Chapter 4: The Corner Game

The mansion lay cloaked in shadow as the night deepened, its creaking timbers whispering secrets of the past. In his study, Marcus idly twirled his cane, the rhythmic tap of its metal tip against the floor punctuating his thoughts. His sharp mind fixated on the mansion's newest guests—five strangers who had brought with them an air of dread and secrets too heavy to conceal.

Their behavior was strange—furtive glances, hushed arguments, and, most notably, an extra piece of luggage that no one claimed. Marcus's curiosity sharpened. He rose from his chair, intending to investigate, but a faint, familiar shimmer halted him. A translucent panel appeared before his eyes, the system's chilling words drawing his attention.

System Prompt:

Mission: Host the Corner Game.

Objective: Assist the visitors in confronting their pursuer.

Reward: Unveiling the truth behind the mansion's newest guests.

A sly smile played on Marcus's lips. "Well, well. This ought to be entertaining."

He left the study, descending the grand staircase with his cane tapping against the wood. His arrival in the parlor was met with silence. The group sat huddled together, their faces pale and drawn. The leader, a wiry man with darting eyes, stiffened as Marcus entered. Beside him, a young woman clutched a rosary, her knuckles white with strain.

"Good evening," Marcus greeted smoothly, his tone carrying an undercurrent of command. "I believe it's time we addressed the proverbial elephant in the room—or rather, the one in the extra bag you brought."

The room froze, tension coiling like a snake ready to strike. The leader stammered, "I—don't know what you're—"

Marcus silenced him with a single tap of his cane. "Spare me the lies. I know enough. The question is, do you want to survive the night?"

He turned to the rosary-clutching woman, her tear-filled eyes locked onto his. "You know what's happening, don't you?" he asked, his voice soft but unyielding.

Her lips trembled. "I—I can't—"

"You will," Marcus interrupted, his tone brooking no argument. "Because if you don't, none of you will leave this house unscathed."

Moments later, Marcus gathered the group in a dimly lit room, its sparse furnishings and flickering lamp casting ominous shadows. The oppressive weight of the mansion seemed to press down on them, amplifying their unease. Marcus's voice was calm but carried a chilling edge as he explained the rules of the Corner Game.

"Each of you will stand in a corner, facing the walls. One person will clap, signaling the next to move clockwise to the next corner. Do not look back. Do not speak unless absolutely necessary. The goal is to complete the circuit and return to your original corner. Simple." He paused, his gaze sharp. "Fail, and you risk inviting… company."

The group exchanged uneasy glances, but the leader nodded reluctantly. "Fine. Let's get this over with."

As they assumed their positions, Marcus lingered by the doorway, his monocle gleaming faintly in the dim light. "Begin," he commanded.

The first clap was hesitant, breaking the suffocating silence. The group began to move, their steps faltering. The air grew colder with each passing moment, a chill that seeped into their bones.

By the third clap, the youngest man froze. "Someone touched me," he whispered, his voice trembling.

"Eyes forward!" Marcus barked. "Keep moving!"

The man stumbled forward, but panic rippled through the group. The fourth clap echoed, and the rosary-clutching woman let out a sharp gasp.

"Don't stop," Marcus warned, his voice steady. "No matter what."

But the leader broke the rule. He turned sharply, his voice rising in defiance. "This is ridiculous—"

Before he could finish, the lamp's flame sputtered out, plunging the room into darkness. A chilling voice, low and guttural, cut through the silence.

"Why did you leave me?"

The group's screams shattered the air as a shadowy figure materialized in the corner. Its grotesque, elongated limbs seemed to writhe, its face obscured by darkness.

Marcus stepped forward, his cane tapping with deliberate precision. "Enough," he said, his voice cold and commanding. He struck the floor sharply, the sound reverberating through the room like thunder. "This is my house. You play by my rules, or you don't play at all."

The figure hissed, its form flickering, but Marcus's presence was unyielding. "You have unfinished business with them," he said, gesturing to the trembling group. "Speak your truth and let this end."

The entity shuddered, its voice a mournful wail. "They left me. Left me to die."

The leader collapsed to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "We didn't mean to!" he cried. "It was an accident!"

As the group confessed their guilt, the figure's form softened, its anguished features resolving into the face of a young man. "Don't forget me," it whispered before vanishing into the shadows.

The oppressive atmosphere lifted, leaving the room silent but for the group's quiet sobs. Marcus adjusted his monocle, his expression unreadable. "You've faced your demon for tonight. Tomorrow, you leave."

The next morning, Marcus stood by the mansion's front door as the group prepared to leave. Their shadows stretched unnaturally long as they stepped outside, and for a moment, Marcus glimpsed the faint silhouette of the entity still lingering behind them.

"You can't outrun guilt," Marcus said, his tone calm but firm. "Take responsibility, or it will follow you forever."

The leader nodded solemnly, his face pale. Without another word, the group departed, their figures disappearing down the winding path.

Marcus closed the door, the heavy wood groaning in protest. The mansion seemed to hum with approval, its energy settling.

As Marcus returned to the now-quiet halls, the system's familiar shimmer appeared, displaying his reward:

Item Acquired:

Mysterious Dice

Description: Six-sided dice imbued with unpredictable power. Roll at your own risk.

Marcus chuckled, the dice glinting faintly in his hand. "Fate, chaos, or both?" he mused, pocketing them. With a final tap of his cane, he disappeared into the shadows.

"Let's see what madness tomorrow brings."