Washington, D.C.
In a dimly lit FBI conference room in Washington, D.C., a lone figure sat fixated on a projector screen illuminating an unfamiliar setting, the man's identity obscured.
"So, FBI Director, are you willing to take that bet? I've heard about your involvement in the auction, and rest assured, I've made strategic preparations for my group as well. They're more than ready for anything," chuckled the enigmatic figure on the screen.
The FBI director rose from his chair, pacing thoughtfully. "Yes, I assisted with the auction, but merely as a facilitator. However, I'm hesitant about this bet. I lack detailed information on their capabilities and would risk failure."
The faceless man reassured him, "Director, I've shared my group's dossier with you. I understand if you're reticent, given the stakes. Take a look at the details I've sent, then decide."
The tension in the room mirrored the high stakes of the impending decision. As the director contemplated the message on his phone, the weight of their exchange hung heavy in the air, emblematic of the broader conflict unfolding beyond the confines of the conference room.
The Director pulled his phone out and began to read through the long message. It stated:
Daniel, Gold 3rd Layer. Holy Style, 4 Artifacts + 1 Sacred Rank Heaven Animal!
Selena, Gold 3rd Layer. Order Style, 2 Artifacts!
Ian, Gold 3rd Layer. Soul Style, 4 Artifacts!
The Director sat in astonishment, though not entirely surprised by the confident demeanor of his counterpart. Why else would the man exude such certainty without sufficient knowledge of JacQuarius's group?
It dawned on the Director that his own team faced slim odds of success. However, declining the bet after receiving an advantage would be a blatant offense to the faceless man.
Thinking quickly, the Director proposed an alternative, suggesting three sets of 1v1 battles to offset potential losses. He delivered his response with a touch of smugness, convinced of his strategic maneuver.
Yet, the faceless man swiftly dissected the Director's intentions. "Director, my group has incurred prior losses in 1v1 battles against yours. Granting you this advantage—knowing our statistics—is akin to adding insult to injury. Are you trying to deliver a slap to my sensitive face?"
His stern rebuke left the Director trembling.
Quickly backpedaling, the Director offered apologies, acknowledging his misstep. He acquiesced to the 3v3 battle bet, eager to hear the terms.
The stakes were higher than expected—vying for the Overlord position of Tokyo, a coveted title. The winner would claim uncontested control over Japan for the next decade. However, the true essence of the bet lay in the details.
"If my group triumphs," declared the faceless man in a confident manner, "I demand airspace access for my organization. Should your group prevail, we will allocate you 5% ownership of our organization—equating to significant assets, including artifacts, manpower, and treasury access."
The Director's eyes lit up with interest, captivated by the enticing offer. Without hesitation, he accepted, his expression betraying a mix of excitement and determination. The gravity of the forthcoming battle was underscored by the monumental stakes laid bare in their agreement.
As the Director contemplated the implications of the wager, a sense of anticipation and gravity settled over the room. The fate of Tokyo and the future of their organizations hung in the balance, driving both parties to prepare diligently for the impending clash.
The faceless man on the screen nodded in satisfaction, his tone firm. "Very well, Director. Let the preparations begin. The stage is set for a momentous confrontation—one that will determine the fate of Tokyo and reshape the balance of power!"
With that, the meeting concluded, leaving the Director to ponder the weighty responsibilities that lay ahead. The game had been set in motion, and the outcome would reverberate far beyond the confines of their present exchange.
The Director attempted to reach JacQuarius, but he was met with disappointment as he was directed straight to voicemail! Then he received a call in return, the faceless man's voice came through sternly.
"No, Director. This bet is between us alone. Keep the groups focused on their upcoming battle," the voice asserted before abruptly ending the call.
The Director stood, stunned, as the reality of the situation sunk in. He had fallen into the faceless man's scheme, unable to provide any last-minute advantages to his group. They faced a clear disadvantage, particularly in artifact count.
Daniel's group boasted a total of 10 artifacts, including a Sacred Rank Heaven Animal unknown to JacQuarius's team.
The Director's mind raced with implications. His inability to leverage resources for his group's benefit added to the pressure of the impending confrontation. The revelation of Daniel's group's hidden advantage underscored the uphill battle they faced.
With little recourse, the Director resolved to focus on strategic planning within the constraints imposed by the faceless man's directive. The fate of Tokyo hung in the balance, dependent on the outcome of the impending clash.
At an unknown location, the faceless man placed another crucial call—not to the Director, but to Daniel.
"Daniel, much hangs in the balance. I've placed a substantial wager with JacQuarius's backers. If you succeed, we'll deal a severe blow to their foundation. Their director is already rattled after reviewing the reports on your group. Everything should proceed according to plan," the faceless man explained.
"Yes, Sir. I assure you, this won't be like last time. We've prepared diligently, and I have Selena and Ian by my side. It won't be easy, and it may even come down to a life-or-death battle, but I'm confident we'll emerge victorious," Daniel replied with determination.
"Good. Now go out there and win!" the faceless man encouraged before ending the call.
Meanwhile, high above in the sky, JacQuarius, Kiyomi, and Tela caught sight of their destination.
"The Kyoto Budo Center," JacQuarius remarked, the gravity of the moment sinking in. The scene was set for a confrontation that would determine the course of their futures.