Journal Entry by Michaela - Episode 2: "Polybius"

Journal Entry by Michaela - Episode 2: "Polybius"
Date: January 5th 2023
Location: Portland
Today has been quite an adventure. Jacob and I arrived in Portland, uncertain why the Wayfinder led us here. But our supernatural senses drew us towards something intriguing—the "Pixel Palace" arcade. I couldn't explain it, but the place felt off, as if something was hiding in the shadows.
We stumbled upon an advertisement for the grand opening of the arcade, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than just a typical gaming hub. Then we met Maxine Bellamy, an online blogger investigating the paranormal. She shared her research on Polybius, a game that has a dark legend surrounding it. Players grow ill and meet mysterious fates after engaging with it. It sent shivers down my spine.
Part of me wanted to walk away, to ignore the strange pull towards Polybius and the malevolent force lurking within. But I knew that it was our responsibility to face these dangers head-on. We couldn't turn our backs on those who might fall victim to this sinister game.
We returned to our motel room, and Irene contacted a Samuel Kane, an arcade collector who had sold Polybius to the Pixel Palace. Samuel had never played it himself, but his insight into its origins intrigued us. We knew we had to find out more about this malevolent force, to understand why it could consume people's lives.
Back at the arcade, things escalated quickly. We discovered that the poltergeist controlling Polybius was its original creator, seeking to drain life force from players to sustain his own power. It was chilling to witness the possessed players under his control.
As we confronted the malevolent entity, I couldn't help but wonder what drove the game's creator to such darkness. Was it a thirst for power? An obsession gone awry? Or had he been consumed by the very game he had crafted? The answers eluded me, but I knew that our mission was to stop him and free those ensnared by his wicked influence.
In a battle against the malevolent entity, our new powers were put to the test. I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins as we fought to weaken the poltergeist's hold over the players. With each strike, I was acutely aware of the weight of our responsibility as protectors of the innocent.
In a final burst of energy, we severed the poltergeist's connection to Polybius, freeing the entranced players. It was a victory, but it left me with a mix of emotions. Relief washed over me as I saw the entranced players awaken, their bewildered expressions evidence of their newfound freedom. But beneath the relief, a lingering sense of unease remained. I knew that the world was full of malevolent forces, and that each victory brought us closer to more battles ahead.
We left the Pixel Palace knowing that our journey is far from over. There are more shadows lurking in the darkness to confront, and we have to stand strong together. Jacob and I are bonded not only by blood but also by our shared responsibility to protect others from the darkness that threatens our world.
As we leave Portland behind, I can't help but wonder what lies ahead. But I know we have each other, and with Irene's guidance, we'll face whatever comes our way. The journey may be fraught with dangers and uncertainties, but I am more determined than ever to embrace our destiny as Nephalem protectors and stand as a beacon of light against the encroaching darkness.
[End of Journal Entry]

Type

Journal, Personal

Medium

Paper

Location

Portland Oregon