Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 583: Hunting [3]

Still, I could have utilized Mr. Jingle’s skill to ensure no cameras functioned, though that alone would raise alarms. I might have pushed the matter if I chose, yet avoiding risks was my preference.

Most importantly—

I glanced forward.

All eyes appeared locked on me.

Sensing the many stares directed my way, I focused intently on Seraphine. Her face stayed composed, yet I detected a subtle shift in her gaze. She was undoubtedly plotting to reclaim the upper hand she had forfeited.

I had likely arrived at the perfect moment for her to initiate her plans.

Regrettably, my actions deviated from her expectations.

"That’s quite a distinctive Decree you possess. What type of Decree is it?"

"Hm? Ah."

I grinned as I gazed at Seraphine.

"I belong to the Mender Decree."

"..."

Observing her reaction, I nearly burst into laughter. This was genuinely enjoyable. How had I not noticed the amusement earlier?

"Anyway, it appears we’ve successfully eliminated one, haven’t we?"

I dusted off my hands and rose gradually.

Frankly, identifying the impostor proved simple for me. The knife wasn’t the key. Sadly, the knife failed against the anomaly.

The compass was what truly succeeded.

Whenever it indicated a target, I fired upon them with [Trait Transfer]. Even if it occasionally misdirected, my shots weren’t lethal initially. Especially not for a regular person.

"Indeed, you seem to have disposed of one. You’re remarkably capable."

"Thank you."

Her praise sounded somewhat strained.

Nevertheless, I acknowledged it.

Meanwhile, she resumed speaking.

"Given how things have unfolded, could you explain how you detected the impostor? I’m not questioning your judgment, but since my back was turned, I’d appreciate knowing your method. As the leader here, I want to grasp your approach to ease my concerns."

"Of course."

Her motives were obvious to me.

Thus—

"Truth is, I’ve encountered these anomalies previously. You’re probably aware. Spotting it wasn’t challenging."

I fumbled in my pocket and pulled out my phone.

"This is a unique tool I obtained from the Guild. It has drawbacks, but it precisely identifies the anomaly and distinguishes the genuine ones."

"An item like that really exists?"

Seraphine appeared fascinated as she examined my phone.

"Can I take a closer look?"

"Certainly."

Stepping closer, Seraphine nearly grasped my phone when she abruptly halted.

Her eyes flashed—

Simultaneously, shadowy tendrils erupted from the floor under us, rising swiftly and coiling firmly around one of her teammates.

"Uekh!"

The teammate cried out, but the moment had passed. The tendrils engulfed him entirely while Seraphine shifted her focus to him.

Her gaze sharpened a bit. She nodded faintly and balled her fist.

In an instant, the tendrils constricted. The immense pressure shattered his form, splattering blood everywhere as the fragments gradually melted into the fog.

I remained quiet, watching the scene unfold with astonishment.

"Hold onto it."

Seraphine’s soft voice came from ahead as she eyed the phone I held.

"I realize it’s counterfeit. Still, it assisted in locating the additional anomaly, so thanks are in order."

Gripping the phone tightly, I smiled inwardly while stowing it. Apparently, she had seen through me this round. Yet, anger didn’t rise; instead, it struck me as quite amusing as Seraphine positioned herself before her team, silently surveying them.

"Only one impostor lingers now."

She addressed me, not the others.

"I prefer to seize this one alive rather than slay it."

I shared that view, though I couldn’t entirely rely on her statement. She claimed just one remained, but suppose it was another ruse with two present? Perhaps one had already substituted a member in her squad.

And suppose she recognized that too, laying yet another trap?

In truth, I possessed a general sense of this anomaly type. If I desired, I could likely pinpoint them all and conclude this farce.

The anomalies integrated flawlessly into teams, sowing chaos among allies and striking covertly. Through this, they warped perceptions, quietly causing folks to overlook their existence.

From prior encounters, I held a ready countermeasure.

Employing the skill would reveal them at once. The glasses offered an alternative, less potent but viable; with proper use, I was confident in detecting the hidden anomalies among us.

However—

I cooperated because I felt assured.

Sticking with her could reveal a fragment of the enigma surrounding the mist’s reality. She was sly and deceived with almost every utterance, yet her skills were undeniable.

As the Congress neared its close, this represented my final opportunity to gain points.

With my hand over my mouth, I activated [Trait Transfer].

"Hehehe~"

I resolved to assist her somewhat.