Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 636: Malia [1]

"Frankly, this turn of events was somewhat unexpected, so my apologies for summoning all of you so abruptly. However, we've apparently received some urgent communiques from the BUA, indicating a developing emergency. I trust you are all prepared."

The Section Chief's unenthusiastic voice permeated the assembly hall. Standing among his peers, my attention snagged on a few familiar faces, particularly Section Chief White, with whom relations were somewhat strained.

He had maintained a low profile ever since the Congress.

Perhaps my own preoccupation masked it, but Catherine had also been remarkably subdued.

I met her returning gaze, her eyes narrowing as she subtly mouthed, 'What are you staring at?'

A smile played on my lips as I formed a small, almost imperceptible heart shape with my fingers.

Her expression instantly soured. Soon after, she clutched her own shoulders, as if someone had subjected her to something utterly repulsive. Observing her reaction more closely, it seemed she might even prefer such an indignity to my gesture.

That prompted me to send her a discreet blowing kiss.

Naturally, I ensured the action was subtle.

"....Hk!"

All eyes snapped to her as she covered her mouth with a hand. Yet, a peculiar sound escaped, her face visibly trembling.

"Are you alright?"

The Section Chief regarded her with evident concern. Catherine managed a weak smile, tapping her chest before replying, "I merely... had a bit of a tickle. I'm... fine."

"I see."

Seemingly accepting her explanation, the Section Chief turned his attention back to us. The atmosphere was returning to its previous state, or so it seemed, when a searing sensation pricked the back of my head. A quick turn of my head revealed Zoey's intense stare, nearly causing my composure to falter.

*Ahem.*

I cleared my throat discreetly, redirecting my focus to the Section Chief.

"As I was stating, the situation unfolding in Malia is precarious. While the exact nature of events remains unclear, the daily disappearances suggest we are confronting a high-tier anomaly or possibly a Gate."

The pronouncement cast a palpable tension over the gathering.

I listened with heightened attention as the Section Chief elaborated, "The core issue is our lack of concrete information regarding these disappearances, nor do we have any coordinates for this potential Gate. This has persisted for some time, prompting the BUA to deploy multiple agents. Despite their efforts, no significant leads have emerged. It is for this reason that I have convened this meeting."

His gaze swept across the assembled individuals, his somber tone resonating through the hall.

"Under these pressing circumstances, we have been tasked with dispatching personnel to Malia to address the situation. As a recently inaugurated King-Grade Guild, we must demonstrate our capabilities, particularly with other Guilds observing our performance. Excellence in this endeavor is paramount."

Abruptly, the Section Chief's gaze settled upon Clara, seated quietly at the forefront.

"Clara will assume leadership of this operation. Among everyone present, she possesses the requisite qualifications to manage this mission, especially considering we won't be the sole Guild involved."

In a sudden shift, the Section Chief's attention turned to me.

My brow furrowed slightly.

"I have been apprised that the Guild Master has expressed reservations about your deployment."

"Hm?"

All eyes swiveled towards me.

"You currently stand as our Guild's most prominent figure. Every eye is upon you, and given your performance at the World Congress, there's a substantial risk of you becoming a target during the operation. Consequently, the Guild Master prefers you remain here."

"Then why am I here?"

Honestly, I had anticipated this turn of events. I was, at present, one of the most sought-after recruits available, and I had also cultivated a number of adversaries. The Helios Vanguard Guild, in particular, came to mind. Although they had been conspicuously silent following the Leon incident, a lingering distrust prevented me from assuming their quiescence would last.

This had been a primary factor in my avoidance of any significant missions thus far.

"Considering the recent incident, it is indeed logical that you would not be deployed."

I nodded in agreement.

Yes, that made sense.

"However, you will be going."

"....."

Was this some kind of jest?

Fixing my gaze on the Section Chief, I found myself utterly bewildered. Had the recent events unsettled his equilibrium? One moment, he declared I could not go, and the next, he commanded me to proceed?

My confusion was mirrored by nearly everyone else in the room, their expressions reflecting a similar bewilderment.

"Ahem."

The Section Chief cleared his throat.

"I understand your bewilderment, everyone. I am merely relaying the Guild Master's wishes, not the dictates of the situation itself."

The dictates of the situation...?

My bewilderment dissolved that very instant. As if a metaphorical light bulb had ignited, comprehension dawned.

Don’t tell me...

"The BUA has personally requested your assistance, Seth. They wish for you to go there and prove your abilities. They’ve also assured your safety. With their backing, it should be significantly harder for the top Guilds to interfere with you."

Ah.

It all made considerably more sense now.

I unexpectedly found a slight smile gracing my lips.

Especially when I considered the BUA. While their intention was to evaluate my skills, it was evident there was an ulterior motive at play. It was impossible to believe otherwise. Furthermore, my trust in the BUA was non-existent.

’I’ve visited their premises once before, and no harm came to me then, but who can guarantee that a system user isn’t present within their ranks?’

Extreme caution was necessary.

Such 'users' were insidious, lurking everywhere, and all of them had their sights fixed on me.

"Honestly, I am still perplexed by this entire predicament, but my sole purpose here is to convey the orders I’ve received. From what I understand, your attendance is mandatory. The BUA is directing significant attention towards you."

"Understood."

There was not the slightest tremor of hesitation within me.

On the contrary, the prospect of venturing to Malia sparked a considerable interest.

"I’m relieved to see you cooperating. In that case, I shall proceed to discuss the other pertinent matters concerning the current situation. I expect everyone to pay close attention; this is not to be treated as a routine affair."

Following this, the Section Chief launched into an extensive explanation, detailing our necessary actions and the precautions to be taken. He provided a comprehensive overview of Malia’s political landscape, alongside its geographical features. The information was thorough, yet midway through the presentation, my focus wavered. My attention was drawn to my phone as a particular message arrived.

It was from the Guild Master.

[I anticipate that you will deliver entertaining results.]

That was the entirety of the message, but the instant I read it, I had to suppress an urge to smile as I put my phone away.

Entertaining results…?

Despite my most diligent efforts, a smile betrayed me as I shook my head.

Reflecting on this, I tilted my head slightly.

A pertinent question indeed...

Just how far was I prepared to escalate this situation?