> Location: Carrefour ITA district — Not far from the Abomey-Calavi campus
Time: Friday evening — 6:47 PM
Status: Offline — Mental recharge in progress
The heat had subsided, replaced by the soft evening breeze carrying the smell of hot asphalt and roasted corn. Arzane, cap firmly on his head, locked the sliding door of the internet cafe where he had spent the last three hours.
— "12 customers, 7 failed printouts, 1 guy who wanted to print a screenshot of his bank balance... classic."
He chuckled to himself, put the keys in his pocket, and took one last look at the dusty window where the "Fast Wi-Fi" stickers were starting to peel off.
The job wasn't his. It belonged to a cousin, whom he replaced from time to time for a few bucks. No contract, no boss, just a resourceful approach. But every bit counted.
> Today's results:
+1,500 FCFA in your pocket
+10 mod ideas to improve the revolver
> 7:32 PM — Back to his room
He pushed open the door, leaned his bag against the wall, and threw his cap onto his desk. His PC screen still displayed the optimization plan for his Technomancer build. The ORIAS helmet waited on the cushion, like a silent demon ready to swallow him.
He opened the can of sardines, slipped in two slices of bread, and lay down on his mattress without even turning on the light.
> "Tomorrow... I'm entering the tournament."
> "Not for the glory. For the rubies."
A message from his brother popped up on his old phone.
> "Have a good weekend, man. Win your thing there. I have faith in you."
He smiled without answering, replaced the headset beside him, and set the alarm for 8:00 a.m.
The tournament was tomorrow.
There was no way he was missing it.
He closed his eyes.
And Genesis was waiting for him.
— Hakaijin Party
> Location: Seoul — Ultra-residential area (private party)
Time: Friday evening, after 7 p.m.
The black Bentley stopped in front of a glass building with an almost overly sleek design. A uniformed valet opened the door. Ren Daiki stepped out, wearing a perfectly tailored black suit, his tie discreetly knotted, and the latest smartwatch on his wrist.
The place was overflowing with elite young people: conglomerate heirs, influencers, sons of diplomats, future K-pop stars… all playing Genesis.
Artificial laughter, glasses of non-alcoholic champagne, and at the center of it all: Woo Min-Jae, the son of the Minister of Technology.
The latter, seated on a stylish sofa surrounded by two suitors, was recounting his latest "exploit" aloud:
> — "...And then I throw a rare technique at him, Shadow Fang, obtained via a hidden quest in the fog zone. The boss? I didn't even have time to breathe. 1v1, I took him down. Easy."
He was laughing loudly, too loudly. The others nodded automatically. Ren, meanwhile, watched from a corner of the room, a glass of water in hand, silent.
> — "Too predictable..." he thought. "This kind of guy thinks you can buy a game. But Genesis only listens to those who listen."
A female figure approached slowly.
Ha-Rin, his childhood friend, appeared in her midnight blue evening gown. She completely ignored Woo Min-Jae and came towards Ren with a small smile.
> — "Hey… you've really changed. It's been a while."
Ren gave a small smile.
> — "You haven't changed either. Always fashionable and attentive."
> — "Your mother… is she okay?"
He took a breath.
> — "She's stable. But I doubt she'll ever be able to practice again."
A brief silence. Then she added:
> — "And you? Have you found a way to breathe a little?"
> — "Yes. Genesis."
They exchanged a knowing look.
But Woo Min-Jae, irritated that he wasn't getting any more attention, approached.
> — "Ren, is that it? We've seen you quiet all evening. Are you afraid we'll talk too much about your little character in the game?"
Ren turned to him, calm.
> — "Are you participating in the tournament?"
> — "Of course. And I'm going to win it."
> — "Perfect. We'll meet there. We'll see who's the best there."
A silence fell. A few guests held their breath.
Ren finished his drink, placed it on the table, then turned on his heel. Ha-Rin followed him with a glance.
> — "Ren!"
He turned around.
> — "I'm playing too. When you're done, send me your ID, okay?"
> — "I'll remember it."
He disappeared into the shadows of the corridor, leaving behind a now much quieter room.