Another world Game Developers in Japan`s 1991

Saturday, January 25, 1992

At the bustling Zaboru offices, work continued as usual, even on the weekend. Zaboru, as always, was fully immersed in his projects. The progress on his February game releases and his new handheld console was going smoothly. However, there was still a major concern on his mind—his PC game department.

The current ZAGE office was reaching its limit, packed with employees and equipment, and if he wanted to expand into PC gaming, he would need more space. That's why he had been eyeing the neighboring building. It also belonged to Akechi and was currently being used as a pachinko parlor. However, in recent weeks, Zaboru had noticed that the shop was open less frequently, with its lights often dimmed and fewer customers visiting. It was something he needed to discuss with Akechi soon. If the building was available, he could potentially acquire it and expand his operations.

'Maybe I should just outright buy this whole building from Akechi while I'm at it,' Zaboru thought. He had the funds, and it would make managing his company's future much easier.

But at that moment, his biggest problem wasn't expansion—it was Ayumi, who was seated beside him, sighing loudly every few minutes.

"Sigh… uuuuu…"

Zaboru glanced at her from the corner of his eye, then sighed himself.

"Ayumi… just relax. Your game will sell well," he reassured her. "Karate Bunny is a solid game. Honestly, I'm impressed by how much you've improved it. There's nothing to worry about."

Ayumi, however, didn't seem convinced. She turned to him, her expression filled with concern. "B-but what if there's a bug in it?! What if people don't like the art style? What if—"

Before she could spiral any further, Zaboru cut her off by placing a hand on her head, gently patting it. "Shhh. Stop overthinking. When you release a game, focus on entertaining the players. That's the priority. If people don't like certain aspects, that's okay. You can take their feedback and improve in your next game. That's how game development works."

Ayumi took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. "You're right, Zaboru… I guess I'm just overthinking things again."

Zaboru nodded in approval and returned his focus to his work.

For his upcoming handheld console, he had already made a critical decision regarding its battery. He don`t want to his handhelds have poor battery life, his device would need something far superior. He planned to acquire or partner with a battery manufacturing company to produce high-capacity, long-lasting batteries specials for his handheld only. However, this wasn't just about making a deal—he would have to guide them, subtly introducing advanced battery technology from his past life to push their development forward.

'I can't afford to make any mistakes. I need to make sure the battery manufacturer I acquire is trustworthy and has competent leadership. If I handle this correctly, I could even accelerate future advancements,' he thought to himself.

He was so engrossed in his calculations that he barely noticed Ayumi shifting closer until she flung herself onto him, draping her arms over his shoulders like a human blanket. "Zabo, please give me attention! I'm drowning in stress over here!" While cuddling with him and kissing his necks.

Zaboru let out a long, resigned sigh. There it was—the nickname. She only called him "Zabo" when she was feeling particularly needy or overwhelmed, a habit that had started recently during a late-night "Fun" session. He'd been slightly surprised at first, but by now, it was just part of their dynamic. "Fine, fine, Ayumi," he said, setting his work down. "How about we take a break? A walk in the park, maybe? Get some fresh air, clear your head."

Her face lit up like a kid handed a candy bar. "Yay! Let's go, Zab!" She bounced to her feet, grabbing his hand with surprising strength and tugging him toward the door.

Zaboru arched an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Wait, am I 'Zab' or 'Zabo' now? Pick one."

She giggled, her earlier gloom evaporating as she pulled him along. "Both! Depends on my mood!" Her laughter echoed down the hall as they stepped outside ZAGE Offices, the crisp late January air hitting them like a wave. The park wasn't far—just a few blocks past the neon-lit storefronts and honking traffic—and Zaboru let himself be dragged along, secretly relieved for the excuse to step away from his desk.

The sun hung low, casting long shadows over the snow-dusted paths as they strolled. Ayumi chattered about Karate Bunny's possible Sequel—new ideas for levels, a quirky NPC she'd dreamed up last night—while Zaboru nodded, half-listening, his mind drifting between her words and his own projects. For a moment, the weight of expansion plans, battery tech, and looming deadlines faded. It was just the two of them, a brief pocket of calm amid the storm of ambition and deadlines that defined their lives at ZAGE.

And with that, their day rolled on—a small detour of peace before the inevitable plunge back into the chaos of game development and world-changing dreams.

To be continue

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