The Enigmatic Release

The game, with the assistance of the system, was meticulously launched across all gaming platforms, creating an immediate sensation that surpassed mere organic promotion. It held its position at the top, beckoning attention from all corners and intriguing players with its enigmatic description and the allure of a grand prize pool. Curiosity permeated the gaming community, heightened not only by the game's imminent release but also by its unique approach—a week-long wait followed by a completely free experience, where participants were only required to pay the nominal entry fee and vie for the coveted rewards.

Manuel couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension as he witnessed the overwhelming response to his creation. The game's unprecedented success had the potential to overshadow his personal journey toward recognition, but he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand.

Meanwhile, Winston, Manuel's loyal friend and a passionate game reviewer, had been tirelessly searching for any information that could grant him an edge in the competitive realm of game reviews. However, his efforts had been in vain, and he found himself frustrated by the escalating chaos caused by the cosmic quest game.

Winston: Bro, it's been utter chaos without you. This cosmic quest game has taken over everything. Manuel: What happened? Why are you on the verge of a breakdown? Winston: We're all scrambling to uncover the game's secrets and be the first to share them. You know that whoever brings even a sliver of information to light will gain fame and, perhaps, a little fortune. Manuel: Ah, so that's the situation. Well, I can tell you something—tomorrow, the game trailer will be released. Winston: Are you serious? Did you develop the game? Why am I still here then? I should quit too. I can help you out. Manuel: Well, I haven't established a formal business yet, but I'll take care of that today. Setting it up on Starnet is easy, but I'll need someone to manage the website. Perhaps you can assist since I won't have much time to address player concerns. (The system will handle the essential ones, he thought.) Winston: That's a deal. We can discuss my compensation later.

Winston set his phone aside and began crafting his resignation letter. Unbeknownst to him, Brenda, who had been observing this sequence of events from her office, grew concerned and ventured to inquire about Winston's apparent joy amid the prevailing chaos. She descended to the lower floors and, upon discovering Winston writing his resignation letter, her expression transformed.

"Winston, why do you want to quit? I haven't mistreated you. I know you and Manuel faced mistreatment from Reginald, but that's been resolved, hasn't it? You can't leave me like Manuel," she pleaded.

Winston paused, considering his response. "My brother asked me for help, and I have to go and assist him. However, before I leave, I promise that tomorrow you'll have a head start," he reassured her.

With his resignation letter complete, Winston submitted it. Since all operations were conducted on Starnet, there was no need for a formal handover. He continued working until the end of the day and planned to depart afterward.

Meanwhile, in Manuel's modest apartment, after setting down his phone, his first course of action was to delve into the expansive world of forums and television discussions surrounding the game. The entry fee, the tantalizing prize pool, and the ongoing buzz fascinated him. He remained unhurried, recognizing that many details were still shrouded in uncertainty, such as the nature of the game itself and its connection to CG and Trailer.

He navigated to the relevant Starnet website, where he proceeded to register his business. With a sense of grandeur, he pondered various names for his enterprise, aiming to encapsulate the essence of his system name—VirtualCraft Universe. With VirtualCraft Universe officially registered, he was astounded to discover that his starting capital amounted to a mere 2000UC. Determined to establish his presence, he promptly added the business name to the website, transforming it into vcuniverse.star.

Next, he meticulously scheduled the release of the Game trailer for the following day at 9 a.m. Hungry from his efforts, he ordered some food and settled into his chair, diving deeper into the comments, television reports, and his own plans to experience the game firsthand—as he was required to play his own creation.

As Manuel immersed himself in the captivating discussions and enthusiastic conversations surrounding his game, a profound sense of pride welled up within him. Witnessing the passion and anticipation of the players fueled his excitement even further. Around 4 p.m., Winston called, informing him of his imminent arrival.

Unbeknownst to Winston, Brenda had surreptitiously trailed him. With a mix of curiosity and concern, she observed their interaction for a moment before quietly retreating.

Manuel warmly welcomed Winston into his apartment, and the two friends engaged in a heartfelt conversation, cherishing their bond and reminiscing about their shared journey. Grateful for Winston's support, Manuel then granted him employee rights to the website, providing a detailed overview of the tasks at hand. Winston, with his expertise and dedication, suggested a strategic approach to generate traffic to the site before unveiling the game trailer. True to his word, Winston called Brenda later that evening, enlightening her about the game website and how she could gain an advantage over others. He also promoted the website across various forums, yet he graciously allowed Brenda an hour to release the news first. The word of the game spread like wildfire, surprising many individuals who discovered that it was an already beloved treasure-seeking game. Though slightly disappointed by the familiarity, the allure of the prize pool stirred renewed interest, leading to five individuals who had already registered and paid the participation fee of 1000UC.

Brenda's leak about the forthcoming game trailer at 9 a.m. the following day heightened the anticipation to a fever pitch. The website experienced an unprecedented surge in traffic, nearly overwhelming its infrastructure if not for the steadfast support of the system, which ensured its stability across countless planets.

The Game trailer, meticulously crafted to captivate and enthrall, seamlessly intertwined elements from the previous released comments on the website. It was a visual masterpiece, carefully designed to immerse players in its enchanting narrative. The trailer showcased breathtaking landscapes, each vibrant and teeming with life, as players embarked on perilous quests, encountered legendary creatures, and unveiled the mysteries of cosmic realms. From towering mountains to lush forests, from ancient ruins to bustling cities, the trailer unveiled a vast and awe-inspiring universe waiting to be explored. The promise of epic adventures, intricate puzzles, and unparalleled rewards enticed even the most seasoned gamers, igniting a sense of wonder and anticipation.

As the trailer reached its climactic finale, viewers were left in awe. The screen transitioned to a solitary figure standing amidst a vast battlefield, where ten mysterious Keys hung in the air, glowing with an otherworldly energy. With bated breath, the viewers watched as the Keys fused together, releasing a dazzling display of colorful energy. As the final Key completed its fusion, the screen went completely white, and the words "Cosmic Quest" appeared, written in bold letters.

Word of the game's trailer spread like wildfire, further fueling the already fervent excitement among players. The countdown to the official game launch had begun, and Manuel, accompanied by Winston, embraced the weight of their imminent success. The journey they had embarked upon together was reaching its pinnacle, and they were prepared to leave their mark on the gaming world.