Being an Extra Actor in an Escape Game

The central path of the labyrinth leads straight to the other end, with countless intersections leading to other paths, but the Missiontakers do not take any of the sideways.

At the very end, a wall formed by more blobs of changing colours blocks their way, leaving them having to turn either left or right.

A-Two tells them, weve walked both directions and didnt find anything.

He followed behind Lin Qin and X Beijin the whole way, and is rather quiet. Besides when he is needed, he isnt one to initiate a conversation.

This is the first time hes spoken since the Missiontakers split up, only speaking because the wall necessitates directions.

Lin Qin has been supporting X Beijin the whole way. Even though the young man didnt look so pale anymore since entering the labyrinth, Lin Qin still doesnt let him go.

He has moved his hand from supporting X Beijins arm down to his hand.

Theyre holding hands.

X Beijin is actually a little bit embarrassed, but noticing that A-Two is keeping some distance away quite appropriately, he cant help but first be relieved, but then be even more agitated.

What in the world?! Is it that obvious between him and Lin Qin? Arent they here on a grand quest to save the world?! Why is this Missiontaker staying so far away?

Lin Qin has also noticed A-Two staying away from them, and is both surprised and happy about it.

He glances over at X Beijin next, and asks, are you trying to find something in the labyrinth?

First, the others need to figure out the truth, X Beijin thinks then responds, the next step, will be to find a specific person.

Who?

X Beijin shakes his head and doesnt answer directly. Instead, when theyre at the end of the central path, X Beijin says, facing the flashing wall, we need to walk behind this wall.

Behind? A-Two goes wide-eyed for a moment, then says, let me think I think theres a path there, from the left side.

X Beijin nods and says, lets go

A-Two leads the way next, taking them to where, cardinally, it would be behind the wall when facing the central path.

A-Two is wondering what there could be behind the wall.

Theyve been to this Nightmare a few times but havent found anything there. It was more empty corridor and turns.

Yet when they make another turn to go forward, Lin Qin suddenly interrupts to say, this is the wrong direction.

Wrong direction? A-Two is stupefied, and says, but

He looks back and tries to recall all the paths theyve taken so far since entering, but the more he does, the more he finds himself confused.

He realises, hes lost his sense of direction in this labyrinth.

He does remember the path, but whether it leads to where he thinks theyre going, is questionable.

So A-Two, uncertain, asks, did this labyrinth get built with this misdirection built in? Are the angles subtly off from being right angles? Or, are these flashing colours causing some disorientation in our brains

A-Two starts glancing over at Lin Qin by this point.

Of course, he isnt doubting Lin Qin; first off, this crownless King of the bottom floor always seems to have something about him that makes people feel reassured. Thats how strange his powers are.

Second off, X Beijin said they need to go behind this wall, but A-Two has been there and didnt see anything. So hed rather believe that they went somewhere wrong rather than X Beijin being wrong.

Though this brings up a question if this labyrinth confuses direction all the same to enemy and friend alike, then why is Lin Qin immune?

X Beijin, meanwhile, isnt at all surprised by what definitely isnt the first time Lin Qin has demonstrated his special senses. Hes always acted with capabilities beyond what other Missiontakers can achieve, but no one has taken notice, thats all.

Partly, its because Lin Qin isnt aware or knows why, and also partly, because he has stayed on the bottom floor all these years.

Then theres the fact that, despite all his strange qualities, people have always ended up ignoring it one way or another. Its quite jarring when pointed out, frankly.

X Beijin is remembering his earlier speculations.

Lin Qin he has to be special, hasnt he?

Then he takes a deep breath and examines Lin Qin with worrying eyes. This is probably a question he would only have an answer to after he finds NE.

Or possibly He could look for NE together with him.

It might be safer, both for him and for Lin Qin And maybe you can also call this his whim. If anything were to happen on his way to NE

Lin Qin

While A-Two is still worrying about the directions ahead, he hears X Beijin call out to Lin Qin with a solemn tone. So he looks over as well.

Lin Qin asks casually, whats up?

If I am going to die, would you be willing to join me?

Of course, Lin Qin, both astonished and elated, says, Id be really, really glad to.

X Beijin then gives Lin Qin a really complicated look, telling him, you dont have to, you know.

No way! Lin Qin suddenly starts shooting off angrily, I just agreed to! When you die, Ill follow you!

X Beijin

Not sure whether to tear up or just laugh at this point, he just sighs, and tells Lin Qin, I see.

Lin Qin still looks worried, though, asking, do you really understand? You cant do dangerous stuff behind my back You cant! You must let me know!

Though his words are forceful, he is also powerless; powerless, just as he was when X Beijin appeared outside of this labyrinth with his skin as pale as a ghost. He swears his heart stopped beating for a second there.

The person he loves is suffering where he cant see, but he isnt willing to tell him either. He merely brushes off the issue on his body.

Lin Qin is angry, but he cannot lash out on X Beijin either.

However, he thinks X Beijin cannot cannot just be like that. He cannot just keep everything from him anymore. Theyre so close together now

Lin Qin is glaring at X Beijin, with slightly puffy eyes, trying to look intimidating, but it looks more like hes going to cry instead.

Its probably the first time Lin Qin has experienced such intense emotions. He stares at X Beijin, and finally says, if I didnt know I really like you, Id definitely think you are an evil enemy, he thinks some more, then says, yeah, Ill brawl with you.

X Beijin

Lost for words, he just says, Ill brawl with you later.