Another world Game Developers in Japan`s 1991

The day after Zaboru spread the flyers, he noticed most people barely gave them a glance before walking away. It was 1991, and jobs were plentiful—most people already had stable employment, making Zaboru's offer seem unappealing. Even those with the necessary skills weren't particularly drawn to the job, given the modest starting salary. Despite this, there were two individuals who were actively searching for work—a pair of twin siblings.

A young man and woman walked along the street, engaged in a heated argument.

"Is this what you call an easy job, Yugo?!" the woman shouted, clearly frustrated. "I studied computer engineering for easy, high-paying jobs—not to get rejected by three companies in a row!"

The man, Yugo, maintained a laid-back attitude, unfazed by his sister's outburst. "Don't worry so much, Yuna. We'll find something soon. Well… at least I will. Heh."

Yuna's eyes twitched with irritation. "You insolent brat! Are you mocking me because I keep getting rejected? As if you're doing any better! You haven't even landed a single job since we graduated three months ago!"

Yugo grinned. "That's because I wasn't looking. I only want to work for a video game company. My dream is to make great games, you know?"

Yuna sighed. "You do realize that video games are a dying industry, right? After the Atari crash, there's been no major progress in the field. It's not a safe bet."

Yugo scoffed. "That's just a temporary setback. Ever heard of ZAS? The arcade machines in Bakudan and Dream Catcher? I have a feeling whoever's behind those is going to make it big in the gaming industry."

Yuna merely sighed, dismissing her brother's optimism as wishful thinking. The two continued walking, looking for a place to eat, when something caught Yugo's eye.

"Wait! That's the ZAGE logo!" he exclaimed, rushing to a nearby wall where a flyer was posted. "They're the ones who made ZAS! And they're hiring!"

His excitement grew as he read the flyer's details:

Job Opening at ZAGE!

Experience in electronics assembly requiredProgramming knowledge is a plusMust be available to start immediatelyWeekly wage: 10,000 yen (negotiable)Contact us at [address] or call [number]

Yugo grinned. "I meet all the requirements! Yuna, we should apply! This could be our chance!"

Yuna glanced at the flyer, hesitant. The salary wasn't great, but given their current situation, she figured they had nothing to lose. "Alright, let's check it out after we eat. Hopefully, this won't be my fourth rejection in a row."

With that, they found a quick meal before heading to ZAGE's office via public transportation. Upon arrival, they were met with a small but tidy office space.

"Is this really the right place?" Yuna asked, skeptical.

Yugo, on the other hand, was practically beaming. "Don't judge a book by its cover! Let's ring the bell!"

He pressed the doorbell, and after a moment, the door opened to reveal a young man—probably younger than them. The man looked at them curiously. "Yes? Can I help you?"

Yuna took the initiative, offering a polite smile. "Excuse me, young man. Is this the ZAGE office? We saw the hiring flyer and wanted to ask about the recruitment process. Is the person in charge available?"

Zaboru blinked, then broke into a grin. "Oh, you're applicants! Come in, come in!"

The twins exchanged glances before stepping inside. Zaboru had tidied up the office in preparation for interviews, setting up a small table with three chairs. He gestured for them to sit. "Please, have a seat. May I know your names?"

Yuna was momentarily surprised—this young man was the one in charge? Recovering quickly, she bowed slightly. "Oh, you're the one in charge? My apologies. My name is Yuna Kanai, and this is my brother, Yugo Kanai."

Yugo gave a casual nod. "I'm Yugo."

Zaboru raised an eyebrow. "Siblings? Interesting." He motioned to the chairs again. "Please, sit. Would you prefer to be interviewed separately or together?"

Yuna answered promptly, "If it's alright, we'd prefer to be interviewed together."

Yugo nodded in agreement, looking oddly focused on Zaboru.

"Very well," Zaboru said, clasping his hands. "First, let me introduce myself. I'm Zaboru Renkonan, the owner of ZAGE. Though ZAGE isn't an officially registered company yet, it will be within the next month. Here at ZAGE, we develop video game consoles and software for consumers. Any questions so far?"

Yugo's eyes lit up. "Are you the creator of ZAS?!"

Zaboru was taken aback before offering a small smile. "Yes, I am. Do you play ZAS?"

Yugo's grin widened. "Hell yeah! ZAS is amazing! I think whoever made it is going to save the gaming industry!"

Yuna groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I'm sorry, Renkonan-san. My brother gets overly excited sometimes."

Zaboru chuckled. "That's the kind of enthusiasm I like. Let's move on. Do you have experience assembling electronics?"

Both twins nodded, explaining that they had built televisions and video players during college projects.

"Good," Zaboru said. "Do you know programming?"

Yugo nodded eagerly. "Yes, I do."

Yuna hesitated. "I'm not as skilled as him, but I know the basics."

Zaboru nodded in approval. "So far, so good. Now, does the salary meet your expectations?"

Yugo was about to say, "Goo—!" when Yuna swiftly pinched his thigh. "Ow!"

She smiled politely. "If we start working here, what exactly would our responsibilities be?"

Zaboru smirked and began explaining. Their primary task would be assembling game consoles and cartridges. Occasionally, they'd assist with game development. The 10,000 yen weekly salary was a starting rate, with room for increases once ZAGE became an official company. Benefits and better wages would follow as the business grew.

Hearing that, Yugo pumped his fist. "I'm in! I can start right now!"

Yuna took a moment to think. The workload wasn't unreasonable, and if the company succeeded, the salary would improve. "Alright, I'm in too. But can we start tomorrow?"

Zaboru smiled. "Absolutely. I'll prepare short-term contracts for you both. We'll begin tomorrow."

They shook hands, sealing the deal. As the twins left, Zaboru slumped back in his chair, exhaling deeply.

"Wow. Two potential employees… Not a bad start. And they're young, too."

He smirked to himself. Maybe things were finally starting to come together.

To be continued…