The countdown on my office wall reached zero at exactly 9:00 AM, marking the first twelve hours since the official global launch of the Nexus VR system. Within seconds, my phone started buzzing with notifications from regional managers, retail partners, and media outlets around the world.
"EVE," I said, settling into my chair as I watched the real-time sales data streaming across my monitors. "Status report."
"Launch is proceeding smoothly across all markets," EVE's voice responded from the speakers embedded throughout my office. "Pre-orders exceeded projections by 347%, and first-day sales are currently tracking at 2.1 million units globally with sustained demand."
I allowed myself a small smile of satisfaction. The Nexus VR wasn't just another gaming console - it was a complete paradigm shift in entertainment technology. Full-dive virtual reality that provided sensory experiences indistinguishable from reality itself, powered by quantum processing cores that could render worlds limited only by imagination.
"What about the game library?"
"All forty-seven launch titles are performing within expected parameters. However, three games in particular are showing exceptional engagement metrics."
"Let me guess," I said, already knowing which ones she meant. "Final Fantasy VII: Immersion, World of Warcraft: True Azeroth, and The Elder Scrolls: Tamriel Unlimited?"
"Correct. User engagement rates for those titles are averaging 8.7 hours per session, with some users requiring forced logout protocols to prevent health issues."
I leaned back in my chair, watching the data with deep satisfaction. Those three games were perfect recreations of titles from my previous life - experiences that had defined gaming for millions of people, now rendered in full virtual reality with improvements that the original developers could never have imagined.
Players could now literally live in those worlds, experiencing every sight, sound, and sensation as if they were actually there. The technology was so advanced that some users were reporting they preferred their virtual lives to reality - which was both a testament to the system's quality and a potential concern we'd need to monitor.
"Eve, what's the status on Project Yggdrasil?"
"Development is proceeding on schedule. The core world mechanics have been implemented, and we're currently in the process of populating the Nine Realms with appropriate content and NPCs."
Project Yggdrasil was my most ambitious gaming venture yet - a virtual reality MMORPG based on the world from the Overlord anime series. Players could create powerful characters and build their own guilds, exploring a vast fantasy world where magic was limited only by imagination and political maneuvering was as important as combat prowess.
"The guild system implementation is particularly innovative," Eve continued. "Players can construct and customize their own bases, recruit NPCs with unique personalities, and establish their own territories within the game world. Beta testing indicates unprecedented levels of player investment and creativity."
"Timeline for launch?"
"Beta testing will commence in six months, with full launch scheduled for eighteen months from today. However, given the success of the Nexus VR platform, we may need to accelerate development to meet demand."
I nodded, turning my attention to a new notification that had just appeared on my screen. It was a message from Hayama, informing me that several major gaming publications wanted interviews about the launch.
"Schedule the interviews for later this week,"
"Understood. Shall I also prepare briefing materials on the supernatural applications we've been developing?"
As I watched the sales numbers continue to climb, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. In my previous life, I'd been just another gamer, dreaming about the perfect virtual reality experience. Now, I was providing that experience to millions of people around the world.
The Nexus VR system represented more than just technological advancement - it was a bridge between reality and imagination, allowing people to experience stories and adventures that would otherwise exist only in their dreams.
"What about the developer toolkit?" I asked, pulling up another set of files.
"The Nexus Creation Suite is ready for public release. All development tools, asset libraries, and documentation have been finalized. The user interface has been simplified to allow even novice creators to build immersive VR experiences."
This was perhaps the most important aspect of the entire Nexus VR platform - democratizing virtual reality development. I wanted to give people the tools to create their own worlds, their own stories, their own experiences. The potential for human creativity when given unlimited canvas was something I was genuinely excited to see.
"And the content moderation systems?"
"All automated screening protocols are operational. The AI moderation system can detect and flag inappropriate content in real-time during the creation process." Eve's tone became more serious. "The restriction parameters you specified have been implemented with zero tolerance policies."
I nodded, reviewing the content guidelines we'd established. Creative freedom was important, but not at the expense of basic human decency. Adult content between consenting virtual adults was fine - people were going to explore that aspect of virtual reality whether we officially supported it or not, so better to have proper safeguards in place. Even more unconventional content like BDSM simulations could be acceptable within appropriate contexts and with proper age restrictions.
But there were lines that absolutely could not be crossed.
"Confirm the hard restrictions are unchangeable," I said. "Any content involving minors, non-consensual activities, or extreme violence against realistic human models gets automatically flagged and removed. No exceptions, no appeals, no workarounds."
"Confirmed. The detection algorithms are sophisticated enough to identify attempts to circumvent restrictions through character model modifications or scenario obfuscation. Additionally, all flagged content is automatically reported to relevant authorities when appropriate."
"Good. What about the community features?"
"User reporting systems are fully integrated. Community moderators have comprehensive tools for content review. We've also implemented a reputation system that promotes creators who consistently produce high-quality, appropriate content."
By releasing these tools for free, we'd essentially be creating an entire ecosystem of user-generated content. Independent developers, hobbyists, artists, storytellers - everyone would have access to technology that major studios could only dream of just a few years ago.
The potential for innovation was staggering. Educational experiences that could transport students to ancient Rome or inside a living cell. Therapeutic applications for treating phobias or PTSD. Virtual meeting spaces that made global collaboration feel natural and immediate. Artistic expressions that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in digital media.
"Timeline for the toolkit release?"
"We can launch publicly next month, following the initial hardware demand stabilization. This will allow us to ensure server capacity can handle both gaming traffic and development tool usage simultaneously."
"Perfect. And Eve? Make sure the marketing emphasizes that this isn't just about games. We're giving people tools to build experiences, to tell stories, to create art. The only limits should be their imagination and basic human decency."
"Understood. Shall I prepare press materials highlighting the educational and creative applications?"
"Yes. And reach out to universities, art schools, independent filmmakers - anyone who might benefit from having access to unlimited virtual reality development tools. I want to see what happens when we remove the technical barriers to creation."
As I spoke, another notification appeared on my screen. The first user-generated content was already appearing on the platform - simple experiences created using the beta development tools we'd provided to select creators. A virtual art gallery showcasing impossible sculptures that could only exist in VR. A meditation space that responded to the user's breathing patterns. A historical recreation of feudal Japan based on extensive research.
This was exactly what I'd hoped to see. People using the technology not just for entertainment, but for education, art, and genuine human expression.
"One more thing, Eve. Monitor the user-generated content closely in the first few weeks. I want detailed reports on what types of experiences people are creating. This data will help us improve the tools and identify areas where we need additional support resources."
"Already implemented. All content metrics are being tracked and analyzed in real-time."
I smiled, watching the sales numbers continue to climb on my primary monitor while user-generated content statistics populated on the secondary screen. The Nexus VR platform was already exceeding my most optimistic projections, and we hadn't even released the full development toolkit yet.
This was more than just a successful product launch. This was the beginning of a new era in human creativity and expression.
Now I just had to make sure we could manage the challenges that would inevitably come with giving millions of people the power to create unlimited virtual worlds.
"What about the renewable energy project?" I asked, switching my attention to another tab displaying complex containment field equations and stellar fusion stability data.
"Excellent progress on that front as well," Eve replied. "The miniature star prototype has achieved a breakthrough—energy conversion efficiency is now 100%, far exceeding current global standards. The magnetic containment system has maintained stable fusion for over 200 consecutive hours without any fluctuations."
I smiled, looking at the data streams showing the artificial star's output. The inspiration had come from an old movie. Spider-man 2, where Otto Octavius attempted to create a small sun to solve energy problems. Of course, that had gone catastrophically wrong, but with proper engineering and advanced containment technology, the concept was not only viable but revolutionary.
"Perfect energy conversion?"
"Correct. The tritium feed system is operating within normal parameters, and the helium-3 conversion rate is achieving theoretical maximums with zero energy loss."
A miniature star with perfect efficiency - a controlled fusion reaction that could provide unlimited clean energy for entire cities without wasting a single joule. No radioactive waste, no carbon emissions, just pure stellar energy contained within magnetic fields and harvested through quantum conversion arrays with perfect conversion rates.
"And as per your instructions, I've established preliminary contact with the Japanese government regarding nationwide implementation."
This was exactly what I'd been working toward. The miniature star technology wasn't just another business venture - it was a crucial step in securing humanity's future. Climate change, resource depletion, energy poverty - all of these problems could be solved with unlimited clean energy. But to make a real global impact, I needed government partnerships.
A miniature star with perfect efficiency could provide unlimited clean energy for entire cities without wasting a single joule. No radioactive waste, no carbon emissions, just pure stellar energy contained within magnetic fields and harvested through quantum conversion arrays with perfect conversion rates.
"What did they say?"
"The Prime Minister's office has expressed significant interest in your proposals. They've requested a personal meeting to discuss potential partnerships for a nationwide clean energy transition using your miniature star technology. The meeting would cover both the technical aspects of your contained fusion systems and the economic implications of replacing traditional power infrastructure entirely."
This was exactly what I'd hoped for. Getting government backing for miniature star power plants with 100% efficiency would revolutionize energy production globally. More importantly, it would demonstrate that this technology could be implemented safely and responsibly, paving the way for worldwide adoption.
The future of humanity depended on sustainable energy solutions, and this was perhaps the most significant step I could take toward ensuring that future was bright.
"When does he want to—"
The words died in my throat as my enhanced senses detected something wrong. A whisper of displaced air, the faint scent of gun oil and metal, the almost imperceptible vibration of a high-velocity projectile cutting through the atmosphere toward my office window.
Time seemed to slow as my enhanced cognition kicked in. My hand moved with supernatural speed, reaching up to intercept the incoming sniper bullet. The projectile, designed to punch through reinforced glass and end a life, came to an abrupt stop between my thumb and forefinger, its kinetic energy completely absorbed.
I studied the bullet for a split second - armor-piercing, high-caliber, professionally manufactured. Not the work of an amateur.
My senses and enhanced cognition extended outward, tracking the trajectory back to its source. There - a building approximately 800 meters away, seventeenth floor, northwest window. I could sense the sniper's heartbeat, still elevated from the adrenaline of taking the shot, along with the lingering scent of cordite and the heat signature of the rifle barrel.
With a casual wave of my hand, space folded.
The sniper materialized in front of my desk, dropping to his knees with a confused grunt. He was a professional - tactical gear, military bearing, expensive equipment. But his eyes went wide with shock and fear as he found himself suddenly transported from his carefully prepared position to face his intended target.
"What... what the fuck..." he gasped, his professional composure cracking as he tried to process what had just happened to him. "How did you... where am I? This is impossible! You can't—"
I raised my hand slightly, and his voice cut off instantly. A simple spell to bind his vocal cords, preventing any further outbursts. His mouth moved frantically, but no sound emerged.
"Interesting," I said calmly, still holding the bullet between my fingers. "Someone paid quite a bit for this attempt."
The sniper's eyes darted between the bullet in my hand and my face, realization dawning that his carefully planned assassination had not only failed but resulted in his capture. He tried to stand, to reach for a sidearm, but I gestured downward with my other hand.
Gravity magic pressed down on him like an invisible weight, forcing him back to his knees and keeping him there. His body strained against the supernatural force, but he couldn't move more than a few inches in any direction.
The fact that they knew enough to target me specifically meant the miniature star project had already been leaked through multiple channels. Of course it had - I'd always known there were moles scattered throughout the company, human employees who sold information to the highest bidder. I'd let them operate freely because their activities kept things interesting, and frankly, I'd never bothered to deal with them thoroughly.
It was the same as in my past world and this one. Humans, when faced with enough money or pressure, would betray almost anything. Corporate espionage, government secrets, technological breakthroughs - it didn't matter. There was always someone willing to sell out for the right price, regardless of the consequences for humanity as a whole.
My supernatural employees knew better than to cross me, especially given my reputation in that community. Devils, fallen angels, and other supernatural beings understood exactly what happened to those who betrayed someone of my power level. They had survival instincts honed by millennia of dangerous politics.
But I'd forgotten about the remaining humans in my company - those who didn't fully understand what I was capable of, who saw only a wealthy businessman rather than something far more dangerous. They were the weak link, selling secrets to foreign governments and corporate rivals without truly comprehending the consequences of their actions.
Well, that oversight was going to be corrected very soon.
"EVE," I said without looking away from my muted guest, "please scan our friend here for identification and run a background check."
"Already in progress," EVE's voice remained perfectly calm, as if assassins appearing in the office was a routine occurrence. "Facial recognition match found: Marcus Kellerman, former military sniper, currently employed by various private security firms. No official criminal record, but suspected involvement in several contract killings across Europe and the Middle East."
Kellerman's eyes went wide with panic as he tried desperately to speak, to scream, to make any sound at all. His mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, but the silence magic held firm.
"Cross-referencing recent financial transactions and intelligence intercepts..." Eve continued. "Payment trail leads back to a shell company with ties to several Middle Eastern oil-producing nations. Specifically, parties who would suffer complete economic collapse if your miniature star technology with perfect efficiency were to eliminate the need for fossil fuels entirely."
I looked down at the terrified, silenced sniper, feeling a mixture of disappointment and anger. Here I was, trying to secure a better future for all of humanity, and there were people willing to kill to preserve their profits from destroying the planet. Worse, they'd been enabled by traitors within my own organization.
"You want to know what I am?" I asked, though he couldn't respond. "I'm Leon Mishima."
I raised my free hand, and golden flames erupted around the kneeling assassin. The flames consumed him completely, reducing flesh, bone, and equipment to nothing but ash in seconds.
There was no screaming, no suffering - just instant, total annihilation.
The ashes scattered across my office floor, leaving no trace that Marcus Kellerman had ever existed except for the lingering scent of incineration.
"Disposal complete," I said calmly, setting the bullet down on my desk. "Eve, please have the cleaning service attend to the office. And schedule that meeting with the Prime Minister."
"Of course. Shall I also implement additional security measures for future meetings about the miniature star project?"
"Yes. And Eve? It's time we dealt with our internal security issues. Run a complete audit of all human employees with access to classified projects. I want to know who's been selling information, to whom, and for how much."
It was past time to remind everyone in the company - supernatural or otherwise - exactly what happened to those who betrayed Leon Mishima.
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Author's Note:
Sorry for the late update! I wasn't feeling too great lately and ended up bedridden for a few days, but I'm finally back on my feet and feeling much better.
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If you'd like to read ahead and support me, feel free to check it out: [email protected]/VashFF