Oran Knight is out (2/3 chapters for today)
Class Competition Exercise (1): Catrap’s Position
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
*Today’s Journal*
Today was the day of the joint training for the 1st year students.
For us, it was the first large-scale practical training since the inter-class competition in the first term.
We planned to approach it with the usual mindset of giving it a decent effort without being too aggressive, but…
—
The first-year students were gathered in the practical area. Each class had 30 students, making a total of 90 people sitting quietly in this place. In front of us stood 10 instructors, standing with their hands behind their backs.
One of the instructors stepped forward.
“Now, we will begin the joint class exercise. The basic rules are the same as in the inter-class competition. The victory condition is that the class with at least 1 Knight (Ritter) still surviving at the end will win, but depending on time and the situation, there may be an early decision. First, we will decide the location. A representative, please come forward.” (??)
Saxon stepped forward as the representative from our class and drew a lot.
“1-A will start from the eastern forest, 1-B from the southern hill, and 1-C from the northern hill! The knight’s (Ritter) base does not necessarily have to be near the starting point. Also, those who are shot must promptly exit the area and wait. That is all, any questions?” (??)
There were no questions, and after scanning the crowd, the instructor said.
“Then, in 30 minutes, the battle will begin. We will fire a blank shot to signal the start. Until then, once you have reached your designated positions, you may use your time as you see fit. Dismissed!” (Instructor)
With that voice, everyone scattered towards their starting points.
As we ran, I approached Saxon and Roy-kun, and Heinz called out to Saxon.
“Shall we come up with a class strategy?” (Heinz)
But Saxon shook his head.
“No, trying to coordinate all of a sudden won’t work. It’s better if we move in teams that can already work together.” (Saxon)
Then, Roy-kun added.
“However, Catrap is definitely going to be placed on the hill, right? What do you think, Saxon?” (Roy)
If we defend the hill well, the Knight (Ritter) classmates who are knocked out can regroup there and launch a counterattack. But defending the hill requires good defensive power, which honestly doesn’t seem like a good fit for us in Catrap.
However, Saxon also agreed with Roy-kun’s suggestion.
“Yeah, that’s probably the safest option.” (Saxon)
“Why is that?” (Heinz)
Running alongside us, Heinz asked the two of them.
“You don’t get it?” (Saxon)
Saxon gave a curt response, but Roy-kun explained.
“Right now, the most prominent team in the 1st year is Catrap. The other classes will probably target you first.” (Roy)
“Huh? But the 1-A team also beat upperclassmen in the inter-class competition, so I don’t think we’re the top team or anything.” (Heinz)
“Well, your team got two more members who can be counted as solid assets, right? In the recent shooter-focused mock battle, those two performed spectacularly. From the perspective of the other teams, it looks like the team that beat upperclassmen has now gotten even stronger.” (Roy)
Indeed, when explained that way, it does make Catrap sound like a very formidable team, regardless of the actual situation. Yeah, I’ll say it again, regardless of the actual situation.
“And on top of that, you guys are going to be bait for us.” (Saxon)
Saxon added to Roy-kun’s explanation.
In other words, by putting us, the highly visible team, in the center, the attacks would focus on us, allowing the other two teams to take advantage of that situation. I see, that makes sense.
“You’re probably going to get wiped out anyway, so at least buy us some time. If things get really bad, my team will take over the hill.” (Saxon)
Hearing this from Saxon, we replied that we understood. Once we reached the foot of the hill, we split into teams, and without much detailed discussion, everyone began moving into position. We raced up the hill.
Looking over to the southern hill, I could see that many students from 1-B were still there. It seems they were carefully devising a class-wide strategy. I couldn’t tell what 1-A was up to in the forest. It seemed their movements would be a key point in this battle.
For now, Saxon’s team, Earl Crush, and Roy-kun’s team, Blueshell, had entered the eastern forest, where 1-A was likely hiding. Our team, with Rick-san in the lead, along with the scout-specialists Hana and Sonia, was assigned to watch the rear to prevent any surprise attacks from behind.
In the front, where it would be easy to detect enemies coming, Lite took the main defensive role, with Lev, Heinz, and Ratt-kun supporting. In the center, it was me, Frank, and the Knight (Ritter) Maria, watching the overall situation.
This time, I had discussed with the team beforehand that my role would be limited to 10 shots. Aside from shooting enemies who break through to Maria, I wouldn’t fire more than that. This was to avoid depriving the other students of valuable combat experience.
When we reached the fortifications at the top of the hill, built by those who had come before us, Frank started fiddling with something.
“Lux, take a look at this. What do you think?” (Frank)
When I looked, I saw that a movable board had been installed on the edge of the stacked sandbags, allowing it to move back and forth.
“… Is this a sniper platform?” (Lux)
“Yeah, it’s just a prototype, but I thought it might be useful on a hill like this.” (Frank)
Indeed, on a slope, it can be difficult to aim properly.
“Yeah, it might be really useful. I’ll try using it! Thanks.” (Lux)
“If you find it hard to use, tell me. I’ll use your feedback to make improvements. Also, I only made one since I wasn’t sure if it’d be needed. I’ll keep an eye on the rear, so if any enemies come from that direction, feel free to shoot as usual.” (Frank)
“Got it.” (Lux)
As I tested the movements of my rifle on the sniper platform Frank had made, I heard a blank shot ring out in the distance.
It was time. The exercise had begun.
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
Please consider supporting Bayabusco Translation @
bayabuscotranslation 