Apocalypse Begins with a Nightmare

Chapter 9: The Diary's Secret

Merlin had come to view this nightmare world as a horror game that closely mimicked reality.

And not just any game—this was the "expert" level, where dying meant you couldn't reload your save.

However, the reason why Merlin was known as the "God of Lin" among gamers like Cat and his friends was his ability to beat any survival horror game on his first try.

Merlin had a unique skill when it came to analysis.

The number 404 itself was insignificant, but it could represent many things: a password, an address, or even the name of a person or item.

Since the nightmare was occurring in two residential areas, and since these areas had more than enough houses, Merlin initially assumed it was a room number.

The clue from the Pen Spirit was crucial and needed to be explored.

As for why he didn't just hide and survive, but instead chose to seek danger, Merlin could list at least a dozen reasons. The most important one was that he knew from experience that staying in a safe zone in any horror game meant you would never escape the terror.

Although the Pen Spirit had gone silent, Merlin doubted that an evil spirit could be easily defeated.

It was even possible that the spirit had been "pretending" earlier.

So, Merlin decided to keep the pencil with him at all times.

He would take it wherever he went.

Besides this, Merlin began searching the room.

The room contained many books, which seemed normal at first glance. However, when opened, the text inside was a chaotic mess, nonsensical, or simply blank pages, creating an eerie atmosphere.

Merlin, undeterred, placed the books back as they were and then opened a drawer.

Ultimately, Merlin found two valuable items.

One was a bloodstained diary, and the other was a cartoon pencil sharpener.

The pencil sharpener could be immediately useful. By inserting the pencil into the mouth of the cartoon bear and turning the small lever at the back, Merlin could sharpen the pencil.

After sharpening, Merlin put the pencil away.

Next, Merlin opened the bloodstained diary.

As he opened it, he felt the pale shadowy figure behind him take a step back.

"Is it afraid of this?"

This discovery startled Merlin.

He couldn't look back, so he couldn't see the expression on the pale figure’s face, but Merlin suspected it was now filled with fear.

Previously, the Pen Spirit and the face-spider had been suppressed by the pale figure. Among the nightmare creatures, Merlin considered the pale figure to be quite powerful.

The fact that the diary made even the pale figure retreat made Merlin realize that the diary was undoubtedly significant.

Merlin immediately began to take the diary in his hand more seriously.