To Save a House of Secrets

The three of us had known each other for years. We met in a video game, and became best friends after spending countless hours hanging out, exploring the world together, growing stronger, learning new abilities and discovering hidden dungeons. The time we spent together was so precious and special to me, and I know they felt the same way.

Telemachus was a master swordsman. In the beginning, he didn't have much HP, but with time he became quite a tough guy. Eustace, on the other hand, was always the type who would rather stay behind and cast spells; but he would protect us with everything he had if needed - even if it meant giving up his own life. As for me, well... I wasn't sure how to categorize myself exactly. I had lots of HP at first, but I quickly learned that it doesn't matter how many hitpoints you have if you don't know how to fight properly. So instead of leveling up my strength or vitality, I focused on building up my magic skill and HP regeneration so that I could survive longer as a mage-type class. Yet regardless of how we started out differently, we all ended up being pretty well-rounded characters.

Our friendship lasted for years and years, until it came to an abrupt end. At first, we were still able to meet in real life sometimes and hang out like normal people do. But then one day, we just stopped being able to play the game anymore due to technical issues (the game wasn't actually shutting down but something happened that caused it to be unplayable). However, that wasn't the problem - what really hurt was being separated from our only friends in this world. It was so bad that even now, I can't talk about it without feeling a bit sad.

Eventually, as they say - time heals all wounds. I got used to not playing anymore and moved on with my life like everyone else does after quitting a game that you loved very much (or used to love very much).

One day, however, Eustace contacted me online. He explained that he had found a way for us to meet again! He told me about this haunted house where there were rumors of unusual activity happening inside - cloaked figures roaming around during midnight hours, strange sounds coming from within... stuff like that. He thought we should investigate it together because he couldn't go alone by himself due to health issues (he was quite old now). Telemachus also agreed - he was always quite restless and wanted something exciting to do again! So the three of us decided to set off on an adventure around the world...

---

The journey started out well enough - we began at the house's location, which wasn't too far away from where Eustace lived. But as fate would have it, things didn't stay easy for long: Hermione's carriage went over some rocks, causing her to lose consciousness and fall into a seemingly bottomless ravine. At first, we panicked, but then Eustace reminded us that Hermione had full HP, so even if she had fallen, she'd probably be fine once she woke up, thanks to there being no monsters in the area. So, while Telemachus went to find her body and use his strength to bring her back up the cliff, Eustace stayed behind, ready to cast healing spells once they returned.

Their long-awaited return felt like a miracle - Hermione woke up shortly after! However, a new obstacle arose: the sun had set while they were gone, and our progress was slowed due to movement speed penalties during sunset and sunrise. Fortunately, though, once morning arrived, Hermione's carriage automatically resumed moving! Somehow, it knew our destination and drove itself there, so we didn't have to walk anymore. And when night fell again, it managed to guide us back! We were baffled by the phenomenon but grateful nonetheless.

The journey continued for several more days like this until we eventually arrived at the haunted house. Unluckily, as we reached the entrance, night fell once more, and our carriage suddenly refused to move. We tried a series of commands to stimulate its movement, but nothing seemed to work. It was as if an invisible force held us captive, leaving us wondering if paranormal forces had hijacked our minds or if vengeful ghosts were toying with us. The tension mounted as we struggled to gain control of our situation, desperately hoping to continue our grand adventure.