Ever since he sold his suit to make some points, Tommy had to make do with some regular clothing. However, since this was a dance club, Tommy still wanted to look his best. It was a way to get information, as well as network with other individuals that still had some pull on others.

Everyone was a player in this game of life, where each had their own strategy to survive. With the early stages of the world being changed, they still followed similar rules. Government officials weren't immediately ousted, and basic laws were still being enforced by police officers for those who didn't quit their jobs. But despite the semblance of normalcy, the world was changing, and fast. The new reality was a threat to everyone's way of life, and it was up to them to adapt and survive.

There wasn't a total overhaul as of yet with how society functioned, which meant that Tommy could still take advantage of it. However, for safety reasons, he still wore his mask. Tommy kept his identity to be discreet, only because his charm ability was indiscriminate and could affect the entire crowd. Maybe charming a few people here and there would be beneficial, using it sparingly and knowing when to use it was his method of application. He was scouting, something interesting would eventually show up.

As he was observing the crowd, a woman approached him. He raised his red cup at her, a sign of greeting.

"It's a little hot in here, but I'm quite fond of the music," he said. "Everyone seems to be having a good time. I guess no matter what happens in the outside world, the party never stops here. I mean, look at me. Nobody bats an eye as I come in here with a full mask on, even though everything outside of it is normal. But that's just the way it is these days. We have to adapt to survive in this new world, don't we? What do you think?"

Maria Mariano

To drink his beverage, Tommy turned to the side a bit to raise the cup so that his lips would show before taking a big gulp and putting it down. At the very least, it would solve the mystery in regards to how he was drinking, it involved him not fully removing the mask. Tommy had to keep this trademark for the time being, he might need his real persona next time, like the moment when he asked the great alchemist for help but didn't want to fully reveal himself.

"Trust me, I think the mask is what makes it interesting to talk to me. As for names, you can call me Enigma. That's the name that I go by right now. "

With the toast completed, Tommy would muse over Maria's name. He hasn't heard of anyone named that in particular amongst rankers, she must be a new player. He wondered what her play style was, what her strengths and weaknesses were. He thought back to some of his most memorable battles and realized that they were against opponents who had a unique play style or a creative strategy. He couldn't wait to see what Maria had in store for him.

"It's nice to meet you, Maria. I'm sure that someone of your caliber that's as adaptable as yourself can make the most out of every situation, even this one. Tell me, what's been keeping you busy these days? I mean, outside of the usual. I've been exploring new areas and taking on tougher challenges. I find that it helps me improve my skills and learn new techniques. What about you?"

Maria Mariano

It is natural for one to feel uneasy or skeptical about what Enigma says. He holds the identity he has built for himself in high regard, enjoying the fame and even infamy that comes with the mask. The fact is that the masked persona has so much power tied to it that as soon as he takes it off, he is just like everyone else and blends into the crowd. This is what he wants - the freedom to move autonomously.

"Which part of this do you not understand? I will certainly help, but unfortunately, I cannot do it for free. The philosophy of quid pro quo has been instilled in every meaningful interaction. Even this conversation that we are currently having is a social transaction, correct?"

Perhaps it is Enigma's unique perspective that sets him apart. He is not skeptical, but rather has a way of viewing life that enables him to survive for as long as he has. No one does anything for no reason, or without expecting something in return. People like that simply do not exist anymore.

"So, may I ask, what is the class you have now? Did you imply that it is fighting-based since you are good at fighting games? I would say that's quite useful for mercenary work."

The importance of quid pro quo cannot be overstated. It is a fundamental principle that underpins many meaningful interactions in our society. Even in this conversation, there is an exchange of information, ideas, and opinions. This is a transaction of sorts, although not a monetary one.

Enigma's perspective on life may be different, but it is what has enabled him to survive in the world he inhabits. He understands that every action has a reaction, and that nothing comes for free. This may be a harsh reality, but it is a reality nonetheless.

Maria Mariano

Enigma found the mention of the "Blessed berserker" class interesting. It seemed to him that sometimes the name of a class was a hint or revealing detail of what the class did. He learned that Maria was more focused on physical assault, which was the opposite of his own approach. Regardless, he appreciated that she was willing to share her class information, as it was the first step in building trust between them. In response, Enigma decided to offer a bit of information in return.

"I won't take money for this," he said. "Instead, let's exchange points or favors. I'll ask for something later on down the line, and we can call it even then. Don't worry, it won't be anything unreasonable." Enigma saw favors as a blank check that he could stick into his back pocket. He believed that you never knew who a person would turn out to be in the future, or who they would know. By keeping an open mind about the potential of others and holding onto a favor, he felt that it would be a safe bet in the long run. "Well, that's why I'm here. I'm always up for having a good time."

Enigma started to nod his head to the beat of the song that was playing. "Do you know how to dance to this one?" he asked. As they continued to talk, Enigma couldn't help but think that he had made a new ally in Maria. He was excited to see where this new partnership would take them, both in terms of their shared goals and their individual quests.


Maria Mariano

"Oh? If anyone saw you right now, it'll look like you previously took some lessons or something. " Enigma remarked with a smile from under his mask, something you could tell with the tone of his voice. Maria was an amazing dancer, showcasing her talent in every move she made. The way she moved to the beat of the music made it seem like the song itself had taken on a life and possessed her in turn. This act spoke volumes about her, conveying her ability to get in the rhythm and be quick on her feet, which undoubtedly translated to her expertise on the battlefield as well. Enigma couldn't help but acknowledge Maria's exceptional skills, not just for the benefit it brought him in the long run, but also for the sheer joy of having a dance partner as talented as her.

As they danced, the music changed, and the atmosphere around them transformed. The beat became faster, and the crowd grew more energetic. Enigma  continued to dance with the same passion, and their moves became more intricate and daring. Enigma felt exhilarated, and for a moment, he forgot about the outside world and all the chaos it brought.

However, after an hour of dancing, Enigma decided it was time to take a break. "I should get some water. I gotta say, it's been a while since I've been able to dance like that," he said, catching his breath. Before the world changed, Enigma was a salary man, attending parties and bars with the senior executives to get on their good side. It was an everyday occurrence for him, but it often came with a lot of nausea and headaches.

As he walked over to the front counter to buy himself a bottle of water, Enigma wondered about the thing that surprised him the most when everything changed. The world he knew was gone, and it was replaced with chaos and uncertainty. Enigma couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by it all, but he knew he had to adapt and survive.

Maria Mariano

Enigma looked at her with a puzzled expression, as if he was trying to decipher what she meant. He had always enjoyed spending his free time relaxing at the bar, sipping on a drink and smoking a cigarette. He had a penchant for places with soft jazz music playing in the background, finding it to be the perfect accompaniment to his moments of solitude.


Despite his love for exploring new places and mingling with different kinds of people, it was not always the best way to find him when he was taking a day off from his busy schedule. "I'll probably turn it in," he said, referring to the friend request she had just sent him. "I have some other things to take care of later, but I'll definitely go through your profile and check out your skills. Your portfolio is pretty impressive, but I'm curious to see what you can do out in the field as well."


Enigma had been feeling a bit lonely lately, especially with his bodyguard being constantly occupied with other tasks. He realized that he needed to expand his circle of trustworthy allies, and perhaps this was the perfect opportunity to do so. He made a mental note to himself to follow up with her message and see where this newfound connection could lead them.