Chapter 33

Sam sits cross-legged on the floor of his room, eyes closed in concentration. The Devil May Cry simulation hovers before him. He takes a deep breath, feeling the rush of mana flowing into his body.

It's been a few weeks since the World Developer Expo, and the simulation has gained immense popularity. Countless players have played it, and the gem accumulated a lot of mana for Sam to absorb.

Sam opens his eyes and gazes at the C-Rank Simulation Gem sitting on the table. He sighs, running a hand through his hair. Reaching the required mana threshold would take months, if not a full year, of dedication and patience.

Sam turns his attention back to the Devil May Cry simulation, watching as the man he's absorbed slowly increases his reserves.

He then thought about the Batman comic he had finished weeks ago. He had sent it to Gail, who had promptly forwarded it to the printing press. The comic was now being printed and ready to hit the shelves in the coming days.

Alongside the comic, the Batman merchandise he had designed was also completed. The products would soon be available for purchase.

Sam wanted to see the store opening on the first day, so he made plans to visit it. It was lunchtime, so he thought of eating outside. He got dressed and went to a nearby restaurant.

Sam stepped out onto the busy city streets, his eyes immediately drawn to a group of Hunters wandering by. He paused, watching them curiously.

"I wonder what their lives are like," he mused aloud, realizing he knew little about the people who were his primary audience for the simulations he created. "I should look into that more."

The idea of experiencing life as a Hunter himself piqued his interest. Not only would it provide valuable insight, but it might also allow him to venture beyond the city walls and see the monsters that lurked in the wilds. With a nod, Sam continued on his way to the nearby restaurant, already mentally planning his next steps.

…

It was the day the Batman merchandise was released.

Sam decided to wear a hat and a medical face mask to conceal his identity. He thought it might be a bit excessive, but Gail insisted that some people might recognize him, so it was better to be safe than sorry. He saw many children with their parents lining up in front of the store waiting. There were also some adults by themselves lining up.

Sam adjusted his hat and joined the growing queue, keeping his head down. The crowd buzzed with excitement. Kids chattered about the Batman action figures and comic books they hoped to buy.

"I can't wait to get the new Batman figure!" a young boy said to his friend.

"Me too! I'm going to beg my mom to let me get it," the friend replied.

The store opened, and people started to enter. Sam sees people grabbing Batman merch from the shelves. He thought of getting an action figure as a souvenir, but he saw a child looking at the action figure in his hand. Sam asked where the child's parents were.

The child looked up at Sam, his eyes wide. "I'm here by myself," he said, clutching the action figure tightly.

Sam furrowed his brow, glancing around the crowded store. "Where are your parents?" he asked gently.

The child shook his head. "I don't have any. I live with my aunt, but she's working today."

Sam saw the child was still looking at the action figure. He asked if he wanted it. The child nodded but said he did not have any money.

Sam offered, "Would you like me to buy that for you?"

The child's eyes widened. "Really?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement.

"Sure, let's go to the counter and purchase it," Sam said with a warm smile.

The child beamed, hugging the action figure tightly. "Thank you so much, mister! This is the best day ever!"

Sam chuckled, pleased to see the child's joy. "You're very welcome. I'm glad I could help."

Sam and the child went to the counter, and Sam bought the Batman action figure for the child. He handed it to the child and said, "Take very good care of it."

The child's eyes shone with gratitude. "I will! Thank you so much, mister." He hugged the action figure tightly, a wide smile spreading across his face.

Sam couldn't help but return the smile, touched by the child's genuine excitement. "You're welcome. I'm glad I could make your day a little brighter."

"I love Batman," the child said, his voice filled with admiration. "I played the simulation, and he's so cool. I want to be like him someday, fighting bad guys and helping people."

Sam's heart swelled with a sense of warmth and nostalgia. The child's innocent dreams reminded him of wanting to become a hero when he was a child.

"Batman is a hero, isn't he?" Sam said, his gaze softening. "He fights for justice and protects the city he loves."

The child nodded enthusiastically. "That's why I want to be like him. I want to help people and make the world a better place."

Sam couldn't help but be impressed by the child's determination. "That's a noble goal," he said, placing a hand on the child's shoulder. "If you work hard and stay true to your values, I'm sure you can achieve great things, just like Batman."

The child beamed up at Sam, his admiration shining through. "Thank you, mister. I'll never forget this."

Sam gave the child's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Take care of yourself, okay?" He turned to leave, but the child's voice stopped him.

"Wait! Can I ask your name?"

Sam hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Sam. And what's your name?"

"I'm Liam," the child replied, his smile widening.

"It was nice to meet you, Liam," Sam said, returning the smile. With a final wave, he made his way out of the crowded store, his heart filled with a sense of warmth and purpose.

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Advance chapters in my P@|r$0n/Najicablitz