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A scene flickered on my computer screen.
I was playing an RPG, a story about a hero determined to end humanity's suffering caused by monsters, demons, and even other humans.
I had created this game with a few members of my team, and it was set to be released in a few months. For now, I was testing it, making sure it ran smoothly with minimal issues before the world got their hands on it.
"How did you become like this, Raul!? How could you turn so cruel!?"
A beautiful girl with platinum hair stood crying. Beside her, a handsome blonde man stood ready, his hand poised on the hilt of his sword, prepared for the worst.
"You never understand, Ariel! I'm doing all of this for you!" shouted the black-haired man, his body riddled with wounds. "Why did you choose him!? Brian is nothing more than a commoner, unworthy of standing beside a Saintess like you!"
The man, Raul, was one of the antagonists in Path of Destiny. He was one of the obstacles the game's hero, Brian, had to overcome to fulfill his destiny.
Raul's love for Ariel was toxic. At first, he didn't recognize that his desire to control her was corrupting him. But when Brian began growing closer to Ariel, Raul's jealousy consumed him. He harassed both Ariel and Brian, until Ariel began to despise him. Desperate, Raul made a deal with a demon, trading his soul for the power to claim Ariel by force.
"You're delusional, Raul! Do you really think the way you've treated her was for her sake? You've lost your mind!" Brian stepped forward, shielding Ariel from Raul's crazed glare.
"Shut up, commoner! If it weren't for you, Ariel and I wouldn't be like this!" Raul spat, his eyes burning with hatred as he glared at Brian.
"You're wrong, Raul," Ariel said, her voice calm but resolute. "I chose Brian because it was my will. He is a far better man than someone who sold his soul to a demon."
Raul's heart twisted at her words. Darkness enveloped him, a thick, malevolent aura pouring from his body. His form began to contort, transforming into something monstrous.
"If I can't have you, Ariel..." Raul growled, his voice deepening with rage. "Then no one will!"
With a roar, he lunged at them, his demon form fully unleashed.
Brian unsheathed his sword, a brilliant yellow aura surrounding him. Lightning crackled beneath his feet.
"You've fallen too far, Raul," Brian said, his voice steady with determination. "I thought we could've been friends, but now, I'll make sure you never hurt Ariel again."
The two clashed, their battle shaking the ground. Magic and steel collided, the sound echoing like thunder in the distance.
When the dust settled, only one remained standing. The hero, Brian, had slain Raul, the nobleman who had sold his soul for power.
Raul's last sight before his death was Ariel kissing Brian—the man he had hated with every fiber of his being.
The word Victory appeared above Brian and Ariel's avatars. I had just beaten the third boss in the game I created.
"Well... no performance issues," I muttered to myself. "But why does the story have to be so cliché?"
A renowned writer had been hired to create the storyline. My team and I were only responsible for developing the game. This was a decision made by the company funding the project, who insisted this type of story appealed to both teens and adults.
Still, making this game had been my dream for as long as I could remember. Just knowing that people around the world would soon play it made the sacrifices worth it.
Thinking of sacrifices, my eyes drifted to a framed photograph next to my computer. It showed a black-haired man and a beautiful woman. The woman was my ex-girlfriend—Liana.
Ding...
The doorbell rang. I checked the camera at the front door and saw a woman who looked exactly like the one in the photo.
"Hey, I'm here to pick up the things I left with you," said Liana through the intercom.
"All right, come on in," I replied, pressing the button to unlock the door.
Liana entered, and soon I heard her footsteps coming up the stairs. My bedroom door opened, and in walked the woman I hadn't seen in months—long, straight black hair, flawless skin as pale as snow.
"Morning, Evans. Sorry for showing up unannounced," she said apologetically. "Do you still have some of my clothes here?"
Her long lashes, her familiar scent... I found myself wondering again why I let go of someone as amazing as Liana just to finish a game.
"They're in the wardrobe," I said, pointing to the large closet in the corner. "I've packed them neatly for you."
Liana walked over to the wardrobe and pulled out a few bags.
I glanced out the window and saw a man leaning against a luxury car. He was handsome, wealthy—Liana's fiancé. Heir to one of the country's largest companies.
"Thanks, Evans. You've been really helpful," she said with a smile.
"You've made the right choice, Liana." I tried to sound casual, but the words felt heavy.
She sighed, clearly not wanting to talk about it. "He's a good and responsible man," she replied shortly.
Then, unexpectedly, her hand brushed my cheek. The familiar scent of her perfume flooded my senses, bringing back memories of us.
"Evans... I'm leaving now."
I met her gaze, noticing the tears she was barely holding back. Why was she emotional? Hadn't we moved on?
"Take care of yourself, okay?"
With those final words, she walked out of my room. That was probably the last time I'd ever speak to her alone. My last chance to tell her how I really felt.
Yes... I still love her. I still love her deeply.
If I had the chance to turn back time, to be with her again and forget my dream, I would do it in a heartbeat.
That's how much I regret throwing away the love she gave me.
I touched my cheek and felt the wetness of a tear I hadn't realized had fallen.
I collapsed onto my bed, exhausted. Maybe if I slept, I could forget everything that happened today.
But as my vision blurred and sleep crept in, I realized I still hadn't moved on from her. Not yet.
I'd been testing the game for 20 hours straight, completely forgetting to rest.
I hope you're happy with him, Liana...
---
Ugh... Why does my body ache so much? Is it from yesterday's testing?
Slowly, I opened my eyes, hearing loud cheers all around me.
What...?
"Come on, Lord Raul, defeat that commoner!"
"Raul! Don't let that lowly man insult the nobles!"
Where am I...?
Why am I in a battle arena?
In front of me, a blonde-haired man was approaching, holding a wooden sword.
Isn't that... Brian?
"Is this the extent of your abilities, Raul? You're weak, yet you dare belittle other students!?" Brian shouted, his anger clear. "Pick up your sword! Let's settle this like men!"
Raul...? What is he talking about? This... scene feels strangely familiar...
"..."
This is the Grunbelt Academy Duel Arena...
And the event unfolding before me... it's the first duel between Raul and Brian, marking the beginning of the game Path of Destiny.