Becoming the Strongest as a Game Dev

Yuna exits the SimQuest headquarters, a content smile playing on her lips. The evening air is crisp, and she takes a deep breath, savoring the sense of accomplishment that lingers. The village they've crafted for the Monster Hunter simulation is truly a testament to their collaborative efforts, and she can't wait to see it come alive with the addition of the monsters.

As she walks down the street, Yuna reflects on her partnership with Sam. When Gail first introduced them, she had been nervous, intimidated by his reputation as a talented developer. But over the course of their work together, that trepidation has given way to genuine admiration and friendship.

"Yuna!"

She turns at the sound of her name, and her face brightens as she sees Sam hurrying to catch up with her.

"Hey, Sam," she greets warmly. "I was just thinking about you."

"Really?" Sam falls into step beside her, a grin spreading across his face. "All good things, I hope."

Yuna nods. "Of course. I was just reflecting on how much we've accomplished on the Monster Hunter project."

"I know, it's been incredible," Sam agrees enthusiastically. "I'm so proud of what we've created so far."

"Me too." Yuna pauses, her expression softening. "And I have to say, I'm grateful to be working with you, Sam. You've really helped me get out of my creative slump."

Sam reaches out, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Well, I'm glad I could help. You've been an amazing partner, Yuna. I couldn't have done it without you."

Yuna feels a flush of pride at his words, and she can't help but smile. "Thank you, Sam. That means a lot to me."

They walk in comfortable silence for a moment, both lost in their thoughts about the project. Yuna can't help but marvel at how far they've come, and how much she's grown in the process.

"So," Sam suddenly speaks up, "I was thinking we should celebrate our progress. Maybe grab dinner sometime this week?"

Yuna's eyes widen slightly at the invitation, but she quickly recovers, nodding eagerly. "That sounds wonderful. I'd love that."

Sam beams, clearly pleased with her response. "Great, it's a date then."

Yuna feels a flutter of excitement in her chest at his words, and she can't help but wonder what the future holds for their partnership, both in and out of the simulation.

Yuna waves goodbye to Sam and heads towards the train station, her steps light and a content smile playing on her lips. As she approaches the platform, a familiar figure steps out from the shadows, blocking her path.

"Yuna," Kendrick greets, his voice dripping with false charm. "Fancy running into you here."

Yuna's mood instantly plummets, and she regards him with a cool expression. "Kendrick. What do you want?"

"Can't a colleague simply say hello?" Kendrick moves closer, his gaze roaming over her face. "You know, I've been thinking about you a lot lately."

Yuna takes a step back, her brow furrowing. "Well, I haven't been thinking about you. Please, just leave me alone."

Kendrick chuckles, undeterred. "Come on, Yuna. How long are you going to keep playing hard to get? We both know you're interested."

"I'm not interested, Kendrick," Yuna replies firmly. "And I never will be. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to catch my train."

She tries to move past him, but Kendrick blocks her path, his expression shifting. "You know, it's a shame about Sam. He's such a talented developer, isn't he?"

Yuna's heart skips a beat, and she turns to face him, her eyes narrowing. "What are you talking about? What about Sam?"

Kendrick shrugs, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, nothing. I just hope nothing... unexpected happens to him, that's all."

Yuna feels a chill run down her spine, and she searches Kendrick's face, trying to discern his meaning. "Are you threatening him?"

Kendrick raises his hands in a placating gesture. "Threatening? Heavens, no. I'm simply expressing my concern for a colleague, that's all."

Yuna's fists clench at her sides, and she takes a step forward, her voice low and dangerous. "If you so much as lay a finger on Sam, I swear-"

"Whoa, whoa, easy there, Yuna." Kendrick chuckles, raising a hand to cut her off. "I'm not the one you need to worry about. Sam's a big boy, he can take care of himself."

Yuna opens her mouth to retort, but Kendrick holds up a hand, silencing her.

"Anyway, I should be going. Enjoy your evening, Yuna." With a wink, he turns and saunters away, leaving Yuna rooted to the spot, her heart pounding in her chest.

Yuna stands there, her mind racing. Kendrick's words have left her feeling unsettled and deeply concerned for Sam's well-being. She knows Kendrick's reputation for being manipulative and ruthless, and the thought of him targeting Sam fills her with dread.

Glancing around, Yuna quickly makes her way to the train, her thoughts consumed by the need to warn Sam. As the train pulls away, she pulls out her phone, her fingers trembling as she dials his number.

Sam's phone buzzes, and he quickly answers. "Yuna? What's wrong?"

Yuna's voice is laced with concern. "Sam, I... I just ran into Kendrick at the train station. He said some things that have me really worried about you."

Sam's brow furrows. "Worried? What are you talking about?"

"He implied that something 'unexpected' might happen to you," Yuna explains, her words tumbling out in a rush. "And when I confronted him about it, he just brushed it off, but I could tell he was up to something."

Sam's grip tightens on the phone. "Kendrick, huh? That guy's always been trouble."

"Exactly!" Yuna exclaims. "Please, Sam, you have to be careful. I don't know what he's planning, but I have a really bad feeling about it."

Sam nods, even though Yuna can't see him. "Thanks for the warning, Yuna. I appreciate you looking out for me."

"Of course," Yuna replies, her voice softening. "You're my friend, Sam. I don't want anything to happen to you."

"Don't worry, I'll be on the lookout," Sam assures her. "And if Kendrick tries anything, I'll be ready."

Yuna lets out a small sigh of relief. "Okay, good. Just... please be careful, okay?"

"I will," Sam promises. "Thanks again, Yuna. I'll talk to you later."

"Bye, Sam," Yuna says, her heart still racing. As she ends the call, she can't shake the uneasy feeling that something is about to happen.

///

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