Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 592: Exposing the Madness [1]
Previously on Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary!...
"Where have you been, Squad Leader!? We searched everywhere for you!"
Mia rushed up to welcome me right as I re-entered the arena. Following that, the surrounding din swelled while the audience's gazes locked onto me. I feigned total ignorance of the looks to uphold my 'mysterious' image.
Beyond that, another matter piqued my interest.
I'd already returned my camera and phone. Leon had seized the data transmitter, yet I'd downloaded it onto my device beforehand. The key issue remained: would our points match theirs, or was there something extra?
Still, this situation felt troubling.
"Silence for now."
The Vice-Director's weary, drained voice echoed through the area, reaching every ear as the racket faded away.
Everyone's focus shifted to him.
"First off, congratulations to everyone present. After a grueling test, you've all returned alive and showcased your abilities to the world."
Applause exploded across the whole stadium.
Clap! Clap—
Cheers mixed with whistles rang out.
Shockingly, I caught cheers aimed at Ariel and her teammates too.
"You guys were incredible! You really showed those jerks who's boss!"
"I love you, Ariel!!"
"Ariel...! Joanna! Min!"
The chants made me glance at them in astonishment. I knew they'd pulled off something big, but I hadn't anticipated such crowd favor. That said, mixed in were plenty of boos directed their way.
Mostly from supporters of the squads they'd sheltered.
"Sadly, like every Congress, casualties were heavy. My deepest sympathies go out. This is just how our field works. Losses can't be avoided entirely; we can only work to reduce them."
Silence fell as the Vice-Director bowed his head.
The quiet held for a brief moment.
Until—
"Now, onto the rankings reveal. We'll keep everything open and display the full process."
Lifting his gaze, the Vice-Director pointed upward as the leaderboards lit up for all to view.
——[Guild Ranking]——
⌈1⌉ — Helios Vanguard [Points: 75] + 1315
⌈2⌉ — Obsidian Bastion [Points: 73] + 817
⌈3⌉ — Eclipse Sovereign [Points: 71]
⌈4⌉ — Crimson Oath [Points: 68]
⌈5⌉ — Argent Vangard [Points: 62]
⌈6⌉ — Melson Sanders [Points: 62]
⌈7⌉ — Arithmus [Points: 61]
⌈8⌉ — Evening Sun [Points: 60]
⌈9⌉ — Severed Stars [Points: 60]
.
.
——[Guild Ranking]——
The order matched what it was before heading to Point Z.
"Helios Vanguard first."
As the Vice-Director described, clips and footage from Helios Vanguard's squads played. Among them, I spotted Leon multiple times, with one screen zooming on him waving and grinning.
"Leon!"
"Leon...! Leon!"
Thunderous applause swept the crowd.
"A small issue arose early from Leon vanishing from the broadcast. We lost sight of him then and couldn't precisely tally his points. Still, his squad racked up 315 points without him."
Shouts of 'Helios Vanguard!' and 'Helios Vanguard!' exploded from the audience. The roar was so intense it overwhelmed me.
Luckily, it passed quickly when the Vice-Director continued.
"Scores factor in surviving members, discoveries made, Point Z exploration depth, anomaly records, awareness of situations, and crucially, task-related intel uncovered."
Speaking steadily, the Vice-Director eyed Leon.
A chill gripped my chest.
"...Considering everything, plus what Leon submitted, we've granted Helios Vanguard Guild an extra thousand points."
BOOOOM—
Chaos erupted throughout the venue.
Louder than anything prior.
The uproar built until the ground seemed to tremble. Cheers burst from all sides, with Leon's name chanted endlessly.
Positioned centrally, he lifted his arm to wave at the fans. Overhead lights gleamed on his golden locks, giving him a shining aura in their sight.
The adulation intensified as he soaked it in.
"MVP!"
"MVP! MVP!"
"MVP!"
Watching him revel in the glory, his eyes suddenly met mine, his grin widening. I held my neutral expression as he smiled my way, though inside I felt awful.
"Settle down."
The Vice-Director's words hushed the crowd again. Yet excitement hung thick as he moved to the next squad's results.
"Obsidian Bastion next."
Breath caught in many throats while spotlight fell on the arena's central figure.
Motionless, not twitching a muscle, their sheer aura dominated the whole area.
"Unlike most, this Guild barely lost anyone. Led by Liora, they coordinated sharply and stayed on mission. Regrettably, tough circumstances and her split focus limited them to 817 points total."
Sighs rippled through the spectators, cheers far tamer than Helios Vanguard's.
"Don't lose heart. MVP bonuses could still come. It's not finished." With encouragement from the Vice-Director, he revealed points for more Guilds.
"Eclipse Sovereign Guild next..."
Announcements rolled on minutes more, each sparking big cheers. No squad neared Helios Vanguard though, their lead solidifying amid rising 'MVP' cries for Leon.
Finally, our moment arrived as I checked the updated list.
——[Guild Ranking]——
⌈1⌉ — Helios Vanguard [Points: 75] +1390
⌈2⌉ — Eclipse Sovereign [Points: 71] +880
⌈3⌉ — Obsidian Bastion [Points: 73] +860
⌈4⌉ — Crimson Oath [Points: 68] +810
⌈5⌉ — Arithmus [Points: 61] +760
⌈6⌉ — Melson Sanders [Points: 62] +735
⌈7⌉ — Argent Vanguard [Points: 62] +710
⌈8⌉ — Evening Sun [Points: 60] +650
.
.
——[Guild Ranking]——
In this state, I doubted we'd climb high. Ariel's group had achieved something notable, but probably not sufficient. Plus, with Kyle gone...
"Severed Stars Guild next."
Abruptly, silence blanketed everything as eyes turned to us.
Goosebumps rose under the intense stares, yet I kept my face composed while the Vice-Director's words floated again.
"...A fascinating bunch."
Huh?