A few days after the Realm Eternal beta test, the game continued to shake the gaming world. Gameplay videos and live streams exploded on streaming platforms, garnering millions of views. Specialized critics were unanimous: Realm Eternal was a revolution. Words like "realistic," "immersive," and "visionary" appeared in every review.
Even media outlets typically uninterested in video games began covering it. A famous economic journal published an article titled: "The Video Game Industry Reinvented: The Mystery of Phantom Realm Studios". Technology magazines speculated about the technical advancements behind such a masterpiece. How had an unknown studio managed to create such a perfect game in such a short time?
---
In a sleek, modern conference room, Alex stood before a crowd of journalists. As the CEO of Phantom Realm Studios, he had organized a press conference to unveil a crucial piece of information. The journalists' cameras were trained on him, ready to capture every word.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to see the enthusiasm surrounding Realm Eternal. This project is the result of a unique vision. Today, I am here to reveal that this vision comes from someone you all know: Monsieur X."
A wave of murmurs swept through the room. Some journalists exchanged incredulous glances. Monsieur X? The man behind solving the Collatz conjecture and publicly humiliating Shadow Code?
"Yes" Alex continued, "Monsieur X is the mind who conceived the idea of Realm Eternal. It's thanks to his innovative ideas that this game exists today."
Questions erupted immediately.
"Did Monsieur X personally work on the game?"
"Why would a mathematical genius be interested in video games?"
"Do you have a way to contact him?"
Alex, ever calm and professional, replied simply:
"Monsieur X prefers to remain anonymous. However, he asked me to tell you that he considers this game nothing more than an entertaining experiment."
---
Meanwhile, Lassen watched it all unfold from his armchair, legs crossed, a novel in hand. The system's illusory interface projected the live broadcast of Alex's conference.
[Well, host, you're back in the spotlight. Quietly, of course, but your name is in everyone's conversations again. A discreet celebrity. Original.]
Lassen smiled without looking up from his book.
"It was inevitable. But admit it, it's amusing, isn't it? Watching all this fuss over something you created in one night."
[You could admit that my genius surpasses yours, but that would be too much to ask.]
"Exactly" Lassen replied with a sly grin. "So, what are the reactions?"
[Western media are starting to ask questions. Intelligence agencies have also noticed Phantom Realm Studios. They're curious about the technology used to develop such a game. Some even suspect state influence or a superintelligent AI.]
Lassen burst out laughing.
"A superintelligence? They're not far off, but let them keep guessing. They'll never trace it back to me."
[Perhaps not. But their curiosity could become bothersome.]
---
Meanwhile, social media exploded. Alex's announcement had reignited curiosity about Monsieur X. The hashtags #MonsieurX and #RealmEternal topped global trends. Theories about Monsieur X's identity resurfaced. Some claimed he was an AI, others a collective of geniuses. A few bold individuals suggested he was a government figure.
Celebrities and influencers joined the conversation as well. A popular streamer declared:
"If this game is from Monsieur X, I'll play it for the rest of my life. This guy's a legend!"
A famous sci-fi actor added on Twitter:
"Maybe Monsieur X is an alien. This game is too perfect to be made by a human."
---
Adrian, standing by the villa's library, watched Lassen with a concerned expression.
"Master, you realize your name is now on everyone's lips. Western agencies, in particular, are starting to closely monitor Phantom Realm Studios."
Lassen shrugged, feigning indifference.
"So what? Let them search. They'll find nothing."
Alex entered the room at that moment, looking serious.
"Master, Adrian has a point. Major powers are beginning to scrutinize us closely. It might be time to strengthen our security measures."
Lassen put down his book and fixed his gaze on Alex.
"It's already done. The system has everything under control, right?"
[Of course. All digital traces that could lead to you have been erased. Phantom Realm Studios is officially an independent subsidiary of Ghost. However, human curiosity is unpredictable.]
Alex crossed his arms.
"What about the official launch? We've set the date for a month from now, but we'll need a massive advertising campaign to maintain this momentum."
Lassen smiled.
"Let me guess. You want more budget?"
Alex replied with a subtle smile.
"Let's just say I want to ensure the launch is as perfect as you want it to be. After all, it's your 'little game.'"
Lassen nodded.
"Do whatever you want. Just make sure that when I log in, there are enough players to make it interesting. I don't want to explore an empty world."
---
Lassen was scrolling through social media speculations, an amused smile on his lips.
[You enjoy this, don't you? Watching all this organized chaos around you.]
"Absolutely. Now, let them stew a little. We'll see where this leads."
Adrian, observing his master, muttered to Alex:
"One day, his laziness will conquer the world."
Alex sighed in response.
"It already is."