Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 638: Malia [3]
Previously on Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary!...
I had thought that eventually, the constant staring would become something I’d get used to, yet it never truly happened. I always found myself drawn to noticing them. This time, it proved particularly difficult to overlook, as a significant portion of the compound’s inhabitants ceased their activities to fix their gaze in our direction.
"That’s the Severed Stars Guild."
"...It’s really them."
A chorus of hushed conversations and murmurs filled the air, with some individuals even pointing towards me as they whispered, ’Is that him…? He looks a bit different from what I imagined.’
Different? In what specific aspect?
My curiosity was piqued.
"Haha, welcome!"
Suddenly, a boisterous voice pierced through the quiet discussions and soft whispers. A towering man, possessing a robust build and a meticulously trimmed beard, emerged. He sported a cap, and as he drew nearer, his wide smile was directed at the Section Chief, whose already weary eyes seemed to gain more age as he bowed his head, emitting a soft sigh.
"Oh?"
The ensuing spectacle nearly sent a tremor through me as the man, without hesitation, walked over to the Section Chief and enveloped him in a vigorous hug.
"If it isn’t you! It’s been ages!
With that, he hoisted him up.
Yes, he literally lifted him and began to spin around in circles, while the Section Chief passively accepted his fate, his expression utterly devoid of emotion as they twirled.
"I barely heard from you after our academy days! You did mention joining a Queen-Grade Guild, but who would have foreseen it being the renowned Severed Stars Guild! Haha! I am genuinely delighted that you’ve achieved some measure of success!
His infectious laughter continued to echo throughout the vicinity as onlookers observed the unfolding scene. The Section Chief spun, and spun, and spun… and an unexpected urge to join in the merriment welled up within me. Could I possibly do that too?
Eventually, the man released his hold, and the Section Chief managed to regain his footing, leaning against the car and pressing the bridge of his nose.
His ordeal was far from over, as the man proceeded to deliver a couple of firm slaps on the Section Chief’s back.
For a fleeting moment, I was convinced the Section Chief’s soul had temporarily departed his body.
I instinctively took a step backward.
Yes, absolutely.
I made a silent resolution to steer clear of individuals exhibiting such exuberant behavior. The mere observation of the scene left me feeling drained. It was a rather pitiable sight to behold.
"Haha, my apologies for that."
The man finally shifted his attention toward us, offering his introduction.
"My name is Velrick Hiel. I am the head administrator overseeing this particular case, and I have been assigned by the BUA to ensure the smooth progression of all operations."
To be perfectly honest, this was somewhat surprising to learn. I had harbored the expectation that all BUA representatives would be exceedingly formal and rigid in their demeanor, yet he presented himself as the polar opposite.
"As you can observe, he and I share a long-standing history. One might even say we practically grew up together, which puts me in a rather jovial mood. Nevertheless, I should not prolong this any further. Please, take a look around you."
Following Velrick’s gesture, I surveyed our surroundings. We were encircled by numerous structures, positioned in close proximity to one another within the compound. Narrowing my eyes, I began to count them systematically. One, two, three...
In total, six buildings stood before us, all secured by imposing gates that sealed off the entire perimeter. As I concluded my count, Velrick’s voice resonated once more.
"This compound will serve as the temporary residence for all of you, as well as the other guilds that have been summoned. Currently, we have assembled approximately ten King-Grade Guilds from various corners of the globe. While the situation remains contained for the time being, we are prepared to escalate our resources and bring in more if the circumstances begin to worsen."
Abruptly, Velrick’s tone shifted to one of utmost seriousness, a stark departure from the lighthearted demeanor he had exhibited moments earlier with the Section Chief.
"I will be completely candid with all of you. We have been facing considerable challenges with this ongoing case. Several days have passed since we assumed responsibility, and we are still no closer to any concrete understanding of the situation. Moreover, additional individuals have vanished right before our eyes, and we are at a loss as to how or why this is occurring. This is precisely why we had no alternative but to request reinforcements. In any event…"
Velrick suddenly directed his gaze towards a specific building.
"Let us proceed inside, where we shall rendezvous with the other teams that have already arrived. I am confident that you are all eager to make their acquaintance, and I assure you, they are equally keen to meet you. We will convene for a comprehensive briefing regarding the future course of action."
Grasping the Section Chief by the scruff of his collar, Velrick began to tow him towards the distant compound. The Section Chief offered no resistance, passively allowing himself to be dragged along, his legs scraping against the ground and his eyes appearing even more vacant than usual.
I pursed my lips, observing the peculiar scene unfold.
"Rough."
"…Yeah."
Soran emitted an affirmative sound, her gaze fixed in the Section Chief’s direction. She removed her sunglasses, placing them in the middle of her shirt as she looked ahead.
Then, her attention shifted towards me.
"I’ve been contemplating. I did extend an invitation for dinner a while back. What are your thoughts on having that now? The offer is extended from my side."
"…Isn’t it complimentary?"
"It's not about the cost, it's about the gesture—" I walked on, disregarding her words as we arrived at the packed cafeteria. Despite its simple appearance, a comforting aroma wafted through the air. My attention zeroed in on the food section, where a considerable queue had already formed. Surveying the lively scene, I patted my rumbling stomach. Although a hearty meal was tempting, the familiar sensation of all eyes turning towards us as we entered swept over the room. The general chatter momentarily ceased before resuming in hushed tones. Resigned to the unavoidable attention, I started scanning the area for an empty table. My gaze traversed the crowded space until it landed on a specific individual, causing me to halt. Instinctively, my feet began to carry me in their direction. He sat alone, unlike everyone else. The area surrounding him was conspicuously vacant, as if others had deliberately kept their distance. As I drew nearer, I finally stopped directly in front of him. It was only then that he acknowledged my approach, his eyes widening the instant they met mine. I offered my hand. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance." Simultaneously, I voiced my name. "I'm Seth. And you are?"