Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 663: Soran [3]

Soran’s words dissolved into the quiet, only to be abruptly broken by the echo of another footstep. This soft sound pierced the stillness, drawing all attention as a figure gradually materialized from the obscured depths.

Every breath hitched at the sight; its charred apron billowed, and an overwhelming bloodlust saturated the atmosphere.

It was a vision that sent shivers down the spine.

"T-that’s..."

"Wait, look!"

Someone suddenly exclaimed.

Upon a more careful examination, many discerned a crucial difference in the Butcher’s appearance. A significant portion of its attire was shredded, revealing flesh marred by severe burns. Embers still clung to its form, the scorched skin continuing to smolder as it advanced another step.

Step!

The reverberation of the step seemed to hang in the air, stretching unnaturally before dispersing in all directions. Simultaneously, the tattered robe rustled gently, the Butcher progressing as if unfazed.

Step! Step...!

A collective paralysis held everyone captive.

Not a soul dared to exhale.

A pair of crimson eyes slowly scanned the surroundings, each gaze intensifying the palpable pressure in the area before finally settling on Soran.

Fixated... on the woman responsible for its current state.

"Ha."

Though unable to see, she distinctly felt its stare locked onto her.

Her fractured lips stretched wider, and a dry chuckle escaped her.

"This is quite a predicament, isn’t it?"

Its gaze alone was sufficient to render her breathless, as if all the air had been evacuated from her vicinity, making each breath a struggle. Her legs began to tremble, yet she held her ground.

She did not falter.

Instead, she raised both hands, blood still trickling down her face.

"I’ve given it my all… I truly have nothing left. Rusty and all…"

Even in this dire circumstance, she managed a jest. Her body was a wreck, her joints still popping. It would be nothing short of a miracle if she could continue her work. In fact, her very ability to remain standing was a miracle.

And yet, fully aware of this, Soran found the entire situation darkly amusing.

After all, there wasn't much else she truly cared about.

And⎯

"I believe I've bought just enough time for their arrival."

As if on cue, mere moments after her declaration, a figure materialized directly behind the Butcher. His appearance was so instantaneous that no one had the chance to react. No, that wasn’t quite it.

Did he… teleport?

The Butcher reacted with lightning speed.

Twisting its body, it swung towards the newcomer’s point of origin. A terrifying wave of bloodlust surged through the air, followed moments later by a deafening concussion.

BOOOM!

The vicinity trembled, dust and debris scattering wildly. The remaining individuals sprang into action, charging towards the Butcher, who showed no hesitation in lashing out at them.

"Watch out!"

Everyone witnessed the incoming strike, but their options were severely limited.

Once the Butcher initiated its slash, nothing could impede its path.

That single blow shattered the meager defenses of several Section Chiefs, threatening to bisect them as their pupils constricted rapidly. Just as disaster loomed, an unseen force materialized behind them, latching onto their forms and yanking them back before the attack could connect.

"⎯⎯!"

The sequence of events unfolded with such rapidity that, even after the chaos subsided, many struggled to comprehend what had transpired. The individuals in question suddenly reappeared a considerable distance away.

"You’re here."

Velrik was the first to break the silence, as a figure materialized before him. He presented as a handsome man in his thirties, sporting a bright smile and dark hair that flowed gently without a breeze. Dressed in a sleek, dark suit that complemented his appearance perfectly, he paid no heed to the Butcher, whose attention had shifted towards him, as he addressed Velrik.

"It’s not exactly simple for me to traverse such a distance on short notice. It’s been quite a while since I’ve undertaken such a task. Be lenient with me."

His tone remained unhurried despite the critical situation. Upon spotting him, Zoey’s expression subtly altered.

"Enforcer Brandt."

The name escaped her lips before she could censor it. She wasn’t the only one to recognize him; several others mirrored her reaction, their expressions flickering. It was understandable, given the circumstances.

Enforcers were regarded as near-legendary figures by many. They comprised the elite cadre serving the BUA, individuals operating beyond the established Ranking System. Their true strength remained largely unknown, but every Enforcer was incredibly formidable.

Enforcer Brandt, in particular, was renowned for his unique [Transporter Decree].

"Haha, it appears my reputation precedes me. Excellent, this simplifies matters⎯"

Before the Enforcer could finish his statement, the Butcher unleashed another swift blow, its blade descending rapidly. This time, its speed surpassed its previous movements, and a piercing, echoing howl emanated from the weapon, striking the man instantly.

Nevertheless, the Enforcer maintained his composure, a smile fixed on his face as he placed his hand on Velrik’s person, and then they both vanished without a trace.

BOOOOOOOOOM!

An earth-shattering explosion erupted moments later, gouging a lengthy, deep trench into the concrete where they had stood. The Butcher then pivoted its head, its crimson eyes flaring with intensified luminescence, fixing its gaze upon a specific point.

"This situation is proving more challenging than anticipated," the Enforcer murmured, reappearing with his relaxed demeanor unchanged as he surveyed the Butcher and the surrounding environment. He then produced a compact device resembling a pocket watch, consulting it. After a brief examination, his eyes narrowed slightly.

"My readings are quite elevated from this device. It’s not on the same level as the one from Malovia, but it remains dangerously potent, and the intensity seems to be climbing. It would be prudent to evacuate everyone.

A swift decision was made.

Without seeking Velrik’s input, who was overseeing the operation, he simply clapped his hands twice. Simultaneously, several of his conduits activated, instantly targeting every individual in the immediate vicinity.

Swooosh! Swooosh!

The fabric of space behind them tore open, and they were all forcibly drawn backward in unison. They were gone before they could even register what had transpired.

At the precise moment of his action, the Butcher likewise moved, swinging in his direction once more.

On this occasion, the Butcher’s onslaught was even more rapid than before. The speed was such that Velrik found it difficult to track.

However, just as the strike was about to connect, his vision plunged into darkness, and he disappeared entirely from sight.

"Well, that’s handled."

The Enforcer, now elsewhere, clapped his hands again.

His gaze swept across the area before landing on Zoey, who was staring at him with an unreadable expression. His eyes shifted from her to the remaining individuals, and he offered a casual wave.

"Don’t fret too much. I’ll manage things from here. While I might not be able to def⎯ Oop." He vanished, reappearing beside Zoey, startling her as he directed his attention toward Soran. Noticing her state, he let out a low whistle. "It appears her condition is quite poor. I’ll attend to her personally. For now, it’s time for the rest of you to depart."

He gently nudged Zoey back, and she, along with several others, dematerialized.

An eerie calm descended as all the onlookers vanished, leaving only the Enforcer, the Butcher, and Soran.

A brief, pregnant silence filled the air before the Enforcer’s lips curved into a smile as he looked at Soran.

"Well, now it’s just you."

He sidled up to her, the Butcher remaining motionless, its blood-red eyes fixed upon him as if in silent appraisal.

The Enforcer paid it no mind, placing a hand on Soran’s shoulder.

His expression softened as he observed her.

"So⎯"

"Yeah, yeah."

She waved a dismissive hand.

"I may be blind, but I’m not a fool. You’re not taking me back, are you?"