Level 4:Abandoned Office

Abandoned Office

Level 4 is the 5th level of the Backrooms.

SURVIVAL DIFFICULTY:CLASS HABITABLE

SAFE

FREQUENT NATURAL HAZARDS

DEVOID OF HARMFUL ENTITIES

## DESCRIPTION

**Level 4**, also known as the “Abandoned Office”, is an expansive, empty structure, with architecture resembling a modern office building. Despite this, **Level 4** is entirely devoid of furniture and other accessories one would typically expect to find in an office. Excluding the abalone-gray concrete pillars scattered about, spots on the carpet of the level appear to indicate that furniture may have been previously present at one point in time. Curiously, this level possesses an effect unseen in many other levels of the Backrooms, that being the presence of "seasons". They are referred to in this manner due to the level's exterior weather patterns changing every few months at a consistent rate. For the sake of ease, these seasons will hereafter be referred to as "Spring", "Summer", "Autumn", and "Winter" respectively. Contrasting the gray, monochromatic color scheme of the office, the whirling rain clouds visible outside the level’s windows represent the only splash of color, varying from dark-gray to a slight grayish-blue, or even a dark heather-purple color during the Autumn and Summer seasons.

A noteworthy feature of the level is the flat-panel LED light fixtures, specifically the lack thereof. Most of the squares in the level’s drop-ceiling in which LED lights should be found instead lack them, therefore leaving those areas perpetually cast in darkness. Thus, trying to activate light switches typically shows no response, leading to the conclusion that the only constant source of illumination in the level is the light that emanates through the various windows present intermittently along its walls. Remaining in **Level 4** for a long span of time during seasons when light is scarce is advised against, since it can cause low vision, blind spots, poor night vision, or blurry sight, while being in direct contact with natural hazards have led to reports of wanderers contracting: Pneumothorax *(collapsed lungs)*, sleep apnea, or irregular heartbeats.

**Level 4** is widely regarded as a “rest stop” amongst wanderers, as a safe location for one to take a break during their journey. Due to this, the creation of colonies and outposts is considered highly lucrative; many sustained communities have begun and flourished in this level.

Despite the level’s architecture suggesting the existence of multiple floors, descent by means of stairs has revealed the lack of a ground floor, and likewise, the lack of a top floor or roof. Even though the exploration of **Level 4** is limited in this aspect, wanderers can access other areas within the same floor, such as workrooms, smaller offices, or studios. While the main lobby of the level is empty and completely devoid of furniture, the smaller workrooms found within the same area are quite the opposite, having functional and somewhat new-looking fitments and chattels. These workrooms vary in size and length, as wanderers have reported rooms that have the fitting capacity of even fifteen or twenty people at the same time, while others have reported rooms barely fitting two people, creating the sensation of claustrophobia or enclosement. Aside from this anomaly which architects have been unable to find an explanation for, once a season transitions into the next, the appearance and style of the workrooms change gradually over time.

Curiously, most of the workrooms, as presented in the pictures attached, do not lack the principal characteristics as the level’s main lobby area, having features such as ceilings with a suspended/dropped structure, working LED lights, horizontal sliding windows, and light-gray walls made of the very same cold concrete. The windows in these workrooms are typically covered by transparent curtains or an opaque surface that stops wanderers from seeing outside the offices. Despite this, the illumination of the LED lights is strong enough to brighten all the rooms in an equal manner with a white-yellowish luminescence, with some wanderers claiming that they tend to emit significant levels of warmth too.

Wanderers have reported a noticeable scent of fresh linen when entering the level’s workrooms. The white panel desks located throughout the offices usually range between 1.6 - 2.2 meters in size, with an average height of approximately 0.6 - 0.72 meters; meanwhile, pedestal bundles are located under the right side of the tables. They have three drawers with silver-metallic handles which scarcely contain food supplies, such as snacks, peanut muffins, smoothies or bottles of Almond Water. But, since the circumstances of finding solid supplies of alimentation are rare, most drawers and wastebaskets nearby are empty, or scarcely filled with various objects such as pamphlets, old notes, elastics, markers or scissors. On occasion, more unique objects can be found in the workrooms as well. One such example is a single decrepit journal belonging to a wanderer, which has since been preserved by the M.E.G. Another, more mysterious instance was an ancient book containing the earliest known recording of Level Keys and The Keymaster. It is a myth that vaguely mentions an object called "The Key of Salvation".

Computers, tablets, monitors, or different modern devices can be used by wanderers in these workrooms as they can search information about structures, designs, and concepts of other levels or cultural background elements regarding **Level 4** within the documents present on the screens — It should be noted that no WiFi connection is present in this level and it cannot be accessed by any means. Aside from the accessible gadgets, wanderers also reported finding typical office objects, namely xerox and printing machines, folders, notebooks, pens, pushpins, duct tape, paperclips, POS terminals, in-trays and out-trays, desktop organizers, small plants in flower pots, empty, white-grayish cups or bowls of ceramics, desk calculators or post-it notes.

Swivel chairs are common in the workrooms, almost always paired with a desk. These chairs have a set of wheels for mobility and an adjustable height mechanism, similar to the chairs typical in offices in the Frontrooms. All chairs appear to be constructed from the same black polyester-like material, reportedly being very appealing to wanderers, with some noting that they are extremely comfortable when working at the desks. Other attributes revolve around its strength, flexibility, and capacity for not getting stained, which can be great for wanderers who suffer from different allergens, such as pollen and dust. Aside from these aspects, the swivel chairs are very breathable and comfortable, at the same time creating the impression that they were designed strategically to increase the productivity of those working at the computers. Some notes belonging to former wanderers have even reported describing the chairs as a good spot to rest your body in or to sleep on.

## ABOUT THE WINDOWS

Differing from the previous levels, **Level 4** is the first level of the Backrooms to contain windows that depict scenery on the other side. Along the level’s “exterior” walls, a multitude of windows are present at even intervals. These windows are unable to be opened by any means and testing has shown them to be virtually indestructible with current technology. While window openings in the wall of a building for the admission of light and air is to be expected, the windows in this level appear to be arranged mainly for the purpose of architectural decoration, although they can also serve as a pleasing gospel for rain-scenery enjoyers. As wanderers enter the area, on the right side of the room, the following features may be observed:

ㅤㅤ**→**ㅤXOX Horizontal Slider windows measuring around 1.2 meters;

ㅤㅤ**→**ㅤGlass: It is speculated to be made of polycarbonate panels, but this has yet to be confirmed;

ㅤㅤ**→**ㅤSills: Concrete similar to the office’s walls;

ㅤㅤ**→**ㅤMullion: Dusty, powder-white;

ㅤㅤ**→**ㅤThe head of the windows is missing while the lintel resembles the same aspect as concrete;

ㅤㅤ**→**ㅤBlack, fiber wires can be seen hanging down from the sill to the floor.

## ABOUT THIS PLACES RAIN

As mentioned before, **Level 4** has a plethora of windows reflecting the rain from outside. After several studies, examinations, investigations and analysis effectuated on the level’s rain and the natural evolution of it, as well as its disasters, the M.E.G. Association drew a final conclusion regarding the natural phenomenon: it is highly believed that the weather comes in seasons that tend to change gradually at 3-month intervals. The seasons recorded so far are Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn, which respectively present very familiar characteristics, likely the equivalent of natural seasons in the Frontrooms.

## THE RAIN:SPRING SEASON

Spring is the rainiest season of all the four recorded throughout the course of a year in terms of quantity of precipitation and days where rain is active. During this season, the best precipitation dynamics of Winter and Summer converge and the temperature can reach between 12°C - 18°C. The explanation on why the Spring season is the best one to stay in is rather simple, focusing on the fact that the warm air holds more moisture than colder air and the air gets naturally mellower. If Winter had blizzards as its main natural disaster, the Spring season has the constant presence of thunderstorms as its main natural disaster.

The top of the clouds is pure white as the bottom part is a darkish-spruce or denim blue tone, depending on the rain’s intensity. If the clouds revolve around the white and blue game of color tones, the raindrops are light-gray, thick, and shine as if they are made of silver. Sometimes, a rainbow can be spotted between the clouds, alongside sunshine rays.

As mentioned before, the thunderstorms present the main danger recorded in the Spring season. Adverse health effects on wanderers were omitted as they could not enter in direct contact with any manifestation of the thunderstorms. Though, in reality, lightning is the most obvious threat to wanderers. Standing immediately in front of the windows when a lightning bolt strikes can cause temporary blindness, a ringing sensation in the ears, and hair to stand on its ends due to the introduction of static electricity into the immediate area affected.

## THE RAIN:SUMMER SEASON

The Summer season is widely known as the time of the year where heavy rainfall takes place, as the sun becomes overheated right after the end of Spring. The temperature can oscillate between 22°C - 24°C, but the extreme degree recorded in this level was between 40°C - 42°C.

The clouds have a purple/magenta color; however, those shades are often scattered, creating patches that appear to have less purple than others. This can be concluded to the lightning itself cutting through the light rays, projecting this scenery.

Only found in this season, convective rain is a common natural phenomenon because of the process of rising air where clouds continue to form and grow. Thus, leading to the point where clouds cannot hold any longer the weight of water droplets and create precipitation instead. The very same natural manifestation results in the creation of Cumulonimbus clouds (active low pressure / instability in the atmosphere) which causes heavy rainfall. It manifests for a long duration, often accompanied by thunderstorms and thunder lightning. Rays of sun can be spotted beneath the clouds sometimes as well, especially after an episode of heavy rain.

There have been reported phenomena of dry thunderstorms, which, in result, bear much more rain than what is considered “usual”. Although it is not comparable to its Spring counterpart, it can still be quite difficult to carry on with typical/common tasks and should not be a matter taken lightly by wanderers.

## THE RAIN:FALL SEASON

The Fall Season (also known as “Autumn” in some places) is among the most passive of the seasons. Rain and thunderstorms are still frequent, but not as long-lasting as in Spring, nor as intense as in Summer. Typically only for this interval of time, the sky is overcast in a peaceful contrast of yellow, orange, white, gray, and slightly purple spectre, but rays of sun can be often spotted poking through the gloomy ceiling-like look these clouds provide. Most had associated the Autumn Season with the feeling of melancholy since the possibilities of the Summer are gone while the coolness of the Winter is on the horizon.

The season starts with the average daily air temperature below 15°C, a noticeable drop of the air’s heat compared to Summer. The first half of Autumn (35-40 days since the beginning of the season) is characterized by the domination of a serene, calm, and sunny anticyclonic weather. During this period, favorable conditions are created for wanderers to form colonies and outposts since the manifestations of the rain are minimal and the temperature can reach 10°C - 15°C.

Toward the end of Autumn, the frequency of cyclones increases as cold masses of air penetrate through, resulting in the general temperature lowering (10°C - 3°C) and the appearance of the first frosts. The raindrops begin to cool and eventually freeze into snowflakes while the clouds take more of a white coloring. This can be considered a sign, or even a warning, for all the wanderers residing in the level to leave because it symbolizes the gradual transition into the Winter season.

## THE RAIN:WINTER SEASON

Instead of the typical raindrops present in other seasons, the precipitation within this period of time is formed from large, cold snowflakes. The presence of blizzards is a constant event classified as a “natural disaster”, as the temperature can drastically drop to a negative degree (varying from 0°C to even (-10)°C) during this season. Even though the snowflakes have a slow and dance-like movement when falling down from the clouds, they melt sprightly when making contact with a window surface. Meanwhile, the clouds have an almost pure-white tone and it can reach a light-gray color during a blizzard. If the temperature eventually drops below 0°C, ice pellets will start forming on the windows, creating the illusion of a softly-grayish tone of color to the glass surface. Other wanderers have reported witnessing chunks of ice falling down from the clouds alongside the snowflakes during the Winter season, but no picture has captured this phenomenon so far.

#### **M.E.G. Medicinal Notice:**

`The Winter Season has been classified as the most passive level in terms of manifestations, but the most aggressive when it comes to its natural disasters’ effects on wanderers. Spending an extended period of time in the level during the Winter season is strongly advised against, as its temperature may plummet from below zero degrees Celsius to -10 degrees Celsius.`
**Reason:**

`The following illnesses that can be caught in **Level 4** are listed below:`

ㅤㅤㅤHypothermia (Symptoms: Uncontrollable shivering, profound exhaustion, fumbling hands, signs of memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness);

ㅤㅤㅤFrostbite (Symptoms: “Pins and needles”, aching or throbbing in the affected area, numbness, loss of normal skin color, wax-looking skin or muscle stiffness that lead to clumsy locomotive movements);

ㅤ ㅤTrenchfoot (Symptoms: Tingling sensations, general pain, cold and blotchy skin as in the post-hyperaemic phase is starting to affect the nerve damage at the foot level);

ㅤㅤㅤChilblains (Symptoms: Itchy, red areas on hands, skin ulcers, swelling, delusional sensations of burning or loss of normal skin color).

In order to avoid catching one of these four mentioned cold-related ailments, experts recommend to take the following advice into consideration:

* Pay attention to your emergency supply kits.

* Avoid bringing heating devices into the level that are meant for outdoor use. It can lead to the destruction of the integrity of the office rooms and the potential harm of other wanderers within the same area.

* It is important to wear thick clothes; it is preferred to wear several lightweight, warm, cozy layers of clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing (such as a jacket).

* Remove the pieces of clothing that get wet during exploration.

* Move to a warmer room in the level, one as far as possible from the windows. Smaller rooms better maintain the warm temperature.

## ANALYSIS ON LEVEL 4

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## COLONIES AND OUTPOSTS

Currently, the M.E.G. has recorded two officially documented colonies and outposts within **Level 4**:

### 𝘽.𝘼.𝙎. (𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢𝙨 𝘼𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙮𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙣)

* An organization found exclusively in **Level 4** with the primary objective of focusing on the exploration of the office’s structure, secrets, and connections to the Frontrooms;
* The group consists of skilled scientists, professionals in the medical field, reporters, and architects;
* The B.A.S. is known for their several discoveries in the Backrooms;
* Known for maintaining good relations with The Maintenance Workers in Level 3;
* They are friendly and open to trade with wanderers, although a lot of them are quite reserved and do not present a welcoming sight for newcomers.

### 𝙎.𝙍.𝘾. (𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙙 𝘾𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨: 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙚)

* A medicinal and pharmaceutical organization focused primarily on maintaining and providing for the health of wanderers who pass by;
* The group has a current member count of approximately 433, consisting of various divisions of doctors, nurses, physicians, and pharmacists;
* It assists vulnerable wanderers in situations of disaster/crisis by contributing in averting and alleviating suffering in all its forms, protecting health and mental wellbeing, along with cultivating respect toward human dignity;
* Known to stockpile food, medical supplies and other necessary resources in order to help wanderers have a safe time in **Level 4**;
* They are friendly and welcoming towards anyone who enters in contact with them; up for trade as long as the object the wanderer trades can serve in healing a harmed human being.

## ENTRANCES AND EXITS

### 【𝐕𝐈.𝟏 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬】

There are ten currently known methods of entering **Level 4**:

* One may enter this level from Level 3 via a door labeled “office sector”;
* Entering a flatly-colored wooden door on Level 30 may lead one to this level;
* Some doors in Level 54's Floor 2 have a chance of leading to this level;
* Entering a double side door with a "No Exit" sign in Level 7 may lead one to this level;
* Entering a doctor medical office door in Level 16 may lead one to this level;
* Sewer grates on the ceiling of Level 34 may rarely lead one to this level through the floor;
* Extended hallways in Level 37 lacking any water may eventually lead to **Level 4**;
* Certain areas in Level 47 may seamlessly lead one to this level;
* This level may be entered via an orange door in Level 153.

### 【𝐕𝐈.𝟐 𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐭𝐬】

There are ten currently known methods of exiting **Level 4**:

* Coming upon an ornately-decorated door emanating disquieting classical music may lead to Level 5;
* One may enter Level 6 by chance upon the lights in the level going out;
* Forcing open a window and climbing out during a heavy thunderstorm may lead one to Level 11 or Level 37;
* Entering a room labeled "greenhouse" may lead one to Level 13;
* Entering a door labeled with a "rose-flower" symbol may lead one to Level 83 or Level 150;
* Entering a door labeled with an "ocean wave" symbol will lead one to Level 100;
* Disproportionately long descending staircases may lead to Level 153;
* Extended metallic hallways may lead to Level 192 or Level 273;
* Entering a door with a brass number “6” will lead one to Level 332.