A Horror Game Steeped in Immorality - Volume 1 - Part 3
His voice was sharp and fierce, like a finely honed blade. The servant hastily closed his mouth and apologized belatedly, “I’m sorry.” I didn’t understand why the servant had apologized.
The hands covering my eyes were removed, and I was gently lifted. The man referred to as Your Grace held me firmly and walked forward. I gazed at his strong jawline, high nose bridge, and dark, shimmering eyes.
Daymond Albert… It was him. And these people calling me Leah. A nagging sense of unease made the hairs on my skin stand on end.
Daymond not only moved me to the bedroom but also personally bathed and dressed me. A character introduction mentioning his noble lineage, so noble he would never have dressed himself in his life, flashed through my mind. However, these actions seemed very natural and practiced, as if not his first time.
Still groggy and confused, I remained passive when my clothes were removed, but I was almost in shock when his hands touched my body. “I can do it. Let me do it,” I must have said a hundred times. Yet, Daymond did not back down, finishing even the smallest tasks like brushing my teeth with his own hands, as if sparing no effort.
Only after Daymond covered me with a blanket and left the bedroom could I calm my thoughts.
…As hard as it is to believe, I am now in an environment identical to the game. Moreover, it’s a horror game where a mad murderer is on the loose.
Although I often fantasized about living in the world of games, I imagined action-fantasy RPGs with dazzling magic and thrilling adventures, not a horror game. I was grateful to be outside, looking in, rather than being in that situation myself.
As I struggled to come to terms with my situation, a knock sounded. Before I could respond, the door cracked open.
“Sister.”
It was Lionel Albert. Despite his robust physique, he entered the room with tears brimming in his eyes.
“It’s a relief to see you unharmed, sister. If anything had happened to you, even the slightest, I, I…”
Lionel couldn’t finish his sentence. He just let transparent teardrops fall down his cheeks. I calmly observed Lionel.
It seemed more manageable to get information from Lionel rather than dealing with the more difficult Lycan or Daymond. By conversing, I might find a clue to navigate out of this absurd situation.
I cleared my throat and began to speak.
“Um, Lionel. That blood on my body was…”
Suddenly, Lionel’s sorrowful eyes flashed dangerously.
“You need not concern yourself with those vermin. They should have died in their proper place, like rats in a barn, not here. Sister, look at me. Forget those bad memories.”
…What’s with this guy? The difference in his attitude towards me and when it’s not about me was starkly contrasting. I blinked in confusion, unable to bridge the gap. His intense gaze made me stumble over my words again.
“That, that… The person who died was a servant, right?”
“Why does that matter to you?”
“But someone died…”
“My poor, kind sister. If only your gentle heart was directed solely at me. Yes, you’re right. All nine were servants working in the mansion.”
I was shocked. The unbelievable number made me widen my eyes in surprise.
“Nine, as in nine people?”
Lionel gently smiled and leaned his forehead on my shoulder.
“Is that such a big deal? You only need to care about me, only love me. Don’t think about anything else.”
…Damn it. A mansion where nine people died overnight. And three men who don’t blink an eye at such a horrendous murder.
Yes. This is definitely a horror game. And I’m trapped in this absurd horror game. The moment I fully grasped this reality, my vision darkened.
[Welcome to the Albert Family Mansion. Player]
****
In a vast expanse of unfathomable darkness where not even the sound of my own breathing could be heard, a gentle orange light begins to glow. And slowly, the light formed the letters.
[Welcome to the Albert Mansion. Player.]
[I am White, the Buttler who has served the esteemed Duke Tumble Albert, the first head of the family.]
[Although I currently lack a physical form, you will find yourself seeking my assistance frequently. After all, no one knows the Albert Mansion better than I do.]
[Initially, players referred to me as ‘the butler’ or ‘White,’ but more recent players have taken to calling me ‘the system.’ Whichever you prefer is fine by me; please address me in whatever manner you find comfortable.]
[Let me conclude my humble introduction here and explain the conditions for clearing the game.]
[You must uncover the identity of the vicious murderer hidden within the Albert family. You have 8,760 hours. The game starts on the twentieth birthday of the youngest master, Lionel. You must find the murderer before Master Lionel’s twenty-first birthday.]
[Evidence of the murderer’s identity is hidden throughout the house. You should base your accusations on this decisive evidence. Should you accuse someone with insufficient evidence, the murderer will ruthlessly slaughter you that night.]
[Since it came up, let me explain a few precautions. Being killed by the murderer does not result in a game over but rather the player’s death.]
[Please continue playing without offending the murderer. Avoid openly rummaging through the house or asking the family for cooperation, as the family member you seek help from could be the murderer.]
[The murderer only begins their activities on the night Lord Daymond Albert returns to the mansion. If you do not possess an item that can definitively collect evidence, it is recommended you hide. The murderer on that night will kill all living beings in sight, including you.]
[Players cannot kill the murderer. Escape is the only survival skill you have in the presence of the murderer.]
[A game over means a reset. You will lose all collected evidence and items and return to the day of Master Lionel’s twentieth birthday. Now, let me explain the conditions for a game out.]
[1. The player’s suicide.]
[2. The death of a family member.]
[3. Exceeding the time limit (8,760 hours).]
[4. Failing surprise missions three times.]
