In the bustling and loud crowded space of the [Finale Grand Battle] E-sports event's final hours shown through the screens of countless camera's Leroi G. Newell and his opponent Johnny C. Uriel.
"Alright folks, just in. From this blazing heat of Newell and Uriel duking it out of this final round of Blitz Dodgers. It seems that we can see Uriel is pinned to a corner by Newell. And spot the extreme flow Newell is showing Uriel it looks like it's almost over."
Both players eyed the screen with such intensity, no one blinked... To the point even sweat poured in Newell's eyes, but he couldnt afford to wipe it ever!
Damn stop blocking already. Newell thought while spamming a ranged attack from his character. As he was ready to end this match heck he constantly staired at the half hp of Uriel's character.
Meanwhile Uriel was thinking, and planning. He looked calm... Too calm, to the point the commentators were giving him a hype but concerned look, maybe he is planning a clutch?
Inside his mind he sees his situation in slow motion, he can only hold his breath his brain is in overdrive. Letting himself plan at high speeds, with this advantage he dashed his character forward and perform a counter.
and then Uriel followed up with a command grab putting Leroi in a surprize, this was his chance and chained it up with a 10 hit combo and a super attack.
This made Leroi's character land in the red spot of his hp, nearly a few more hits before defeat... And this was the final round, no way Leroi would let this happen.
This made Leroi's hands grip the controller harder and curled his toes, and took a deep breath and dashed away and played defense this time. Not wanting to risk a move with any sudden movement from Uriel.
Uriel and Newell gave each other a look of challenge, and a respectful smile towards each other and top it off with a nod. They clearly wanted to put a show for the audience and both rush each other.
All of there melee attacks collide, canceling each other everytime. This sturred up the crowed all turning up the volume throughout the entire buildidng.
The commentators even hyped it up, "Look at this folks! Ladies and gentlemen, now this is syncronization! Haha, now it's getting more interestingam i right everyone?"
Claps and appluad were heard everywhere, while Leroi and Johnny continued there syncronized attacks. Even dashing away from each other and performing a super countered each other.
It was insane and perfect, both players wore an excited smile clearly enjoying the counters. It was absurd and fun, but when Johnny performed a jab. Within a single frame Leroi performed a command grab and slam him down.
This gave him an opening to strike with an ult, luckily Johhny recovered fast and and rushed at Leroi and performed a heavy attack pushing back Leroi even nore now hitting the 1hp bar.
This was stressful, actually irritating that made Leroi's eyes twitch. And so he bagn improvizing and it worked, now both players were now 1hp.
This was a full blown final destination they were in, and they know it too well. There first instinct was scaring each other by repeatingly jumping at random direction in the 2D arena.
The entire crowed were muttering, thinking about what both of the players are thinking and planning. It was a scene that felt more intense than a real battle... Who knew that a digital competition can this be tense.
Quite litterally for a few seconds both Leroi and Johnny could only edge each other. They did nothing but move left and right or jumping and croutching, they were scanning each other.
The only issue that prevented there stalling was the timer. They only have 100 seconds left, no actions shall be wasted there instincts were kicking in. It's now or never, and they dont want any waste; after all this was a one time oppurtunity.
what to do... What to do, cmon Newell figure something out quickly 76 seconds left. Leroi try to pamper himself, trying to keep his cool afterall he is facing an equal. Rushing would leave an opening too obvious to defend his ego.
Now after theres only 63 seconds on the clock, yet still no attack input was shown on the screen. It was patience beyond anything else from those two it was that or defeat by mistake.
The next action of Leroi was tossing a super attack, but Johnny jumped out of the way. Leroi quickly dashed away and dashed back and nearly hit Uriel but nothing hit. The hit box saved Uriel's character but this made Leroi start gritting his teeth.
"Lucky bastard, damn it..." Leroi muttered meanwhile, "Oh god, oh god... Thank the lord." Johnny muttered in his side, it was an unbelievable clutch to the game engine.
30 seconds were left after that... It was life or death at this point, in the end both players ignored the crowed, ignored there sarroundings, ignored the noises and everything else... Nothing else mattered except the game.
They looked at the screen both characters were in an idle animation, time stopped for a moment and inner thoughts were kicking in... They want to win, a competition is a competition. There purpose as professional gamers were on the line. Was this the feeling of fighting an equal? That was there thought.
20 second... Thats all they have, Uriel closed his eyes, this was a mistake that Leroi exploited and dashed. But Uriel blocked and countered but still Leroi jumped back saved by the hit box missing too.
15 seconds... Both players were huffing and puffing, both quickly wiped there sweats away... They heard nothing except static noise at that point onward, they were scared and desperate.
10 seconds... What now, i dont what to do... Is this it? Is it over? Uriel thought, fear and doubt consuming his inner spirit... Not knowing what do with his controller. Afterall whatever his actions are, Leroi has the speed and precision to counter it.
5 seconds... After Uriel slowly lowered his controller, Leroi took the chance and dashed towards Uriel, Uriel countered after baiting Leroi. 3 seconds... Leroi blocked and backed away and recovered mid air.
1 second left, and Leroi caught Uriel with a downward heavy attack. Defeating Johnny and ultimately winning the event after 1 second and 30 milliseconds.
The entire crowed cheered and screamed full of hype, it was clearly a match for the history books. That match was nothing but absolute sportsmanship and skill... It was a match only seen once in a blue moon.
"Gah! Oh man... I lost? Fine... Hey, gg's Leroi. That was good" Uriel laughed with a smirk and put down his controller and offered a bro fist. "Go on? Dont leave me hanging here man, that match i gotta give it to you on this one."
Leroi simply brushed it off, "Cmon, you nearly cost me on that trick of you pretending to give up... That was dirty, soo nah i wont bro fist you." Johnny then pulled his arm away and accepted the insult. "Ahh whatever... I was simply testing you, thats all."
They both smiled afterwards... It was truly a challenge to both of them, they never knew that after this match. There destinies, changed and there lives forever changed.
Both stood up looked up at each other and shook hands, gazing towards the audience applauding them both. They truly entertained everyone which brought a smile on there faces.
"Hey... After this, wanna grab a drink?" Leroi mentioned quietly. "Actually no sorry man, i actually have to go somewhere." Leroi simply nodded back and gave a sigh of relief.
Afterwards of a bit of celebration, the entire interior building went in a black out. There was even a noise heard that felt like something snapped nearby. This caused a commotion throughout the building, it was unexpected.
Next both the players were dragged in towards the back stage room, both Leroi and Johnny wore a face that tells that they expected this.
First was Uriel to get shoved in a backroom, two mysterious agents wearing formal black tux's were holding his hands from behind. They look sterile and quite, almost robotic; it looked creepy.
Then another person walked infront, showing themselves out from the shadow's. They wore a doctor's suit while also having a white mask.
"Greetings once again sir Uriel. Remember our deal? It seems sir Newell won this event, we must proceed to the operation then." The doctor then walked in circles over Uriel's binded form, clearly mocking his weakness.
"I guess so, that operation i cant escape it... Whats the address? What time. Just hurry it up, i tried my best mister Branston. I'm sorry, i failed my task." Uriel said in a self loathing tone.
"Oh dont say that, you are only fulfill one task in our operation... It's fascinating that you two are equals, two souls connected to one. Truly fascinating, alright here is the address. Dont lose it now.~" Doctor Branston whispered with a snicker.
Branston then attatched a note inside Uriel's pocket, and gestured to let the agents move Uriel out the backstage. But just before Uriel was exiting with the agents he side eyed a long brief caseand frowned at it.
Next Leroi was in the same predicament as Uriel, he has two black suited agents binding his hands together on his back.
"Ughh, ow dammit dude! Ah... Great it's you doctor?" Leroi looked up and gazed at doctor Branston who returned his gaze back to him, wearing an unsettling glare.
"Ofcource, i'm here sir Newell... It is time, you have proven yourself. Your worth is unimaginable... But never expect anything from us by winning the deal, but we do have a gift."
Branston then pulled out the illongated brief case, and began flaunting it before Leroi with a satisfied smirk afterall once he offered this gift... The life of Leroi will be in there hands.
"And what's this doc? Is it just money? Please, i know you people. Spit it out already." Branston shrugged and slowly opened it up, and what Leroi saw was a katana blade? Quite interesting of a gift the doc offered.
"Surprise now? What do you think about our gift?" Branston spoke with a sense of pride and admiration of his organization knowing the effort of obtaining this gift.
Meanwhile Leroi could only laugh hysterically, cause is this a joke? That's what he thought. "What's funny huh? Are you laughing towards the sword we offered?" Branston then grabbed the blade momentarily and slapped Leroi with it's sheath.
"You ungreatful fool... Dont you realize the implications of this gift we are bestowing before you?" Leroi though snapped back after being slapped, "You didnt have to hit me though... Man doc, do you want me to slay Anomalies for you? Forget it... Not happening."
Branston then calmed down... And gripped the hair or Leroi and made Leroi look at him at eye level, and began to whisper. "Just follow our command mister, remember... You are an important asset to us. Both of you are, if you dont and disobey? We will take the things that made you who you are."
This single threat struck a nerve in the heart of Leroi that he begun frantically nodding infront of Branston. "Alright-alright, i'll take the sword or whatever! Just... Dont take away my l-life."
Branston nodded with a mocking look, and handed the brief case to another nearby agent. "Go to his address, deliver that blade in perfect shape." Then after the agent took the brief case, Branston looked back at Leroi for a moment before turning around.
"You shall leave now, continue your celebration of winning this game event." Then the two agents behind Leroi pushed him forward, and after a bit he returned back to the front stage.
Seconds later the lights turned back online, and then the announcers gave out a reliefing message for the audience. "We apologize of the momentary inconvinience folks, we hahd internal power issues going around set up by the shadow organization Demiurge. But the issue has been resolved, we shall continue for the event."
Onwards now Leroi and Uriel found themselves standing side by side while being greeted by the managers and offered Leroi a trophy. It was a beautiful glass trophy with jewels inside of it, it was truly beautiful.
But both Leroi and Uriel stared at the trophy with meaningless eyes, but continued to smile for the people around them. Who loved them and supported them, thats the only posititve right now.
But quickly the facade dried out after the event was over when all the audience spread out and exited the entire building.
Both Leroi and Johnny went to the entrance area of the building, Leroi was holding his trophy with a small smile. "So... I guess i win? What are they gonna do to you?" Leroi said with a worried voice.
"Hmm... I dont know, but dont worry about it man. Worry about it later, it's not your issue. Afterall you have a cool reward right?" He said with an expression of regret and jealousy.
Leroi could only look at Uriel with a quiet look, not knowing what to do with the current situation that they got themselves into. They were simple professional gamers, nothing more nothing less... So why?
"I umm, i should go dude. That gift i have is probably already in my house; better catch it up before it gets attention or whatever." Leroi then slowly waved away at Uriel and slowly walk away and turned around. Leaving Uriel on his own now, just stalling his fate.
Uriel pulled out a card out of his pocket, showing a QR code. Presumably the address
Branston gave him, Uriel could only sigh before pulling out his phone and scanning the card. And yes it really was the address, amazing he didnt knew if he wants to cry or laugh.
MEANWHILE
"We got a connection sir, it seems he scanned it early. Is he hurrying?" An agent manager said to a man named Julian K. Fourd.
Fourd leaned towards the computer screen, while beginning to tap the monitor screen lightly he is even humming to himself, thinking... And thinking.
"Hmm, no i dont think so, is it stupid to go already? Are the equipments even prepared yet?" Fourd look at the poor looking agent manager with a casual look, while carreasing there hair with his big hands.
The agent simply shake there head which made Fourd continue to think, and then snapped his fingers after finding an idea. "Alright, if he does show up... Let's greet mister Uriel properly and have dinner with him."
This plan confused the agent obviously, and scratch the back of there head and questioned. "Have dinner with him? Umm sir, i know what you are... Umm i'm curious what are you planning? Do you perhaps intend to poison or drug his food?" The agent asked with caution and fear.
"Me? Drugging him? Haha... Dont be silly, i'm not immature. I dont do dirty tricks... I go far beyond than poisons." Julian began rubbing his hands together and grabbed of utensils, like a spoon, fork, ladle, a spatula, and a knife.
"Hey extra... Wanna join me for a cookout for this place? I plan the dinner to be full of meat. What do you say lad?" Fourd spoke towards the agent manager, the agent agreed by showing a big fat smile and stood up and joined Julian.
MEANWHILE
Leroi came back to his medium size mansion after taking a cab, he spotted a brief case attatched to the front door. Leroi quickly approached it and notice it has a finger print scanner.
"Huh... How thoughtful of them, welp works for me." Leroi then place his thumb on the lock, it verified who he was and made the brief case fall to the floor.
Leroi snatched it up and opened the front door of his house, it was nice being home... Outside influence can never effect him here, it was a safe haven. Now forever disturbed with the gift the doc sent.
Leroi quickly stored his prized trophy nearby, before looking back towards his true prize... His real trophy, a blade. He doesnt know about it or whatever it might be, will he fight with it? He didnt decide yet but boy in all honesty he always wanted a real sword.
Leroi placed the brief case on his work desk on his living room, he looked at the brief case with more detail. It had intricate patterns around it, he knew what the sword might be but no way it could be true.
The pattrns show a clear repeating motif of the symbol of the wind? What could that mean... And the corners shows thunder, it was strange almost out of this world. But he knew why it was out of this world he just cant believe it.
"Haha... No the hell not, did they? no way they gave me a weapon class treasure." Leroi spoke of disbelief and irony, was he lucky? actually... no he wasnt, he knew he was just being guided today for a greater unknown purpose.
He shook his head trying to focuse on the current task at hand, opening a damn brief case. So he did, he prep his greedy little hands and pulled the brief case open and there it is... The katana he saw briefly.
It looks clean, sleek, and mesmerizing even a clean silver sheath with blue accents. It looked badass and intimidating at the same time. Was he worthy? Well yes but, in his mind Leroi thinks his hands will dirty it.
But who cares right? It's his prize and property now. But after admiring just the sheath of the blade Leroi noticed an extra item inside the brief case, a tablet and not just any tablet an Anoma Tablet.
"Oh crap... I guess i can't entertain that thought anymore, i obtained a weapon... An actuall weapon oh screw me then. God dammit doc." Leroi then picked up the Anoma Tablet and saw its future like UI, he has to log in first.
After logging in and putting all his personal info together, the device updated to connect itself to his vital signals. And the space around him, he saw his hear rate, breathing rate, amount of blood and vitamins, his size and weight and overall health.
"Hmm... So this is how it feels, to be binded by fate huh? Not comfortable at all..." Leroi muttered quietly after observing the Anoma Tablet, Leroi could clearly now see his mortality with this... Thing in his hands.
The next thing he noticed though was the Anoma Tablet automatically scanning any unnatural being or item, and it picked up something. It was the sword that Branston gifted him.
NAME: Platinum Streak
ANOMALY CLASS: Armament
WEAPON TYPE: Melee
ABILITIES COUNT: 1
- INFINITY (Passive)
CLAMATICUS PERCENTAGE: 10%
What in the hell... Leroi rubbed his eyes, not knowing what the hell he was looking at. He knew half of these of what they mean, Leroi was focusing on two interesting terms. INFINITY and CLAMATICUS PERCENTAGE... What do these mean?
He quickly put down the Anoma Tablet and grabbed the blade itself, it was slightly heavy but manageable. He held it with a firm grip and slowly pulled out Platinum slowly and carefully. This is so badass... Leroi thought when he unsheathed the blade.
He then dropped the sheath, and ran to the bathroom and began posing with the katana. It just looked awesome and stylish, he thought of cosplaying but not right now. Leroi just observed the blade, it just looks soo brand new.
So after a bit of observing it, he went to his open back yard. He wants to test out his gift, so in his great wisdom of being a gamer. He swung the sword and tried to perform a chain of swings, it went horribly as he hoped for.
He was slow, sluggish, and his actions are all inconsistant. It didnt do anything, "Oh cmon now you! Ofcource it had to be a passive type skill, how do you work..." Leroi pondered a bit, knowing dmn well he has to play his cards right. Afterall eventually he will
inevitably have to use it for self defense, and that is undesirable.
But for now, after a lot of testing. He doesnt know crap about Platinum Streak so he simply sheathed it back and place it back inside the brief case. And brought it to his room for safe keeping, but he is glad he has it.
"Hmm... How's Uriel doing, better call him before something happends." He pulled out his phone and called Johnny's number. "Yo, hey man? How are you doing right now." Then Leroi only hear sleepy grunts?
"Hmm huh? O-Oh yea man, i'm just taking a nap. I have somewhere to go tomorrow." Leroi then dat on his bed and gave out a light hearted small chuckle, "Dont tell me, it's an address gave to you by doc right?"
"Yup... Hey Leroi? I'm scared, like really... I dont know what to do, any advice?" When Leroi heard the terrified voice Johnny held in his voice, it genuinely saddened Leroi. He clenched his phone and gave an advice atleast.
"Hey Johnny? Just, try to hold up your spirit. We didnt knew what we set up on our lives. We work for this shadow government or organization or whatever they are... Just keep up your spirit, and dont get drag by fear and maybe... death?"
Johnny heard the advice and laughed quietly, "How preachy... Anyways thanks for the advice atleast Leroi." Johnny quickly hanged up afterwards. Which made Leroi feel worried even more, but he trusts Johnny.
But his worries were interrupted when his belly started rumbling, he was hungry and he knew he dosnt have food on the fridge. He better prep with the groceries, Leroi sometimes questions his habits of hoarding his own food on the fridge.
So he stood up and gave out a long good stretch of his stressed out body, he gave one last look of his katana sitting on his bed. It looks nice seeing the brief case just laying there.
But no more stalling, Leroi knows he is hungry and he needs food. So he went out, heading towards his destination... The commercial district of city.
So after taking another cab, he went to a mall. And grabbed some chicken, noodles, veggies, and other ingridients. Not too many he hates spoiling them afterall.
After exploring the mall for a bit, he noticed the time on his watch. It's 7:30 PM did he really stayed that long inside the mall? But Leroi quickly shrugged the surprise and began exiting the mall.
"Hmm it's peak hour right about now for alot of people should have finished up there day shifts." That observation made by Leroi was correct the commercial district was packed with people.
But it seems like alot of individuals right now looks tired, sleepy, stressed out and clearly not feeling well.
But Leroi dismissed the drama around this observation, and continued his way back to his house. Trying to currently find another cab nearby, it was a peaceful night.
But all of a sudden time slowed down steadily before his very eyes, the sky distorted in his vision and space folded around itself. Causing a bit of vertigo in his cognition, Leroi looked around and he seems to be caught on something... A pocket dimensison, who knew.
"What the... Did i caught myself inside an Anomaly Ghost? Ah you gotta be kidding me..." Leroi began panicking and looked everywhere around him, and then a bright flash of light struck his eyes... He looked more clearly and he spsotted an... Entity, a Cognitia... An Anomaly Ghost.
He smis seeing death in his very eyes... Reality is folding around the entity infront of him, and he left his gift back home.
"Just my luck... Am i gonna die right now and here?" Then so Leroi could only now staire at the abyss of this, being beyond human comprehension, death at his door, his soul quivering to dust.