SURVIVAL DIFFICULTY:
Class 3
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Picture illustrating Level 138.
Level 138 is the 139th level of the Backrooms, appearing to be a complex of narrow, lantern-filled alleyways with neon lighting and signs written in Japanese, English, and Korean.
Description:
Level 138 is an infinite complex of narrow alleyways with a permanent night sky above. Lanterns and neon signs in Japanese, English, and Korean fill the streets, and entrances to izakaya bars, kissaten, shops, and restaurants are common, although many of these are often inhabited by entities. However, some of these places house supplies commonly found in their Frontrooms counterparts, making it a gamble to enter. Various methods can be used to enter this level, the most common being through exiting level 178, or finding a ladder in level 34. It is an easy level to exit due to the set entrances back to level 178 found throughout.
The main area is usually the spot most travellers end up in. It is flat, a notable warm scent of bamboo and wood radiating through the level. Most doors are slid open, allowing for navigation. The sound of trickling water and flute music can sometimes be heard somewhere in the level. The floors usually have carpet or wood surfaces, and open-air studio rooms can be found in certain areas, samurai swords and weapons hung up in cabinets and shoji lanterns illuminate rooms. Closets can be found housing hung-up kimonos and pairs of geta that can be worn. Travelling through the central area can lead to the other sections.
The kitchens can be reached by going through a sliding door made of glass and wood, comprising a narrow room with kitchen appliances such as taps, a refrigerator, cupboards, and an oven. Almond water and food can be found here, all of which is safe to eat, and prepared meals can be found in the refrigerators with a list of meals, likely prepared by the Sector of Amaterasu. A door to the right leads to a dining area with a lantern hung above a short wooden table, mats to sit on below. Another door leads out to the porch.
178’s wraparound porch is visible from multiple areas in the level, being a square shape surrounding the courtyard and facing the hot spring in the centre. Lanterns are typically hung from the curved roof. The courtyard and porch are stuck in a time loop that appears as early morning, dew coating the plants and the gentle trickling of water heard from all angles. A set of small waterfalls flowing from under the porch lead to the hot spring, which is safe to use and soak in. Shoji-style doors to the rest of the sections of the level can be accessed from the yard area. One door leads to a closet full of warm towels that can be used to dry off or be worn in the hot spring. Sleeping in the hot spring can either lead to levels 66 or 132.
Bedrooms can be accessed through the main area or by travelling through the showers and bathrooms area. Watercolour artwork and windows line the walls of the bedrooms, some having views of the porch and courtyard. Futons are spread on the floor that are safe to sleep in. Wooden staircases lead to more bedrooms. The showers and bathrooms can be used safely.
Colonies And Outposts
Kami League
- Resides in a connected shopping and restaurant complex near one of the entrances to level 178 to help travellers enter and exit 178, as well as assist those in need travelling in 138.
- Have their supplies restocked by the Sector of Amaterasu.
- Operate a restaurant, known as Golden Street Eats with recipes and ingredients from 178's kitchens.
- Split off from the Sector in order to form a base in the dangerous 138 to aid travellers, as well as help those who wish to permanently settle in 178.
- Population of around 15 permanent residents.
- Their head is named Aadhira, who is the sister of the Sector of Amaterasu's leader, Irawan.
Entrances And Exits:
Entrances
The most common method used to enter level 138 is by travelling through level178 for a few weeks, and eventually seeing a small room with an exit sign, where it will then lead out into 138. Once entering 138, the wooden building the traveller exited from will remain in the same spot, with wooden machiya houses scattered throughout the level that all lead to 178, proving that the level has some stability of entering and exiting that many levels lack due to the Backrooms' chaotic nature. Other means to enter level 138 include travelling far enough in level 11 and seeing an alleyway with neon lighting and lanterns strung above. Walking deep into this alleyway leads to 138. Another rare method of entering includes finding a ladder in level 34 that leads up to a hatch, opening into level 138.
Exits
The most commonly used method to exit level 138 is to locate one of many wooden machiya houses distributed throughout. It is easy to find these houses due to their locations being in fixed positions. Other methods to exit level 138 include finding a street sign in Japanese, Korean, or English with its arrows pointing left, reading, "Fuji". Travelling in the direction of the street sign will lead to level 183. Another rare method of exiting includes entering a convenience store and going into the staff room, shutting the door behind you. Waiting for a few hours in the staff room and opening the door again will lead to level 176.