Oran Knight is out (1/3 chapters for today)
Interclass Competition (2): Lux’s Aim
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A blank shot was fired to signal the start of the match. Hearing the sound, my team and I sprinted into the combat area from the northern street.
“Well then, as planned.” (Lux)
I said as I quickly parted ways with Maria and the others. They were supposed to set up their base in a different location from the previous time.
“Lux, be careful.” (Sonia)
“Yeah. You too, Sonia.” (Lux)
As I ran alongside Sonia, we headed in different directions at the landmark we had set. Just like in the previous practice match, I climbed a tree to observe the movements of the opposing team, Gentis. This time, however, I selected a tree that was more suitable for sniping.
I climbed the tree smoothly and surveyed the area. I noticed that the Team Gentis was heading towards the northwest hill just like before. Things were going as expected so far. The initial point was whether the opposing team would set up in the same place as the practice match. It was a gamble with a high chance of winning in our group.
Since we had been thoroughly beaten last time, most of the first-year teams set up their positions in the forest. This was because, unlike when fighting teams of the same year, there wasn’t enough combat power to defend a position against second- and third-year teams.
The enemy, Team Gentis, knew that we had few assault-type troops, so they would think there was no need to engage on the same terms. Given this, the likelihood of them setting up on one of the hills was high. Considering the previous situation, Zess, the Knight (Ritter), seemed to prefer self-preservation over teamwork, so it was our consensus that they would head to the seemingly safe northwest hill.
As expected, they started setting up on the hill. While preparing my rifle, I kept an eye on the enemy (Gentis). I thought they might place a Shooter for defense unlike in the practice match, but once their setup was complete, they left only the Knight (Ritter), Heavy Trooper (Armor), and effectively non-combat troop, Engineer (Tech) behind, and all of them ran down the hill. They must be underestimating us.
The four of them were either Shooters or Raiders (Commander), and another two Spearmen (Lancer), ran down the hill. What we needed to be cautious of were the two Spearmen (Lancer). Heavy Trooper (Armor) could only be defeated by attacks from Spearmen (Lancer).
This reflected the real battlefield situation where standard bullets were less effective against Heavy Trooper (Armor), but they could be pierced by Spearman (Lancer). If Maria was discovered earlier than expected, our only Heavy Trooper (Armor) was Rick-san. Facing two Spearmen (Lancer) at once would be tough for him. However, Spearman (Lancer) generally lacked of speed, so if we could effectively lure them, we should be able to buy some time.
I remained hidden while still observing the situation. Suddenly, something pops up from the tall grass in the meadow. It was Hana.
“I found them!” (??)
I heard someone from the enemy (Gentis) yelling, the voice faintly carried by the wind. Hana, realizing she had been spotted, quickly heads towards the forest. It was at the direction we had taken last time. Without any doubt, the enemy (Gentis) charges after Hana like a hungry wolf that has found its prey.
“It worked!” (Lux)
I let out a small cheer from the tree.
Hana was a decoy. If they follow Hana, they would be led into the deadly trap set by Heinz and Luck. Of course, Maria and the others were not there. Although we were at a disadvantage with 3 against 6, our goal was to buy time. If we could hold 6 of them in place, that was sufficient. The trap had been set up by our Engineer (Tech), Frank.
The sound of gunfire reached my ears again, punctuated by “Bang! Bang!” It had started. After a brief pause, I slowly aimed my rifle towards the hill. Through the scope, I see the carefree expression of the enemy Knight (Ritter), Zess. I move the scope to the side, aiming at an innocuous spot on the hillside, and fire a shot.
Bang!!
As my bullet sank into the ground, a medium-sized paintball explodes in the middle of the hill, with paint splattering dramatically.
—
That night after the practice match, I wondered if the strategy I came up with was feasible. Unable to stay still, I rushed to the office where Fol-sensei was. Fortunately, Fol-sensei was still there, reclining in a chair with his legs thrown out, gazing blankly at the ceiling.
I know it’s not my place to say this since I’m here at this time, but if you have nothing to do you should just go home.
“What’s the matter at this hour?” (Fol)
I apologized for the impoliteness of visiting at night and then press on with several questions.
Perhaps because of my enthusiasm, even Fol-sensei, who seemed a bit irritated, answered my questions properly.
What happens if a medium-sized magic bullet used by Spearman (Lancer) and a paintball used in the counter-battle are fired with my paintball?
The answer was ‘It will explode on the spot’. One question cleared.
Is it possible to bury these paintballs in the ground and have them last for a few days?
The answer was ‘Like the original magic bullets, they should last for about a day’. I learned for the first time that magic bullets lose their magical power and dissipated over time. But if they last a day, that was acceptable. The second question, cleared.
Is it allowed by the rules to ‘set traps’ before the interclass competition?
By this point, Fol-sensei seemed to understand what I was aiming for.
“Every few years, there’s someone like you who thinks of unusual things. The answer is YES. Even though it’s a practice match, it’s still a battle. Information warfare and terrain warfare alike. Creative tactics that give you an advantage are perfectly fine.” (Fol)
He smiled, unusually in good spirits.
“However, there is a condition. After the match, all traps must be removed. Also, make sure to inform the referee instructor present on the day.” (Fol)
With that, there were no problems. I discussed with Ratt-kun and Frank and decided to bury landmines on the field the day before the counter-battle.
—
Thanks to Frank’s clever idea of loading the paintballs into the tube to make them explode more dramatically in the air, rather than simply hitting the target, the paint splattered vividly, and Zess and the others began to panic.
Now, let’s start the counterattack.
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