Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 632: Hello, again [2]

The familiar scene unfolded before my eyes. Standing still for a moment, my gaze swept across the opulent surroundings, noting the immaculate walls and the plush red carpet beneath my feet.

The atmosphere was tranquil, almost inviting, and a serene sense of comfort enveloped me from the instant I entered the castle, prompting a slow, deliberate breath.

While I yearned to linger and appreciate the setting, my feet began to move involuntarily, carrying me through the well-known corridors. Ascending the stairs without conscious thought, each tread resonated softly underfoot.

Before I could fully process it, a particular door materialized before me.

To Tok—!

Twice I rapped on the door, then stood in quiet anticipation.

The interval of waiting was brief, for the door soon swung open with a gentle creak that echoed in the stillness, revealing the interior of a meticulously maintained office.

A subtle melody filled the air as my attention was captured by a specific chair, its presence immediately commanding my focus.

"You've arrived."

A voice followed, emanating from a face I still couldn't quite make out.

"...Greetings, once more."

I stepped into the room, drawing the door shut softly behind me and proceeded towards the chair positioned opposite Paimon. Without any hesitation, I settled into it.

"I hadn't anticipated your visit so soon. Do you already have an inquiry, perhaps?"

I offered only a smile, my eyes fixed upon him.

This smile was not born of amusement or delight at his presence. It stemmed, rather, from a feeling of... vexation?

Yes, that was it. Annoyance.

My lips parted slightly.

"I trust you are already apprised of the reason for my presence."

"Oh?" Paimon feigned surprise, crossing his legs. "And what prompts such an assumption? I am, after all, a rather occupied demon. It's not as though—"

"You are Paimon, the demon of knowledge. I am quite certain you have a general understanding of why I am here. I cannot conceive of you being unaware."

"....."

Paimon lapsed into silence, his lips curling into a chuckle that eventually escaped.

His laughter held a warmth, an inviting quality that unexpectedly stirred a sense of ease. Yet, the deeper this warmth permeated, the more a subtle disquiet began to surface beneath it. Despite this, I remained impassive, my gaze locked with Paimon's, holding his steady attention.

He eventually shifted, leaning back against the chair.

"You are correct. I am indeed quite aware of your reasons for being here. It was merely a matter of maintaining decorum, you understand?"

"No, I do not understand."

"However," Paimon continued, "I find myself curious about something."

Abruptly, Paimon leaned forward, scrutinizing my face with keen interest.

"While my knowledge is extensive, it is not absolute. I may grasp the essence of your desire, but the motivation behind seeking such specific information eludes me. You must realize, my understanding is vast. The sheer scale of knowledge contained within my being is beyond the scope of your limited perception. Nevertheless, I must state that fulfilling your entire request may prove impossible. Perhaps one or two aspects, but certainly not all. And even that is stretching the limits, given the higher authority we are beholden to. Are you truly resolved to proceed?"

He tilted his head closer, attempting to peer more intently into my expression.

"Tell me, why pursue such seemingly trivial matters when I possess the keys to the answers you genuinely seek? Your origins, for instance – I can reveal them the moment you ask. The cure for the affliction plaguing your mind? That information, too, is within my grasp. Was that not your primary objective? Simply ask, and I shall illuminate you. Or perhaps..."

Paimon paused, a flicker crossing his eyes before a slow smile bloomed on his face.

"...Perhaps your interest lies in your former world, in the possibility and method of your return. If you ask, I can provide this knowledge. I can..."

Suddenly, Paimon ceased speaking, his words trailing off.

It seemed he had reached a realization.

The smile vanished from his countenance as he observed my own expression.

"Hmm, I perceive."

Indeed, the understanding finally dawned upon him.

"I comprehend."

He rose swiftly and moved back towards his office desk. Without further comment, he began sorting through a stack of files, his gaze meticulously scanning each page. I observed him in silence.

Even without uttering my specific request, I knew he had already divined it.

And as anticipated⎯

"All the information you require is contained herein. I had it prepared in anticipation."

"Thank you."

I extended my hand for the papers, but paused just as my fingers neared them, Paimon drawing them back slightly.

His voice resonated softly once more.

"Are you certain? Is this truly how you wish to expend your granted request?"

"....."

Once again, I offered no verbal response.

I simply smiled.

An answer was unnecessary.

His gaze remained fixed on me for what felt like an eternity before he finally moved forward, returning the papers and placing them into my hands with an inscrutable expression.

As the documents settled into my grasp, the faint murmurs from beside me reached my ears, "I’ve never encountered a human quite like you. Truly… can one even label you as human anymore?"

His pronouncements held no sway over me.

It was likely an attempt to sow doubt, a tactic to make me falter. Yet, in this moment, nothing could deter me. My resolve was absolute, and no obstacle would prevent me from achieving my objective.

"Very well then."

Paimon settled back into his seat.

Just as I was about to rise, his hand suddenly extended, halting my movement.

"No need to be hasty. Completing your request doesn't signify the end of your visit. Surely you understand that time operates differently within this place. Indulge me with a brief conversation, won’t you?"

My gaze fell upon the papers clutched in my hand.

Frankly, my immediate desire was to delve into their contents. However, upon meeting Paimon's eyes once more, I recognized the immense value of this unexpected opportunity.

"Indeed, that sounds like an excellent idea."

Paimon responded as if he had peered directly into my mind. Or perhaps, he truly could.

At least, to a certain extent.

"Ah, perhaps you’ll glean some insights from our chat… that is, if you possess the necessary wit. But don't anticipate me simply handing over the answers you seek. Oh no. You'll need to work for them, unraveling them bit by bit. Consider it less a Q&A session and more a playful challenge between us. Shall we begin?"

A game?

My attention fixed on Paimon. His features remained elusive, difficult to retain in memory, yet in his presence, I could perceive them with perfect clarity – his eyes, the contours of his face, even the curve of his lips. Despite this, the moment I tried to recall them mentally, they seemed to evaporate.

"You orchestrated this, didn't you?"

I articulated the words slowly.

"…When you revealed my experiences within the Limbo to the entire world. You did so deliberately, with a purpose. There's no conceivable reason for you to broadcast my Limbo's direct vulnerabilities so openly without a clear objective."

From the instant the events unfolded at the World Congress, I understood that Paimon's will was behind it. Without his direct involvement, such a revelation would have been impossible. I also knew definitively that this was not an act of kindness towards me.

He had a motive.

And that motive was—

"You intend to infiltrate the mortal realm. By disseminating your influence, are you…"

I paused, the unspoken question hanging in the air.

Lifting my head to meet Paimon's gaze, I saw it with absolute clarity for the first time. His face was fully unveiled, a sinister smile gracing his lips as his fingers interlaced neatly before him, observing me intently.

Caught in his scrutiny, my breath hitched.

Could it be that my deduction was correct?