Chapter 3I’m Just Cannon Fodder NPC in a Horror Game

It was my first time in the players' safe zone, a cozy, tavern-like lobby. We sat across from each other at a wooden table.

"This next dungeon is notoriously lethal. Word is, no one has ever cleared it. We need to recruit more members." The players at the neighboring table whispered, their eyes drifting toward us.

Specifically, they were looking at the man across from me.

My current appearance was a mess: a simple white dress, eyes swollen like bruised plums, and hair looking like a bird's nest. I looked exactly like the kind of dead weight that gets everyone killed.

Sure enough, a burly player walked over. "Hey there. We're all ranked in the top thirty. Want to party up with us?"

Addison didn't even look up. He kept his chin resting on his hand, a lazy smile playing on his lips as he looked at me. "Esme, what do you think?"

"How do you know my name?"

"Heard your husband yell it."

A female player nearby couldn't help but chime in. "Wait, you two aren't a couple?"

"Nope," Addison replied, his tone entirely casual. "Her husband just passed away, and I'm just looking after her."

"..."

The tavern went dead silent.

After a long, awkward pause, the woman managed a weak, "My condolences."

"So, what's your name?" I asked, looking up.

"You don't even know his name?" the female player blurted out. "Is this really just 'looking after' her?"

"Addison," he said.

"Addison?" The burly man frowned. "That sounds incredibly familiar. I feel like I've heard it somewhere..."

Realizing Addison took his cues from me, they eagerly invited us to join. I couldn't find a way to refuse, so I agreed. As soon as we joined, the female player, Julia, crept over to gossip.

"Was your husband good-looking?"

I pointed at Addison. "He was alright. Looked pretty much like him."

Julia: "..."

"He must have treated you well, right?"

I pointed at Addison again. "He was okay. A bit worse than him, though."

Julia: "..."

"How did he die? You must be devastated."

I pointed at Addison a third time. "He was alright. This guy killed him."

Julia's jaw practically hit the floor.

Just then, the glowing chat log popped up again.

[Is this side-character really using him as a rebound?]

[Oh my god, the female lead already found the BOSS! He's acting like a tame little puppy around her, it's so cute!]

[If the BOSS finds out the songbird he caged for seven years ran off with another man, he's going to lose his mind, haha.]

[Not necessarily. The BOSS wanted her dead anyway. She was just too good at playing innocent, and now her true colors are showing.]

[When is this player going to start carving her up? I can't wait to see her face when she realizes she's been played!]

[Soon, definitely soon. Look at the way he's staring at her like a predator. I bet a pack of spicy strips he starts carving tonight!]

As that last line vanished, Addison stepped between me and Julia. He caught my wrist, his grip firm but gentle. "You must be exhausted. Let me take you to a room to rest before the next dungeon starts."

He cast a brief glance over his shoulder at Julia. I couldn't see his expression, but Julia took several trembling steps back, looking terrified.

Oh god. Is he taking me to the chopping block?

I remained silent as he led me down a dimly lit corridor, away from the bustling lobby.