TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK TAK...
His fingers nimbly operated the lines of code from the program he used to play Eden Zero, checking if everything matched what he wanted. Without even realizing it, his fingers danced over the keyboard, manually installing the latest update on this fragile, outdated computer.
Strapped to his head was the VR gear for Virtual Heroes, allowing him to control and monitor the game simultaneously. All he needed was to tweak the settings for the automated movements he had already programmed into Eden Zero's latest update.
In truth, it wasn't just that game: Castle Conqueror, Mobile Impact, Celestial Universe, League of Knights, Legion Warfare, Phoenix Fire—all had been modified by him so they could be played at the same time, no need to bother with manual, fingers input.
He had always been that lazy. But that didn't imply he underestimated other players.
PHYUU PHYUU BYUUU CKLAK! BAZINGG SINGGG ZINNGG DESINNGGG!
"GAME OVER! VICTORY! CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE THE WINNER!"
Still, the reason he refused automatic installations was because he truly enjoyed tinkering—modifying installations with the familiar strings he used back in his days as a game developer. And when he thought back to it, the whole thing felt nostalgic, like something he used to do during night shifts at work.
"Great job, [MIDNIGHT'S IRL NAME]-san! Your performance as a game developer is incredible! Would you be interested in developing your own game at this company? You will be the lead developer too."
The offer was so tempting.
I mean, how often does a game company make such a tempting offer?
But apparently, it was a dream that is too good to be true.
"I'm really sorry, [MIDNIGHT'S IRL NAME]-san. Your VR-based game concept is indeed excellent, and you're clearly proud of it. But, unfortunately, we can't disregard current business needs. The MMORPG market is too competitive right now. You understand the current situation of this company, right?"
His heart shattered hearing that, as though his rights had been stripped away.
He was too naive—and perhaps, too obedient.
Hearing those words, he simply nodded.
No expression.
No words.
Just silent acceptance, then he left and mourned his fate.
The project he had worked so hard on—gone and wasted, just like that.
"Don't be sad, [MIDNIGHT'S IRL NAME]! Never give up! I know you're an amazing game dev!"
Said one of his subordinates. He ignored them. That, too, became part of the backdrop to his resignation—one that had initially been rejected.
He then issued an ultimatum by seizing the asset that was rightfully his—yes, Project Zero itself.
DRRRRTTT
Without realizing it, after that nostalgic moment, gleefully playing games on both his PC and in VR, crushing his enemies, his phone began to vibrate.
It disrupted his immersion, sparked curiosity, and he checked it immediately.
(1) NOTIFICATION
[FRIEND REQUEST]
@rei_x.0 wants to be your friend.
[ACCEPT] [REJECT]
"Again...?"
He muttered, noticing a pattern that felt too familiar, as if intentional.
The word rei, meaning "zero" and also "nothing," underpinned that username.
He had always lost to them.
Even the profile picture was the same: a teddy bear sitting on a chair.
And again, it happened in a game where he had never been defeated.
This time, it was Counter-Terrorist Mobile they were targeting.
A first-person shooting mobile game that had nothing to do with his project.
So weird.
Could they have been after me this whole time?
He wondered, now uneasy. Still, without putting much thoughts, he tapped [ACCEPT].
Then suddenly, a new message popped up in the corner.
It seemed to be the usual boring introduction—that trademark of theirs.
From: rei_x.0
[Long time no see... are you ready to lose again? Hehehehe.]
He clenched his fists, feeling belittled. Then replied:
[Be honest. Who are you really? Don't be a coward. I'm sick of these games.]
He still remembered when he was defeated at last year's Virtual Heroes annual competition. Yes, that was the one and only recorded loss.
Just that one.
But that loss alone had made him sick.
As if someone had been toying with his emotions from afar.
DRRRTTT
Not long after, another notification came through. He quickly checked the app.
[Hey, don't be so stiff. C'mon now. We play games to have fun, right?]
They replied, like someone who had been watching him for a long time.
[I already know who you are.]
He bluffed, trying to challenge this user intellectually.
[Oh, proud of yourself huh... just guessing me from its usernaame and already getting cocky? Still not tired of losing again and again, I see.]
[How about we make a deal?]
[A deal? Isn't it pointless? I already know I'll lose anyway.]
[Woah woah, chill, buddy. Remember, we play for fun, not to win.]
[So here's my offer... let's play this mobile game—just one match. One-on-one.]
[Whoever wins... the loser has to do what they say. Deal?]
Midnight stiffened upon hearing those deeply belittling words, as if playing with them was utterly pointless.
As if the game was already over before it began.
Because for sure, she was destined to lose.
In other words, the game had been rigged from the very beginning.
And it seemed like the chances of winning were almost nonexistent.
To be precise, if there were any at all, probably around 0.000001%.
He tried to think rationally, searching for a way out.
[That kind of game sounds too lame for me, you know.]
[If you really want to have fun, then let's just play—no stakes involved.]
[Oh ho ho ho... you really are interesting...]
[Mid.]
"Hey… hold on… that's not my name."
He whispered under his breath.
[Oh really, Midnight? If it's not Mid, then what is your name then? Should I leak your real name too, hm?]
Honestly, he had only been stalling for time.
But upon seeing that message, his eyes darted around the room for hidden cameras.
This place was supposed to be the safest hideout in the world for him.
But now, the feeling of unease flooded his thoughts, knowing he had been watched.
[Oops, did I just get caught? Hehehe, my bad teehee~!]
"Damn it…"
He muttered, visibly annoyed now that he knew what was truly going on.
[Oh yeah, by the way...]
He tried to inhale deeply, to calm himself down not to stress out.
His heartbeat quickened.
Something was off.
His mind started to fog.
His phone lit up again.
The last notification slipped in like a whisper haunting the room.
[Are you familiar with survival games?]
(TO BE CONTINUED...)