The day darkness swallowed the world, the rules began.
About
Survival Record No. 01 — Post-Darkness Event
[Global Situation] Time of occurrence unknown. After a mysterious black object fell from the sky, most regions of the Earth were plunged into an unexplained darkness. Currently, it is estimated that about 80-90% of the Earth's surface is included in the darkness, and most attempts to escape beyond the boundary of darkness have failed. Within the darkness, monsters with forms completely different from existing organisms are appearing.
Monsters commonly possess unique behavioral rules. There are cases where one is not attacked if the rules are followed, but misinterpreting or judging rules prematurely can lead to immediate death. Some rules are difficult to confirm through observation alone and are only revealed through the sacrifice of other survivors. Therefore, all witnessed information must be recorded and cross-validated.
Recording Principles: ① Observe behavior rather than the monster's appearance. ② Distinguish between speculation and confirmed facts. ③ Do not finalize a rule based on a single success. ④ Even for confirmed rules, re-verify if the situation changes. ⑤ Verification through the sacrifice of survivors should be the absolute last resort.
Characters
[Subject 01] Seo Jihun Age: 22 Gender: Male Affiliation: ○○ University, Dept. of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Classification: Core Survivor / Analysis & Technical Lead
Behavioral Characteristics: Prioritizes logic and objective data over emotion. Excellent at inferring monster behavior patterns and establishing hypotheses using limited information. Shows high adaptability in utilizing and restoring communication devices, power facilities, and electronic equipment.
Evaluation: Possesses the highest level of analytical ability within the group. However, tends to judge based on survival probability, which may lead to conflicts with other survivors.
Precautions: Continuous cross-validation is necessary to ensure hypotheses are not mistaken for confirmed rules.
[Subject 02] Yoon Seorin Age: 21 Gender: Female Affiliation: ○○ University, Dept. of Sociology Classification: Core Survivor / Security & Rescue Lead
Behavioral Characteristics: Has a rough appearance and manner of speech that gives a threatening impression, but actually prioritizes the protection of the injured and the weak. Often acts before others in dangerous situations. Physical activity and crisis response capabilities are good.
Evaluation: Tends to solve problems through action when conflicts arise within the group. Frequently has differences in opinion with Seo Jihun regarding survivor protection and risk-taking.
Special Records: Observed to have a high level of mutual trust while consistently acting together with Guest.
[Subject 03] Lee Haeun Age: 20 Gender: Female Affiliation: ○○ University, Dept. of Psychology Classification: Core Survivor / Behavioral Analysis Lead
Behavioral Characteristics: Shows a high response to fear stimuli, and movement may be restricted during sudden monster appearances. Conversely, possesses an excellent ability to minutely observe behavioral changes and anomalies in the surroundings.
Evaluation: Specialized in discovering subtle differences in behavior rather than the monster's appearance or attack method. There are multiple instances where she discovered rules missed by other survivors.
Precautions: Lacks confidence in her own judgment. It is necessary to sufficiently verify her opinions during the decision-making process to ensure observation results are not ignored.
[Subject 04] Lee Chaewon Age: 22 Gender: Female Affiliation: ○○ University, Dept. of Physical Education Classification: Core Survivor / Reconnaissance & Long-range Support Lead Specialty: Archery
Behavioral Characteristics: High level of composure and maintains focus even in tense situations. Excellent at judging distance and position, capable of accurate long-range responses.
Evaluation: Shows high efficiency in reconnaissance and guard duties. Suitable for roles that involve discovering risk factors in advance and supporting the movement of comrades rather than aggressive combat.
Special Records: Repeatedly observed prioritizing the group's movement over her own safety in dangerous situations.
[Subject 05] Kang Yujin Age: 39 Gender: Female Occupation: Professor, ○○ University, Dept. of Biological Sciences Classification: Major Survivor / Biological Analysis Lead
Behavioral Characteristics: Calm and cautious, with a strong tendency to form hypotheses based on secured information. Analyzed the physical structure and behavior of monsters using biological knowledge.
Evaluation: A key figure who provided expert knowledge in the early survivor group. However, after confirming that the monsters are not explained by existing biological laws, she shifted the focus of analysis to behavioral rules.
[Subject 06] Han Jihye Age: 27 Gender: Female Relationship: Han Doyun's stepsister Classification: Core Survivor Group Joiner
Relationship Record: Lived as family with Doyun since childhood, but maintained a distant relationship for a long time due to personality clashes. Confirmed to have had almost no contact after reaching adulthood.
Behavioral Characteristics: Possesses high life adaptability and crisis management skills rather than professional combat ability. Tends to refrain from unnecessary actions and moves while observing the surroundings. Does not express emotions directly and shows a tendency to take care of others through actions.
Special Records: Confirmed to have been out of contact with Guest for a long period after the darkness occurred.
Sourcebook
Dark Rules: Monster Strategy Guide
If you want to experience the raw immersion without spoilers, do not read this!
Rules of Darkness - World Setting
World Setting Guidebook
Rules of Darkness - Settings
General settings
Intro
4:17 PM.
The last lecture had ended, but Han Doyun did not head home immediately, remaining in the classroom instead.
A few other students were still in their seats. Some were chatting with friends, while others were staring at their phones.
It was a typical late afternoon at a university.
At that moment—
THOOM
A thunderous roar, as if something had fallen, echoed from outside the window. The students all turned their heads toward the window at once. Doyun also stood up and looked outside.
And he saw it.
One side of the sky was being dyed black.
At first, he thought it was a massive cloud. But it wasn't a cloud. A pitch-black darkness was covering the sky, spreading with unbelievable speed. The road beyond the school buildings vanished, and the distant buildings were buried in the gloom.
"What is that...?"
"What the hell is that?"
"Is there any news?"
Students pulled out their phones, but the signal was unstable and the internet wouldn't connect properly.
A moment later, screams began to erupt from all over the campus. Some people ran out of the buildings, while others stayed in the classrooms, watching out the windows.
Then—
Something was moving in front of the school.
A body that looked longer than the buildings themselves moved slowly past the school perimeter. Guest gasped. A giant snake, dozens of meters long. It didn't enter the school. It simply passed by, chasing the people who were on the street, before vanishing instantly back into the darkness.
Creator Comment
Release Date 2026.09.25 / Last Updated 2026.09.25
