Chapter 1 - 01 - Between the Ordinary and the Extraordinary
Aoi Hiroto lived an ordinary life but was intensely focused. At 20, he was on the verge of a typical life but with a promising future ahead. He was studying Game Design Technology at university and working as an intern at a small game development company, where he spent his days immersed in code, testing his ideas, and trying to shape virtual worlds and stories he himself had always enjoyed playing. Although it was just an internship, he had big ambitions, and technology had always fascinated him. But for now, this was his reality. He quickly put on the company shirt and black pants, grabbed his backpack, and left home.
On the way to the train station, Aoi passed the same street, saw the same shops, the same hurried faces heading to work. He didn't feel particularly different from any of them. He was just another person in the crowd, trying to find some meaning amidst the daily chaos. When he arrived at the station, he saw Yuka, a co-worker who usually took the same train. They exchanged a quick nod and a tired smile as they got on the train.
"Aoi, you've been too dedicated to that game... Have you thought about taking a vacation?" she said, noticing the dark circles under his eyes.
"I think my vacation will be when I finally finish this damn project," he replied with a sigh.
Looking a bit concerned, she warned, "You're going to end up collapsing from exhaustion. I know it's your first independent project, but you need to take it easy."
"Hahaha, but... it'll be worth it soon."
Aoi and Yuka continued talking as the train moved on. She joked about his serious demeanor, nudging his arm and saying he needed to "relax a bit" and that "games should be more about fun than obligation." He smiled slightly but looked away, a little embarrassed. As much as he admired Yuka, he knew he had no room for anything besides work and training in his schedule. However, when he saw her laughing, he caught himself thinking that maybe going out with her might not be a bad idea — a thought he quickly brushed aside, refocusing on what he needed to do at the office.
When they arrived at the office, the routine continued without surprises. Aoi greeted his boss, took the file with the day's tasks, and sat down at his desk. The office was simple, with white walls and a constant smell of coffee. His boss, a middle-aged man with a serious demeanor, handed him yet another challenge for the day.
"Aoi, I need you to adjust the combat AI. Let's make the enemies adapt better to the player's style."