Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary!
Chapter Summary
I was the only one who paused, taking a moment to observe the outside of the castle alongside the insides that seemed to carry a certain warmth that served as a stark contrast to the cold outside. I looked around, taking in everything before finally turning my gaze toward the others, who looked just as confused. His face showed nothing, but judging by the way his eyes swept across the courtyard, it was clear he was just as confused.
Chapter 565: Sacrifice [3] The castle loomed before us imposingly.
It was a sight that left many of us breathless, its mere presence feeling eternal.
At least, this was how it seemed to me.
"I knew it.
" Leon smiled, staring at the imposing castle in the distance.
"My guess was correct.
If I’m not wrong, we must also enter that place if we want to leave this place.
I believe that the exit is there.
" "What?
Why would the exit be there?
" Drake asked, alternating his gaze between Leon and the castle.
Leon merely glanced in Drake’s direction before smiling again.
"Sacrifice something, and you’ll get it.
" Drake’s face contorted, but he didn’t say anything else.
The more I looked at him, the more disappointed I felt.
The difference between him and Leon was quite massive.
Although Leon was insane, he wasn’t an idiot like Drake was.
He had both brains and power.
"What should we do, Squad Leader?
If the exit is inside, do we have to infiltrate the place?
" "No, there’s no need for that.
" Leon chuckled while pointing at the entrance.
"...
We just walk in.
" "Huh?
" "But that’s...
" "If you don’t believe me, sacrifice something.
An eye.
An arm.
Anything of importance.
It’ll all become clear then.
" He proceeded to walk ahead.
Nobody knew what to make of his words.
However, his team followed him without hesitation.
They looked confused, but more so regarding the situation.
There was no confusion in their eyes as they followed Leon from behind.
It was as if in their minds, there was no way he was wrong.
’Well, I also don’t believe that he’s lying.
’ I followed after them.
Nothing obstructed us on the way to the castle.
The path was clear, with no anomaly in sight.
In fact, from the very start of our journey in the forest, there had hardly been any anomalies, with just the occasional one showing up.
The path was clean, with the bushes and vegetation nicely trimmed.
Everything led to the gate.
The open gate seemed to welcome us.
Leon walked through first without breaking stride.
The rest followed.
I was the only one who paused, taking a moment to observe the outside of the castle alongside the insides that seemed to carry a certain warmth that served as a stark contrast to the cold outside.
From the outside, the place looked completely deserted.
But as I looked through the gate, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
And considering how polished the outside of the castle was, I knew my hunch was correct.
Still...
’...
There’s no use staying here.
I also have a feeling that the exit is located inside.
I’m just curious to see if finding it is hard.
’ I walked past the gate.
The moment I did, my scenery completely changed.
The gray sky faded, replaced by a bright blue one as grass and thick vegetation spread in all directions.
The dry ground and sickly-looking trees were gone, replaced by warm sunlight and the gentle rustling of leaves.
Laughter and chatter echoed through the air as I suddenly found myself in a large courtyard.
Fine tables covered in white cloths were arranged neatly across the grounds, stretching across the open space.
Plates, silver trays, and tall glasses covered the tables, each one filled with all sorts of delicious-looking food that gave off a rich, inviting aroma.
’What is this place...?
’ I had expected many things upon entering the castle, but this was the last thing I thought I’d see.
I looked around, taking in everything before finally turning my gaze toward the others, who looked just as confused.
"What is this place?
" "...
Are we back outside?
What is going on?
" Their confusion was evident.
I joined the group, my gaze settling on Leon as he looked around.
His face showed nothing, but judging by the way his eyes swept across the courtyard, it was clear he was just as confused.
But eventually, his lips parted.
"Don’t touch the food or anything.
" His voice carried an unusual seriousness.
"I can no longer see as clearly as before.
I can’t tell you if this place is real or fake.
However, it would be in our best interest if none of us touch anything.
" "That’s a good decision.
" A warm voice suddenly echoed through the air, a man dressed in dark clothes.
They were well-made, but with no ornamentation.
No rings, jewlery or anything fancy.
The fabric of his clothes also looked to be of good quality as he warmly approached.
"It’s always great to be cautious when entering new places.
Although everyone here is free to eat and drink as much as they want, I wouldn’t blame them for not touching the food.
After all, nothing comes free.
" The man laughed warmly.
For whatever reason, hearing his laugh, I felt like laughing alongside him.
It didn’t seem like I was the only one.
Everyone else around also seemed to relax to some extent.
"Well, why don’t you all take a seat for now?
Don’t eat, but at least relax a bit.
I can see that you are all exhausted.
" The man pointed towards the many seats.
"If you are all too tired, then you can all also take a room and get some sleep.
There are showers and everything that you might need to feel refreshed.
And please...
" The man stopped, pressing his hand over his chest.
"If you have any questions, please feel free to tell me.
I’ll gladly answer to my best ability.
" "Where’s the exit?
" Leon asked immediately, without wasting a single second.
The air stiffened for a moment, but only for a moment.
The man soon laughed again, his warm laughter reverberating across the courtyard as he looked at Leon.
He then pointed at the cattle.
"It’s inside the castle.
Just go all the way straight and turn right.
You should be able to find the exit, Leon.
If you wish to leave, I won’t hold you back.
However, I do hope that you stay here a little longer.
" "...
" Leon didn’t answer, his eyes narrowing.
I realized rather quickly the reason behind his expression.
He probably wanted to leave quickly, but was struggling to see through the man before us.
Eventually— "Sure.
" He agreed, his face easing as he moved towards one of the seats and sat down.
The man smiled happily, turning his attention towards us.
"What about you all?
Do you wish to stay or leave?
As I said, I won’t force you to stay here.
If you wish to stay, then you can try to enjoy the food and have a nice chat with everyone who is present.
How about it?
" He turned his attention towards me.
"...
You look especially tired, Seth.
Haven’t slept in a while?
Why don’t you get some rest and enjoy yourself?
I assure you that nothing will happen to you.
" Yeah, as if I’d believe you...
Keeping my expression straight, I eventually followed Leon’s example and sat down.
’This might be a trap.
It’s best to calmly observe the situation first.
’ But looking around, this place really did look warm and calming.
So much so that I didn’t even realize that I had taken a sip of the glass of wine before me.
"——!!
"