Lassen sprawled out on his favorite armchair, a novel resting on his lap, while an illusory screen in front of him displayed headlines from around the world. Alex's recent announcement had sent shockwaves through both gaming and mainstream media.
"Monsieur X Revolutionizes Gaming with Ethereal Realms."
"The Enigmatic Genius Behind the Collatz Conjecture Tackles the Video Game Industry."
"A Digital Revolution Born from the Most Mysterious Mind of the Century."
Lassen let out a sigh, flipping a page without reading it.
"Why do they always make such a big deal out of everything? It's just a game."
[Host, perhaps because it's a game developed by someone who, according to the world, casually solves unsolvable mysteries and humiliates world-class hackers. That tends to draw attention] the system retorted dryly.
Lassen shrugged lazily.
"Sure, whatever. What are the players saying?"
Another screen materialized, showing heated discussions on gaming forums and social media platforms.
"Ethereal Realms isn't even out yet, and I'm already ready to sell my soul to play it."
"A game created by Monsieur X? It's bound to be revolutionary."
"There's probably some hidden math puzzle in this game. Prepare to suffer."
"Imagine quests designed by an AI like Monsieur X. Impossible difficulty incoming!"
A smirk crept onto Lassen's face as he read the unrealistic expectations from excited gamers.
[The hype is reaching astronomical levels. Alex has done an excellent job. Pre-orders have exceeded projections for the next two years.]
"Interesting," Lassen muttered, placing the book on the coffee table. "But how does that affect me?"
[Absolutely not at all. You get to sit here reading while Alex and Adrian handle everything else.]
---
In Alex's office at Phantom Realm Studios, the atmosphere was electric. Teams of marketers, PR representatives, and communication specialists worked at full speed to maintain the buzz surrounding the game. Adrian, ever watchful, quietly ensured security remained airtight.
"The media is starting to ask more about Monsieur X," a PR officer said to Alex.
"They're digging, trying to figure out more about him. Some journalists are reaching out directly to Phantom Realm for answers."
Unfazed, Alex replied calmly:
"Stick to the script. Every question about Monsieur X is to be deflected. The focus stays on the game, not him."
Adrian nodded from across the room.
"And security? Any attempts to breach our systems?" Alex asked.
"Nothing unusual," Adrian replied. "The system is handling everything flawlessly."
---
Back at Lassen's villa, he scrolled through social media, chuckling at the wild theories and speculations. Headlines and commentary were everywhere. The system interrupted his thoughts.
[Host, there's an interesting trend. Many players are convinced that Ethereal Realms will include complex puzzles inspired by your mathematical work.]
Lassen chuckled.
"They're going to be disappointed. It's just an RPG with an open world. Nothing more."
[The game does feature realistic and immersive mechanics,] the system added.
[Should I add a mathematical challenge to satisfy their expectations?]
Lassen thought for a moment before shaking his head.
"No, they'd go insane. Let them dream."
---
Within a few days, mainstream media outlets that typically ignored video games began discussing Ethereal Realms. A popular television program dedicated an entire segment to its cultural impact.
"Ethereal Realms is fascinating," said a tech analyst. "Not only because it's tied to Monsieur X, but because it represents a technological leap forward. This could redefine how people engage with video games."
"But is it really Monsieur X behind this?" another guest questioned. "Or is it a team operating under his name?"
Speculation swirled. Some doubted that a single individual could spearhead such a groundbreaking project. Others argued that only a mind as brilliant as Monsieur X's could create something so vast and intricate.
---
Meanwhile, in the offices of the Macro Kingdom government, high-ranking officials were also discussing Ethereal Realms. The focus of their meeting was the game's potential technological implications.
"If this game is truly revolutionary, what are the broader implications?" a minister asked.
"We know that Monsieur X is connected to SpectraSys and Phantom Realm Studios," a senior adviser responded. "That gives him immense influence over both technology and culture. This game might just be the beginning."
The minister leaned back in his chair, flipping through a dossier on Monsieur X.
"We need to monitor this closely. Someone capable of rewriting the rules in so many domains… that's a power unto itself."
---
At his villa, Lassen sipped a cold drink as he scrolled through yet another round of articles and videos discussing the game. Adrian entered the room, his demeanor calm but focused.
"Master, Alex wanted you to know that pre-orders have exceeded projections by 200%."
Lassen raised an eyebrow.
"Impressive. But what does that change for me?"
Adrian smiled faintly.
"Not much. It just proves that your ideas continue to captivate the world."
[And that your legendary laziness is truly your superpower] the system added sarcastically.
Lassen burst out laughing.
"Well, as long as everything's running smoothly, keep it up. I have a novel to finish."