My Iyashikei Game Chapter 1: Would You Like to Play a Game?

“You said you’re a comedy actor, so why the long face? How about a smile?!” At Xin Lu City, inside an old convenience store called ‘Afterlife’, an old man was consoling the store’s only customer. “Our whole family likes to watch your show, we’re all your fans. Your show always accompanies us during dinner. If it’s not on, something doesn't feel right that night.” The old man rambled for a long time before the young man, who stood at the corner, slowly turned around. He looked around 20. He was casually dressed and his hair was unkempt. He did not look particularly handsome but there was an indescribable air of melancholy about him. “The show that I was a part of has stopped broadcasting. I was fired from my agency 3 days ago.”

“That’s fine, you’re such a good actor, you’ll definitely find a new job soon!” The gentlemanly boss comforted but the young man only shook his head. He did not continue this topic. “Boss, I’ve played all of the secondhand games you have available here, do you have any new stock recently?”

“Well, there is some but based on your current situation, I wouldn’t recommend you to go and play those overly gory and scary games.” The boss took out a black box from under the counter. The box was made from an unknown material and it seemed to be very heavy. “Have you tried Iyashikei games before?”

“Iyashikei?”

“It’s a Japanese game genre, it’s used for anime, manga and games created with the specific purpose of having a healing or soothing effect on the audience. Works of this kind often involve alternative realities with little to no conflict, emphasizing nature and the little delights in life.” The boss explained as he removed a second hand gaming helmet from the box. “Technology is getting more and more advanced these days, but people are drifting further and further away from the simple joys of life. People nowadays have to contend with so many kinds of daily pressure, a good Iyashikei game can help relax one’s mind, and warm one’s soul. I think you should give it a try.”

The young man hesitated aft

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