A shrill beep pierced the afternoon silence, cutting through Angelina's dreams. The sun, filtered through lace curtains, created a soft and diffuse halo around her tired face, casting delicate shadows across the room. The distant noise of the city blended with the occasional bird song, and the ticking of an old wall clock echoed in the room, creating a background melody that made the interruption even more annoying. The soft light seeping through the curtains revealed the organized chaos of the room: books piled up in a corner, papers scattered on the floor, and a small coffee table with a cup of coffee that had long since cooled.
Angelina sat up on the couch with a tired groan, her eyes still heavy with sleep. She stretched and tried to shake off the fog of exhaustion as she reached for the phone vibrating frantically on the coffee table. The screen lit up her face, revealing the name "Rafa" on the caller ID. She got up, stumbling over a fallen book and spilling some coffee on the couch, letting out an irritated grunt.
"Hello?" Her voice sounded hoarse and sleepy. She leaned against the wall, trying to keep her balance while adjusting the call volume.
"Hey, beautiful, finally woke up? You were sleeping like Sleeping Beauty." Rafa's laid-back voice came from the other end, full of Rio slang. "You disappeared, huh? I thought I was gonna have to invade your virtual world to drag you out. Did you sleep well, or do I need to come and pull you back into reality?"
Angelina smiled despite her exhaustion. Rafa had this way of making her smile even in the worst situations. "I was just resting, Rafa. What's going on?"
"Yeah, I'm with him now. The guy's on Border Guard duty, you know how it is—always keeping an eye on dangerous creatures trying to cross from one dimension to another. But seriously, you vanished. Mike and I were worried. We know things are tense with Big Z's gang."
The mention of Big Z made Angelina's heart race. She knew he was gaining ground, looking to expand his influence over arcane activities. Developers like her were increasingly in the crosshairs of militias and criminal groups.
"I was just exhausted. No need to worry so much," Angelina replied, trying to downplay Rafa's concern. "Besides, I'm inside my house. Nothing dangerous can reach me here."
"Yeah, yeah... but we know Big Z, and he's not messing around." Rafa's voice softened. "Promise you'll take care of yourself, okay?"
Angelina sighed. "I promise, Rafa. But now tell me, how's work?"
"Well, Mike's dealing with some manticores that are getting close to the border. I'm just waiting for him to finish so we can head back home. And guess who wants dinner tonight?"
Angelina smiled, already knowing the answer. "You want me to make Dona Maria's feijoada, don't you? That family recipe you guys love?"
Rafa laughed on the other end of the line. "Exactly! It's been a while since we've had real food. Those dehydrated meals out here aren't cutting it, and Mike's been asking for a decent meal for days. He said if you don't make the feijoada, he'll try to cook it himself... and you know how that'll turn out. After all, those dehydrated meals don't fill you up, and they taste worse than fountain water!"
"Don't exaggerate, Rafa!" Angelina replied, laughing and picturing Mike, a giant nearly two meters tall, struggling to cook something in the small kitchen of the apartment they shared. "Fountain water's a banquet compared to what they call dehydrated food! But alright, I'll make the feijoada. Just give me a few hours to prepare everything. When are you guys arriving? You know he's going to make a mess, right? Cooking a traditional feijoada in such a small space isn't exactly easy!"
"Around eight, I think," Rafa replied. "We're wrapping up patrol soon. Mike's finishing setting up the magical barriers now. But seriously, Angie, pay attention to your safety, especially now."
Angelina paused, allowing the weight of Rafa's concern to sink in again. The situation wasn't the safest, especially for an Arcane Developer. Big Z was expanding his operations, kidnapping and coercing Manausers to work for him. And the local government wasn't much help; Mike, with his Arcane Guardian skills, had been deemed "useless" for human combat, relegated to protection and guard missions against monsters.
Mike's voice came in from the background, muffled but audible: "Hey, Angie! Everything alright over there? Did Rafa already tell you I'm starving?"
She smiled. "Yes, he already mentioned it. Feijoada at eight, agreed?"
"Perfect!" Mike replied with his usual calm, but with a touch of humor. "Glad to know I won't have to save the kitchen from a culinary disaster."
Angelina laughed. "Don't worry, boys. I'll prepare everything. Just make sure you come back in one piece, okay?"
Rafael's voice became a little more serious. "We will, Angie. But please keep your phone close, alright? And let us know if anything strange happens."
"Okay, Rafa. I'll stay alert." Even though she felt safe in her small apartment, the reality of her world didn't allow for many mistakes. Disconnecting for a few hours could mean danger.
"Yeah, resting. More like slacking off, huh?" He laughed, and Angelina could almost picture him throwing his head back provocatively. "But listen, I'm here with Mike, heading back from patrol. We picked up some crazy fruits on the way. Top quality, full of G+ and E- level mana. If the militia finds out, we'll lose everything just to pay their 'fees.' So, I'll smuggle them home, alright?"
Angelina frowned, intrigued. "Mana-infused fruits? Wow, that must pack a punch, huh?"
"Oh yeah! I'm even thinking of making a special juice to boost our film production, you know?" Rafa replied, his tone a mix of playfulness and seriousness. "But enough of that. So, how's the project going? Have you locked in the concept yet?"
She hesitated for a moment. "Well, it's not fully defined yet. I've got the theme down, though. I'm starting to work on the details. But you're already volunteering to do voice acting, right?"
"Of course! I told you my voice is perfect for any protagonist. I'm even practicing here, listen: 'I'm the hero of this story, and I'm going to save the world!'" He deepened his voice, trying to sound heroic, but the drawl and the laugh at the end ruined the effect.
Angelina burst out laughing. "Rafa, your hero voice sounds more like a villain from a cheap movie."
"Ah, you'll see when I crush the beta test!" He insisted, without losing his humor. "If you need a voice actor for a monster, I'm in. I'll do anything, even help with editing. But seriously, when are you going to release it for testing? I'm curious."
Angelina rolled her eyes, smiling. "I can't believe you're suggesting that again. I said I'd think about it! Maybe you're good, but I need to test other options."
"Come on, who else has this natural charm?" Rafael joked. "Mike could narrate the dark scenes, can you imagine? He's got that deep voice."
Mike chimed in with his typical good humor. "Just don't make me narrate anything cheesy, Angie. I promise I can be convincing… with the right script."
Angelina laughed again, feeling lighter after the conversation. "Alright, you two clowns. I'll think about it. Now go finish your work and come straight here. I've got ingredients waiting in the kitchen!" The call ended, and Angelina stared at her phone screen for a few moments. The calmness of her home was in stark contrast to the world outside, where threats like Big Z lurked, and where friends like Rafael and Mike faced daily dangers.
Angelina got up, tying her hair into a casual bun before heading to the kitchen. The familiar aroma of spices enveloped her as she moved through the small but cozy space. The soft afternoon light filtered through the window, contrasting with the harsh reality of Grande Bangu, District 43, reminding her that her home was a safe harbor amidst a sea of challenges.
Opening the cupboard, she grabbed a bag of dried black beans, carefully packed and stacked among other supplies. With a swift motion, she tore the bag open and poured the beans into a large pot, listening to the characteristic sound of the beans falling in. Then, she rinsed them under cold water to remove impurities, placing them in a container and covering them with water, about twice the volume of the beans. She let them soak for one or two hours, imagining the comforting feijoada she was about to prepare, getting excited at the thought of sharing it with her friends.
With the beans soaking, Angelina moved to the futuristic fridge, which stood out in the kitchen with its holographic touch panel on the door. When she opened it, a soft light illuminated the interior, revealing impeccable organization. Holograms floated on the door, displaying detailed information about the items: "Tomato: 5 units; Expiration: 3 days remaining," "Chili pepper: 3 units; Expiration: 1 week," "Onion: 8 units; Expiration: 2 weeks," among others.
Bending down a bit, Angelina smiled at the sight of the ripe tomatoes, their shiny contours promising freshness and flavor. She grabbed a few of them, along with a chili pepper, knowing these ingredients would give a special touch to her recipe. With a sway of her hips, she closed the fridge door and spun around, balancing the ingredients in her arms as she moved towards the counter.
She returned to the fridge, opened the freezer, and with a swift motion, pulled out a tray of cured meats, a gift from the local butcher who always provided the best cuts. Among them were salted beef, the base of the feijoada, giving it a characteristic salty flavor; salted pork ribs, which added a smoky taste and tender texture; and salted pork loin, offering a milder, equally tender flavor. The pig's ear, which gave a gelatinous texture and intense flavor, and the pig's tail, which added a delicate flavor and a gelatinous texture to the dish, couldn't be forgotten. The pig's foot, rich in collagen, promised to make the feijoada broth thicker.
Angelina also remembered the smoked sausage, which would add an irresistible flavor and aroma. To complete the dish, there was bacon, which would bring a smoky and crispy touch, along with spicy smoked sausage, which would add a tangy and smoky flavor to the mix.
The smoked ribs, with their glistening layer of fat, exuded an intense and enveloping aroma, dancing through the air and awakening her appetite. Angelina carefully eyed the meat, memories of sunny afternoons with her mother surfacing. Cooking had always been an art they shared, accompanied by laughter that filled the kitchen. Those lazy Sundays, surrounded by family at the table, were moments of pure happiness. Each piece of meat brought those memories to life, and ensuring the meal was plentiful was essential, especially considering Mike's appetite, the giant of the house.
With her hands on her hips, Angelina assessed the ingredients with a focused gaze. Her mind quickly ran through the list of what she had already set aside, making sure nothing was missing. She walked to the spice shelf, where glass jars reflected the soft afternoon light. Her fingers slid over the cumin, its earthy aroma filling the air, bringing a sense of comfort. Next to it, the turmeric gleamed in a vibrant golden hue, promising not only color but a touch of flavor that would complement the robustness of the meats.
After gathering the ingredients, Angelina arranged everything on the counter and prepared the pans. With quick and precise movements, she began cutting the meat. The knife slid across the cutting board, separating each piece with ease. The process was almost automatic, the result of years of practice. Every cut was made with the clear intention of turning simple ingredients into something special.
Immersed in cold water, the meats seemed to calm as the liquid helped remove the excess salt, preparing them for the succulence that was to come. While completing this step, Angelina found herself thinking about Rafa and his warnings about Big Z. His name alone was enough to make anyone shudder. Controlling a vast network of militias and illegal markets in the underworld of Grande Bangu, Big Z had a specific target: Arcane Developers like Angelina, whose skills in creating immersive virtual worlds piqued everyone's interest, including dangerous figures.
Life outside the magical barriers was even more brutal. Mutant creatures and unpredictable ecosystems, legacies of the Convergence, permeated every aspect of existence. Even the kitchen, which should be a safe haven, reminded Angelina that danger was always lurking, ready to invade her bubble of comfort.
The timer beeped. Ten minutes had passed, and it was time to change the water. Angelina did it deftly, while the garlic began to brown in the pressure cooker, releasing an irresistible aroma that filled the kitchen. The sizzling sound brought a brief distraction from the worries that surrounded her mind. In District 43, support networks were a lifeline for many, but they also brought tension. The dependence between those who lacked combat abilities and those who could protect them was both a blessing and a curse.
Even with laws supposedly protecting citizens without magic, many were exploited and relegated to a lower status. However, Angelina and her friends had found a loophole. They developed a system that harnessed Arcane Seeds, simulating virtual world objects in exchange for mana and fees paid through the public system. Although it helped the community, this innovation also put them in the crosshairs of militias.
As she stirred the browning garlic, Angelina remembered the struggles she had faced during her studies. In the university system, between the 3rd and 5th semesters, everything Developers created was the property of the institution, and profits were shared. This made them easy targets for gangs, who saw them as easy opportunities for quick cash. Big Z himself had already recruited many like Angelina for his illegal operations.
Although fun, the idea wasn't exactly innovative. Wess Mertês, a famous S-ranked developer from Bahia, had already created something similar for A-rank players, where they had to jump to avoid barrels. Angelina couldn't help but admire the creativity of the Brazilian cartoonist who had reimagined Donkey Kong (even if he didn't realize it) with a capybara wearing an iron glove on its head, swapping the hammer for a sword.
As she reflected, her eyes landed on a plant near the window, bringing back memories of when, in her youth, she had created a bootleg version of a senju bean. A smile formed on her lips. Even before the memories of the alternate earth, she knew she still had the power to innovate.
The concept of "obstacle simulation" quickly became a popular trend in agility games. With each new version, developers sought to increase the difficulty, creating faster and more dynamic challenges to test players' reflexes. Angelina, always alert to new opportunities, decided to use this trend as a way to stand out discreetly. With the help of the boys, she managed to accumulate enough mana to bring one of the coveted bonus seeds into the real world—something few dared to attempt.
What truly set her apart was the secret code she had inserted into the "Feijuca" seed. It was lame, and she definitely shouldn't have listened to Rafa. Naming game-created objects while drunk was the worst idea ever, but she couldn't complain about spilled milk now.
This invisible algorithm made it so the seed could only be activated and grown with her mana signature. It was her guarantee that, even amid the chaos of obstacle simulations and passing trends, her creation would have a personal, unique touch, impossible to replicate.
Recognizing this opportunity, Angelina "followed the trend" and created a mildly boring little game, keeping herself under the radar. Though the game attracted a modest and loyal audience, it wasn't innovative enough to break into the top 20—exactly as she had planned. Angelina felt relieved not to be among the top five. Those who reached the top met grim fates. Everyone knew who was behind the disappearances. The kidnapping of the number one student was iconic: he was taken in broad daylight, just after leaving the university, with no one bothering to hide the crime.
With all these thoughts in mind, Angelina decided to focus on something more concrete. With everything organized, she began the preparation process. First, she selected and washed the beans, soaking them for at least an hour before cooking. Glancing at the clock, she changed the water, removed the beans, and prepared for the long task ahead. The aroma beginning to spread through the kitchen was an invitation to dive into her memories and create something special.
-----Hours later---
The soft light of late afternoon streamed through the windows of Angelina's apartment, bathing the space in golden and orange tones. In the kitchen, she stirred the feijoada she had prepared with care, checking if the black beans were cooked to perfection. The delicious smell of garlic and onions sautéing already filled the air when she heard the familiar sound of a key turning in the lock. Rafa and Mike had arrived.
Rafa was the first to enter, always with his vibrant and contagious energy. "Honey, I'm home!" he announced loudly, storming into the kitchen like a sunny hurricane. With a wide grin, he shook a bag of fruits, as if it were a prize he had won in an epic journey.
"Look what I brought!" Rafa exclaimed, tossing the bag onto the table with enthusiasm. "Mana-filled fruits, straight from the border. We can make juice and maybe even give a boost to our next creation, huh?"
Right behind him, Mike entered with calm, steady steps, his presence as serene as ever. He cast an amused glance at Rafa, a mix of humor and caution dancing in his blue eyes. "I just hope Rafa didn't go overboard this time," he remarked in his deep, soft voice, though the playful glint in his eyes betrayed the serious tone. "Last time he brought something like this, we almost ran out of power for a week from all the mana."
Rafa made a face and crossed his arms. "We were kids!" he retorted, as if defending himself from an old accusation.
Angelina laughed, wiping her hands on her apron. Even after all this time, she was still surprised by Rafa's talent for finding hidden treasures. Since childhood, even before awakening his abilities as a Manauser, he already had an impressive knack. Angelina knew that certain traits and talents could indicate a future Manauser's class, but Rafa's ability to find magical fruits, especially far from the forest and in the middle of the city, was unique.
As she watched her friends, Angelina noticed how worn out they looked. Rafa, with his mischievous smile, wore what remained of his hunter uniform, a blend of medieval fantasy with futuristic elements. The clothes had shades of midnight blue and forest green, with silver details, along with a leather hood, now dusty and a bit tattered. His look was completed by the Luminescent Solar Bow: Lumen Sirius strapped to his back, an ancient relic, with darkened wood and corroded metal. Despite its modest appearance, the bow still emitted a subtle glow from the cracks. Found during one of his hunts, the bow was connected to Rafa's soul by an ancient law of magic and mana, allowing him to shoot arrows of pure sunlight. A powerful weapon, despite its simple appearance.
Mike, on the other hand, seemed even more exhausted. He wore his Arcane Guardian armor, made of iron with golden and blue details. It wasn't very advanced, suitable for his C-Rank, but it still carried a quiet elegance, despite the battle marks and wear from time. Dirty and with disheveled hair, he maintained his usual firm and vigilant posture.
"You two look like you just came out of a war," joked Angelina, wiping her hands on the apron with a smile.
Rafa, even exhausted, shrugged with a grin. "It was almost that. But I brought these magical fruits, straight from the border! They'll give us a boost."
Angelina let out a laugh. "Always hunting, always on the move. But before anything else, go take a bath! I'm not letting you sit at the table like that."
Rafa tried to protest, making a disappointed face. "Aw, Angie, just a little dirt... it's the sweat of victory!"
Mike, with his dry humor, replied with a smile: "That's the smell of defeat, Rafa."
Angelina crossed her arms, amused but firm. "Bath. Now. Or don't even come near the feijoada."
Rafa sighed dramatically, giving in. "Alright, alright. But only because I love feijoada."
Mike chuckled softly, shaking his head as he followed his friend. "Let's go before she changes her mind and throws cold water on us."
------
The trio gathered in a semicircle in the small living room of the apartment Angelina shared with her friends. The space was simple but cozy. The dim light from the lamps reflected off the peeling walls, while the cool night breeze entered through the open window, offering some relief from Bangu's stifling heat. The makeshift coffee table was still full of dinner dishes. The scent of the feijoada Angelina had lovingly prepared lingered in the air, mixed with the aroma of magical herbs and spices.
Angelina, relaxed on the couch, wore an oversized T-shirt that had once belonged to Rafa. Her still damp hair rested on her shoulders, and she fiddled with the homemade anklet she wore on her left foot, a small craft imbued with magic. Although her body was at rest, her mind was racing. Rafa, always full of energy, sat in a chair near the window, while Mike, calmer and more reserved, kept his posture upright in his wooden chair.
Rafa, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm, gestured animatedly. "Just imagine, Angie," he began, tossing a slice of bread onto his plate as he spoke. "What if we made a game where mana is controlled by an elite, and the people in the slums have to fight for whatever's left? Like a critique of what happens here, you know? The 'Big Z' monopolizes the mana and leaves the people outside to scramble for crumbs. It would be genius!"
Angelina frowned, still processing the idea. She knew Rafa liked to throw out bold ideas, but this one seemed particularly risky, given the world they lived in. "You know that's really controversial, right? The 'Big Z' isn't known for being tolerant of anyone challenging his control over mana. If we do this too directly, we could end up in his crosshairs."
The name "Big Z" was enough to make anyone in District 43 shudder. He controlled the local militias and, more importantly, access to mana. The 'Big Z'
They insisted on taxing any use of that resource, keeping the majority of the population on the sidelines. The elite lived with the privilege of unlimited mana, while the inhabitants of poorer areas had to deal with scarcity, paying a high price for any access to magical power. Creating a game that criticized this structure seemed like an invitation to danger.
Rafa, however, leaned back in his chair, throwing his body back as if he were completely relaxed. He smiled in that carefree way Angelina knew well. "Ah, you guys are so serious... What would life be without a little risk, huh? The 'big Z' won't even know what hit him. We'll release the game, make people think, and by the time he realizes it, we'll have already spread the message. It'll be smooth."
Angelina looked at him, still worried. Rafa always acted like that—confident, carefree, almost mischievous. Even in tense situations, he seemed to find humor, using his charm to ease the seriousness of the conversations. He leaned in slightly towards her and winked, a playful gesture that made her smile faintly. "Relax, Angie. I've got the plan and the charm. We're going to create something amazing, and no one's going to catch us. You taught me that art needs to be bold, remember?"
Mike, who had remained silent until then, crossed his arms and let out a heavy sigh. His serious look contrasted with Rafa's relaxed optimism. "You talk as if 'big Z' is going to let this slide, Rafa. This could go very wrong. We know what he's capable of. We're not talking about a simple critique but something that could provoke a violent reaction."
Rafa raised his hands in surrender, but the mischievous smile never left his face. "Mike, my man, you know I always find a way. It's part of my irresistible charm." He gave a light laugh, leaning in to give Mike a pat on the back. "Trust your boy here."
Mike shook his head, not entirely convinced. "You're full of confidence, Rafa. But if we're really going down this road, we're going to need more than charm and courage. We'll need a solid plan. 'Big Z' has eyes everywhere. One mistake, and we're fried."
Angelina looked at her two friends, feeling the weight of the decision. She understood Rafa's passion, shared his desire to create something meaningful, but she knew the risks. "I understand both sides. Rafa's right about art needing to challenge, but Mike's also right. We can't expose ourselves so clearly. Maybe we can find a middle ground. A subtext, something that conveys the message without turning us into direct targets."
But Angelina knew that, for now, 'big Z' didn't see her as an immediate threat. He was aware of her presence, but he considered her just an above-average Arcane Developer—a talented Manauser, but not someone who needed to be eliminated. At least, not yet. What 'big Z' didn't know yet was how much Angelina was improving her games, applying the knowledge she had gained from her alternate memory. Sooner or later, her creations would draw more attention, and then everything could change.
For now, however, her focus was on something different: horror.
Angelina knew that the more intense the emotion experienced by the player or viewer, the greater the absorption of the skills developed by the Arcanists. She remembered well how much horror movies and games scared her and how much they stirred her emotions, something that could be used to maximize the efficiency of a project. Curiously, the horror theme was something she had already chosen before, perhaps influenced by her fragmented memories of the other reality.
She fell silent for a moment, reflecting on the best way to combine everyone's ideas. Her thoughts revolved around how to create something unique and push the boundaries of what they were used to doing. Then, with a sigh, she finally presented her proposal. "Although I agree with your vision, Rafa, I think it would be better if it were more gradual. Something that creates a sense of suspense, but in a steady, progressive way, you know? Not something that resolves quickly but that builds up over time."
She paused, observing their reactions. When she continued, the gleam in her eyes revealed the excitement she had been holding back. "I was thinking of something a little different... Instead of following a simple narrative line, what do you think about creating something more interactive? A first-person horror film, shot with an old camera, one of those 16mm ones, to give it a darker, more immersive atmosphere. But, at its core, it wouldn't just be a film, it would be an experience. The audience, instead of passively watching, would have the power to influence the events. They would make choices, affect the course of the plot, and become part of the story."
Mike frowned, clearly skeptical. "Hmm, interesting... but don't you think that could make the story a bit messy? How do you keep the tension if the audience is deciding what's going to happen?"
Angelina nodded, understanding his concern. "I get it, Mike. But the idea is to keep a solid structure. What changes are just the reactions, the small details of the narrative. The audience won't change the main story, but their experience will be unique. The tension will build as they make decisions, giving a deeper sense of fear."
Rafa, who had been quiet until then, lit up upon hearing the idea. "This is... amazing! An interactive psychological horror film! And, I think, my voice could be the key to really bringing it to life. If the audience puts themselves in the protagonist's place, I could voice them, creating an even stronger connection with the story. My voice would help intensify the fear."
Angelina smiled, seeing Rafa's excitement. "I love the idea, Rafa. Your voice will be essential. It'll be like the voice of fear itself, guiding the audience and maintaining the tension as they explore the asylum."
Mike, still skeptical, seemed to start seeing the potential. "Okay, okay... This proposal has something new. I like the idea of challenging the audience, not just letting them watch. Maybe that's what modern horror needs: a way to engage viewers on a deeper level."
Angelina turned to them with a confident smile. "So, let's do it. Let's create something truly innovative, where the horror isn't just experienced by the characters but by the audience. It'll be an experience like no other."
And so, the idea began to take shape—a bold, challenging, and completely unconventional project with the potential to redefine the horror genre.