Story Reader / Event Story / Chessboard Realms / Story
You both were doing great!
The data gathered this time is super valuable for improving the interactive features. Having a real person as the opponent really made a difference.
There were some maneuvers that even I, the designer, hadn't thought of... Hmm, maybe I should tweak the unit balance a bit before we roll out the next patch...
If we take the time to polish the rules and UI design even more, I think it's even possible to sell this game as a side software bundled with the official release...
...
Leonie shares the test results, brimming with excitement, while Vanessa, having removed the connector, sits silently atop the pod.
The final match even helped to test the game's limit on the number of rounds... I didn't even realize when I was writing the code that triggering this specific parameter would cause the software to crash.
And this is all thanks to Commandant Vanessa's remarkable persistence against [player name]... Huh? Commandant Vanessa, why do you look a bit pale?
Hello—Can you hear me? CAN—YOU—HEAR—ME—?
What number are we at now? Can you still see me? Oh my goodness... Is this the cognitive aftereffect of the long dive? This is not good... What should I do? Does anyone know the emergency call code for Star of Life?!
...Enough.
Oh, so you can hear me all this time?! Why did you ignore me? I was really worried that there might have been a lab accident or something!
Upset? Why?
Leonie blinks in confusion, seemingly at a loss as to what has soured Vanessa's mood.
You? Hey, did you do something to Commandant Vanessa during the dive when I wasn't paying attention?
If that's the case, apologize to her right now!
M-me...? Did I do anything wrong?
I apologize! I'm not really sure what I did to upset you, but I'm sorry!
Is it because I didn't treat you properly with refreshments? Or maybe you don't like the scent of the air freshener in the room? Oh! Do you also find the pillow in the connection pod uncomfortable? [player name] mentioned this to me a few days ago...
...Enough already.
I'm not upset. I was just zoning out.
Vanessa musters a smile for Leonie, so forced that its insincerity is painfully obvious.
I-is that so? I see...
Leonie breathes a sigh of relief, appearing genuinely convinced by Vanessa's explanation.
What's the deal with this Construct?
Vanessa murmurs to you, her gaze and expression clearly reflecting her displeasure. For you, it's unmistakably evident how she feels.
Hmph... A bunch of weirdos.
No wonder they picked you.
...Where did that come from?
It's the WGAA that gets to enjoy all the perks and benefits. What exactly gives you the grounds to thank me?
Oh, really? Are you talking about that humiliating history of you being utterly defeated by me in the tactical simulation? Well, in that case, I suppose you do owe me a thanks.
In the last game, the victor would have been me if it weren't for the software crash.
I was just employing a tactic to lower your guard.
Don't you think it's too childish to obsess over the outcome of such lighthearted competition?
What matters here is the data, and I must admit, I'm relieved that you didn't hinder my progress in that regard.
Well, let's wrap things up for now. As the lead tester, it's my responsibility to ensure the physical and mental well-being of my team member.
Remember not to be late next time.
Vanessa waves her hand nonchalantly in farewell and leaves the WGAA.
Damn it—! Why is it throwing errors at me again?! AHHHH—!
A familiar cry of frustration erupts from a terminal not far away.
On the external standby interface connected to Hamlet, a virtual girl with black hair and blue eyes observes the unfolding events, letting out a soft yawn.
