World
present
Year: 2024
Location: A town in Oklahoma
In the heart of Oklahoma, where the sprawling plains meet the hum of modern life, a small, unassuming town plays host to a university that has become a beacon for ambitious minds. It is here, amidst the quiet streets and the ever-present whispers of the wind, that Robert Petum begins a new chapter in his life.
Robert, an eighteen-year-old with tousled blond hair and piercing green eyes, had always harbored a dream that set him apart from his peers. While others around him were content to follow the well-trodden paths laid before them, Robert's mind was always abuzz with ideas, visions of digital worlds waiting to be born. His love for video games had sparked an interest in coding early on, and now, as a freshman at Oklahoma University, he was determined to turn that passion into something tangible—a career in software development.
The university itself was a blend of old and new, with its red-brick buildings standing proudly alongside sleek, glass-walled structures that housed the latest in technology. Robert had chosen to major in software development, a field that promised both challenge and excitement. As he walked through the campus, his mind raced with possibilities. He wasn't just here to learn the basics of programming; he wanted to master it, to create something that would leave a mark on the world.
Robert's journey was driven by more than just ambition. His family, the Petum family, had been through hardships that had forged a bond of resilience among them. His mother, Patil, was a seamstress who worked long hours in a small clothing workshop. Her hands, calloused from years of labor, were skilled in crafting garments that were both beautiful and practical. Patil was a woman of quiet strength, her eyes reflecting both the sorrows she had endured and the unwavering determination to provide for her children.
Robert's younger sister, Ashe, was a sophomore in high school. She had inherited their mother's resilience, but where Patil was stoic, Ashe was fiery and full of life. Her dark hair, often pulled back in a ponytail, framed a face that was quick to smile but quicker to frown when things didn't go her way. She was fiercely protective of her brother, even though he was older, and the two shared a close bond that had only strengthened after the loss of their father.
The memory of their father, who had died in a tragic car accident just a few years ago, was a shadow that lingered over the family. He had been a car dealer, a man who loved the roar of engines and the smell of new leather seats. But one fateful night, as he drove home from the dealership, a moment of lost control on a slick road had ended his life and left the Petum family reeling.
In the wake of his death, the Petums had learned to lean on each other. They had downsized from their suburban home to a smaller, more manageable house on the outskirts of town. It wasn't much, but it was home—a place where memories of better times mingled with the harsh realities of the present.
Robert's decision to study software development was born from a desire not just to fulfill his own dreams, but to create a better future for his family. He knew that success in this field could open doors that had been closed to them, provide opportunities that had seemed out of reach since his father's death.
As Robert settled into his new life at university, he began to immerse himself in his studies. The world of coding was vast and complex, a labyrinth of logic and creativity. He spent hours in the computer labs, his fingers flying over the keyboard as he learned the intricacies of different programming languages. C++, Python, Java—each one was a tool that he would need to master if he wanted to bring his vision to life.
But it wasn't just about learning the languages; it was about understanding the art of creation. Robert was captivated by the idea of building something from nothing, of crafting entire worlds with just lines of code. He dreamed of developing a video game that would captivate players, drawing them into a story that was as immersive as it was entertaining. It was a lofty goal, but Robert was not one to shy away from a challenge.
Back at home, his mother and sister supported him in their own ways. Patil would often stay up late, sewing by the dim light of a lamp, while Ashe would tease him about his "geeky" interests, all the while bringing him snacks as he studied late into the night. Their lives were not easy, but they had learned to find joy in the small moments, in the shared meals, and the quiet evenings spent together.
As the days turned into weeks and then months, Robert's skills grew. He started small, building simple programs and learning the fundamentals of game development. But his ambitions were far greater. He wanted to create something that would not only entertain but also inspire—something that would leave a lasting impact on the gaming industry.
In the background, life in Oklahoma continued at its steady pace. The town was small, the kind of place where everyone knew everyone else's business, but it was also a place of opportunity for those who were willing to seek it out. Robert knew that if he was going to succeed, he would have to work harder than he ever had before.
Robert sat in his dorm room, the familiar hum of his computer filling the space. The walls were adorned with posters of his favorite video games and coding references, a small testament to his passion for game development. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the screen as he connected to an online platform for a video call. His friend Eric's face soon appeared on the screen, a wide grin stretching across it.
"Hey, Robert! What's up?" Eric greeted, his voice laced with the excitement that always seemed to accompany their conversations.
Robert smiled back, adjusting his headphones. "Hey, man. So, I've been thinking about our mobile game idea. What do you think? You think it could catch on?"
Eric, ever the optimist, shrugged with a playful smirk. "Even if it doesn't, it's gonna be a fun project, right? At the very least, it'll be a good exercise, and who knows? It might just work out."
Robert nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, you're right. I mean, we've got to start somewhere, right? And mobile gaming is where everything's heading these days. We should start applying what we've learned, even if it's just in small steps."
Eric's expression softened into a look of agreement. "Absolutely. The industry is all about mobility now. But you know we're gonna need a graphic designer, right?"
Robert leaned forward, rubbing his chin as he pondered. "What about Lysa?"
Eric's eyes widened in surprise, his eyebrows shooting up. "Lysa? Are you serious? Man, she's got her nose so high in the air she might just trip over it! You really think she'd help us out?"
Robert chuckled at Eric's exaggerated expression. "We can always ask. Worst-case scenario, she says no, and we find someone else. Or we set aside a bit of money and hire a professional. There are sites where you can pay people to do that kind of work, right?"
Eric leaned back in his chair, skepticism etched on his face. "I'm not so sure about that, dude. Should we really invest in something we're not even sure will make us any money?"
Robert's face turned serious as he thought about it. He knew Eric had a point, but he also knew that taking risks was a part of achieving anything worthwhile. "Yeah, I get it. But sometimes you've got to take risks if you want to make something happen, right?"
Eric mulled it over for a moment, his fingers drumming on his desk. "Okay, tell you what. You talk to Lysa first. If that doesn't work out, we'll look into some other options. I'll also see if anyone in my circles might be interested."
Robert nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "Sounds like a plan."
"Alright, then. We'll figure this out. Let's catch up later," Eric said, giving a thumbs-up before signing off with a "See you later, man."
"See you," Robert echoed, closing the video call.
He sighed and stretched before turning his attention back to his computer. The screen displayed a game engine's interface—Robert's current playground for his ideas. He had been working on a prototype for a tower defense game, a genre that had always fascinated him with its mix of strategy and creativity.
The game was still in its early stages, but Robert's vision for it was clear. It was going to be a 2D side-scrolling tower defense game where two players would battle it out by deploying troops, creatures, and structures along two lanes, one above the other. The goal was simple: each player would try to destroy the other's main structure while defending their own.
Robert clicked on the game engine's interface, pulling up the basic layout he had already designed. The lanes were in place, the terrain sketched out in simple, rough shapes. But he wasn't satisfied with just the basics. He wanted this game to be more than just another tower defense clone. He wanted it to be immersive, filled with rich details and a variety of units that would keep players engaged and coming back for more.
His mind buzzed with possibilities as he began adding more elements to the game. Robert's eyes lit up with excitement as he started incorporating mythological creatures into the game. "Why stick to just soldiers when we can have gods and mythical beasts?" he mused to himself.
His fingers flew across the keyboard as he added units like Kibele, the earth mother goddess known for her nurturing yet powerful nature; Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war, whose strategic prowess could turn the tide of battle; Ra, the Egyptian sun god, whose fiery chariot would blaze through enemy lines; and Thor, the Norse god of thunder, whose mighty hammer could crush even the most fortified defenses.
Robert's face showed a mixture of concentration and satisfaction as he visualized each of these characters on the battlefield, their unique abilities bringing a new level of strategy to the game. He knew that these additions would not only add depth to the gameplay but also attract players who were fans of mythology.
But he wasn't done yet. There were still countless possibilities, and Robert was determined to explore them all. He added more units, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, balancing them carefully to ensure fair play. The screen filled with icons and stats as Robert tweaked the designs, testing different scenarios in his mind.
As he worked, Robert couldn't help but smile. This was what he loved—the process of creation, of bringing something new and exciting into the world. He could already see the game taking shape, each decision he made bringing him one step closer to realizing his dream.
For now, the work was far from finished, but Robert was undeterred. He knew that with time, effort, and perhaps a little help from his friends, he could turn this simple idea into something truly special. And as the night wore on, the glow of the computer screen reflected in his determined green eyes, Robert continued to build his game, piece by piece, confident that he was on the right path.
The night had grown late, and Robert was still deeply engrossed in his work. The blue light from his computer screen cast a faint glow around his dorm room as he fine-tuned the game's mechanics. His mind raced with ideas, each one leading to another as he carefully pieced together his vision for the tower defense game. He barely noticed the time slipping away.
Suddenly, the sharp ring of his phone cut through the silence, pulling him out of his creative trance. Robert blinked, momentarily disoriented, before glancing at the screen. The caller ID showed his mother's name, and he couldn't help but smile as he answered.
"Hey, Mom," Robert said, leaning back in his chair.
"Robert, it's so late! You're not still working, are you?" Patil's voice was filled with concern, the kind that only a mother could have.
Robert glanced at the clock on his computer screen. It was well past midnight. "Uh, yeah, I kind of lost track of time," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Robert, you need to get some sleep," his mother chided gently. "You have classes tomorrow, and you can't be staying up all night working on your projects. It's important to take care of yourself."
"I know, I know," Robert sighed, trying to reassure her. "I just got really into what I was doing. I'll head to bed soon, I promise."
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Patil spoke again, her tone softening. "I'm proud of you, Robert, but remember that your health is just as important as your work. You need to rest so you can keep doing your best."
"I will, Mom. Thanks for checking in on me," Robert said, feeling a pang of guilt for worrying her.
"Alright, well, don't stay up too much longer. I love you, Robert."
"Love you too, Mom. Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Patil replied before hanging up.
Robert set his phone down and sighed, staring at the screen for a moment longer. His mother was right—he needed to get some rest if he was going to be at his best tomorrow. With a reluctant sigh, he saved his work, shut down his computer, and headed to bed.
---
The next morning, Robert woke to the sound of his alarm blaring beside him. He groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he forced himself out of bed. After a quick shower and a hastily eaten breakfast, he grabbed his backpack and headed out to class.
The university campus was already buzzing with activity as students hurried to their morning lectures. Robert made his way to his software development class, a staple in his weekly routine. Today's lesson was on *Data Structures and Algorithms*, a fundamental course that all aspiring developers had to master.
As he entered the lecture hall, Robert found a seat near the front, pulling out his laptop and notebook. The professor, an older man with graying hair and a sharp mind, began the class with an overview of the day's topic. The whiteboard quickly filled with diagrams and code snippets as the professor explained the importance of different data structures—arrays, linked lists, stacks, and queues—and how they could be applied to solve various computational problems.
Robert paid close attention, his fingers occasionally tapping away on his laptop as he took notes and tried out small coding exercises. The class was challenging, but Robert thrived on the complexity, enjoying the way the concepts connected to form a cohesive understanding of how software worked. He knew that mastering these skills was essential for his game development project.
After the lecture, Robert gathered his things and headed out, his mind still buzzing with ideas from the class. But today, he had another task on his mind—talking to Lysa about the project he and Eric had discussed.
Lysa was a fellow student who was known around campus for her exceptional talent in graphic design. She was also known for her aloof attitude and the air of superiority that seemed to follow her wherever she went. Lysa had long, dark hair that fell in perfect waves down her back, and she always dressed impeccably, as if she were about to walk into a fashion show rather than a classroom. Her sharp blue eyes often scanned her surroundings with a look that suggested she found most things, and people, unworthy of her time.
Robert found her sitting in the student lounge, her focus entirely on her laptop as she worked on some intricate design. He approached her with a mix of determination and caution.
"Hey, Lysa," Robert greeted, trying to sound casual.
Lysa didn't look up from her screen, her fingers still flying across the keyboard. "What do you want, Robert?" she asked, her tone indifferent.
Robert swallowed, slightly put off by her cold reception but pressing on nonetheless. "I wanted to talk to you about a project I'm working on with a friend. We're developing a mobile game, and we could really use someone with your design skills."
Lysa finally looked up, one eyebrow arched in mild interest. "A mobile game?" she repeated, her tone skeptical. "And why would I be interested in that?"
Robert hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Well, because it's a good opportunity. We're trying to create something unique, and your designs could really elevate the game. Plus, it's a chance to work on something that could be big."
Lysa leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms as she studied him with a critical eye. "I don't know, Robert. I'm pretty busy with my own projects, and I'm not sure I have time to work on something like that. Besides, what's in it for me?"
Robert had anticipated this response. "I get it, you're busy, and I know this might not seem like a big deal right now, but think of it as a way to expand your portfolio. If the game takes off, your work could be seen by thousands—maybe even more."
Lysa seemed to consider this for a moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she gave a small, dismissive shrug. "I'll think about it. But no promises."
Robert nodded, sensing that this was the best outcome he could hope for at the moment. "That's all I'm asking. Just think about it."
Lysa returned her attention to her laptop, clearly signaling that the conversation was over. "Fine. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."
Robert took the hint and turned to leave, feeling a mix of relief and uncertainty. As he walked away, he couldn't help but wonder if Lysa would actually consider his offer. Either way, he knew he had to keep pushing forward with the project, with or without her help.
Later that afternoon, Robert made his way to the campus café, a cozy spot nestled between the library and the student center. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the sound of quiet chatter and the clatter of cups. It was a popular hangout for students, a place to unwind between classes or catch up with friends.
Robert spotted Eric sitting at a table near the window, sipping on a large cup of coffee. He waved and made his way over, sliding into the seat across from his friend.
"Hey, man," Robert greeted, setting his backpack down on the floor.
"Robert! You look like you've had a day," Eric said with a grin, noticing the tired look on his friend's face.
"Yeah, it's been a long one," Robert admitted, rubbing his eyes. "But I talked to Lysa."
Eric raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh yeah? How'd that go?"
Robert leaned back in his chair, letting out a small sigh. "About as well as I expected. She wasn't exactly jumping at the opportunity, but she said she'd think about it. So, not a no, but not a yes either."
Eric chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, that sounds like Lysa. Always playing it cool, huh? But hey, at least she didn't outright reject you. That's something."
Robert nodded, though he wasn't entirely convinced. "Yeah, I guess. Anyway, what about you? You said you'd talk to a couple of your friends about helping out?"
Eric's expression brightened. "I did! Actually, they're coming by in a minute. I figured it'd be better if you met them yourself. They're pretty cool—bit of a mixed bag, but they know their stuff."
As if on cue, two figures approached the table, one of them waving enthusiastically. "Hey, Eric! Is this the guy you were talking about?" asked the first, a lanky guy with messy hair and a big smile.
"Yep, this is Robert," Eric confirmed, standing up to greet them. "Robert, meet Jake and Naomi. Jake's our resident tech genius, and Naomi is—well, let's just say she's the brains behind a lot of Eric's better ideas."
Naomi, a petite girl with bright eyes and a mischievous grin, rolled her eyes playfully. "I'm the one who keeps Eric from blowing up the lab, basically," she said, extending a hand to Robert.
Robert shook her hand, smiling. "Nice to meet you both. Eric's told me a bit about you."
Jake flopped down into a chair, leaning forward eagerly. "So, Eric tells us you're working on a mobile game? That sounds pretty awesome. What's the concept?"
Robert launched into a brief explanation of the tower defense game, describing the gameplay mechanics, the inclusion of mythological figures, and his vision for the final product. As he spoke, Jake and Naomi listened intently, occasionally exchanging glances.
When Robert finished, Jake nodded approvingly. "That sounds solid, man. I love the idea of mixing mythology with strategy. And two lanes—top and bottom—adds a nice layer of complexity. But are you sure you want to go 2D? There's a lot of 3D stuff out there these days that might give it more pop."
Robert shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, I thought about that. But I feel like 2D gives it a classic, almost nostalgic feel, you know? Plus, it's more manageable for a small team like ours. We can focus more on the gameplay and design without getting too bogged down in 3D modeling."
Naomi leaned in, her brow furrowed in concentration. "I see where you're coming from, but you'll need really strong visuals to make it stand out. And that's where Lysa comes in, I guess? You think she'll say yes?"
Robert hesitated. "Honestly, I'm not sure. She's pretty busy, and she wasn't exactly enthusiastic about it. But I'm hoping she'll see the potential."
Jake grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Ah, the Lysa factor. She's a tough nut to crack, but if you get her on board, it'll be worth it. Her designs are killer. But if she doesn't, there's always Fiverr."
Naomi snickered. "Yeah, because that's exactly what we want—generic designs from some random person online. You'd be better off with clip art."
Eric chimed in, laughing. "Hey, some of that clip art is top-notch. Remember the time we tried to make a logo for the robotics club? That dancing robot? Pure gold."
Naomi groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Don't remind me. I still can't believe we actually submitted that."
Jake grinned mischievously. "It wasn't that bad! Just... creatively challenged."
Robert laughed along with them, feeling more at ease. The conversation flowed easily between them, moving from lighthearted banter to more serious discussions about the game's mechanics, the challenges of indie development, and the realities of trying to break into the competitive world of mobile gaming.
"Anyway," Naomi said, steering the conversation back to the main topic, "if Lysa doesn't work out, I can put out some feelers in the design community. There's a couple of folks I know who might be interested in a side project like this."
"That'd be awesome," Robert replied, grateful for the offer. "I appreciate the help, really. It's a big project, but I think we've got something special here."
Eric clapped him on the back. "That's the spirit, man. We're in this together. And hey, if it doesn't work out, at least we'll have learned something along the way, right?"
"Right," Robert agreed, smiling at his friends. "Thanks, guys. I'll keep you posted."
After a few more minutes of chatting and finishing their drinks, the group dispersed. Robert felt a renewed sense of determination as he left the café. Despite the challenges ahead, he knew he had a solid team behind him, and that made all the difference.
---
The rest of Robert's day passed in a blur of lectures and coding exercises. His second class of the day was on *Software Engineering Principles,* where the professor covered topics like agile development, version control, and the importance of teamwork in large projects. Robert found himself thinking about his own project throughout the lecture, mentally applying what he was learning to the game he was building with Eric.
When the class finally ended, Robert packed up his things and headed back to his dorm. He was tired, but his mind was still buzzing with ideas. Once inside his room, he quickly set up his laptop and opened the game engine, ready to continue where he'd left off the night before.
As he stared at the screen, his thoughts drifted back to his conversation with Lysa. He knew that having her on board would be a huge boost for the project, but he also knew he couldn't rely on her alone. He needed to be prepared for any outcome, whether she agreed to help or not.
With that in mind, Robert began evaluating the game's design, considering ways to improve and expand on what he already had. He tweaked the mechanics, adjusted the visuals, and brainstormed new ideas for levels and characters. The work was slow and methodical, but Robert didn't mind. He was in his element, and every small step forward brought him closer to his goal.