Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 578: Identity [4]

The world seemed to whirl in a haze.

Yet, every detail remained vivid in my memory.

The chain of happenings that brought me to my dying breath, right up to the second my head got cut off.

Every bit of it lingered clear.

Ultimately, my own fate didn't matter to me anymore.

In those final instants, a realization hit me.

That...

My personal suffering meant nothing at all.

My sole focus was vanquishing the demon, no matter the cost to myself.

In that crucial moment, nothing else held any significance.

That thought consumed my mind completely.

And—

"..."

I blinked my eyes open, gazing at the man lounging on the lone crimson couch, serenely filling his teacup and then sipping it softly.

"You’re awake."

His gentle tone drifted to me as I scanned the surroundings.

It looked like an opulent library. Shelves of books covered the walls, stuffed with various tomes. I occupied a matching red couch, with a petite wooden table in front, while a cozy glow illuminated the space from overhead.

A dainty teacup sat on the table, which I picked up and sipped from.

A deep, fragrant aroma wafted through my senses as I shut my eyes, silently enjoying the flavor.

Yet, in time—

"You’re far more warped than I expected."

A voice pulled me from my reverie.

I opened my eyes and faced him again. Still, his appearance eluded my grasp. Whenever I attempted to fixate on it, the image faded from my thoughts, dissolving just as I tried to hold it.

"It’s been ages since any human bested me."

So, someone had done it before me?

I sipped the tea, wondering about that person.

"...But even then, none were as distorted as you. This is the first time a human has ever given me chills. The closer I observe you, the more fascinated I get. Yet, I also sense you’re not entirely human."

Hm?

My hand froze mid-motion.

"But you don’t seem to know your true nature. Haha, how intriguing. You don’t truly hail from this realm, right?"

His hearty chuckle echoed through the space.

"Naturally, I’d love to reveal it, but that would spoil the excitement, wouldn’t it?"

Indeed, it would.

"Still, it’s not impossible for me to share."

I lifted my gaze.

"Having triumphed over me, you’ve gained the right to pose one question to me. Few things escape my knowledge. If there’s anything you seek to learn, I’ll provide the answer. Choose wisely, though. As I mentioned, this chance comes only once."

This proposition...

Truthfully, it sounded rather tempting.

Oddly enough, such an opportunity left me remarkably composed. Numerous queries swirled in my head. Such as, why had I been transported to this world? What lay behind my transmigration? What secrets hid in the mist? What was the reality of the system?

So many things I yearned to inquire about.

Nevertheless—

"I’d prefer to save the privilege for later."

"You’re quite the opportunist."

Discerning my intent, Paimon’s mouth curved slyly.

"I know precisely what’s on your mind."

I took another sip of tea.

While relishing the flavor, I murmured, "Knowledge stands as one of the greatest powers for any being, human or otherwise. Squandering it now would be foolish. A day might arrive when I’m trapped with no way out. Then, I’ll call on you for aid."

In essence, I viewed this as a safety net.

More than that—

"I’m not opposed to having a King at my beck and call when necessary."

"Indeed. Indeed."

Paimon joined my laughter.

That was his only option here.

"Here, take this."

Abruptly, he flung an item my way. I lifted my hand to snatch it, then examined the thing in my palm. It turned out to be a silver band, elegantly engraved, featuring a smooth central surface etched with an odd, complex symbol.

One that vaguely reminded me of something from before, though not precisely the same.

"This will let you access Limbo at will. Note that opening the portal demands considerable effort, so keep that in mind."

Oh? That proved useful.

"I’ll accept it."

As soon as I slipped the ring on, a chilling wave surged through me. Simultaneously, I glanced at Paimon once more before rising gradually. My eyes then shifted to a particular door.

Now, I spotted it clearly.

The way out.

"Departing so soon?"

"Yes."

I’d lingered long enough.

"Hmm. Regrettable, but as I’ve often noted, I won’t hinder anyone from exiting here. With the ring in your possession, feel free to return anytime."

I nodded slightly and headed for the door.

Just as my fingers gripped the handle, Paimon’s words followed from behind.

"You’ve amused me greatly, so here’s a small extra gift. As you’ve probably guessed from your readings, this entire setup is one massive game."

I halted.

"A game in which you’re deeply entangled already."

Quiet ensued after that statement.

Turning back to face him, I saw him seated calmly, eyeing me steadily over his teacup. His grin revealed this as the promised ’bonus’.

I averted my gaze from him and twisted the handle, swinging the door wide as I exited.

Paimon’s final words trailed behind me.

"Good luck to you, conqueror of hell’s first level."