Sam and Yuna exit the simulation, their bodies tingling with the lingering adrenaline of the encounter. Sam was pleased to see the Rathalos and Velocidrome functioning as intended.
"Well, that went better than expected," he remarks, a satisfied smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Yuna nods in agreement, her fingers absently tracing the schematics of the Venomfang Serpent on her tablet.
"It's a good thing we were able to work out the kinks. I can't wait to see how the Hunters handle the rest of the zones and monsters."
As they step out of the simulation, Yuna's phone buzzes with a notification. She glances down at the screen, her eyes widening. "Oh, Sam, did you know there's a company party tonight? All the developers are invited."
Sam arches a brow, contemplating the idea. "A party, huh? I don't know, Yuna. I'm not really the social type."
Yuna nudges him playfully, her enthusiasm infectious. "Come on, it'll be good for you to get out and mingle with the other developers. Who knows, you might even pick up some new ideas for the simulation."
Considering her words, Sam nods slowly. "I suppose you have a point. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to get to know the people I'll be working with more closely."
"That's the spirit!" Yuna exclaims, already making her way towards the exit. "I'll swing by your office to pick you up, okay? Don't be late!"
Sam watches as Yuna disappears around the corner, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He can't deny the appeal of the party, but the thought of socializing with a room full of strangers still makes him uneasy. With a resigned sigh, he turns and heads back to his workstation, already mentally preparing himself for the evening's festivities.
Yuna guides Sam to a cozy restaurant where the SimQuest developer party is taking place. The warm, inviting atmosphere and chatter of their colleagues immediately put Sam at ease. Yuna flashes him an encouraging smile before heading off to join a group of female co-workers, leaving Sam to find a seat.
Spotting an empty chair near a cluster of male developers, Sam makes his way over and clears his throat. "Mind if I join you?"
The men turn to face him, expressions a mix of curiosity and friendliness. "Not at all, have a seat," one of them says, scooting over to make room.
Sam settles into the chair, feeling a tinge of self-consciousness as the conversation pauses momentarily. But the developers quickly resume their discussion, and Sam listens intently, picking up on references to game mechanics and coding challenges.
"So, you're the one behind that impressive Devil May Cry simulation, aren't you?" a bespectacled man asks, directing his attention to Sam.
"Uh, yes, that's me," Sam replies, straightening in his seat. "It's been a labor of love, for sure."
"Well, color me impressed," the man says, a hint of admiration in his voice. "The combat system in that game is nothing short of brilliant."
The others chime in with their own praise, and soon Sam finds himself engaged in a lively discussion about the nuances of his creation. He speaks animatedly, his initial hesitation fading as he realizes these developers share his passion for crafting immersive virtual experiences.
As the conversation flows, Sam learns about their own projects and the unique challenges they face. He listens intently, offering suggestions and sharing his own insights. The camaraderie and sense of shared purpose among the group gradually puts Sam at ease, and he finds himself enjoying the exchange.
Across the room, Yuna glances over at Sam, a pleased smile spreading across her face as she observes him conversing with ease. She turns her attention back to her own group, joining in the lively discussion about the latest simulation trends and techniques.
Kendrick and his group of women entered the restaurant, immediately drawing the attention of those gathered. Sam and Yuna's expressions darkened as they observed the senior developer's arrival.
Sam leaned in towards his colleagues, speaking in a hushed tone. "I take it you all don't care for Kendrick much."
One of the men nodded, a frown etched on his face. "That's putting it mildly. The guy's a real piece of work, but you can't say that too loudly. His family is one of the influential families in the city."
The others murmured in agreement, their body language tense and guarded.
Kendrick sauntered over to where Yuna stood, a charming smile plastered on his face. "Well, hello there, my dear. I couldn't help but notice you from across the room."
Yuna's expression hardened as she faced the senior developer. "Kendrick. I've told you before, I'm not interested."
Kendrick's smile faltered slightly, but he persisted. "Now, now, let's not be so hasty. I'm sure we could find some way to collaborate on a project, or perhaps enjoy each other's company outside of work."
Yuna stood her ground, her voice firm. "I'm happy working with Sam. I have no desire to work with you, professionally or otherwise."
Kendrick's eyes narrowed, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features, but he quickly masked it with a chuckle. "Suit yourself, my dear. But you know where to find me if you change your mind."
With that, Kendrick turned and joined the group of women he had arrived with, taking a seat at a nearby table.
Sam watched the exchange, his brow furrowed in concern. He knew Kendrick had a reputation for being persistent and manipulative, and he couldn't help but worry about the potential consequences of Yuna's rejection.
Leaning closer to his colleagues, Sam asked, "Does Kendrick have a history of causing trouble for people who don't cooperate with him?"
The men nodded, their expressions grim. "Oh, you better believe it. The guy's got connections all over the city, and he's not afraid to use them to get what he wants."
Sam's jaw tightened, his mind racing with the implications. He glanced over at Yuna, who had rejoined her group of friends, her laughter and carefree demeanor a stark contrast to the tension he felt brewing.
As the party continued, Sam found himself keeping a watchful eye on Kendrick and his group, his concern for Yuna's well-being growing with each passing minute.
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Advance chapters in my P@|r$0n/Najicablitz