The Shards of War: Balancing Power

Chapter 13

The next morning, Matsu was awakened by Azzy, his black cat with a distinctive diamond pattern over their right eye, playfully licking his face. Chuckling, Matsu hugged Azzy before getting out of bed to start the day. While enjoying breakfast, his phone rang, and he saw that it was a call from Calie and Marie. Answering the call, Matsu was greeted with the news that their plan had worked, and most people were now convinced that they were just friends.

"Great job, Matsu! Your idea really paid off," Calie exclaimed.

"Yeah, everyone's talking about the match, and no one even remembers that weird chin-grabbing moment," Marie added.

As they chatted about the success of their strategy, the phone was handed over to Calie and Marie's idol manager, who wanted to express her thoughts directly to Matsu. She commended him for his role in organizing the plan but expressed concern about the potential risks.

"Look, Matsu, I don't know if you three are in a relationship or not," she began, "but if you are, you better listen. Their reputation is on the line. We can't have these rumors circulating all the time, you hear me?"

Matsu chuckled, assuring her, "Don't worry. It was all for show. We're just friends, and I know how important their reputation is."

The manager's tone shifted, becoming more serious. "Good. Because if anything jeopardizes their careers, we won't hesitate to take action. Understand?"

Matsu laughed, "Loud and clear. But hey, if anyone mistreats my best friends, they might have to deal with some 'accidents' involving the latest gadgets from our company. Just a friendly warning."

The manager hesitated for a moment, then said, "Well, let's hope it never comes to that. Take care of them, Matsu. Bye."

Matsu ended the call with a cheerful farewell and a grin, knowing that he had successfully navigated the delicate balance between their personal and professional lives.

Then he got ready and left to go work at his company, he arrived an entered with the security and receptionists greeting him. Matsu made his way to his office, activating his aura artifact as he entered. The air shimmered, and his avatar materialized, ready to assist him. Just as he was settling into his work, a message popped up on his screen. It was from Blaze, and she needed his help down at the Tactical Takedown lobby.

"Looks like duty calls, Avatar," Matsu sighed, addressing the aura construct. "I need you to hold down the fort for me while I'm away. Finish up the work on the desk, handle any questions that come your way using my TTS pad, and, most importantly, reschedule any meetings that might pop up before I get back. Can you handle that?"

The avatar, a physical manifestation of Matsu's will, nodded in acknowledgment. Though it couldn't speak, its gestures conveyed understanding and readiness to assist. Matsu trusted the avatar to manage his responsibilities in his absence.

With a quick pat on the avatar's shoulder, Matsu left the office, heading towards the Tactical Takedown lobby. As he walked through the bustling corridors of the company, he pondered what could have prompted Blaze to seek his assistance in the Tactical Takedown arena. It was clear that his professional and personal life were intricately interwoven, a delicate dance that required careful navigation.

Matsu arrived at the Tactical Takedown lobby, and Blaze quickly approached him with a sense of urgency. She explained that there was a heated argument between two teams, and Matsu couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the situation.

"Is it Krush Crew and Splash Jam again?" Matsu inquired, referencing Angelo and Orca's respective teams.

Blaze shook her head. "No, it's not them this time. It's two other teams, and they're really going at it."