A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

If there's one crucial element in a Battle Royale, it’s "location."

In games, you usually only know your own and your team's location, while you have to figure out the positions of other teams on your own.

Because of this uncertainty, the concept of camping exists, and one must become hypersensitive to sounds and directions.

That’s why among hacks, those that reveal locations are in high demand. Knowing the opponent's location alone allows for seizing a tactical advantage.

"Two here. Three over there. And finally, three more over here."

"Looks like we're right in the middle then."

Wandering around and gathering information revealed that we're situated right in the center.

Of course, the mana field's location might change in the next phase, and it could have moved even now. But the difference wouldn't be significant.

Looking closely at the other teams, most were camping out. Once eliminated, unless they have a teammate, revival is impossible.

This meant they had to be extra cautious, naturally leading them to adopt a strategy of bunkering down in a single house.

"But why are there only 2 or 3 people in each team instead of 4? Are they out scouting?"

Grace asked, perplexed, as she marked the map. Typically, teams are comprised of either four or three members.

However, the teams I had mentioned had at most three members. Teams of four were almost non-existent.

"Me."

"Huh?"

"I did it."

Of course, it's all my doing. I tracked down those who went out on reconnaissance and abducted them cleanly to get information.

The methods of interrogation varied. The easiest was using water, but I also used fire.

Tying someone to a chair and lighting a fire on their thigh proved effective in spilling the beans.

It was the same when it came to disqualifying them. If they didn't want to be disqualified, they were forced to provide positive responses in various ways.

‘I wonder if I'll need counseling after this?'

Since I'm prohibited from attacking, I had to exploit every possible method. If there’s fault, it lies with the professor who imposed this ridiculous restriction.

Besides causing severe stress among students, this exam will be a learning experience in more ways than one.

The only regret is not being able to use human bombs. That would have made the exam much easier.

"That's right. This means other teams won't be scouting much… We can take advantage of the prime locations."

To pinpoint locations, you must listen for sounds or scout. But since I've eliminated the scouts, that'll be tough for them.

It's risky to move recklessly and equally dangerous to remain idle. On top of that, the mana field is shrinking.

Grace looked at the map for a while before pointing decisively in one direction.

"Let's head this way first. We might need to check where the mana field shrinks, but moving further inside would be wiser."

"Won't that area likely attract a lot of people?"

Yeonhwa's right. Depending on where the mana field shrinks, we might need to face off directly against four or more teams.

Especially there, since Kara's team is also included, which could be quite risky.

"It's okay. You haven't forgotten our plan, have you? All we need to do is nothing, just sit back and let them fight amongst themselves. As long as we sneak in undetected, it’s the end game."

"It sounds easy when you say it…"

Speak as it may seem simple. However, other teams, being no fools themselves, will try to avoid fights as much as possible.

It’s called double cross, where you might get caught between two fronts, so maximum caution is essential.

As I said earlier, once you're eliminated from this exam, it's over. While revivals are possible, they're limited.

"Still, as Yeonhwa says, we need to prepare for contingencies. Sivar might defend, but his attacks are lackluster. Let’s think up something solid before the mana field shrinks."

"What about one of us holding their ground as a decoy?"

"That’s too risky. We’re down to just three members, so losing one would be a substantial loss. And with the mana field shrinking, battles will become more frequent. We have to avoid combat by all means."

They might be called cunning, but it is a wise choice to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Even though the overall evaluation might drop, rankings are most crucial. The disparity between first and second place can be stark in a Battle Royale.

With limited offensive capabilities, it is best to avoid gratuitous confrontations. Have they not always said it's the supreme art of war to subdue the enemy without a fight?

"We also have to start considering the artifact soon…"

[The mana field will soon begin to shrink.]

Just as Grace was about to speak, a broadcast announcement sounded. Simultaneously, we checked our bracelets.

If you are outside the next mana field boundary, the bracelet alerts with a warning and direction guidance.

"We need to move now. The direction is…"

"The one Grace pointed out earlier."

How convenient it is. The mana field is shrinking in the very direction Grace had just suggested.

Looking at the map, it's an area similar to a downtown, with many buildings densely packed—an area likely to see urban combat.

‘Good.'

Urban combat is typically a tiresome type of battle. One must ascertain which building the enemy is in and can only sweep through direct entry.

But not for me. Simply destroying buildings can likely lead to dismissals.

The building crumbles, and the adversaries get disqualified. If they're taken out that way, it's a wrap.

"Before we move, I hope the other teams engage each other…"

Grace uttered as she glanced at me briefly, full of expectancy.

Yeonhwa wore a similar expression, suggesting they were counting on my help again.

I didn't mind either way and readily accepted. But I had a special request.

"Grace."

"Yes. What is it?"

"Don't scold me."

"Huh?"

Grace looked puzzled at my request not to be scolded. Her sharp eyes opened wide, which looked somewhat adorable.

"Um… I don't understand, but I won't scold you? So, do you have a plan?"

"Yes. Yeonhwa."

"?"

Immediately afterward, I called Yeonhwa, and she blinked in confusion. To her, I made a request.

"Help me out for a bit."

It seemed like a task I couldn't handle alone, given the time constraint.

Once all the preparations were complete.

"My family will disown me as a criminal if they find out about this."

"But since it's an exam, wouldn't it be okay?"

"Does that look okay to you?! That insane act?! And where the heck did he learn that?!"

Grace stormed out again, ranting all by herself.

*****

Most teams are currently avoiding combat as much as possible.

Not only because this is an exam, but crucially due to the absence of scouts, leaving them unable to move recklessly.

Since Sivar cunningly took out the scouts, information gathering has essentially come to a halt, leaving the teams stuck in place.

They move slowly following the mana field but refrain from active engagement to avoid becoming a target.

"Let's get moving. It’s a bit uncertain, but we'd better move since we're outside the mana field."

"Understood."

Luna wasn't spared from this predicament either. Losing her scout, she has to move with utmost caution.

The overarching strategy was to camp out, moving along the edge of the mana field.

Even this was sufficient to avoid unnecessary combat and incurred minimal losses.

The only confrontation so far was a single battle, which she had won smoothly.

‘It’s about time I take part in the fight.'

She fiddled with the sword at her waist. With the mana field shrinking, battles would only become more frequent.

For now, her unique eyes allowed her to acquire information, but unfortunately, managing the overall situation was difficult.

Fortunately, she had a teammate adept at strategizing, but even that could be rendered futile in no time.

‘Sivar has no right to attack… The ones to watch out for are sister Kara and Elvin.'

All three positions are unknown. If there's noise, I might be able to estimate their location, but even that's challenging.

Luna moved cautiously to avoid drawing attention. A surprise attack could be dangerous, so she kept an eye out while stepping forward.

Trudge— Trudge— Trudge—

That's when it happened. A distinctly loud set of footsteps reached Luna’s ears.

Not her teammates. She had long since become familiar with their footfalls and could differentiate them roughly.

She signaled for a brief pause with her hand, and her teammates naturally stopped their steps.

"…"

"…"

With their motion halted, the footsteps that Luna had heard ceased as well.

As Luna looked around in slight confusion, the team member behind her spoke up.

"Is there something wrong?"

"No… It must have been my imagination. We should keep moving."

Luna shrugged off the unsettling feeling and continued forward. They were now in the passage leading to the downtown area.

Walking openly on the road was dangerous, but there was nowhere suitable for an ambush.

Trudge— Trudge— Trudge—

Once they resumed walking, the noise became apparent. Luna swiftly turned her head back and called out.

"Who goes there!"

"Ye-Yes?"

"Is someone there?"

At Luna’s shout, her teammates readied their weapons as they waited, faces filled with confusion.

As if responding to Luna’s call, someone slid out from the back.

Along a tree-lined street with no real cover, someone appeared from behind the meager trees.

‘Who is that?'

Luna narrowed her eyes, taking in the unfamiliar figure. They were cloaked in a robe, making it hard to identify them.

Still, it was certain they were an enemy. In this exam, everyone except for one's own team is considered an adversary.

As Luna drew her sword from its sheath, the unidentified person revealed their face.

"…"

"Why, why is that guy…?"

Just like the puzzled teammate, Luna couldn't help but be surprised.

The reason being the robed figure was none other than Sivar.

It was unclear why Sivar was here or how he found them.

‘Is he here alone? Why?'

Most puzzling of all was that Sivar was alone. Facing him was pointless since he had no right to attack.

It didn't make sense for him to have followed them openly if he was scouting. Luna was entirely bewildered.

As everyone, excluding Sivar, faced confusion, Sivar busied himself with a side task.

Flutter—

He checked a map before alternating his gaze between Luna's team and the map, nodding and putting it away.

Then, he directly faced Luna’s team and threw off the robe he was wrapped in.

Flutter!

"…"

"What, what’s that…"

The reactions went from confusion to outright dismay as Sivar discarded his robe.

No wonder – Sivar's body was covered in bombs. They might have low lethality, but enough to cause unconsciousness—a bomb vest by any standards.

"Sivar? You… what is that…?"

Luna cautiously inquired, lowering her sword ever so slightly. Why was Sivar wearing a bomb vest?

Had a teammate attached it, or had Sivar volunteered? Her mind raced.

Meanwhile, Sivar slowly raised his hand and extended a finger, pointing in one direction.

"Go there. Otherwise…"

Then he gestured at the bomb vest he was wearing.

"I'll detonate it."

Proclaiming a suicidal attack like a terrorist, Sivar. However, regrettably for Luna and the other students, they were all first-year students.

They had experience against monsters or people but almost none in actual combat situations. This made it hard for them to understand the gravity of the situation.

Had it been Kara, she would have cursed, “Crazy son of a bitch!” and sprinted away. Knowing this, Sivar added one more thing.

"Not going? Then…"

And thereupon, Sivar assumed a running stance.

"I'm coming."

He charged at the team.

"There, run away! Quickly!"

"AAAAHHHH!!"

"Crazy bastard! What the hell is that?!"

A true chase ensued.

[Your faith has increased!]