Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 635: Cedrick Vale [2]

The Cloud Reverence Guild was not the only entity making moves; the remaining King-Grade and Queen-Grade Guilds also began mobilizing. The escalating situation prompted authorities to urge citizens in the Western District to remain indoors.

The BUA was also alerted, diligently monitoring the unfolding events. While the cause remained unknown, the danger was palpable.

"Remember, the Western District differs greatly from our Eastern District. The buildings are more dilapidated, and poverty is far more evident. Ensure you don't wear anything too conspicuous to avoid drawing unwanted attention, even as members of major guilds."

After a brief confirmation of their equipment, the Team Leader reiterated the specific dangers present in the Western District.

"Anomalies are not the sole threats lurking in the Western District. You must also be cautious of the people."

Reflecting on the high crime rate and the daily homicides in the Western District, the Team Leader felt a wave of revulsion, as if he might vomit. This precarious situation had festered for years, stemming from an incident that occurred several years prior.

'Thinking about that incident still sends shivers down my spine.'

It had been a considerable time ago, yet the Team Leader could recall the event with crystalline clarity. In a way, it resonated with what had transpired in Malovia, with the exception that it wasn't an <SS>-ranked gate, but rather one just below it in classification.

An <A> Rank Gate.

While it might not seem especially terrifying now, at that time, an <A> Ranked Gate represented one of the highest classifications ever encountered globally.

The instant the Gate materialized, the entire island seemed to convulse, threatening to crumble into the abyss. It almost plummeted from the heavens, barely held in place by the collective efforts of international guilds and engineers who rushed to assist during the crisis.

It was a Gate that had pushed the entire world to the brink of widespread panic. Fortunately, it was eventually subdued, but the resulting casualties were substantial. It became a tragedy etched into the collective memory of the island's inhabitants, with the Western District serving as a stark, enduring scar from the Gate's appearance.

Countless individuals lost their homes, their livelihoods, their families...

Everyone suffered a loss, and those affected had no recourse but to establish themselves in the Western District, while new guilds ascended to power, claiming the Eastern territories.

'Come to think of it, a surprising number joined this Guild because of that incident.'

As the Team Leader's gaze surveyed each recruit, it eventually landed on Cedrick, who sat engrossed in his thoughts, his eyes fixed on the window.

'…Right, he joined us following that incident. As I understand it, he lives alone; his entire family perished due to it.'

Contemplating Cedrick's circumstances, the Team Leader felt a pang of sympathy and inwardly sighed before taking his seat. Ultimately, everyone faced their own unique hardships. Despite the Team Leader's pity for Cedrick, it could only extend so far.

His own life was far from easy.

"Oh, that's right."

Abruptly, as if a thought had surfaced, the Team Leader retrieved his tablet, scrolling through the profiles of the recruits until his attention fixed upon Cedrick's.

Upon seeing the details, his expression underwent a subtle shift.

'Age, twenty-two. Born June 25th.'

That's...

His head turned slowly as the bus commenced its journey.

***

Ding!

A notification materialized within my field of vision.

[Due to extraordinary circumstances, the quest could not be completed.]

[Calculating...]

[Quest time has been extended. Partial rewards have been issued.]

"Oh?"

Glancing at the passing scenery, I was met with a pleasant surprise.

'So, the system acknowledged the interference with my quest and decided to prolong the duration while also granting a partial reward? That's quite decent.'

This was an unexpected development, and I immediately redirected my focus to my laptop, where the application was running. Instantly, my attention was drawn to a newly appeared section.

"H-hoo."

The moment I registered its presence, I inhaled sharply, my chest experiencing a slight tremor. Candidly, this was the absolute last thing I had anticipated seeing, and I found myself struggling to regain composure.

It took a few moments to fully quell my rising excitement.

[Anomaly Developer]

The name was self-explanatory. There was little need for contemplation upon seeing the title of this new feature. I grasped its purpose and functionality instantaneously.

Upon clicking it, a multitude of features appeared grayed out.

"...Honestly, it's a shame that it's only partially accessible."

Indeed, this limitation was regrettable.

Recalling the notification I had received from the system, I felt a slight sense of disappointment. However, there was nothing that could be done about it.

This was what truly mattered, especially considering the mission the system had assigned was not fully completed. The reason for this was interference, and upon realizing this, the system granted a partial reward, retaining half of its intended features.

"Still, I can work with this."

I tapped the [Start] icon, and my surroundings dissolved into a stark white, pulling me into a vacant chamber where a mannequin stood awaiting me.

My gaze swept across the room, noticing several windows.

—[—[Appearance]—]—

● Face

● Hair

● Nose

● Clothes

● Decree

—[—[Appearance]—]—

The initial window presented was for 'appearance'. I surmised that I could likely craft a disturbingly horrifying visage. However, from my experience in developing horror games, I knew that while appearance is significant, the true mastery lies in ambiance and setting.

Further inspection revealed another section: [Sketch].

A chuckle escaped me upon seeing it.

"So, it can manifest my drawings into anomalies? That's quite clever."

Regrettably, my artistic talents were less than impressive. Yet, this hardly mattered as my focus shifted elsewhere.

—[—[Abilities]—]—

Ability 1: [Please write down the anomaly ability. Cost will be calculated depending on ability.]

Ability 2: [Locked]

Ability 3: [Locked]

—[—[Abilities]—]—

"So I can simply dictate any ability I desire for it?"

This prospect was intriguing.

"It can't hurt to try."

I promptly entered: [I want the anomaly to have the ability to kill by looking at someone.]

A brief hesitation followed my input. The delay was only a few seconds before a notification materialized.

—[—[Abilities]—]—

[Kill on sight]

Cost: 99,999,999SP.

—[—[Abilities]—]—

"Alright..."

I dismissed the window.

"It certainly functions, but I shouldn't get too carried away with the abilities I bestow. "

This outcome was acceptable. I had no genuine qualms as it was merely a system test. Nevertheless, the sheer concept of creating an anomaly capable of dispatching a person with a mere glance sent a thrill through me.

I drew a deep breath.

The potential seemed limitless.

"Still, this is sufficient. I can work with this."

One final window remained.

—[—[Rules]—]—

Rule 1:

Rule 2:

Rule 3:

—[—[Rules]—]—

This was straightforward. I needed to treat the anomalies as programmed entities, requiring rules for their actions and behavior, a concept I grasped readily.

"Yes, this shouldn't pose much of a problem."

Gates operated similarly; they required rules to function.

"Well, I suppose that's enough for now."

I initiated [Exit], departing the interface. Several other windows were present but unfortunately inaccessible. I recognized that I had only glimpsed the surface of something extraordinary. As I emerged from that space, my phone vibrated. Reaching for it, I checked the message.

The moment I saw it, an involuntary smile spread across my face.