Becoming the Strongest as a Game Dev

The Gates of Hell is a dimly lit establishment, its walls adorned with ominous symbols and remnants of battles past. The air carries the scent of fine liquor and a hint of sulfur, creating an atmosphere both inviting and unsettling.

Aria takes in the details of the bar, her keen eyes noting the intricate craftsmanship of the furniture and the faint glow emanating from the bottles behind the counter. She senses the power that permeates this place, a power that seems to hum beneath the surface.

In the corner, Enzo sits slumped on a barstool, his fedora tilted low over his face as he dozes. Aria watches as Bayonetta strides up to the bar, her confident gait drawing the attention of the room. Rodin, the bartender, stands behind the counter, his sunglasses hiding his gaze but his presence commanding.

A TV on the side suddenly flickers to life, showing the news of a plane crash on the highway. Rodin's deep voice cuts through the silence,

"Those assholes sure know how to get attention. Even perked the ears of the hot heads down home."

Bayonetta's response is laced with a hint of amusement. "You don't say."

"It's getting harder and harder to tell the worlds apart. Human world. Inferno. Paradiso. Who can tell the difference?" Rodin muses, his sunglasses masking his gaze but not the weight of his words.

The human world, from what I understand, is the realm of mortals - a place where the laws of nature and physics hold sway. Inferno, on the other hand, is the domain of demons, a realm of chaos and darkness. Paradiso, in contrast, is the realm of angels, a place of light and order.

"Even harder with Purgatorio in the middle," Bayonetta says, her tone casual yet laden with implications. "Fight long enough in there and you'll really lose sight."

I file away this information, realizing that this "Purgatorio" is the realm where Bayonetta fights her battles against the angels. Regular humans couldn't see being in Purgatorio, making it a neutral ground where Paradiso and Inferno forces fight.

Bayonetta's question draws my attention. "Why the sudden interest in metaphysics?"

Rodin's response is laced with a sense of concern. "It's a balance, right? Even if some of them like messin' around with the humans, we've all got a stake in the status quo. But people keep fuckin' around like this, the Book of Revelations is gonna look like mother goose. Heaven and Hell are gonna go straight for each other's throats."

Bayonetta's retort is nonchalant. "Heaven and Hell can tear each other to pieces for all I care. I've got my own problems to worry about."

I watch intently as Rodin's words raise my curiosity. "Something's up. Everything was a bit too brazen, and Enzo's tip makes the timing too perfect. This reeks of a set up."

Rodin moves to a hidden room, the bar's facade shifting to reveal an armory of weapons. He grasps something covered in a cloth, his expression grave.

"Someone in one of those lost memories calling you out. I got a little present for you. These babies are special. Built from an alloy the devil himself would kill to get his hands on. Don't break these, cuz they're one-of-a-kind."

I watch intently as Rodin unveils the mysterious gift, pulling back the cloth to reveal a set of ornate pistols. The craftsmanship is exquisite, the barrels engraved with intricate patterns and adorned with delicate charms. I can feel the power radiating from them, a dangerous allure that captivates me.

Bayonetta takes the pistols in her hands, her movements fluid and graceful as she twirls them with practiced ease. The way she handles the weapons is a mesmerizing dance, each spin and flourish a testament to her skill. I find myself enchanted by the display, my gaze fixed on the mesmerizing display.

Rodin gives Bayonetta a cocktail.

"Calling me out? I don't go in for strange offers. Then again, I'm getting a little tired of these weaklings they keep throwing at me. Maybe I should aim for something a bit more... high class," Bayonetta says, her tone laced with amusement as she takes the drink.

Bayonetta drinks the cocktail.

"Pounding them down tonight, baby. Not to butt into your affairs, but I'm pretty sure you got somewhere better to be. The guys you're up against aren't the type to wait for you to finish a round," Rodin says, turning around to find Bayonetta gone.

"Enzo! Her drinks are goin' on your tab, buddy! Ya deadbeat motherfucker."

Enzo jolts awake, eyes wide with fear as his chair tips over and he crashes to the floor.

…

I'm making my way to a place called Vigrid. Enzo gave me the tip that the Right Eye, some kind of important artifact, might be there. It could hold answers about Bayonetta's history, so I need to check it out. Right now, I'm on a train headed to Vigrid. The journey is giving me time to plan my next moves carefully.

'Welcome to Vigrid, our final stop. Entry Visas are required of all travelers. Please submit your Vigrid issued Entry Visa for inspection upon disembarking. Please make sure you take all your valuable belongings with you. Repeating this message...'

I'm in the Purgatorio realm, so the regular passengers on the train shouldn't be able to see me. We're approaching Vigrid, and I was just about to get off when I heard an unfamiliar voice.

"So, you have arrived at last, my dear. The time has come to awaken The Eyes of the World. Fear not, my dear child. Such a beautiful young lady you've become. I'll always see to it no harm comes to you."

I do not hear the voice anymore, and I wonder who that was. Gripping Scarborough Fair, I disembark the train and take in the sight of Vigrid. The city's European architecture captivates me, with its towering cathedrals and grand plazas.

I reach the central station, its fountain sparkling in the sunlight. Suddenly, the flowers around it begin to bloom, and I gaze up at the sky. Angels descend, their wings casting shadows over the square. I tighten my hold on Scarborough Fair, ready to face them.

///

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Advance chapters in my P@|r$0n/Najicablitz