Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 579: Return [1]

"Hey, Mia! Assist me in wiping the sweat off her forehead."

"On my way. On my way."

Mia dashed to Joanna's location, gripping a few damp towels tightly. Joanna moved back, exposing Ariel's form.

She remained seated cross-legged, her eyebrows knitted together tightly while perspiration slid down her temple, with locks of her pale hair clinging to her moistened skin.

"Hurry!"

"Right! Right!"

Mia hurried forward and gently dabbed the towel on her face.

Joanna observed quietly, her mouth pressed into a thin line as she peered out from the research facility's window. Her attention finally fixed on the crowd below, shuffling like marionettes, transporting gear from spot to spot and directing folks indoors.

The deeper Joanna delved into knowing Ariel, the more astonished she felt.

Though she'd realized early on that Ariel possessed great strength, she hadn't imagined it reached such heights.

Naturally, Ariel paused for breaks occasionally.

Joanna's eyes wandered to a specific cluster down there. She focused on the lady with gentle golden locks and emerald eyes, positioned next to a girl sporting hair to her shoulders, as they meticulously watched over each team.

Eventually, their team managed to locate the other faction from their Guild. Once they shared the details, the choice to assist came swiftly, easing the load on Ariel's position by taking down multiple squads simultaneously to let Ariel recover.

"Joanna."

The voice yanked her from her focus, and Joanna spun around.

Sarah had materialized next to her unnoticed. Growing accustomed to such stealth, Joanna's eyelids flickered for a second before she replied.

"Yes?"

"We've detected yet another team far off. What's our move?"

"....."

Joanna held off on responding right away.

Rather, she glanced at Ariel. Noting the pallor on her features and the beads of sweat lining the edges, she gradually shook her head.

"I believe we should depart—"

"No."

Ariel's words sliced through the space abruptly as her eyes snapped open, displaying crimson-streaked pupils. Still, a warped grin lingered underneath as she gazed directly forward.

"I can handle more. No need to fret."

"It's risky. Pushing on might jeopardize your position..."

"I understand my boundaries."

"Yet it's not merely your boundaries. It's about curbing the risks you're facing. We've gained a huge edge already. Why force yourself harder? If we—"

"Because it's enjoyable."

Ariel chuckled lightly, without ever turning to Joanna, her stare locked on a distant point.

Toward her upcoming target.

Giggling, her frame bent forward a bit as she uttered.

"It's simply enjoyable. I relish this... Ages have passed since I could let loose like this. Aren't you thrilled? Witnessing these so-called elite figures worldwide turned into mere minions under our control? Doesn't it delight you to tower over them?"

"You're insane."

"I know."

Ariel's mouth curved into a sly arc as she at last met Joanna's gaze.

"But you realize I'm correct. Your expression tells me so."

"....."

Joanna remained quiet, her hand rising to her cheek.

In time—

"Fine, okay."

She gestured toward Sarah.

"I suppose it is quite enjoyable."

Sarah inclined her head, vanishing from sight as the atmosphere subtly altered.

Joanna shifted to face Mia, making eye contact with her, Min, Nora, and Niel while ordering, "Guard her well. I'll join Sarah to assess the scene."

Moments later, Joanna bolted out, exiting the structure and blending into the haze as she followed Sarah's trace via the bond linked to Ariel. Catching up proved swift, yet upon arrival, she halted unavoidably, eyeing the far-off team.

Emerging from her concealment, Joanna approached the team, showing herself outright. The team froze in place.

"Who!?"

However, their faces shifted upon recognizing Joanna.

"...It's... you?"

Joanna offered no words, merely observing them.

Their appearance was downright wretched. Faces gaunt, tresses unkempt, and deep shadows cradled under their eyes. Gazing upon them, Joanna's brow creased deeply.

How could this be?

She recognized the team intimately.

Particularly the leader, Rowan. He ranked among the Guild's gifted individuals. Crucially, he hailed from Kyle's unit, deemed the mightiest force in the Guild.

Yet scanning around, Kyle was nowhere to be seen.

What in the world...?

"H-have... you... have you maybe spotted Kyle?"

Rowan's hushed tone drew Joanna from her reverie.

Meeting his eyes again, she caught the evident concern as he fixed on her, his tone quivering while he whispered, "O-one second he was next to us, and then... he vanished. I can't... locate him whatsoever. No one among us can. Have you caught sight of him?"

***

The atmosphere shifted oddly the instant I ventured out.

That oppressive weight had lifted, replaced by a known fog drifting about as I surveyed the area. Limbs of trees pierced the mist like jagged thorns, slicing the whitish shroud while the overcast heavens above shed a faint, dreary light across the hushed landscape.

I breathed in deeply, scanning before finally noticing two shapes nearby.

As soon as our gazes connected, they appeared to recoil briefly.

I switched my look between them, then glanced at the camera attached to me.

’Is it functioning?’

Hard to say.

Anyway—

"Looks like you both escaped without trouble."

Gratitude filled me toward them. Though memories blurred for me, I remembered the events. Their aid made this possible. Naturally, they'd have perished without my intervention.

"So, uh..."

Oddly, Drake broke the silence first.

He rubbed his neck, his sight darting anywhere but my position.

It struck me as amusing, yet also sad.

"I understand."

I sensed his intent and dismissed it with a wave.

"Hold off on gratitude for now."

I pulled out my phone to verify the date. With time syncing back to the external flow, I realized one day remained until the Congress trial concluded.

Therefore—

"I'll link up with my team. Join if you like, or we split here."

I began to stride forward.

Footsteps echoed behind soon after. That instant clarified their choice. I pressed on, thoughts returning to Paimon's earlier words.

It's all a game...

One where I played a major role.

My eyes shut, a smirk tugging at my mouth.

Failing to grasp this would make me a fool.