Oran Knight is out (2/3 chapters for today)
Second Semester Competition (4): Nonexistent Trap
Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
“The winner is Team Catrap!” (Referee)
The first round of the second-half competition.
Our opponents, the Rackers, stood dejected in front of our joy. And understandably so. Without much of a fight, they were quickly overwhelmed, and by first-years, no less.
Given that a team from the same class had lost in the first semester competition, we figured they’d be on guard for traps in the opening moments. So, we intentionally did not set any traps. This time, our focus wasn’t on traps but on exploiting loopholes in the rules with a surprise attack.
Since we were outnumbered, we planned a one-hit knockout strategy to ambush their Knight (Ritter). Several tactics were devised for this purpose. First, right after the start, Sonia and Hana, our reconnaissance pair, split off to scout the Rackers’ movements. Ideally, they’d get ahead of the opposition.
Next, everyone except Maria and Frank turned around after putting a reasonable distance between themselves and their opponents. Without waiting for the match to start, we advanced into the enemy area.
After regrouping with Hana, preparations for the ambush commenced in the enemy’s zone. Once the opponent began their advance, Sonia, who had been lying in wait, sprang into action. She created the illusion of a trap. The key here was not directly targeting the enemy. If the opposing team grew cautious of some potential trap, that would be our gain.
This time, Sonia climbed to the rooftop and shot at a signboard on the opposite building to make noise. Then, she dropped stones or similar items from the rooftop to distract the enemy.
Meanwhile, I supported Sonia mid-operation. Two Spearmen (Lancers) remained on the street, and we quickly dealt with them. The rest of our team took advantage of the distraction caused by Sonia’s faux traps to circle around and launch an all-out assault on their Knight (Ritter).
The enemy base turned out to be thinner than expected—only three were stationed there. With six of us attacking, we overwhelmed them. Though we were outnumbered overall, we had the advantage in that moment and location.
And so, we claimed victory in the opening round at record speed.
—
However, our joy was short-lived.
“Their pace is strange!” (??)
“Did they cheat?!” (??)
Understandable. From their perspective, we, Team Catrap, were already attacking their base almost immediately after the starting signal sounded. I’d probably say the same thing if our roles were reversed.
Yet before we could explain ourselves to the referee-instructor, they declared, “It’s within the rules”. Effectively silencing the Luckers’ objections, the referee began a lecture on why they had been defeated. The instructor systematically explained it to the Luckers, who listened in shock, muttering, “No way…”.
In contrast, the instructor spoke calmly, as if they’d seen similar tactics before.
That said, a few other supervising instructors seemed intrigued, their faces saying, “Huh.”
Maybe this kind of strategy isn’t used often?
“One of your biggest mistakes was assuming how the battlefield should be. That an urban battle should begin with both sides preparing, or that all troops should move only after the signal. This mindset works in a school setting but won’t keep you alive on a real battlefield. Under normal circumstances, your superior numbers and experience could have crushed them. But your failure to think beyond your expectations led to this outcome.” (Instructor)
The instructor’s critique was harsh. But on an actual battlefield, the Rackers could have lost their Knight (Ritter), and that they would have been defeated one by one without even understanding the situation, resulting in all of them being killed.
After saying that, the instructor turned his gaze towards us.
“And you guys… while your ambush was brilliant, did you prepare a backup plan?” (Instructor)
No one could answer that question. Honestly, if our strategy had failed, we’d only vaguely considered creating a fallback position nearby and searching for a chance to turn things around.
Seeing our silence, the instructor continued.
“This plan wasn’t bad. But if the enemy had figured it out, you’d have been in serious trouble. With no defensive measures in place, even one opponent charging in could have cost you the match. While I understand you tried to compensate for your numbers disadvantage, at least one of your Heavy Trooper (Armor) should have stayed back to guard the Knight (Ritter). That alone would have significantly stabilized your position. Remember, in strategies like these, always think of a backup plan. Keep that in mind.” (Instructor)
We all replied in unison, “Yes, sir!”.
The instructor nodded with satisfaction at the sight.
“But regardless, congratulations. Of all today’s matches, yours was the most ‘real’ in terms of battlefield experience. Hold your heads high as you return to your classroom.” (Instructor)
With those words of praise, we were dismissed.
—
Back in the classroom, we were greeted with cheers, just like after the first semester competition.
“Nicely done. That makes Catrap the first-years with the most wins.” (Roy)
Roy-kun praised.
“By the time this match is over, we’ll be ahead. Don’t get too cocky.” (Saxon)
Saxon said.
In other words, Saxon planned to win three games. He was really going to make it to the finals.
In truth, we were only at the top with two wins because Geller’s team, also a first semester victor, hadn’t competed yet.
We don’t feel like the top of our grade, nor are we aiming for it. Our next match is against the third-years. It won’t be an easy victory, but we’ll do our best.
—
*Today’s Journal*
Although we achieved victory, looking back, just as the instructor said, there were many things to reflect on in the strategy.
I feel like I’ve grown a lot since coming to this academy, but clearly, there’s still a long way to go.
And unlike the first semester competition, there’s no time to bask in the afterglow of victory.
The next match is approaching, and we’ll give it our all.
Also, with today’s win, I’ve decided to implement something I’ve been considering and discussing with the team.
For this competition, I’ll lift the restriction on targeting the Knight (Ritter).
Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
Please consider supporting Bayabusco Translation @
bayabuscotranslation 