SURVIVAL DIFFICULTY:
Class 2
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A photograph of Level 192.
Level 192 is the 193rd positive level of the Backrooms.
Description
Level 192 is an extensive, labyrinthine structure composed entirely of an amorphous, rotating mass of steel chains. The space one can traverse in the level is dictated purely by the shape created by said chains in each area at a given time, with most spaces being tight, claustrophobic, and occasionally too small for one to properly fit through. Constructed from a sturdy steel alloy, the rusted chains are quite resistant to external damage and are difficult to cut through.
The mass of chains in Level 192 moves clockwise at a nauseously steady rotation, enough for one to walk or crawl through the tunnels without significant difficulty. It is imperative, however, to maintain a steady pace while traveling through the passages of the level; standing or lying still can cause a loss of balance as a result of the rotation, potentially resulting in injuries due to falling on the rusting, moving chains.
The mechanism by which the rotation occurs is currently unknown; all attempts at parting, sawing, or breaking the links have yielded no results thus far. It appears that nothing else is present under the first layer of chains other than, unsurprisingly, more chains. No solid structures, including walls or floors, have yet been discovered underneath. It is worthwhile to note that the level's temperature remains at a humid 30° C (86° F), leaving the level habitable, albeit uncomfortably warm. The source of the temperature, although not directly proven, is thought to originate from the constant mechanical movement of the chains.
Certain sections of Level 192 have been observed to be unstable; in these areas, gaps may open in the floor at random, swallowing any wanderers above. It is unknown what occurs after one falls through, as the moving chains quickly close the gap and continue revolving, their metallic grinding obscuring any attempts at communication. In all cases thus far, those that have fallen through have never been recovered.
Entities
There is one currently known entity on Level 192, that being the Steelhead.
Steelheads
Steelheads are metallic, serpentine entities that camouflage themselves amongst the chains in Level 192. These entities appear to be a subspecies of the Dendroaspis polylepis (black mamba), similar in color and shape to the chains found in the level. These venomous entities camouflage themselves by hitching onto a link and waiting for unsuspecting wanderers to pass by overhead. Steelheads typically reside in the more cramped areas of Level 192, presumably for ease of hunting. They typically apprehend their prey by grabbing hold of the victim's legs and quickly pulling them under the chains.
Colonies and Outposts
Due to the confined and ranging conditions of Level 192, the existence of colonies and outposts is considered infeasible, though some undiscovered colonies may exist in the level.
Entrances and Exits
Entrances
One may enter Level 192 from Level 3 and Level 47, and it typically involves interaction with an object draped with several chains.
Exits
Constant exits are difficult to come across in this level; however, the most efficient method of exit involves wandering far enough, as it may lead one to come across direct entrances to Level 27, Level 273, or Level 152.
Recovered Log
The following is a one-to-one transcript of a log discovered in Level 192, written by an unknown wanderer.
I stumble through these Chained halls unbounded,
For I am but a prisoner of Hell;
Chained walls contain me whilst I remain free.
My initial stumble changed to a glide,
Ambulating through these shaped corridors
became but facile as I acclimate
to the Chained surfaces surrounding me.
The infrequent one catches on my foot
But I pay no mind; its fault it is not.
My ultimate destination unknown,
I amble on, beseeching for the Chains
to part and make a way for an exit.
However, I ken this may be futile.
Wherefore am I hoping to reach an end?
What happens may just be extraneous,
As am I not already in Hell now?
Am I the one imprisoned; or rather,
Are the Chains confined, and I the warden?