The relentless tick-tock of the conference room clock echoed Richard Watson's growing impatience. His fingers drummed nervously on the table as his gaze flicked between the projector screen and Emma Brandich, seated across from him with arms crossed and eyebrows furrowed.
"So, Richard, finally ready to dazzle us with your 'revolutionary' concept?" Emma said, her tone barely hiding a hint of amusement—or was it sarcasm? Richard wasn't sure.
"Of course!" he replied, practically radiating enthusiasm. "This project will redefine the user experience. We're talking about a product that combines augmented reality, artificial intelligence… and a little interactive RPG twist."
Emma raised an eyebrow.
"RPG? Like in video games? Really? You actually want us to waste two weeks imagining that our clients will behave like manga characters?"
Richard nodded emphatically.
"Exactly! And if we add a daily quest system, users will be hooked, ensuring engagement and virality."
Emma sighed.
"Richard… you're getting more childish by the day. Seriously, a 'quest system' to sell a toaster? Do you really think that will fly?"
Richard, offended, pretended to take notes in his notebook.
"You just don't get the potential… the user will feel involved, motivated… they'll live an adventure."
The manager at the end of the table looked half-confused but enthusiastic.
"Yes… yes, go on… It's original, right? I don't fully understand, but… original sounds good."
Emma stared at him, incredulous.
"Original? You call this original? It's just… absurd."
Richard smiled despite Emma's exasperation.
"Absurdly brilliant, you mean."
A brief silence fell—just long enough for the projector to flicker, as if punctuating the moment. Then the manager stood up.
"Perfect, the project is approved! Richard, start structuring the concept. Emma… can you supervise?"
Emma straightened up, eyes wide.
"Supervise? But… but that's… impossible!"
Richard, beaming, stood as well.
"Don't worry, Emma! We're going to crush this!"
But in the back of his mind, a small alarm bell rang. Something about the project flow felt… off. Too perfect, too calm. A slight shiver ran down his neck.
Emma, muttering to herself, whispered:
"I'm never going to survive this project…"
And so began the first day that would soon defy all logic… and prepare them for a journey into a world where neither reason nor fantasy would be simple to navigate.