Chapter 48

POV Catharina Lockhart

...…. 

I don't even know what's going on anymore. About 10 or 15 kids surrounded me, wanting to know about some Guster, Gister, Goster... I don't even know. 

This is Alex's doing. I knew a lot of people were playing the things he makes, but this is ridiculous. At this party are the children of the most influential people in the world, and now they're crowding around me as if they're about to bite my legs. 

"Alright, I've already sent him a message. Until he replies, go play somewhere else." 

As soon as I finished speaking, I walked away as quickly as I could. I think I'm getting old—I don't understand a thing these brats are talking about. Sighing a little, I returned to a corner of the hall and continued observing. 

What I didn't expect was for all of them to follow me and form a circle around me. 

(Are these damn brats surrounding me? Take a deep breath… Calm down… You can't beat up a bunch of pre-teens… Not with so many people watching.) 

(╬`益´) 

"Why don't you go enjoy the party somewhere else?!" 

"We're enjoying it here." 

"Yeah, it's more fun in this corner of the hall." 

"The party's amazing on this side." 

"Exactly, we just want to have fun near you." 

(Forget it, I'm not going to bother with a bunch of kids.) 

I could only sigh again, leaning against a wall and ignoring the children. When they get bored, they'll leave. 

At least, that's what I thought. But instead of leaving, they just started talking about that game again. 

"I don't get why the monsters were sealed. They're so friendly." 

"I think there was a war, but the game doesn't say much about it." 

"Yeah, I think there was a monster with a human soul, and since it became too powerful, the war started." 

"It's not like you need a reason to fight." 

"That's true." 

"How it started doesn't matter, but there are a lot of things that aren't explained. I feel like we're missing information." 

Emília, listening to all this, seemed thoughtful. She looked at the group of kids and spoke with a bit of doubt. 

"Besides W.D. Gaster, another thing that bothers me is the protagonist. In the good ending, we learn about Flowey and the Dreemorr family's past, but I feel like there's missing information about her and Chara. If I'm not mistaken, Asriel says Chara might not have been the best person or something like that." 

The kids around her looked serious as they thought about it. I can't help but find it cute and silly how seriously they're taking this. One of the boys spoke, sounding a bit confused. 

"During the game, Chara is mentioned several times. Some characters say she gave hope to the monsters. In the neutral route, there are moments where you can hear Asgore talking to Chara, like when you get a Game Over or fall into the garbage dump. It's really strange." 

I have no idea what they're talking about, so I ignored them. This party will last until late afternoon. Alex better reply soon so these brats will leave me alone. While I was mentally grumbling, my bracelet started ringing and vibrating. 

[♪♫♬Nariagaru ze! 

Sekai de ichiban kakkoyokute tsuyoi yuusha ni. 

Nariagaru ze! 

Sekai de ichiban kimi wo egao ni dekiru you na otoko ni 

Kotae awase nya mada hayai ze 

Donzoko kara yume mita sugata e 

Ore to nariagarou ♪♫♬] 

"Hmm?! Oh, he finally replied. I'll send it to you, Emília…" 

*Beep* 

"There, now you can leave me alone." 

"Yay, finally, let's see." 

Without wasting time, Emília opened the message and started reading it aloud. 

[I've heard rumors that some people have been making strange theories about me, that I might have done something, or helped with something, that destroyed something and then exploded something, and that's... uh... well, false. 

Anyone who knows me knows that's not true. The game can tell you that. 

And in case anyone has a real bone to pick, no one has approached us with a single complaint. Strange, huh? It's not good to spread lies. Trust me, I've been slandered before. Rumors spread that I was a "huge noob." 

After that, I had to stand in the rain in that cool way where you can't tell if I'm crying or if it's just water. She tried to call me back, but it was too late: I was already possessed. 

Also, it's not good to just kill everyone to get a different ending. 

I mean, even the person who posted the lies shouldn't be considered a "bad person." Something in their life led them to that point, you know? Just remember: there's a difference between protecting your friends and destroying someone for your own sense of justice. 

To be honest, investigate the truth for yourself, then ask: how will this help people? 

Also, it's bad to talk about people who are listening, right?] 

"?????" 

"What?" 

"I think you read it wrong." 

"You don't know how to read?! Let me read it." 

Emília was furious hearing this. 

"Of course I know how to read… it's just that the message is… weird? Auntie, are you sure this is the right message?" 

I rolled my eyes. 

"Yes, that's the message. Now go somewhere else, shoo, shoo, shoo." 

They complained a bit, but after a while, one of the kids said they'd post it on Alex's site. 

(Finally, they're gone. Being surrounded by kids talking about things I don't understand gave me a headache. I think I'll cancel my bedtime party with Mark.) 

...…. 

**POV 3 People** 

...…. 

After Catharina left, Alex finished washing up, changed clothes, and chatted a bit with Luna. After deciding to play The Sims, he created a document with several topics he'll cover in the game. Additionally, this game will be a great test to see how far he can push the daily lives of NPCs with AI. 

Even though God of War had NPCs with AI, they were limited. After all, they were there just to give a sense of panic and fear to the player. But now he could see how adaptable these AIs really are. 

In Fallout, the NPCs will need A LOT of adaptability to deal with players messing around all the time. Soldiers need to act differently from merchants, who should act differently from Ghouls, who should act differently from regular survivors. 

While Alex was thinking about all this, he heard Mark calling him. 

"Alex, let's go. I still have to take Jade to rehearsal too." 

"Okay, I'm coming." 

Alex went to the car and saw Jade arriving. 

"Good morning." 

"It was good, now it's great." 

Alex smiled as he opened the car door. 

"Oh, shut up." 

Jade rolled her eyes, but Alex could see a small smile on the corner of her lips. He might not be a great ladies' man or anything, but he's an "old-school" guy. He likes taking the initiative, and as his grandfather used to say, a man should be a gentleman with women and a drunk bear with his friends. 

(Though I'm not sure if that was good advice. After all, he used to say that a real man should be ugly, strong, and formal.) 

Shaking his head slightly, Alex smiled and sat next to Jade. 

"Alright, Alex, I'll drop you off at school, and you can have lunch there today. I have some things to do." 

"Hmm, I thought you were off today." 

"I am, but I'm going to buy some things. I have plans with Cath today." 

"Tsk, too much information, buddy." 

Mark just laughed at the boy's expression. Just as he was about to tease him, Alex started talking to Jade. 

"I'm looking forward to the show. Grandma Mary said you've been training hard." 

"Hehe, you'll be surprised. Even though it's a small performance, it'll be a great experience, and I'm sure you'll be sighing in admiration." 

"I don't need the show. I'm always sighing in admiration around you." 

Alex smiled a little. Even though it was a bit cheesy, he found it fun to tease her. But unlike what he expected, instead of getting shy, she leaned close to his ear and whispered softly. 

"I sighed watching you that day during the interview. Now it'll be your turn." 

She lightly kissed his cheek and pulled away with a smile. Opening the door, she thanked him for the ride and got out of the car. 

"This girl… Huh… When did we get here?!" 

"Hehe, you were so distracted by your crush that you didn't even notice when we arrived. Looks like my son is becoming a love-struck fool." 

"Who knows? If that's the case, it's probably your fault. Sigh, genetics are scary."

"You little brat, what are you trying to say?! Just so you know, at the military academy, all the girls wanted a piece of your dad." 

"Yeah, yeah, very interesting." 

"Tsk, alright, let's go… since you're dropping the design class, you better prepare for a lecture." 

"Hmm… why?" 

"No teacher likes their students dropping their classes. Besides, you were the only one on this planet to participate in the competition, so if you stay in the class, he'll obviously be able to attract more students. 

I'm not sure, but I think teachers get a bonus if they have more students." 

"Damn, that's going to be annoying." 

"Hahaha, definitely. Well, we're here. Now go do your thing, and I'll plan my night." 

Laughing a little at Mark's excitement, Alex got out of the car and headed to a small platform at the campus entrance. With a small energy barrier, the platform began to float slowly toward the administrative building, the largest building on campus, which was floating in the center. 

Once there, he spoke with the secretary. After some conversation, he went to the design professor's office. Arriving at the door, he knocked lightly and entered. 

"Good morning, Professor." 

"Good morning, Alexandre. I heard you want to drop my class." 

"Yes, I want to join the programming classes." 

*Sigh.* 

"Alright, I'll take care of it." 

"Huh?!" 

"What's that expression? Did you think I'd stop you?!" 

"Well… actually… yeah, I thought you'd try to convince me to stay in your class." 

"Hahaha, well, to be honest, I really didn't want you to leave, and if it were another student, I would've tried to stop them. 

But you… *sigh*… let's be honest, you didn't learn anything from me. I've been following the things you've been doing. In fact, you did the opposite of what I taught in class. I said to stick to the basics and use some tricks to give a sense of depth and density to your games. 

But playing any of your games, it's clear how far you've strayed from my advice… and honestly, I'm happy about that. 

Alex, I'm 765 years old, and most of my life I've worked designing all kinds of training worlds for soldiers. After most of the conflict ended, I became a professor here, thinking I'd spend my last few hundred years in peace. 

At first, I tried to get young people to see beyond, to try something to stand out from the rest. But over time, I saw the young talents I taught enter this design career and barely make enough money to pay their monthly bills. 

Over time, instead of simply motivating young people to try something new, I started teaching them to adapt to the market, with little tricks and ways to make some money. 

But I've seen what you've been doing. Even though it's not very significant now, I'm sure the games you've made will change the entire market and help many designers who are just starting out." 

"....." 

Alex was surprised to hear this. He was ready for a debate but didn't expect this. 

"Hahaha, don't look at me like that. After all, I'm someone who loves good games, and I couldn't be happier seeing someone as young and talented as you growing. It even makes me think I'll still be able to play many interesting things in the future. 

But let me warn you, you can't relax too much. Your game is definitely amazing, but there's another kid who also made a wonderful game. You should check it out later. 

Also, you need to start thinking about the future. The big gaming companies will definitely come after you. After all, who doesn't want great talent, especially if it comes with an incredible IP? 

But if you want to continue on your own, they might make things difficult for you. Many doors will close, so you better think carefully about what you want to do." 

"I understand, Professor. Don't worry, I've already thought a lot about it." 

(This isn't much different from the past. On Earth, things were like this too, but this time I have a big advantage on my side.) 

The two talked for a while, then Alex left and went to the secretary's office to register for the programming classes. Since it was already lunchtime, he headed to a restaurant. Once he settled at the table, he saw a message from his mom. 

"W.D. Gaster… the players are quick to find the mysteries in the game. Let me see how far they've gotten." 

Alex logged into his site and checked Undertale's statistics. The sales were great, but what surprised him was that players had only completed two endings. The genocide route still hadn't been found. 

After thinking for a bit, Alex finally realized something obvious: RPG games don't exist here, so people don't have a concept of 'farming.' Also, since there are no games with cute designs, most players have some resistance to killing all the monsters, so the genocide route hasn't been discovered yet. 

(But how can I hint at this to them? I can't just tell them to kill all the monsters.) 

Suddenly, he had an idea. The original creator of Undertale made a post that confused all the fans because it seemed nonsensical at first. But after a while, fans noticed some strange things in the post, leading to the theory that the post wasn't written by Toby Fox but from Sans's perspective. 

After thinking about this, Alex quickly created a message based on Toby's original post and sent it to his mom. 

(They probably won't understand it, but they'll likely post it on the site to ask for help from other players. And if they don't, I can post it myself later.) 

Alex spent the day at school. He sorted out the class transfer and relaxed a bit. Near the end of the afternoon, he went home. As soon as he arrived, he washed up, chatted with Melissa, and exchanged some messages with Jade. 

Then he started working a bit on the scanned model of the capital city. With Luna's help, it'll be quick to turn this into a game. When it got a bit late, he went to the kitchen to get some water but saw Mark sitting in the living room watching a movie. 

"Didn't you have plans for tonight?" 

(￢_￢;) 

"Cath had a headache." 

"Pfffff, Hahahaha." 

"Shut up, brat… come watch a movie with your dad." 

"Hahaha, alright, but I want a beer." 

"Sure, once you're 60, you can have as many as you want." 

(-_-;)・・・ 

..... 

**N/A:** I was researching some things about Undertale and remembered Deltarune, which was supposed to be a game in the Undertale series, at least according to the creator. 

But it's been years, and only two chapters have been released. I had almost forgotten about it, but imagine my surprise when I found out that chapters 3 and 4 are coming out this year. 

A question: what happened here on the site? Now that I'm feeling a bit better, I was catching up on my books and trying to find some new ones, and it's full of stories written by AI. 

And not just the stories—even the comments are like that. I checked out a book rated 4.9, and when I read the comments, they were all obviously written by AI. 

I'm not against people using AI to translate or even asking it to write a text for guidance or something like that, but letting AI write the entire story is too much. 

The worst part is that the stories are all bad.