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

Chapter 724: Team Leader Seth [3]

The meeting was held on the upper floors, right above the Hoarding Department, on a separate floor specifically designed to hold large meetings amongst the higher-ups.

Since this was the first time that I had ever been to such meetings, it took me a bit to find the correct place.

Eventually, a large wooden door came into view, and when I pushed it open, I was greeted by a massive room with a large oval wooden table in the middle, numerous chairs surrounding it, and tall windows lining each side of the room, allowing one to overlook the entire city below.

The room itself was minimally decorated, with the sheer size of it making it clear that this was a place reserved for important matters.

Coming into the room, I saw a couple of familiar figures. But in general, I didn’t know most of the people.

‘Looks like the meeting is about to start, and I’m the last one to arrive.’

I could feel the numerous stares directed my way. Practically the entire room was staring at me, with each stare holding a different meaning. Some contained indifference, others contained annoyance, while some others contained interest.

In a way, it felt as though I was part of a zoo exhibit.

Rather annoying.

“Already making yourself important after getting promoted? Have a seat. You’re late.”

A large hand gestured towards one of the seats.

Sitting at the head of the table, his hand resting on his beard, Section Chief Johansberg stared at me with an empty look as his bushy brows knitted together.

I opened my lips, but soon offered him a smile.

“Will do so.”

I scanned the room before taking the closest empty seat.

Sitting down, I could still see the numerous gazes directed my way. I paid them no mind as I scanned the room before spotting Team Leader Soran and the Section Chief. Both of them were staring at me, with the Team Leader looking at me with her arms crossed.

Ding!

Huh?

I glanced at my phone and was surprised to see a text coming from her.

[Don’t fall for their provocations.]

I looked back at her.

Her arms were still crossed.

How did she…?

Ding!

[Timed them.]

Oh…

“I do hope we’re not imposing upon you by expecting you to actually appear interested in being here.”

The Section Chief’s words rang again as I put my phone away and muted it.

I offered another apology.

“Of course not.”

I offered the Section Chief another smile.

Actually, yes.

Please kick me out.

“I just received a text and was planning on setting my phone on mute. I apologize for the inconvenience.”

“You should’ve done that beforehand.” The Section Chief clicked his tongue before muttering, “Looks like that phone’s really gotten to your head.”

He whispered the last words, but almost everyone heard them.

I looked around the room and took in all the reactions.

‘Seems like this will be an annoying meeting.’

I was really starting to miss the Guild Master.

“Let’s adjourn the meeting.”

Reaching for the remote in front of him, the projector at the top of the room lit up, and a screen appeared in the middle of the table, projecting several images for everyone to see.

“I’ll start first.”

Section Chief Johansberg’s gaze swept across the entire room before he began speaking.

“These are the Guild’s profit and revenue margins over the past year. As you can see, we’ve maintained a steady increase in profits throughout the period. Much of this can be attributed to the Guild’s explosive growth, which has significantly expanded our operations and, consequently, our revenue. This was all due to the collective efforts of our departments.”

No, it was all me.

Of course, I didn’t say it.

But it was the hard truth.

“Now… whilst profits are good, what really matters at the moment is something else entirely.” The Section Chief paused, his gaze sweeping across the entire room once more. “Growth.”

He pressed his palm against the table and stood up.

“What we need to focus on right now is growth!”

The slide changed, displaying a table.

“If you would all direct your attention here, you’ll find the current global rankings of Guilds worldwide. Since our promotion to King-Grade, the Guild has experienced what can only be described as remarkable growth. And, as you can see, our efforts have not gone unnoticed. We now stand as the 57th-ranked Guild in the entire world. We aren’t too far off from joining the Oak Circle!”

There was excitement in his voice as he spoke.

Several of the other Section Chiefs smiled. Not at the prospect of joining the Oak Circle, but for entirely different reasons.

“I’m also of the same opinion.”

Clement White, Section Chief of the Hoarding Department of the Branch Guild, rose from his seat and took the stage.

“If we make proper use of the next few months and apply ourselves with sufficient vigor, we should be able to steadily elevate the Guild’s standing and, with some luck, secure a place within the Oak Circle. Once that happens, our prospects will improve considerably.”

“…I agree.”

Another Section Chief rose to his feet. He was a tall, lanky man with thin, pronounced cheekbones and mushroom-styled hair. Judging by his attire and the insignia on his uniform, he appeared to be the Section Chief of the Collection Department.

“We can’t let go of our current momentum.’

‘Look at them.’

Seeing how motivated each and every person appeared, one might almost have mistaken us for a single, happy family.

But as I looked around the room, all I could see were snakes, each and every one of them waiting to seize this opportunity and use it as a stepping stone to catapult themselves into the position of the next Guild Master.

“What do you think?”

All of a sudden, the attention fell on the Section Chief from my department.

His expression remained haggard. With all eyes now fixed upon him, he rubbed beneath his eyes wearily before shaking his head.

“Honestly, I don’t know. Our workload is quite tough.”

“What?”

Section Chief Johansberg frowned. Of everyone present, he was undoubtedly the most influential, a fact made abundantly clear by the way he had assumed control of the entire meeting.

“You understand just how important this opportunity is for us, correct? This isn’t really something we’re negotiating. I’m expecting the Containment Department to step up.”

“As I said, it’s simply not feasible. Anomalous Gates aren’t something that can be cleared on a whim. They require extensive preparation, and preparation, unfortunately, takes time.”

“Tch.”

Clicking his tongue, Section Chief Johansberg leaned back in his chair and muttered, “As expected. You can never count on the Containment Department when it actually matters. What, exactly, is the point of having a department like this?”

I smiled upon hearing his words.

‘Can’t even be more blatant than this.’

Taking a look around and seeing the other Section Chiefs sitting in silence, I could only shake my head. What they were doing was painfully obvious.

‘Are we that threatening?’

To be honest, the Section Chief didn’t seem particularly interested in the position of Guild Master. If we were being honest, we were probably the least threatening Department.

“Is something the matter?”

Raising an eyebrow, I looked toward Section Chief Johansberg. His gaze was fixed directly upon me.

“You seem to be smiling. Is there something about the situation you find amusing?”

I tilted my head before shaking my head.

“Not quite.”

“Then why are you smiling?”

“Just thinking about stuff.”

“Ha, this…” The Section Chief covered his face, his beard trembling slightly as he maintained his gaze directed at me. “You really are more arrogant than I expected. But that’s fine. So long as you bring results. You are aware of what we’ve been talking about, right? I expect you to work as hard as the others. This is a crucial time for—”

“Don’t really want to.”

Cutting the Section Chief off, the entire room fell quiet.

Immediately, all eyes fell on me.

“What… What did you…”

“Don’t want to.”

I kept my gaze fixed on the Section Chief.

Seeing his eyes widen, I repeated once more.

“I. Do. Not. Want. To.”