Becoming the Strongest as a Game Dev

Aria stands in the center of her family's lavish training room, her twin pistols gripped tightly in her hands. With a nod, she signals the computer to begin the simulation.

Instantly, a horde of robot enemies materialize around her, each wielding a variety of melee and ranged weapons.

The first robot charges, its sword raised high. Aria darts forward, her pistols firing in rapid succession. The robot's metal body crumples to the ground, sparks flying. She pivots, her movements fluid and graceful, taking down two more robots with well-placed shots.

A barrage of energy blasts rains down, forcing Aria to somersault and weave through the attacks. She lands in a crouch, her pistols blazing as she neutralizes the ranged threats one by one.

Aria parries and counters as the remaining robots converge on her position, their weapons clashing against her dual pistols.

Leaping backwards, Aria lands atop a nearby crate, her guns blazing as she rains down a hail of bullets. The robots are unable to land a single hit, their attempts to reach her thwarted by her superior marksmanship.

As the last robot falls, a computerized voice echoes through the training room.

"Time: 2 minutes, 18 seconds. New personal best."

Aria holsters her pistols, her breathing slightly elevated. She is a bit disappointed. The simulation didn't provide a worthy challenge for her.

Stepping off the crate, Aria approaches the control panel, reviewing the simulation data.

"Impressive, as always, Young Miss."

Aria turns to see her butler, Edgar, standing at the entrance of the training room, a tray of refreshments in his hands.

"The robots posed no real threat," Aria says, her voice calm and even.

"Indeed," Edgar replies, offering her a glass of chilled water. "Though I suspect you were holding back, given the ease with which you dispatched them."

Aria replies, "Monotonous opponents won't make me improve." Her voice is calm and even, betraying no frustration.

Edgar nods, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I shall request our engineers to adjust the simulation's difficulty accordingly."

"That won't be necessary," Aria says, her gaze steady.

Edgar inclines his head respectfully. "As you wish." He pauses, then adds, "Speaking of which, I have an update on the Thornfields situation, if you're interested."

Aria gestures for him to continue, taking a sip of the cool water.

"We've made significant progress," Edgar begins, his tone measured. "Our teams have managed to secure several of the Thornfields' contracts, effectively undermining their operations. Additionally, our spies have uncovered evidence of their more... unsavory activities."

Aria's expression remains impassive as she listens, her grip tightening slightly on the glass.

"It seems the Thornfields have been engaging in a number of illegal ventures, from money laundering to extortion. We're currently gathering the necessary documentation to present a case against them to the authorities."

"Good work," Aria says, her voice betraying a hint of satisfaction. "Continue monitoring the situation. I want to ensure the Thornfields are dealt with thoroughly."

Edgar nods. "Of course, Young Miss."

"Young Miss, if I may ask - why go to such lengths to deal with the Thornfields?" He pauses, studying her expression. "Is it because of Genesis' request?"

"The Thornfields have been a thorn in our side for too long. I simply didn't have a reason to deal with them until now."

"The young man, Genesis, must have a great talent for you to destroy a family just to have him create a simulation for you," Edgar observes, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Aria nods. "Yes," she replies, her tone calm and measured.

Edgar no longer questions further. The old butler has watched Aria grow from a headstrong child into a poised and calculating woman. He sees the confidence in her stride and the unwavering determination in her eyes. Aria has always been a force to be reckoned with, and Edgar has no doubt her reasons for involving Genesis are well-founded.

As they exit the training room, Edgar casts a sidelong glance at Aria, a faint smile on his lips.

"I'm sure whatever you have planned will be well worth the effort," he says, his voice tinged with pride.

Aria returns the smile, a rare expression that softens her features.

"I have no doubt about that," she replies, her golden eyes gleaming with a hint of anticipation.

…

Sam worked on the Monster Hunter simulation, making the various weapons and armor players could create by hunting the fearsome monsters. The higher-ranked creatures' materials imbued special abilities - for instance, Kirin parts could grant lightning-charged blades that moved with blinding speed. He envisioned the diverse armaments and the unique powers they might wield.

"Hmm, the Kirin's horn could have a shock status effect on a greatsword," he mused, sketching out the design. "And the hide could reinforce the armor, letting the wielder dart around the battlefield."

Sam tapped his chin, already picturing the awe-inspiring arsenal players would assemble as they conquered the land's deadliest beasts.

Sam heard the door open. He looked up to see Yuna striding in, a radiant smile on her face.

"Yuna, you're back." Sam greeted her.

Yuna rushed over and wrapped him in a tight, grateful embrace. "Thank you, Sam," she said, her voice brimming with heartfelt appreciation. "Thank you for everything you've done."

Sam blinks, caught off guard by her sudden display of affection. "I... I don't understand," he admits. "Gail pretty much did all the work, didn't she?"

Yuna pulls back, shaking her head. "That's not true. If you hadn't stepped in and stopped Kendrick, I might have made a decision I would have regretted."

Yuna glances down at her phone, tapping the screen. "Let me show you something."

She holds up the device, allowing Sam to see the news displayed on the screen.

Sam's eyes widened as he read the headlines blaring the news of Kendrick and his family's arrest for a litany of crimes. He scanned the details, his brow furrowing in surprise.

"Wow, they really did it," Sam muttered, shaking his head. "I can't believe Kendrick got caught."

"It's all here - the embezzlement, the money laundering, the extortion. They're going away for a long time."

"Good riddance, I say. I'm just glad you're safe."

Sam places a hand on Yuna's shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze. Yuna offers him a small, grateful smile in return.

"Kendrick won't be bothering us anymore," Yuna says, a sense of relief evident in her voice.

Sam asks if Yuna's mother is alright, and Yuna nods. "She's doing much better now, thanks to the Silverstone family's support. The treatment is working, and she's on the road to recovery."

Yuna's eyes shine with relief and gratitude. "I can't thank you and Gail enough for everything you've done. I'm ready to get back to our project, if you are?" She gestures to the sketches and notes scattered across Sam's desk.

Sam sighs, the tension leaving his shoulders. "I'm just glad to see you back to your cheerful self. Let's dive in and make this simulation the best it can be."

Yuna beams, her enthusiasm infectious. The two developers return to their workstation, their collaboration reinvigorated now that the Kendrick situation has been resolved.

///

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