Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 569: Comfort [3]

Creaaak—!

The corpse dangled right in front of my eyes, utterly devoid of any breath.

My pulse throbbed in sync with the hanging figure.

'No breathing at all. He's gone.'

I examined the corpse's face and grew even more convinced. This was the very Group Leader I'd been chatting with just a short while ago. I

In that scenario—

'All the folks outside are dead.'

Or were they really? I couldn't be certain because they had all seemed so 'vibrant' moments before.

'Damn it.'

Rubbing my face roughly, I shoved the anxiety aside and approached the dangling form.

'It could be a setup, or perhaps not. Still, I'll check if the clues they've uncovered are somewhere in this spot.'

The corpse wore attire unlike the one from downstairs.

He sported a uniform resembling military gear, complete with pockets along his jacket and trousers. As I patted down the body, I searched for items in those pockets.

'A pocket knife?'

I flung it aside.

For some odd reason, my actions grew hasty while rummaging through the pockets.

It was like my being there was intrusive.

As if I was witnessing forbidden sights, my chest tightened, and my motions sped up even more.

'Nothing in this one either. How about this pocket?'

Pulling out another object, I halted.

It was a photograph.

The image showed a specific woman alongside a little girl.

His relatives...

I drew a long breath, glancing back at the body before me, then tucked the photo away and resumed searching. The quietness surrounding me grew more oppressive, with every noise amplified. As I reached for his chest pocket, I sensed something firm and undid the button to retrieve it.

Yet as my fingers delved in, my head tilted up instinctively.

A pair of empty eyes locked onto mine. Gazing directly at me.

'——!'

My whole frame stiffened, my face contorting fully as I instinctively retreated a step.

Nevertheless—

The gaze appeared unfocused.

It merely oscillated with the body, swinging gently on top of the wardrobe.

My grip clenched harder as I averted my eyes from the stare and focused on my hand, spotting a compact black device.

'This is a data transmitter.'

The gadget functioned like a USB drive but was far more sophisticated.

'...Exactly what I sought here.'

A wave of relief washed over me upon finding it, and no longer able to endure the sight of the body, I shut the wardrobe door while heading to the desk to plug the transmitter into the phone.

———●

Data Transfer :

|[0%]—————————|

———●

The progress bar advanced swiftly once I linked it to my phone.

While the files copied over, I picked up my phone and slipped it into my pocket. Then, I crept out of the room and returned to the hallway.

Step—

My footfall echoed through the area again.

But now, the noise rang out more intensely than earlier.

It seemed almost like the ground itself was broadcasting my location to every door along the passage.

I gulped involuntarily, my eyes scanning everywhere before fixing on the adjacent room.

In truth, my mission was complete.

I could head down and alert Leon and the rest about what happened.

However...

'No way it's that simple.'

I had to grasp the location of the way out properly. Moreover, I needed to verify if my earlier hunch held true and that all those below had ended their own lives.

With the Realmwalker's shadow following close, I proceeded to the next chamber as the Realmwalker slipped through the door and opened it from inside.

Click!

Stepping into the space, a light gust wafted by me once again.

This time, the atmosphere chilled deeper.

I advanced silently, absorbing the room's arrangement. It resembled the prior one in layout, yet the instant I entered, things sharpened as a creaking noise hit my ears right away.

Gazing at the tipped-over chair and the swinging corpse, my heart iced over.

'Dead. Another suicide.'

Oddly, the wave of terror faded after mere seconds and ceased to grip me. Rather, while observing the oscillating body, a peculiar notion surfaced in my thoughts.

'That... it somehow seems oddly soothing.'

I reflected on my predicament.

My tension eased without thought.

Why was I enduring all this ordeal?

Ultimately, my chaos stemmed from a desire to heal the illness that had tormented me since childhood. Yet it proved incredibly tough.

The condition turned out far more intricate than I'd anticipated at first.

I'd been forced into countless scenarios that... nearly ended me several times, driving me near insanity.

Did it justify the struggle?

Thump!

Something tugged at my attire.

But I fought it off.

Thump!

It exerted greater force.

I brushed it away with my hand, and the pull ceased.

My thoughts wandered to the group below.

To their cheerful expressions and mutual chuckles.

What if...?

'——!'

Shaking free from my reverie, I noticed a pair of eyes fixed upon me, their vacant, aimless stare aimed my way as the body rocked softly in the stagnant air.

'Wha...'

Glancing downward, I saw I'd positioned myself on the upended chair, my arm extended toward the noose suspending the body overhead.

Ba... Thump! Ba... Thump!

Clank!

Reeling backward, I almost toppled from the chair while scanning the surroundings.

That's...!

That's.....!

Rubbing my face frantically, I compelled myself to regain composure.

Cold perspiration dripped along my spine as the truth of it all settled in.

In that instant, for the shortest span, I nearly succumbed to the lure. Just that fleeting lapse allowed my form to act independently.

If I hadn't pulled back in time...

'No, don't dwell on it.'

I cleared the moisture from my brow while searching for the Realmwalker.

Where had that thing gone?

Why hadn't it intervened? I'd summoned it on purpose!

'No, forget that... I... I must escape this area.'

It was evident.

The longer I lingered here, the more potent the urge would grow. I had to locate the exit immediately!

'I'll hurry back to the others.'

Step! Step—

Exiting the chamber, I ignored concealing my footsteps and dashed downward with all speed.

No opportunity to concern myself with other matters.

Descending the extended staircase, I finally arrived at the ground level where laughter echoed in the distance again. My tension lifted briefly, but soon I steadied myself and emerged.

'Hahaha.'

'...So like I mentioned, last week I attempted this, but I got so intoxicated that I almost blanked on the events.'

'You ought to sample this. It's delicious.'

Chatter reached me from every side as I kept observing the scene.

At last, I located Esteban and the group.

Hm? But Leon was missing?

'Oh, you've returned.'

'——!'

My heart almost burst from my ribcage as I whirled to face the person positioned behind me.

When did...!

'No, never mind.'

I composed myself while giving a nod.

'Mhm, I got what I needed.'

'That's great.'

Leon inclined his head, reaching out his palm.

'Hand it over.'

'Hm?'

I paused, staring at him, my eyebrows knitting together.

He kept his eyes locked on mine, his face utterly grave.

'...Didn't you catch that? Hand it over.'

My stomach dropped.

This guy—

'No use for you to hold onto it regardless.'

Abruptly, his mouth twisted into a smirk as he placed his hand on my shoulder and bent in, murmuring near my ear, 'Since, what could a dead person possibly do with it?'