A week passed quickly. Naomi and I continued our early morning training sessions using Freya's device, exploring all possible variations of the arena. Freya had mentioned that the event would feature multiple arenas created from holograms, predominantly themed around forests and deserts. However, the layout, weather, and time of day would vary. As we cycled through different scenarios, Naomi and I gradually grew closer. She opened up about her past, revealing that she and her uncle had fled from the 109th safe area, one of the poorest districts. Her father, a low-level hunter, had died on a mission, and her mother, a florist, overwhelmed by grief, had taken her own life. She and her uncle left there to find a better place to live. I felt pity towards her, yet I also felt that we had a connection the moment she told me about her past. Alaric told me that it was because my parents died in a similar way to her father. The school also mostly went the same. The bullying continued for both of us. However, by sticking together, Naomi and I noticed a decrease in physical altercations, sparing us from additional bruises.
As Saturday morning dawned, I opened my eyes slowly. Today was the day of the flag race. I rose from bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up, my mind swirling with a strange mix of excitement and nerves. As I washed my face and looked into the mirror, I pondered whether my restless night was evident. Puzzled by the intensity of my feelings, I clicked my tongue. After all, I had trained with Alaric and fought against voidspawn holograms countless times; this was supposed to be just another challenge. The only differences today were the venue and the opponents. Could that really change things so much?
After leaving the bathroom, I headed downstairs to find Alaric. As usual, he was deeply absorbed in a book. I sat next to him, hoping to catch his attention. He glanced at me from the corner of his eye before returning to his reading.
"Is something wrong?" he asked.
"I, well, feel weird," I admitted, struggling to articulate the jumble of emotions.
"Feel weird?" He echoed. I nodded.
"Yeah," I continued. "I couldn't sleep well last night. There's this strange excitement about today—something I've been doing with you for 14 years, yet it feels different now, and I don't understand why."
Alaric closed his book with a soft thud and turned to face me, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "You've actually answered your own question."
"I did?" My confusion was genuine.
He nodded slowly. "You're accustomed to training with me and recently with your friends. You know our moves, our strategies. But today, you're up against unknown opponents. That unpredictability is likely fueling your excitement."
"Oh," I said. The simplicity of his explanation made sense, yet it offered little comfort. "So, how do I get rid of this feeling?" I asked, hoping for a solution.
Alaric chuckled, his eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and sympathy. "You can't entirely rid yourself of it. Every time you face an unknown opponent, this anticipation will surface. It's the same in any real battle with voidspawn, where survival is at stake. The triggers for your excitement will vary, but the sensation will persist."
His words, meant to reassure me, left me feeling slightly frustrated. "But you were right about one thing," he added, "you don't need to be overly tense. You're probably better than most students at the school. Just don't become complacent or underestimate your opponents. You never know what might happen."
"Okay," I responded, my thoughts still racing. I stood up, feeling restless. "I'm going to get changed."
"Isn't it too early? The event starts at ten. We still have a couple of hours." Alaric asked, reopening his book.
"Maybe, but what else can I do?" I replied, my voice tinged with anxiety.
"Your first exams start next week," he suggested a gentle reminder of other responsibilities. "You could review them. It might help you relax."
"Oh, right," I mumbled, having forgotten about the exams amidst the event's nerves.
He smiled warmly. "Go on then. I'll call you when breakfast is ready."
"Okay," I sighed and returned to my room. Pulling out one of my textbooks, I started to study, hoping it would calm my nerves, as Alaric suggested. About half an hour later, I closed it with a deep sigh.
Why can't I just relax? I can't even concentrate on it properly!
I got up from my desk, annoyed, and took my glasses and headphones.
"Hey, Mai?" I called. Soon, its familiar orb materialized in front of me.
"I feel way excited for today's flag race event. How can I get rid of it?"
Mai's orb pulsed slowly as it processed my question. After a moment, its gentle voice filled my headphones.
"I understand you're feeling excited and perhaps a bit anxious about today's event," Mai began. "While it's not possible to completely eliminate these feelings, there are several techniques that might help you manage them:
1. Deep breathing exercises: Try taking slow, deep breaths for a few minutes. This can help calm your nervous system.
2. Visualization: Imagine yourself performing well in the event, staying calm and focused.
3. Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and then relax each muscle group in your body, starting from your toes and working up to your head.
4. Mindfulness meditation: Focus on the present moment, acknowledging your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
5. Light physical exercise: A short walk or some stretching can help release tension and excess energy.
6. Listen to calming music or nature sounds: This can help distract your mind and promote relaxation.
7. Write down your thoughts: Journaling about your feelings might help you process them better.
Remember, some level of excitement is normal and can even be beneficial for performance. The key is to channel it positively rather than let it overwhelm you."
I nodded, absorbing Mai's advice. "Thanks, Mai. I'll give them a try."
"You're welcome," Mai responded. "Is there anything else you'd like assistance with?"
"No, not right now," I said as I removed the devices on me. "So, deep breaths, music, and other things, let's do them one by one," I said and sat on my bed. As I considered my options, a memory surfaced - something Alaric had taught me during our time in the forest. Meditation. Mai didn't explicitly mention it, but it aligned perfectly with the deep breathing exercise.
"Of course," I murmured to myself. "Meditation could help center my thoughts."
Encouraged by this realization, I shifted on the bed, crossing my legs into a comfortable position. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and began to focus my mind, ready to put Alaric's teachings into practice once more.
As I settled into the familiar posture, memories of our time in the forest flooded back. Alaric's patient voice echoed in my mind.
"Listen to yourself, Bumble. Listen to your body."
Back then, I struggled with the concept, my mind constantly buzzing with the challenges of our isolated life. But Alaric persisted, understanding its importance long before I did.
Now, in the relative quiet of my room, I finally grasped what he meant. I started to cleanse my thoughts, imagining my mind as a blank canvas. Each intruding thought was gently pushed aside like leaves on a stream. Gradually, I felt my body relax, and the excitement that had been bubbling inside me began to ebb away.
As the meditation deepened, a curious sensation washed over me. My head felt heavy as if drawn downward by an invisible force. It was a familiar feeling, one I hadn't experienced in a long time. I welcomed it, recognizing it as a sign of true relaxation. At that moment, I realized how much I had missed this - not just the feeling but the connection to the lessons Alaric had taught me.
"Bumble," Alaric knocked on my door, interrupting my meditation. "Breakfast is ready."
"Okay," I called out. "I'm coming!"
As I stood up from my bed, stretching my legs, I felt a subtle shift. The calmness I had achieved began to dissipate, and the familiar flutter of excitement crept back into my chest.
"Oh, dang it!" I muttered under my breath, frustrated as I left my room.
As I entered the kitchen, the delicious aroma of Alaric's cooking greeted me. He had prepared omelets.
"Smells so good!" I said as I sat at the table. Alaric put a plate of omelets in front of me.
"Are you feeling any better?"
"Not really," I sighed as I took a bite from the omelet. "I still feel the same."
As I chewed, I couldn't stop moaning in delight. It was absolutely delicious.
"Do you like it?" Alaric asked, watching me enjoy the meal.
"It is so delicious!" I said after I gulped the food. He smiled with delight.
"Glad you like it."
Since we started to live here, I felt like Alaric has softened. He seemed gentler and more expressive, contrasting his demeanor during our time in the forest. This softer side of him made moments like these, simple and domestic, particularly comforting.
As Alaric prepared his omelet and sat across from me, I wished I could freeze time. The warmth of the kitchen, the aroma of freshly cooked food, and Alaric's comforting presence felt like a shield against the looming flag race at school.
My fork moved mechanically as my mind wandered. We had trained relentlessly, mastering every role. Naomi and I had pushed ourselves to the limit every morning. So why did this knot of anxiety persist in my stomach?
Lost in thought, I absently tried to cut into my omelet, but my fork met with unexpected resistance. Confused, I glanced down at my plate. To my embarrassment, I realized I had been attempting to cut through an empty plate.
Smooth move, Bumble, I scolded myself silently. Trying to cut an imaginary omelet now?
I looked up to find Alaric's eyes on my plate, a mixture of amusement and concern in his expression.
"I thought there was an omelet left," I admitted.
Without hesitation, Alaric rose, his plate in hand. "Let me give you some of mine."
"No, no, there's no need!" I protested, but Alaric was already dividing his omelet, sliding half onto my plate.
"Eat up," he encouraged, settling back into his seat. "You need all the energy you have for the event."
I sighed, picking up a piece of the omelet. "I thought you didn't care about the race."
"I don't, not about the race itself," Alaric clarified, his gaze meeting mine with a mixture of seriousness and concern. "But I care about what matters to you. If this event is important to you, then it's important to me. Just remember," he paused, taking a deep breath, "don't go too hard on other students, no matter what. Being allowed to compete doesn't mean you can beat up everyone freely. Fight smart, Bumble."
I nodded, absorbing his advice. "Okay, Alaric."
After finishing breakfast, I returned to my room to change clothes. Alaric suggested I wear comfortable clothes, as I will change them at school. Following Alaric's advice, I opted for my tracksuit. After brushing my teeth, I tied my hair and looked at myself in the mirror.
Calm down, I reminded myself. It's something you do. Don't let the excitement get the better of you.
After taking deep breaths, I went downstairs, where Alaric awaited me.
"Are you ready?" He asked.
"I guess so," I answered.
"Then let's go."
I nodded, and together, we left the house.
As we walked to the school, I felt more nervous under everyone's gaze. My heart beating was getting faster, and my hands were getting sweaty.
"Relax," Alaric murmured, noting my anxious demeanor. "You don't need to be this worked up."
"I know," I whispered back, frustration lacing my tone. "But I can't help it."
"I understand," Alaric said, his voice softening. "But remember, you have more control than you think. Deep breaths, Bumble. Focus on what you can manage - your breathing, your thoughts."
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I tried to follow his advice, taking measured breaths. My heartbeat slowed somewhat, but the nervousness persisted. As the school came into view, teeming with people, I froze. Alaric noticed and turned to face me.
"Maybe we should just go back," I said abruptly.
"It's too late to back out now," he said gently.
"Is it, though?" I acountered, half-hoping for an out. "We can just turn back?"
Alaric shook his head. "It became too late the moment you signed up for the race," he pointed out.
"Why?" I asked. "We are an outsider. No one will notice."
"Flag race is done with 12 people. Your team being one member short will be noticeable."
I sighed, defeated. "The only reason I joined was because I felt bad for Naomi. I thought I could help her by joining."
Alaric's look sharpened, his eyes searching mine.
"So you chose to help someone who likely wouldn't do the same for you?"
"Please," I pleaded, "can we not discuss this now?"
Alaric's frown softened. "It was an honest question, but if you'd rather not talk about it, that's fine."
I mumbled uncomfortably as Alaric's expression eased into a smile. He patted my head reassuringly. Just then, a familiar voice called out from behind us.
"Bumble?"
As I turned, I saw Naomi approaching, accompanied by a blonde man I didn't recognize. Her face was a mix of excitement and nervousness as she drew near.
"Naomi," I greeted, mustering a smile despite my inner turmoil. She embraced me warmly before turning to Alaric.
"You must be Mr. Alaric, Bumble's guardian," Naomi said politely.
"I am," Alaric replied, his expression shifting to a more serious demeanor.
"I'm Naomi. It's nice to meet you," she said, then gestured to her companion. "And this is my uncle, Kyle."
Kyle stepped forward, extending his hand with a friendly smile. "It's refreshing to meet someone who doesn't judge at first glance, isn't it?" he said to Alaric, who shook his hand with cautious courtesy.
Naomi turned back to me, her eyes bright. "Are you excited?"
"Yeah," I nodded, then asked, "What about you? How are you feeling?"
She shrugged, her optimism surprising me. "I'm okay. I don't think we'll win – we might even be eliminated in the first round – but I'm still in good spirits."
"Oh," I blinked, taken aback. "You don't care about winning?"
"Not really," Naomi admitted with a shrug. "I didn't even want to join initially, remember? So, winning never crossed my mind. But don't worry, I'll still give it my all!" she added with enthusiasm.
As we neared the school, she glanced at me curiously. "How about you?"
"Me?" I asked back, surprised.
"Yeah. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance for you. You might even get to square off against Darren if we make it past the first round."
Something in me reacted to what she said, fueling my excitement.
"I didn't think about it," I admitted, feeling a rush of anticipation tingling through my fingers.
Calm down, Bumble! I said to myself. Don't let excitement take over you.
When we reached the crowded school grounds, we bid farewell to Alaric and Kyle. Kyle and Naomi shared a warm hug, which stirred a strange discomfort within me.
What is this? Why did that bother me so much?
Alaric's hand on my shoulder snapped me out of my thoughts. "Do your best, but keep it moderate," he advised gently. I nodded.
When they went toward the arena, Naomi and I walked toward the gym. Rhys told us that we needed to be there to prepare for the game.
As we entered, I realized that the gym was already teeming with the students, all buzzing with nervous energy. Today was for the 9th and 10th graders; the older students would have their turn tomorrow.
"Where have you been!" Nolan exclaimed as he spotted us. His tone mixed relief with frustration. "We thought that both of you weren't going to show."
"Should we have come earlier?" I asked, puzzled. "If that was the case, no one had mentioned specific timings to us."
Nolan exhaled sharply, dismissing the issue with a wave. "It doesn't matter now. Go on and change. We are first."
Naomi and I exchanged glances and headed to the changing rooms. We quickly slipped into the uncomfortable jumpsuits provided for the event.
God! This feels so uncomfortable! I thought and got out. Naomi got out a few seconds after me, and we went towards Nolan and the others.
"These outfits are uncomfortable," I complained as I adjusted the fabric.
"Right!" Freya agreed. "I said that too but these dimwits didn't even care," she pointed to the boys.
"We'll take them out at the end of the day at the latest. So I don't really care about the comfort they are giving," Nolan shrugged. Before we could continue, a robotic voice filled the room, cutting through the chatter.
"All 9th-grade students are called to the arena. Please follow the blue lines. Repeat, all 9th-grade students…"
"Okay, everyone," the Mister Couper called out and called us around.
"First, class A will walk in through the tunnels you see from my behind. Then B and C, and so on. When you are at the arena, form a circle as practiced. Everyone will bow to each other, and then class A, B, and C will leave the arena through the open doors. Class D and E bow to each other one more time, then go to their respective place. Once the match is over, regardless of the result, everyone will exit with respect and sportsmanship, clapping for each other. Did everyone understand?"
When everyone nodded to Mister Couper's instruction, I did as well, yet many questions were in my head.
Practice? When did we ever do something like that?
Then it occurred to me that he might be talking about the time when he sent us, the outsiders, away at the beginning of the week.
Well, the others should have told us. I thought, frustrated.
"Good," Mister Couper continued. "Follow the path then."
As we descended along the brightly lit underground path, a hush fell over us; the only sound was our footsteps echoing off the walls. The closer we got to the arena, the more distinct the noises became—cheers and the buzz of an eager crowd waiting above.
"Alright," Mister Couper said and glanced back at us, a hint of excitement in his voice. "May the best team win. Good luck."
As we ascended, my eyes struggled to adjust to the light. However, when they finally did, I found the sight breathtaking. The arena was enormous and circular, with people seated above us. Cheers erupted from individuals of all ages and sizes. I could feel my excitement growing stronger.
"Relax, Bambi," Silas whispered behind me, catching me in surprise. I nodded to him and focused on following Nolan, who was before me. We formed a circle as instructed. Everyone's loud cheer made my heart beat faster. I started to look at every student's face. Some looked calm, some looked proud, and some were excited and nervous, just like me. Then I saw Darren in front of me. His gaze was fixed on Silas, who seemed uncomfortable under Darren's intense stare. I leaned toward him and whispered, "Relax, Silas."
A little smile appeared on his face. As Mister Couper instructed, we bowed to each other. Then a very loud noise suddenly started to talk.
"Ladies and gentlemen, and children of all ages, welcome to the 79th Flag Race!"
The crowd's response was thunderous, their excitement palpable in the electric air. Suddenly, eighteen students turned to their right side and walked through a door. The announcer continued as they walked away.
"The Flag Race, as you know, was created to increase teamwork between students and show how important it is for survival. As customary, our first competition will be between class D and class E students! May the best team win!"
As soon as the sentence ends, we and class D's students bow to each other. Then we all turned around and went to the sides of the arena.
"The rules are simple. As soon as Mai tells you your roles, you have one minute to strategize and select your weapons. The first team to get the counter team's flag and return it to their safe area wins."
When we reached our side, devices resembling bracelets with our helmets appeared.
"These bracelets will help you capture the enemy team's flag and protect your flag as well. Keep them safe or risk losing the game."
As I wore the bracelet, I couldn't help myself but smile. At first, I thought the flag was an actual flag, but later, I learned it was a digital one. After we wore our bracelets, the announcer continued.
"After the countdown is finished, you are mostly free to do whatever you want. Just follow the rules, and have fun! May the best team win. Good luck to our competitors!"
As the crowd cheered and applauded, a white orb appeared before us.
"Greetings, competitors! I am MAI. I am delighted to be part of the event you are about to play. From my database, I see that you are one of the class D or E students. Please confirm."
"Yes," Rhys jumped. "We are class E students."
"Welcome! A random role assignment is being generated," Mai's voice was crisp and synthetic, filled with an almost human enthusiasm. "The random role assignment is complete. The list is as follows:
* Bumble: Melee weapon bearer
* Freya: Gun bearer
* Naomi: Gun bearer
* Nolan: Melee weapon bearer
* Rhys: Flag holder
* Silas: Melee weapon bearer
One minute countdown started. May the best team win!"
As Mai announced this, shadows began to materialize in front of me, forming the distinct silhouettes of trees.
Do these look like trees? I wondered. As I turned around, the landscape of the arena transformed before my eyes into a dense forest under a bright, sunny sky. So, the arena is a forest with a beautiful sunny day. Cool, I thought to myself. The voices of the crowd were also gone, even though we could still see them.
"Alright," Rhys called out, grabbing everyone's attention.
"Let's prepare our strategy."
I scanned the array of weapons materializing before us. Knives, guns, chains, long sticks, and much more than I had expected lay in wait.
"…Is that okay for you, too, Bumble?" Rhys's voice brought me back from my thoughts.
"Oh, umm, yes, of course."
"Alright then," Nolan interjected. "What to take?"
"I think I am okay with assault. Naomi, what about you?" Freya said.
"I don't know. I mean, I was good at sniper at the training, but I'm not sure. Gatling gun will be too heavy."
"How about a shotgun, little mouse?" Silas suggested. Naomi thought about it for a few seconds, then nodded.
"Okay, I am taking a shotgun."
"Bumble," Rhys called out to me, his bracelet glowing as he programmed the flag into it.
"You are going to stay with me, so choose the one you are most relaxed about?"
"What?" I blinked, caught off guard. "Am I?"
"You accepted that," Naomi whispered from beside me.
Oh, I realized. So that was what Rhys asked.
"Yeah, of course. I just zoned out a bit."
"Well," Nolan urged. "Focus!"
I nodded and surveyed the weapons again, finally settling on a spear.
"I thought you would take a knife," Freya expressed her surprise.
"Spear is longer and can cause serious damage," I replied with a confident smile.
"15 seconds left," Naomi announced, clearly winded from the rush. "Let's go with the game plan?"
"Okay, so Bumble will stay with Rhys as we decided. Naomi and Silas will go together to capture the flag. Freya and I will try to find enemies and finish them," Nolan said. We all agreed. With five seconds left, everyone wore their helmet. I followed their movements.
"Good luck out there," I wished everyone, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.
"Protect our flag well," Silas said. I nodded in response, feeling the weight of responsibility. As a loud horn resounded through the arena, a map materialized on the top left side of my helmet's visor.
"Map appeared; good luck, everyone," Rhys stated as everyone except us dashed into the forest. Remaining behind, I scanned our surroundings carefully but could neither see nor hear any sign of the opposing team.
"Do you think staying here is logical?" I asked Rhys, my voice low as I clutched the spear tighter.
"I guess so," Rhys replied, his eyes scanning the dense forest. "Flag holders typically stay put since they can't attack; moving around too much makes us easy targets."
I gripped my spear tightly, eyes darting between the dense forest around us and Rhys crouching beside me. The air felt thick with tension, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves.
Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed through the forest – a gunshot. I flinched, instinctively moving closer to Rhys. He was looking up at the holographic scoreboard floating above us. I followed his gaze. The scoreboard flickered, updating in real time. One of the faces on Team D's side faded to gray.
"One down," Rhys muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
I split my focus between the scoreboard and our immediate surroundings. The forest seemed to grow quieter as if holding its breath. In the distance, I could hear the faint sounds of running feet and muffled shouts.
Another gunshot rang out, followed quickly by two more. I raised my spear defensively, positioning myself between Rhys and the direction of the sounds.
The scoreboard above us flickered again. This time, a face on our own team – Freya's – turned gray. I felt my heart rate quicken. We were down a player.
"Stay calm," Rhys reassured, though his voice carried an edge of concern. "We being one person down doesn't mean we will lose."
"But our exposure here concerns me," I countered, peering through the trees.
"Like I said, I can't—"
Before Rhys could continue, I heard a noise come from the forest.
"Duck!" I yelled as I heard a gunshot near me. The bullet passed right above me. The enemy has found us. I quickly grabbed Rhys's arm and ran toward the forest as gunshots continued from our back. It felt like they tried to lead us.
"Bumble, stop! This is a trap!" Rhys protested.
"I know, be quiet!" I whispered harshly, scanning for any cover. I knew what the enemy tried to do. They would try to make us run toward a location where they would have the upper hand. Gunshots echoed behind us, a terrifying cadence that seemed to dictate our every move.
"Naomi, Silas, Nolan—we're under attack!" Rhys barked into his comlink.
"Hang on, we are close to the flag," Silas responded.
"When did they pass me?" Nolan asked this time, out of breath. "I'm coming to get you guys!"
"Got it," I whispered, my eyes scanning the forest for any sign of cover. The gunshots were getting closer, and I could hear twigs snapping under approaching feet.
Suddenly, I spotted a large, fallen tree trunk a few meters ahead. "There," I hissed, pulling Rhys towards it.
We dove behind the trunk just as another volley of shots peppered the area where we'd been standing. I pressed my back against the rough bark, my spear held tightly across my chest.
"You okay?" I asked Rhys, my breath coming in short gasps.
He nodded, his face pale but determined. "Yeah, I'm fine. Good call on the hiding spot."
I peered over the top of the trunk, trying to get a glimpse of our attackers. Through the dense foliage, I could make out two figures moving cautiously in our direction.
"Two of them," I whispered to Rhys. "Both armed. One's got what looks like a sniper rifle, the other a knife."
Rhys nodded, and we watched them come closer to us.
"Frick, where did they go?" The girl, who was holding the knife, asked.
"They ran through this way. Gosh darn it, our trap is ruined! Why didn't you just attack them?" The boy asked.
"Did you see how fast they ran? I couldn't catch up to them!"
Suddenly, a notification came to our helmet.
"The 'class D' flag is captured by 'class E'." Mai's voice echoed around the forest.
"Darn it!" Both of them said at the same time.
"Alright, you find the flag; I am going to get our flag back," the boy declared, dashing away.
"Got it!" The girl affirmed, then paused, her gaze lingering on the tree trunk where we hid. I held my weapon tighter. The girl's eye stuck on the tree trunk for a while, then slowly walked away.
She knows, I thought. I followed her movements as she tried to walk as if she didn't realize we were there. I count from three to one, then get out from behind the trunk.
"Knew it! Felix, they are—!" I stabbed her with the spear as she was yelling. Of course, it just passed inside of her like a hologram, and then she fell down. I looked at her, confused. Why- did she just stand there and do nothing?
"On your left, Bumble!" Rhys's warning snapped me back to reality. I turned to see the boy from before, his gun trained on me. Bullets hissed past as I ducked back behind the trunk.
"You can't hide there forever, girlie!" He taunted between shots.
"What to do?" Rhys asked, his tone edged with excitement. I waited for the momentary lull that indicated his ammo was spent—Freya had briefed me on the gun's reload mechanics in the game. The ammos in the game were renewable, but it would take about fifteen seconds for them to regenerate the whole emo in the gun, and this fellow seemed like he was trying to use all of them for some reason. When the shooting stopped, I got up quickly and threw the spear at him without a second thought, passing through his helmet. He collapsed, silent, his lips moving in unheard protests.
"The helmet silences them," Rhys explained, noting my puzzled look. "It switches to silent mode for us. Even if you try to do a lip read, the helmet will prevent that. The dead can only talk among themselves through the comlink."
Catching my breath, I nodded, feeling Rhys's reassuring hand on my shoulder.
"That was amazing!"
"Really?" I doubted, the adrenaline fading. "I felt like they just stood there and took it."
"In this situation, most would freeze. You didn't just attack; you took control."
Our conversation was interrupted by Mai's announcement, the holographic forest fading around us.
"Class D's flag contained by class E. Congratulations!"
Rhys and I looked at each other with surprise. Then he suddenly hugged me in celebration.
"We did it!" He exclaimed. "We won the first round!"
Stunned, I stood motionless, my mind racing. That's it? I thought. Is that easy?
"Oh man," Felix grumbled as he and the girl rose in front of us. "Good game," he offered, smiling genuinely.
"You too, man," Rhys replied, releasing me to shake hands with Felix. The girl next to him didn't look that happy. Her gaze made me feel uncomfortable.
Our teammates converged around us, their faces alight with victory.
"We passed the first round!" Silas cheered. Everyone was smiling, enjoying the moment.
"Congratulations to the class E students," the announcer's voice boomed across the arena. We could hear the cheer of the crowds again but it was not that loud as before. We and class D formed lines opposite each other, applauding in mutual respect.
"After a short break, we will continue with class B versus class C."