Toru’s Cognition proficiency, known as Foresight, was more than just a tool for survival—it was a tactical advantage that allowed him to stay one step ahead of his opponents. Among the many skills that Foresight provided him with was Fieldread, a particularly useful skill that granted him real-time information about his surroundings. This situational awareness was crucial in the chaos of the battlefield, where even the smallest detail could mean the difference between life and death. As he surveyed his environment, Toru’s mind began to formulate a plan. “Might as well rack up some kills,” he muttered to himself.
Opening up his crafting menu, Toru was greeted with several categories to choose from:
Categories:
General Equipment
Grade 1 Firearms
Grade 1 Turrets
General Items
The general category, designated as Grade 0, was basic equipment accessible to all participants, regardless of their specializations. These items were rudimentary but reliable, offering minimal support in combat. However, anything listed beyond Grade 0 required a certain level of expertise, and accessing these advanced options marked someone as a specialist in their field. Toru’s Riflecraft proficiency allowed him to access Grade 1 items, which included more sophisticated weaponry and devices. Scrolling through the Grade 1 turrets category, his eyes quickly locked onto a specific option that suited his current needs.
“There you are!” Toru exclaimed as he selected the Heat-resistant Sentinel turret, which required two steel bars (also called ingots) to craft.
Heat-resistant Sentinel
Cost: 2 Steel Bar(s)
The Sentinel was a sturdy, automated turret designed to withstand high temperatures, making it the perfect choice for the fiery battlefield he found himself in. While Toru felt a twinge of reluctance at the cost—using up two of his precious steel bars—it was clear that the situation demanded it. “I just hope this fire lasts long enough so I can squeeze all the value out of this thing,” he thought, knowing that time was of the essence. His plan was simple yet shrewd: with the battle still in its early stages, most participants would have limited equipment, leaving them vulnerable. The raging fire in the castle meant that anyone wanting to move freely would need fire resistance, forcing them to either deplete their resources or compromise their defenses. Toru intended to exploit this by placing his turret in a strategic location where it could pick off weakened opponents.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
After considering his options, Toru decided that the castle’s courtyard would be the ideal spot for his turret. The open space provided a clear line of sight, allowing the Heat-resistant Sentinel to cover a large area and target anyone who ventured into its range. With the turret in place, Toru’s plan quickly began to bear fruit.
A series of notifications flashed across his vision as the system registered his kills:
Toru Hamada eliminated Nakai Atsutane
Toru Hamada eliminated Ishida Jin
Toru Hamada eliminated Baba Magohachi
“That was quick,” Toru remarked, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. The strategy was working flawlessly. By taking advantage of the environment and his opponents’ unpreparedness, he had already started to build a respectable kill count. Each elimination further cemented his position in the competition, giving him a crucial edge as the battle progressed.
Just as he was reveling in his success, a sharp sound cut through the air—a bullet zipped past his head, grazing his hair and sending a jolt of adrenaline through his body. Startled, Toru lost his grip on the window’s ledge and dropped to the ground below. Fortunately, he was only on the second story, so the fall wasn’t severe. He hit the ground with a thud, but quickly scrambled to his feet, his senses on high alert. Before he could fully assess the situation, he heard a voice nearby.
“Ah, what a bliss,” the enemy said, a smirk playing on their lips as they holstered a flamethrower and propped up a riot shield along with a blade. The combination of the heavy shield and close-quarters weaponry suggested they were prepared for a direct confrontation, likely having survived the flames by brute force and determination.
Toru’s eyes narrowed as he sized up his opponent. The enemy’s equipment was formidable, and their confidence was evident. His mind raced, considering his options. He had lost the advantage of height, but he still had his wits, his Riflecraft, and his Foresight. This fight would be a test of all three, and Toru knew he had to stay sharp if he wanted to come out on top.
The courtyard, now filled with the echoes of battle, was about to become the stage for an intense showdown. Toru braced himself, ready to face whatever came next.