The meeting had barely ended when Richard was already buried in his notebook, scribbling diagrams and lists at a frantic pace. His eyes sparkled with excitement, like a child in front of a new toy.
Emma, meanwhile, sat at the far end of the table, arms crossed and a mix of amusement and exasperation on her face.
"Richard…" she muttered, frowning, "do you realize we just signed off on a completely unrealistic project?"
"Unrealistic?" Richard repeated, looking scandalized. "Absolutely not! It's innovative, strategic… and almost magical."
"'Almost magical'…" Emma rolled her eyes. "You talk as if you're going to summon dragons to sell a toaster."
Richard smiled mysteriously.
"Why not? The user will love participating in a quest. Every morning, they'll get a challenge, and each challenge will give them… a bonus."
Emma groaned, pressing her hands to the table.
"The bonuses, Richard! They're virtual, not real! You can't turn reality into a video game. That's… science!"
Richard looked up at her, eyes rolling, as if she'd just said the most unimaginable thing.
"Oh, Emma… you lack vision. The experience is what matters, not the physics."
Emma leaned back, crossing her arms tighter.
"The experience… that you invent yourself, I mean. Reality isn't a game. And I remind you, our users have better things to do than follow your imaginary quests."
Richard shrugged, smiling innocently.
"You're too pragmatic, Emma. Too rigid. Let me show you…"
He leaned toward his computer, tapping a few keys, and a miniature hologram sprang from the screen. Colorful icons floated above the desk, representing tiny chests, swords, and creatures that almost seemed alive.
Emma recoiled, eyes wide.
"What…? Richard! You installed this on the company network?"
Richard nodded proudly.
"Exactly! I wanted to test the interactive prototype. Look, the icons respond to my movements."
Emma stared at the screen, incredulous and horrified.
"But… but this isn't normal! Systems can't… move like that! This is… unreal!"
"Well, that's the exciting part!" Richard said, spinning a tiny sword on his finger. "We're starting to see how users will interact with our concept."
"Richard…" Emma whispered, exasperated. "If something comes out of that screen, I wash my hands of it."
Richard winked at her.
"Then get ready… the adventure is about to begin…"
And without either of them realizing it, the project had already opened the first rift in reality.