"First, allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Otto Apocalypse, chairman of Schicksal Technologies Ltd. You've probably heard of our 'Kallen Fantasy', I presume?"
"I've heard of it, but my family is poor and couldn't afford a game console, so I've never played it myself." Ryn gave an embarrassed smile. Someone was introducing their proudest work to him, and he knew nothing about it besides the name.
Otto glanced at Ryn. *How can he have not played my 'Kallen Fantasy'! It's such a pity for a guy with this much talent for games to not play my 'Kallen Fantasy'.*
"In that case, I shall personally gift you a full set of 'Kallen Fantasy' gaming equipment and an account. For you to possess such outstanding talent, yet be prevented from playing the world's greatest game due to financial constraints—this is something I cannot tolerate."
Ryn was silent for a moment. This development left him a bit speechless. Although he really wanted to play Kallen Fantasy, his home didn't have space for it. The full set of 'Kallen Fantasy' was extremely expensive, with different versions for PC and holographic experience. The PC version could be played on a computer, while the holographic version required a massive gaming pod and some standalone consoles.
"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Otto, but... my home doesn't have room for the 'Kallen Fantasy' equipment..."
This time, it was Otto's turn to be silent. That was something he hadn't considered. While slacking off in his office, he had glanced at his computer and discovered the game proposal Ryn had submitted. Amber was usually in charge of all work matters; Otto was only responsible for planning the general direction and giving orders. Amber had taken one look at this game proposal and sent it directly to Otto, knowing it was a game concept and plan that Otto would be unable to refuse.
From the moment Otto started reading it, he had become deeply interested in the gameplay and technical concepts of 'Sekiro: Die Twice'. He had then excitedly told Amber to arrange a private jet for him so he could see this genius in person.
In his excitement on the way, Otto hadn't even considered that it might be a trap set by Anti-Entropy. Even if it was, Otto didn't care. He had to meet this person, because this was his chance to make another breakthrough with 'Kallen Fantasy'.
For Kallen's sake, he couldn't give up. So, he didn't bother investigating and just switched to a Soulium body. If they were from Anti-Entropy, he'd knock them out and take them away; a spy was fine too. If it was an ordinary person, he'd have them join Schicksal. Schicksal would provide him a stage to showcase his talent.
Otto tapped his fingers on the table lightly. He could just buy a house for Ryn, but that would be a bit over the top. When it came time for Amber to approve the expenses, she would definitely reject it, then stare him down and give him a harsh lecture.
This was a special privilege Otto had given Amber, and also a measure to restrain himself. Back when he allocated a large amount of funding to develop 'Kallen Fantasy', he was nearly criticized to death by Amber. Fortunately, 'Kallen Fantasy' sold extremely well, bringing in a lot of money and finally getting Amber off his back.
"Join Schicksal. We will give you the best treatment, a stage to showcase yourself. Your talent will make the entire gaming world tremble for you. Don't even think about refusing; there is no better place for you to go than Schicksal. You won't have to worry about funding. The Schariac Group is also one of Schicksal's partners."
Ryn was tempted. Developing games required capital and equipment, and Schicksal could indeed fulfill his vision. He had also heard of the Schariac Group; it was a world-renowned corporation that was involved in the vast majority of businesses worldwide. It had even invested in the Academy City, and even this very coffee shop had received investment from Schariac.
However, Ryn was a bit worried about the "talent" Otto mentioned. He didn't really have any talent; he was just very good at things like coding and programming. He preferred to modify existing games to transform them into what he envisioned. (The otherworld counterpart of Penglaiji Ryn loved developing games but was average at coding, often making mistakes that led to a total system crash.)
"I'm sorry, I can't join Schicksal. I can't work at your location because my sister, Kiana, goes to school here. We've just settled down, and I don't want to make her move around with me again."
Ryn hesitated, but he thought of how Kiana, despite always smiling while they were on the move, was very troubled and insecure in her sleep at night. It wasn't until recently, after she made friends and found a stable place to call home, that she gradually opened up and started to feel at ease. So, he rejected Otto's offer.
Otto smiled, a genuine smile this time. He thought meeting Ryn and Kiana was already a pleasant surprise, but he hadn't expected an even bigger one: the deep bond between Kiana and Ryn.
"No, you *need* to join Schicksal. I won't require you to come to the Schicksal offices to work. I will send people to assist you in developing the game. Furthermore, I will give you a house, large enough to fit a full 'Kallen Fantasy' set. You and your sister can live there, and you can work from home!"
"I agree to join Schicksal. But, can I get an advance on my salary?" Ryn extended his hand and shook Otto's. Otto's hand was a bit hard and cold, but Ryn didn't think much of it.
"No problem. Now, let's discuss the content of 'Sekiro: Die Twice'. I hope to make some improvements to the game's story and characters."
"Oh, you're too kind, Mr. Otto. The boss's request is my command. Just tell me what to change, and I'll change it." Ryn didn't mind. The game was a copy anyway, so changing it a bit more didn't matter. After all, Otto was paying him a lot of money; he had won him over with his "sincerity."
Otto picked up the coffee Amber had brought, ignoring her piercing gaze. That girl must have overheard the benefits he'd offered Ryn; otherwise, she wouldn't be staring at him. He'd explain it to her later.
"First, I want the game's name to be changed to 'Kallen - Sakura Dies Twice'."
"Huh!?"
"Let me finish before you act surprised. But no objections allowed."
"Please, continue."
"The story is... Kallen awakens in a dungeon. She carries a golden cross, overcomes obstacles to meet with Overseer Otto, and under Otto's guidance, sets out to... In the course of her constant missions, sparks of love fly between Kallen and Otto, and the two fall deeply in love. This is crucial; you must include this. During these missions, Kallen discovers that every time she is about to die, a pink fox-like girl named Yae Sakura saves her, either by taking the fatal blow for her or by resurrecting her. Yae Sakura is the other woman, make a special note of this. In the game, have her take blows for Kallen, make her death scenes extra tragic... In the end, Kallen discovers that Yae Sakura is constantly trying to seduce her, but Kallen remains firm in her deep love for Overseer Otto, repeatedly rejecting Yae Sakura's advances. Finally, the final boss appears, and it turns out to be Yae Sakura. Driven by a love turned to hatred, she tries to kill Kallen but is defeated by the combined efforts of Kallen and Otto. Then, Kallen and Otto live happily ever after and have a child named Theresa. Got it? Write it just like that."
Otto looked utterly satisfied, as if the story he had just told was real. Ryn wiped the cold sweat from his brow. *There must be some truth to this story. Judging by how melodramatic real life can be, Overseer Otto, you must have been cheated on, right? Otherwise, why would you have it out for Yae Sakura so much and insist on emphasizing your love story with Kallen?*
"No problem. Although it feels completely different from my original story's main plot, it's no problem at all. This is a moving and epic story. The players will definitely pay for love!"
"Mhm, you think so too, right?"
Otto grasped Ryn's hand, feeling as if he had met a kindred spirit in that moment.
*Overseer Otto, you must stay strong—*