June 2.

  He woke up with a slight hangover from all the excitement of st night's party. The mansion was empty, ahought he might need a dog to care for or something to make the days more bearable. Even in San Jose, his apartme like a waste of time. He stirred with a bit more energy but a lingering sense of restlessness—a trip to San Jose seemed like a det idea.

  -I have a bit of a headache,- he muttered, turning over in bed and glimpsing sunlight seeping through the cracks in the curtains. Still seated, he tried to stand but decided to stretch first. It was 8:20. His flight was at 10. A trip of less than an hour—a quick jaunt, barely worth sidering timewise.

  He took a long shower. His suitcase acked with ics, storyboards, drawing guides, and produaterials. What used to take him a week to draft now only required four days, thanks to the steady improvement of his skills in drawing and design.

  As he selected a light blue suit, clearing his mind with the cold water, his phone buzzed with a voicemail—it was his secretary reminding him about the flight and that she would be there at 8:40 to get him to the airport by 9:00. Traveling with Billy, she thought, was just another challenge; keeping his tight schedule in order was the only way t structure to his life.

  ...

  -You have a meeting at 2 with Mr. Lucas about the sed produost of it is already settled. Then, at 4, there's another meeting with Raimon Green regarding the stock market. He'll report the results and the iment ats' status. Today, you're expected to deliver the final volumes of Real, Hunter x Hunter, and also handle a call with ID Software about the uping series,- she informed him. Billy always allowed some creative chaos at the pany—it was vital not to stifle innovation, even if security could sometimes be a .

  Without giving much thought to the details, they boarded the pne, and Billy dozed off shortly after takeoff. He was jolted awake upon nding. The time spent traveling, fleeti filled with iy, felt like an instant. He blinked, and they were in San Jose. A van awaited them outside.

  He had dreamt of two things. One was ics: brushstrokes slipping through his mind, golden and radiant like a suhe imagery painted a vibrant se that ed him. The other was the relentless pace of the days ahead. With a looming deadline for 300, he o finish the series and start w on The Boys and Invincible, as well as another Resident Evil volume, which ID Software was using as inspiration fame.

  He also had pns for Van Helsing, a ic far shorter than the inal series with just 60 chapters. The story blended manga, video games, movies, and anime. Each chapter spa least 70 pages, and with 38 published and 43 already written, the series was nearing an end—a moal task despite its realism. His focus and effort on Real made it clear that every project required its distintensity.

  -Once you've delivered everything, ahe print runs, and spoken to Anne, you head home. We'll be busy in the ing weeks,- Billy said, stepping out of the van, visibly exhausted from the party and the trip.

  -That would be nice,- Rosa replied. Despite being the same age as Monica, Rosa looked ten years older—an attribute that reflected her hardw nature. Billy had had three secretaries before her, but none could keep up with his demanding schedule.

  -Well, that's settled. Tomorrow we start at 11 a.m. I hope you get enough rest. I'll start filmi week. You'll be more useful w with Anne, so for the few weeks, coordih her. I'll hire a produ assistant to handle my calls,- Billy added.

  Time passed quickly, alternatiween moments of de aless work. Manuscripts poured in from people eager to showcase their ideas. Billy received ten proposals, each meeting all the criteria and intricately crafted.

  Craig sent in a series about children aspiring to be cowboys—a mix of cssiimation awarming episodes. The script reminded Billy of beloved series that traheir initial cept, being something richer, blending Ameri folklore with unresolved cases, animated battles, and endearing moments. It was remi of Billy and Mandy, infused with a Western spirit.

  Another proposal involved a historical animated film trilogy aimed at adults. It depicted fast-paced sword fights, Grean bat, and spiracies. Initially intended as a series, it was densed into three films. The story follows a soldier battling Hannibal, serving under Scipio Afrius, and ter fighting Maians, Gauls, and Persians—a saga of epic struggle.

  -You're finally here, - Anne greeted him.

  -I have an interview with Mr. Lucas, and then I'll meet with Raimon tonight to discuss the ats,- Billy replied.

  Anne looked uneasy, burdened by a mix of personal and professional troubles. Her thoughts spiraled—failed pregnancy, mounting deadlines, and the looming shadow of iility. Tomorrow marked her iile period, yet the timi heavy.

  -I uand,- Anne said. -We'll talk in the ing days. Tonight, I'll review everything.-

  Her demeanor was distracted, though she tried to stay posed. Work was work, and pleasure leasure. traeeded attention, but emotions ofte in.

  Is-Anything to note about Lucas? -Billy asked.

  -He’s beeiating solid tracts. He wants to discuss support for the game development and the sed film,' Anne replied, her voice tinged with doubt but resolved not to misstep.

  -Thanks, Anne. Your help is always appreciated,- Billy said.

  ...