn personality and a certain degree of indifference to humans. He converted his emotions into pity and sympathy toward objects and non-human life.
Although Subject 3-?-3 is indifferent to people, he displays an extreme emotional response to "secrets." Even the most insignificant secrets stay absolutely safe with him.
2. Methodology
Except for Subject 3-1-4 , all the other subjects in Group 3 remained alienated from each other upon arriving at the Manor. The high level of social anxiety present in Group 3 began the game in the form of notes and letters. This method maintained a delicate balance between them for some time. They remained connected without disturbing each other. The seemingly reticent Subject 3-?-3 enjoyed this form of communication, and this group of three simplified their communication into a combination of symbols. He used pets to communicate carefully with those symbols, and to a certain extent, this response and feedback reflected Subject 3-?-3's subconscious desire to form a connection with people. In the group of three, Subject 3-?-3 and Subject 3-?-1 maintained a special relationship. But Subject 3-?-3 was not aware of the fundamental reason for Subject 3-?-1's positive reaction toward him, and even had a good impression of the false display put on by Subject 3-?-1 due to the increased length and superior wording of the notes Subject 3-?-1 would send him.
Written notes are the perfect form of proof to sow discord and expose secrets, and they acted as an effective catalyst for the development of the experiment's middle and late stages. Once the drugs were administered, Subject 3-1-2's fear of Subject 3-1-4 intensified. She expressed her discomfort to Subject 3-?-3 and Subject 3-?-1, but Subject 3-?-3 did not display a particularly obvious emotional response to Subject 3-1-4 because human relationships were of no concern to him. This experiment was suspended in its late stages due to an error in judgment. However, that instance of arson did not affect the experiment's outcome. On the contrary, the incident became an important factor in the experiment. Remembering the notes left behind in the fire made Subject 3-?-3 rush into the flames to ensure that those notes would never fall into the wrong hands. However, he failed to escape the fire.
3. Experiment Summary
Although the notes managed to form a temporary relationship between Subject 3-?-3 and the other subjects, they failed to stop Subject 3-?-3 from cutting off his emotions. His behavior during the incident represents his need to always maintain absolute secrecy, and how he stopped at nothing to do so reflects his guilt and desire to rectify his past mistakes.
A Page from Aesop Carl's Experiment File
Serial No. 3-?-1
Name: Aesop Carl
[Test Indicators]
1. Motivated
2. Apathy
3. Cognitive Bias
[Inclination]
A dangerous character who appears stable on the surface.
[Test Results]
1. Overall Evaluation:
No. 3-?-1 followed the rules and was emotionally stable. Apart from being extremely introverted, there wasn't any obvious trait. However, his past gave him an unconventional view on life and death. His only motivation stemmed from his desire to guide those who had been struggling to end their life with dignity. As a result of his clear goal and strong motivation, No. 3-1-2 and No. 3-1-4 were eliminated because of him.
2. Methodology:
Except for No. 3-1-4, all of the subjects in this group share similar traits—quiet, low-key, recluse, and avoid confrontations at all cost.
Early on in the experiment, No. 3-?-1 and No. 3-?-3 were attracted to each other. Such attraction came from both No. 3-?-3's obsession with letters and No. 3-?-1's appreciation of his ideal. As things went as planned, No. 3-?-1, with a clear goal, followed the rules and remained stable.
Once we used medication on No. 3-1-2 and 3-1-4, the stability was gone. No. 3-1-2's anxiety was triggered, eventually affecting No. 3-1-4 who was also troubled by their past. Yet No. 3-?-1 wasn't affected at this point. It wasn't until the prey went missing that No. 3-1-4 lost their cool and became extremely violent, and the plan was interrupted, forcing No. 3-?-1 to show his inner personality.
3. Experiment Summary:
Affected by his upbringing and education background, No. 3-?-1 had an unconventional view of life—he thought there was no difference between life and death, and that it was his calling to guide those who had been struggling to end their lives with dignity. No. 3-?-1 knew full well that the effect of his past on his mentality was different from the others in the group. This affected his rational judgement. Therefore, while No. 3-?-1's appearance and behavior were normal, his cognitive awareness drove him to extreme actions.
Early on in the experiment, No. 3-?-1 and No. 3-?-3 clicked not because of their reliance on each other as allies or companions but their shared gaze on rare prey as predators. Once the prey was lost, No. 3-?-1 was triggered to eliminate No. 3-1-4, who interrupted his plan, and to make it his goal to eliminate No. 3-1-2. This showed how cold No. 3-?-1's reaction was toward emotional triggers. His internal motivation to achieve his goal was the only factor that affected his behavior. In this case, only when his plan was affected and his actions were interrupted can one truly understand his nature based on his response.