Horror Game Designer Chapter 23: Fate

Gao Ming put away the black-and-white picture of the first batch of workers of Unicorn Gaming Studio. He didn’t look different from before, but there was a special emotion deep inside his eyes.

“After the real tragedy explodes, things will only be worse.” Xuan Wen saw the shadow roll away. “I thought you’d be used to these from working at the prison.”

“We’re going back to the Nightlight Gaming Studio.” Gao Ming interrupted Xuan Wen. “The game only involves four floors. Since there are no humans left on the lower three floors, the killer should be hiding on the 13th floor. They might even be someone working at Nightlight.”

“Everyone has their own choice. If no one does anything, the ghost will kill, and more ghosts will be formed. In the end, everyone will die.” Xuan Wen shrugged. “The man made his choice, and he had the power to accomplish his goal.”

“The ghost didn’t do anything, but he killed seven people.”

“But he saved the rest.”

The lights in the corridor flickered. When they came back on, it meant that the game was officially over. This was Gao Ming’s third game and the one that impacted him the most. Gao Ming returned to Nightlight. Everyone was already back at work.

“Fetch!” Zhang Wang threw Gao Ming a can of energy drink. “I’m getting old. If this were a few years ago, I could work until morning!” No one paid attention to the message. They had no idea how close they were to death. They didn’t know death was among them. Gao Ming scanned everyone in the room. They acted like normal.

“Master Xia, did you go downstairs earlier?”

“I heard someone calling for help, so I went to look. However, the safety corridor was too dark, so I came back.” Xia Yang was painting the latest crime scene on the computer. His style was hard to understand. There was a chaotic beauty. “As you know, I’m easily scared.”

“What about the delivery man? Didn’t I tell you to keep an eye on him?” Gao Ming didn’t see the young man.

“Once the lights came on, he called the police and left. I suspect this whole thing is his prank.” Xia Yang leaned back in his chair. “We’re game developers. We can’t really detain him for a text, right?”

The cat mewled. The office door opened again. Wei Dayou stomped in. “This building’s management is ridiculous. How is there no one at work to help with the electricals?”

“Dayou, did you go to the electrical room?”

“I almost kicked down the door! If not for the fact that I forgot my phone, I would have called to lodge a complaint.” Wei Dayou returned to his seat and resumed his work.

Gao Ming chatted with everyone in the office. No one looked out of place. Then, the police arrived. Everyone was told to stay in the office and not leave. It was then that people realised something bad had happened, but no one knew the details.

At 1 am, Manager Gou was called to the studio. He had a talk with the police in the side room.

Faced with the police’s question, Manager Gou was confused. Everyone could hear his loud, confused voice through the closed door. “I have no idea what you’re talking about! I’ll say it again. We are making games! The most aggressive thing my people have done is to go after people online!

“This is our main manager, Wei Dayou. He looks strong, but he’s scared of bugs. He’s a real young woman inside! Our main artist, Ol Xia, what kind of bad guy looks as weak as him? Even an auntie can easily push him down.

“This is Xuan Wen. Our latest hiree. She’s so gentle and shy. If she can make seven people disappear, I’ll eat this table!

“Stop telling me to calm down. You’re doing this to me!”

Everyone was questioned. At 3 am, Gao Ming was called into a room on the 10th floor. After the police shut down the recording and surveillance, they left. Gao Ming was left alone. Half an hour later, the door opened again. The police didn’t come in, but three people in black. They all wore a black band.

“The investigation centre?”

“Don’t worry.” The leader was less than 1.6 meters, but he had an impressive presence. “I’m the vice president of Han Hai North City Investigation Centre Division, Future Tech Garden section, Yin Guan.”

“Do you need anything from me?”

“You should know this man.” A tall man behind Yin Guan walked out. He projected a video from his black band; the investigator with the ruined face was recommending Gao Ming seriously to the centre.

“He has experienced a Level 3 with me and told me about the centre.” Gao Ming narrowed his eyes. “Are you here to capture me?”

The tall man shook his head and then said softly, “He died two hours ago.”

“Died?” Gao Ming didn’t even know the man’s name.

“He was moved to Han Hai’s eastern city for a mission. He died in a Level 3 anomaly.” The tall man sat down. The other two sat down as well. “We’re here because we hope you can join us.”

The last agent placed a black case on the table. He keyed in the password and opened it. It had a bloody black band.

“Qin Tian and I came from Xin Lu. He was my most trusted man. He told me everything about you. Calm, brave, quick and strong. You are born to handle anomalies.” The tall man’s voice was strong and steady. He was used to death. “When Qin Tian told me about you, he was so excited and happy. Since his wife and children died in the anomaly, this was the first time I saw him smile. He said he saw hope in you.”

“The man’s name was Qin Tian…” The anomaly was a game, but it was more than a game. Seven employees from Unicorn Gaming Studio and Qin Tian were buried in another world.

“Han Hai’s Investigation Headquarters is separated into seven divisions, corresponding to the 19 zones in Han Hai. Our old city division is further split according to population and geography. They include Li San, Jin Wan, Fu Ding, Pu Kou, Da Han, five main investigation centres.” The tall man looked at Gao Ming. “Han Hai has twice the population of Xin Lu. After the anomalies appeared, we had been seriously under-staffed. Our new employees have limited experience, and the fatality rate is very high. There are not many experienced members who can lead them. That’s why we need people like you who have survived an anomaly.

“It’s dangerous to join the centre. However, if we don’t do anything, scarier things will happen.” Yin Kuan said, “No one can escape the past. Perhaps this is the better choice for you.”

“I’ll think about it.” It would be hard for Gao Ming to rely on himself to deal with everything. It was not a bad choice to join the centre. He was the source of tragedy. If he could slowly climb up the ranks and become the president of Han Hai Investigation Centre, then he’d get closer to the truth.

“No normal people can handle Level 3 Anomaly. Your existence has reached our highest recruitment standard.” The tall man said sincerely, “We’ll not force you to go on missions and will not interrupt your life. You have full autonomy.”

“What if I want to leave Han Hai?” Gao Ming wanted to go to Xin Lu, but the rain caused the landslide that blocked the road.

“There might be a traffic ban in the future, but as a member of the centre, you can move around freely.” The man promised. “If you join us, we will give you the highest access.”

“Traffic bans?”

Gao Ming considered this seriously. He stared at the black band. The band covered in blood was like a cog in the machine of fate.