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Becoming the Strongest as a Game Dev Ch 89
🕑 Added 2025-02-07 14:47:47 +0000 UTCMy head is pounding and my limbs feel heavy as the men drag me across the floor. The rough fabric of the bag covering my head scratches against my skin, making it difficult to breathe. I can taste the metallic tang of blood in my mouth, and my vision is blurred and unfocused.
Each step sends a jolt of pain through my body, and I struggle to stay conscious. Where are they taking me? What do they want? The questions swirl in my mind, but I can't seem to find the answers.
The air feels damp and cool, and I can hear the sound of water lapping against what I assume is a shore. My heart races as I wonder if they plan to drown me or dispose of my body in some other gruesome way.
I try to call out, to beg for my life, but my voice comes out as a hoarse whisper, barely audible over the ringing in my ears. The men holding me don't seem to care, their grip on me unwavering as they continue to drag me forward.
I feel myself being lifted, and the sensation of motion tells me that I'm being moved into a vehicle of some kind. The ride is bumpy and uncomfortable, and I can't help but wonder if this is the end.
As the vehicle comes to a stop, I'm roughly pulled from my seat and dragged once more. The sound of a door opening reaches my ears, and I'm pushed forward, stumbling as I try to keep my balance.
The bag is suddenly ripped from my head, and I blink in the harsh light, my eyes struggling to adjust. I find myself in a dimly lit room, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, all of them staring at me with a mixture of curiosity and menace.
I try to ask who they are, but the words catch in my throat, coming out as a hoarse whisper. The unfamiliar faces surrounding me stare back with a mixture of curiosity and menace, their expressions unreadable.
The sound of the door opening draws my attention, and I watch as a tall, imposing figure steps into the room. His scarred face and commanding presence instantly tell me that he is the one in charge. Behind him, I spot a familiar face - Kendrick, the senior developer from SimQuest.
I struggle to my feet, glaring defiantly at Kendrick. "So this is where you've been hiding, consorting with these thugs," I spit.
Kendrick's eyes narrow, and before I can react, his fist connects with my jaw, sending me crashing back to the ground. "You have no idea the situation you've found yourself in, you insignificant little worm," he hisses, looming over me.
I wipe the blood from my lip, my heart pounding. "What do you want, Kendrick? Why am I here?"
Kendrick lets out a humorless laugh. "Want? I want to see you suffer, Briar. You've taken everything from me - my reputation, my position at SimQuest. And now, I'm going to take everything from you."
The door opens again, and I turn my head to see a tall, imposing figure striding into the room. His silver hair and piercing blue eyes instantly command my attention. This must be Alistair, the Thornfield patriarch Kendrick mentioned.
"Kendrick, that's enough," Alistair says, his voice firm and authoritative. "Step aside and let me speak with our guest."
Kendrick reluctantly steps back, his jaw clenched in frustration. Alistair approaches me, his gaze appraising. "Mr. Briar, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard quite a bit about your exploits."
I stare up at him, my heart pounding. "What do you want from me?"
Alistair's lips curve into a small smile. "Why, I simply wish to have a conversation. You see, I've been quite impressed by your work at SimQuest. It seems you've managed to accomplish quite a bit, despite your humble beginnings."
I scoff at Alistair's words, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Impressed? Humble beginnings? Spare me the flattery, Alistair. We both know you're not here for a friendly chat."
Alistair's expression remains impassive, but I catch a hint of animosity in his eyes. "Very well, then. Let's cut to the chase. Why did you orchestrate an attack on my family's businesses?"
I meet his gaze unflinchingly. "To save a friend," I reply simply. "Yuna's mother was in dire need of medical treatment, and your son Kendrick was blackmailing her. I had to do something."
Alistair lets out a soft chuckle. "How noble of you, Mr. Briar. But I'm afraid your actions were a grave mistake." He takes a step closer, his towering presence looming over me. "The Thornfields are a powerful family, and you've made yourself an enemy. Do you have any idea the consequences you've brought upon yourself?"
I swallow hard, but refuse to back down. "I don't regret it. Yuna is my friend, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect her."
Alistair shakes his head, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Your loyalty is admirable, I'll give you that. But you've underestimated the reach of my family's influence. This is a game you cannot win, Mr. Briar."
I stare defiantly at Alistair, refusing to show any fear. "This may be a game to you, but I'm not playing by your rules."
Alistair's expression darkens, and he leans in closer. "Oh, but you are, Mr. Briar. And I assure you, the stakes are far higher than you can imagine."
He steps back, gesturing to the imposing figure beside him. "Alaric here will be the one to ensure you learn your place."
Alaric steps forward, his scarred face betraying no emotion. "It's not personal, Mr. Briar. You've simply made the mistake of crossing the wrong people."
Alistair turns to leave, Kendrick trailing behind him with a malicious grin. "Enjoy your stay," Kendrick sneers. "I'll be sure to visit you, just to see how you're holding up."
As the door closes, I'm left alone with Alaric, my heart pounding in my chest. I know I'm in grave danger, but I refuse to let them see my fear.
Alaric studies me for a moment, his gaze calculating. "You've made quite a name for yourself, Mr. Briar. Developing simulations that captivate the Hunters, becoming a respected developer." He pauses, his lips curling into a humorless smile. "And now, you've managed to anger the Thornfields. That's quite an impressive feat."
I clench my jaw, refusing to be intimidated. "I did what I had to do to help a friend. I don't regret it."
Alaric nods, as if he expected that response. "Admirable, but foolish. The Thornfields are not the kind of people you want to cross, Mr. Briar. And now, you'll have to face the consequences."
He takes a step closer, his towering presence looming over me. "I'm going to break you, Mr. Briar. Slowly, methodically. By the time I'm done, you'll be begging for the sweet release of death."
I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry. "I won't give you the satisfaction."
Alaric chuckles, a cold, mirthless sound. "We'll see about that."
With that, he turns and exits the room, leaving me alone in the dimly lit space. I take a deep breath, trying to steel my nerves. I know that whatever Alaric has in store for me, it won't be pleasant. But I refuse to give in, no matter how much they try to break me.
I'm not sure how long I'll be able to hold out, but I know that I have to. Yuna and the others are counting on me. I can't let them down.
