Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 652: The one they call the Butcher [2]

~5 minute read · 1,140 words
Previously on Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary!...
Cedrick uses his nodes to counter Seth's growing power and trap the Team Leader. However, Seth's anomaly, empowered by a dangerous knife, becomes uncontrollable. It defies Cedrick's abilities, and Seth himself seems to be losing control, heading towards a point of no return.
The meticulously recorded information within the files remained indelibly etched in my memory.It proved rather difficult to dismiss such captivating details.Essentially, the creation of an anomaly was achievable through the degradation of nodal points, a precise objective that my so-called 'fan' had meticulously planned. Every facet was laid bare within the document: his decree, his complete strategy, the precise coordinates of his residence, and even the specific moments he chose to 'spy' on me.I was privy to his every detail...Johnattan Banker. That was his genuine identity, far removed from the preposterous alias he currently employed.Furthermore, he possessed notable vulnerabilities, chief among them an unyielding obsession with order and control. The instant that control slipped from his grasp, he would inevitably falter. I was aware... intimately aware of his every minute imperfection.There was absolutely nothing unknown to me.From the very instant his information fell into my possession, his control had already evaporated.The initial strategy involved employing this very information to disrupt him.However, it was during this process that another revelation came to light.'I suppose I shall have to express my gratitude when we meet again, Mr. King.'Additional details were present within the files, specifically concerning an individual named 'Cedrick,' whose true name was 'Osvald Marlon.' Much like myself, he harbored intentions toward the Team Leader. It was at this juncture that I also became aware of this other clandestine organization.In a peculiar way, a sliver of regret did surface.'Perhaps, things might have proceeded with slightly more ease had I inquired about them.'Yet, at that time, their existence was unknown to me. And even if I had possessed such knowledge, my wish likely would have remained unchanged. This 'Cedrick' proved more than sufficient.He was more than adequate for conveying my message."How can it not be working...?"His voice, a mere whisper, echoed as I turned my gaze back towards him.Witnessing the dawning surprise upon his delicate features sent a peculiar quiver through my chest. I felt an urge to move, but the colossal eye looming behind me arrested my action, and I perceived a distinct alteration within its form. Its magnitude increased, swelling in the oppressive darkness, and the pressure enveloping my form intensified, constricting just enough to impede my breathing.He was beginning to exert greater force.But⎯I possessed comprehensive knowledge of him and his decree.'Warden Decree, much like Mirelle's. It appears he has merely tread a different path within that decree. Though, it hardly matters...'My awareness granted me the insight to manage the situation.He could impede me, but not my anomalies. Unlike the Team Leader, I did not exert direct control over them; they operated independently of my will.This very fact rendered his efforts futile.His miscalculation lay in targeting me directly, rather than my anomalies. Yet, even if he had chosen to target them, it would have made no difference. I had already accounted for every conceivable outcome.There was nothing within his power that could alter the present circumstances.SPURT!Cedrick's surprise intensified as crimson fluid erupted onto the ground. No visual confirmation was necessary; I could sense the unfolding event. The palpable bloodlust in the atmosphere thickened, prompting me to elevate my head slightly, inhaling the metallic tang that permeated the air.'Yes, just a little more.'The presence behind me shifted, and the atmosphere grew even more oppressive.Maintaining my footing became a significant challenge.However, this very difficulty only elicited a smile.At this juncture, it was undeniably clear that my mental state was far from sound. It wasn't a matter of being fundamentally flawed, but rather that this aspect of my being had been present from the very beginning.This was my authentic self.I had remained oblivious to it for so long, a consequence of my inherent timidity. Perhaps the lingering illness that had afflicted me since youth prevented my 'true' personality from manifesting. Yet, through the crucible of my experiences, and as the pervasive fear gradually receded with each passing moment, this concealed facet of my nature began to emerge with increasing prominence.I......fundamentally reveled in pushing boundaries to their absolute limit and ensuring my actions left an indelible mark. In the current scenario, several alternative courses of action had percolated through my mind to resolve the entire predicament.But after contemplating each of them, only one truly resonated.There was only one... that I was inclined to pursue.SPURT!As blood sprayed across the parched earth, originating from one of the anomalies the Team Leader had endeavored to cultivate, I felt the weight of the blade intensify within my grasp. A searing sensation coursed through my entire being upon witnessing it as the Realmwalker continued its relentless assault on each subsequent anomaly.Turning my attention back to the Team Leader and Cedrick, I observed that they too had begun to grasp the dire nature of the situation.This was especially evident when I discerned their words⎯"Don't do it."A discernible trace of apprehension tinged his voice."If you take that knife, you'll⎯""Too late~"Extending my right hand, a figure materialized as a blade descended into my palm. The instant our contact was made, my entire field of vision dissolved into a deep crimson hue as a chorus of voices began to murmur within my mind.'Ho, it charged quite well.'Considering the circumstances, the Team Leader had certainly prepared a substantial quantity of anomalies for me. Moreover, these were not just any anomalies; they were of a high caliber, serving as exceptionally potent nourishment for the blade. However, a significant problem arose⎯ Perhaps the nourishment was, in fact, a little too potent. "⎯!!" Cra Crack! Cra Crack! Subtle yet distinct cracking noises emanated from the core of my being as I endured immense pressure, causing several of my bones to fracture. The power coursing through the blade surpassed my initial estimations, and my body bore the full impact, evidenced by my hand contorting at an unnatural angle. Crack⎯! The agony was almost beyond articulation. It felt akin to plummeting from a colossal skyscraper, impacting the earth with devastating force, only to be inexplicably revived and subjected to the fall once more. My cognitive functions also began to dull. Yet, amidst this growing numbness, my perception sharpened, allowing me to see past the crimson haze obscuring my vision. Red dots started appearing everywhere, highlighting the structural vulnerabilities in my surroundings and the inherent flaws within the two individuals positioned before me, their movements frantic as they attempted to intervene before the situation escalated further. But the moment for intervention had already passed. It was futile to try and halt my actions now. Because even I lacked the ability to stop myself. CRACK!