第１１８８堀：一回戦その２ (Part2)
Perhaps this is simply the pendulum of fortune swinging back the other way.
"The next zone will be determined in one minute. Let’s wait until that’s clear before we move."
"I agree. Just to confirm, the center point of the previous contraction was the town to the northeast, correct?"
"Yes. The first contraction centered on the northeast town. We’ve been moving north from the southeast, checking the houses along the way."
"In that case, we’re bound to run into another team soon."
"If I recall, there were eighteen teams in total, including the extras. Given that, an encounter does seem imminent."
"I’d prefer to avoid combat with other teams for as long as possible. We should be very deliberate about where we head next."
As we spoke, the next combat zone was finalized, and the projected area appeared on our displays.
The location was...
"The eastern half of that northeast town, plus the area further east. Aside from the town, there are scattered buildings, and a mountain—the summit has some kind of observation post within the zone."
"Logically speaking, the town is going to become a hotbed of intense fighting."
"Indeed. We’re currently outside the zone, but fortunately, we’re in a position where we don't have to pass through the town. If we’re aiming for a vantage point, the summit is our best bet, isn't it?"
I pointed toward the peak.
"True, high ground makes for easier reconnaissance. But I’m sure other teams will reach the same conclusion."
"That’s a given. Doesn't that mean we should be prepared for a firefight just to secure the position?"
"...You’re right. From here on out, conflict will be unavoidable. But let’s remember to keep it to the absolute minimum."
After all, ammunition is finite, and our recovery items and shields are limited as well.
"Well, that goes without saying. Now, about the route..."
"Right. We know a straight line is the shortest path, but from our current position, that would mean crossing the open grassland. We really want to avoid that. We’d be sitting ducks for anyone in the town or the scattered houses."
"Agreed. In that case, let’s skirt around the back of the eastern side where those buildings are and head for the summit."
They both nodded at my suggestion.
The map contraction had already begun, so once the route was set, we had to move immediately.
"Wait, isn't the map shrinking faster than before?"
"Eh? The speed increases progressively, you know? Did you not know that?"
"I didn't know that at all!? Do we even have time to take a detour like this!?"
What should we do? The situation had taken an unexpected turn.
The map was contracting faster than we could run. If we kept this up, we’d be eliminated without even fighting, or our energy would drain away.
I wanted to avoid that at all costs.
I had come here to show Taizo-san that I was capable!
But no matter how much I wished otherwise, we were currently limited to the physical capabilities of an average person, and the map boundary was closing in on us rapidly.
Just as I was thinking we had no choice but to risk everything and sprint across the grassland between the town and the scattered houses...
*Vroom, vroom...*
A sound reached our ears.
We immediately stopped running, dropped to the ground, and scanned for the source.
The sound grew louder, drawing closer by the second...
"I’ve found it. Four o'clock. On the road."
I looked in the direction Bicks-san was pointing and saw a vehicle driving along.
"Who’s riding in that? Hifi, you have a scope, right?"
"Yes. Just a moment."
Trying to track a moving target through a scope proved surprisingly difficult. Even so, I managed to align the reticle...
"The ones in the car are Taizo-san and Taiki-san."
"That’s a headache right off the bat. It’s not in a position where we can reliably shoot them, so it’s best to ignore them."
"Agreed. If we pick a fight now, it’ll only delay our movement."
"Oh, wait a moment. On the other side of the road... there’s another vehicle, just like the one they’re driving."
"Nice. Let’s take that one and move out."
"Indeed. There’s a chance Taizo-den and Taiki are lying in wait, but if we’re prepared for that, we can make it work."
And so, we scrambled into the vehicle we’d found and managed to reach our target destination without taking damage from the second zone contraction.
However...
*Bang, bang, bang!*
*Bang!*
*Bang, bang...*
Even inside the car, the sound of gunfire echoed.
It seems the real battle is just beginning.