Page 38 of Immersed
“Focus on me,” Jasper instructed, moving to block Levi’s view. “Count with me. One, two, three, four...”
Levi forced himself to follow Jasper’s lead, his breathing slowing.
This is a new scenario. New rules. I need to gather information, not react to assumptions.
“I’m sorry,” he managed after several minutes, testing the group’s response. “Bad dream. It felt too real.”
“Must’ve been intense,” Jasper said, offering him a water bottle. “You were completely chill one minute, freaking out the next.”
“Yeah, nightmares can be brutal,” came Asher’s voice from behind Jasper. Levi looked up to see him approaching with concern. “I get them sometimes, too. Sleep deprivation from too many late-night recording sessions.
Levi took a careful sip of water, studying Asher’s expression for any trace of the predator he knew. But all he saw was a slightly awkward, concerned colleague adjusting his glasses.
“Guess I’m more nervous about tonight than I thought,” Levi said, still testing.
“The hospital?” Tyler asked.
“Wherever we’re going,” Levi hedged, watching Asher’s reaction.
“We were just voting on that,” Maddie explained. “Hospital or ghost town.”
Asher stepped forward, but maintained a respectful distance. “If you’re not feeling up to it, we could always postpone. The equipment isn’t going anywhere, and your health is more important than any footage.”
The killer would never suggest postponing. He’d want to get me isolated.
“How long have we been planning this trip?” Levi asked, trying to sound casual.
“Like three weeks,” Elliot replied, looking confused by the question. “Ever since your channel hit five thousand subscribers and you wanted to branch out into paranormal content.”
My channel? Five thousand subscribers?The game had constructed an entire alternate history.
“Right,” Levi nodded, forcing his expression to remain neutral. “Just making sure we’re all on the same page.”
“You sure you’re okay?” Jasper asked, concern creasing his features. “We can postpone if you’re not feeling it. Mental health comes first.”
“I’m fine,” Levi insisted, pushing himself to his feet. His legs trembled slightly, but he forced himself to stand tall. “I just needed some air.”
As the others drifted back toward the van, Levi grabbed Jasper’s arm, keeping his voice low. “Hey, quick question—how long has Asher been part of the team?”
Jasper’s brow furrowed at the odd question. “Almost the whole time? He’s your sound guy. You vetted him yourself after that disaster with the last tech who corrupted half your footage.”
I hired him. In this reality, I chose to work with him.
“Right,of course,” Levi nodded, filing away the information. “Just making sure you guys are comfortable with him.”
“He’s quiet, but he knows his stuff,” Jasper shrugged. “Equipment’s never sounded better since he joined. Plus he’s got that whole mysterious vibe that works great on camera.”
Levi watched as Jasper walked back to the van, mind racing with possibilities. Either the AI had entirely reprogrammed Asher’s character, or the killer was playing a sophisticated long game.
But why would he integrate himself as an ally? What’s the advantage?
As Levi approached the van, his gaze met Asher’s again.
“Feeling better?” Asher asked. “We’ve got some energy drinks in the equipment case if you need caffeine.”
The offer was so mundane, so considerate, that it sent Levi’s mind spinning. This couldn’t be the same person. The AI must have recycled the character model.
“Thanks,” Levi managed. “I think I’m good.”
