Chapter 1: Miserable Luck

"It's done!"

I, Cedric Jacquier, have finally finished my first-ever game. I spent three years learning software engineering online. I didn't have any money, and started to learn the tricks and skills slowly by myself, and with the occasional help of videos from online platforms.

I first started this project when I was starting my journey in learning software engineering. And now after three years of carefully planning this game, adding details, dialogues, characters, skins, etc. I have completed it!

"Heok…Finally, it's finished"

Wiping the beads of tears slowly falling from my eyes. I pressed the entry button.

"I'm sure this game would be amazing, not only that if it does boom in popularity I may be able to buy a new computer with a faster system and a huge storage space."

The computer I'm using is worn-out, it was a second-hand one I bought from a small junk shop near my apartment. Not only that, it has occasional glitches and sometimes if I overdo using it, the computer would start heating up like crazy!

But once I upload this game to an online platform such as Game Tube, I may be able to earn revenue! As a game creator, just like many other creators, I have pride in each of the games I have created. As such I have huge expectations on this game.

Fizz fizz

"What with that sound?"

Suddenly the computer screen started to glitch uncontrollably. Numbers started to fill the entire screen. I could even smell something burning.

"W-What no?!"

I panicked and immediately stretched my hand pulling the electrical wire from the plug.

With a sigh of relief, I glanced at my computer with smoke coming out of it.

"No, no, no! You can't die yet! All the data! And the game hasn't even been uploaded yet!"

Fizz Fizz

"Ahhhhhhhhhh!!"

"Noooooooo!!"

'I can't believe it... Just when I finally finished the game…"

I haven't even slept properly these past few days, due to my initial excitement knowing that the game was almost completed. Now that it is, this damn computer died...

"No! Get a hold of yourself, Cedric!"

There's still the junk shop, if I bring this computer there tomorrow, maybe Theo might find a way to restore it! Yeah, don't lose hope, Cedric! I adjusted my breathing and slowly rested on my bed.

….

"What?! What do you mean you can't fix it?!"

"I'm sorry Cedric, but truly this computer can't be fixed anymore. I checked its system, and the computer officially gave out. Not only that the hard drive is badly damaged, even I can't fix it."

"N-No!!"

Holding the broken computer in my hands, I slowly left the junk shop. I wanted to cry right away, the game that I poured all my efforts into for three years. Was now gone. Anyone in my position would surely feel the same way.

"Damn it! I should have just bought a new computer!"

Dragging my heavy feet back inside my small apartment. I trudged to the living room. Putting the computer beside me on the sofa.

'That was it. It can't be changed. The game is gone, not only that I still have a 500, 000 loan in the bank. Shit, I poured everything just to finish that game. And just like that, with a snap, it's gone. I can't even buy a new computer to recreate the game, I don't have any money left. I can take a loan again...Wait a minute. I can take a loan again!'

After a quick trip to the bank. I borrowed 1,000 dollars. Holding the pocket of cash, I knew that taking a loan again only adds to my debt. But I've gone too far to stop.

With a quick sprint to Theo's junk shop. I immediately looked around to find a computer that I can use.

"You can buy a new computer. That would be much better rather than buying a second-hand."

"Well, you are right, but new computers would also one day become second-hand. Besides you give me a discount, unlike other stores."

"Yeah right."

Looking around the shop, there were a bunch of other electronics such as a vacuum cleaner, and a mini fridge. Soon I arrived at where the computer section, where there placed only five computers on the desk.

"Are these the only computer you have?"

"Hmm yeah, that's why I recommended you buy a brand new one instead of a second-hand one."

"Yeah, yeah."

I checked each of the computers, but five of them didn't pique my interest. One had a small hole on the side, the others were much older versions than the one I used to use.

I sighed, a computer costs 600 - 1,000 dollars. That's why I was hoping to buy a second-hand one instead. After much deliberation, I decided to buy a new one instead.

But I don't think my money would suffice. I have to pay for the rent, and buy food.

"On recent news, our country welcomes its new S-rank!"

"Hey Theo, I'm heading out…"

"Shh, I'm watching the news.."

I glanced at the small TV on the counter.

"Oh is that the new S-rank everyone's cheering on?"

On the screen was a blonde-haired girl sitting on a white armchair. There were numerous reporters from various media outlets asking her different questions.

"Wow, so you watch the news as well? I'm bewildered that you know what's currently happening in our country, guessing that you're always locked up in your apartment."

"Well, It doesn't hurt to get updated with some news right? By the way, she's eighteen isn't she?"

"Yep, the youngest S-rank in our country. Hah. Must be nice having those superpowers. Ordinary folks like us, just dream of one day having those powers and experience what it's like to have one."

I glanced at the girl on the screen. After answering some questions, numerous guards protected her as she went inside a limousine.

In a world filled with individuals who have profound powers, my existence just like Theo only has to daydream about what it's like to have one.

Seeing that Theo was stuck watching the TV, I quietly left the junk shop.

Now I was once again back to my original troubles. Finding a computer that I can buy with the money I loaned. Some computers, especially those high-tech ones, cost thousands of dollars. And someone like me, can't even afford to buy one.

So my quest began, I started to check the other junk shops around the neighborhood. Occasionally checking some electronic stores if I can find one that I can buy.

"Well, this is the last store.."

I checked all the stores around the neighborhood, and this was the last one. I entered the door, and the first thing I noticed was the old man on the counter eating some peanuts.

This store was new, and I'd recently heard from the old ladies next door that an old man came to this small town to live here for his retirement.

"Umm excuse me?"

The old man looked at me. Somehow I feel uneasy.

"Do you sell second-hand computers here?"

Hearing no answer, the atmosphere turned from uneasiness to awkwardness.

"There's one over there."

With his raspy voice, and trembling hands. The old man pointed at a shelf on the side of the window. I turned around and headed near the shelf, to find a blue box.

"Huh? Isn't this brand-new?"

Though it was quite heavy, I lifted the box and went to the counter.

"Umm, perhaps are you selling this computer?"

I knew this brand. Not only that after I checked its description on the side of the box, it was a new version. The box did seem that it was previously opened.

"Hmm, that is my grandson's computer.."

"Oh, are you selling this then?"

"Well, that computer does not work. My grandson bought that computer for me, but I don't know how to use it. He gave me some complex instructions, so I put it back inside the box. I am planning on selling it since it's of no use to me.."

"Then can I buy it? How much is it?!"

'Jackpot! I hit the motherload! This is a new version of course it works, this old man might now know how to use it.'

"Hmm. Well, I'll gladly sell it to you for 1,200 dollars."

"What?! That's too much!"

"Hmm? What do you mean by 'too much?' It is a brand new computer, not only that my grandson bought it for over 2, 500 dollars. Young man your lucky I'm giving you a discount."

He does have a point, but I don't have that money right now. I thought that this old man didn't know the computer's value. This was supposed to be an easy win.

"Can't you sell it to me for 1,000 instead?"

"Well, the answer is no."

"Please? I only have 1,000! How about you give me a credit, I promise you that I'll pay the remaining 200 in a week!"

"Nope. I think you should leave now young man.."

The old man turned around and continued to eat peanuts while listening to the radio.

"F-Fine! I'll pay!"

I must seize this computer, if I stall for some time, this computer might get sold to another customer. Besides I still have 200 dollars left from my past loan. If I cut my food expenses, and ask the landowner to delay my payment for this month, I might survive.

"Then it's a pleasure doing business with you."

After buying the computer, I went home. As soon as I arrived home, I immediately turned on the computer. The model I had was called 0X781, with a huge storage of gigabytes. After plugging on the computer, it turned on and the screen started loading.

Fizz fizz

"Huh?"

The same electric sound once again resounded.

"No, don't tell me!"

Fizz fizz bang!

"No, no, no!"

Smoke came out of the computer, and it turned off once more.

'My money... I can't even ask Theo to repair this since I can't pay the fee, not only that I spent over 1,200 dollars just for this. Now what?'

I was left with the question what should I do now? Theo doesn't work for free. I also cut off my food expenses, I didn't even eat anything today...

Suddenly my feet felt wobbly, and I started to lose strength in my body. With a thud, my body fell to the wooden cold floor. I couldn't even think properly, not only that, these two days have been unlucky. The game I worked so hard on was gone, I spent over 1,200 just to buy a new computer, and now what has happened to it? Broken!

My luck these days has run out...

My body is also lacking proper nutrition...

'Well goodbye cruel world, that was fun..'

[Syncing…]

[Danger detected!]

[The body lacks proper nutrition and sleep!]

[Some of the body's function has stopped!]

[Warning!]

[Host is dying!]

[Proceeding with the emergency healthcare protocol!]

[Would you accept for the system to make changes in the host's body?]

[Yes or No]

'I'm seriously dying right now, I'm even imagining this blue window screen.'

[Warning!]

[The host's health has dropped to 80%]

[Immediately proceed with the emergency healthcare protocol!]

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