Becoming the Strongest as a Game Dev

Sam and Yuna are drawing concept art of the monsters for the Monster Hunter simulation. Their heads are bent over the sketchpad, pencils dancing across the pages as they bring their vision to life. Yuna's brow furrows in concentration, offering suggestions to enhance Rathalos.

"Let's give it some powerful wing attacks that can create gusts of wind to knock Hunters off balance," Yuna muses, sketching out the creature's massive wingspan. Sam nods, his pencil swiftly adding the details.

"And what if we make its tail lash out with venomous spikes?" he proposes, building upon Yuna's ideas.

Sam and Yuna look up from their sketchpad, noting the time.

"Looks like it's lunchtime," Yuna says, stretching her arms above her head. Sam nods, setting down his pencil.

"Let's take a break and grab something to eat." They make their way to the cafeteria, the aroma of freshly cooked meals wafting through the air. Yuna's eyes light up as she surveys the selection, while Sam piles his plate with a hearty meal. Finding an empty table, they sit down and discuss their progress.

Sam sets down his fork and turns to Yuna. "Have you thought of any other monsters we could add to the simulation?"

Yuna's eyes light up as she nods enthusiastically. "Actually, I have a few ideas." She pulls out her sketchbook and flips through the pages. "There's this one monster I've been thinking about." Yuna pauses, tapping her pencil against her chin. "I'm still working out the details, like how it would attack and what kind of unique abilities it might have."

Sam glances up from his plate, his eyes drawn to the boisterous group that has just entered the cafeteria. A man with blonde hair and a chiseled chin leads the pack, his muscular frame and confident stride commanding attention. Yuna's expression shifts, a subtle annoyance flickering across her features.

"Who's that?" Sam asks, his curiosity piqued.

Yuna leans in, her voice lowered to a whisper. "That's Kendrick, one of the senior developers here at SimQuest. He has a lot of influence around the office."

Sam nods, observing Kendrick and his group as they claim a table nearby, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

"Do you know him?" Sam probes, sensing there's more to Yuna's reaction.

Yuna's lips press into a thin line, her eyes flicking back to Sam. "There's a rumor that he got his looks because of the handsome characters he puts in his simulations," she confides, a hint of disdain in her tone.

Sam's brows rise, his gaze drifting back to Kendrick's table. "And you seem bothered by him. Why is that?"

Yuna sighs, her fingers tracing the edge of her plate. "He's been flirting with me for a while, but I always decline. He just doesn't seem to take the hint."

Sam nods sympathetically, reaching across the table to give Yuna's hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry you have to deal with that."

Yuna offers him a small, grateful smile. "It's fine, really. I just try to avoid him as much as possible."

As if summoned by their very discussion, Kendrick's voice carries across the cafeteria, drawing their attention once more.

"Hey, Yuna!" he calls out, his gaze fixed on the young developer. "How about you join us for lunch? I'd love to hear more about that simulation you're working on."

Yuna shakes her head, her expression polite but firm. "No, thank you, Kendrick. I'm quite happy here with Sam."

Kendrick's gaze shifts to Sam, his brow arching slightly. "Sam, is it?" He strides over to their table, his movements exuding confidence. "I don't think we've met. I'm Kendrick, one of the senior developers here." He extends his hand, his biceps flexing beneath the tight fabric of his shirt.

Sam stands and shakes Kendrick's hand, offering a cordial smile. "Nice to meet you, Kendrick. I'm Sam Briar, a new developer at SimQuest."

Kendrick's eyes widen with recognition. "Ah, yes! I've heard about your work. That Devil May Cry simulation was quite impressive." He leans against the table, his gaze sweeping over Sam. "You know, we should collaborate sometime. I'm always looking for fresh talent to work with."

Yuna's brow furrows, and she opens her mouth to speak, but Sam beats her to it.

"That's very kind of you, Kendrick," Sam says, his tone measured. "I'd be honored to discuss potential projects with you, but for now, Yuna and I are quite focused on our current endeavor." He glances at Yuna, offering her a reassuring nod.

Kendrick's smile falters slightly, but he quickly recovers. "Well, the offer stands, my friend." He turns to Yuna, his eyes gleaming with a hint of challenge. "And Yuna, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."

With a final nod, Kendrick returns to his table, his boisterous laughter echoing through the cafeteria.

Yuna lets out a small sigh, her shoulders visibly relaxing. "Thank you for that, Sam. Kendrick can be... persistent."

Sam gives her a sympathetic smile. "I could tell. But don't worry, I've got your back." He pauses, his expression shifting to one of curiosity. "So, you mentioned you had some ideas for other monsters we could include in the simulation?"

Yuna's face lights up, and she eagerly flips open her sketchbook, ready to dive back into their collaborative work.

Kendrick's female companion, a slender brunette named Delia, approaches him with a frown. "Did you see how rude Yuna was to you? She's so disrespectful."

Kendrick raises a hand, his expression calm. "Easy, Delia. No need to get worked up." A sly grin spreads across his face. "I've got plans for that one. She'll come around eventually."

Delia's brow furrows, but she nods reluctantly. "If you say so. I just don't understand why you waste your time on her."

Kendrick chuckles, his gaze fixed on Yuna and Sam across the cafeteria. "There's more to Yuna than meets the eye. And I always get what I want." He leans back in his chair, an air of confidence surrounding him.

Delia purses her lips, but decides not to press the issue further. She knows better than to question Kendrick's methods. Instead, she changes the subject, engaging him in a lighthearted conversation about their latest simulation projects.

As Kendrick laughs and banters with Delia, his eyes occasionally drift back to Yuna and Sam, a calculating gleam in his gaze. The young developers continue their discussion, unaware of the brewing storm that may soon be heading their way.

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