Chapter 6: Game Launch
Excited, William transported himself back to his bed from the bathroom. Then, his entire room became a testing ground. He teleported from one spot to another, from the desk to the wardrobe, opening portals over a dozen times until he felt mentally exhausted.
Sitting back on his bed, he meditated. Surprisingly, his mental power was restored in less than a minute, making him feel like a magical prodigy.
Imagining future confrontations, he envisioned opening a portal next to an enemy, unleashing a barrage of gunfire, and if that didn't work, following it with a magical onslaught. If he ran out of magic power, he could simply retreat through the portal, wait a few seconds, and then return for another attack. Who could withstand that?
Additionally, there were some defensive spells he hadn't mastered yet, capable of stopping even sniper bullets, let alone handguns. Just the thought of it made William feel exhilarated.
He continued practicing fire, ice, nature, and even light magic, including healing and resurrection spells. The idea of having a resurrection spell shocked him.
He practiced various forms of ice magic—turning it into ice balls, ice needles, ice spears, and ice roses. Fire and lightning magic, though unable to take solid form, could still be manipulated into various shapes in his hand.
With no side effects from using magic other than mental fatigue, and the system's magic framework allowing his physical fitness to improve with space magic practice, William realized he needed a bigger space to practice.
He decided to move out of his dormitory, which was too small for practicing many spells and too crowded with people.
After learning defensive spells, he decided to wash up and go to bed. Despite the modern world's relative safety and the security of the university, England wasn't like the USA with its frequent campus shootings.
While William slept soundly, others were restless.
Alexander Hammer, a top student in the marketing department at the University of London, had taken 200 game CDs from William at noon and rushed home to his middle-class neighborhood in Zone 2 of London. After lunch and a chat with his mother, he headed to the community basketball courts with his laptop and 20 game CDs.
The basketball courts, filled with players, were a hub for local teenagers and young adults. Alexander, who knew many people there, planned to introduce the game to his friends and gauge their interest.
Upon arriving at the courts, he greeted several familiar faces and found his closest friends.
"Hey, Alexander, what brings you here? Don't you usually stay on campus?" one of them, Rick, asked.
"Rick, I have a new game developed by a classmate from my university. I tried it out and thought it was fantastic. I wanted to see if you guys would like it. It's only £6 per CD," Alexander explained enthusiastically.
"Wow, Alexander, you're already into sales in your second year? Sure, if it's as good as you say, I'll buy a copy," Rick replied supportively.
Leading Rick and a few others to a seating area by the court, Alexander booted up his laptop and launched the game for them to try.
Initially, the small group played quietly, unfamiliar with the game. However, within half an hour, guided by Alexander's explanations, they began passionately debating the best plant placements, drawing more onlookers.
Arguments broke out among the players over who would get to play next, attracting even more attention.
"Rick, you're an idiot! I told you to follow my strategy!"
"It's my turn now. You've hogged the laptop long enough."
Seeing the growing interest, Alexander suggested, "Hey guys, I have more game CDs. They're only £6 each. You can buy one and play at home without having to fight over the laptop."
The friends, frustrated by the constant arguments, agreed. One by one, they bought a copy.
In no time, Alexander's initial 20 CDs were sold out, and he hurried home to fetch the remaining CDs. Within two hours, all 200 CDs were gone, with many people clamoring for more.
Promising to bring more CDs the next afternoon, Alexander managed to calm the crowd. Some even prepaid for their copies, while others, unable to find anyone to borrow from, worried they might miss out again.
Alexander assured everyone he'd be back at 4 PM the next day, perfect timing for students just out of school.
Rick, who had been monopolizing the laptop, said, "Hey, how did I do? I was just messing with them to make them buy the game."
Surprised, Alexander replied, "Rick, I had no idea you were acting. Your performance was convincing enough to fool me too!"
"So, you owe me a meal, right? I sacrificed myself to help you," Rick joked.
"Sure thing, let's go get some dinner," Alexander said, patting Rick on the back.
They went to a local restaurant known for its affordable and hearty meals, a favorite spot for celebrating small victories.
After parting ways with a full-stomached Rick, Alexander returned home, eager to share his success with his mother. "Mom, guess how much money I made today?"
Instead of the praise he expected, his mother asked, "Where did you get money? How did you earn it?"
Annoyed by her suspicion, Alexander explained, "Mom, I'm a top student at the University of London. Do you think I'd do something illegal? I wouldn't throw away my future."
"So how did you make the money?" she asked, still puzzled.
"Mom, today was my lucky day. I sold 200 game CDs in less than three hours at the community basketball courts, earning £400," Alexander said, beaming with pride at being able to help ease his family's financial burden.
"What kind of game can make you £400?" a voice from the door asked.
Seeing his father, Alexander explained, "Dad, it's a game developed by a classmate. Everyone at school loves it. I buy the CDs from him for £4 each and sell them for £6. Based on today's response, I think we can sell a thousand CDs in our neighborhood and nearby communities. Soon, I'll be able to support myself, and you and Mom won't have to work so hard."
Hearing that Alexander had found a legitimate way to make money and seeing his maturity, his parents were overjoyed.
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