Robert's table was overflowing with snacks: potato chips, cola, chicken wings, chicken tenders… It was a simple setup, but it took him back to a time when life felt lighter, simpler, and free of complications.
On the TV, Soldier 76 was capturing as much attention as Iron Man. But Robert, in his usual understated style, knew it was best to keep his appearances with Soldier 76 limited. By staying in the background, he could let Soldier 76 bask in the spotlight without stirring up suspicion. The last thing he wanted was for people to associate him too closely with Soldier 76, especially SHIELD. That would lead to unnecessary complications, especially for Thomas.
"Brilliant," Robert thought to himself, marveling at how well his strategy was working. It kept Soldier 76 at the forefront, while he and Thomas operated under the radar. However, there was still a mystery to solve: who had hired mercenaries to attack them recently, and what was their aim?
According to the news, every mercenary from the ambush had been killed, leaving no clues behind. This left Robert with only questions: Who orchestrated the attack, and why? He knew it wouldn't be easy to find answers, but until then, he'd continue enjoying the quieter moments of his life.
Just as he settled back, his phone rang. He recognized the caller as Lucy even before he picked up.
"Hello, Lucy!"
"Mr. Robert, Blizzard Entertainment wants to discuss a potential partnership."
Robert raised an eyebrow. "When?"
"They've already sent vice presidents to our office."
Robert sighed. It seemed people had taken to visiting unannounced lately. But Blizzard Entertainment, a global gaming giant, deserved respect. After all, the game he was currently playing was their creation. Ignoring their invitation would feel both impolite and irrational.
A snowstorm, perhaps? He mused on the idea, trying to connect any dots, but it seemed the timing was simply a coincidence.
Robert called for Thomas, who responded swiftly. In under six minutes, Thomas arrived in his supercar at the door. Efficiency was Thomas's strong suit; even after becoming something of a superhero, he hadn't let the fame get to his head. It was impressive—though Robert briefly wondered if the responsibilities of being Soldier 76's double warranted a pay raise.
As the music thumped loudly in the car, Robert shot Thomas a look. Thomas quickly adjusted the sound to a soothing instrumental.
"Apologies, boss. I got a bit carried away."
"No problem," Robert said, settling back as they drove to the office.
During the drive, Robert pondered aloud, "Thomas, you're now officially Soldier 76's double. I'll need you to avoid wearing the uniform casually; it's too easy to attract trouble."
"Understood," Thomas replied, nodding firmly. Robert knew he could trust Thomas with such responsibilities. He was the right choice to embody Soldier 76 when needed, but he also knew how to maintain his boundaries, fully aware that he was simply the face and not the true hero.
Upon reaching the office, Robert was greeted by Blizzard Entertainment's Vice President, Andrew Moulton—a middle-aged man with a prominent hooked nose that seemed capable of holding more than just his glasses. The impression was striking.
When Moulton saw Robert, he quickly rose, extended his hand, and bent slightly in respect. "Hello, Mr. Robert. I'm Andrew Moulton, Vice President at Blizzard Entertainment. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Mr. Moulton, please have a seat."
Robert motioned for him to sit, then took his own place across the table. Respect was a two-way street; Robert had always believed that how others treated him was a reflection of how they expected to be treated in return.
The two began discussing Blizzard's proposal. Moulton cleared his throat and stated his company's interest concisely.
"Let me summarize," Robert said, wanting to confirm the details. "Your company wants to acquire the rights to use Soldier 76 in a standalone game. You'll rework his background and story exclusively for this title. Did I understand that correctly?"
Moulton nodded. "Precisely, Mr. Robert. Beyond the game, we won't use the character for other purposes. We'll specify this clearly in the contract."
Robert pondered this. "I'm afraid a simple purchase of Soldier 76's image rights won't work. Since you're aiming to create a standalone title, the payment model should be profit-sharing. Shall we discuss percentages?"
Moulton seemed taken aback, but Robert believed the slow approach would yield greater rewards. If the game succeeded, the profits would be substantial. With Blizzard's high production standards combined with Soldier 76's iconic status, a well-crafted AAA title could be a hit.
After a brief pause, Moulton replied, "We were prepared to offer $20 million to secure Soldier 76's rights. Would you reconsider?"
Robert shook his head firmly. "No. If we proceed, it will be based on revenue-sharing."
"Understood," Moulton said, clearly reluctant but willing to negotiate. "What percentage were you thinking?"
"An equal split, fifty-fifty."
Moulton's eyes widened. "A 50% share might not be feasible. Game development costs are high, and creating a title of this scale would take years, perhaps three to eight. Given these demands, sharing half of the profits would be challenging."
Robert understood Moulton's hesitation but remained unfazed. He was aware of Blizzard's investment in talent, technology, and the time-intensive process of game creation. However, Soldier 76's image wasn't something that could be undervalued, especially since his popularity had come from a long-standing, dedicated process of film production, post-production, and global marketing efforts.
With a calm demeanor, Robert said, "I won't consider less. Soldier 76's image and brand value merit that level of compensation."
He knew Soldier 76 had amassed a huge following, a devoted fan base that would support the game without much promotion. In his view, asking for an equal split was fair.
Moulton was visibly conflicted. Blizzard had much to gain from obtaining Soldier 76's character, yet giving up 50% would impact their profit margins significantly. Still, passing on such a character to another company could mean a lost opportunity in creating Blizzard's first-ever standalone superhero blockbuster.
After a long silence, Moulton said, "If we're to proceed with a fifty-fifty split, I'll need to consult upper management. Would you be open to a follow-up meeting once I have their decision?"
"Of course," Robert replied, unhurried. Patience was part of his strategy; this was a long-term investment in an alliance that could generate substantial returns.
The meeting concluded amicably, with both sides respecting each other's position and potential for future collaboration. As Moulton took his leave, Robert felt confident that this was just the beginning of a profitable partnership.
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Author's Note:
Robert's interactions reveal a thoughtful strategist willing to play the long game. His calm negotiation style and keen understanding of character IP value underscore his commitment to the growth of Soldier 76 as a global symbol, not just a character. His willingness to wait and push for what he believes Soldier 76 is worth reflects an entrepreneurial spirit dedicated to the character's legacy and future potential in the world of gaming.