Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 580: Return [2]

Oddly enough, the link between Ariel and me remained intact, despite my journey dragging me straight into the depths of hell. This fact struck me as profoundly bizarre, highlighting Ariel's immense strength in a way. Or perhaps there was another factor at play?

I couldn't say for certain.

Yet, at the same moment—

Had she suffered any injury?

Or...

When a particular thought surfaced, my pace began to falter.

Still, I promptly dismissed it with a shake of my head.

".....Ah."

My eyes shut closed.

Reflecting on all the events that unfolded, a notion began forming in my mind about what might have transpired.

Freed from the seal, Ariel transformed into an entirely new being.

No one could possibly restrain her, and undoubtedly by this point, she had unleashed widespread turmoil.

"Haha."

Without knowing why, laughter escaped me.

Rather than dread what she and the rest could have wrought, the scenario struck me as strangely entertaining. In fact, a thrill of expectation bubbled up inside. What spectacle might greet me upon rejoining the group?

"Hm?"

Detecting a presence, my laughter halted, and I glanced over my shoulder.

Observing the expressions on Drake and Esteban's faces, I reached up to feel my own.

"Is something the matter?"

"...No."

"All... good."

"Is that so?"

If that were true, then why did their stares carry such unease? It resembled gazing upon a terrifying entity.

With a shrug, I pivoted away from them.

"Hehe."

Recalling the chaos involving Ariel and the others, I chuckled once more. The area behind me warped again, yet I ignored it completely. Rather, I kept giggling softly as I pressed forward.

Yet, while advancing, my stride slowed bit by bit as another idea intruded on my thoughts.

Leon had snatched away the Data Transmitter in the end.

Contemplating him, no rage or similar emotion stirred within me.

Instead, a wholly different sensation arose.

One far more warped.

Clarity eluded me now.

In any case, under current circumstances, securing substantial points for my team proved impossible. True, I possessed a full day, but would it suffice?

My sole reliance rested on my teammates.

With any luck, they had managed to gather some points.

SWOOOOOOSH!

Abruptly, an object launched skyward, ripping apart the dense fog. Shortly after, a red hue seeped into the overhead mist, gradually diffusing across the light gray akin to ink dissolving in liquid. Briefly, the floating shroud adopted a scarlet tint, the shade lingering mid-air before fading and dispersing carried by the breeze.

Instantly recognizing it, I headed that way, with Drake and Esteban trailing me.

Such a flare represented among the limited methods for me to gain points.

That said—

Sizzle~

Gazing at the hissing pellet, I realized I arrived just a beat behind. Those who signaled for aid had already departed.

Curiosity suddenly gripped me.

Lately, this enigmatic entity had been manipulating me and all others present. To this day, grasping its methods or true nature remained elusive for me.

Precisely what entity confronted me?

Crunch!

Raising my gaze, distant shapes materialized, causing my eyes to narrow sharply.

This moment... it evoked a strong sense of déjà vu.

Mere chance?

Persisting in my stare toward the sound's origin, the outlines sharpened progressively in my vision.

Simultaneously, awareness dawned on them of my presence. They advanced, then halted abruptly upon fully spotting me.

"Oh."

Briefly, her features twisted. Yet almost immediately, composure returned, replaced by a sincere grin on her face.

"I’m really glad to see you here."

No, you weren’t.

"Did you come here to check the flare? What a coincidence that we both ended up here."

No, probably wasn’t.

"Hm? Where is your squad? And..."

Catherine hesitated, at last spotting the pair positioned behind me. Upon identifying them, a subtle alteration crossed her countenance.

I outlined the circumstances initially.

"They’re with me. We both got separated from our groups, so we decided to work together. Isn’t that right?"

I looked toward them, and they affirmed with immediate nods. Their swift agreement momentarily surprised me, though I soon disregarded it and refocused on Catherine.

Just as I prepared to speak, an odd sensation pulled my focus aside. Catherine and her companions reacted similarly, swiveling to the right where additional forms emerged.

Additional arrivals?

The shadows progressed, their forms clarifying soon enough. As they entered sight, an unseen force seemed to permeate the atmosphere, bearing down from every angle while a dark-haired young woman stepped forth.

Her companions flanked her, each exuding an aura that blended seamlessly with hers as she surveyed us, her focus lingering on me with a slight frown.

Her appearance prompted my eyebrow to arch.

Her identity escaped me momentarily.

Seraphine? Correct, that rang true.

From what I knew, her youth was remarkable, holding the 11th spot in the global standings. Essentially, she qualified as a prodigy of exceptional caliber.

After appraising our assembly and then Catherine's, her gaze tightened faintly before locking onto me.

"You’re him, right?"

Her tone stayed gentle, yet it rang distinctly in my hearing.

Curiously, her scrutiny imposed little burden on me. Maybe recent ordeals had toughened me. Meeting her eyes directly brought no oppressive weight.

Rather, fascination stirred within.

Precisely what interest did she hold in me?

"You’re the one everyone is talking about."

"...Likely."

"Mhm."

Seraphine inclined her head, face steady as she directed her eyes to the flare's dying remnants, which hissed away steadily.

Observing her and her squad piqued my curiosity about her next move. However, her spoken words caught me unprepared.

"I more or less understand what’s going on. I’ve been studying this mist, and whatever it is that’s been roaming around. I’ve memorized its pattern, and I’ve also smelled its scent. I should be able to figure out its location soon."

Her focus returned to me.

"Are you interested in joining my team?"