Ichin had no idea about what was happening next door. Back in his room, he continued eating his bento while working on his project.
In his previous life, Ichin's job was mostly about making ends meet. Even though he was skilled, after several years in the industry, he had lost the initial drive he once had. Let alone leading the development of his own game.
However, after crossing over to this new world and finding himself young again, he felt a surge of passion and enthusiasm—perhaps due to his body's previous owner's love for games. It was like rediscovering that early excitement of entering the gaming industry for the first time.
"There were so many interesting games in my past life that don't exist in this world. I really can't stand it… I'll start with Slay the Spire," he decided.
After finishing his bento, Ichin patted his stomach contentedly, cleaned up the table, opened the snack box Utaha had brought over, and started munching while diving into work.
As someone who focused wholeheartedly once he began, it took just half an hour before Ichin paused, sensing something different.
"It feels like my memory has unexpectedly improved… Is this because of the transmigration?"
In his mind, he could clearly recall every detail from the games he had played, whether they were childhood classics or those he enjoyed as an adult: God of War, Titanfall, Atelier, Dark Souls, and many more.
It was as if each game's intricate details were etched in his brain, instantly surfacing whenever he thought of them.
"This enhanced memory is such a huge advantage, and my thoughts are unusually clear as well," he noted.
Looking at his computer screen, Ichin's expression slowly shifted to one of excitement. "In that case, I might finish this first game faster than I expected!"
With this realization, Ichin took a deep breath and continued tapping away at the keyboard with renewed energy.
Although he decided to focus on developing the game in the month before school started, Ichin didn't forget about maintaining his physical health. So, after working until midnight, he sensibly stopped and went to bed.
---
The next morning, at 8:00 AM, Ichin woke up to his alarm, marking his first morning in this new world.
"What a beautiful day to start!" he exclaimed, stretching lazily.
After getting up, washing up, and heading outside, he started his morning run. While his current body was in decent shape, it was clear it hadn't experienced much exercise. Thus, Ichin kept it simple—a slow one-kilometer jog there and back, planning to gradually increase the intensity over time.
Returning home, he took a shower and had some bread he had bought the day before. Then, he went out again.
Though he had a high-end computer with a top-tier 3090 graphics card at home, Ichin hadn't yet bought a graphics tablet. So, he headed to a nearby electronics store to purchase one.
On his way back, he also picked up a large quantity of groceries. He planned to shut himself in for the next few days and minimize his trips outside.
Just as he returned to his floor and pulled out his keys, Ichin noticed the apartment door next to his open. Utaha, dressed in a casual dress and carrying a bag, stepped out.
Their eyes met, but Ichin didn't feel as nervous as he had the day before. He nodded and greeted her, "Good morning."
Utaha, not expecting to run into Ichin again so soon, responded in kind, "Good morning."
She glanced at the large bags Ichin was holding. That's a lot of stuff, she thought.
However, neither of them engaged in further conversation. Ichin entered his apartment, and Utaha headed for the elevator.
As she stepped inside, she muttered softly, "I think I saw a graphics tablet… Does that guy draw as well?"
Shaking her head, Utaha stopped thinking about it and focused instead on how to deal with her troublesome editor later.
---
Back in his apartment, Ichin put the groceries in the fridge, arranged all the seasonings, and looked at his spotless kitchen counter.
"Since I received those snacks yesterday, I should make something to return the favor this afternoon. I can't make anything too complicated, but I do know a few simple recipes. I learned them from my mom in my previous life. I've bought flour and everything else I need. Alright, I'll work in the morning and leave some time in the afternoon to make them."
Returning to his bedroom, Ichin glanced around at the walls of his room before sitting down to work. The walls were covered with various posters—some of games and anime he recognized, while others didn't exist in his previous life.
After some thought, Ichin took down all the posters, neatly folded them, and placed them in the trash bin.
"If I'm going to put up posters, they should be of my own games."
Though his game currently existed only as a folder with a single document inside, Ichin was brimming with confidence about his project.
He sat down, turned on the computer, and began working.
---
By midday, he had sorted out the game's design concept and sketched out four character designs.
"Alright, let's implement two characters first to get the overall game structure in place. The other two can be added later as part of ongoing updates. This way, I can cut down on the initial workload."
Feeling hungry, Ichin made a simple bowl of noodles for lunch and then got to work making the snacks. Although he was skilled at cooking, he wasn't as experienced with baking. This time, he planned to make some cookies and mini cakes.
Baking wasn't as smooth as developing a game, and he hadn't baked anything in a long time in his previous life. However, thanks to his improved memory, he quickly regained his familiarity with it.
He continued to work until past 3:00 PM, occasionally running back to his room to sketch designs. After going back and forth several times, he finally finished a batch of egg cakes and cookies.
He took a piece and tasted it. Hmm, not bad—it's exactly how I remember it.
Satisfied with the result, Ichin packed the snacks into some airtight containers he had bought earlier and prepared to deliver them next door.
Mrs. Kasumigaoka is a full-time housewife, so she should be home at this time, right? he thought.
Putting on his shoes, Ichin went to the apartment next door and rang the doorbell.
"Ding-dong~~~"
The doorbell rang, and Mrs. Kasumigaoka, who was in the kitchen preparing dinner, called out to her daughter in the living room, "Utaha, could you get the door?"
"Got it," Utaha replied reluctantly.
Having just returned home and feeling exhausted, Utaha dragged herself to the entrance. When she opened the door, she was met with the sight of Ichin standing there holding two containers of snacks.
"Good afternoon."
Seeing Utaha's slightly dazed expression, Ichin smiled and handed over the containers. "Thank you for the snacks yesterday. I made some in return this afternoon. Please give them a try."
Utaha, surprised and uncertain of what to do, was left momentarily speechless. This was the first time she had encountered such a situation.
At that moment, Mrs. Kasumigaoka, hearing voices at the door, quickly came over with a warm smile. "Oh, Ichin-kun? You're so considerate! Please come in and sit for a while."
Handing over the containers, Ichin politely declined with a smile, "Thank you, but I still have a lot of work to do. I'll visit again when I have more time. Goodbye for now."
After delivering the snacks and exchanging a polite farewell, Ichin returned to his own apartment next door.
...