Ch 11 - Crafting "The Demo" [2]

After observing the platform closely, Nexus made several rounds to ensure he had captured every detail. A vision for the texturing started forming in his mind.

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However, before diving into that, he realized he had missed a small but pivotal element. He voiced his thoughts, "I've got the texturing figured out, but there's a key feature I overlooked. I want players to safeguard 'The Core' from a relentless onslaught of enemies that grows tougher over time. Keeping that in mind, there's a minor addition I need to make to the platform's design."

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He conjured a panel and a stylus, sketching diligently. When he finished, he looked at his drawing with satisfaction, stating, "This is exactly what I had in mind." The design depicted a central black circle, intertwined with patterns resembling cracks.

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Elaborating on his idea, Nexus added, "I'll etch these cracks onto each section of the platform, varying their depths. The center will be roughly twice the size of a football. When an object about 1.8 times a football's size is placed there, it'll cover approximately 70% of the designated area."

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Nexus nodded, feeling a sense of satisfaction. "These configurations seem just right. Time to get them in place."

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Swiftly, he integrated the settings. The patterns and cracks began to grace the surfaces of each section, enhancing its ancient ruins aesthetic.

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Examining his work, Nexus mused, "It's time for the finishing touch: texturing." Everyone familiar with the process knows that texturing is the final layer added to a 3D model. Nexus pondered the platform's color palette. After some contemplation, he settled on a medium-light shade of brown and white, sporadically accented with patches of moss.

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Gazing upon his creation, he remarked, "Perfect. The platform's design is finalized."

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His mind raced to the next steps. Counting them off on his fingers, he thought aloud, "I need to craft the enemy models and their diverse attack patterns - that's one. Next, weapons, support items, turret structures, and some seemingly trivial yet crucial elements - that's another. Drafting the game's rules and mechanics will be the third. And lastly, a final polish before its launch. That's four major steps."

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He sighed, feeling the weight of the tasks ahead. "The initial and final steps are manageable. However, crafting the game rules will be intricate. I need to ensure there's no room for exploitation."

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Reflecting on his progress, Nexus calculated, "Completing the game environment puts me about 20% through."

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A sudden realization hit him. "Ah! I nearly overlooked 'The Core'."

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With Nexus's thought, In an instant, a dynamic object, roughly 1.8 times the size of a football, manifested within the circular crack on each platform section. This core pulsed with a vibrant dance of colors, offering a hypnotic display. However, only the top section's core was visible. The rest, due to the platform's near-seamless design, remained hidden from view, adding an element of mystery.

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Nexus then takes a deep breath, absorbing the ambiance around him. The tranquility of the night sky above and the gentle sway of the ocean below contrasted with the intricacy of the platform's design. It was a tableau of stillness and activity, realism and fantasy.

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"Alright, Lumos, I've got the platform's fundamental design down. But it still feels... lifeless. What elements can I add to breathe more life into this scene?"

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Lumos responded promptly, "Master Nexus, if you're looking to add dynamism, perhaps consider incorporating ambient environmental effects. Things like a soft glow emanating from the cracks, or maybe even a faint mist that swirls around the platform's base."

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Nexus nodded, pondering over Lumos' suggestions. "The soft glow from the cracks will undoubtedly provide a mystical aura to the platform," he mused. "It'll elevate the ambiance, giving players both a visual treat and a deeper sense of immersion."

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Lumos added, "Such effects not only beautify the environment but also can become a part of the narrative. They can symbolize various elements, be it danger, progression, or a shift in the game's mood."

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Nexus agreed, "Indeed. And the mist, while I think it's a brilliant idea, I'll reserve it for a later stage. Perhaps once the game dynamics are fully fleshed out. It could serve as a visual indicator of the game's progression or it can be something else"

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Lumos acknowledged, "A phased approach makes sense. Incorporating elements gradually ensures each addition complements the overall design and gameplay. So, for now, shall we proceed with the soft glow effect?"

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Nexus responded with enthusiasm, "Absolutely!" With a determined gesture, he commanded the platform to adapt. Slowly, the cracks began to radiate a soft luminescence, painting the platform with a gentle, ethereal light. As he observed the transformation, Nexus felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. The world he had conceptualized was gradually coming to life, each addition bringing it closer to his ultimate vision.