Augustus stood atop a lifted platform tucked in the corner of their working area, where 50 computers were neatly arranged. It was a small area for quick gatherings.
His new team of eleven stood before him, including David and Max. Happy smiles were etched into their excited faces.
"I still can't believe I got selected."
"Wow, the boss is so young."
"Hope the new boss isn't like the last one, he worked us to the bone."
Low and quiet whispers began.
Augustus swept his contented gaze, looking at his handpicked team with a light smile. He inhaled deeply, fresh air… laced with confusion and skepticism, filling his lungs.
This is my first speech to the employees. Hope it goes well.
He slightly wavered mentally, but quickly steeled himself and smiled as he saw Jasmine, David, and Max giving him a thumbs-up.
Not only that—the system also chimed in with a new task, prompting him to confidently give his welcoming speech.
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Task #18:
[×] – Give a warm, welcoming speech.
Penalty: Every mirror reflection now says, "Why didn't you speak?" until the task is done.
The stage won't wait for courage to arrive. Face the fear now—or live under its shadow forever.
Reward: $50,000 + Respect
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He let out a long exhale and began, slowly grabbing their attention.
"Alright, everyone. Firstly, thank you for choosing Crunch Studio," he began hesitantly, voice cracking at the small group looking at him with expectant eyes.
But nevertheless, he still spoke.
"I'll do my best to make this place feel like a second home for all of you.
There's a game room if you ever need to unwind, an entertainment room, snacks when you're hungry, and your PCs have games loaded in. No one's going to hover or stop you. We trust you." He paused, letting the speech sink in, then continued in the same tone.
"So let's support one another, have fun, and do something we're proud of. Welcome to Crunch Studio." He gave a small smile, relief gently washing over him.
That was not half bad if I say so myself, he thought with a faint smirk.
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Task #18:
[✓] – Give a warm, welcoming speech
Status: Task Completed Successfully
The courage to begin is louder than perfection.
Reward: $50,000 + Respect
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Augustus exhaled slowly, looking at the reward—almost in disbelief at how good the welcoming speech was… of course, by his standards.
Excited claps echoed through the lobby, smiles lighting up faces as everyone took in the welcoming facilities.
Augustus beamed, seeing their reaction, and his bright smile widened as he saw the reward panel transition and flutter with a new task.
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Task #19:
[×] – Team Bonding Day: Share a moment. Build a bond. Make the team feel at home.
Penalty: Forced to attend a silent group lunch where no one talks to you.
Humans are social creatures, not meant to build in silence. Teams are forged through shared laughs, earned trust, and real connection. Go create one.
Reward: $150,000 + Charisma +1
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"Ahem," he adjusted his voice, prompting everyone to stop. Looking at their smiles, he began, chin lifted in exhilaration.
"Alright, today there will be no work. Just enjoy the day in the office and get a feel for it. But before that, let's begin by doing a team bonding task… any ideas?"
"Musical chairs!"
"Dance Freeze!"
"..."
The employees suggested one idea after another. Some laughed, while some ignored the boring or irrelevant ones.
"Boss, how about we play Tower Protect?" a skinny man named Jonathan yelled. He was a pro gamer who had been hired to test the games.
Everyone fell silent—not with doubt, but genuinely considering the idea.
Augustus furrowed his brows, sweeping his gaze across everyone and seeing how there wasn't much resistance. He nodded approvingly.
"Alright, then it's decided," he said, and didn't forget to compliment, "Good suggestion, Jonathan," he added, glancing at him with a light smile.
The young man smiled, his hands absently going to the back of his head. "Haha, thank you, boss."
Augustus narrowed his eyes, then looked at everyone. "Everyone, please call me Augustus. No need for any formalities," he said with gentle firmness.
"Yes!" everyone exclaimed happily.
A good work environment, with good pay, and a nice boss?… who wouldn't want something like that?
Everyone looked genuinely happy. The air was filled with comfort and light joy. and it truly felt like the upgraded version Augustus had envisioned—warm, welcoming, and easy to breathe in.
Just like how the old team had welcomed him back then, now he was doing the same.
"Alright. Please grab your desks. Let's start the game," he said, and got down off the platform.
Everyone followed, took their seats, and turned on the computers for the first time. And before they could slide into a comfortable position, the two 27-inch screens were already staring at them.
Seeing how the introvert him, who couldn't even look into others' eyes, was now leading a small group of talented people, he smiled excitedly, his heart filling with warmth.
This is not a bad feeling.
"Jonathan, could you please explain the rules?" Augustus asked. Though the game was popular, there could be someone like… him.
Jonathan nervously stood up, and with a wry smile, he began to explain the game to everyone while Augustus intently listened.
"…So we capture our opponents' towers and increase our strength. The last one standing wins," he concluded.
It was a tower defense game where you had to protect your tower while others attacked it. A good game for team bonding.
***
It had not even been ten minutes, and everyone was out—except for Augustus.
"Wow, bro, you're a real pro. I don't think Boss Augustus stands a chance," Kevin blurted out in excitement, only to pause, his breath hitching as he realized how that might sound. He quickly shot a nervous glance at Augustus, hoping it didn't come off as an insult.
Meanwhile, "Haha, you bet I'm winning this, otherwise, I'm handing over $5,000 for you all to party with," Augustus said, immersed in the game.
Kevin's nervous face lit up with excitement. "Wow! Hurray, Jonathan! You've got to win this at any cost… or… or you're gay," he blurted while cheering for Jonathan.
Some cheered for Augustus, while others openly cheered for Jonathan.
It's not like I can win against a pro when this is my first game. So that 5k may very well be an excuse, he thought, but gave his best effort to win.
"Come on, Augustus, you can win this," Jasmine gently cheered with reserved excitement.
Seeing how everyone was cheering, Jonathan replied in kind, "Alright, if I lose this, I'm going to propose to my crush tonight," he declared, responding to Augustus's bet and Kevin's taunt.
"Hahaha."
Both Augustus and Jonathan pressed on the keyboards as if they were fighting a real war, their expressions a mixture of seriousness and excitement.
The game was intense. However… Augustus stood no chance.
Jonathan played with caution. Although he could win at any moment, the cheers and excitement he was getting while competing against his boss meant more than the win itself.
Jonathan contemplated whether he should actually beat Augustus or lose in a more believable way.
However, noticing this—"You better not show any mercy, or that will upset me," Augustus's firm voice easily pulled him out of his doubts.
Jonathan smiled. "Haha, then here I come, boss," he grinned and unleashed two Death Knights, his hands moving fluidly in sync with the flagship keyboard and mouse.
–500, [500/1000 HP]
–500, [0/1000 HP]
In just two strikes, Jonathan's max-level Death Knights easily captured Augustus's tower, delivering solid damage.
"Haha, you really are good at this, huh, Jonathan?" Augustus asked, glancing toward him.
"Hehe, boss," he began nervously, "to be honest, I'm a pro gamer. I've been gaming for 15 years," Jonathan affirmed.
"That was a great match, Augustus," Jasmine reassured him with a beautiful smile.
Augustus nodded. "How about a second round, team?" he asked, and everyone excitedly sat down, boldly declaring they would be the one to win this time.
[Delusion detected: Host believes enthusiasm > experience. Proceed with caution.]