Friday 12 February 2001 ZAGE Tower Japan
Zaboru had just returned from Europe. Just the week before, he had been in the USA, and from there he continued his trip to the ZAGE offices in London, where Team OMNI resides. Now, finally back in Japan at ZAGE Tower, he wasted no time settling into his usual routine, returning straight to work on the 51st floor as if he had never left.
As for his family, they were currently traveling to Okinawa without him. Under normal circumstances, he would have joined them, but this time his schedule simply wouldn't allow it. Still, it wasn't a problem—he had already spent time traveling with them just last week, and Ayumi understood that he had important matters to handle. There was no complaint, only quiet understanding between them, something Zaboru deeply appreciated even if he didn't always say it out loud.
Zaboru sat at his desk, a faint grin slowly spreading across his face. In front of him rested a box—colored in a clean mix of white and purple—with a sleek, modern design that immediately stood out. Attached to it were large, prominent lenses and several neatly arranged cables, all giving off a sense of complexity and purpose rather than clutter.
He leaned slightly forward, eyes scanning every detail of the device like he was admiring a finished piece of art. There was a certain satisfaction in his expression—the kind that only came after a long process finally reached completion.
Zaboru let out a soft chuckle, clearly pleased. "Finally… this is done. Hahaha."
There was pride in his voice, but also relief. This wasn't just another product—it was something he had been anticipating for a long time, something that carried both technical achievement and personal meaning for him.
Yes, this is the In-Focus device called AKAI Z-Focus—a projection system designed to display visuals from consoles or computers onto large surfaces such as walls or screens. Unlike traditional monitors or televisions, an in-focus allows players to experience games on a much larger scale, creating a more immersive and cinematic feeling. The AKAI Z-Focus in particular is built with advanced lenses and projection technology, capable of producing sharp, vibrant images even in less-than-perfect lighting conditions, making it ideal for both indoor and semi-outdoor gaming setups.
In-focus devices in this world are already quite advanced, but they are mostly designed with PC usage in mind. What makes this ZAGE specialized in-focus different is its core design philosophy—it is built specifically to support ZEPS 3 as its primary use case. This means the device integrates seamlessly with the console, offering smoother compatibility, faster setup, and a more optimized experience compared to standard projection systems.
At the same time, it still retains flexibility, as it can also be used for PC without any issues. This dual compatibility ensures that players are not restricted, allowing them to switch between platforms easily depending on their needs. In terms of specifications, the AKAI Z-Focus is highly competitive. It delivers strong performance, sharp image quality, and reliable output while maintaining efficiency in both hardware and software integration.
It also has extendable speakers options so it will not be really silent if you play outdoors.
What makes it even more appealing is its pricing. Despite having specifications comparable to other high-end in-focus devices in this world, AKAI and ZAGE will have slightly lower price point. This balance between performance and affordability is intentional—ZAGE wants to make the experience accessible to more players while still maintaining a premium feel.
Why did Zaboru ask AKAI to make this? The answer was simple, yet deeply personal. In his previous life, Zaboru had always loved playing games using an in-focus. It wasn't just about the larger screen—it was about the experience that came with it. He and his friends would bring an in-focus device wherever they traveled, setting it up during trips and playing games outdoors, turning ordinary nights into unforgettable moments.
There was something special about it—something no regular setup could replicate. Whether it was projecting onto a wall in a hotel room late at night, or setting it up in an open space where electricity was barely available, the feeling was always different. It felt free, spontaneous, and alive in a way that sitting in front of a normal screen never could.
He even remembered times when they went so far as to bring a portable power generator, just so they could play in the middle of nowhere. Surrounded by darkness, with only the projected light and the sound of laughter, those moments stayed with him long after they ended.
That was why this device meant so much to him. It wasn't just another product—it was a piece of memory, something he wanted to bring into this world properly. Something that could let others experience that same feeling he once had.
As for the AKAI Z-Focus itself, it is scheduled to release later this month. The pricing has been carefully positioned—neither too expensive nor too cheap—so that a wide range of players can realistically enjoy it without feeling excluded. Zaboru and the team intentionally avoided pushing it into luxury territory, while still keeping enough value to maintain its premium perception.
More importantly, the device is built with a clear purpose in mind: it is designed primarily for the ZAGE ZEPS 3 console. From setup to performance, everything is tuned to work seamlessly with it, allowing players to plug in and experience large-scale projection without complicated adjustments. This focus ensures that the Z-Focus is not just another accessory, but a natural extension of the ZEPS 3 ecosystem—something that enhances how games are experienced, rather than simply adding another optional feature.
Zaboru smiled, a hint of excitement showing on his face, before heading toward his father's office almost like a kid eager to show off a new toy. Even now, Zanichi was still working—as expected—lost in his so-called "Deep Moment Mode," fully immersed in his thoughts while continuing his work on ZEPS 4. However, this time he happened to be on a short break, a rare moment of pause in his otherwise relentless focus. Taking advantage of that opportunity, Zaboru made his way in, carrying the AKAI Z-Focus with him, clearly eager to share what he had just completed.
Zaboru smiled, stepping closer with a hint of excitement. "Dad, look at this—this is AKAI's new product, the Z-Focus. Pretty cool, right?" He set it down carefully on the desk, almost like he was presenting something precious.
Zanichi glanced at the in-focus, adjusting his glasses slightly as he studied the design. He didn't say anything at first, just observed the build, the lenses, and the layout of the cables. "Hmm… the design is solid," he admitted after a moment. Then he looked at Zaboru. "But why did you ask AKAI to make an in-focus? There are already plenty of capable ones out there, aren't there?"
Zaboru chuckled softly, clearly expecting that question. "Yeah, there are. But those are mostly built with PCs in mind. This one is different—it's designed specifically for ZEPS 3 from the ground up. That means better compatibility, smoother integration, and less hassle for players. They don't have to tweak things or figure out settings—it just works."
He leaned slightly forward, tapping the device lightly. "And honestly… why not? In-focus setups are seriously underrated. People don't realize how much they change the experience until they try it. Playing on a massive screen, especially with friends—it hits different."
Zaboru's smile widened a bit, a mix of pride and nostalgia showing through. "This isn't just about specs or features. It's about how people feel when they use it. I want them to experience games in a way they don't usually get from a normal screen."
Zanichi chuckled and gave a small shrug. "Well, if you like it, then that's good. But now, don't bother me—I'm still in the middle of my research, okay?" His tone wasn't harsh, but it carried that familiar firmness Zaboru knew all too well.
Zaboru let out a sigh, hesitating for a moment before speaking again. "Dad… um… can I take a look at your research? Just a little bit…" There was a mix of curiosity and temptation in his voice, like a kid trying to peek at something he knew he probably shouldn't.
Zanichi sighed in response, adjusting his glasses as he glanced at him. "Like I said, you can't. I'll tell you if there's any real improvement. Right now, I'm in my zone." He paused briefly, then added with a small wave of his hand, "So don't bother me. Sho, sho."
Even in his refusal, there was no hostility—just absolute focus. Once Zanichi entered that state, nothing short of something critical could pull him out of it, and Zaboru knew pushing further would be pointless.
Zaboru let out a long sigh, clearly giving up. "Fine… damn it, who's the boss here actually?" he muttered, half annoyed, half amused.
Zanichi grinned without even looking away from his work. "You are," he replied calmly, "but I'm your father, remember."
Zaboru paused for a second, then let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Yeah… right," he said under his breath, already knowing there was no winning against that logic.
He gave one last glance at the cluttered desk full of research notes, feeling both curious and slightly frustrated, before turning around.
Without saying anything else, he left Zanichi's office and made his way back toward his own on the 51st floor, his footsteps echoing lightly through the quiet hallway as he returned to his usual world of work.
Zaboru's thoughts drifted to the advertisement scheduled for tomorrow—the one that would showcase the In-Focus—and a grin slowly spread across his face. He could already picture it in his mind: the scale, the lighting, the reactions. It was going to be insane. "Heheheh… this might be one of the coolest things I've ever done," he muttered to himself, clearly excited.
His grin widened from ear to ear as he leaned back in his chair, imagining how people would respond once the Z-Focus ad went live. This wasn't just a simple commercial—it was an experience, something designed to leave an impression. He had prepared something truly extraordinary, blending the device with video game presentation in a way most people had never seen before.
There was a certain confidence in him now, the kind that came from knowing the idea would work. All that was left was to let the world see it. And tomorrow, when the ad finally aired… he knew it would turn heads.
To be continue
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