Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 642: Investigation [3]

The progression of tasks was quite smooth. Honestly, I possessed the capability to complete everything solo, yet the assistance from the Cloud Reverence Guild, familiar with the locale, significantly accelerated the process, conserving valuable time.

Indeed, all necessary acquisitions were successfully made.

Following that, I made my way back to the primary compound. The area was bustling with activity, as other teams were also returning. Disregarding them, I proceeded towards my own team, offering a farewell wave to the members of the Cloud Reverence Guild.

"...It was a pleasant collaboration. I anticipate future endeavors together."

They reciprocated the gestures, though their expressions suggested a lack of genuine enthusiasm.

A perplexing thought.

’Hmm. They ought to be in this vicinity.’

Scanning my surroundings, I retrieved my phone. A specific message within the Guild group chat finally caught my attention.

’Ah, yes, that was a thing.’

@SethThorne We're all on the second floor. However, you should proceed to the third floor. Room 3007.

"Understood."

Pocketing my phone, I directed myself towards the third floor as instructed.

Surveying the corridor and noting the room numbers, I eventually located the correct door. Just as my hand reached for the handle, it swung open autonomously, revealing a familiar individual. The instant our gazes met, her countenance momentarily faltered before a frown creased her brow, her eyes radiating coldness.

I remained silent, observing her as she passed, before redirecting my focus to the room itself.

’It shouldn’t be much longer until this situation is resolved.’

Ah, yes… Right.

There was also the matter of Kyle.

Given that our relationship had reached a state of relative resolution, the intention was to facilitate his 'return' in the near future.

Nevertheless, more immediate concerns took precedence as I entered the room. The Team Leader, seated near the window with her legs elegantly crossed, was observed brushing her short, dark hair. Her attention shifted towards me, as if sensing my arrival.

"Hmm, you have finally arrived."

She appeared somewhat altered from her usual demeanor. Upon closer inspection, an uncharacteristic seriousness emanated from her. This observation persisted until I noticed the sunglasses she was wearing.

Why was she still…?

’No, never mind that.’

I surveyed the room, identifying a suitable spot to sit.

"You summoned me, Team Leader?"

"Indeed, I did."

Soran responded with a gentle nod, her hands clasped. The thought had occurred to me previously, but her current comportment felt undeniably peculiar.

"I have reviewed all your reports concerning the current situation. Your efforts were commendable. The Section Chief is presently occupied with other matters, thus I will be overseeing the majority of this investigation."

"…I see."

This development was not entirely unexpected. The Section Chief’s role primarily entailed managing the 'political' dimensions of this entire operation. As a mere recruit, there remained a considerable amount of information beyond my current comprehension.

"As I am leading this operation, it is imperative to ensure its smooth execution. Based on the feedback I have received from you, it is becoming increasingly apparent that this situation may not be attributed to an anomaly."

"I share the same assessment."

This conclusion was readily inferable; I had arrived at a similar judgment after absorbing the testimonies of those I had interrogated.

Soran leaned back, her fingers idly stroking her chin.

"A cult? It is a possibility..." she mused, her fingertip tapping rhythmically against the armrest of her chair, "however, there is a significant likelihood that this was the work of a solitary individual. Considering that the targets share the same zodiac sign and age, we can reasonably infer, to a certain extent, that they may have been intended as sacrifices for some form of ritual."

Her reasoning was sound.

"Nevertheless, this remains purely speculative. Insufficient information is still available. For the time being, we will proceed under the assumption that this is a consequence of 'human intervention'."

"I understand."

Placing my hands on my knees, I prepared to stand, assuming the discussion had concluded. However, just as I began to rise, the Team Leader's voice resonated once more.

"How has the Guild Master been treating you?"

"Hm? The Guild Master?"

I paused, turning back to face the Team Leader. Her question seemed somewhat out of the blue. Yet, observing her, her expression remained utterly unreadable, completely blank.

Noticing her impassive gaze, I eventually replied,

"He has been treating me well."

"That is good."

Despite my lingering bewilderment, I elected not to probe further. Her current inscrutable expression made such an inquiry difficult.

Reflecting on the Guild Master, I had to admit he had, in fact, been quite favorable towards me. Notwithstanding any personal grievances, his actions had consistently aligned with my best interests thus far, encompassing the incident with Malovia's rat and various other affairs.

If I were to characterize the Guild Master's conduct up to this juncture, the term 'fair' would be most appropriate.

He had been remarkably 'fair'.

"I won't elaborate further as you are perceptive. However..." The Team Leader paused, her gaze sweeping over me from head to toe. Her scrutiny made me a tad uneasy as she continued, "...Don't push yourself excessively. Though you might not consciously feel the Guild Master's expectations bearing down on you, they could be subconsciously affecting you. The pressure to be flawless, to never falter, and all that entails, ultimately takes a toll, even if you're unaware. Occasionally, it's beneficial to take a break and unwind."

Take a break and unwind? Still fixated on the Team Leader, I inwardly dismissed the notion. If only my predicament were tied to the Guild Master's expectations. The idea of never failing had simply never occurred to me.

Not out of fear of failure, but because failure was an impossibility for me.

Rest was also out of the question.

I had reached a precipice where a single misstep would spell my end. Coupled with the stark reality that few, if any, in this world could be counted on, the burdens weighing on my mind were entirely different.

"You should have a drink, you know."

At the Team Leader's words, I was taken aback to see her holding a bottle of whisky. She unscrewed the cap and poured herself a measure. Looking at her, I was bewildered.

When did she...?

"Perhaps you carry different concerns. To be frank, your awareness might be limited, but from my perspective, it appears something is burdening you. Sometimes, it's wise to simply let go. Allow your mind the respite it deserves."

Soran suddenly extended the cup in my direction, gesturing for me to take it.

I quietly regarded the drink before shaking my head. Drinking was hardly on my mind.

But before I could voice my refusal, Soran interjected, "Have a sip. There are matters I need to discuss with you."

Still gazing at her, I eventually conceded. There was ample time, and a single drink wouldn't be detrimental.

I came to regret that decision with remarkable speed.

It turned out the drink possessed an unexpected potency, far greater than anticipated. So potent, in fact, that I lost consciousness almost immediately. Upon regaining awareness, the only thing greeting me was a stark white ceiling and an excruciating headache.

"....."

In the ensuing silence, I blinked several times.

Then, slowly turning my head, I found my gaze falling upon a foot positioned near my head.

I briefly closed my eyes before reopening them and looking down.

"Hmm... where do you think you're touching...? Hmm..."

Something unfamiliar was nestled against my foot.

"....."

I closed my eyes once more, covering my face with both hands as the familiar onset of a hangover began.

"...Not this again."