Chapter 8
At the auction, Marvin was pushed out in a wheelchair, just like when I first arrived in Frontania.
A colleague joked, “Is Marvin really going to bid for Ashen Mythos too?”
There were plenty of bidders, and the price climbed steadily, but many dropped out when they couldn’t top the bids. In the end, it came down to Marvin and a client from Ruttenstan.
“Ten point one million.”
“Eleven million.”
“It’s not even a buyout-the royalties after that will be endless. This really might be my dream come true.” Alex rubbed his face, amazed. “But your ex-boyfriend sure is persistent. Maybe he’s trying to win you back.”
I ignored him and just watched.
Finally, Ashen Mythos was sold to Marvin for 12 million dollars, a price nearly equal to the total of the previous top ten games
combined.
Once the deal was done, Marvin came over to me.
Despite his leg injury, he’d been working nonstop for days. He looked pale, and his features were still shadowed with gloom.
“I bought this game as a gift for you. I’ve always believed in your talent and known you’re destined to shine. I can shift my focus back to Frontania if you want…”
Marvin pursed his lips, seeming a bit nervous.
I smiled politely. “Thank you for your support, but I’m not interested in anything else outside of work. I’ll just count this as a big win. Goodbye.”
Marvin’s lashes fluttered quickly as he let out a cough through his colorless lips. Meanwhile, I turned away without hesitation after dashing all the hope he had left.
At the press conference, I answered reporters’ questions. Someone asked, curious, “Ms. Celeste, Mr. Chambers from Tricacia spent 12 million dollars on Ashen Mythos. When you were accused of plagiarism, he presented your design documents in your defense. What is your relationship? Are you friends, or something more?”
I paused for a moment, then explained openly, “We were friends back in Tricacia. We discussed the development of Ashen Mythos.”
But that was the end of it.
After the conference, Marvin, leaning on his cane and helped by his assistant, moved toward me.
I was discussing the next game design with colleagues and had no intention of paying attention to him. Then, suddenly, the roar of an engine came from behind.
I turned just as an unmarked van sped toward us. Behind the wheel was Shirley, her hair wild and face gaunt, eyes full of hatred.
“Watch out!”
Marvin pushed his assistant aside and lunged to shove me out of the way. But, weak in his leg, he collapsed to the ground and
was struck by the van with a loud crash.
I rushed over, but Marvin was already covered in blood, his features blurred.
“Are you okay?”
He forced a faint smile. For the first time since we met again, he grabbed my hand. Coughing up blood, he said slowly, “Selene…
1/2
1… love you. I’ll love you again… with all I have… in the next life…”
Then his hand went limp.
+15 Bonus
Shirley was sentenced to life in prison for murder, and Marvin’s family took his body back home for burial.
When the 100 pranks ended in a plane crash, Serena-who loved Marvin—had died. The one who survived was Celeste, who lived only for herself, her family, and her dreams.
I chose to stay in Frontania and keep working on my next game.
Another international game design contest came around. I submitted my new work and became the first designer to win first
place two years in a row.
And this was just the start of my new beginning.
