Ch 82: The Game Released

The new year had finally arrived, and with it, the official release of Blessing Studio's first game. The culmination of months of work, sleepless nights, and a fair share of disasters had finally led to this moment. As the clock struck midnight on January 1st, the game went live on multiple platforms, ready to be experienced by the world.

In the morning Arthur, Utaha, Tomoya, Eriri, Megumi, and the rest of the team gathered in the studio, eyes glued to the screens as they turned on the computer for the first wave of player reactions. Within minutes, the game's forums and social media pages exploded with discussions.

"Look at this! We already have thousands of downloads!" Tomoya shouted, barely able to contain his excitement.

Eriri grinned, scrolling through live-streamers playing the game. "They're loving the art. I told you my designs would carry this!"

Utaha smirked. "Yes, yes, your art is amazing, but they're also talking about the story—my story."

Arthur leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "So far, no one's found the secret Easter eggs I hid. I wonder how long it'll take them."

Meanwhile, the reviews started pouring in.

> "This isn't just a dating sim. It's a full-blown life experience! The choices feel real, the world feels alive, and the characters… I think I'm actually in love!"

> "The attention to detail is insane. You can even do part-time jobs, travel across town, and the interactions with NPCs feel dynamic. It's like playing through an anime!"

> "Whoever wrote this script, I both love and hate you. My emotions are all over the place."

The game was already trending on social media. Clips of emotional scenes, hilarious bugs, and unexpected Easter eggs spread like wildfire. Some players had even found a few of Arthur's hidden surprises—like a secret fight sequence if you repeatedly rejected every heroine, or an overpowered umbrella weapon hidden in the train station.

Utaha chuckled as she read a post. "'I just met a mysterious NPC in the café. His dialogue is unsettling. Who the hell is he?' Looks like someone found one of your secret NPCs, Arthur."

Arthur smirked. "And they've only scratched the surface."

As the time went on, one thing became clear—Blessing Studio's first game was a massive success. But Arthur knew this was just the beginning.

---

The game's popularity skyrocketed as it climbed the charts, breaking into Steam's top 100 within hours. Reviews flooded in, praising the immersive world, branching storylines, and lifelike character interactions. Livestreams and YouTube videos analyzing hidden mechanics and secret events exploded across the internet.

Arthur scrolled through the trending tags. #BlessingStudio, #Reverie, #EchoesOfFate, #GameOfTheYearCandidate, and even #WhoIsTheMysteriousNPC were among the top discussions.

Tomoya nearly dropped his coffee. "We just hit 500,000 downloads!"

---

One of the top posts on a gaming forum asked:

"How did they come up with the game's name and the studio's name?"

The game was called "Reverie: Echoes of Fate." The name symbolized the journey through different phases of life—childhood, youth, and adulthood—where every choice echoed into the future.

As for Blessing Studios, Utaha had casually named it. "A blessing for creators and gamers alike,"

As Reverie: Echoes of Fate continued climbing the charts, discussions about the game exploded across social media. Players praised its immersive story, lifelike NPCs, and the emotional depth of the three heroine routes. Fan theories started emerging about hidden easter eggs, with some users speculating about secret endings or characters based on real-life inspirations.

Arthur, scrolling through the comments, smirked when he saw a post saying:

"Whoever wrote this game had to have suffered major heartbreak. The emotions feel too real."

Utaha, sitting beside him, glanced at his screen and chuckled. "Should I be worried?"

"I dont know you tell me, Miss Story Writer who broke your heart in the past, hmm?" Arthur teased.

Utaha raised an eyebrow, a sly smirk forming on her lips. "Oh? Are you that interested in my past love life?"

Arthur leaned back, arms crossed. "I mean, if it helped create a game this good, maybe I should take notes."

Utaha scoffed, flicking his forehead. "Please, my genius doesn't need heartbreak to shine."

Arthur laughed. "Right, right. So, what do you think of the reactions so far?"

Utaha glanced at the growing online buzz. "It's only the beginning. Let's see how far Reverie takes us."

Arthur stood up, kisses Utaha on the cheeks and said, "Be right back." Leaving Eriri, Megumi, Tomoya and the Band to process what just happened.

Utaha froze for a split second, her brain processing what had just happened. Arthur had just kissed her cheek—casually, effortlessly—before walking off as if it were nothing.

The entire room fell silent. Then, as if on cue, all eyes turned to Utaha. Tomoya, Eriri, Megumi, and the Kessoku Band members stared at her with varying expressions of shock, curiosity, and silent accusations. Their gazes practically screamed: What the hell just happened between you two?!

Utaha, maintaining her usual composed facade, took a slow sip of her drink. "What?" she asked, feigning innocence.

Eriri crossed her arms. "Don't 'what' us! What was that?! Since when were you two—"

Megumi blinked. "—that close?"

Ryo from Kessoku Band leaned forward, intrigued. "Wait… are you two dating?"

Utaha smirked, setting her cup down. "Now, now. A lady must keep some secrets."

Tomoya groaned. "That's not an answer!"

Utaha simply chuckled, enjoying their reactions. Inside, though, her heart was still racing.

Meanwhile, Arthur made his way to the kitchen, retrieving the cake he had baked earlier this morning. The rich aroma of chocolate and vanilla filled the air as he carefully placed it on a tray. He had spent extra time decorating it, making sure it was perfect for the occasion.

Unbeknownst to him, however, a storm was brewing back in the living room. The moment he stepped back inside, he would be met with intense stares, relentless questioning, and perhaps even some teasing from the girls. Blissfully unaware, he hummed to himself, ready to surprise them—only to walk straight into an interrogation.

As Arthur stepped back into the living room, cake in hand, he was immediately met with a barrage of stares. The atmosphere had shifted—Utaha sat there, trying (and failing) to look nonchalant, while Eriri, Megumi, and the Kessoku Band all had varying degrees of curiosity, amusement, and suspicion on their faces.

Tomoya, the instigator, smirked. "So, Arthur… anything you'd like to share?"

Arthur blinked. "Huh?"

Eriri crossed her arms. "Don't 'huh' us! What was that just now?"

Utaha cleared her throat, attempting to maintain her usual composure. "Indeed, Arthur. That was quite… unexpected."

Arthur set the cake down, suddenly feeling like prey surrounded by a pack of wolves. "I don't know what you guys are talking about."

Megumi sighed. "The kiss, Arthur."

Arthur chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Oh, that? Just a little thank-you gift for our dear story writer."

Utaha narrowed her eyes, but the small smile tugging at her lips betrayed her. The others weren't convinced either.

"You do know what happens when you give people the wrong idea, right?" Eriri said, looking between the two.

Arthur smirked. "What if it wasn't the wrong idea?"

Silence.

Utaha's eyes widened slightly before she quickly regained her usual confidence. "My, my… aren't you bold?"

Tomoya nearly choked on his drink. The rest of the group exchanged glances, the air suddenly charged with unspoken words.

Arthur, amused by their reactions, grabbed a knife and started cutting the cake. "Alright, enough gossip. Who wants a slice?"

Even as they moved on, the tension lingered—because now, there were more questions than answers.

As the group enjoyed their cake, the conversation drifted back to the game's release. Tomoya checked his phone and nearly dropped it.

"Uh, guys… the game just cracked the top fifty on Steam."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Already? It's only been like 13 hours."

Utaha smirked. "Well, it's not surprising. The game is a masterpiece, after all."

Megumi scrolled through online comments. "People are already discussing their favorite routes."

As the day wound down, Arthur returned home, exhaling deeply as he stretched his arms. With a flick of his hand, a swirling portal materialized before him, connecting him to his personal realm. Stepping through, he was greeted by the sight of a massive Garuda perched atop a rocky ledge.

"Yo," Arthur greeted casually, waving as he walked past.

Garuda ruffled his feathers before gliding down to land on Arthur's shoulder. "You're back. Not for long, I assume?"

Arthur smirked. "You know me too well."

With a thought, he conjured a serene hot spring, its steamy waters rippling gently under the soft glow of ethereal lanterns. Stepping inside, he relaxed against the edge, sighing as the warmth seeped into his muscles.

He glanced at Wall-E, who rolled to the edge of the spring. With a flick of his fingers, Arthur cast an enchantment over the little robot, ensuring he wouldn't short-circuit.

Garuda eyed him curiously. "So… are you hopping worlds again?"

Arthur let out a deep sigh as he sank further into the soothing warmth of the hot spring, steam rising gently around him. "Probably," he finally replied, his voice laced with relaxation.

Garuda ruffled his feathers, his sharp eyes observing Arthur closely. "You don't sound too eager. Something holding you back?"

Arthur tilted his head, staring up at the night sky of his personal realm. "Not really. Just... this world's been fun. The game, Utaha, the band, all of it. Hopping to another world feels like leaving behind something good."

Garuda chuckled. "That's a first. You're usually the type to go with the flow."

Arthur smirked. "I still am. But maybe, just this once, I want to enjoy the moment a little longer before diving into the next adventure."

Wall-E beeped, rolling closer, and Arthur lazily reached out, patting the robot's head. "Besides, I still have a few loose ends to tie up here."

Garuda remained silent for a moment before nodding. "Then enjoy it while you can. Because once you leave, you won't know when you'll return."

Arthur closed his eyes, letting himself drift in the warmth. "Yeah... I know."

Arthur suddenly turned to Garuda and spoke "Hey, what do you think I should do about Utaha? I mean I really like her but do you think I should tell her the truth about myself? That I have powers and I can travel through different universes, because you know we dont know the time difference between 2 worlds and if I am commiting to her I should atleast let her know why I keep disappearing for weeks or months."

Garuda flapped his wings slightly, tilting his head as he regarded Arthur with an unreadable expression. "That's a big question, kid. Do you trust her enough to handle the truth?"

Arthur sighed, running a hand through his damp hair. "That's the thing. I do trust her. But it's not just about trust. It's about what this truth means. If I tell her, she'll have to carry that knowledge, and that might change things between us. Maybe even burden her."

Garuda let out a thoughtful hum. "It's true that knowing could put weight on her shoulders, but wouldn't hiding it put a weight on yours?"

Arthur exhaled, watching the ripples in the hot spring. "I just don't want to lose what we have. What if she freaks out? What if she thinks I'm some kind of monster?"

Garuda scoffed. "You're overthinking. She already likes you as you are. If she's as sharp as you claim, she's probably noticed something off about you anyway. The real question is, do you want a relationship built on half-truths? Or one where she sees all of you?"

Arthur remained silent for a long moment before leaning back against the rocks. "You make a good point. I guess... I just have to figure out the right way to tell her."

Garuda chuckled. "Then start thinking, lover boy. Because if you're serious about her, she deserves the truth."

'The truth huh?'

---

As the morning sunlight streamed into his room, Arthur stretched and let out a yawn. He sat up, rubbing his eyes, before suddenly remembering—he hadn't done his Gacha spins yet.

Without wasting a second, he pulled up his inventory, retrieving the dice used to amplify his luck. Giving it a quick roll, the notification chimed in his head:

[Luck Boost: +30% for 12 hours]

Grinning at his good fortune, Arthur accessed the Gacha system and hovered his finger over the Spin button. "Alright, let's see what today brings," he muttered before tapping it.

The virtual wheel spun rapidly, colors flashing in a mesmerizing blur. Arthur leaned forward in anticipation, waiting for it to land on his latest rewards.

The wheel gradually slowed down, the sections flashing past as Arthur held his breath.

Ding!

As the wheel stopped Arthur gained the following rewards

1. Ethereal Thread: A magical thread that can weave unbreakable fabric, resistant to both physical and magical damage.

2. Echo Pendant: A necklace that stores spoken words and can replay them at will, useful for remembering conversations or tactics.

3. Omni-Taste Seasoning: A mysterious spice that enhances the flavor of any food, making even the blandest dish a gourmet masterpiece.

Arthur stared at the rewards. "Well, that's... interesting," he muttered.

Storing the rewards away, Arthur leaned back against his bed, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the side board. His mind drifted to the inevitable—telling Utaha the truth about himself.

How was he supposed to explain that he wasn't just some eccentric guy who came and went? That he could hop between worlds, wield supernatural abilities, and was essentially leading a life straight out of a fantasy novel?

Utaha was sharp, perceptive—she'd definitely notice if he kept disappearing for extended periods. If he was serious about her, then keeping secrets forever wasn't an option.

But... would she believe him?

Arthur sighed, rubbing his temples as he weighed his options. No matter how he looked at it, there was no "perfect" way to break the news. If he just dropped it casually—"Hey, by the way, I can hop between universes"—she'd either think he was joking or go full novelist mode and start prying for more details.

Maybe easing her into it was the best option. Little hints. Small displays of power when the moment was right. That way, she'd figure it out gradually instead of being overwhelmed all at once.

"Guess there's no helping it," Arthur muttered to himself, standing up. "I'll just have to take it slow."

But just as he was about to start his day, his phone buzzed. A message from Utaha.

Utaha: Are you free today? I need some "inspiration" for my next novel.

Arthur smirked. "Well, guess fate's making the first move for me."

Arthur chuckled at Utaha's message, shaking his head. He had a feeling that "inspiration" meant she wanted to tease him while pretending to brainstorm ideas.

Arthur: Sure. Where do you want to meet?

Utaha: My place. Bring snacks.

Arthur sighed. Classic Utaha. He grabbed some pastries from the kitchen, then made his way over. When he arrived, Utaha was waiting by the door, arms crossed and a sly smirk on her face.

"So, Arthur, tell me… what exactly are you been hiding from me?"

Arthur internally cursed as he realized his face and the tone of his voice was practically broadcasting his inner turmoil. Damn it, do I have "guilty" written all over me? I really need an emotion control skill…

Utaha raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. "You're thinking something suspicious, aren't you?"

Arthur forced a casual smile. "Suspicious? Me? Nah, I'm just admiring how good you are at reading people."

Utaha crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. "Flattery won't save you, Arthur. Spill it."

Arthur sighed. This is going to be harder than I thought…

Arthur took a deep breath, steadying himself. It's now or never.

"Utaha," he started, his voice unusually serious, making her blink in surprise. "There's something I need to tell you. Something important."

She tilted her head, curiosity flashing in her sharp eyes. "Go on."

Arthur exhaled, choosing his words carefully. "I… I'm not exactly normal. And I don't mean in a 'genius in everything' kind of way." He hesitated, then met her gaze. "I have powers, and I can travel between different worlds."

Utaha stared at him for a moment, then sighed. "Arthur, if this is your way of dodging a serious conversation—"

"I'm serious," he interrupted, his tone unwavering. "I'm telling you because… I care about you. And if we're going to have something real, you deserve to know the truth."

Silence stretched between them. Then, Utaha smirked, though her eyes searched his face for any sign of a joke. "Alright," she said. "Prove it."

Arthur met her gaze, his mind racing. He had expected disbelief, but the challenge in her eyes was something else entirely. Alright… you want proof?

Without a word, he raised his hand, and in an instant, the air around them shimmered as a portal enveloped them. The space between them distorted like a ripple in water, and suddenly, the surroundings changed.

Utaha's eyes widened as she found herself standing in a vast starry void, an endless cosmic sea stretching in all directions. Planets, nebulae, and galaxies swirled around them, a breathtakingly surreal sight.

Arthur, standing beside her, smirked. "Believe me now?"

Utaha remained silent, her deep purple eyes reflecting the swirling cosmos around them. Slowly, she turned to Arthur, arms crossed. "Alright, I'll admit... this is beyond anything I expected."

Arthur scratched his cheek. "Yeah, I figured showing you was easier than explaining."

She took a slow step forward, her expression unreadable. "So, you're telling me... you're not just some eccentric genius Mr I-am-good-at-everything, but a literal world-hopping anomaly?"

Arthur exhaled. "Pretty much."

Utaha smirked. "And you waited this long to tell me?"

Arthur gave a sheepish chuckle. "Well… how do you casually bring up something like, 'Hey, by the way, I can hop between universes'?"

Utaha sighed, rubbing her temples. "You don't just casually bring it up. But waiting this long? Really?"

Arthur looked at her, his usual easygoing demeanor faltering. "I didn't want to scare you off… and honestly, I was afraid of what you'd think."

Utaha rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "Idiot. Do you really think I'd run away just because my boyfriend is a dimensional traveler? I mean its still overwhelming and I am probably not thinking straight but you should have told me earlier."

Arthur let out a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "I mean, who knows what you might have thought of me? For all I know, you could have assumed I was some alien infiltrator or a demon in disguise."

Utaha raised an eyebrow, arms crossed. "Please, Arthur. If you were an alien, you'd probably be some lazy intergalactic prince avoiding responsibilities. And if you were a demon? Hah, you'd be the kind that accidentally signs up for a customer service job in hell."

Arthur sighed dramatically. "You wound me, Utaha."

She smirked. "You deserve it."

Arthur stretched his arms and gave Utaha a lopsided grin. "Alright, since I've told you about myself, it's time to introduce you to my companions—Garuda and Wall-E."

Utaha tilted her head. "Garuda? Like the mythological bird?"

Arthur nodded. "Exactly. But he's much cooler than just a myth."

With a flick of his wrist, Arthur opened a shimmering portal, waiting for Utaha to step inside.

Utaha blinked. "Okay… that's unexpected."

Arthur chuckled. "Oh, we're just getting started."

Utaha and Arthur stepped inside arriving at Arthur's cabin. From the corner, a round, robotic figure rolled in, its metal body gleaming under the room's lights. Seeing Arthur, Wall-E whirred to life, its expressive eyes blinking as it curiously approached them.

Utaha took a step back, staring in disbelief. "That's… an actual robot. You seriously have a pet bird from a myth and a sentient robot?"

Arthur smirked. "Yep. Welcome to my world—well, worlds."

Utaha slowly approached Wall-E, her eyes filled with fascination. "I can't believe this... it's like something out of a sci-fi novel."

Wall-E tilted its head, chirping in a friendly manner before offering her a small cube of compressed trash.

Arthur chuckled. "That's his way of saying hi. Don't take it personally."

Before Utaha could respond, a gust of wind blew through the room, and with a loud screech, Garuda landed gracefully on Arthur's shoulder. Its golden feathers shimmered under the light as it observed Utaha with sharp, intelligent eyes.

Utaha stiffened. "And... that's Garuda?"

Arthur nodded. "Yep, my feathery companion. Say hi, Garuda."

The massive bird fluffed its wings and spoke telepathically, "So, this is the woman who has captured your thoughts, Arthur. Interesting."

Utaha's jaw nearly dropped. "It talks! You—wait—telepathy?! What else do you have hidden? A time machine? A dragon?"

Arthur scratched his cheek. "No time machine... yet. And dragons? Well, that's a story for another time."

Arthur blinked in surprise before narrowing his eyes at Garuda. "Wait a minute... since when were you able to speak telepathically?"

Garuda fluffed its feathers, tilting its head slightly. "Since now."

Arthur crossed his arms. "And what exactly do you mean by 'since now'?"

The massive bird ruffled its wings and let out a deep hum. "It seems that you unconsciously granted me this ability. You were thinking about how nice it would be if I could talk, and suddenly, I could."

Arthur's eyes widened as the realization hit him. Did I just manifest a new power without realizing it? He had always known his abilities were flexible, but casually altering reality with a simple thought? That was new.

Utaha, who had been standing quietly, suddenly stepped forward and pointed at Arthur. "Hold on. Are you telling me that you just thought about Garuda talking, and now he can?"

Arthur rubbed his temples. "Apparently."

She sighed, placing a hand on her hip. "So, if you wished for, let's say, a flying cake, would it just appear?"

Arthur opened his mouth, hesitated, then grinned. "Yes, wanna try?"

Utaha facepalmed. "I regret asking."

Arthur looked up, staring at the sky with a contemplative expression. If I'm the owner and creator of this universe and I can do anything, doesn't that mean I can do literally anything?

The thought settled in his mind like an undeniable truth. He had already influenced reality without realizing it—granting Garuda telepathic speech just by thinking about it. If that was possible, then theoretically, he could grant people powers too.

It was almost too convenient. A god-like existence. The sheer weight of the realization was both thrilling and unsettling. He had the ultimate freedom to experiment, to test the very limits of existence.

Arthur exhaled, shaking his head with a grin. "Man, if I let this get to my head, I'd turn into some overpowered villain."

Garuda let out a telepathic chuckle. "You already sound like one."

Arthur led Utaha through the expansive space, showing her the hot spring, the nature, the world he had created by his own hands.

Utaha observed everything in silent amazement before finally asking, "Why are you showing me all this?" She turned to face him, her eyes sharp. "Are you leaving?"

Arthur hesitated for a moment, then let out a small sigh. "Not yet. But I don't know when I'll have to."

Utaha crossed her arms. "So you're preparing me for when you disappear again?"

Utaha raised an eyebrow at Arthur's hesitation. "Well?"

Arthur exhaled sharply and met her gaze. "Want me to be blunt?"

Utaha sighed. "You're never not blunt."

Arthur chuckled before his expression turned serious. "I'm showing you this because I trust you. And… because if I suddenly vanish, I want you to know the truth. But if you're asking whether I plan to leave right now—no, I'm not."

Utaha studied him for a moment before nodding. "Good. Because I'm not done with you yet."

Arthur smirked at her response. "Not done with me yet, huh? Should I be worried?"

Utaha crossed her arms, tilting her head. "That depends. Are you planning to disappear without telling me?"

Arthur sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't want to, but sometimes I might have to. It's… complicated."

Utaha stared at him for a moment before stepping closer. "Then make it simple. If you go, I want to know when, where, and why. No vanishing acts."

Arthur chuckled. "Deal."

Arthur's phone buzzed, interrupting the moment. He glanced at the screen, then at Utaha. "Excuse me for a sec."

She nodded, watching as he stepped away to answer. "Hello?"

A brief conversation followed, his expression shifting from curiosity to excitement. When the call ended, he turned back to Utaha, a wide grin on his face.

"What's with that look?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Arthur smirked. "What do you think about visiting a world straight out of a book?"

---Note

This chapter is heavily unrifined, so if you find and mistakes please point it out.