Ding Ding!
The soft chime of the VirtualCraft System activation echoed in Manuel's ears as a virtual holographic display materialized before him. It shimmered with vibrant colors, yet it seemed that only he could perceive its presence. Intrigued, Manuel reached out to touch the hologram, and to his surprise, his fingers made contact with the ethereal image.
"Wow," he exclaimed, marveling at the unexpected interaction. Questions swirled in his mind as he continued walking home, the holographic display accompanying him on his journey. What exactly was the VirtualCraft System, and what powers did it possess? These thoughts danced through Manuel's imagination, igniting a spark of curiosity and anticipation.
Just as his mind was abuzz with wonder, a call interrupted his contemplation. It was his friend, Winston Finch, who had tried to defend him back at the office.
"Man, you actually quit? Leaving me all alone in that mess," Winston said, his voice tinged with sadness.
"You'll be fine without me, Winston. Besides, even if I managed to bring you out of there, who would provide for whom?" Manuel jested, trying to lighten the mood.
"I'll have to depend on you for life, huh? Hahaha," Winston chuckled, though a hint of concern lingered in his voice.
"I'll text you instead. It's too hot here, and many people are scared of getting fired for taking a bathroom break," Winston replied. "Oh, and I overheard CEO Brenda talking to Reginald. Seems like she might bring you back."
As he hung up the call, Manuel received a message on StarChat, the widely used messenger across various planets, including Star Ozone Planet.
Winston: Here, I couldn't talk while in the office.
Manuel: You think I have some kind of friendship with the CEO? No way. She only talks to me because of the Star Farm game. I have to plant rare medicinal plants on the farm for her to come in and steal. I'm just a worker at her company, nothing more.
Winston: But everyone thinks there's something between you two. They speculate about your relationship.
Manuel: That's absurd! Do you really think the proud CEO would lower herself to date someone like me? Hahaha, Winston, you must be joking.
Winston: Well, that's what people say. Anyway, what's your plan now? Are you really going to pursue your dream like you always talk about?
Manuel: Yes, Winston. I'm going to become a world builder and start something on my own. It has always been my dream, and now I'll finally follow it.
As Manuel expressed his determination, a familiar Ding resonated in his mind.
VirtualCraft System activating....50%
"It seems this system is designed for building virtual worlds," Manuel remarked, excitement coursing through his veins.
Winston: I support you, man. If you need any money, just let me know. I've saved up, and I can lend you some to help you get started.
Manuel: Thank you, Winston. I'll keep that in mind, but for now, I have a little money of my own. Starting as a game developer doesn't require much in terms of cost; it's the ideas and effort that matter. If your ideas fail to attract players, you'll be doomed regardless.
Meanwhile, in Brenda's office, Manuel and Winston couldn't be more wrong about Brenda's feelings. She had secretly harbored a fondness for Manuel all along. Of course, with his undeniable charm, who could blame her?
Brenda was reprimanding Reginald, putting him in a state of utter despair. "I explicitly told you that if you don't bring Manuel back within 24 hours, you'll be fired yourself," she scolded. "Did you think I wouldn't notice what's going on in the office space? I have CCTV cameras down there, and I saw everything."
She sighed, her expression reflecting concern. "It seems Manuel genuinely has a problem with our company and has contemplated leaving. What should I do? I can't just call him; maybe I should send him a text. But I feel so shy whenever I talk to him."
"Now get out. You have 24 hours," she ordered, dismissing Reginald. As he walked away, glum and defeated, everyone in the office watched his departure, their eyes soon landing on Winston.
"Hey, Winston," Reginald called out. "Can you tell that... well, Manuel to come back?"
"I can't," Winston responded firmly. "I can't tell him what to do. If you have a problem, talk to him yourself." Reginald stormed off, enraged, and retreated to his office, contemplating his next move—calling Manuel.
Winston chuckled as he relayed the encounter to Manuel, "Hahaha, brother, it seems something good happened. I think Brenda told Reginald to bring you back. He came and asked me to call you, but I told him to reach out to you himself. Hope you don't blame me."
"Of course not," Manuel replied reassuringly. "I'm not going back, no matter what they try. Alright, get back to work before you get fired too, hahaha."
As a call from Reginald came in, Manuel swiftly declined it without a second thought. He quickened his pace and arrived at his rundown apartment—a small bed and an old laptop adorning a cluttered table. Eager to catch up on the trends in game development, he hurriedly powered on his laptop.
He delved into extensive research, immersing himself in the world of game development. He discovered numerous renowned games, including the highly-rated sci-fi masterpiece, Titan Fall, created by the Storm Company. However, the exorbitant price of 10,800 Universal Coins (UC) had made it a luxury he could only afford after years of scrimping and saving. Yet, the game's stunning graphics and immersive NPC models made it truly awe-inspiring.
Legends Descent, crafted by Heaven's Jewelry Company, held a prominent place among the market's popular games. All for One, a beloved battle royale game developed by Black Kennel Company, also garnered significant attention.
As Manuel continued his research, he couldn't help but feel a sense of solemnity. The market seemed saturated with an abundance of games across various genres. What could he do to stand out as a world builder? How could he capture the attention of players and leave a lasting impression? His thoughts spiraled, entangled in a web of uncertainty.
Nonetheless, he composed himself and began to explore the intricacies of game development further. He learned about different game editors available, ranging from widely used free options to expensive professional ones. The gap between newcomers and seasoned developers seemed to widen with each passing day.
Driven by his ambition, Manuel delved into the realm of AI-assisted VR game creation. He discovered the existence of game developer capsules, distinct from those used by players. Stepping into a game developer capsule would grant him a God's-eye perspective, allowing him to shape his virtual world according to his vision. Assisted by AI algorithms and armed with his creativity and resources, he would be able to build the game's lore, design intricate plots, and create independent NPCs. Afterward, thorough testing would ensue before submitting the game for review. Despite the efficiency of AI, the final judgment of a game's quality and suitability for different age groups rested in the hands of human reviewers.
Immersed in his research, Manuel lost track of time, with 6 PM serving as a reminder of the VirtualCraft System's completion.
VirtualCraft System activating....100%
Ding! Please open your personal interface.
Feeling a surge of anticipation, Manuel opened his personal interface....