Chapter 80

this is a fictional story by realTensai

“It’s been one week since the survival game started.”

“Only one week?” Lia said, gasping and shaking her head. “It feels like we’ve been trapped here for eternity. Oh, I’m sorry, continue.”

“It’s fine,” Alvis responded, smiling, before he continued his report. “Our current situation can only be described as tense. The tension within the school and among the students is building up like a storm.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed that too,” she said, biting her lip in frustration.

“The students are becoming uneasy, resulting in more and more conflicts. I can’t even count how many arguments and fights I had to stop. Just yesterday, I had to pull two students apart in the cafeteria—one had taken an extra slice of bread, and the other wouldn’t stop screaming about it. It’s only getting worse. The other student council members probably have to deal with the same.”

“I’m sorry. It’s because of my selfish request you have to suffer.”

“Don’t say that. We all decided on our own that we want to help you, so don’t go and regret your decision now.”

“You’re right. Continue.”

“The root cause for all the problems is that the students are starting to doubt Mr. Woltzer’s words because it has already been one week since we’ve been trapped here, yet there is no sign that the WRO will save us. Even though Mr. Woltzer keeps saying that it’s just a matter of time, it’s the uncertainty that is killing the students from within.”

“We can’t contact the outside world, which makes everything ten times worse.”

“Exactly. Another big problem would be our food supplies.”

“Actually, I’ve talked to Mr. Woltzer about that. He told me there would still be enough food for a few weeks if we handled it correctly. So we don’t have to worry.”

“No, we have to worry. It’s a fact that every day we spend here our food supplies decrease and every student notices this painful fact because our rations have become smaller. This paired with the uncertainty of when we will get out births unbelievable anxiety. But this isn’t all. It also leads to frustration and resentment towards those races who eat more than oneself.”

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“Charles’ words on that day still haven’t left their mind.”

“Yes. Even though it’s irrational, seeing someone else eat more than you in a situation where the food is scarce naturally leads to resentment. The result thereof is that the tension between races rises even more to the point where they don’t even want to talk to each other. Especially the demons who harbor doubts about the other races and are the target of many racist attacks have isolated themselves from the others and only hang out among themselves.”

“I’ve noticed the same for the school years. It’s as if some sort of rivalry has formed, so people only trust the people in their grade whom they know the best.”

“This probably also stems from the game system and quests. Seeing how the fourth graders work together to complete the most quests is most likely what caused the other grades to feel the need to work together, too.”

“It’s been only a few days since we were in charge of the quest, yet it’s more tiresome than I could’ve ever imagined.”

“Hah, at least you’re acknowledging that you are working us like slaves. Managing all the applications for quests and having them run through the lottery system all while taking in mind who already has completed quests and prioritizing those who haven’t is insane work.”

“I apologize. But it was you who came up with this system.”

“Don’t remind me of that,” he said, shaking his head. Seeing that, Lia could only giggle.

“Let me get back to my report. Concerning the game shop everyone has access to, you don’t have to worry. I’ve noticed that most students use their daily 50 coins to buy food. As of now, they don’t care about the other stuff in the shop.”

“That’s good. We would have a problem if they started buying weapons.”

“Most students don’t even have enough coins for that.”

“Do you still save up your daily 50 coins?”

“Yeah. Call me paranoid, but I still can’t forget the Priest’s one comment. And also it’s better to have saved up some coins for whatever was to come.”

“You are always thinking ahead. I love that about you.”

“Hey, what’s up with this sudden surprise attack?” Alvis said, blushing.

“Haha, nothing. You can continue.”

“Well, this is about it. Our situation could be much worse, but right now it’s somewhat stable. Still, the tension is building up like crazy and one subtle change can be the last straw.”

“Then let’s just hope that this won’t happen.”

“Yeah, this is all we can do.”

“--- Hello guys, here is your favorite priest again!”

A shudder ran down Alvis’ spine, triggering his mana to flame within his core, the Priest’s voice alone enough to ignite his hatred. Lia shot up from her place too, her raised eyebrows and clenched fists a testament to her rage.

Why… why now?!

He always appeared at the worst possible time. They had just talked about how one change can lead to a catastrophe and now the Priest had a new announcement.

“It’s been a while since I’ve talked to you. To be honest, I wouldn’t have thought that one week would go by and nothing would happen. You are all sooooo boring. At this point, this game won’t even be fun. That’s why I came up with an interesting rule.”

The Priest’s voice dripped with false cheerfulness, filling the room like a toxin. It crawled under Alvis’s skin, a reminder of just how easily the Priest could play with their lives. Alvis’ heart knocked against his ribcage as he awaited the Priest’s next words.

“Whoever makes the first kill gains instant freedom.”