Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 581: Hunting [1]

An unforeseen proposal.

One I never imagined she'd suggest right upon spotting me. Gazing at her ashen complexion and icy demeanor, I began wondering, 'What's her real aim in approaching me? Testing my abilities? Perhaps scouting me for her team?'

All at once, curiosity gripped me.

'Need a moment to consider?'

Her gentle tone pulled me from my thoughts, yet I replied immediately.

'Count me in.'

In truth, this wasn't the smart move. Right now, the main focus should be rejoining the rest and sorting out the points issue. Yet, this abrupt invitation piqued my intrigue.

Beyond wondering about her motives, if she genuinely possessed a method to counter the 'haunting' force plaguing us, that truly sparked my interest.

A portion of me craved unfinished business.

Particularly after all the harm it inflicted on me.

'Indeed, I must confront it. I need to settle this. The team can hold off.'

Resolving it would yield points too.

With zero to my name, this opportunity suited me well.

'Excellent.'

Seraphine gave a nod and pivoted toward Catherine and the group. Her eyes scanned them briefly before she spun around and started departing. She showed no sign of wanting to enlist Catherine.

That said, Catherine appeared indifferent as well.

'Best wishes.'

Rather, she offered a faint smile and a wave.

'Hoping you succeed in handling your troubles.'

What pretense...

'Same to you.'

Given the cameras, I opted to play along with the charade. We had to avoid revealing our true discord to the audience.

'One more thing.'

As I prepared to trail Seraphine and her companions, an idea struck. I halted and glanced back at Drake and Esteban.

'Bring them along.'

Seraphine spoke first, her calm words echoing softly.

'They possess sufficient skill.'

'...Alright then.'

I wasn't particularly fussed about their inclusion. Even so, a quick peek at Catherine's face stirred a subtle respect in me. She held her poise remarkably well.

If possible, she even seemed kind.

Yes, that irked me.

'Farewell.'

I returned the wave as she did the same.

Her grin stayed as charming as before, but its persistence only heightened my irritation.

I yearned to witness her fury.

Thus—

'Should you encounter your sibling, kindly share my whereabouts. I'm certain she'd prove invaluable to our efforts.'

There—the faint flicker across her face as her gesture faltered.

'As a Paragon, she's no ordinary talent. Moreover, her abilities impress me greatly. Achieving such progress while juggling modeling... I'm truly awed. Aren't you her junior? Emulate her example. You've got real promise.'

I rambled on, far more than usual. I sensed the irritated looks from Seraphine's team as they stopped to eye me, yet I remained utterly unconcerned, my focus locked on Catherine.

With each word, her expression shifted further.

Such alterations urged me to continue.

'You're on the verge. Nearly breaking. One more nudge, and perhaps—'

'Time to go.'

This won't do. This won't do.

Pressing a hand to my mouth, I averted my eyes from Catherine. Since my return from Limbo, I'd noticed it beginning.

The transformations occurring inside.

This behavior was out of character for me. Typically, I exercised far greater restraint. But post-return, it seemed my inner control had nearly crumbled. Even then, I walked with covered lips out of necessity.

I simply had to.

Lest...

They catch sight of my grin.

Finally reaching the group, what struck me first were the shaky looks on Drake and Esteban's faces. I stared, puzzled.

'Everything alright?'

They shook their heads rapidly.

'All fine.'

'...Nope. Nothing.'

'I understand.'

I shifted my focus forward, sensing Seraphine's eyes upon me. Her face stayed frosty, yet an additional glint lingered in her stare as she observed.

The prolonged attention made an inner restlessness build until I was compelled to glance elsewhere.

Fortunately, Seraphine soon directed her gaze away. Navigating the fog, she started explaining.

'We're facing an anomaly, likely tied to the Illusionist Decree. It manipulates senses. And I suspect multiples exist. Based on my encounters, they infiltrate crowds, mimicking members to spy. They analyze voices, inflections, speech patterns, habits, private facts. They replicate everything... to integrate seamlessly.'

Her details were thorough.

Actually, much of it aligned with what I'd deduced from my earlier clash.

'They avoid singling out individuals. Instead, they target teams, toying with all involved. They strike the vulnerable or the unwary. Ultimately, they sow discord before dismantling the unit. Once finished, they signal to attract fresh groups for infiltration.'

My stride began to lag as I peered ahead.

Seraphine pressed on wordlessly, her attention unwavering, devoid of worry.

'Indeed.'

Her words floated forth.

'...One lurks among us now.'

Oh.

In that instant, realization dawned in my mind. All prior puzzles fell into place.

Her choice to merge with my team over Catherine's stemmed not from talent or favoritism toward me. The truth was far more basic.

My team numbered just three.

Fewer members meant less chaos.

And most crucially—

A clever strategy on her part.

Yet, she'd overlooked a major flaw.

Her original team was set at six, as I'd noted pre-Congress while assessing rivals. But scanning now, her group exceeded that.

Nine in total.

Implying...

Not merely one intruder, but three.

Clamping my hand over my mouth, I hastened my steps, surveying those around me while my lips' edges crept upward steadily.

Absolutely.