3 Falling Star

Finally realizing where he is at Daniel stands up and moves to sit on the couch off to the side. Sighing Daniel recalls the previous match "Why'd I have to lose it." he mumbled as he looked at the ceiling. "Damn it, I let that damn man who knows nothing into my head!" Looking around he can see screens on the opposite wall replaying his last match, and the commentators on another probably talking about what happened. Thankfully no sound was coming from the video feed as he couldn't stand listening to it right now. Impatience, nervousness, regret "what do I do now," he mumbled while waiting for Carl to show up. Reaching up and taking off his hood and mask he takes a quick look over the mask. Tossing the mask to the side "It is all over now I suppose," he said. Suddenly a knocking sound comes from the office door. Without realizing it moments had past and another knock came. "I can't run away from this," he thought while sighing and trying to compose himself. Standing up he walked to the door and opened it to find a short middle age man standing on the other side who was shaking his head angrily.

"About damn time geez, you'd think it was your office. I know you don't like me calling you Mimic but I can't just yell your real name either in the hallway, let's talk inside" Carl said.

Putting his head down, Daniel nods and lets him walk past before shutting the door and following him to the office desk. He quickly pulled one of the chairs in front of Carl's desk closer to sit on.

"Kid this isn't the principal's office at a damn school, what happened happened. Fuck who'd think this is the same person that just brutally killed a person in Virtual Reality." Carl said trying to lighten the mood. "Look, kid, I am not gonna ask about why you snapped, however, I understand everyone has their moments. Look no one expected that flaw in the best of three bouts would be a problem in an actual live fight. We got a lot of problems going on right now because of it. No one is happy, and the higher up's don't even know what to do, the ratings have skyrocketed but, there are long-term problems now."

Daniel unable to respond can only look down dejectedly. Thinking about those who were watching " I think my time as Mimic is done, that was sloppy I am probably gonna get scolded because of that last fight" he said. Looking at Carl's mixed expressions he could understand the trouble he was giving him. "Sorry, my teacher was right I overestimated myself and here I am." Daniel shrugged dejectedly

"Hmmm it is not really that big of a problem don't beat yourself up too much, no fans are actually considering it your loss, however, officially it is a loss, but, we got bigger problems," Carl said while trying to remain calm. "You spoke while we were live, now most people have an actual rough idea of your age which has caused some controversies. Some people may be able to identify you because it is not often you encounter a six foot eight fighter who is as young as you are." Carl said.

"It shouldn't really be a problem I am taller than that now and, I don't have many friends and I wasn't lying when I said I was a lower class citizen," he said nonchalantly trying to not cause issues for Carl.

"Sorry Daniel you are young and are pretty new to things but, it is because a lot of things line up if they look into your background the only thing that doesn't is how you trained, anyone who digs deep enough will be led into your direction," Carl said.

Trying to remain calm Daniel grips the arms of the chair, "what do you mean!" he said.

"Because of Bjorn's taunting you showed a part of yourself, you are young and troubled due to family-related issues. Add your physique and nationality into the equation and well the list starts to narrow down pretty quickly," he replied.

"What do I do then?" Daniel asked while looking at Carl hoping for an answer.

"Pretty simple Mimic is done, for now, just take that break you wanted, You had no official contract with us we are only really related due to you using our service platform and being a top user. Of course, I hope a contract can be made in the future when you are older than eighteen but after three years I have gotten the gist of your situation." Carl said.

Looking at Carl's eye he can see the worry in the older man's eye. "Sorry Carl," he said.

"Look Kid, there is no need to apologize, I'm not worried about the match but more about why you snapped. If there is anything I can do to help," Carl asked.

Repressed memories begin to enter his mind when he thinks about his family. "I'm sorry Carl, but there isn't anything you can do to help," he said.

"Give it a shot, you never know unless you try," Carl said while looking at Daniel gripping the chair. "Kid..."

Quickly cutting him off "Carl thank you for everything but, there really is nothing you can do." he forcefully said. Taking a quick breath to calm and prepare himself "Carl my mother passed away shortly after giving birth to me. Because I come from a lower status family we can't afford the same care as a middle class or upper class. I was never told why or how it happened just blamed for it by my older brother and father. I only recently found out the actual cause but it changes nothing." Pausing for a moment to take a breath while looking at the roof holding back tears "Carl you have always treated me well, but you can't fix my family." he said without noticing Carl beginning to stand up.

"I'm sorry Kid, I didn't know growing up you had it that bad," Carl said while clenching his fist.

Before Carl could take any steps Daniel put his hand up to ward him off, "It's alright Carl I am somewhat used to it by now, I hate talking or thinking about it, it is just me and my grandfather now anyways," he said.

Falling back into his chair "Bah doesn't make a difference Kid, I've known you for two and a half years now, and no matter what as long as I am here I'll try to be there for you. We may be ages apart but I've always enjoyed my time spent and have seen you as my nephew, I don't like to see you so emotional." Carl said.

Looking back down at Carl "Thanks, it's just very frustrating and embarrassing to be in this position," he said. Taking a moment to recollect himself and think before continuing the conversation. "Carl," he said while looking at him "Tonight was Mimic's last fight I do not plan to ever fight again using that alias or mask. I can not hide behind a mask anymore." Standing up from the chair he began walking to the couch where the mask is left lying. Picking up the mask he took a quick glimpse of it before walking over and putting it on the desk. " I want you to keep it, I won't be coming around for a while and I also would like to request the profile of Mimic to be retired completely and permanently," he said.

"Are you sure about retiring it? I might have a hard time convincing the higher-ups, it is now considered an oddity of the league, to have it removed from the leaderboards will be tough." Carl said while quickly recording the information in his desk kiosk.

Taking a moment to consider Daniel sits back down in his chair, "I'm sure, I don't think I can wear that mask again after tonight." he said.

"I understand, however just because you won't be coming around for a while doesn't mean you can't keep in contact," Carl said while glaring at Daniel. "I mean Evotania will be releasing tomorrow evening, we can always meet up in there."

"Of course I didn't forget, I've even finally got my first capsule after saving up at my part-time job at the gym," he replied.

"Oh? What kind did you get?" Carl said while leaning forward.

Daniel completely forgot about what happened moments ago changing his tune very quickly, "Hahaha just an X270, beginner fitness capsule from Xelco, the more basic one similar to the ones I use at my local gym." he replied. "They really do help keep you fit and boost recovery from workouts, you should go try one sometime. Oh almost forgot to mention they also have the lowest input delay when it comes to physical activities in virtual reality, especially if you compare it to the other brand's models...."

Carl quickly began cutting him off "Ehhh Maybe some other time, the capsule the company provided me works good enough for me." Carl said before letting Daniel continue rambling with needless facts on the model. " If you have time wanna stay and watch the other fights? That guy Leo who wouldn't stop challenging you, back when you first began you two started around the same time and he is fighting tonight."

"Let me check the time, System Menu," As he finished a translucent display screen appeared before him. Appearing on the screen in front of Daniel was a variety of features and of information.

~ Time~ 8:27 PM 6/19/2083

~ Inbox 23 New ~

~ Contacts ~

~ Hub Explorer~

~Current Body Status ~

~Balance: 278.00 U.C ~

~Avatar Options~

~Fast Travel ~Disabled~

~System Extensions~

~System Options~

~Support - Help~

~Logout~

he can already imagine who sent all the messages now filling his inbox. Not ready to face them he sighs, quickly he swipes at the screen, closing it. "8:27 pm, Sure I have some time my grandpa doesn't get off work till 10 pm," he said.

"Do you gotta be there to pick him up?" Carl asked while standing up to move to the couch.

"No no, nothing like that he isn't that old haha. I am already there at his work, he works at the local Silver gym, we always go out to eat together when he gets off," he replied while getting up to follow.

"That's good to hear," Carl said while looking at the screens "office control unmute screen 1A," he said while motioning Daniel to sit. Suddenly the sounds could be heard coming from the live feed on the main monitor. Currently, a stalemate between Jack and Crusher was being displayed. The crowd was roaring as the commentators tried to analyze the situation. However, two heavily armored men swinging slow weapons, stood in the arena parrying and blocking one another.

"You know you can change your office's voice command prompts," he said while watching the fight.

"Bah no point in bothering, depending on what league they want you working in they will swap you around it's a waste of time," Carl replied. "So who do you think will win? My guess is Jack."

Watching both fighters Daniel could notice the irregularities in Crushers swings as each attack was being repeatedly blocked before anything could happen. "I don't think the big guy with the polearm will be able to last much longer it should turn into a brawl shortly and the large polearm should be at a disadvantage," he said.

"Bah, why'd they have to choose blunt weapons in such armor." Carl sighed as he continued to watch the boring fight.

"Glancing blows just won't cut for either of them and the range gap is hard to cover for the guy with the large shield who keeps getting pushed back. However, it's pretty hard to deal with that size medium shield with that kind of weapon." He shrugged while saying. "So apparently Evotania will be allowing the first steps of character creation to be done tomorrow morning, they are even allowing integration and merging with a user's Hub Avatar. It will allow users to utilize the status and skill boosts obtained, however, inventory and everything else will be unable to be used outside of the game world."

"Yeah, I heard all about that we had a bunch of company meetings about that. The developers working on the league systems are finding ways to deal with that to avoid unfair fights. They are planning on creating separate test leagues to see if they can capitalize on the new systems. Thankfully, it was announced last week that a new Evotania menu option will appear after the merging. It will allow users and us to calibrate the changes so the attributes and skills can be disabled inside our current leagues." Carl said. " It really is different when Olara makes a game or system compared to us third party teams, Olara being allowed to directly influence and utilize the Hub."

"Hahaha it's exactly because Olara made it that I can't wait, it is advertised to basically be a third reality and to have taken Olara twenty years. I don't know if any of that is true but Olara is always making groundbreaking advancements. Half of my history classes are filled with past accomplishments of Olara." he said while noticing the change on the screen. Suddenly Crusher stumbled on his recovery as Jack rammed into him with his shield. What happened next was to be expected as the flanged mace Jack wielded was put to full use on the heavy armored defenseless target. A brutal beating took place as Crusher struggled to defend himself after his stance was broken, he was stumbling and falling ultimately he lost because he could not recover.

"About damn time, the idiot should carry smaller sidearms to deal with situations like that," Carl said.

"Ehh it's still not that easy to aim for the less armored spots when you are fighting in the open like that. But you're right it is a lot better to be armed than to try and be in that situation unarmed," he said while listening to the commentator's remarks.

"Crusher really panicked there James when he was unable to use his weapon. He still could have turned the battle around and brought it into a grappling match to try and nullify the advantage of Jacks weapons." Mark said.

"True it's not like he couldn't try to recover and rush to disarm his opponent, but how does he get past that nasty mace?" James said.

"As long as he doesn't take any direct blows he had a chance, only the head is flanged not the shaft, if he preemptively intercepted the blows at the shaft he could have mitigated the damage," Mark said.

"They are forgetting about the uses of a shield, that Jack fellow uses it really well for both offense and defense he just didn't need to use it much in this fight outside of defense. Both of them have relatively the same build but Jack has a stronger lower body and more stable stance toppling him would be extremely difficult with a long reach weapon." Daniel said while shaking his head. "The issue was that polearm user wasn't very fluid when shifting between swings and thrusts. There was no proper follow-ups or feints. he should have swept Jack's knees and crumbled his stance."

"Hmm didn't expect you'd think so highly of that Jack fellow," Carl said while looking surprised at Daniel.

"Hmmm he's better than Leo it's that weapon and his choice of armor that holds him back, all he really needs is the sabaton and greaves on his boots for digging in and absorbing the blows outside of that lighter armor would allow him to shift his stance even better. As for short-range blunt weapons, they are a lot less versatile to use when a single blow can decide everything," he said. In the corner of his eyes, he could glimpse Carl smiling at him while nodding at him, "haha what?" he said while turning to look at him.

"Haha, I will look forward to when you return and are actually able to compete in the upper leagues," Carl said.

"Sorry to break it to you but that is more than a year from now," he said.

"Bah it's a real shame you couldn't get your legal guardian to consent on the previous contracts," Carl replied.

"It's fine, tonight I found out how immature I still actually am. I'm not ready to step out onto that type of stage just yet," he said.

"I guess you're right." Carl sighed while turning back to the screen. "Still the current you, in my opinion, is still more than enough," he mumbled under his breath.

Even though Daniel had heard it he chose not to respond. "Maybe part of it was right maybe not, however, I still haven't solved my issues with Dad and John. I don't want to cause any more problems for anyone." he thought to himself.

Suddenly a ringing and prompt appeared in front of Daniel. His Grandfather was calling him, not sure why he immediately decided to accept the call.

"System, Accept Call," he said.

"Daniel?" He heard in his head.

"Hey Grandpa, is everything alright?" he said while putting his hand up to Carl to at least try and be courteous. Carl understanding what was going on just remained quiet.

"Yeah yeah, it's nothing like that Charles is gonna let me go home early tonight at nine, they want to do a system update and make sure everything is working properly, So he won't need me watching the front counter since we will be closing earlier for IT to check and maintenance everything." he heard his Grandfather say.

"Ok, I'll be out there in just a bit, let me say goodbye to a friend," he said.

"No need to rush take your time Daniel, you don't have many friends it's good to know you are finally being sociable. Well, I'll be letting you get to it, I got something things to finish up out here," he said.

"Ok Grandpa, I will see you soon," he replied before swiping to end the call. "Sorry Carl, things came up. I won't be able to stick around till the end, but I am pretty sure Leo is gonna lose to Yamamoto, he still hasn't gotten rid of his bad habit," he said while standing up.

"It's alright I understand, but what bad habit are you talking about?" Carl asked. Quickly standing up to walk Daniel out of the office.

"Oh it's how he transitions between using his shield and sword, he tends to get too aggressive and push forward when you give him a chance. Leo always uses the same direct thrust to try and close a gap when he sees an opening. Just aim for that moment and counter him. Most would think Yamamoto is at a disadvantage in the upcoming fight, but the man is constantly waiting patiently for those flaws." he said while walking towards the door.

"Hmmm, but what if Leo doesn't open his side like your saying," Carl asked while opening up the door for Daniel.

"Don't underestimate Yamamoto, he is a tough calculating opponent. He will just keep making situations that draw in and cause Leo to do exactly that, I imagine Leo is going to be losing his sword-arm tonight. No one likes to admit they got out-witted or tricked by their opponent when they are at his level and don't ever talk about it." he said while stepping out of the office with Carl. The A-rank league is not the best of three, but a single round, everything is decided in that one round win or lose. Daniel quickly went ahead and used the interface to change his outfit into a different shirt, he didn't want to have on the same sweater tonight outside of the ring.

They continued to discuss things as they walked towards the exit of the structure. Walking down the halls different names of Blood Warriors could be seen etched on the walls with pictures. The Halls were pretty empty as a fight was going on. A few office workers walked by nodding at them as they went. They were currently heading towards a side transfer room as heading to the main entrance of the corporation could bring unwanted attention. The transfer room would allow users to be teleported to any public locations or personal locations inside the Milky Way Federation or MWF Hub. The hub was created shortly after the Milky Way Federation was established. Of course, owning a private location inside the Hub was far out of the reach of Daniel.

Turning around the bend of a corner Daniel could see where he was gonna make his exit. " Well Carl I can make the rest of the way from here," he said turning to him.

"Haha, of course, I just wanted to see you off. Of course, after all, that's happened I'd hug you but well I don't like the idea of hugging a guy younger and taller than me," he said while extending his hand out to Daniel.

"Thanks, Carl, next time I see you, you will probably be a lot younger and different looking," he said while shaking Carl's hand.

"Bah, maybe a little younger but, definitely more handsome! Hahaha!" Carl said before releasing his grip.

"Hahaha, what are you gonna be an elf?" pulling his hand back and trying to not laugh too much while looking at Carl. " This whole time I took you for being a dwarf or gnome type," Daniel said sarcastically.

"What! Elf maybe, Dwarf or Gnomes no! past games did not do the females of those two races justice."Carl said while shivering from the thought of it.

"Hahaha don't worry Carl, I wouldn't judge you," he said while imagining Carl with a robust muscular female dwarf, "Ok maybe a little," he said.

"Bah go on, don't you got somewhere to be, it should be coming up on nine!" he said trying to end the conversation.

"Yeah, well cya around Carl," he said before waving and taking off running towards the door.

"Come on don't run in the hallway, it's virtual but it is still a business," he said while waving him off goodbye.

Sighing he watched as Daniel was leaving " a lot of people are gonna be unhappy that Mimic is gone, I didn't think it was gonna be a disqualification that would stain his win streak, 943 wins who'd believe it was just a seventeen year kid old who fought every match never declining a challenger," he said to himself.

Slowing down before reaching the door he adjusts himself before entering in case anyone was hanging out inside the room. Turning around real quick to wave one last time, he opens the door. Inside the room is a variety of furniture and was empty with no one around, "of course no one would be inside at this time" he thought to himself mockingly. Walking forward a simple message prompts appeared before him displaying.

~Fast Travel Enabled~

~Please Select Destination~

Before a list of destinations could appear Daniel already knew where he was going. "North America Continent gateway Region 1A Section 38," he said while walking forward, so the door could automatically close behind him.

"Please confirm the selection by repeating the name of your destination" a neutral female voice could be heard saying inside the room.

Daniel recited his choice again when suddenly his scenery began to shift around him into that of a large city.