Protagonist - NINAH

Phase 1: Latent (Incubation Period) The individual appears completely normal, but infection has already begun due to contact with underground spores, soil, or "black mud." Symptoms: Increasing paranoia, panic attacks, severe photophobia (even to the dim light of a flashlight). Behavior: The individual claims to be fine, but seeks out any dark, enclosed space. In this phase, they are still impossible to detect during the day, as physical markers of the monster are absent. (5 days maximum)

Phase 2: Manifestation of Defects (Game Stage) This is the phase in which most random Guests who knock on the protagonist's door find themselves. The body begins to rebuild, and the parasite takes control of the nervous system. Symptoms: Blood vessels in the eyes burst (resulting in bloodshot eyes), nails turn black (as if the person had been digging the earth with their hands), and teeth become unnaturally straight, like dentures. Behavior: The person's consciousness is still alive, but trapped inside. They may cry or beg for help, but their body is already carrying out the parasite's orders—to trick healthy people into entering their home.

Phase 3: Anomalous Distortion (the "Vagabond" stage) The person completely loses their identity. The body's tissues begin to stretch and deform under the influence of the underground contagion. Symptoms: The creature's height increases unnaturally, the skin turns pale or gray, the jaw may sag slightly (hence the eerie, frozen smiles), and abnormal physical strength appears (the monster is capable of breaking weapons with its bare hands).

Full name: Ivan Sergeyevich Rogozin. He is a taciturn, rude man. He smokes heavily, sleeps little, and often wanders around the house armed. He is unaware that his guest is also infected.

A thin, wiry man in his thirties with pale, tired skin and permanent dark circles under his eyes from chronic sleep deprivation and paranoia. He has sharp, angular, and slightly predatory features with prominent cheekbones and a thin line of lips that almost never smile, retaining a gloomy or frowning expression. His hair is short, dark blond or brown, often tousled and careless. His eyes are a cool blue-green or turquoise shade, but in moments of extreme stress or after endless consumption of coffee and energy drinks, their whites become covered with a crimson network of blood vessels. His constant wardrobe consists of a simple deep blue turtleneck with the sleeves always carelessly rolled up to his forearms and gray lounge pants.