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Class Competitive Exercise (2):  Maria’s Assessment

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The first-year class competitive exercise had begun.

My team, Catrap, was stationed on the northern hill, keeping a close watch on the movements of the 1-B teams on the southern hill. Meanwhile, Saxon’s team (Earl Crush) and Roy-kun’s team (Blueshell) from the same 1-C class had already started advancing towards the forest where 1-A was likely deployed. While Catrap was left isolated on the northern hill, it appeared that all three teams of 1-B were staying behind on the southern hill, solidifying their defenses. Of course, the Scouts had probably begun gathering information, but there was no movement from the main units.

“Do you think 1-B plans to just stay on the hill and defend…?” (Lux)

Since Sonia and the others were guarding the rear and Heinz and his team were at the front, only Maria, Frank, and I remained in the camp. Frank was sitting cross-legged on the ground, humming a tune while tinkering with something. Maria, who had been watching the southern hill just like me, quietly said.

“Probably not…” (Maria)

“What’s your assessment, Maria?” (Lux)

After hesitating for a moment, Maria spoke.

“I think they’re probably watching the movements of the other classes. Right now, the only enemy visible to them is us (Catrap). If the remaining teams and 1-A start fighting each other, they’ll likely come at us full force. But if 1-A moves first, they’ll probably deal with them first.” (Maria)

“I see, so they’re coordinating well. Maybe our class should have had a proper discussion like that from the start?” (Lux)

I mused. But Maria shook her head slightly.

“Hmm, I don’t think that’s entirely right either. If anything… we (1-C) might be the ones who are coordinating better.” (Maria)

“What do you mean?” (Lux)

“Well, this is just my personal take, but… I think there’s a certain level of trust between the teams in our class. That’s why Saxon-kun and Roy-kun moved out quickly, trusting us to hold this position. I’m sure Roy-kun, who’s good at covering others, will support Saxon-kun’s Earl Crush, the team with the strongest firepower, with the full strength of Blueshell. That way, they’ll work as two well-coordinated units, and even if they’re outnumbered by 1-A, they’ll be able to fight effectively. And also…” (Maria)

“And also?” (Lux)

“I can’t say for certain about 1-A, but at the very least, 1-B might be stuck because they aren’t coordinated. I was wondering why the rules didn’t make the Knight (Ritter) acting as the commander the victory condition, where defeating them would decide the match. But when I think about it, maybe the instructors want to see whether each class has a Knight (Ritter) who can command everyone in this situation or if they’ll approach the battle differently.” (Maria)

“That makes sense… Now that you mention it, Saras-senpai did say recently that quite a few students from noble families tend to act prideful. Maybe that’s a factor too.” (Lux)

“As a noble, it’s embarrassing to admit, but… it’s not impossible. Many noble children want to graduate with top marks to enhance their status. The person who comes up with the plan gains honor, but if it fails, they’ll bear the responsibility too. So, at first, they’ll probably probe the situation while figuring out their approach. Not that I’m interested in that though.” (Maria)

Maria chuckled lightly before continuing.

“Also, the fact that Saxon-kun and Roy-kun moved quickly works to our advantage. If 1-A is also waiting for their Scouts reports, our teams will be able to attack faster than they anticipate.” (Maria)

Hearing that, I couldn’t help but be impressed. I had always thought Maria was quick to assess situations, like when she instantly figured out where Zes was hiding when he was tormenting a cat. But I didn’t expect her to have thought this far ahead.

When I honestly expressed my admiration and complimented her, Maria shyly looked down and murmured.

“I can’t contribute to everyone as much as Saxon-kun or Roy-kun, so I’ve been trying my best to at least give accurate instructions.”

Then, she raised her head again.

“But if Saxon-kun and Roy-kun manage to engage 1-A…” (Maria)

She trailed off, looking at the still-quiet southern hill. I didn’t need her to finish the though. I knew what she was implying.

“1-B’s main force will come attacking us.” (Lux)

If, as Saxon and Roy-kun suggested, Catrap is seen by the other classes as a team that’s “not to be underestimated,” now would be the time for the uncoordinated teams to make their move. The simplest strategy would be to overwhelm us with sheer numbers. That’s the obvious choice. In reality, we have to keep an eye on the rear as well, so if two of 1-B’s teams come at us, the difference in numbers could become quite large.

As I pondered what we would do in such a situation, gunfire echoed from the southern part of the forest. It seemed that 1-A had begun fighting Saxon and Roy-kun’s teams.

“They’re farther south than I expected…” (Maria)

Maria murmured. Indeed, the sound of battle was closer to the southern hill than I had anticipated.

“In that case, we can’t expect reinforcements.” (Lux)

Hearing the sound from a distance had both positive and negative implications. The positive was that, for the time being, 1-A’s forces were unlikely to head toward us until the battle reached a conclusion.
The negative was that even if Saxon and Roy-kun’s teams managed to defeat 1-A, it would take them some time to reach us. Knowing them, they would probably try to flank 1-B on the southern hill instead.

“They’ve started moving…” Maria said quietly.

From the southern hill, we could see 1-B’s units rushing down towards us. Judging by their numbers, it looked like two units were advancing towards us while one stayed behind on the hill.

“Good.” (Maria)

Maria murmured again.

“What do you mean?” (Lux)

“If it were me, I would’ve sent the entire force to attack us. Sure, the hill gives a geographical advantage, but with just three units at this distance, it’s too far to effectively hold both the hill and coordinate attacks. If they use their numerical superiority to take control of this northern hill, they could minimize losses and regroup. Then, they could attack 1-A and 1-C after both are worn out from fighting in the forest.” (Maria)

“I see… So, the situation isn’t the worst it could be.” (Lux)

“Yeah. But it’s still going to be tough, and I’m not really any help…” (Maria)

Maria’s face grew sad. Seeing her like that, I spoke up brightly to reassure her.

“Not at all! You’ve made the situation so much clearer for us, which makes it a lot easier to fight! We still have a bit of time before 1-B gets here, so let’s call Heinz and Sonia and fill them in!” (Lux)

I quickly called for the two of them and relayed Maria’s assessment.

They both complimented her, saying, “That’s amazing, Maria!” before running off to inform the other members at their posts.

After watching them go, I placed my beloved rifle (Counter) onto the stand Frank had made for me. By the way, I decided not to use the long-range barrel this time, as I made a personal rule to not take away everyone else’s chance to learn and grow.

Finally, 1-B’s units were nearing my range. I’ll hold out as long as I can so Saxon and Roy-kun won’t be disappointed.

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