Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 23: Sheba’s Selfless Resolve

Daisuke slowly rose to his feet, his pulse thundering in his veins at Reginald’s ominous words. For a moment, the transmutation circle and the abomination it sculpted didn’t matter. All he could think about was the wretched fate that awaited him and the others because they stepped out of line.

“I was fully aware of your deception from the very beginning,” confessed Reginald with a wicked smile. “But I didn’t mind; what intrigued me was the mysterious aura you exuded—it was like you were an enigma, some sort of anomaly.

You thought you were taking advantage of me, but I’m afraid it was quite the other way around. I had a hunch that keeping you close would somehow lead to a breakthrough in my work. And,” he grinned widely as a feral and menacing roar echoed from the materializing monster, “it seems I was correct.”

The man’s final set of words entered Daisuke’s ears in an undertone as he sprinted out the door and down the long corridor.

Reginald, on the other hand, had no room for fear. He felt nothing but gratification for his creation and was reassured that the master-slave dynamic woven into the transmutation formula would win him complete fealty of the chimera. A hearty chuckle erupted from his throat, his eyes gleaming with anticipation for the impending cataclysm he was destined to unleash upon the royal capital.

“Yes! I’ve finally done it! You’re the culmination of centuries’ worth of blood, sweat, and re

“Everyone!” his voice boomed, commanding attention. “Get outside, now!”

Driven by panic, the slaves began to flee, leaving behind the valiant few who stood against the creature. As the building emptied in a panicked frenzy, Sheba’s senses suddenly honed in on April’s fallen form near the doorway.

Within moments, a flicker of crimson emanated from within the structure, signaling the advancing threat. Sheba’s heart quickened, a heady mix of dread and determination coursing through her veins as she reminisced about her mother and siblings.

As her quivering gaze lingered on the helpless child, a silent vow echoed in her mind. She refused to let fear paralyze her again, knowing all too well the consequences of inaction. With a shaky breath, she darted forward, her steps fueled by a newfound resolve.

When she reached April’s side, the intensity of the creature’s presence loomed closer, its ominous eyes piercing through the darkness. Sheba’s pulse raced, her trembling hands reaching out to lift the girl from the ground. Then she cradled the child in her arms, a surge of protective instinct flooding her senses.

Every fiber of her being screamed to escape as she bolted toward the others, yet a gut feeling told her fleeing together was utterly futile. The creature’s relentless pursuit echoed behind her, gaining ground, its presence a looming shadow.

With a heavy heart, Sheba gently lowered April to the ground, her voice urgent yet tinged with sorrow as she urged the girl to run.

“B-But what about you?” the child protested, her fingers clenched into defiant fists as tears welled up in her eyes.

“I’ll distract it while you escape with the others,” Sheba reassured with a smile. “Please hurry! Run as fast as you can! There’s not much time!”

“No!” April shouted stubbornly, her face turning red. “You’re lying!”

Sheba’s gaze shifted, finding solace in the sight of Aldric racing toward them to forcefully pull the girl to safety. With a fleeting moment to spare, she sought out Feng’s eyes, a bittersweet smile playing upon her lips, conveying a blend of remorse and gratitude.

In a hushed tone, she slurred the words, “Find them for me.”

Feng’s eyes widened in alarm. “Sheba!” his cry pierced the chaos, determination propelling him forward. Yet his momentum faltered as the creature’s limb descended like a blade, its lethal claws finding their mark.