Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 612: Internal Meeting [3]

A startling, unforeseen noise surprised the whole group.

Quickly, every gaze shifted toward one specific spot.

But the instant they turned to the origin of the sound, all of them hastily averted their eyes. Bowing their heads while hands pressed over their mouths, they opted for silence, as though realizing that ’he’ must be the one enduring the greatest pain at that instant.

The Section Chief stayed quiet briefly before resuming speech.

"I get that he was close to a lot of you. Talented and incredibly kind, he frequently assisted everyone around here. Though I cling to hope he’s alive, the odds of that... are slim."

The group heard in quiet grief for those lost in the Congress, yet not all shared the same reaction. From the rear of the room, one individual’s eyes fixed on a particular spot, her green gaze sharpening as she observed Seth.

His palm remained over his face, Rowan rubbing his back, yet...

She’d kept a sharp watch on him.

Ever since her encounter with Liora, her thoughts had revolved solely around him.

She knew full well how much she kept doubting Seth, but right then, staring at him and remembering that fleeting laugh, Zoey’s fist tightened hard.

Thoughts of his grin made her chest grow heavier.

Glancing at him again, she gripped the gadget Liora had handed her recently.

Zoey drew in a deep breath, striving to steady herself.

***

The gathering dragged on for a few more dozen minutes.

To be frank, I once hoped it’d wrap up faster. Controlling my chuckles grew tough, the whole scenario struck me as comical. All these folks were present, grieving for someone still aware and likely witnessing everything from inside me.

Wasn’t that hilarious?

The effort to hold back lasted until the Section Chief ended it.

"Remember all I’ve said. Details will hit your phones shortly. This matters hugely for the Guild’s future, so treat it with care."

Finished, the Section Chief bowed his head and walked out, tousling his hair en route. Right before exiting, though, he halted and faced my way.

"Seth."

My name rang out, so I lifted my head.

The Section Chief hesitated briefly before tapping my shoulder.

"Come. Got something to discuss with you."

"...Oh."

Glancing about, I rose and trailed him. Truth be told, it didn’t shock me much; I pretty much knew why as he guided me to another space, probably his office.

Chaos reigned there, mirroring his Malovia office.

"Have a seat."

The Section Chief pointed to the chair across his desk while settling in. Skipping pleasantries, I sat. He rummaged in a drawer, fetched a crystal bottle, and poured a glass.

He nearly drank when his eyes met mine.

"Want one...?"

"I’m good."

"You sure?"

"Yes, but if you want to drink, I can call Team Leader Soran. I’m su—"

"Did I do something wrong?"

Noticing the Section Chief tense up, I suppressed a grin and reclined in the chair.

A hush filled the room for seconds before the Section Chief broke it.

"How are you doing?"

"I’m... doing the best that I can."

I answered honestly. That held true.

"...I see."

He sipped, then set the glass on the desk.

"I called you here for two reasons."

One finger went up.

"First, ensure you treat this seriously. Excel, and Team Leader promotion awaits easily. No need to spell out the perks."

"No, I am aware."

"That’s good."

His second finger rose.

"Second, about your games."

"Oh?"

I straightened, ears alert. What about them?

"After much testing, they proved highly effective. Your team’s Congress showing made it clear. Demand’s surged, so here."

Suddenly, the Section Chief pushed a document over the desk.

I peeked then grabbed it.

"This is...?"

"It’s an offer from a platform named Dock. You already upload there, I hear. Anyway, they seek exclusive rights to your games, and word is they’ve kicked off a promo already."

"Oh."

I toyed with the sheet before me.

A fast read showed a solid deal. It included a formal sorry for past issues, promising the update approval.

Actually, it was live.

’Interesting, yet expected. My rising fame means they know my games. They must grasp how well they prep recruits for gates.’

Logical enough.

Still...

"I’ll pass."

The paper slid back his way.

"Huh? You’re passing?"

"I am."

"...Are you aware of just how much money they’re offering? Why are you...?"

"Just saving myself from any potential headaches."

Dock was history for me. Twice they’d burned me—that sufficed. Sure, they dominated the market, but it didn’t faze me.

They needed me more now.

"I’m planning on going with a different company or starting my own. And to be honest, I don’t think I’ll have to worry about money for the time being."

Considering the sponsorships and offers piling up, I chuckled softly. Extra cash appealed, but I’d skip it to dodge stress.

"Hmm, if that is your decision, then I won’t stop you."

The Section Chief seemed accepting. He retrieved the paper and stowed it, set to decline on my behalf.

Another sip down, he eyed me.

"In that case, the only thing you need to focus on is the upcoming recruit selection. You’ll mostly have freedom in how you handle it. Enough of that. I’ve said all that I need to say. Get some rest."

"I will."

I stood and aimed for the exit.

Hand on the knob, the Section Chief spoke again.

"Seth..."

I paused and pivoted.

"You’re alright, right?"

I cocked my head.

"I’m alright?"

"Mhm."

The Section Chief nodded.

"I’m not even asking about the situation with... ehm, Kyle. I’m just asking in general. What happened to you in the Congress wasn’t easy. I’m just asking to make sure, but are you... alright?"

I blinked.

Then I grinned and swung the door open.

"I’m feeling great."

Never felt better.