Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 608: The Truth [1]

A fractured node?

Even though I tried my hardest to keep a straight face, my eyebrow still lifted just a bit.

This had happened before.

Cautiousness washed over me right away.

"Don't worry too much. I get your concerns, but we have a special way to check for issues like this."

His statement only heightened my wariness.

They wouldn't provide this kind of service without cost. The trap—where was it hidden?

"Compensation isn't something to fret over. I've already made arrangements with your Guild Master on that front."

"....."

My gaze sharpened.

Suddenly, several pieces clicked into place. Especially why the Guild Master had so readily let me visit here—it started to add up.

Yet doubts lingered in my mind.

The deeper I pondered, the harder it became to grasp the full picture. I understood my value to the Guild, but the Guild Master wasn't one to offer aid without strings attached. He always chased gains in every deal.

"No need to overthink it."

The old man's voice yanked me back from my musings as he poured water into his cup. He lifted it to his mouth for a leisurely sip, then went on, "You might not know, but our Guild has invested massive resources into fixing node fractures. Billions of dollars have gone into this effort, and for us, it's a prime chance to trial our solutions."

"...Oh."

Clarity began to emerge.

However...

"How did you learn about my issue?"

This detail nagged at me the most.

How had they discovered it? Was it really just from Paimon's mention?

"Mostly through the Congress."

The old man set down his glass with a smile.

"Plus, you show the typical signs of a fractured node. We connected the dots and approached your Guild Master with the proposal."

"I see."

It clicked a touch more.

Still...

"I appreciate the offer, but I must decline your assistance."

I gripped the chair's armrests and rose to my feet.

Temptation from their cure was real, but looking back, I didn't need it. Sure, I carried an illness—I'd known that for ages. Yet I'd kept it in check somehow.

I had a clear path ahead.

Next step: hit Fifth Order, unlock the Fifth Order shop, and snag a superior fix for my Cognitive Shard. If that didn't pan out, Paimon was an option.

Choices abounded.

No reason to stay.

Moreover...

'I don't suffer from a fractured node.'

My affliction ran far deeper.

"We've sealed the deal with your Guild Master already."

The old man stayed composed despite my move, as if he'd anticipated my refusal.

I shot him a quick look and shook my head.

"Cancel it then. I never signed on."

Truth be told, my secrets were the big barrier—especially my real Order. The system had concealed it effectively so far, but an exam might expose everything.

The danger outweighed any gain.

"Certain you won't reconsider? Delaying will only worsen things."

"I'm fine with that. I accept what comes."

"....."

Silence blanketed the room briefly. Ignoring their stares, I headed for the door. But as I neared, a figure blocked my path, her dark eyes narrowing.

"You'll die like this."

"....Really?"

Shock!

Her eyes tightened more.

"Is your life some game to you?"

I parted my lips to respond, but hesitated mid-breath.

Life...

It once meant everything to me.

I fought on to avoid death.

Yet reflecting on hell's ordeals, I began doubting my life's true worth.

What price did it hold?

Hmm.

A smile crept across my face as I regarded the girl before me.

"Not a joke at all. It's priceless."

A King's value.

Liora's mouth opened, words forming, but then the door swung wide, admitting two newcomers from behind.

Instantly, her lips sealed, brows knitting fiercely.

I shifted focus to the arrivals, head cocking faintly.

"Father."

The woman, strikingly similar to Liora, stormed in, flicking a glance her way. She lingered on her briefly before fixing on Kaelric.

Trailing her was a tall man exuding serene elegance.

"What's the meaning of this, father?!"

Her tone boomed, grating as she halted before Kaelric.

"I heard you plan to use our developed cure on some outsider! What's in your head? We can't share that with strangers! What if they take it? That's not..."

She trailed off upon spotting me. As her gaze swung my way, unease churned in my chest. Her stare twisted my gut.

Suddenly...

Nausea surged.

She unsettled me deeply.

"You..."

She noted me briefly before facing her father again.

"Him?"

Kaelric ignored her, smiling my way instead.

"I hope you rethink it. Our proposal stands firm. No pressure, of course. Should you decide otherwise, my contact info's open."

His eyes turned to Liora.

"See him out, please."

"Father!"

Her protests rang out, unheeded, as Liora guided me from the room.

Door shut, and muffled yells echoed behind. I rubbed my neck, eyeing Liora leading ahead.

Then—

"That's my mother."

Liora murmured without turning.

"...And my father."