Calling A Favor

Kache opened a door, boxes of various items were piled in a corner, and furniture lay barren. 

It hadn't been that long since Nimin left the professional scene, and already his items were being moved out. All to make space for the next in line, the successor of Second Shot. Although a lot of the staff in the office building were saddened with his sudden leave, they couldn't linger on it for long.

It was the reality of becoming a Pro. One day you will be replaced. It's something most have come to terms with. 

Believing that Nimin understood this and simply couldn't face the reality of it, Kache fully expected to never hear from him again. The sudden text asking about Stored Shot was startling and threw him for a loop. He couldn't quite understand the reasoning behind everything.

If Nimin had left so quickly because he couldn't bear to see it all, why make contact again so suddenly? Why avoid everyone only to ask a favor a few days later? What about that single message he sent into the group chat?

Wanting answers to all of it Kache agreed to the small request. Eyeing the boxes he sighed and rolled up his long sleeved shirt. Colored an olive green it was simple, and even had an old bleach stain near the bottom. Picking up a box he began to open through it, by a stroke of luck or coincidence none of the boxes were taped. 

The first box contained old equipment. Specific mismatched brands designed for maximum comfort while playing. Kache remembered a heated debate on which version of the keyboard was superior as he picked it up. Placing it onto the desk he tapped a few keys, "The S-800 series was better."

Near the bottom of the box was simple decorations. Nothing that Kache was concerned for. Replacing everything he moved to the second box. Inside lay various gifts from fans. Occasionally during meets and signings a fan would deliver an item as a present. Management always recommended to throw them away for safety reasons, but Nimin always snuck them in regardless. 

Picking one up in particular Kache recalled the old memory regarding it:

Once, when entering Nimin's office, he spotted an old wooden carving next to the monitor. Nimin was practicing as usual, the photon katana performing combos that seemed nearly impossible. An erratic rhythm could be heard from the keyboard. Without looking from the monitor Nimin asked, "Is something needed?"

"No, just came to see what you were doing."

Pausing the game Nimin turned to face him, "What I always do."

"So I see."

It was comforting in a way. Their constant losses tore at the team. Many times they've considered switching teams, it was always their team specifically that fell against Team Heavenly Sword. The only remaining team in the professional league that hasn't broken their loss streak against Heavenly Sword. Whether it was to poor luck or their inability they didn't know.

Yet each time they've fallen Nimin never failed to pick himself back up. Ready to improve further, and assist the team. The sole reason why they've stuck together thus far was him, and his unwavering effort. 

Leaning to the side Kache pointed out the sculpture, "Why is that there?"

"Oh this? This one is my favorite.", a smile spread on Nimin's face as he picked it up.

A katana lay stuck into a wooden platform, as if stabbed there. On either end of the blade was a broken longsword, shattered in the center. Written on the base was 'Break the Sword!' in a carved out handwriting. Spinning it slowly Nimin said, "A fan said he carved it himself. It's a little rough on the edges, but it reminds me."

Upon noticing Nimin wasn't explaining further Kache was prompted to ask, "About what?"

"That despite our struggle to win, we still have fans wishing us success every step of the way. During the times I felt that there was nothing else I could do, I would look at this.", Nimin blew a bit of dust off and placed it back, "It's not just our dreams we're doing this for. It's just about everyone's."

Kache felt he lacked words at the moment and merely stared at the carving. Their unwavering fanbase had been the support needed to keep the team afloat financially. Had they lost their fans, there would have been no reason to keep the team alive.

Stuffing his hands into his pockets Kache turned, "It seems I need to practice more."

To this Nimin chuckled, "Looks like it worked for you too. Let me know if you need to borrow it sometime, I'll let you have it for a bit."

"Will do that."

Returning from his memory Kache sighed a little. Nimin's constant effort to improve wasn't there anymore. It seems even the strongest people could snap. Without Nimin there to help everyone else could they manage to remain if they lose again? Would this team survive yet another crushing defeat?

Moving it back to the box Kache paused. Pondering for just a moment he decided to place the sculpture onto the desk, "I'll be borrowing this for a bit."

The third box brought forth a small surprise. Several account sticks lay neatly in custom made display organizers. Their designs varied from the seasonal designs to the limited edition crossover variants. Each stick had a small piece of masking tape with their name written in ink. Each account had something to do with the name 'Shot'.

Oddly enough, the second one was missing. Kache originally thought that it was the place for the account 'Second Shot', but realized that the sticks were organized by how old they were. There was even a First Edition stick in the slot, with the name 'Serial Shot'. If he were to assume this pattern was absolute, then the account stick missing would be one from the second generation. Second Shot was a third generation account stick, so it couldn't be. 

Kache absentmindedly touched the area and let the thought pass. It was most likely a misplacement. If Nimin had a problem with it management would not sweat on finding it, or getting him a reasonable replacement. Instead he found the requested account stick 'Stored Shot' a little below the missing one. 

Grabbing it he twirled it on his thumb like a pen trick before putting the rest back into the box. Before he left he grabbed the wooden carving and moved to his own office. Placing the carving next to his monitor he sighed and plugged in the account stick.

Immediately upon loading in he realized the account wasn't leveled. A standard for transferring items across servers. Since the level caps increased, so did the max level required for transferring. Meaning each update later items were able to be transferred, allowing for swifter progression into the later stages of the game. Thus those who play with multiple accounts usually had one dedicated to storing items for transfer. This was the purpose of Stored Shot. 

Holding various items across every available level Stored Shot had a stash many would envy. Even as Kache scrolled through the inventory he couldn't help but whistle, "Goodness me. Can I have some of this stuff?"

Regardless he did as he was asked. Eventually finding the requested rifle and storing the rest of the items. Anything stored in your storage would remain if you transferred back, a practice meant to prevent accidental transfers and assist in trading. 

This was a topic of debate amongst the community. For server transfers seemed more inconvenient if only some items were available to be transferred, and others not. One huge outlier would be materials, since only those gathered from level 50 and below Elites were capable of being transferred. Thus it all created this odd balance, and very few bothered with the transfers to begin with. Only new players and Organizations looking to expand their influence messed with it.

If anything, it seemed like Stored Shot was used as a central point for rare items. Taking into consideration it was in the same server that Second Shot was in, it only seemed more likely. 

Despite his wandering thoughts Kache completed the transfer swiftly and sent a message back to Nimin. The response came swiftly, although a bit strange. 

Nimin: Trade it with a guy named Raging Torch. 

Kache: An odd name, new account? No shot?

Nimin: Friend.

Kache: Oh

It didn't take long before the meeting point was revealed and Kache came across Raging Torch. Once the trade was completed he suddenly spotted a strange message from the person.

Raging Torch: I dunno what this has to do with Strict Business, but thanks?

Stored Shot: You're welcome.

With a furrowed brow Kache logged off. Staring at the launch screen of Fractured Worlds he began to drum his fingers onto the desk. The sudden request of Godwit, and the comment from Raging Torch. . .

Picking his phone back up he dialed a number. It took only two rings before a voice picked up.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Just a request, need an account in the new server worth using. Same class as mine."

"We have a few spares leveled to sixty. Would you like one sent to your office?"

"Yes please."

Hanging up the call Kache found his gaze hadn't left the screen. Something about this whole situation was off. Now he intended to figure out just what it was.