Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary!

Chapter 522  Preparations for the World Congress [2]

I didnʼt wait for the Guild Master to answer. I closed the call and took a deep breath, putting my phone into my pocket and pressing my lips together. The Guild Master was probably not very happy with my decision. After everything that he had done for me, I probably looked extremely ungrateful. Perhaps he was going to give up on me and stop helping me. Even worse, there was also a chance that heʼd stop investigating the Dock situation for me. But... ʼNo, I donʼt think heʼs that type of guy.ʼ He was disappointed, yes. But I had yet to fail. I was still useful to him. Until I failed, I could act like this. But the moment I failed... I drew a deep breath, looking ahead. ”Squad Leader! Hurry! Weʼre going to miss the train!” ”...Why are you so back?” Adjusting the straps of my backpack, I calmly resumed walking. ʼThis is going to be a very long week.ʼ *

From the moment I made up my mind, I didnʼt spare a single moment and went to different Gates. None of the Gates were anything absurd, but they were all relatively difficult.

Thankfully, we were able to keep our identities a secret while exploring the Gates. If not, then the amount of trouble that weʼd be subjected to would be enough to make it impossible for us to train. Thankfully, we encountered no problems the entire time. In reality, the entire ʼtrain with gatesʼ was just an excuse. The team already had a solid foundation and good teamwork. Even if we explored new Gates, we wouldnʼt improve so quickly. The main reason why I decided to enter the Gates was that I needed a place that had no eyes on us. The main reason why I decided to enter the Gates was that I needed a place that had no eyes on us. ”Consume this and try to get to the next Order.” I handed each member several fragments of the highest quality. ”Wait, what...” ”...Arenʼt these?” ”Why are they so pure?” ”Squad Leader?” I could see the confusion on everyoneʼs faces. I wouldʼve been confused too, had I been put in their position. In fact, staring at the numerous fragments that I had given away, I felt a massive pinch in my chest. This wasnʼt cheap at all. The amount of SP that I had to spend was ridiculous. Thankfully, I had some to spare. After signing the contract with R.W. Tech and receiving their official sponsorship, I was given a sizable sum of money. Combined with the passive earnings from my games, I was able to use it to produce a large number of high-quality fragments for the team.

My games in particular made me a lot of money. Although my account had been suspended, I still made a sizable amount from the wave of trolls and people who wanted to try out my games after I received the Paragon ranking and beat the Malovia Gate. ʼ...I guess there are benefits to being famous.ʼ Getting cheap fragments wasnʼt hard anymore. Given how I was now a Paragon, I had access to sources that could provide me with any fragment that I wanted. I bought as many low-purity fragments as I could and turned them into high-purity ones. I knew that the best way to get my team to become stronger would be by increasing their Order. ʼEither way, Fragments are no longer as useful to me since I reached the Fourth Order. I now need different stuff in order to reach the next order.ʼ

In particular, Essence. That wasnʼt easy to get. ”You guys told me that you wanted to become stronger so that you could be more useful to me, right? In that case, donʼt bother staring at me like that and consume the fragments. Take this in case something goes wrong. It should help you.” I tossed them each a pill. It was the very same pill that I used to consume to handle my Cognitive Shard. I gave Sarah a meaningful look. ”It should help you all in case youʼre struggling.” I didnʼt let any of them get a word out. Time was of the essence. ”I also need to reach the next Order. I wish you all the best of luck. Once youʼre done, we can all go to the next Gate.” I left them to their own devices right after that. Regarding reaching the Second Order? That was a lie. There were other things that I needed to take care of. Like earning even more money. ***

A week passed by. By now, the fervor surrounding the new Paragon Rankings had died down, and in its place, a new wave of excitement had begun to sweep across the main island.

The World Congress. The biggest event in the world. One that showcased the skills and abilities of its top members. This wasnʼt just a clash between the very best, but a battle between the Guilds themselves.

Not only was the monetary award for the top contestants incredibly lucrative, but the fame that came with reaching the very end was enough to propel anyone to the top of the world.

Brand deals. Offers. It was enough to set one for life. Obsidian Bastion Guild. The air was tense. Facing several groups, all dressed in dark uniforms, Kaelric Halecrest quietly scanned the groups. Despite his gaze, his gaze felt extremely pressuring. Enough to make one wince under it. And yet—

None of the members present showed any reaction. If anything, they all met the gaze head-on. The old manʼs lips curled into a smile after he looked away. ”Not bad.” He muttered, satisfied with what he was seeing. ”Gathered here today are the uppermost elite of our Guild. You are the best of the best in the entire world, and I expect nothing short of strong results from all of you. Not only will you be up against the other four Guilds, but youʼll also face many talented individuals. It is imperative that you show the gap between you and them.”

The old manʼs voice carried a deep sense of authority as all members stood still, listening without moving a single muscle. It was as if they were a well-oiled unit with no single flaw. Sweeping his gaze over every individual member, Kaelric looked at one individual in particular. ”I expect a lot from you.” Liora remained quiet. ”Among all the people present, youʼre the most talented and most powerful member. Itʼs important that you support everyone and ensure everything runs smoothly. There are only a handful of individuals who could truly pose a threat to you. Do not engage unless necessary.” ”Yes, sir!” Liora finally acknowledged. ”Good.” Kaelric smiled, looking back at the other members. ”You are all dismissed. Best of luck in the upcoming Congress.” Liora was just about to follow the rest when all of a sudden, she heard a certain voice whisper in her head. ʼLiora.ʼ Lioraʼs steps came to an abrupt halt. Then, her grandfatherʼs voice echoed in her mind once more. ʼIʼd like a favor from you. If you meet this person...ʼ