Oran Knight is out (1/3 chapters for today)
Second Semester Competition (3): Vigilance
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“They entered the building!” (Sonia)
I, Sonia, couldn’t help but voice my thoughts, even while keeping my voice low.
Hana and I exploited a loophole in the rules, outsmarting the opposing team, the Rackers. We confirmed as they slipped into the building they had chosen as their base.
Exchanging glances with Hana, she gave a firm nod and ran off in the opposite direction.
If everything went according to plan, Lux and the others should already have moved to this side of the midpoint.
Hana would regroup with Lux and inform him of the Rackers’ base location. In the urban area, unlike the practical zone, identifying the opposing team’s base is somewhat challenging. Therefore, early detection is a significant advantage. In this regard, we gained a substantial lead.
Left alone, I slipped into a building located slightly ahead, across the street from the one the Rackers entered. Since they weren’t on high alert yet, I moved without difficulty.
The deserted building made my footsteps echo louder than necessary as I ran alone through it. It was as if I was some foreign element that had infiltrated their home, sending an alarm to alert the entire building.
Calm down. Stay calm.
I repeated the words to myself in my mind.
Our team, Catrap, was once dismissed as a gathering of misfits, but I never thought so.
Maria-chan, our the Knight (Ritter), is a gentle and quiet girl, but I know she’s been studying strategy tirelessly for our sake. The unique perspectives she occasionally offers, angles I could never imagine, are glimpses of her true capability.
Rick-san and Lite, our Heavy Troop (Armor). Rick-san, with his mature, elder-brother-like composure, knows just when to step in and unite us. He’s like a big brother to everyone. Lite might seem like a joker at first glance, but he’s actually cautious and meticulous. Exploiting the loophole in this round’s rules and even pulling one over on Saxon’s older brother were all thanks to his innovative thinking. His diligence fuels his creativity.
Hana, the Raider (Commander), is my closest rival on the battlefield. Although, in terms of skill, she far surpasses me. It frustrates me, but it also motivates me to keep trying. Even now, her back feels distant.
Ratt-kun, the Spearman (Lancer). He’s incredible. No matter what anyone says, he remains unfazed. I, on the other hand, am always wavering. With improved stamina and accuracy, I believe Ratt-kun ranks among the top not only in our class but in our year.
Frank, the Engineer (Tech). He’s like a cheeky little brother, but his knowledge of weaponry is unparalleled among us. Though initially mocked for his lack of stamina, now that even Lamie-senpai acknowledges him, I doubt there’s a single student who still underestimates him.
Heinz and Lev, the Shooters. Heinz surprised me. At first, he seemed like a frivolous boy, but to think he’s royalty from a neighboring country. Even so, Heinz doesn’t rely on his status and works hard. His attentiveness shapes our team’s atmosphere, and I’m grateful for it. Lev is reserved and tends to stay in the background, but that allows her to observe everyone’s movements closely. She lends a hand when we need it most. Her skills as a Shooter are top-notch, especially her coordination with Raits, which is remarkable.
And Lux, the Sniper. Reflecting now, it feels like everything began turning when Lux joined our academy. The once-distant Rita-san is now someone I share tea with. Our victory in the earlier competition was thanks to him, a win that gave us confidence. He uncovered Heinz’s secret, found the Duke Lengrad’s memoir, and solved the academy’s final mystery.
To me, Lux is… Yes. I like Lux. I admire him, too.
Such incredible teammates entrusted me with the core of this strategy. Even though I am the most inexperienced member of this group, they believe in me. Even if I fail here, they’ll probably greet me with smiles. But I want to meet their expectations.
Calm down. Calm down.
Repeating it to myself, I sprinted up the building that seemed intent on rejecting my presence.
—
“Shall we begin?” (Fotz)
Rackers’ Knight (Ritter), Fotz, spoke with a slightly drawn-out tone.
“What’s the plan?” (??)
The Heavy Troop (Armor) asked.
“As planned. Pali and Seiren, guard me. Once we reach a suitable location, split into two groups and secure both streets. Teras, you take charge of finding their base. Needless to say, they might employ trickery like in the previous competition, possibly setting traps beforehand. Stay alert.” (Fotz)
“If we find traps, we’ll disable them first, as per usual, right?” (??)
The Raider (Commander) asked.
In response to the boy’s words, Fotz replied, “Yes”.
“You could ignore them, but clearing them systematically will likely unsettle them. Besides, there probably aren’t that many traps. No need to rush. Let’s proceed cautiously.” (Fotz)
“Understood.” (??)
“Alright then, I’m counting on you!” (Fotz)
“Yeah!!” (Rackers)
Fotz sent his team out of the building they’d made their base, buoyed by their enthusiastic shouts.
The members of Rackers slowly came out from the exit.
“For now, we just need to watch for traps.” (??)
“Right.” (??)
Gunfire from the referee instructors had ceased only a short while ago. It seemed unlikely they’d encounter Catrap anytime soon. Catrap was outnumbered, so they might be fortifying their defenses and waiting. That thought was interrupted by a sudden clanging metal sound from a rooftop three buildings away.
“…A trap?” (??)
They immediately assumed a defensive stance.
Then, from the opposite building, pebbles began to fall sporadically.
“…Is someone on the rooftop?” (??)
“No, it’s too early for Catrap to be here. They must’ve set up traps of some sort.” (??)
“…Not a big deal considering…” (??)
“Well, whatever the trap, let’s stick to the plan and deal with it systematically. Split up and search both buildings. Leave two behind to stay alert. Notify us if enemies approach.” (??)
Following the Shooter vice leader’s instructions, the team dispersed into the buildings.
Not long after, the two soldiers guarding the street were hit by paint bullets from a range where gunfire couldn’t even be heard, taking them out before they could sound an alarm. Without time to be surprised, they stared in amazement at the students from the opposing team charging into their base behind them.
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