Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 603: Contract Renewal [2]

The announcement of my Guild contract renewal caused a massive stir. Headlines sprang up across the web, compelling me to silence my phone amid the onslaught of messages from competing guilds vying to recruit me.

"Honestly, this just won't let up. Give me some peace already."

I took it further by switching my phone number entirely. Since my circle of contacts was small to begin with, it hardly mattered to me.

Sorting through the stack of papers on my desk, I finally glanced around the office. My eyes settled on the mirror now positioned in the room's corner.

Gazing into the reflection, I pondered briefly before uttering, "Change."

Right then, my whole body transformed right before my eyes; my hair grew out swiftly, and the rest of my features altered accordingly. In no time at all, I had become a girl.

"Wow."

My voice had shifted to that of a girl's as well.

As I moved my hands, the mirror image mimicked perfectly. Glancing downward, I saw that the change wasn't limited to the reflection—my own body had transformed too.

This wasn't some physical alteration; it was a complete shift in how others would see me now.

"Yeah, change me back. This feels way too eerie."

A chill ran through me at the thought of my current look.

The reversal happened just as swiftly, restoring me to my original form moments later.

"Much better."

This version suited me far more. Still, the mirror's power was undeniable, opening up a world of potential uses.

That could wait, though.

Grabbing my laptop, I fired up the browser and started typing searches. Yet the deeper I dug, the graver my face grew.

"Nothing at all. How can this be?"

Since finding that tattered old Bible, I'd been hunting for any other copies. I figured studying it would shed light on recent events. But it was like the book had vanished from existence—no trace anywhere online.

Even weirder were the responses I got when quizzing folks about the Bible.

Not a soul seemed to know a thing about it. As though it had never been real, not even back in history.

The reason I knew about it probably stemmed from not originating in this world.

"This is bizarre. Utterly bizarre."

I sensed I was inching toward the truth. Problem was, each revelation made everything feel even more unsettling.

If demons were real, then without doubt...

To Tok—

Suddenly, a knock echoed at the door, snapping my head up.

Who might that be?

"Yes?"

Clank—

The door flew open seconds later, revealing a strand of blonde hair and piercing green eyes that pinned mine. The abruptness hit me like a shock, her stare briefly blanking my thoughts.

What brought her here?

"Ah, Zoey."

I gave a quick nod, spotting her weary look. It clashed with her typical poise—no sign of her usual groomed elegance.

Dark circles shadowed her eyes too.

"Not much sleep lately?"

"...Not really."

Zoey massaged her eyes as she answered, scanning the room before taking a seat.

"....."

She simply...

Ah, forget it.

"That's new. When'd you pick that up? Oh, hold on..."

Her face twisted oddly as if sensing something amiss, her gaze lingering on me strangely.

I grinned.

She'd spotted it.

"It's a memento from the Congress."

Truth be told, it was more than that. The thought nearly made me laugh aloud—a soft chuckle might have escaped.

Couldn't resist.

"Right, that tracks."

Zoey kept her tone even, finally averting her eyes from the mirror. Now her focus bored into me alone, laced with an eerie sharpness.

"Are you..." She hesitated, lips tightening before adding, "Are you okay?"

Hm?

What's gotten into her?

"I am...? Why do you ask—"

"I mean about Kyle."

"What about Kyle? He—oh."

Ah.

I stiffened briefly as realization dawned. It all snapped together, especially why she'd shown up unannounced.

Maybe from all my recent findings, or some other factor, but I'd completely overlooked this.

'Is my EQ plummeting even lower?'

"Ehm."

I cleared my throat, mustering a forced smile.

"...Honestly, handling it the best I can. I... try not to dwell on it. No clue where he is, but... Kyle's got real talent. Bet he's out there alive somewhere."

"Yeah."

Zoey nodded deliberately, her reply soft.

I blinked repeatedly, parting my lips to continue, but she cut in first.

"You know... I used to hate you."

"...Oh."

Yeah, she had.

Though that was partly on me.

"I figured you were a selfish jerk who only looked out for number one."

Ouch.

But... yeah, fair point.

"Watching you changed my view after a bit," she continued steadily. "I saw that our fallout was probably a mix-up. I can be sharp-edged, and I likely overreacted. Wanted to say sorry. I've attempted it before, but it's gnawed at me, so I had to unload it now."

"I see."

It explained plenty. I'd caught those odd glances from her recently—like she had words stuck in her throat.

Now I got it.

Felt kinda guilty now.

Especially since it was my mess.

I responded promptly.

"No, it's on me. You don't need to—"

"Turns out I was correct."

My sentence cut off as I looked up at Zoey. Her eyes had turned icy—frigid, even.

"I believed you'd changed. Thought I'd misjudged you."

"....."

"But I was right all along."

She let out a sudden laugh, hand to her mouth as she muttered, 'I was foolish. So damn foolish.'

What on earth?

I drew a steadying breath, meeting her gaze.

"I think you're exhausted. Rest up. We can chat later when your head's clearer."

"No need."

Zoey shook her head, eyes still frosty.

"Not keen on talking with someone like you."

I scowled.

Irritation was building.

"You're worn out. Head home."

"It's insane you don't even see it."

Zoey hid her mouth, eyeing me like a complete unknown. The stare grated on me.

"What're you on about?"

My tone rose sharper than intended.

Zoey merely shook her head, face full of disbelief.

Ultimately, she pressed her lips and shook her head sadly.

"You don't give a damn, do you?"

"What? What do you—"

"About Kyle. You don't care one bit."

My next words died.

"Never saw even a hint of grief from you," she pressed. "You even forgot about him. Looked downright cheerful too. I told myself it was denial, but no. You simply don't care. It's obvious."

She laughed again, hand over mouth.

"It's... mind-blowing, given how much Kyle fretted over you. Enough to spark panic attacks whenever you were in trouble. Panic attacks..." Zoey echoed, head wagging. "But you? Total nonchalance. Thought I'd figured you out, but you seem more alien by the second. Guess I never knew you deeply enough to peg your character. Still..."

Her tone dropped to a whisper: "I truly believed..."

She trailed off there.

Finally, she shook her head and walked out.

I stayed silent, just observing her departure.

Once quiet settled, I slumped in the chair and shut my eyes.

"...Disappointing."

Cra Crack!