Hi everyone and welcome to my 12th Dev Log!

I’m introducing a Progress Percentage to these updates so you can track exactly where The Darkness Within stands. This covers the final polish of the Prologue and the ongoing production of Chapter 1.

• Prologue: 100%

• Chapter 1: 10% => 33% (a 23% increase from the last 2 weeks!)

Development & Sneak Peek

These past two weeks have been intense. I’ve pushed out 118 renders, focusing on "living" scenes where every character moves. The quality is evolving with every frame, and I'm moving away from static, robotic compositions.

Check out this Sneak Peek of Dylan. We’re diving into a pivotal flashback from his past. Dylan has always been Mike’s support , but this scene explores the weight he carried, after his father lost everything. It’s a somber, rainy moment, but an important one for the story.

I’ve been battling seamless audio loops to ensure the atmosphere never breaks. On the technical side, I’ve refined the UI and completed a full grammar sweep of the Prologue.

Facecards

You asked for them, and they’re here! I’ve put together "Facecards" and mini-interviews for our main cast. Whether it’s the guarded Anna , the gentle Aria , or the adventurous Sasha, you’ll get a glimpse into what makes them unique.

• Comment below: Based on the interviews, which girl do you think has the most to hide? And who do you like the best?

Main Love Interests

| Anna |

Who are you?

I'm Anna. People see the last name and the 'Noble' title and they think they know me. They don't. I'm just a girl who spent her life playing a princess in a house that felt like a museum. Half a year ago, I finally stopped playing along and moved to Freistadt. I’m still learning how to be "just Anna", but I’m getting there.

What do you do?

I spend my time at an Art Gallery, it’s quiet, and the art doesn’t demand anything from me. When I’m not there, I’m running. Literally. Pilates, yoga, bouldering... I think I’m just trying to burn off twenty years of being told to sit still and look pretty. And if I see another letter with my family’s seal on it, I’m burning it.

What are your dreams?

I want to see my parents smile—really smile—without the weight of a legacy or a name. I dream of a life that is mundane, simple, and honest. No rules, no expectations... just the freedom to read a book in the woods and stay as long as I want.

| Aria |

Who are you?

Hi! I'm Aria. People say I'm a bit dramatic, but I think I just feel things more loudly than others do. I'm the girl you'll find in the park with a book, probably talking to the birds. I... I try to be kind to everyone, mostly because I know how much it hurts when people aren't.

What do you do?

I work at a flower shop. It’s my favorite place in Freistadt. It’s quiet, and flowers don't judge you. I get to see people at their most honest: buying a rose for a first date or lilies for a goodbye. I like being a small part of their story, even if they never know mine.

What are your dreams?

Too many! Hahaha—But if I had to choose I would like to build a sanctuary. A small library filled with coffee and flowers, tucked away where the city noise can't reach. I want to create a community where people actually see each other as human beings... and maybe, a place where I finally feel like I belong, too.

| Lena |

Who are you?

Lena.

What do you do?

By day, I manage Fetched, Freistadt's most expensive Restaurant. It’s all fake smiles and expensive wine. By night, I’m at Burnnin. I’m the one who decides if you’re coming inside and dance or having to spend your night finding a taxi back home. It’s honest work.

What are your dreams?

Dreams? I don't have time for fantasies. But if you're asking what I want... I want to live in a city where the 'important' people at Fetched treat others with half the respect I demand at Burnnin. I’m tired of seeing people get stepped on just because they’re quiet or 'different.' My dream is simple: a world where if you act like a piece of shit, you actually get shown the door. Every time.

| Sasha |

Who are you?

I'm Sasha. I'm the girl who’d rather be out exploring a forest or dancing in the rain than stuck in a classroom. I live in a cramped apartment with my family, and honestly? I wouldn't trade the noise of my brother playing for a mansion. I follow my gut, it usually knows where I’m going before I do.

What do you do?

I’m a freelance Artist. I design for people, but only if I like their 'vibe'. I can usually tell if someone is faking being okay. On the side, I’m writing a world of my own. Maybe one day I’ll let someone read it... if they’re special enough.

What are your dreams?

I want to see my brother, Sebastian, find his voice and grow old without the world trying to break him. I want to travel with my parents, see the things my dad couldn't because he was busy being a hero as a firefighter. Mostly, I just want a life where no one tells me who I’m supposed to be.

| Tiffany |

Who are you?

What a weird question. I'm Tiffany. I don’t believe in 'finding yourself', I believe in building yourself. I’ve spent every waking hour since I was sixteen making sure I’m someone people can’t afford to ignore.

What do you do?

I was a Senior Consultant at a top-tier Crisis Management firm. I handled fires that would make most people quit on day one. Now? I’m managing this Academy.

What are your dreams?

Being nominated for Forbes 30 Under 30. And... eventually, buying a house with a view of the ocean. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere where the only person I have to take care of is myself.

Main Character

| Mike |

Who are you?

Not sure to be honest. Still trying to figure it out.

What do you do?

I'm a student, studying something I don't care about, just to escape the feeling of not fitting in society.

What are your dreams?

See mother speaking again. Uuh - and maybe travel a lot. Stay away from this city.

I'm leaving the Facecards for you to download attached as a zip file down below!

The Next Two Weeks: The Gates Open

Chapter 1 is about to hit its most critical juncture. Mike is finally approaching the Academy. This is a strange, unsettling place that will change everything for Mike.

Office work has been stressful lately, but it’s only making me more eager to dive back into the world of the game.

What a long Dev Log today, but I had a blast writing it. As always, thanks for the support. You’re the fuel that keeps this project moving.

— MisheruMaxis