Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 593: Exposing the Madness [2]

Everyone on site caught the unexpected commendation, sparking whispers among the audience. Strangely enough, my gaze drifted to my team members, who inexplicably kept their sunglasses on.

Can you guys quit it?

"This was one of the tougher teams we've ever had to evaluate, to be frank."

The Vice-Director's comments veered in a fresh direction unlike his remarks to earlier squads, spiking the tension instantly. Glancing about, I sensed even sharper stares aimed at us.

Especially, Leon's face drew my attention.

Silent with just a smile, he revealed his thoughts through his look: ’Did he uncover something during my absence? Did he share it all with me, or keep some back?’

Truthfully, no.

I felt pretty baffled myself.

Was it my crew, or Zoey and her bunch?

"They've lost multiple team members, including a famed Paragon. Despite that, they returned with key discoveries. But there's more. Surely, all here know their feat at Point Z, right?"

For a fleeting instant, the audience fell quiet.

Then—

"Exactly! They're cheaters!"

"...How did that even get permitted? It doesn't add up!"

"Deduct their points for it."

"Get lost!"

Boos exploded from many, channeling fury straight at us. Far fiercer than before.

Expecting my team to falter under the taunts, I was shocked to see them unmoving, sunglasses fixed on the crowd. Nearly grinning.

Yet Nora's earlier words flashed back, so I chose to stay in the dark.

"Silence."

The Vice-Director spoke once more, halting the racket as he pressed on without delay.

"From their full showing and gains, the team earned 319 points total."

The audience burst into uproar.

Among the top starting tallies announced yet.

"How can that be!?"

"How does that even score?"

"That's not everything." Brushing off the clamor, the Vice-Director added, "They also secured vital intel we find highly valuable."

Noise died down again, every gaze on the Vice-Director.

Without pause, he turned to the screens as a picture emerged.

The shot revealed a wardrobe's interior. Seemingly normal at first, but a tiny metal shard hid inside on closer look. Right before all eyes, it magnified to show the fragment... murmurs rippled as folks puzzled over it.

"What's that?"

"...Strange markings?"

"A ring piece? Unsure..."

Indeed, I nodded inwardly. Broken as it was, it resembled a ring fragment.

Etched into it were odd inscriptions.

My eyes narrowed instinctively while all stared at the shattered ’ring’.

Just those words appeared. Truth be told, I doubted it fully, since the ’r’ split midway. Still, the ’ring’ stirred my chest, igniting unease as I inhaled sharply.

"We've examined this metal bit, yet its meaning eludes us. No anomalous traits, little insight gained. Thus, after precise scoring, we grant them 418 points."

Chaos reignited across the venue.

This outburst stemmed from ease, not disorder.

At 418, we trailed the leaders by a wide margin.

"Other squads submitted items and hints too, but final counts give the Severed Stars Guild 533 points."

"Waaah—!"

Cheers flooded the area.

Some from true joy for us, others from relief our score didn't top their picks. Scanning around, I watched my team celebrate the outcome gleefully.

Their delight made sense.

Though not number one, these points locked our rank, shattering the long Oak Circle dominance. Victory enough.

However...

This spot chafed me.

It felt off, particularly as I'd fetched the Limbo data myself. Handed it over too, yet examiners overlooked it—Leon held the transmitter.

Resentment swelled as I spotted Leon, our gazes clashing briefly. He nodded like in praise, but mockery shone through, especially that faint smirk.

I drew a deep breath.

Scratch~ Scratch~

Unknowingly, my fingers raked my neck's side.

It itched fiercely now.

"Ehm."

Only the Vice-Director's light cough halted me, refocusing all as he went on, "Hold up. Before the cheers, I'm not finished."

Not finished...?

Confusion hit me and the crowd alike. More to come?

’Maybe he factored in my submission? Then—’

"We got another submission, unshown till now. Not from confusion over it, but the video isn't from this Guild."

What?

"Not from this Guild?"

"From rivals then? Aid from elsewhere?"

"Why help?"

I shared the bewilderment, and as it mounted, the Vice-Director's eyes flicked to me momentarily before lifting to the distant screens.

Then the displays shifted.

Footage I believed forever buried emerged.

There I was, sipping wine with the rest.

My heart lurched as countless eyes turned my way.

This...

No way, surely?