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Third Round (1): Strongest Team

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The third round was against “Eagle,” the team that won the previous semester’s interclass competition, and the team that Saras-senpai belongs to. The winner would advance to the finals. The students from each team gathered in the city area. In the tense atmosphere, I accidentally let out a somewhat foolish sound.

“Huh?” (Lux)

I recognized someone other than Saras-senpai on the opposing team. Wearing a neat and traditional Shooter style was Sheikh-san. He was Bianca’s older brother, and we once patrolled together during the night watch. This was our first reunion since then.

“Long time no see.”  (Lux)

I said, offering a simple greeting. He raised one eyebrow and nodded back.

“Ah, I never thought you guys would make it this far.” (Sheikh)

Given his expression and intensity, it was clear that his mindset was already in battle mode.

Saras-senpai, watching the exchange, leisurely asked.

“Huh? Lux, do you know Sheikh?” (Saras)

“Yes. He taught me a lot during the night watch in the city.” (Lux)

“Ah, I see. He’s so stiff, huh? Bet it was tough for you?” (Saras)

He teased, poking fun at Sheikh-senpai.

“Hey, it’s before a battle! You lack tension” (Sheikh)

Sheikh-senpai scolded him, and he responded with a playful.

“Sorry, sorry.” (Saras)

The members of Team Eagle, observing the exchange, remained relaxed, and a sense of camaraderie was palpable.

You could feel their strength.

“Alright, we’re about to begin. Are you ready?” (Burke)

The referee for today’s match was the familiar veteran instructor, Burke-san. He had helped us out a few times during the Seven Mysteries incident, so he was one of the more approachable instructors.

“Yes, sorry.” (Lux)

We hurriedly lined up again, and after a brief cough, he said.

“Now, the match between Eagle and Catrap begins! Catrap, you’ve already experienced the urban area in the first round, right? I’ll skip the basic explanations, but are there any questions?” (Burke)

When no one raised their voice, Burke-san called out loudly.

“Alright, when the gunshot from the referees assigned to both teams is heard, the match will begin! Start!!” (Burke)

With those words, we all started running in opposite directions. Unlike the first round, we wouldn’t be using the tactic of separating Sonia and the others midway. Besides, the enemy was keeping a careful distance. If we broke off now, we’d be easy targets for individual elimination.

Still, we didn’t go as far as we could. We left Sonia on the main street and entered a tall building right near the area where we could establish our base according to the rules. We aimed to catch the opponent off-guard, but also to use the time to reach the building to prepare ourselves. Sonia was staying on the main road, observing the enemy’s movements. Meanwhile, we dashed up the five-story building and headed to the roof.

In the city area, the base locations were divided into three main types, ground level, indoor, and rooftop. Considering the sniper Saras-senpai on the opposing team, the indoor location seemed the safest. There were suggestions to set up indoors, but I opposed that idea. Although it seemed safe at first, indoors lacked escape routes and visibility. If the location was pinpointed, we, who were individually weaker, would likely be finished.

Next, the ground level was also tough, considering Saras-senpai. He’d have a clear shot from above. So, it was not that the rooftop was the best, but rather that the rooftop was the only place. Previously, Rita-san had surprised us by using the roof to sneak up behind us, but most people couldn’t do that. We’d have to be wary of sniping from the same height on the roof and potential ground-level infiltrations while guarding the base.

We placed the Knight (Ritter) Maria and the Engineer (Tech) Frank, along with the Heavy Trooper (Armor) Rick-san, and Lite at the base. Additionally, to coordinate with Lite, Lev stayed at the base as well. As for the attackers, it was me and the Shooter Heinz, the Spearman (Lancer) Ratt-kun, the Raider (Commander) Hana, and Sonia, who was currently on patrol on the ground.

We also had a secret weapon from Frank, smoke grenades. He had been working on them for a while, and two of the grenades could be used as regular ammunition. The rules confirmed it was fine as long as we didn’t aim at people. Heinz would carry one, and I’d carry the other. I also prepared a weapon specifically for taking down Saras-senpai. It was a quick fix, but if it worked, it could drastically change the battlefield balance.

If it works, that is.

Once everything was prepared and the instructor on our side fired the blank shot, we heard a distant shot, signaling the start of the match. Sonia hid behind a building on the opposite side, observing carefully, ready to harass or confuse the enemy if needed. The others, including the attackers, were stationed at the base, ready to defend.

The plan was to first weaken the attacking team, Eagle, and then go on the offensive. However, I was on a separate mission and quietly slipped away from the group.

 

—

 

A little earlier, yesterday evening.

I walked toward the class building. The main gates were about to close soon, so I had to hurry or the building would be locked. From the other side of the street, I saw Bianca walking toward me.

“Huh? Isn’t that Lux? Where are you rushing off to?” (Bianca)

“I’ve got something to do at the Military Building.” (Lux)

“Lamie-senpai and Saras-senpai just left.” (Bianca)

Lamie-senpai was a noble and had a house in the city. Saras-senpai was staying with his older sister’s family and didn’t live in the dorm either. Knowing that, I timed it to come around this time.

As I hesitated to explain what I was doing, Bianca grinned.

“What? Are you up to some mischief?” (Bianca)

“If by mischief, you mean… maybe. It’s for tomorrow’s rivalry match, you know?” (Lux)

“Well, if you need help, I could assist. The Military Building’s about to close anyway… Of course, I’ll keep it a secret from Saras-senpai.” (Bianca)

With Bianca making such a suggestion, I decided to take advantage of it without any hesitation.

“Could you help me out? I need to borrow a sniper rifle from the spare weapons. It’d be a big help if you could help me find one that’s easier to handle.” (Lux)

When Bianca heard this, her eyes widened as she stared at me.

“Lux… You’re planning to duel Saras-senpai in the middle range?!” (Bianca)

Yeah. That’s the plan.

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