"No matter what stands before us, hope will always prevail."
It goes against my principles, but I think I’ve lost the will to continue. The brutality of this dimension has devoured the last remnants of my sanity. Survival no longer matters; I don't even feel fear anymore. All I do now is wait for the Reaper to find me. What remains is only a fragment of curiosity… about what lies after life.
The endless city- once a symbol of serenity, and a glimmer of hope for wanderers seeking solace— has now become the capital of chaos and despair. All that remains are corpses and the roar of flames echoing through the emptied streets.
I climb to the roof of a ten-story building and sit at the edge.
Sensing that my time is drawing near, I close my eyes and let the noise of the wind swallow my senses.
So, is this how it ends?
It’s only been a week. December 25th- a day meant to celebrate love, joy, and hope.
But instead, it became the day I lost my wife.
During the attacks, our outpost was overrun. Those unfortunate enough to survive the initial explosions suffered a more painful death. They executed anyone without indifference— men, women, children- slaughtered without a bit of hesitation.
They killed my wife before my eyes… and yet, they chose to let me live.
They never told me why. But, I can only assume they wanted me to suffer— to drown in guilt, haunted by what I failed to protect, knowing I wouldn’t survive for long anyway.
And the worst of all; they were right.
She was my last glimmer of hope keeping me away from despair.
She was all I had left in this cursed reality that had already taken so much from me.
My only hope is for our son to be okay, back on the other side. I’m terrified by the fact that I’ll probably never see him again, and even if I made it back,
How could I explain my absence?
How could I tell him he’ll never see his mother again?
I can't just tell people I've been trapped in such a twisted place… Nobody in their right mind would believe me! I'd end up in police custody or worse, in a mental asylum.
People vanish on Earth too.
They run away- start new lives, and that’s probably what they’re thinking of me.
But none of it is true,
If only my son knew how deeply his father loves him.
But instead, I’ll be remembered as just another disgraceful egoist who ran away from his responsibilities. Written on my grave, I’ll be cursed by the very people I cared about, without being able to explain myself.
God…
What did I possibly do to deserve such a punishment…
These thoughts won’t leave me; they are haunting me.
And now that my wife is gone, I start to feel the emptiness of this world consuming me.
Should I just end it?
I try to reason with myself and be rational. But there’s no point. Despair already took over what I had left of hope.
At last, I’ll wake up from this nightmare.
I take a deep breath.
Stand over the edge.
And…
Just as I’m about to close my eyes, I catch sight of a woman and a child on the street below. It looks like a mother, clutching her daughter’s hand.
They look distressed; they must be in danger. Are they running away from the Liberation?
A strange feeling came over me, a sudden, almost instinctive spark… some kind of instinct kicking in.
…But is this even my business?
What should I do?…
My instinct having taken over, I decided to hurry back down to the streets and follow them.
With literal psychopaths roaming the city; I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to them. Just thinking about it makes me uncomfortable.
After minutes of continuous sprinting, I finally catch up with them in a strangely long alley.
She finally notices my presence, but as she turns around, she draws a gun and points it at me.
I raise my empty hands.
Don’t come any closer or I’ll shoot!! Don’t make me do this in front of my daughter- she doesn’t deserve any more of this madness!
Her arms tremble… Despite being in a position of power, she’s terrified.
I want you no harm. Please, don’t be afraid.
Seemingly unconvinced, she steps back even farther; her daughter peeking out from behind her legs— eyes wide, caught between fear and curiosity. The woman could’ve shot me from the start, but she didn’t. It seems she doesn't want to kill, but rather use the weapon as a deterrent. Such an innocent person shouldn't find herself in such a terrible world, that's why I have to protect them.
What makes me think you’re not one of these monsters!? I was already tricked once and that cost my husband's life!… Anyone could be one of them- I can't afford to trust anyone!
I slowly reach into my pocket and pull out a folded photograph of my family, and a silver ring stained with dried blood.
They took my wife during the attacks- her ring is the only thing I have left of her.. Unlike me, she was innocent; not an ounce of evil in her. I shoud have been the one dying, and yet… she was the one being killed. I despise those people as much as you do, from the deepest part of my soul.
Please, let me help you.
Why do you do this?
I have nothing left. But you- you still have your daughter.
I lost my family, and I don’t want you to lose yours.
I was ready to end it all… but when I saw you earlier, something triggered in me.
I felt like a spark of faith.
She lowers her weapon and drops it on the ground.
I’m sorry… it’s all just too much.
I don’t understand… Why does it have to be this way? Why is everyone like this?
What did we ever do to deserve this?
If I had even an ounce of hope left… I would’ve never raised that weapon at you.
Don't worry about it, ma'am. It's only a natural reaction in this… context. Listen, I’ll protect you- with my life, if needed. I know I’m a stranger to you, but you can trust me on that.
Thank you. For doing all this, for people you just met…
My duty as a father was to protect my family, but I failed. It's only normal to repay my debt by protecting another. Now let's go, staying there may become dangerous. There has to be some kind of resistance out there; surviving M.E.G. members or surviving communities still holding on. If we can reach one of those, maybe we’ll find a little respite.
As we reach the end of the alley, three men emerge from the corner ahead. They look like civilians, but judging by their demeanor, they seem suspicious. We should be careful, this must be those bastards from the Liberation.
We immediately turn back; only to find three more closing in behind us.
Yeah, that’s it, my suspicions were right. Were they seriously waiting for us this whole time??
Just thinking about it now… I suppose I made the right decision to intervene. They would’ve caught them at the end of the alley otherwise.
One of them is talking to a radio, this must be their leader.
I got three at the alleyway next to the Century Yard; a man, a woman, and a little girl.
…
Right away.
I lunge for the gun on the ground, but the chamber jams the moment I pull the trigger, rendering it unusable. Fuck! Am I just going to be cursed forever? How am I this unlucky, now of all times!?
At least you have the spirit.
Now, kneel down and repent, I might give you a quick and painless death.
The woman is paralyzed in fear, but still holding her daughter.
This kind of situation would make anyone that way, to be fair.
I'm thinking of a solution to get the hell out of here. Maybe we could try a no-clip?
No, this idea is stupid; if we fail, we will only injure ourselves, and there is a little chance that the woman and the daughter would simultaneously succeed. Even so, they may get separated…
There's no need to take unnecessary risks, but I have to make a move- right now.
You know what? Go fuck yourself. I’d rather be slaughtered by whatever atrocities this world has to offer than let underdogs like you even touch me. Even a goddamn hound has more dignity than you.
I see. So you’ve chosen the painful route. Great- You heard that brothers; have some fun.
The five subordinates pull out concealed melee weapons; they vary from bayonets to machetes.
At the same time, the ringleader steps back. As expected, he’s all talk; just a coward at heart.
So that makes five of them if I exclude their leader. I may used to be in the special forces back in the day, but taking on five armed men with my bare hands is suicide… It doesn’t matter anyway. I won’t give up, no matter what; the woman and her daughter's life are at stake.
Mister, don’t! I beg you!
Don’t worry about me. I told you I’ll protect you, until my last breath. Just stay here with your daughter. Everything is going to be okay. And if the worst happens, you’ll still have a chance to run away.
Alright, there’s the group of three in front, with the short-range weapons, and the other two behind me with the long-range weapons. I might be able to turn their own weapons against them…
Let’s do this.
You’re good. It’s satisfying to see something different for a change. Killing those defenseless miserables was starting to get boring. But you… you’re giving me quite a show. Still, five armed men? Don’t you think your chances of surviving are closer to zero?
I’ve managed to withstand the barrage of attacks without any serious injuries so far, but what worries me most is exhaustion. I don’t know how much longer I can hold out like this. I have to try something; maybe if I taunt them, I can force them to make a mistake.
As expected, animals like you only know violence, but your fighting skills are zero. Seriously, can't the six of you handle a single man? Your master should be ashamed of you.
Looks like it worked. The one with the machete charges at me in a blind rage. As I dodge his swing, I kick his ankle, throwing him off balance. His blade ends up plunging into another subordinate, piercing his chest. I seize the moment, move behind him, and snap his neck. But I don't have time to breathe- before I can reposition, another one lunges forward and drives a bayonet into my chest. Fueled by adrenaline, I crack his wrist- remove the blade from me, and drive it straight into his skull. As I notice the fourth subordinate rushing at me with a bayonet, I successfully parry the blow with the one I just retrieved and slice his throat open. In the heat of the moment, I finally throw my blade at the last subordinate with all my strength, driving it between his two eyes.
All the subordinates have been dealt with; only the ringleader remains. I’m bleeding badly- the pain in my chest is intense. I think one of my vital organs is hit… but I’m still standing.
…
Right, the woman and her daughter!
Now that the path behind is cleared they can flee the scene in safety!
After I give them the signal, they start to run away from the scene, but she pauses- just for a second— to look back at me, eyes wide with concern. Before disappearing from the scene.
I feel relieved now that I've accomplished my mission. From now on, if I could just get rid of this asshole, that would be perfect. He looks strangely confident, but I'll make sure he regrets everything he has done.
Now it's just you and me. Let's get this done!
The ringleader suddenly pulls a revolver from his vest and points it at me.
As I hear the cocking sound, reality hits me head-on.
There's no way these barbarians intended on playing fair anyway.
Looks like my fate was sealed from the start…
I’m afraid I’ll have to interrupt the show.
Also, if you care so much about that woman and her daughter, you should know that sooner or later, another one of our patrol unit will find them. And I can’t guarantee their fate will be any gentler than what I had planned for them. Did you even consider that before playing the hero… You’re such an imbecile.
You…
I'm going to give you a little time to think about your actions. Challenging God was the worst mistake you could've ever made. Just remember that you're responsible for all of this- shall guilt follow you to hell.
The ringleader shoots me in the stomach. I finally collapse; the pain is unbearable. They must've put something inside their bullets…
I see him lower himself towards my face.
We’ve recently started developing a new chemical agent. It’s based on this "Rixa Gas"— with some extra compounds mixed in. I’ve heard there’s no cure, and that even only one bullet infused with it is enough to make a person endure excruciating agony as their organs liquefy from the inside. Isn’t that amazing? I'll let you find out if you don't believe me.
My vision is blurring from the excruciating pain.
Fate's a bitch, this should be common knowledge…
But this brutal reality won’t kill my hope. That's why I curse this world and whoever controls it. As long as that woman and her daughter are safe… even if I managed to give them even a little hope to keep fighting for their survival, that’s all that matters to me.
You were strong, ma’am. Stronger than most. Many would have given up long ago.
I believe in you both.
Farewell.
Wait, I'm hearing something… Is that gunfire? …What is happening?
The Liberation ringleader is on the ground.
Finish him off, and check on this unfortunate. Maybe we can
I can hear voices… They are getting closer…
Commander, do you copy? Team Kappa reporting, we got 6 hostiles down.
Who are they?
Damn it… His wounds are too serious. He lost too much blood.
No… there has to be a way!?
Even intensive treatment won’t save him. We can't do anything at this point- I’m sorry ma'am.
Wait a moment. That voice just now, I recognize it… It’s her- the woman… Why did she come back?
My vision is fading. But I can feel someone leaning close to my face.
Sir, can you hear me? I'm sorry… we haven't even introduced ourselves. My name is Irina and this is Alisa, my daughter. She’s only four, but I’ll make sure she remembers you!
For everything you did!
Ma'am, it's dangerous to stay here, we should evacuate asap! More Liberation soldiers must already be on their way with all that commotion.
Hey!? Let go of me! Don't you see th
My name is Claude.
I wish I could tell you, but I don't even have the strength to speak anymore.
Regardless, I'm glad that at least someone will remember me for what I am truly:
A person of heart; not a coward.
I learned the hard way, but you should never give up hope.
Even in this fucked-up world, that’s the only thing they can’t take from you.
Voyez la vie en rose…
The Dailyrooms
Liberation has fallen!
This era of terror is now behind us.
We were just informed this morning of the Patriarch's death during the Syndicate's assault on Liberation’s remote islands.
The man behind it all—Richard S. Delacroix—had been secretly orchestrating a mass genocide plan while working within the Major Explorer Group. Under the role of Overseer S, he conspired alongside several big names such as Senior Researcher "C. Mutsuki", Team Sierra Commander "E. Graves", H.D.F. Major "A. Defalco", and managed to rally many other collaborators from various groups and factions across the Backrooms.
Liberation’s actions resulted in the deaths of nearly three-quarters of the Backrooms’ census population. These losses have left a permanent scar on our history, and as a result, a new security council called "The Overwatch" has been formed by the members of the resistance to avoid such tragic events from happening again in the future.
"No matter what stands before us, hope will always prevail." commented the newly appointed Secretary General of The Overwatch, Irina Marković.
The Dailyrooms, special edition of July 15, 2025.
The Memorial to the Fallen, located in the capital plaza of the endless city, stands as a place of remembrance for all the braves and the innocents who perished during Liberation’s reign of terror.
With a small sharp stone, a woman carves a name into the polished wall.
Claude Chapelain
1994 - 2025
Mom, who is he?
That's the name of our hero.
I finally got it from an old M.E.G. registry, but you were too young to remember Sweat Hearth. He's the reason why I'm still here with you.
Kindness and bravery are rare qualities; people like him are what bring hope to this shattered world, and allow us to keep moving forward.
I'll make sure to remember him for what he has done.
Info
An Origins Canon Side Story
La Vie en Rose
Additional Information
He was a former member of the French's 11th Parachute Brigade who accidentally no-clipped into the Backrooms after a parachute malfunction during a mission. His survival skills and military expertise were assets the M.E.G. couldn’t ignore. Though initially reluctant, he eventually agreed to join Overseer S' newly formed "Team Sierra". However, his time within the M.E.G. was cut short, as he caught sight of his wife on Level 11 by sheer miracle, who also got no-clipped by accident not long after his disappearance. Overcome with this realization, Claude decided to no longer enagage in military activities and immediately resigned from the M.E.G., determined to spend the time he had left alongside the person he loved; something he had rarely been able to do back in the Frontrooms. Tragically, the attacks of December 25 separated him from his wife forever, driving him to the lowest point of his life. Just as he was about to end it all, he finally came back to his senses. In the end, he chose to sacrifice himself to protect another family who got in trouble with a Liberation patrol unit.
Special mention to ReyDay who motivated me to participate in the Duelcon, and is therefore indirectly responsible for the existence of this article <3
CANON HUB
MY OTHER WORKS