Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 2: The Jester [1]
Previously on Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary!...
[Welcome, new developer!]
"....What?!"
As soon as my eyes flew open, a see-through alert popped up right in front of me.
Through that, I realized I was sitting smack in the middle of a massive opera house theater.
Darkness ruled since the lights were dimmed. Thick drapes covered the stage. Endless rows of vacant chairs faded into shadows, with the upper levels equally deserted.
The creepiest part?
Sweat drenched me completely.
"....."
Did I push myself too hard with work?
Attempting to tweak my cheek, the sharp sting confirmed it was real.
So... what then?
[This isn't a hallucination or dream! It's an actual event from the Horror Developer System!]
Another alert blinked into view, twisting my gut.
[You're the fortunate one picked by the Horror Developer System!]
[Basically, we'll assist in crafting top-notch horror games!]
"No way, I refuse. Release me."
No matter what this madness was, I wanted nothing to do with it.
Nausea already bubbled up inside.
[No need to fret! If our offerings don't satisfy, quitting remains an option!]
[We commit to delivering superior service]
Excellent.
Time to exit immediately.
For a split second, the queasiness in my belly eased.
Yet that relief lasted only instants.
[However, before choosing, you'll experience a trial run]
"Oh no."
The turmoil surged back, fiercer this time.
A surge of dread flooded through me.
[Rest assured, though!]
[As a newcomer bonus, receive a starter kit]
[Plus, get special details about the trial!]
[All to hone your skills as a game creator!]
Objects materialized from nowhere in a flash.
I snatched them up swiftly.
"What are these...?"
Glancing below, four objects came into view: a pale mask, an empty paper sheet, a handheld radio, and some earplugs.
Tiny panels hovered over each one.
Peering closer, names and brief explanations were etched on every piece.
─────
[Blank Mask]
: Non-consumable.
[Mind Printer]
: [1] Consumable
[Earplugs]
: [1] Consumable
[Walkie-Talkie]
: Non-consumable.
─────
...Just one use?
Earplugs? Mask? Mind Printer? Walkie-Talkie? This made for the beginner set?
Some kind of prank?
How could these possibly aid me? How to even deploy them? Adding to the frustration, the Walkie-Talkie's note seemed downright taunting.
Was it ridiculing me?
Triggering the walkie-talkie yielded only weak crackles.
"What nonsense..."
If that proved useless, my eyes then fixed on the plain mask nearby. Pure white, devoid of any traits, save for hollow sockets for eyes. Nothing more—no patterns, no embellishments, merely an empty facade.
"Why hide who I am? Hold on..."
A chilling realization hit, dropping my spirits.
"You mean....? They'll recognize me later?"
Damn it.
Vomiting seemed imminent.
[The trial starts soon. Prepare yourself~]
I moved to rise on reflex, yet my frame wouldn't budge. Like being cemented to the seat.
...Trouble brewing.
My insides twisted violently.
Escape was urgent.
However—
"No, stay composed."
I'd tackled plenty of horror titles. This mirrored them.
The system did promise an exit. Endure until the trial concluded.
Right. Nothing more.
"Hold on a moment."
My gaze lifted abruptly to the hovering alert ahead.
"What happens upon failing the trial? Do I return home safely?"
Should that be the case, perhaps...
[No]
A heavy quiet descended, choking the air.
Soon, a follow-up alert emerged.
Now...
[Failure means death]
Rendered in stark crimson.
".....!"
Tension seized every fiber as my eyes bulged.
"What in the—!?"
[Trial commencing now...]
[Operation: Silent Requiem]
Class : ■■■
:
The text in the display sent a ghostly chill racing along my back.
[Trial participants arrive soon. Use any item? ]
[Ten seconds remain]
"Trial participants?"
My gut tightened sharply.
"Others are involved as well?"
Silence answered.
Only a foreboding hush.
Teeth grinding, I eyed the objects clutched in my grasp. Urgency guided me. I grabbed the mask and pressed it against my features.
At once, an odd panel surfaced before my sight.
It showcased various mask patterns.
▶ [Jester]
▷ [Clown]
▷ [Skull]
.
.
.
Plenty of intriguing options existed, yet one issue stood out.
All screamed eerie.
[5 Seconds]
"Ugh."
I sped through the options.
[2 Seconds]
"Forget it."
▶ [Jester]
[Jester chosen. Mask transforming now.]
The mask contracted and bonded seamlessly to my visage.
"—!!"
Desperation drove me to yank it away, but as my fingers rose, bells popped into my view—strung on crimson threads.
Gentle tinkling echoed as the bells rang in unison.
Next—
The theater burst into illumination.
Seats that had been barren now brimmed with occupants everywhere.
Clapping thundered from every direction, jolting me. What's happening...!? Breath catching, I whipped my head—
"...!?"
Icy sickness slammed into me.
My neighbor lacked any facial traits. No gaze, no lips—just a flat, blank surface in place of a visage.
As if shocks were done, additional shapes coalesced from nothing, dotting the venue.
Distinct from the featureless crowd, these bore countenances. Dressed in crisp dark attire, golden badges shone on their torsos—a symbol that rang a vague bell.
They settled into chairs without delay.
Stranger still, I caught their subtle looks, realizing the truth fast.
Acquaintances, clearly.
Their smooth motions and knowing glances suggested deep familiarity with this setup. But when their sights hit me, motion halted.
In that eerie pause, they stiffened, eyes locked on mine. Viewing me like an unforeseen element.
Then, in sync, they shifted focus away and sat down.
My hand balled into a fist.
Secrets they held that escaped me.
Words nearly escaped my lips when—
A faint crackle hummed from my grip.
A low, gravelly tone followed soon.
Dropping my view to my palm.
Or rather, the radio device there.
What on earth...?