The interactive prototype still hovered above the desk, projecting icons and little animations that made Emma's head spin. She stood there, arms crossed, clearly about to explode.
"Richard…" she muttered, voice trembling, "you're creating a digital circus in our office. I remind you, this is not allowed by IT security."
"Circus? No, Emma, it's… artistic!" Richard exclaimed, eyes shining. "It's like… like One Piece. You know, that masterpiece where every adventure is unpredictable, yet every character has their logic. It's inspiring, fascinating… perfect for our concept!"
Emma sighed deeply.
"Richard… One Piece has nothing to do with our clients. And I don't see how summoning animated pirates justifies floating swords and treasure chests in the office."
Richard, unfazed, gestured dramatically at the hologram.
"Exactly! That's the very principle of manga: what you cannot control becomes an adventure! Every element has a role… and I promise this prototype will not escape my control."
At that moment, a deep, mysterious voice echoed through the room, as if coming from nowhere and everywhere at once.
"You dare summon this world… without understanding its rules…"
Emma jumped and spun toward Richard.
"What…? Richard, is that you?"
Richard blinked, hesitating.
"Me? No… well… maybe… but I shouldn't be able to hear that…"
The voice continued, more insistent:
"Every action in this place has consequences. Every choice pulls you further… or holds you back."
Emma crossed her arms, defiant.
"Very funny. What's your trick now? Hidden cameras, interactive holograms, and mysterious voices? You're joking, Richard!"
Richard, staring at the screen, suddenly stood up.
"No… Emma. This is no longer a test. Look!"
The hologram flickered and stretched like a living screen. The floating icons took shape, appearing almost alive. Chests opened, swords swung, and a warm breeze swept across the room.
Emma took a step back, eyes wide.
"Richard… this is no longer… normal."
A strange light burst from the projector, enveloping them. They felt a slight vertigo, as if gravity and time had decided to ignore them.
"Richard…" Emma whispered, panicked, "I… I think your 'One Piece' is swallowing us…"
Richard, already amazed, shouted with delight:
"Well… Emma… welcome to our life-size One Piece!"
Richard's laughter echoed through the new world, and a gentle breeze seemed to respond, as if the whole realm were waiting for their decisions.
And so began their first real adventure, where logic and fantasy would clash at every step, and every choice—no matter how foolish—would immediately matter.