'Left, right, right again, both sides, duck – lower! Jump fast, sidestep left, charge!'
Michael deftly evaded, blocked, and countered Matteo's intricate strikes, all the while steadily advancing towards the tall former killer turned Agent. His gaze remained sharp and focused, his emotional state a serene pool of calm amidst the storm of combat. As the "Discourse" approached the twenty-minute mark, his breath remained even and his reserves of Magick abundant.
More than just dedication and time were at play here. It had been over a month since their initial bout, with more than sixty encounters since then. Each confrontation was a crucible, with Matteo relentlessly employing new tactics to instill fear and provoke errors in Michael's technique.
Presently, the tally stood at Michael – 1; Matteo – 64; Ties – 2.
Michael's solitary victory and the two draws had come amidst shifts in Matteo's fighting style. After a grueling series of close-quarter skirmishes, Michael had landed a fortuitous blow that sapped Matteo's Magick, sending him to the infirmary – albeit under his own power. The second draw had been the result of a desperate counterattack following a particularly brutal mental assault from Matteo; both combatants had ended up in the infirmary that time. The subsequent victory had marked a turning point for Michael. No longer fixated on winning or losing, he focused solely on his own growth. That pivotal fight had been a lesson, not just from Matteo but from within himself. Though he had suffered defeats in the bouts that followed, his performance had markedly improved with each visit to the Arena.
Now, for the 68th…
Michael closed the distance to just two meters from Matteo, utilizing the approach that had proven most effective with his limited skillset.
The preceding 67 battles had been invaluable lessons, particularly in the integration of Magick and Physique. While Matteo's "Hook Line" technique had served to narrow the gap between them, it was showing signs of strain. Surprisingly, the relentless onslaught and subsequent depletion had turned out to be a more effective workout than Grace's prescribed regimen, albeit by a marginal degree.
As Matteo's strikes landed, Michael instinctively amplified his Magick in response, rendering the areas of impact resistant to the hooks' attempts to ensnare him. In some instances, with a calculated exertion, he even managed to tear apart the strings that sought to bind him.
Meanwhile, Matteo remained composed, his movements calculated and precise. He continued to employ his singular Spell with unwavering focus, aiming to strike, ensnare, and obstruct Michael wherever his defenses faltered, if only for a fleeting moment.
Gone was the condescension in Matteo's demeanor. He recognized that his opponent had gleaned as much from their encounters as he himself had. In this 68th confrontation, there was no room to underestimate Michael as a novice.
It was evident that Hook Line was losing its effectiveness, compounded by the difficulty of acquiring new Spells from the Exchange Center. Besides, it wasn't originally intended for direct confrontations. Which led to...
"It's sufficient. Cease," Matteo announced, retracting his arms and dispelling the Spell just as Michael closed the final meter between them.
"What?" Michael's brow furrowed. 'Something doesn't add up…'
"We're finished," Matteo reiterated calmly, as a cerulean haze enveloped them, transporting them back to the bustling Training Ground.
"We haven't discussed it, but you're not naive. Initially, perhaps, it was merely a desire to inflict pain for encroaching on my room. However, it evolved into something entirely different. I've indulged this sentiment for far too long. I'm calling an end to it," Matteo explained, his tone resolute.
With that declaration, Matteo leaped from the Arena, landing gracefully beside Grace.
"He's all yours," he informed her.
"Wait!" Michael interjected, bounding after him. "Just like that?"
"What?" Matteo turned to face him. "Would you prefer a dramatic finale, with each of us unleashing our full power until only one of us remains standing, necessitating another trip to the infirmary?"
"Well, no… maybe? I must admit, the way you describe it does have a certain allure."
"I'm serious. Can you accept our parting amicably?" Matteo's demeanor softened, a rare occurrence that even Grace found surprising. He approached Michael and extended his hand.
'It's truly over...' Michael thought, a sense of melancholy washing over him. He had grown accustomed to this personalized training regimen, realizing just how naive he had been with his initial approach. He felt like a completely different person from the inexperienced recruit who had joined the Bureau, clueless about time management and the effective utilization of his abilities. 'I suppose I'm ready to resume missions and officially embark on the First Metamorphosis.'
Michael accepted Matteo's hand. "Thank you. It's been... enlightening, to say the least," he said sincerely.
"I hope so," Matteo replied, releasing Michael's hand and patting him on the shoulder.
Suddenly, Matteo's hand flipped over Michael's shoulder, revealing a short Magickal blade poised to slice Michael's neck. But before it could make contact, it halted mere millimeters from Michael's skin.
"Excellent," Matteo commended Michael, retracting the blade as swiftly as it had appeared. "Could you please lower your charged fist now?" His expression remained stoic, a silent request for Michael to relax his defensive stance.
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"What was the purpose of that demonstration?" Michael inquired, his tone tinged with frustration as he complied and lowered his fist.
"It was a final test of sorts. And you failed," Matteo stated matter-of-factly.
"I could have knocked your chin into your brain," Michael retorted, not mincing his words.
"Yes, and I could have opened up half your neck. In the realm of combat, mutual death still favors the aggressor," Matteo countered evenly.
"His perfect score would have ended with a trip to the infirmary," Grace interjected. "You handed him over to me," she directed her gaze at Michael. "In the world of Magick, human laws hold no sway. It's an unpredictable realm, and when facing an adversary, the safest course is to leave no trace behind, including leaving them alive. That's the principle outside the Bureau. So, I would have commended you for defending yourself rather than striking simultaneously and apprehending him from a better position."
"The objective is to emerge as the victor," Matteo emphasized, exemplifying this by stepping away. "Everything that precedes that moment is meant for you to contemplate on your journey toward Victory Road."
'I still don't like it,' Michael sighed, reluctantly accepting the lesson. "Can we finally...?" he turned to Grace, seeking confirmation to move on.
"Way ahead of you," she smirked. "Our next mission: high Rank 0."
"We're skipping mid?" Michael's mood quickly shifted from confusion to pleasant surprise.
"How much do you trust your Partner?" Grace leaned in, her hands resting on his shoulders, before delivering a heavy slap on his back, surprising him.
Michael staggered, hissing in pain. "What was that for?"
"Just making sure you're not letting your guard down around me. Caution is important, but knowing who to trust is even more crucial. You trust me, right?"
"Yeah," Michael admitted slowly.
"And my judgment?"
Michael nodded. Over the past month and a half, Grace's support and guidance had deepened the bond of their partnership. Without her, he wasn't sure he could have endured Matteo's cruel teachings, neither emotionally nor mentally.
"Then listen carefully to what I'm about to say…" Grace's tone turned serious. "This mission won't be like our first. While I'll oversee it, you'll handle the grunt work, following my instructions but with a bit more flexibility."
"Oh… what do I gain from passing your performance review?" Michael guessed at the mission's purpose.
"Glad you catch on," Grace said as they walked towards the elevators. "Department Manager Jully is still working on getting approval, but the odds are in your favor," she selected an empty elevator. After a moment's pause, she clenched her fist, a mix of excitement and tension evident in her expression. "It's a mid Rank 1 mission!"
…
\\\
Rank: 0.
Department: Risk Management.
Magick Ions: 352.
Missons: »
* Active: 1.
* Subject: URGENT New Mission Assignment. Codename: No Believers Left.
Agent Michael Mir,
This message is classified at high Rank 0 level of confidentiality and should not be discussed with anyone without proper clearance. Read its details carefully and confirm your Accept within 60 seconds.
* Mission Brief: On September 25, 2023, at 08:00 hours, the Australian Branch obtained footage from Sydney Airport. Harold Nelson, Leader of the Kinta-Lath-Macbur Cult, emerged from seclusion and arrived in Australia on a commercial flight from Thailand. He was accompanied by a group of five individuals, consisting of four men and one woman. These five individuals are not recognized as associates or members of the Cult. Since that day, known members and affiliates of the Cult have relocated and taken residence at Elysium Heights in Bellevue Cove, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, where they are suspected to engage in Cult-related illicit activities.
* Objective: Conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the Kinta-Lath-Macbur Cult. Uncover the true purpose behind their grand assembly and promptly report your findings to Headquarters. In cases where the Risk Assessment Level reaches "3," proceed with an infiltration mission at the Kinta-Lath-Macbur Cult's residence to neutralize key members as outlined in the yet-to-be-determined Elimination List. In the event of a Risk Assessment Level "4," prioritize the handling of inhuman entities. In the most extreme cases, Risk Assessment Level "5," offer unwavering support to our Australian Branch and execute a purging operation within a one-kilometer radius of the Kinta-Lath-Macbur Cult.
* Assets: As always, the services of Yastrebov Pogled, Nakizawasābisu are at your disposal. There will be no involvement of the Australian Branch's Risk Management Department, until Risk Assessment is determined.
* Remuneration: Risk Assessment Level 3 = 5,000$ & 1.75 Merit Points; Risk Assessment Level 4 = 7,500$ & 2 Merit Points; Risk Assessment Level 5 = 10,000$ & 2.5 Merit Points.
* Accept\Reject
* Completed: 1.
«
Demonic Contract: Missing Information.
* Grace Period: 03.09.2023-03.09.2025.
Partner: Grace Vasquez.
///
…
21.10.2023
09:45, Sydney Airport. Michael and Grace touched down in Australia, courtesy of Yastrebov Pogled's private plane service. They were swiftly transported to their rental accommodation with the assistance of Nakizawasābisu's reliable black Nissan Fuga and skilled chauffeurs.
10:01, Mascot, Sydney, New South Wales. The duo found themselves standing before a multi-story residential complex that seamlessly integrated with the suburban surroundings – Harbor View Apartments. The neighborhood exuded tranquility, adorned with meticulously tended gardens and trees lining the streets. Residents and passersby carried on with their daily routines, hardly giving any notice to the newcomers.
"How far did you say Elysium Heights is from here?" Grace inquired, casting a discerning gaze over the area. She had entrusted Michael with selecting their rental accommodation, merely redirecting the receipt to Resource and Finance.
"In case of a Risk Assessment Level 5, I chose this location as it's approximately two kilometers from Elysium Heights," Michael explained.
Upon accepting the mission, he had gleaned from Grace that only missions earning Merit Points fell within the Risk Assessment range of 1 to 5. These missions typically ranged from mid Rank 0 and above. Generally, within Rank 0, Risk Assessments of 1 and 2 were designated for mid Rank 0 missions, while 3 to 5 denoted high-risk endeavors.
"Sounds like a plan. Let's get settled before we dive into our preliminary investigation," Grace suggested.
Their apartment, situated on the ninth floor, bore the number 50. It was a modest two-bedroom space with a partial view of the surrounding neighborhoods, offering a glimpse of pedestrians at Bellevue Cove.
Michael and Grace stowed their luggage in their respective bedrooms before reconvening in the living room. For this mission, they had brought along a widescreen tablet containing information about known members of the Kinta-Lath-Macbur Cult displayed prominently, with a smaller window detailing the five additional individuals who had accompanied the Cult Leader to Australia.
"Until nightfall, we'll split up to scout the area. If you come across anyone matching the descriptions on either of these lists, continue to act inconspicuously. Do not engage, even if you witness suspicious activity," Grace instructed firmly. "Can you handle that?"
"Yes," Michael affirmed without hesitation. "But they wouldn't really kidnap babies, would they?"
"That was just an example. Don't underestimate them, though. While they may not operate like a typical criminal gang, their activities can range from petty offenses to truly heinous acts," Grace cautioned.