Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 649: Sending a Message [1]

The incessant scratching continued.

With the Team Leader's gaze fixed upon Cedrick, he found himself unable to cease scratching. The damp sensation only intensified with each movement of his hand. As he looked at Cedrick standing before him, his mouth became incredibly dry.

"How does any of this... make sense?"

He had personally witnessed the man's death. How could he⎯Ah.

It finally dawned on him.

"Yes, you are correct."

Cedrick let out a laugh, his eyes locked onto the Team Leader.

"...From the very beginning, I was merely anticipating your 'kidnapping' and subsequent arrival here."

Cedrick chuckled, placing his hands behind his back.

"Just as you were targeting Seth, I had been focusing on you. No..." Cedrick abruptly halted, his gaze sharpening. "Us."

The Team Leader's face drained of all color as he took a step backward. His heart, which had just begun to calm, was now pounding fiercely within his chest, his lips moving soundlessly.

The disquiet he had previously experienced began to permeate his very being as he stared at the figure before him, his words emerging with difficulty, each one stammered.

"But I... I didn't do..."

"You failed to understand your position. That is the sole reason for this. You interfered with someone who was already under observation. We have been monitoring you closely, but now that you have overstepped, we have no recourse but to eliminate you."

"No, but... I am simply undertaking actions that you yourselves would have eventually performed. Had you truly disapproved, a warning would have sufficed. Some form of communication."

The Team Leader began to gnaw at his fingernails, a string of justifications tumbling out as he addressed Cedrick. His eyes darted around the environment as he spoke. Cedrick's sudden and unexpected appearance had prevented him from fully grasping his surroundings, but he now recognized he was within an immense chamber.

The room's height surpassed his own by several heads, extending upwards to a distant ceiling, and the entire space appeared utterly vacant, with towering pillars dispersed in every direction. As the Team Leader surveyed the area, he found himself gasping for air.

'This was not present when I chose this location. This is an entirely new chamber.'

He shifted his gaze back to Cedrick, his heart hammering against his ribs as he swallowed silently. Simultaneously, his nerves frayed, and the bracelet he wore pulsed, poised for immediate action.

Cedrick noticed these actions, a smile gracing his lips at the sight.

"Do not entertain thoughts of resistance. I am privy to all your secrets." He paused, then added, "...We know everything there is to know about you."

As if doused with icy water, the Team Leader was left utterly stunned, his gaze fixed on Cedrick.

'I believed my actions were discreet...'

How...? How was it possible for him to know? In a peculiar way, it felt as though his very thoughts were being laid bare.

The pressure in the Team Leader's chest intensified, and perspiration trickled down his temple. He was acutely aware of his current predicament.

...Painfully so.

Especially concerning the identity of his pursuer.

Cedrick understood clearly that he was not the sole possessor of the 'Gate Developer System.' The exact number of users and the ultimate objective of the system remained a mystery, but through his years as a user, he had uncovered the clandestine networks and organizations operating behind the scenes.

It was during this time that a single, stark reality became apparent to him...

This world was merely their playground.

Gates, anomalies, and similar phenomena... they were all part of an extensive game.

A playground for the myriad of users.

Yet, it was also a contest where the ultimate victor would ascend to become the true 'King,' the wielder of the Lesser Key.

Recognizing this, the Team Leader yearned to participate in this grand game. However, he soon confronted a harsh truth... A brutal revelation.

He was but a commoner, surrounded by far more formidable users and creators who operated from the shadows. Among these already intimidating figures were the members of the 'Hand,' who maintained oversight of the entire game from the darkness, manipulating events and patiently awaiting the moment to claim dominion.

"Frankly, your survival might have been prolonged had you not made a move on him. It's not that I fail to comprehend your motivations. To be entirely truthful, we share your perspective. His presence is far too conspicuous. People are beginning to notice him, and with each observation, the flaws become more apparent. Society remains ignorant of our game... and we are determined to maintain that secrecy, are we not?"

Cedrick pressed a hand to his temple, a smile directed at the Team Leader.

Yet, the smile vanished from his face as swiftly as it had appeared.

"...But our agreement with your reasoning does not grant you license to interfere with him. Do you truly comprehend why we have refrained from acting against him thus far?"

Cedrick tilted his head, his eyes blinking rapidly. The Team Leader felt an oppressive, almost suffocating tension as he registered this sudden shift in Cedrick's demeanor.

His lips finally parted, his voice a choked whisper, "...B-because you have plans for him?"

"Oh, dear."

Cedrick brought a hand to his face, shaking his head in disbelief. His disappointment was evident as he muttered, ’I knew you were foolish, but I didn’t realize you were this foolish.’

He dragged a hand down his face, pulling at his skin for a moment before his voice turned cold, a low whisper escaping his lips.

"We have no desire for our little game to be exposed. Considering his current popularity, what do you believe will transpire if he were to suddenly perish?"

"...Ah."

The Team Leader’s expression slackened as realization dawned. His features shifted rapidly, and he moved to speak again, but Cedrick cut him off.

"You should have understood your position. None of this would have befallen you. However, it is now far too late. Since I was compelled to be here, your presence is no longer necessary."

"!!"

The Team Leader’s heart seemed to plummet, his entire body rigidifying as he clenched his fist. The bracelet on his hand writhed with intense energy. He understood he had no alternative but to fight, even if the odds were stacked against him. No, not even fight... if only he could escape...

"But there is one thing I must acknowledge."

Cedrick’s gaze swept across the surroundings.

"...You’ve designed this place rather competently. For a brief moment, I was almost taken in myself. The music, in particular... it was quite perceptive. Was that your method of toying with your prey? He did associate with that Conductor, after all."

"Huh?"

The Team Leader blinked, confusion clouding his features as he stared at Cedrick. Did he design this place? Toying with prey?

What?

What was he even talking about?

"I am curious, however. What became of your anomalies?" Cedrick surveyed the area. "How did you manage to botch them? Were you in such a rush to complete everything? Yet, that seems unlike you. It’s more probable that you detected my arrival and activated them prematurely, leading to their failure."

Cedrick blinked once more. His head felt strangely light as the subtle unease he had felt earlier intensified, spreading through him with unprecedented strength, causing his entire body to tingle.

Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait⎯!

"Had they not failed, I would have been obligated to employ a more forceful approach... Hm?"

As if sensing the anomaly in the Team Leader’s expression, Cedrick tilted his head slightly. In that precise instant, something occurred, a development that caused both individuals to halt.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

The distinct sound of clapping echoed.

It was followed by a voice laced with playful amusement.

"Have you figured it out yet?"