After finishing up with Kō Yagami, Ichin went to check in with the programming team. Their progress was a little slower, but still within the estimated schedule.
As for Fall Guys, there was no need to check. A big update had dropped in early August, and the game's popularity remained sky-high. All they needed to do was steadily prepare the next wave of content. Future update plans were already laid out with generous cycles, and with Hazuki overseeing things, Ichin didn't need to worry.
Back in his office, he returned to drafting the Tales of Berseria project plan.
By the end of the morning, he had finished it. That afternoon, he could finally dive into the battle system, building a rough demo.
"But before that, I need to finalize Velvet's character design and 3D model… plus a few monster models for combat testing."
Those, he would have to make himself. If they managed to negotiate a partnership with Capcom later, he would have to handle the talks personally. If not, then he had to rely on his own research all the more.
"Better to get a head start on the new project while development's smooth and before optimization and integration eat up all the time."
He was just about to begin when there was a knock at the office door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Hazuki appeared.
"Still busy? It's already lunchtime. Take a break."
Only then did Ichin glance at his watch—it was already noon.
"Alright, let's eat."
He got up and headed out.
In the break room, he grabbed his packed lunch from the fridge, heated it up in the microwave alongside the other employees, then went to the art department to eat with Hazuki.
Besides the two of them, Kō Yagami, Rin Toyama, and Hifumi had also brought lunches. Narumi, Momiji Mochizuki, and Ruri Gokou were still in line waiting to heat theirs. The others had gone out, or ordered delivery to avoid the sweltering summer sun.
Aoba and Nene had chosen delivery—just five minutes away, apparently.
As they waited, Aoba noticed Ichin opening his lunchbox. A mouthwatering aroma wafted out.
"Oh! That smells amazing!"
Kō twitched her nose and leaned closer.
"Squid! Ichin, let's trade. Rin made sweet-and-sour pork ribs today. I'll give you two pieces for some squid!"
"Sure. But my stir-fried squid's pretty spicy—go slow, Kō."
He took two ribs from her box while she picked some squid from his, no need for extra chopsticks since no one had started eating yet.
"No problem. After mooching from you this many times, I've built up my spice tolerance!"
She grinned and eagerly ate.
"Mmm~~ delicious! The squid's fresh, isn't it?"
"Yep, bought it first thing this morning," Ichin replied, biting into a rib.
"Not bad at all. Honestly, Rin, your cooking's already on par with my mom's."
Rin smiled softly at the compliment.
"Not that good. I still have a lot to learn. Your mother taught me plenty of dishes, but I haven't mastered them yet. By the way, Ichin-kun, why the sudden bento today? That's rare."
"Blame Haruno." Ichin ate a bite of rice. "She pestered me for one last night when I was making dinner. So I just made enough for myself, Utaha, and Yukino too. If you're cooking, might as well make a few more, right? Speaking of them, why aren't they back yet?"
Just as he reached for his phone, Utaha and Yukino walked in together.
"Ichin, we're back~!"
"Hot out there?" Ichin asked. "Your lunches are in the break room fridge. Heat them up and come eat. Drinks are in the fridge if you need them."
"Got it. Let's go, Yukino."
Soon, the two returned with their warmed lunches, along with Narumi and the others. The lunch circle grew even larger.
Opening her box, Yukino took a sip of chilled orange juice and smiled.
"Even though it's summer and a weekday, the city library was still pretty crowded."
"Did you find everything you were looking for?"
"Yes." Utaha patted her bag. "I also borrowed two books on creative writing. I'll read them tonight."
"I found my references too," Yukino added. "And borrowed a professional text."
Opening her lunchbox, Yukino inhaled deeply, lips curving slightly. She murmured a polite itadakimasu and began eating small bites.
Seeing everyone eating happily, Aoba propped her chin on her hands, sulking.
"Nene, where's our food?!"
"Soon… I think."
She didn't sound confident.
Luckily, five minutes later, the delivery call came. The two rushed out to the front desk to grab their meals.
"Woohoo! Cold noodles!"
Because of the heat, they'd ordered chilled noodle sets from a nearby restaurant. Ichin and the others had eaten there before—it wasn't perfectly authentic, but the flavor was good and worth having.
After lunch, Ichin poured himself an iced coffee and returned to work.
Despite the early start, he felt fine thanks to a full night's sleep—no nap needed.
Yukino, though, was a bit tired. She grabbed a blanket and lay down on the office sofa for a nap.
Utaha pulled her chair to Ichin's desk. While he worked, she read the book she had borrowed.
Ichin had just sketched a rough line draft for Velvet's design when his phone buzzed.
It was a message from Haruno—a photo.
In it, she sat with her coworkers, holding the bento he'd made.
Alongside it came a text:
Lunch was delicious! Make me another tomorrow, okay?
Ichin stared at it for three seconds, then quickly replied:
Cook it yourself. Self-sufficiency is the key to a full stomach.
---
RedX43's Note:
➤ Want More? Get up to +70 Extra Chapters on Patreon!
➤ [email protected]/RedX43
➤ +300 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter Drop!
➤ Thanks for the support! 🙌