Info
Author: Samedo07
Critique Credits: Thank you to neptunium153,
eggsyl,
DrAkimoto and
XRaggiX for their help with this level!
This is my 4th article on the site and definitely the one that took the longest. I could drone on about it, but I will leave that to Entity 96…
- Hostile oversight.
- Imminent danger at all times.
- Largely unfit for life.
M.E.G. Notice
This sub-layer has been resurveyed due to major events; please read carefully.
Description
Level 9.9 is a dangerous sub-section of Level 9 that serves mainly as a transition toward Level 10, consisting of residential suburban streets adjacent to barren but overgrown fields separating the neighbourhoods. Due to a disastrous M.E.G. operation failure in 2019 (see D-Day document excerpt below for more information), Level 9.9 is now infested with hordes of rogue M.E.G. drones under the control of Entity 96 (The Neighbourhood Watch). The drones territorially hunt all lifeforms from this sub-section that are deemed threats to their domain in Level 9.
M.E.G.'s first contact with the drones in 2019.
Level 9.9 has a distinctive shape, being broad yet extremely short in length. The width is unbounded, granting it non-Euclidean properties. Field surveys taken document that travelling to the furthest extremities will result in a wanderer looping back to their point of entry; this generally occurs after traversing longitudinally for upwards of two days. On the other hand, the sub-level’s length is only 10 kilometres, making it possible to cross within a few hours, after which the landscape will transition into either Level 9 or Level 10, depending on the direction of travel.
The weather is humid and intensely hot, similar to a prolonged summer heatwave, with temperatures fluctuating between 35 and 40°C (95-104°F). Both Level 9.9’s diurnal cycle and weather pattern are determined by distance. Travelling close to Level 9 will cause the sun to set, while traversing nearer to Level 10 results in the skies becoming more overcast. Despite this, the inner 80% portion of Level 9.9 is exposed to searing heat and clear, midday skies.
The homes contain usual interior furnishings, although most exteriors have become severely damaged, with broken windows and missing doors commonplace. Inside, televisions serve as a reliable gauge of the proximity to the Level 10 border; the displays become less distorted, to the extent of being entirely functional upon reaching the Level 10 transition.
Standard suburban features exist on the roads, such as compact substations and private car garages. Much like the drones, both the substations and garages are under the control of Entity 96; approaching a substation too closely may cause it to explode and catch on fire with no warning. Likewise, the private garages are all fitted with heavy-duty electronic shutters which Entity 96 has been observed using to seal sheltering wanderers inside. Once trapped, escape is extremely difficult without assistance, leaving those unprepared to painfully succumb to dehydration or heatstroke.
The fields in Level 9.9 are fairly standard in size and separate the neighbourhoods roughly every ten streets. They are mostly barren, lacking any structures other than electricity poles that connect to the substations; shrubbery makes up the borders of the fields.
In the darker areas of Level 9.9, close to the border of Level 9, Entity 96 in its physical form can rarely be seen roaming around, specifically the strider category. Due to the blistering speeds and aggression of this entity, encounters have a near 100% mortality rate, so it is strongly encouraged to vacate the vicinity near the Level 9 border as quickly as possible.
Drones
There are two different categories of drones in Level 9.9: cargo drones in the sky and the rarer but more dangerous exploding ground drones. The drones all use active infrared sensors to locate their targets.
Contrary to popular belief, Entity 96 is capable of piloting the drones with precision, and unlike other electronic devices it interferes with, the drones have not yet been observed to malfunction. In addition, no drone has been observed running out of charge; they are powered by electrical motors or batteries, which Entity 96 is seemingly able to manipulate.
When not actively hunting, the drones scope the entire sub-level linearly. The aerial drone's flight altitude during this state varies but has never been recorded above 40 metres or lower than 10 metres. The drones' vertical field of view is similar to that of the human eye, measuring just over 100 degrees, whereas their horizontal field of view extends to 360 degrees, enabling them to spot targets from all surrounding angles.
Recent research into Entity 96 on Level 9 has provided insight into their hostile behaviour; they are extremely territorial and will go to extraordinary measures to protect their domain. They are far more intelligent than once thought, facilitating impressive spatial awareness, memory and problem-solving skills. The motive behind the hijacking of the drones is thought to be Entity 96 using Level 9.9 as a buffer zone to keep beings out of Level 9 by means of a deterrent.
In 2025, M.E.G. surveys concluded that over 500 drones populate Level 9.9, a number that vastly exceeded initial counts. One widely accepted theory for this phenomenon suggests that Level 9.9 is now manifesting drones into existence as an inherent characteristic, much like how other levels appear capable of generating seemingly infinite resources.
Aerial Drones
The aerial drones possess an arachnid shape with four unguarded propellers extending outward from the body. The drones each weigh roughly 30 kg (70 lbs), and their material is a mix of carbon fibre and aluminium alloys. Upon detecting a lifeform, they swarm and hunt in a manner akin to gannet birds, plunging from the skies at quick speeds and striking their target in the upper body.
Singular impacts are typically fatal; if not, however, the force can knock wanderers to the ground, leaving them susceptible to frenzied attacks. The drones won't relent on their assault until their target is dead or unreachable. Reports state that attacks on groups are concentrated on the closest individual.
Recently it was revealed through a video tape that the cargo drones have begun carrying objects in their payload and dropping them onto individuals. Such objects range from car doors to microwaves, and more interestingly, a symbiotic relationship with the ground drones has been observed, where the aerial drones can drop their exploding counterparts on wanderers to detonate with devastating results.
Survival Guide
Level 9.9 is a very challenging sub-level to survive in without a plan; thankfully, we have created a survival guide to provide just that!
D-Day Document
The D-Day document was declassified from the M.E.G. archives in August 2026 for transparency purposes. The document contains reports compiled to detail the circumstances surrounding the unsuccessful establishment of the Level 9 Outpost on 20th July 2019.
Below are four excerpts from the D-Day document.
Despite M.E.G. investigations on the matter still ongoing seven years later, the exact events that transpired in Level 9.9 on July 20th, 2019, remain unknown and will likely stay that way unless any survivors from the squad come forward.
The D-Day document in its entirety is accessible via contacting moc.puorgrerolpxerojam|ofni#moc.puorgrerolpxerojam|ofni or visiting Level 115 with a requisition form.
Bases, Outposts and Communities
There are no known bases, outposts or communities on this level.
Entrances and Exits
Entrances
- Exiting Level 9 via a grass field has a slight chance of transporting wanderers to Level 9.9 instead of the usual destination of Level 10.
- If a wanderer enters Level 10 from Level 9 and quickly turns back, a guaranteed, gradual noclip into Level 9.9 will occur.
Exits
- Traversing the 10-kilometre length of Level 9.9, or immediately turning back upon entry, will lead to Level 9 or Level 10 depending on the direction of travel. This is the only documented exit.
