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Post by Alex Andersen on Jul 27, 2019 6:55:49 GMT -5
Alex reached for his gauntlet and pressed few buttons causing the gauntlet to detach from his arm. He handed it over to Maria without a word; every now and then she analyzes combat data from Alex's gauntlet to determine his progress as well as different types of enemies they encounter. It is a useful feature for gauntlets to keep record of encountered enemies; Maria can have a better look at the fight against that 'enhanced' Saurus. She might be able to learn something new out of it for this operation of hers so Alex felt it was not a waste of time. Maria took the gauntlet. Alex started tapping his foot against the floor waiting, perhaps a bit impatiently, for papers to be copied.
"Nothing much has been happening for the past 2 months so I doubt you have anything interesting in there. Care to install some of those fancy upgrades Daniel has?" Alex said.
Azrael and Hydra continued on with their conversations about stats, progress and evolution. Main topic of the conversation seemed to be Azrael's concern for combat efficiency- his role of a 'tank' is a precious one in any team, but if your line of work requires you to go solo for most of the time your 'tank' role is wasted. Hydra's line of work often requires her to take both damaging and tanking role at the same time, something Azrael's body type and abilities are not built for. For this reason he seeks advice and training from a superior like Hydra. She, of course, is not willing to give straight answers or advice, but like every wise old man in fiction she speaks in metaphors, codes and 'wisdom'. Not the best deal for Azrael, but at least she is trying to help him.
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Post by Maria Zenovia on Jul 27, 2019 15:44:33 GMT -5
Maria moved back to her worktable and started plugging cables of various sorts inside the gauntlet. "That was my intention." She replied back to Alex. One of her laptops turned on, now connected to the gauntlet. After several seconds vast collection of folders could be seen on screen; data ranging from codes essential for gauntlet's functions to Bakugan abilities, stats and combat records. Some of these things are nigh impossible to deal with through gauntlets themselves since display and interface are not optimized for browsing. Daniel's gauntlet was upgraded and so he may easily deal with those things; now it is Alex's turn have the upgrade installed.
After several moments of browsing through gauntlet's files Maria made a copy of one file and then made few notes on a piece of paper by her. Content-wise Alex was correct; not many interesting things have happened in the past two months. Their stats and useful data have not stopped accumulating over those two months, however- there were plenty things Maria could use. Few more clicks and she was done- installed few upgrades to the gauntlet to aid Alex in and out of combat; better interface and easier control would be helpful when viewing his own abilities and stats. Moreover, there were plenty things that would help him out in brawls such as voice-commands for quick activation of abilities, brawler skills or Bakugan skills. With that done she plugged out the gauntlet and stood up.
"Two uninteresting, yet valuable months." She commented on Alex's earlier statement. Her hand reached for the nearby drawer and she pulled out a round shiny item. Its surface was green and rather smooth; it reminded of a fine emerald. Maria placed the item inside gauntlet's top hatch causing both the item and the gauntlet to glow for a brief moment. Once that was taken care of she handed the gauntlet back to Alex. "Here- I trust this will help you in the long run. Make good use of it." She said.
"Oh- so you gave him the Optimization Node?" Hydra mentioned curiously.
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Post by Alex Andersen on Aug 12, 2019 6:47:16 GMT -5
Alex got a hold of his gauntlet and placed it by the copy machine. After a couple of minutes machine was done with work so Alex grabbed the copy and his gauntlet. Upon further inspection of the gauntlet by clicking over it he was able to figure out new commands in much quicker and efficient manner. There were several new softwares installed allowing for quicker and simpler progress observation, content analysis and precise result display. This would help Alex in his training and fights by providing useful numerical results of his and Azrael's combat efficiency allowing them to improve in the fields they were lacking in before. That is a quite useful thing to have- Alex would have never thought something like this existed or that it could be given to him, out of all people. It is some promising technology; many brawlers could use it to improve themselves much quicker, but considering Maria gave it to Alex it must be something that will not go into full production yet.
"Thanks. I'm sure this will help." Alex said gratefully. "Is this program called Optimization Node?"
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Post by Maria Zenovia on Aug 12, 2019 7:27:14 GMT -5
"No. It is a different attachment I installed." Maria responded. "Newest tech on the market- it allows you to choose what your Bakugan evolves into." She revealed briefly.
Optimization Node is a gauntlet attachment invented and produced by Riven Technologies, most powerful and influential organization focused on research, invention and production of new and helpful technologies. Optimization Node, being the newest product, is yet not fully developed to be placed in consumers' hands so it is, normally, tested by organizations dealing with brawling such as Silver Knights and their branches. Utility of Optimization Node is to view different forms Bakugan may evolve into and what new things evolution will bring in terms of stats and skill sets. On top of that it allows brawler and Bakugan to pick a 'build' they wish to go for and once evolution is ready Bakugan will evolve into the build corresponding with chosen build. This is not natural way of evolution, but it is also a thing of personal choice; Bakugan might prefer to evolve into something that does more damage, has more speed or endurance and so on while other ones leave it in fate's hands.
"You may view new approximate stats, techniques, skill sets and abilities before evolution. Whether you wish to use it or not is up to you. Just know that once used Optimization Node dies and may not be reused; you would need a new one." Maria explained. Optimization Nodes, being fairly new, do not have fully developed endurance and after one use they stop functioning. It would be a long time until second evolution so Alex had nothing to worry about if he wanted a new one.
"Worry not- we know it is safe." Hydra assured.
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Post by Alex Andersen on Aug 12, 2019 7:52:31 GMT -5
Choosing one's evolution was a big surprise to both Alex and Azrael. They have never heard of such thing being possible under any circumstances and now someone invents it as a form of technology which only needs to be installed inside gauntlets to function. "Eh?! How is that even possible? You're not pulling my leg, are you?" Alex questioned in surprise upon hearing the utility of his new gauntlet tech.
"Selective evolution, huh? Interesting. It is a thing many Bakugans have been trying to achieve for generations only for it to be unveiled by human hands?" Azrael patiently listened. While quite surprised and excited after what he had heard remained calm and collected. He trusts Maria's words are truth; he feels she is not type to say such things if it is untruth. Perhaps that is how Hydra got so strong over the years... there is no evidence of such thing though. "It would be my honor to use your gift and see what happens." Azrael confidently said to Maria.
"Are you sure, Azrael? I mean- it is great and all, but..."
"I am sure. This is one of many things many Bakugans like I would crave. If I may choose something both of us are most comfortable with then it is an opportunity worth taking." Azrael assured.
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Post by Maria Zenovia on Aug 15, 2019 12:36:59 GMT -5
"Agreed with Azrael. Unlike you, humans, Bakugans do not have established society and strength through union. Our best option is to keep getting stronger in ways most efficient." Hydra said confidently. As one of several 'star' Bakugans in the organization she knows well what Azrael speaks of. Bakugan's powers and survival capabilities are things they should be improving at every given second in order to take care of themselves.
"You have time- see what you like. If you choose not to use it that is fine as well. Optimization Node is yours. I have a meeting in about 10 minutes so if this is all you are free, Alex." Maria said. With that she left the room and moved to next corridor where her room and wardrobe is. Despite the fact she already looked professionally dressed she had different clothing and uniforms for different situations. Whoever she was going to meet with was probably important considering she was going to change. Alex she personally knows so there is no need for it unless she is messy-looking.
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Post by Alex Andersen on Aug 17, 2019 0:17:16 GMT -5
"Right." Alex agreed as Maria said that.
He grabbed the rest of his belongings and placed Azrael on his shoulder. New installed system was still poking his interest as well as the Optimization Node he intended on checking out upon return home. Azrael seemed excited about it so it would be good to look further into it. There were no obligations so he had entire day free for himself, perhaps even entire week- would be good idea to relax a little before jumping into this whole evolution thing. Maybe that bar Daniel invited him to earlier would be worth visiting since it seemed quite relaxed.
"We'll be off. Oh, by the way- Daniel might stop by in a few minutes. Tell him I said 'hi'." Alex said and left the apartment. He intended to visit few shops and malls; they should be working even during this god-forsaken weather. Would be good to stock up on some groceries and cards before heading to the bar.
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Joseph Friedrich
Brawler
"I foresee good future for you..."
Posts: 7
Alignment: Neutral
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Post by Joseph Friedrich on Aug 19, 2019 15:51:02 GMT -5
Snow has covered every inch of this city. Hours were moving to the afternoon while snowfall's pace was shifting; at first gentle and minutes later raging blizzard. There was no one on the streets. Not a single soul. City has calmed down for once; free of all the noise. In this jungle of concrete and steel there was one facility working without interruption. All windows shuttered, doors locked and no way to look inside.
"What do you mean our files were confiscated?" Ominous voice of younger man resounded through hallways of the facility. Voice was followed by sounds of gagging and violent thumping.
"...it is Costa's fault! He..." Panicked voice of another man resounded from the same corridor.
"HE is not here and you crawled away without even thinking. Get out of my sight before I put one between your eyes." Ominous voice threatened. It was followed by loud gasps of the other person and then silence again. There was nothing and no one in the corridor.
Man in white was listening in to this. He was standing near what seemed like operational table with a man lying unconscious on it. One on the table had his chest cut open, but he was still alive. The one standing by had bloodstains spread all over his white coat. Upon releasing a tiresome sigh he took a scalpel and moved to the unconscious man continuing with whatever he was doing.
"You should not make so much noise." Man in white spoke out loud towards the corridor.
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Arthur Pallan
Brawler
"Stage is set just for us. Let's dance."
Posts: 3
Faction: Pyrus
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Post by Arthur Pallan on Aug 22, 2019 5:00:00 GMT -5
Shadowy silhouette appeared right by the man in white. Short figure walked out of the shadows revealing its true form. Figure revealed itself to be a young man. He was curiously looking at the man in white, faint and smug smile on his face.
"Aren't you a grumpy one, Joseph?" Young man said with a creepy tone. Judging by his voice it was the exact same ominous voice threatening someone in the corridor mere seconds ago. It had to be the same person, but there was no sign of them getting through the door and inside the room. He began to stare at the unconscious man on the operation table- there was no reaction to the sight, just curiosity. "Oh, you made me lunch? I'm flattered!" He joyfully exclaimed upon taking sight of whatever the man in white was doing.
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Joseph Friedrich
Brawler
"I foresee good future for you..."
Posts: 7
Alignment: Neutral
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Post by Joseph Friedrich on Aug 22, 2019 5:14:20 GMT -5
Joseph sighed upon hearing his 'ally' appearing from behind. That man looks quite young, but he is by no means a kid. Same could be said for Joseph, but that would be mixing apples and oranges. Despite that playful behavior this 'kid' is a monster among brawlers and... just a monster, too. His demeanor, contradicting his power and behavior, was quite scary to those who have witnessed his abilities, but he is also quite popular with women and even men with some... peculiar tastes. Despite being allies Joseph is not fond of him due to his nose being everywhere.
"Arthur." Joseph called his name. "Were my words not clear when I told you not to disturb my peace while I'm working?"
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Arthur Pallan
Brawler
"Stage is set just for us. Let's dance."
Posts: 3
Faction: Pyrus
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Post by Arthur Pallan on Aug 24, 2019 8:23:57 GMT -5
"Haha, I wouldn't dream of disturbing, doctor." Young man, Arthur, replied. He reached for his pocket and revealed three photographs to Joseph. Photographs were showing interior of a warehouse and several people and Bakugans could be seen. Clearly, there was a violent brawl going on. On one photograph there was that large Saurus with installed cannons locked in a fight against a knight Bakugan. On another there was a bipedal wolf fighting several Bakugans at the same time. Finally, last photograph was showing two brawlers walking outside of the warehouse; their faces were crystal clear.
"Trading Post No.3 was attacked ten hours ago. Most goods- destroyed, several Glacies- arrested, few important documents- confiscated." Arthur explained handing over the photographs to Joseph.
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Joseph Friedrich
Brawler
"I foresee good future for you..."
Posts: 7
Alignment: Neutral
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Post by Joseph Friedrich on Aug 24, 2019 9:01:47 GMT -5
Joseph gave those pictures a swift glance and immediately recognized two brawlers. It may have been ten years or so since the last time he laid his eyes upon them, but it did not matter. To an untrained eye it would be difficult to recognize a child once they have hit major biological phases and became an adult, but for Joseph that was not an issue in the slightest. He was curious as to why Arthur would present him, all of a sudden and out of all people, with pictures of these two brawlers. Does Arthur know what Joseph knows about them? Was it a pure coincidence? It was too convenient to be a coincidence.
"Hm... ten hours ago?" Joseph said with a sigh as he continued to operate over the unconscious person. "I presume the two belong to enemy factions- if documents have been confiscated for this long we may soon expect some visitors knocking on our doors. This goes triple for Glacies. As for Azure Rosemarie... hmm..." Joseph had a monologue going on while working on the operation at the same time.
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Arthur Pallan
Brawler
"Stage is set just for us. Let's dance."
Posts: 3
Faction: Pyrus
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Post by Arthur Pallan on Aug 25, 2019 3:42:05 GMT -5
Arthur was just standing there and listening with a smug smile. He knew what was coming; two brawlers from the picture would easily be found and dealt with. They were not the problem anymore considering Silver Knights and Stronghold will have information that will put Arthur's plans to harm- as well as plans of his associates. However, some people in here have a code- whoever causes these issues will be found and made sorry for interfering.
"You know them, don't you?" Arthur interrupted Joseph. "They're the ones you were trying to capture and failed... haha- oh how the time flies, doesn't it?" Arthur cackled at Joseph who was still operating.
Arthur walked past the table and headed towards the door. "Don't you worry, doctor. I am nothing if not reasonable- I will see that these fellas are brought to you." He cackled again as he walked out.
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Joseph Friedrich
Brawler
"I foresee good future for you..."
Posts: 7
Alignment: Neutral
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Post by Joseph Friedrich on Aug 26, 2019 3:29:57 GMT -5
Just hearing Arthur talk was making Joseph tired. That little sadistic monster was just looking for a valuable excuse to go out and cause trouble. Situation might have been in Joseph's advantage since having those two brawlers captured would prove fruitful to his work, but having Arthur do it would probably end in those two being cut in pieces before finding their way here.
"Try to leave them in one piece." Joseph said to Arthur who was leaving.
He was sure one of these two became a Silver Knight, specifically an Esper, while the other one's affiliation remains unknown- it is something akin to being a mercenary, but there was not enough data to confirm anything.
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Post by Alex Andersen on Aug 27, 2019 7:46:34 GMT -5
Having finished his business and conversation with Maria Alex left the apartment. Alex felt slightly bad for his superior; she barely has time to eat and sleep from all the work that has been piling up on her recently. Thanks to Stronghold and Eden peace on Earth is easily maintained as far as one can see, but there is always something or someone not content with the way things are. After numerous wars this world had been plunged into, peace was brought by world's most powerful organizations. Peace is maintained and yet there are plenty of individuals who would bring state of chaos for their own selfish reasons and ideologies. Such wishes brought upon the world creation of Azure Rosemarie, alien-obsessed cultists and terrorists, Glacies- small group of criminals led by former world champions who believe world requires conflict in order to keep evolving and becoming stronger. There are even more unnamed groups lurking deep in the shadows, turning all the gears and keeping quite until the time is right- plenty of evidence proves so. Numerous internal and external conflicts require those in high position and with high power to be in constant state of alert; ready to act at moment's notice. Such is life for Maria- combat, paperwork, lack of sleep and time for oneself.
Alex headed out to spent the rest of his day shopping and unwinding. Snow was still heavily falling and temperatures were going far below zero, but there was nothing Alex could do about it- he needed to get groceries while he could. That weather seemed like it had no intention of calming down any time soon so might as well just take care of important things. Upon finishing with groceries Alex somehow 'dragged' himself to Blue Candle to relax with a drink. (With that my tests have been successfully complete so I may close this one way earlier.)
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