Volume 7 - Prologue

|Evening of August 7 – 2035 – Berlin – Kleinn|

I took off the visor.

I didn't even have time to realize I was back in reality before I collapsed onto the bed without even noticing.

|Evening of August 7 – 2035 – Berlin – Offices of GGC "German Gaming Corporation" – Dinger|

<<Good evening, Manager Dinger!>> said my colleague.

<<Good evening to you too>> I replied.

<<Don't forget to send Heimer home; he would even sleep in his office>>

<<Don't worry, I'll take care of it>>

Like every single day I work, where I have to drag him out of his office.

I gathered my things and headed toward Heimer's office, which is on the other side of the studio.

Heimer is a born programmer; ever since he joined our company over four years ago, every idea that seemed impossible at the time could become reality.

It's thanks to him that many of our games have succeeded over the past years, bringing us the great fame we have today.

But we all know that geniuses are both fantastic and quirky.

Ever since we launched "Road of Glory" on the market, he spends more and more time in the office.

However, he has stopped working because, according to him, he's diligently following something…

And since it's also thanks to him that we're now among the most famous game studios in the world, no one (for now) bothers him.

I reached his office, opened the door, and saw Heimer sitting in his chair with the screen illuminating his face (in that dark room).

I turned on the light, and he closed his eyes due to the sudden brightness.

<<Turn it off! Turn off the light, I said!>> he yelled at me.

<<NO! IT'S ALREADY EVENING! THE WORKDAY IS OVER! GO HOME!>>

<<God, how annoying you are!>> he replied, covering his eyes with his hands.

<<Come on, get ready and leave the office. We're about to close>>

<<Ahhhhhhhh >> Heimer grumbled in response.

<<But can I know why you've been like this lately? You weren't before>>

<<And you're only asking me this now, Dinger? I thought you didn't care>>

<<Actually, we've all been wondering for months now about the reason this sudden change of yours, but no one has asked you because you've living between your home and office; spend more time in here than anywhere else!>>

<<Fine, the others, but you bother me often; could have asked earlier, couldn't you?>>

<<Well… now I've asked, so answer me>>

<<Okay. Do you remember that I insisted a lot on adding an additional hidden difficulty level in "Road of Glory" right?>>

<<Yes, you drove everyone crazy to include it, and it's a difficulty level thought of entirely>>

<<...Exactly. Well, since day one, a player has managed to access it>>

<<WHAT?! REALLY?! But I remember it doesn't show up among the options when you start game; how did he access it?>>

<<Well… it's a secret. But that's not the point; point is that he, despite tough difficulty, managed to progress>>

<<I see, but how is this related to you?>>

<<The point is… I watch him while he plays. Or rather, his character in the game and witness events like a spectator>>

<<Okay, but is he streaming the game for you? Did allow you to see what he's doing?>>

<<Certainly >> he replied.

I stared straight into his eyes: <<Are you sure?!>>

<<Yes, yes, sure…>>

...…..

<<It's written all over your face that it's not true>>

<<I've never been good at lying>>

<<THERE, I KNEW IT! BUT HOW DOES IT OCCUR TO YOU TO, IN FACT, SPY ON SOMEONE WITHOUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE?! THAT SEEM NORMAL YOU?!>>

<<Don't get so mad, Dinger; he doesn't know, and he'll never know>>

I sighed: <<But what am I supposed to do with you…>>

Heimer spoke up: <<The fact is I don't accept it>>

<<Accept what?>>

<<I created this impossible difficulty just to watch everyone who tries fail. Instead, not only was option discovered at the game's launch, but one it is progressing without much trouble. This, as entertains me, boils my blood>>

<<So you've stayed in here all this time just to watch how he plays, only because it bothers you that he's progressing the game?>>

<<Yes… >>

<<Fine, I officially give up. I've lost all hope with you. I'm leaving, goodnight>>

<<Night >>

I closed the door.

|Evening of August 7 – 2035 – Berlin – Offices of GGC "German Gaming Corporation" – Heimer|

<<Don't worry, Attila, I'll take care of you now>>