He ran the file. A crude, neon-green window popped up over his game screen with options that felt like godhood: No Kill Cooldown, See Impostors, Wallhack, Instant Win. He checked them all.

The menu had a button labeled Curiously, Leo clicked it. Suddenly, the chat box exploded. Every player began typing identical messages at impossible speeds: I am the monster. I am the rot. Leo invited me in.

The download was titled AmongUs_MegaMenu_v4.2_FREE.exe . In the dimly lit bedroom of his parents' house, Leo stared at the flickering icon. He was tired of being the first one killed, tired of being "sus" for no reason, and tired of losing. "Just one game," he whispered to the glowing monitor.