James picked up the phone and called Stark Industries.
"Hello, this is Stark Industries. How may I assist you?"
"I need to speak with Pepper Potts. Tell her it's James. She'll know."
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"Hi, Ace. Looking for Tony? He's tied up with the Expo right now. Anything I can help you with?" Pepper Potts hadn't become CEO yet, still Tony Stark's assistant.
"Pepper, I want to start a game company. Not sure if Tony's interested in investing, but I can offer him 30% of the shares," James said directly.
"Oh, aren't you an agent though?" Pepper asked, puzzled.
"Yeah, just graduated from an intern. Got my official ID now," James replied.
"Wait, aren't you their ace? Why'd you need to take the exam?" She looked confused.
"Well, I'm an ace, as a sniper. But as an agent? I'm a newcomer. Make sense?"
"Ah, got it. So you were a sniper in some special forces? Wait, no, Tony said you were an accountant."
"Snipers don't just come from the military. I was an assassin before, though not for long."
"That's… intense. How many targets did you take out?"
"Not really the point, okay? I was forced into it. Used to be just an ordinary guy. Then I got dragged into that life. But I took down the bad guys in the end. Phil recruited me afterward, and I became an agent."
"Wow. Honestly, your story could be a novel. So, this game company—how're you starting that and while being an agent?"
"They gave me a three-month vacation. I'm using the given window to launch the company. Game development's already done. Now it's about setting up and promoting it."
"Tony's right. You really are a genius. Though he said you were a finance genius and not this. This is another surprise. What's the game about?"
"It's a MOBA based game. Lots of champions, each with a backstory. There's potential for merchandising, fanfic craze, event hosting, and massive expansions. The gameplay's simple on the surface—fixed maps, five champions per team. But actual combat mechanics are complex."
"Each champion has unique skills. There's tactical teamwork, and map control. As we add more champions, team combinations expand. Maybe we can include Stark's Iron Man?"
"Now that's a great idea. I'll pitch it to Tony. Bet he'll want his character to be overpowered."
"Perfect. If he joins, balancing the game will be easier. Balance is key to replayability—but hard to pull off. I think Tony can help modify it. But if he wants to be Overpowered, he can't really be one of the champions, unless of course we make his champion instead complex and very technical, like his Iron Man, constantly upgrading and highly versatile." League of Legends might be the gold standard, but balance is a constant battle. James needed Stark on board early.
"I'll talk to him right away."
"Great. Then I'll start preparing for the company." James hung up and headed to the kitchen. Carlos was trying out recipes lately. It was Christmas Day. Their first Christmas Eve had been warm and quiet, a father and son bonding moment.
"Carlos, I'm starting a game company. Giving you a 10% equity. I want to design a prototype character based on you."
"Oh? You're starting a company during a three-month vacation?"
"Yep. Not much else going on. The game should be big. I'm creating a character for both of us—father and son—though not Earth-based."
"I'm in. Sounds fun. But starting a company's not simple. What's your plan?"
"First, I'm calling Philip. Game development is done. I've got over 300 million cash capital available. With Stark possibly joining, we've got enough capital. What I need now is a CEO."
"Seems like you've already got everything planned out. I don't know much about business, so I'll stick to reopening the flower shop. I'm hiring again—can you help vet the new staff?"
"No problem. I'll pick the best fit." James stepped out and called Philip.
"Mr. James, how can I assist?" Philip had made serious money working with James and Carlos and had grown fond of them.
"I need a game company set up. Buy or re-register—your call. Also, contact a headhunting firm. I need a CEO. That's it."
"Understood. It's simple to form a game company. One caution: game development and server costs are high, and there's no guaranteed return."
"The game's done, and we're ready for launch. Any more questions?"
"None." Philip got to work right away. The commission would be substantial. If the company took off, he hoped to become legal counsel—a prize role.
Setting up a company in the U.S. wasn't difficult, especially with a lawyer. Within three days, James' company was ready. Philip opted not to buy an old firm.
Philip met James at Alice's Flower Shop with the full company documentation. "Mr. James, old game companies come with baggage. Like the staff and outdated gear. Tech moves fast. It would be better to start fresh. It'll take more time to do recruitment, but this is the U.S.—talent's in abundance."
James was helping Carlos interview applicants and sell flowers. He knew quite a bit about flowers, thanks to the body's mother, and of course Cortana.
"Makes sense. Glad I had you handle it. How do you feel about the name 'Mirrorborn Games'?"
"Nice name. But location matters more."
"Silicon Valley? Most high-tech talents are there. We'll have great infrastructure."
"That could work. Tax incentives are strong for tech businesses."
"Great, let's head out there soon then. I'll let you know when we go." After Philip left, James went back to the interviews. Lots of applicants today—most of them women.
'It makes him wonder, are these women here to work because it's a simple flower shop? Or is it because my father is just as handsome as me?'