Lassen was sprawled out in his favorite armchair, a novel resting on his lap, but his eyes were fixed on the ceiling. He let out a deep sigh and dropped the book onto the coffee table. Adrian, standing nearby, silently observed his master, recognizing the familiar look of boredom.
"Are you alright, Master?" Adrian asked.
Lassen waved his hand lazily.
"I'm bored. These novels... they're all the same. Same heroes, same plots, nothing new."
Adrian smirked subtly.
"You could try something else. How about a video game?"
Lassen raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.
"A video game? You mean those things kids play to pretend they're soldiers or farmers?"
[Host, you might be surprised] the system chimed in.
[There are games far more sophisticated than that. Some require strategy, creativity, and deep thought.]
Lassen rolled his eyes.
"Alright. Show me what you've got. But I warn you, if it's boring, I'll make you regret it."
[I live to satisfy your whims, Host,] the system replied sarcastically.
[Prepare to be dazzled.]
---
An illusory screen appeared before Lassen, displaying a selection of popular games: immersive RPGs, realistic simulations, complex puzzles, and even some indie titles renowned for their innovative concepts. Adrian watched silently as Lassen fiddled with a few options.
"What's this strategy game?" Lassen grumbled while playing. "Why are my soldiers so stupid? I'm supposed to be their king, right? Why won't they listen to me?"
Adrian coughed to hide a laugh.
"Maybe it's your orders that are bad, Master."
[Or perhaps they reflect your leadership skills] the system added mockingly.
"Shut up," Lassen snapped. "And this RPG? I have to talk to ten characters before I can kill a rat? What a waste of time."
He then tried a life simulation game, but after accidentally setting his virtual house on fire, he tossed the controller aside in frustration.
"Right. Verdict: all these games are trash."
[Ah, an insightful analysis from a true connoisseur of digital entertainment] the system quipped.
Lassen crossed his arms, his frustration giving way to sudden inspiration.
"What if we made something better? A game that's actually interesting, something I won't get bored of after five minutes."
[Creating a game? Ambitious, even for you. And, of course, you'll design it yourself?]
Lassen burst out laughing.
"No, that's your job. I'll just give the ideas."
Adrian shook his head, amused, while the system let out an artificial sigh.
[Alright then. Tell me what you have in mind. I'll start planning.]
---
Lassen leaned back comfortably, propping his feet up on the coffee table.
"Okay, listen. I want an open-world game. Not just big, but massive. A place where players can do whatever they want, and every action has consequences. If someone wants to be a farmer, they can. If they want to become a king, they can. But everything has to make sense and be consistent."
[An ambitious concept. Go on, Host.]
"The graphics need to be realistic but not so much that they're boring. And the characters' dialogues should be smart, not repetitive lines. And add a lot of sarcasm. Sarcasm is essential."
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
"A game full of characters like you, Master? That'll be... unique."
[If I base it on your personality, I fear the players won't survive the experience,] the system added.
"Stop whining and get to work," Lassen replied. "And I want realistic social mechanics. Players should be able to form relationships, but nothing simple or fake. It should be as complicated as real life."
[So you want a game as frustrating as reality. Interesting, but predictable.]
"Exactly. That's the point!" Lassen said enthusiastically.
---
After a lengthy discussion (with plenty of sarcastic remarks exchanged), the system spoke in a more serious tone.
[The concept is set. This will require a team for development. I'll create a subsidiary under Ghost dedicated to this project.]
Lassen nodded, satisfied.
"Call it... hmm, something cool."
[Phantom Realm Studios. It matches the immersive and mysterious image you want.]
"Not bad," Lassen approved. "Alright, get to work. I want a demo in three days."
[You want to revolutionize the gaming industry in three days? Even for me, that's absurd.]
"That's why I trust you. Now, get started. I've got a novel to finish."
Adrian, observing the scene, muttered:
"One day, your laziness will become legendary."
Lassen smiled as he reopened his book.
"It already is."
---
As Adrian watched Lassen dive back into his novel, he pulled out his phone and called Alex.
"Alex? It's Adrian. Get ready. The Master just launched a new idea."
"What has he come up with this time?" Alex replied, sounding resigned.
"He wants to create a video game. A dedicated subsidiary under Ghost. And guess who'll have to manage all this?"
Silence hung on the other end before Alex let out a long sigh.
"Alright. Send me the details. I suppose I'll have to organize everything again."
"No doubt about it," Adrian replied with a grin.