Monday 14 December 2000
ZAGE Campus USA.
Zaboru glanced over the headlines and the flood of forum threads about "Zabo-man" appearing in the boxing match, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. It amused him—more than a little—but he didn't dwell on it. For now, he was still in the USA, and his schedule left little room for distraction. In the next few days, he would be assigning a new task to Team Tempest now that their work on Max Payne had wrapped up. With priorities already lined up and decisions to be made, he returned his attention to work, settling back into his usual rhythm as if the noise outside barely existed.
But then his secretary, Yumi Ichijou, arrived. Recently, Yumi had been traveling with Zaboru almost everywhere he went across the world, acting as both his schedule manager and a quiet gatekeeper to his time. Despite how often they were seen together, their relationship remained strictly professional. Zaboru had no interest in any kind of affair, and more importantly, Yumi had once been his teacher before becoming his secretary—something that naturally set clear boundaries between them.
Zaboru had personally asked her to take on this role joined him as his secretary when traveling because he needed someone he could fully trust to manage his increasingly overwhelming schedule. He disliked being disturbed during work, especially when he was deep in his "zone," but at the same time, he didn't want to miss anything truly urgent. Yumi understood that balance perfectly—knowing when to filter, when to delay, and when to step in without hesitation. Because of that, her presence had become not just helpful, but necessary.
At first, Ayumi had been extremely jealous of the situation. Seeing another woman constantly by her husband's side—especially one so capable and composed—wasn't something she could easily accept. However, over time, that feeling faded. She came to understand Zaboru better than anyone else, and with that understanding came trust. Absolute trust. In her eyes, there was simply no way Zaboru would betray her, and because of that, she eventually accepted Yumi's role naturally, without tension, treating it as just another part of Zaboru's demanding life.
Then suddenly, Yumi knocked on the door of Zaboru's workshop. The sound alone was unusual enough to make him frown slightly. "Come in," he said, his tone calm but focused. Normally, Yumi would never disturb him while he was in the workshop—she understood better than anyone that this was the time when Zaboru entered his deepest concentration, his "zone." Interruptions only happened when something truly urgent demanded his attention. And now… it clearly was one of those moments.
Yumi stepped inside with her usual composed posture, though there was a subtle urgency in her expression. "I'm sorry to interrupt your focus time, Boss," she said politely, adjusting her glasses. "But there's something you definitely need to know. We have a visitor right now… and well, he's quite an important person. It also seems that you know him rather well."
Zaboru slowly shifted his gaze away from his computer, his fingers pausing mid-motion as he processed her words. The fact that Yumi came personally already meant this wasn't something trivial. "Who is it, Yumi-san?" he asked, his voice steady but slightly curious.
Yumi met his eyes directly before answering. "It's Bill Gates…"
Zaboru was momentarily surprised, then let out a quiet sigh. Back when ZAGE was still in its early days, Bill Gates had come to him almost like a friend—offering advice to the young Zaboru, exchanging ideas, and discussing technology and business with a level of openness that felt genuine at the time. There had even been several collaborations between ZAGE and Microsoft in the past; titles like Diablo and Diablo II had been released for Windows 94 and Windows XP in this world, further strengthening that connection. On the surface, it had once looked like a mutually beneficial relationship built on respect and shared ambition.
But Zaboru knew better.
From his previous life, he understood exactly what kind of person Bill Gates was—brilliant, strategic, and always thinking several steps ahead but he is evil as well. He also remembered the warning given to him by Walt Disney: never underestimate Bill Gates, and always stay cautious around him. That warning had stayed with him ever since, shaping how he handled every interaction. Because of that, Zaboru had never truly opened his hand. Whenever he offered advice, he deliberately omitted key details—small but crucial pieces that could connect ideas together. He shared enough to maintain the relationship, but never enough to give away real advantage.
It was a subtle game.
And it seemed Bill Gates had noticed.
Over time, the tone between them had shifted. The warmth faded, replaced by something more measured, more distant. What was once close to a friendship had slowly turned into a relationship of convenience—no longer allies, but not outright rivals either. Just… acquaintances, each fully aware that the other was holding back.
Zaboru let out a quiet breath before answering, his tone calm but firm. "Fine… tell him to meet me in my office," he said. Yumi nodded immediately, understanding the weight behind that simple response. Without wasting a second, she turned and left the workshop, her steps quick and precise. Zaboru, meanwhile, saved his work with practiced efficiency before standing up and making his way toward his office. His movements were steady, but internally, his mind was already preparing—this was not going to be a casual conversation.
Not long after, Bill Gates arrived. The moment he stepped into the office, the atmosphere subtly shifted. There was a presence about him—calculated, composed, and confident—that hadn't changed at all. Zaboru greeted him with a small smile and extended his hand. "Bill… long time no see." Bill Gates accepted the handshake firmly, returning the gesture with a measured smile. "Long time no see as well, Zaboru."
For a brief moment, there was silence between them—not awkward, but heavy. It was the kind of pause that spoke more than words, a silent acknowledgment that their relationship was no longer what it once had been.
Zaboru gestured toward the chair across from him. "Have a seat," he said politely, though his tone carried a slight distance. Bill Gates nodded and sat down with ease, leaning back just enough to show he was comfortable, yet fully aware of the situation. Zaboru took his own seat across from him, his gaze steady as he observed his guest.
On the surface, everything looked calm.
But beneath it… both of them already knew this meeting wasn't just a simple reunion.
Then Zaboru asked, his tone calm but direct, "Okay… so what's the real reason for the sudden visit?" He leaned slightly forward, his gaze steady, clearly not interested in wasting time. Bill Gates smiled and leaned back in his chair, appearing completely relaxed on the surface. "Well, I was just curious about this 'Zabo-man' who punched that so-called 'Devil Director,'" he said casually, as if bringing up a trending topic rather than something significant.
Zaboru let out a small smile, but there was no warmth behind it. "I'm curious about that as well," he replied, his voice even. Then his expression sharpened just a little. "But Bill… let's cut the act, will you? We both know neither of us came here for small talk. We're busy people, and you don't fly all the way here just to ask about something like that."
There was a brief pause after his words, the kind that pressed quietly against the room. Zaboru didn't raise his voice, didn't push aggressively—but the intent was clear. He wasn't going to play along.
His eyes stayed on Bill Gates, waiting—not impatiently, but knowingly. Whatever this meeting was about… it had already begun.
Bill Gates smiled, a faint hint of approval in his expression. "You've grown some guts… I like that. Alright, let's stop dancing around it and get straight to the point." His tone shifted almost instantly, the casual friendliness fading into something sharper and more deliberate. He leaned forward slightly, resting his hands together as his gaze locked onto Zaboru. "In 2001, Microsoft will release our first console. And let me be clear—this isn't just another entry into the market. It will be far superior to ZEPS 3. More accessible, far more powerful in features, and designed with a completely different philosophy in mind."
He paused briefly, letting his words settle, then smiled again—this time with confidence rather than warmth. "What we're building… is something closer to a high-end PC, but in console form. A system that doesn't just play games, but expands what a console can actually do. Once people experience that level of integration and flexibility… their expectations will change. And when that happens, the entire market will follow."
Zaboru raised his brow slightly, his expression calm but clearly unimpressed. "Okay… so what exactly is your point?" he asked, his tone steady, almost challenging. Bill Gates let out a quiet chuckle, as if expecting that reaction. "I know ZAGE is good at video games," he began, speaking slowly and deliberately. "That's exactly why, at Microsoft, we made sure to truly understand what video games are before stepping into this space. We studied the market, the players, the systems… and now, we understand it."
He leaned forward just a little, his gaze sharpening. "So what I'm telling you now isn't a suggestion—it's a statement. For at least the next three to four years, there is no realistic scenario where ZAGE overtakes Microsoft in console hardware. That's not speculation… that's a fact based on what we've built and what's coming."
Bill Gates smiled again, calm and confident, as if he had just laid down something undeniable. "You've done well so far, Zaboru… but this is where things change."
"So… I want to propose something," Bill Gates continued, his tone measured but deliberate. "You see, I still believe ZAGE's true strength lies in creativity. You're exceptionally good at making games—both in quantity and in quality—and that's not something many companies can match. That's exactly why I'm here to ask for a collaboration."
He paused briefly, watching Zaboru's reaction before continuing, his smile returning with quiet confidence. "Give up the console market entirely. Focus on making games for our platform instead. If you concentrate purely on what you do best, ZAGE will become far more efficient—more refined, more dominant in software. And in return, you'll have access to a platform that will redefine the market itself."
Bill leaned back slightly, as if presenting something perfectly logical. "This isn't a loss for you—it's optimization. You remove the burden of hardware competition, and you amplify your strongest advantage. From a strategic perspective… this is the best possible outcome for ZAGE."
Zaboru looked at Bill Gates as if he had just heard something utterly ridiculous, and then he laughed—really laughed, the kind that filled the room without restraint. "HAHAHAHAHA!" Bill Gates frowned slightly, his expression tightening. "What's so funny, Zaboru?"
Zaboru slowly calmed his laughter, though the grin remained on his face. "Everything, Bill," he said, shaking his head lightly. "I can't believe you came all the way here to propose a collaboration… and then ask ZAGE to stop making consoles entirely. That's not just bold—it's absurd."
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes sharpening as his tone became more deliberate. "Do you really think I built ZAGE just to give up the moment real competition arrives? No… you misunderstand something fundamental."
Zaboru tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, his confidence unwavering. "ZAGE isn't strong in just one area. We dominate across the board—game quality, development speed, hardware innovation, features, ecosystem… all of it. That's what makes us different."
His grin widened just a little. "Yes, Microsoft's console might release first. Maybe it'll even impress people at the start. But just like everything else in this industry…"
He paused briefly, letting the words settle.
"…we will rise above it. And when we do, we won't just compete—we'll define the standard."
Bill Gates leaned back and let out a low chuckle, though this time there was a sharper edge beneath it. "Heh… you'll regret this one day, Zaboru. There will come a time when you'll wish you had taken this deal," he said, his voice calm but carrying quiet certainty. Zaboru responded with a soft chuckle of his own, completely unfazed. "We both know that's not true, Bill," he replied evenly. "The only way ZAGE would ever accept your terms is if I'm no longer the one leading it. And if that ever happens…" he paused slightly, his eyes locking onto Bill's, "…then maybe you'd finally have a chance."
A brief silence followed, heavier than before—not hostile, but filled with mutual understanding. Neither of them argued further, because neither needed to. Both had already made their positions clear.
Bill Gates smiled faintly, reaching for the glass of water in front of him and taking a slow sip, as if giving himself a moment to reset. "Alright," he said after placing it back down. "Then I won't take more of your time. I'll excuse myself." He stood up smoothly, straightening his posture. "Good luck, Zaboru… you're going to need it."
Zaboru stood as well, extending his hand without hesitation. "You too, Bill," he said with a calm nod, his expression composed, almost relaxed. Their handshake was firm, steady—neither side giving an inch, even in something as simple as that.
With that, Bill Gates turned and left the office, his steps measured as he made his way out of ZAGE Campus USA. The door closed quietly behind him, leaving the room in silence once more.
Zaboru remained still for a brief moment, then let out a faint breath before turning back toward his workshop. Without hesitation, he returned to his work, as if the conversation that had just taken place was simply another step in a much larger game already unfolding but it seems Gabe Newel are looking for him.
To be continue
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