Vol. 2 – Chapter 69 – Plans for Future
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The sparring between Mathias and the professional MMA fighter went pretty good for both sides, with each gaining some momentum and having good exchanges, from Mathias who was using his feet to move around and strike from distance like some experienced kickboxer, managing to land some good combos on his sparring partner body, but on another hand he too suffered from getting dropped on the ground from his opponent grappling skills, where he eat an elbow in his face.
When it got to those exchanges, Leonor's heart got a throb, especially when the elbow and punches rained down on Mathias, but she recovered when seeing Mathias move around to create space, and later after absorbing some hits, in an opportune moment, he exploded, ending with an armbar submission attempt that resulted in a tap from his opponent.
"How?? He managed to get the armbar so easily!" called out the gym members, who watched the entire sparring.
"Phew, this is really too dangerous." commented Leonor who had her heart beating like a hopper, as the guys stopped fighting, where old Adrian chuckled finding her reaction cute.
"This isn't even a heavy sparring day, anyway buckle up little girl, that lad has two more sparring opponents."
"Good one Dumi, Ian. CHANGE! Dumi go recover your breath, you'll have a kickboxing session after that with Gabi. You two better don't get heated up and start hard sparring, we'll work on techniques and only techniques."
Mathias, who walked outside of the cage while taking his gloves off, nodded at the coach without complaining, and as he got out, he glanced at the awe faces of Vlad and George, while Leonor put on a cold front, to mask her surprise too.
"What's with the long faces, did I get bruised up or something? Tell me Leo, I didn't get a cut on my temple, right?"
"No, no, there are no bruises." remarked Leonor, as her front couldn't hold strong, taking a peek at his muscles.
Giving her a smile, he then sat down beside the cage supporting platform, and with a look on the new fight while another was reserved for old Adrian as he asked him.
"How was it coach?"
"Hehe, you tried something surprising for a white belt in BJJ, especially in sparring. That could earn you a Blue Belt but bad luck, you still have to train more to get your rank increased. Wasn't that like that game of yours you play? You need to earn experience to level up to the next level."
"We'll get there in time. Coach, when I finish the training session, I want to discuss something between the two."
"Sure, remind me when you leave. We'll talk then, for now recover your stamina."
Nodding at the coach, he then glanced at his friends and with a curious expression, he threw a question in their way, while watching the sparring of the professionals.
"How is it, guys? Do you like the environment?"
"The smell of sweat? To be honest I'll rather play Satisfy and focus fully on the game. I can earn good money from the game."
"Depends on your situation there. The S.A Group began their crackdown already, notifying users not to use the illegal black market to convert their gold into money. Anyway, let's not talk about Satisfy in the gym, the old man will once again nag me." remarked Mathias in a joking tone, that turned abruptly serious especially when old Adrian turned his attention on the group of four that was chatting around.
Quieting down, the group watched the sparring and asked Mathias all sort questions about the moves the ones fighting were doing, until he had to jump again and spar. The sparring he was placed in was strictly technically, without the two, placing strength in their blows, and overall, the conclusion of the sparring was that Mathias still had to learn more and train more to be hand in hand with a professional from a technical standpoint. Nevertheless, seeing Mathias hang on with someone he brought in the sport earlier than him, brought hope into the old man, in seeing a future star bringing forth light in his establishment.
With his sparring over, and session also finished, Mathias brought his group back to the locker rooms to change their clothes, already spending a couple of good hours inside, but before going out for good, he had them wait while having a conversation with old Adrian in his office.
"What did you want to talk with me, lad?" asked old Adrian after seeing Mathias enter his office, changed in his casual clothes.
"Sir, I mentioned that I got fired from my hotel job, right?"
"Yea, what about it? You got no reason to be sulking over it, since they probably paid you crap."
"The average level, enough to survive and have some extra money saved up."
"So you want some advice from me?"
"Hmm? Not really, I wanted to tell you that now that I got fired, I will have more time to train and gain that experience I require to hang in the ring."
"I see, but how will you deal with your expenses?" asked the old man from his seat, while Mathias who got to another seat scratched his head.
"I can try earning money from the game I play. The thing is I don't know if I will be able to have a stable income."
Old Adrian took a bit of time to think and respond to Mathias, and with a grin on his face, he asked the youngster.
"Tell me, little Mathias, you want to gain experience at a faster rate before trying something akin to becoming a Pro MMA fighter?"
"I mean, look old Adrian, I trust you know what's the best for me in this journey. I'll dance to what rhythm you will throw at me. Since I am curious to see how far I can go because I never knew about those abilities of mine until four months ago. But if I feel you are trying to harm me, we will cut all connections."
Getting Mathias' response that was exactly what he expected, having an understanding about his personality in those four months they worked together, and with a serious voice he told him.
"Okay, I will start calling some of my friends, and have an amateur kickboxing match booked. We'll start first with the kickboxing circuit. We'll build our name and experience there, and while we are doing that we'll also enter BJJ tournaments and wrestling tournaments. After we are done with all of those, whenever I feel you are ready, we will move for the Giants and fight against those monsters."
Mathias, seeing that grin on the old man, went straight on his chair, and with an intrigued tone, asked.
"Could it be you are trying to kill me?"
"Hahaha, how couldn't I resist when I stumbled upon such a diamond? I will polish you until you can cut into everything. All those fuckers who looked down on me, I will show them what I can raise. All of them will know that our lands have also brewed warriors."
Not being able to change anything in the mindset the old man was, he could only sigh, and remark in a short tone, as if he was talking to himself.
"I got another crazy old man to deal with."
"Did you say some shit about me kid?"
"No, not at all, coach. I am all on board, let's show those guys that being a Romanian is not just about pickpocketing tourists."
"That one was good. Made me remember a friend who was crazy good at pickpocketing people when we would go for the Fight Week in US. So many phones did he get from people, especially in the arena that he was deemed a legend in our circle." laughed the old man, at the silly remark Mathias brought about.
"So, coach, I should prepare for now mainly on striking?"
"Yea, why do you ask? You still have time until I set your entry in the amateur circle."
"Well, I can also train inside the game. Otherwise, how do you think I managed to pull those holds in the sparring?"
"Yea sure, as if you could learn that from a game. That's just your in-built excuse so people wouldn't deem you weird for being able to learn faster than others." mentioned old Adrian, still not buying into this game Mathias was talking that it was of help.
"Tsk, with how stubborn you are old man, you will only be able to see the truth once you get inside the game."
"The heck kid, I am 61, I have no time for that type of silly thing, such as games that kids have right now."
"Okay, okay, I got it. Last thing I wanted to ask you, sir."
"Hmmm?"
"Can I build a schedule for myself?"
"Just send me the hours you want to work, and we'll figure something out. I also want some breaks once in a while."
"Got it."
Ending their conversation with both parties entering a verbal agreement about what was for the future, Mathias went to pick his friends from the training room where they stopped to look at the guys training, and only after bidding his farewell to the guys still in the gym, he took his leave followed by the three.
"I hope you enjoyed yourself and that my training exercises weren't so harsh on you guys since I tried to make them easier on you." remarked Mathias as he walked alongside his group toward the boulevard, exiting the Old Town area.
"Working out is not for me, but I did enjoy punching the bags and seeing you get hit in the face by those bros." said Vlad with an evil grin, with made Mathias lower himself to form a snowball and hit him smack on the face.
"Mind your words, I wasn't that dead serious in the sparring and allowed those guys to touch me. If I would go serious, I would give the coach a heart attack from overthinking things and setting me up for the pro leagues."
"Bastard. Let me guess, the reason you haven't leveled one bit is that you are training those movements, kicks, footsteps and whatever you are doing in MMA?"
"More or less, is simply building your muscle memory, which in the end is all linked to your mind." remarked Mathias in a casual way, as he brought his hands back in his pocket to keep them warm from the winter's cold.
Vlad looked at Mathias wanting to hit back, but then he remembered that he stood no chance at beating him in a snowball fight or a fistfight, and didn't lash back, making Leonor and George to laugh at his suffering.
In no time the group was split when they reached the main boulevard where Vlad and George went in a different direction compared to Mathias and Leonor whose first target was the Metro Station, yet before splitting up Vlad didn't forget to pay Mathias back for the leg kicks and snowball he eat, and did a cheesy remark that made Leonor cough a bit, herself being the one embarrassed.
"Matei, you found your metro partner quite late, especially when you got fired. What tragedy got into you man. Nevertheless, take care of yourself and the boss, if you see some idiot hitting on her, beat the shit out of them."
*Couch* "Why should he beat them?"
Stopping from his departure, Vlad smiled at her and casually remarked, as if nothing big was said.
"Alpha's males have tendencies of being overprotective."
"Stop talking crap Vlad, go home and relax, maybe drink a beer for all I care, just stop muttering cringe words. Besides you better be online, I'll hit you up inside Satisfy later this day to talk something."
"Why not tell me now?"
"I am too lazy to bother myself right now. We'll do it inside Satisfy since it is faster."
It was then that, Mathias and Leonor departed toward the Metro Station, in a silent atmosphere without anyone bringing itself to start the conversation, in the end Mathias broke the silence rather fastly.
"Are you going with the M5 or M2 back home?"
"M2? I am living rather close to Revolution Station, so obviously I will go with the metro instead of driving, or taking a tram. What about you?"
"Same, with one more station besides yours."
"I see."
"Indeed. Leo, can I get your opinion on something?"
"Sure, no problem."
"How stable do you see the economic aspect of Satisfy, as in someone who could generate an income playing the game?"
"Hmm, I never thought about this to this day since I started playing the game, but from what I've read on the forums there are already successful streamers that have a decent following. You could make an income doing that streaming."
"Sigh, streaming? That's not for me."
"You could sell items for real money, or what Red mentioned doing the Black Market. Ahh wait, you mentioned S.A Group is cracking on that business. Then, whoever will take the spot as middle-man in this transaction. There might be other ways to gain an income, but I am not documented enough to tell you. Sorry." explained Leonor in a calm way, giving Mathias some ideas of things he also thought about over the course of his playtime.
"Maybe selling items would really be my lucrative business. I haven't told you yet Leonor, but I am building an Tailoring Workshop inside Titan, that's the main reason I asked you guys to help me out with selling the gems."
"Wow, you can do such a thing inside Satisfy?"
"Everything is on the table inside Satisfy, you always have to think about it similar to another world that we have the privilege of entering using our capsule. As if it was some portal to that magical world."
"Makes sense."
Their conversation kept on going smoother, with the two no longer entering an awkward state of silence, and even inside the metro, getting in a corner to not disturb anyone, they kept on talking, with Leonor chuckling a bit as she was the one to tell Mathias about some of the recent events that she encountered with her new mentor, Cardinal Reinhard, being weak to women and she could easily get some interesting rewards from him.
"No man can escape a woman's charm." concluded Mathias as he glanced at Leonor who was giggling a bit.
"Also, if you need my help in Titan, I am allowed to move freely around, but have to report back once two months so Reinhard isn't worried that something might had happen to me."
"Understood, it is good to know you have finally managed to spread your wings after getting to Judar's Church. You have already overtaken my level by a lot, being closer to those without much of a life."
"Hey, don't be mean to those who spend all their available time inside the game."
"Well, I will probably get included in that group soon since without a job my schedule will shift heavily."
In a couple of minutes, the train reached Leonor's destination and in a friendly farewell, they separated, afterward returning home after doing some groceries. Still in the order, he got used he did all his necessities that didn't shift, and later on got inside the capsule and connected inside the game.
The loading time made Mathias contemplate a bit about the things he could focus on right now that he had more time on his hands, and one thing stuck the most, the desire of reaching his goals inside Satisfy, with the first one getting his hands on the Gravelmark mountain.
Returned to his second home, he saw that the game clock showed it was 3 PM, afternoon, and as he stepped the private room, he could see Fayrene working hard writing something at the desk, and immediately when she noticed his return, she turned her head surprised at him, before with a worried tone she asked him, similar to a worried wife who noticed something was off.
"Welcome back, darling. How come you are home this early? Shouldn't you be back at night?"
"I am home, Fay. Well, I should, but not anymore. There have been some changes to my schedule, but in a good sense because I will be able to spend more time with you girls nowadays."
"Then I will not worry, you know the best what is going on with you. As long you are healthy, that's all I care about." said Fayrene, as she placed a kiss on Mathias's lips after he got to her back to watch what she was doing.
She was sketching some clothes that looked relatively close to the clothes Mathias sketched for Jasmine's craftsmanship boost. To which when the young lady saw his confused expression, she chuckled amused, before saying to him.
"You are a bad boy, how could you not show me the clothes you drafted for mom's use?"
"So it was truly the ones I sketched for mom. When did her letter get home? Did she mentioned something about me?" inquired Mathias with an awkward expression, while placing his hands on Fayrene's shoulders, to which the young lady grinned and opening the cabinet in her desk, she finished out a letter.
"Here, this is for you, a letter from mom and dad."
"Ohh, they didn't forget to write to me. I was curious to see how they have been doing since the winter seems harsh this season."
"They are fine, those monsters in the forest didn't act up, just as you mentioned. So they probably kept to their word given to you."
"I doubt that Spider Monster really cared about me, she probably just wanted to be left alone and mind her business. Brooding, or whatnot. But this isn't the point, let me see what they got for me."
Taking a seat beside Fayrene, he opened the letters to see what each of his in-laws had to say, and started with Charles whose writing was slightly messy but he could read its content. He started off by ranting a bit talking about the cold weather, and having to do a lot of farm work to prepare for the winter until finding his wording, then afterwards he opened about Aendyr and Theo's progress in their respective fields, having a hard time separating with Theo who was taken in by the Grenhal House to study.
Mathias was pleased to hear that all things worked out nicely for Theo's end, but also sighed knowing how hard it must be for a parent to let his son depart at an early age. Nevertheless, Charles was at peace with this choice, knowing that it will do well for Theo's future, and was glad Mathias encouraged the boy to pursue this career.
After he bragged a bit about how his sons would become important people in the future with Aendyr turning into a splendid Red Knight, and Theo into a respected Great Mage who could heal any sickness, it made both Mathias and Fayrene who turned to read Charles' letter addressing Mathias.
"Haha, that old man is in good spirits, knowing that his son's future is set to be good."
"It is good that he is well with the idea of separating from his sons. Who knows he might work hard to get other sons to not get lonely."
Fayrene glanced at Mathias and pinched his cheeks, making the latter chuckle like an idiot, before continuing reading the end part of the letter which Charles was discussing about the progress on the cheese he made with him. The details about how the cheese turned out was exactly what the experts he read when documenting himself on how Parmesan cheese was made.
"Good, I expected right. The soil in Gravelmark is good at growing those special bacteria for the cows that allows their milk to turn into Parmesan Cheese."
"Did dad really succeed in making some special cheese?"
"Indeed, but that cheese still needs to age more to have a better taste." commented Mathias, at Fayrene's question, before placing the letter away, and picking Jasmine's.
She too started by telling Mathias about the recent events in Gravelmark, and the winter weather and about how most of her days are spent in a monotonous state inside the house at the fireplace. Nevertheless, once she was done with the "basic" introduction of things to him, she brought pleasant news to Mathias.
[ I tailored two of those unique dresses you have sketched for me son. Right now as I write to you, I feel far better about me picking up my needle and starting working on some decent clothes. Fayrene told me in her letter that you two have really begun building that Workshop which would compete with the Tailoring Guild, and the magical machine you have created that could allow normal people to sew without having the long experience of a tailor.
Mom was shocked to hear about the magical device, and can't wait to visit you. When the winter is over, and spring comes, I will bring the other two and visit Titan, so you better show mom around Titan and the Workshop you built with my little girl. ]
Ending the letter, Mathias had a pleased smile, knowing that Jasmine's passion for tailoring didn't die out, and was happy to work again on the cloth pieces he sketched for her that followed the style of the Victorian Era and even some early 20th Century.
"How did you do it?" asked Fayrene beside Mathias who also read the letter Jasmine wrote for Mathias.
"Do what?" replied Mathias in an innocent tone, not knowing what he did wrong.
"Stop acting like a fool, you know. Inspiring mom to once again tailor. When I was little she told me she would no longer make clothes for people, except for family."
"I mean, what do you think about the sketches I made for mom? Aren't they worth giving a shot again at tailoring?"
"Obviously, they are splendid. Any lady will want to have her hands on such pieces."
"Well, let's also say that any tailor that respects itself would want to be the one to create those dresses. Haven't you liked the ones I made for you, Fay?"
"Is that even a question? Of course I love anything you tailor for me."
As the couple was discussing those events that took part in Cidarian, later on Mathias told Fayrene about the fact he will be away for one month which shocked the young lady.
"Why? What happened? Could it be because of that Christmas thing?"
"Indeed, you have access to watching the streams. So it isn't a surprise if I tell you more about it, right? Or do you have an idea from what others discussed?"
"I didn't understand a single thing those girls were mumbling, but they were excited about the gifts from their boyfriends."
Hearing Fayrene say that, Mathias laughed in a pitiful way, when thinking about the "gifts" some girls wanted nowadays, and looking at Fayrene innocent expression as she mentioned that, he took her in his embrace and slowly began telling her about the Christmas traditions that he remembered from his grandfather, and also some that were implemented at home. All the information that Mathias was telling her, made Fayrene understand why those girls she watched using the System were mumbling about, and was soothed to hear that Mathias also had a family to gather together and spend such time with them.
"I want to feel this Christmas Holiday too." ended Fayrene saying to Mathias in a desiring voice, while Mathias who wasn't that big of a fan for such big holidays could only murmur something in a sarcastic way which Fayrene picked up in full.
"How was that old song? All I want for Christmas is you. Sure, I'll do it."
"Thank you, Mat. I will also tell Jeanne about it, maybe she teaches the kids some songs that would be similar to carols."
"Hah, I will have to get my guys to help me."
Entering the private chat, and tagging Red for a direct call, he told him in a simple and straightforward way.
@Mathias: Go steal some Fir Tree from somewhere in Titan.
@Red: What the fuck, boss? Did you hit your head or something? Why do you want me to steal a Fir Tree
@Mathias: It is Christmas soon, right? I want to bring some of that spirit here.
@Red: Damn, you are crazy, but sure, I will help you out. Does it matter the size?
@Mathias: As big as you can drag around without causing a scene.
Vol. 2 – Chapter 69 – Plans for Future
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The sparring between Mathias and the professional MMA fighter went pretty good for both sides, with each gaining some momentum and having good exchanges, from Mathias who was using his feet to move around and strike from distance like some experienced kickboxer, managing to land some good combos on his sparring partner body, but on another hand he too suffered from getting dropped on the ground from his opponent grappling skills, where he eat an elbow in his face.
When it got to those exchanges, Leonor's heart got a throb, especially when the elbow and punches rained down on Mathias, but she recovered when seeing Mathias move around to create space, and later after absorbing some hits, in an opportune moment, he exploded, ending with an armbar submission attempt that resulted in a tap from his opponent.
"How?? He managed to get the armbar so easily!" called out the gym members, who watched the entire sparring.
"Phew, this is really too dangerous." commented Leonor who had her heart beating like a hopper, as the guys stopped fighting, where old Adrian chuckled finding her reaction cute.
"This isn't even a heavy sparring day, anyway buckle up little girl, that lad has two more sparring opponents."
"Good one Dumi, Ian. CHANGE! Dumi go recover your breath, you'll have a kickboxing session after that with Gabi. You two better don't get heated up and start hard sparring, we'll work on techniques and only techniques."
Mathias, who walked outside of the cage while taking his gloves off, nodded at the coach without complaining, and as he got out, he glanced at the awe faces of Vlad and George, while Leonor put on a cold front, to mask her surprise too.
"What's with the long faces, did I get bruised up or something? Tell me Leo, I didn't get a cut on my temple, right?"
"No, no, there are no bruises." remarked Leonor, as her front couldn't hold strong, taking a peek at his muscles.
Giving her a smile, he then sat down beside the cage supporting platform, and with a look on the new fight while another was reserved for old Adrian as he asked him.
"How was it coach?"
"Hehe, you tried something surprising for a white belt in BJJ, especially in sparring. That could earn you a Blue Belt but bad luck, you still have to train more to get your rank increased. Wasn't that like that game of yours you play? You need to earn experience to level up to the next level."
"We'll get there in time. Coach, when I finish the training session, I want to discuss something between the two."
"Sure, remind me when you leave. We'll talk then, for now recover your stamina."
Nodding at the coach, he then glanced at his friends and with a curious expression, he threw a question in their way, while watching the sparring of the professionals.
"How is it, guys? Do you like the environment?"
"The smell of sweat? To be honest I'll rather play Satisfy and focus fully on the game. I can earn good money from the game."
"Depends on your situation there. The S.A Group began their crackdown already, notifying users not to use the illegal black market to convert their gold into money. Anyway, let's not talk about Satisfy in the gym, the old man will once again nag me." remarked Mathias in a joking tone, that turned abruptly serious especially when old Adrian turned his attention on the group of four that was chatting around.
Quieting down, the group watched the sparring and asked Mathias all sort questions about the moves the ones fighting were doing, until he had to jump again and spar. The sparring he was placed in was strictly technically, without the two, placing strength in their blows, and overall, the conclusion of the sparring was that Mathias still had to learn more and train more to be hand in hand with a professional from a technical standpoint. Nevertheless, seeing Mathias hang on with someone he brought in the sport earlier than him, brought hope into the old man, in seeing a future star bringing forth light in his establishment.
With his sparring over, and session also finished, Mathias brought his group back to the locker rooms to change their clothes, already spending a couple of good hours inside, but before going out for good, he had them wait while having a conversation with old Adrian in his office.
"What did you want to talk with me, lad?" asked old Adrian after seeing Mathias enter his office, changed in his casual clothes.
"Sir, I mentioned that I got fired from my hotel job, right?"
"Yea, what about it? You got no reason to be sulking over it, since they probably paid you crap."
"The average level, enough to survive and have some extra money saved up."
"So you want some advice from me?"
"Hmm? Not really, I wanted to tell you that now that I got fired, I will have more time to train and gain that experience I require to hang in the ring."
"I see, but how will you deal with your expenses?" asked the old man from his seat, while Mathias who got to another seat scratched his head.
"I can try earning money from the game I play. The thing is I don't know if I will be able to have a stable income."
Old Adrian took a bit of time to think and respond to Mathias, and with a grin on his face, he asked the youngster.
"Tell me, little Mathias, you want to gain experience at a faster rate before trying something akin to becoming a Pro MMA fighter?"
"I mean, look old Adrian, I trust you know what's the best for me in this journey. I'll dance to what rhythm you will throw at me. Since I am curious to see how far I can go because I never knew about those abilities of mine until four months ago. But if I feel you are trying to harm me, we will cut all connections."
Getting Mathias' response that was exactly what he expected, having an understanding about his personality in those four months they worked together, and with a serious voice he told him.
"Okay, I will start calling some of my friends, and have an amateur kickboxing match booked. We'll start first with the kickboxing circuit. We'll build our name and experience there, and while we are doing that we'll also enter BJJ tournaments and wrestling tournaments. After we are done with all of those, whenever I feel you are ready, we will move for the Giants and fight against those monsters."
Mathias, seeing that grin on the old man, went straight on his chair, and with an intrigued tone, asked.
"Could it be you are trying to kill me?"
"Hahaha, how couldn't I resist when I stumbled upon such a diamond? I will polish you until you can cut into everything. All those fuckers who looked down on me, I will show them what I can raise. All of them will know that our lands have also brewed warriors."
Not being able to change anything in the mindset the old man was, he could only sigh, and remark in a short tone, as if he was talking to himself.
"I got another crazy old man to deal with."
"Did you say some shit about me kid?"
"No, not at all, coach. I am all on board, let's show those guys that being a Romanian is not just about pickpocketing tourists."
"That one was good. Made me remember a friend who was crazy good at pickpocketing people when we would go for the Fight Week in US. So many phones did he get from people, especially in the arena that he was deemed a legend in our circle." laughed the old man, at the silly remark Mathias brought about.
"So, coach, I should prepare for now mainly on striking?"
"Yea, why do you ask? You still have time until I set your entry in the amateur circle."
"Well, I can also train inside the game. Otherwise, how do you think I managed to pull those holds in the sparring?"
"Yea sure, as if you could learn that from a game. That's just your in-built excuse so people wouldn't deem you weird for being able to learn faster than others." mentioned old Adrian, still not buying into this game Mathias was talking that it was of help.
"Tsk, with how stubborn you are old man, you will only be able to see the truth once you get inside the game."
"The heck kid, I am 61, I have no time for that type of silly thing, such as games that kids have right now."
"Okay, okay, I got it. Last thing I wanted to ask you, sir."
"Hmmm?"
"Can I build a schedule for myself?"
"Just send me the hours you want to work, and we'll figure something out. I also want some breaks once in a while."
"Got it."
Ending their conversation with both parties entering a verbal agreement about what was for the future, Mathias went to pick his friends from the training room where they stopped to look at the guys training, and only after bidding his farewell to the guys still in the gym, he took his leave followed by the three.
"I hope you enjoyed yourself and that my training exercises weren't so harsh on you guys since I tried to make them easier on you." remarked Mathias as he walked alongside his group toward the boulevard, exiting the Old Town area.
"Working out is not for me, but I did enjoy punching the bags and seeing you get hit in the face by those bros." said Vlad with an evil grin, with made Mathias lower himself to form a snowball and hit him smack on the face.
"Mind your words, I wasn't that dead serious in the sparring and allowed those guys to touch me. If I would go serious, I would give the coach a heart attack from overthinking things and setting me up for the pro leagues."
"Bastard. Let me guess, the reason you haven't leveled one bit is that you are training those movements, kicks, footsteps and whatever you are doing in MMA?"
"More or less, is simply building your muscle memory, which in the end is all linked to your mind." remarked Mathias in a casual way, as he brought his hands back in his pocket to keep them warm from the winter's cold.
Vlad looked at Mathias wanting to hit back, but then he remembered that he stood no chance at beating him in a snowball fight or a fistfight, and didn't lash back, making Leonor and George to laugh at his suffering.
In no time the group was split when they reached the main boulevard where Vlad and George went in a different direction compared to Mathias and Leonor whose first target was the Metro Station, yet before splitting up Vlad didn't forget to pay Mathias back for the leg kicks and snowball he eat, and did a cheesy remark that made Leonor cough a bit, herself being the one embarrassed.
"Matei, you found your metro partner quite late, especially when you got fired. What tragedy got into you man. Nevertheless, take care of yourself and the boss, if you see some idiot hitting on her, beat the shit out of them."
*Couch* "Why should he beat them?"
Stopping from his departure, Vlad smiled at her and casually remarked, as if nothing big was said.
"Alpha's males have tendencies of being overprotective."
"Stop talking crap Vlad, go home and relax, maybe drink a beer for all I care, just stop muttering cringe words. Besides you better be online, I'll hit you up inside Satisfy later this day to talk something."
"Why not tell me now?"
"I am too lazy to bother myself right now. We'll do it inside Satisfy since it is faster."
It was then that, Mathias and Leonor departed toward the Metro Station, in a silent atmosphere without anyone bringing itself to start the conversation, in the end Mathias broke the silence rather fastly.
"Are you going with the M5 or M2 back home?"
"M2? I am living rather close to Revolution Station, so obviously I will go with the metro instead of driving, or taking a tram. What about you?"
"Same, with one more station besides yours."
"I see."
"Indeed. Leo, can I get your opinion on something?"
"Sure, no problem."
"How stable do you see the economic aspect of Satisfy, as in someone who could generate an income playing the game?"
"Hmm, I never thought about this to this day since I started playing the game, but from what I've read on the forums there are already successful streamers that have a decent following. You could make an income doing that streaming."
"Sigh, streaming? That's not for me."
"You could sell items for real money, or what Red mentioned doing the Black Market. Ahh wait, you mentioned S.A Group is cracking on that business. Then, whoever will take the spot as middle-man in this transaction. There might be other ways to gain an income, but I am not documented enough to tell you. Sorry." explained Leonor in a calm way, giving Mathias some ideas of things he also thought about over the course of his playtime.
"Maybe selling items would really be my lucrative business. I haven't told you yet Leonor, but I am building an Tailoring Workshop inside Titan, that's the main reason I asked you guys to help me out with selling the gems."
"Wow, you can do such a thing inside Satisfy?"
"Everything is on the table inside Satisfy, you always have to think about it similar to another world that we have the privilege of entering using our capsule. As if it was some portal to that magical world."
"Makes sense."
Their conversation kept on going smoother, with the two no longer entering an awkward state of silence, and even inside the metro, getting in a corner to not disturb anyone, they kept on talking, with Leonor chuckling a bit as she was the one to tell Mathias about some of the recent events that she encountered with her new mentor, Cardinal Reinhard, being weak to women and she could easily get some interesting rewards from him.
"No man can escape a woman's charm." concluded Mathias as he glanced at Leonor who was giggling a bit.
"Also, if you need my help in Titan, I am allowed to move freely around, but have to report back once two months so Reinhard isn't worried that something might had happen to me."
"Understood, it is good to know you have finally managed to spread your wings after getting to Judar's Church. You have already overtaken my level by a lot, being closer to those without much of a life."
"Hey, don't be mean to those who spend all their available time inside the game."
"Well, I will probably get included in that group soon since without a job my schedule will shift heavily."
In a couple of minutes, the train reached Leonor's destination and in a friendly farewell, they separated, afterward returning home after doing some groceries. Still in the order, he got used he did all his necessities that didn't shift, and later on got inside the capsule and connected inside the game.
The loading time made Mathias contemplate a bit about the things he could focus on right now that he had more time on his hands, and one thing stuck the most, the desire of reaching his goals inside Satisfy, with the first one getting his hands on the Gravelmark mountain.
Returned to his second home, he saw that the game clock showed it was 3 PM, afternoon, and as he stepped the private room, he could see Fayrene working hard writing something at the desk, and immediately when she noticed his return, she turned her head surprised at him, before with a worried tone she asked him, similar to a worried wife who noticed something was off.
"Welcome back, darling. How come you are home this early? Shouldn't you be back at night?"
"I am home, Fay. Well, I should, but not anymore. There have been some changes to my schedule, but in a good sense because I will be able to spend more time with you girls nowadays."
"Then I will not worry, you know the best what is going on with you. As long you are healthy, that's all I care about." said Fayrene, as she placed a kiss on Mathias's lips after he got to her back to watch what she was doing.
She was sketching some clothes that looked relatively close to the clothes Mathias sketched for Jasmine's craftsmanship boost. To which when the young lady saw his confused expression, she chuckled amused, before saying to him.
"You are a bad boy, how could you not show me the clothes you drafted for mom's use?"
"So it was truly the ones I sketched for mom. When did her letter get home? Did she mentioned something about me?" inquired Mathias with an awkward expression, while placing his hands on Fayrene's shoulders, to which the young lady grinned and opening the cabinet in her desk, she finished out a letter.
"Here, this is for you, a letter from mom and dad."
"Ohh, they didn't forget to write to me. I was curious to see how they have been doing since the winter seems harsh this season."
"They are fine, those monsters in the forest didn't act up, just as you mentioned. So they probably kept to their word given to you."
"I doubt that Spider Monster really cared about me, she probably just wanted to be left alone and mind her business. Brooding, or whatnot. But this isn't the point, let me see what they got for me."
Taking a seat beside Fayrene, he opened the letters to see what each of his in-laws had to say, and started with Charles whose writing was slightly messy but he could read its content. He started off by ranting a bit talking about the cold weather, and having to do a lot of farm work to prepare for the winter until finding his wording, then afterwards he opened about Aendyr and Theo's progress in their respective fields, having a hard time separating with Theo who was taken in by the Grenhal House to study.
Mathias was pleased to hear that all things worked out nicely for Theo's end, but also sighed knowing how hard it must be for a parent to let his son depart at an early age. Nevertheless, Charles was at peace with this choice, knowing that it will do well for Theo's future, and was glad Mathias encouraged the boy to pursue this career.
After he bragged a bit about how his sons would become important people in the future with Aendyr turning into a splendid Red Knight, and Theo into a respected Great Mage who could heal any sickness, it made both Mathias and Fayrene who turned to read Charles' letter addressing Mathias.
"Haha, that old man is in good spirits, knowing that his son's future is set to be good."
"It is good that he is well with the idea of separating from his sons. Who knows he might work hard to get other sons to not get lonely."
Fayrene glanced at Mathias and pinched his cheeks, making the latter chuckle like an idiot, before continuing reading the end part of the letter which Charles was discussing about the progress on the cheese he made with him. The details about how the cheese turned out was exactly what the experts he read when documenting himself on how Parmesan cheese was made.
"Good, I expected right. The soil in Gravelmark is good at growing those special bacteria for the cows that allows their milk to turn into Parmesan Cheese."
"Did dad really succeed in making some special cheese?"
"Indeed, but that cheese still needs to age more to have a better taste." commented Mathias, at Fayrene's question, before placing the letter away, and picking Jasmine's.
She too started by telling Mathias about the recent events in Gravelmark, and the winter weather and about how most of her days are spent in a monotonous state inside the house at the fireplace. Nevertheless, once she was done with the "basic" introduction of things to him, she brought pleasant news to Mathias.
[ I tailored two of those unique dresses you have sketched for me son. Right now as I write to you, I feel far better about me picking up my needle and starting working on some decent clothes. Fayrene told me in her letter that you two have really begun building that Workshop which would compete with the Tailoring Guild, and the magical machine you have created that could allow normal people to sew without having the long experience of a tailor.
Mom was shocked to hear about the magical device, and can't wait to visit you. When the winter is over, and spring comes, I will bring the other two and visit Titan, so you better show mom around Titan and the Workshop you built with my little girl. ]
Ending the letter, Mathias had a pleased smile, knowing that Jasmine's passion for tailoring didn't die out, and was happy to work again on the cloth pieces he sketched for her that followed the style of the Victorian Era and even some early 20th Century.
"How did you do it?" asked Fayrene beside Mathias who also read the letter Jasmine wrote for Mathias.
"Do what?" replied Mathias in an innocent tone, not knowing what he did wrong.
"Stop acting like a fool, you know. Inspiring mom to once again tailor. When I was little she told me she would no longer make clothes for people, except for family."
"I mean, what do you think about the sketches I made for mom? Aren't they worth giving a shot again at tailoring?"
"Obviously, they are splendid. Any lady will want to have her hands on such pieces."
"Well, let's also say that any tailor that respects itself would want to be the one to create those dresses. Haven't you liked the ones I made for you, Fay?"
"Is that even a question? Of course I love anything you tailor for me."
As the couple was discussing those events that took part in Cidarian, later on Mathias told Fayrene about the fact he will be away for one month which shocked the young lady.
"Why? What happened? Could it be because of that Christmas thing?"
"Indeed, you have access to watching the streams. So it isn't a surprise if I tell you more about it, right? Or do you have an idea from what others discussed?"
"I didn't understand a single thing those girls were mumbling, but they were excited about the gifts from their boyfriends."
Hearing Fayrene say that, Mathias laughed in a pitiful way, when thinking about the "gifts" some girls wanted nowadays, and looking at Fayrene innocent expression as she mentioned that, he took her in his embrace and slowly began telling her about the Christmas traditions that he remembered from his grandfather, and also some that were implemented at home. All the information that Mathias was telling her, made Fayrene understand why those girls she watched using the System were mumbling about, and was soothed to hear that Mathias also had a family to gather together and spend such time with them.
"I want to feel this Christmas Holiday too." ended Fayrene saying to Mathias in a desiring voice, while Mathias who wasn't that big of a fan for such big holidays could only murmur something in a sarcastic way which Fayrene picked up in full.
"How was that old song? All I want for Christmas is you. Sure, I'll do it."
"Thank you, Mat. I will also tell Jeanne about it, maybe she teaches the kids some songs that would be similar to carols."
"Hah, I will have to get my guys to help me."
Entering the private chat, and tagging Red for a direct call, he told him in a simple and straightforward way.
@Mathias: Go steal some Fir Tree from somewhere in Titan.
@Red: What the fuck, boss? Did you hit your head or something? Why do you want me to steal a Fir Tree
@Mathias: It is Christmas soon, right? I want to bring some of that spirit here.
@Red: Damn, you are crazy, but sure, I will help you out. Does it matter the size?
@Mathias: As big as you can drag around without causing a scene.
