第１１９２堀：二回戦その１ (Part1)
Chapter 1192: Second Round, Part 1
Side: Hairen
"The second round will now begin. Everyone, please return to your team's designated seats."
As the announcement echoed through the hall, I hurriedly shoved the snack I was holding into my mouth and washed it down with tea.
"Oh my, if you eat that much, you'll feel miserable later, you know?"
"Indeed. Forcing yourself to eat will only put a burden on your stomach."
Lilishe and Kirika both warned me, but it was far too late for that. Once it’s already in my stomach, there’s no way to take it back. If they were going to stop me, they should have said something from the start.
"That's just like you, Hairen-chan. But if you start feeling unwell, don't try to hide it, okay?"
"Exactly. Hairen-sama, please do not push yourself."
"I know, I know. I won't push myself."
If I felt sick enough that I couldn't move, I certainly wouldn't be forcing myself to do anything. Besides, this isn't exactly that kind of situation.
"But I’m still going to take down Yuki!"
"Ahaha. Well, I suppose having a clear goal is a good thing. And if possible, that’s something I’d like to do as well. You feel the same, don't you, Kirika-chan?"
"Yes. As one who 'protects the Master,' it might be considered a transgression, but if I can manage to soil the Master's reputation just once, he will surely recognize the necessity of having me as his bodyguard and will be sure to take me with him everywhere. Therefore, I intend to give it my all."
Hmm, maybe Yuki isn't as popular as I thought. Lilishe-sama is one thing, but even Kirika is raring to go. At this rate, we might actually make it through the second round.
"You have five minutes until transfer to the map. Please do not forget to set your transfer points. Be aware that if you do not specify, it will be random."
Oh, that reminds me...
"Where are we planning to go next?"
"Let's see. We didn't really discuss the second round, did we?"
"I had assumed we would decide here at the final moment. We need to consider the information we gathered while mingling with the others earlier when choosing our location."
"That's true. Orelia and the others said they’d do their best, and everyone was gathering around to support them by teaching them tactics and such."
Honestly, I feel like that was a bit unnecessary. I don't think Orelia and her group could master those techniques immediately just because they were taught, but still, knowing those things versus not knowing them makes a difference. Then again, looking at it from another perspective, talking about it like that just tips off the enemy that there's a possibility of those tactics being used.
"Yes. And considering the tactics mentioned by everyone, I believe 'this' location would be best."
As she spoke, Kirika pointed to a spot just west of the central town, where a few houses stood in a row.
"Why there?"
"From here, we can monitor the teams engaging in combat in the central town, securing weapons will be easy, and we can detect approaching enemies. Furthermore, there are other clusters of houses nearby, so if we can't find enough gear here, it will be easy to move to the next location."
"When you put it that way, you're right. Well, in the end, it all comes down to luck, though."
"True. For now, it’s a good starting point, isn't it? Above all, if we're lucky, we might even be able to snipe the teams in the town."
"Exactly. Lilishe-sama, Hairen-sama—I judged from the first round that you are the type who prefers to shoot rather than hide. Is that correct?"
"You're not wrong. I mean, I know hiding is a strategy, but..."
"It’s better to crush the enemy head-on, right? Well, I’ll hide when I’m out of ammo or need a break... Ah, so that’s why you chose this place."
"Precisely. Now, time is running short, so shall we finalize this?"
"Yes!"
I had no objections to Kirika’s plan, so we marked the point on the map and waited for the start.
"For now, the priority is securing weapons. We’re all splitting up, right?"
"Sounds good. There weren't any traps or anything in the first round, so I think that’s the way to go."
"Yes. I agree. We should gather supplies efficiently."
Just as we finished discussing our strategy, the time finally arrived...
"Alright, that’s it. We are beginning the transfer now. Good luck, everyone. Five, four, three, two, one... zero."
With the countdown from the goblin announcer, our vision turned pure white, and before I knew it, I was standing in front of a house.
"Then, let’s move immediately. I will take the house on the left."
"Right. I’ll go to this house here."
"Then I’ll take the front."
I was already used to this from the first round, so I quickly opened the door and checked the floor for items...
*Bang! Bang!*
Hm? It sounded like a door opened somewhere nearby. I lifted my gaze from the floor, and...
"Ah."
"Ah."
There stood Wazfi.
"We overlapped!?"
Ugh, did we transfer to the same place as Wazfi and her team? No, wait.
"You were stalking us!"
"I wasn't! But this is a chance!"
No sooner had Wazfi said that than she lunged forward. *Crap!* The only thing on the floor was a single handgun. It didn't have much power, but I didn't have anything yet. This is bad. I have to get it first! I scrambled to run for it. Who would grab the handgun first?
*Thud!*
Suddenly, I felt a blow and was sent flying right back to the doorway I had just entered.
"Ouch!? Wait, that didn't hurt?"
"Your energy gauge has decreased, though."
Ah, so melee damage counts as a reduction to the energy gauge. *Wait, this is bad.* Wazfi prioritized taking me out, and she’d just knocked me aside. That meant the one who grabbed the only handgun was...
"Now then, Hairen-sama, are you prepared?"
With a wicked smile, Wazfi aimed the handgun at me... but before she could finish, I dove out of the door.
*Bang! Bang!*
The dry sound of gunfire echoed from the doorway I had just escaped. Good, I barely managed to dodge it.
"Wait! I’m going to turn you into a bloody mess before I get to Priestess Lilishe!"
"Why are you so full of killing intent!?"
"Don't act like you've forgotten! Your team did this to us in the first round! That’s why I’m crushing you here! Besides, in a battle royale, this is only natural!"
*Bang! Bang!*
"Eek!? She’s shooting again!?"