PS2: Click here to start reading Oran Knight 17 and Merchant Noble 19.

PS3: Click here to look at the drawings of Oran Knight’s main characters.

 

 

Practice Match! (2)

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The base that Team Catrap chose was a slightly open area in the forest, with a depression in front of the stronghold. It seemed this location had been chosen as a base several times before, and sandbags had already been used to construct a somewhat solid base.

Such locations were numerous in the practical area. Generally, most teams made use of the legacy left by previous teams. Popular spots, gradually reinforced by the teams, start to resemble minor fortresses over time.

Upon arriving at the base, Frank, the Engineer (Tech), began working to strengthen the base. Though he wasn’t actually doing much, just waiting for the enemy to make a move. Heinz, Ratt-kun, and Hana took positions slightly forward, preparing to intercept.

Rick-san positioned himself to protect Maria. Sonia started her reconnaissance. The setup wasn’t particularly unusual, so the enemy would not likely think that we were taking it lightly.

“Well then, it’s about time for me to go.” (Lux)

I said to Maria, who was at the very back.

“Be careful.” (Maria)

She said it, and with that, I began my actions. First, I moved away from the base to find a vantage point, and when I reached a hill in the northwest of the area, I climbed up a convenient tree. The practical area featured a large hill in the northwest, and another one in the southwest. Between them were an artificial river and a large pond.

To the west of the artificial river was a wilderness, and to the east was a grassland. The wilderness offered no cover, but the grassland had tall grass, which could provide cover if one crouched down. Further east, in the direction we were located, was a dense forest. The forest extended to the back of the two hills, making it suitable for surprise attacks from behind.

While waiting for the enemy team from the tree, I reviewed the composition of the opposing team. The composition of Team A from 2-C, which Sonia and Hana had investigated, was as follows.

Knight (Ritter) – A boy with an eye patch

4 Shooters or Raiders (Commander)

2 Spearmen (Lancer)

1 Heavy Trooper (Armor)

1 Engineer (Tech)

It seemed to be a fairly aggressive team. Based on our predictions about the enemy team’s movements and the fact that we were a year younger, it was highly likely they would attack us aggressively. Therefore, the only person guarding the Knight (Ritter) would be the single Heavy Trooper (Armor), or possibly one of the Shooters might stay behind. What I wanted to pay attention to was where the Knight (Ritter) would set up their base.

Would they underestimate us and advance aggressively, or would they prioritize safety and retreat deeply without considering front-line coordination?

Meanwhile, the enemy team arrived at the open area.

In the practical area, the only place to completely hide without lying flat was the forest, which covers one-third of the area. While the surrounding areas around the hills and the artificial river had bases constructed with sandbags, they had good visibility. If they couldn’t see us, they should be aware that we were hiding in the forest.

After confirming that we weren’t in sight, Team 2-C headed straight for the hill in the northwest. If they were setting up a base on the hill, it indicated they chose safety over coordination. Once they reached the hill, the Knight (Ritter) remained there with the Engineer and Armor, while the rest of the team descended the hill and began to move out.

The six who descended split into pairs and advanced into the forest. When one of the pairs approached our direction, I held my breath and observed their movements. The two moving around made a lot of noise. It didn’t seem like they were being very cautious. Perhaps they thought they could overpower us with firepower even if it turned into an encounter. After confirming that our base wasn’t in the vicinity, they quickly left the forest.

After observing for a while, Sonia suddenly popped up in the grassland, then hurriedly retreated into the forest. Noticing this, the enemy team started running in her direction, shouting things like “Over here!” and “They’re there!”. Upon hearing this, another pair of the enemy team emerged from the forest, and all six of them headed towards the direction Sonia had fled.

“I see.” (Lux)

I muttered to myself, descended from the tree, and carefully but quickly made my way to the back of the hill.

The three people, including the Knight (Ritter) on the hill, were leisurely watching the forest where their teammates had entered. Considering that they would likely be more attentive to their surroundings during the real match, having them stationed on the hill would be quite challenging. I needed to come up with a way to get them to move from this position.

After thinking for a while, there was a series of gunshots fired into the air: “Bang! Bang! Bang!” followed by a pause, and then “Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!” five times. This was the signal that the match had ended.

Given that the Knight (Ritter) was idly standing right in front of me, it meant that Maria had been hit. It all happened so quickly once they were drawn into the forest. It seems everyone did well. Although I couldn’t hear the actual voices, I could imagine the Knight (Ritter) on the hill saying things like, “We hit a first-year weakling, lucky us!” or “The real match will be a breeze!” I quietly left the area, leaving them to their self-congratulations.

 

—

 

When I rejoined Team Catrap, everyone was covered in paint.

“Are you okay?” (Lux)

I asked in a bit of a panic.

“It’s not as painful as regular rubber bullets.”

Heinz replied with a smile.

“By the way, how did it go for you?” (Rick)

Rick-san asked.

“I have one idea for a strategy, but there are a few things I need to clear up first, so give me some time.” (Lux)

I responded.

“Understood. If you need anything, rely on your teammates first. There might be things they know that you don’t.” (Rick)

He offered some mature guidance.

We washed off the paint with a shower, changed clothes, and returned to the classroom. When we came back in high spirits, Saxon asked, “No way, did you guys win?”.

“Not at all. We got completely defeated.” (Lux)

I replied. Saxon’s face showed a hint of relief, then he said.

“If we lose in such a pitiful manner, 1-C will be looked down upon.” (Saxon)

He warned before heading back to his seat.

 

—

 

Indeed, I had come up with one strategy. However, I wasn’t sure if it was feasible. As Rick-san said, cooperation from everyone would be necessary. Plus, I needed to discuss it with our homeroom teacher, Fol-sensei.

Things were getting busy.

 

—

 

A rough image of the main characters (tentative)

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

(Please consider supporting at https://www.patreon.com/bayabuscotranslation)

Previous Chapter | Table of Content | Next Chapter