Vol. 11 - Ch. 521 - Strategy Time! Let's Decide Our Base!

—First Block—«Class 1-1»«Class 1-2»«Class 1-15»«Class 1-24»«Class 1-45»«Class 1-58»«Class 1-99»«Class 1-116»

A buzz spread among the spectators as they gazed at the block categorisation on the screen.

"Woah, look at the screen."

"Wait, what!? Isn't it too early for Class-1 and Class 2 to face off!?"

"If only that would have been that... their block is packed with as many as five high-ranking jobs dominant classes!"

"Hey, that makes for a total of 150 high-ranking job students! Holy moly, it's already giving the finale's vibe!"

"I know, right. It's really an explosive start right from the bat. It's probably going to be a wild ride incomparable from last year. Ah, but with that many high-ranking jobs, I say even Class-1 and Class 2 would have to be careful of their backs."

"Oh, yeah. Both classes did face each other off in the finale. They were the top contenders for the No.1 and No.2 position as well."

"Given the situation, we might as well see a Class-1 and Class 2 vs the six classes."

"Hmm, a war of attrition is going to be obviously disadvantageous for them then."

"Yeah, more classes may team up with the passing time. It's really a black box like situation, eh."

"You mean they would have to eliminate other classes before the others push for alliance?"

"......Then again, maybe even the alliance might turn into a joke."

"Huh, what do you mean?"

"Well, doesn't Class-1 have the absolute mammoths among the first-years?"

"Oh, damn! «Eden», «Machos», and «Best in the Best, the Great Star»!"

"With such heavy weights concentrated in one class, I fear no amount of alliance would be able to put a scratch on them, maybe saving Class-2......”

"Y-You idiot, are you even hearing to yourself!? I mean, this is just ridiculous... Oi, don't you guys think so?!"

"I-I know what you're trying. But... maybe, right...?"

"The fact that it's possible alone makes it terrifying. Also, what if Class-1 and Class-2 joined hands to fight them back?"

"Ah, t-this is also a possibility..."

"If they're also anticipating the six class alliance, then they shouldn't attack the opponent that is aiming at the alliance."

"What was it... enemy of your enemy is your friend?"

"If you ask me, the initial plan of the two classes is to 'eliminate them as soon as possible before their alliance can take place.' Otherwise, they—Class-1 and Class 2 would have to form their own alliance and kick them out first."

"But, in the end, the six class alliance has a chance to win as well."

"Yeah, though I just suddenly realised something...... don't you think that class with low-ranking jobs looks pitiful... it's like a rabbit had been pushed in the group of lions."

"Well, that's......"

◇　◇　◇

The 5th arena, where the match of first block would take place.

The first step was the field construction.

There was no prior information or notification about it, it was all randomly selected at the moment of match. As soon as the previous classes left the arena, Mukai-sensei operated the tablet in his hand with precision, and in accordance with his action, the arena transformed into rocky mountains or big ponds. There were no Big Castles or Small Castles in this map.

Soon, we received the map in our «Smartphone» to check out.

We, the following contestant, had been in our waiting room—with each class having their own, as we gazed at the map in unison.

"Hmm, it's really hard to say anything."

"What's your plan, Zephyr?"

Saturn spoke, a groan slipping out of his mouth looking at the map. His question was about the placement of our class's base. S~eaʀᴄh the NôvelFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Unlike the «Capture the Castle», we could freely select our base in the «Base Capture». At the same time, this was also a strategically crucial choice. You wouldn't want to select a position in an open place and risk getting attacked from all the possible directions.

In this scenario, a base closer to hugging the mountain cliff or nearby pond, which limits the path available was preferable. Of course, it wasn't a definitive solution in this world with Wall Run or Water Dash etc skills. But the jobs with such skills were far and few between, so at least the danger from here could be mitigated with enough vigilance.

Our current field had steep mountains, or ponds, thinly spread out all over the area. Quite an unconventional field, if I must say so.

My choice of location was the location with a cliff running in orthogonal directions, which left only two ways to be infiltrated. I presented my choice to the class.

"Check out the northwest direction that has a mountain range stretching out. I am thinking of selecting our base in that spot, as the mountain range would act as the wall for us. It's at the end of the field, the directions are limited, and that would also allow the team for straight defence lines."

I recall it was called a cornered spot in games like othello. It was common knowledge cornered spots were hard to attack, they're the so-called iron plate defence. Well, it would be mountains instead of corners, but you get the gist.

"I see. This makes sense."

"Fufu. Our enemies can only choose either south or east to attack. We will have enough time to earn the time for the base while forming our defence line in these directions."

Saturn nodded at my proposal, while Jilong supplemented his explanation.

"As I have said, you're the one to call shots. But leave the offence to us. My muscles and my dear axe are already yelling for the war."

"Now, now, don't forget this venerable, can you? Brave ones can't be with squishy defence, eh. But fret not, as a master of offence and defence, I would make sure everyone gets their share of action."

Tom and Helck followed with a posed expression. ...They're being a bit irritating.

Anyway, no one seemed to be objecting to our base location. I fiddled with my «Smartphone» and reported our choice of location.

We were given the first right to choose our base, which would then be followed by other classes in descending order. My report was to Mukai-sensei, and the Class 2. Once Class 2 was finished, then it would be Class-15 turn.

The only downside was the classes following after us could guess our base. The base, but not which class it belongs to, would be displayed to prevent overlapping. And since we'd already done, Class-1 was completely in the dark about other classes' situations.

Well, such was necessary for a balanced game I guess.

Anyway, while others classes were busy deciding their base location, use used the time to held a meeting.

"The only problem is Class 2 will know about our location."

"I don't think that's something we need to care much about, probably. Class 2 would probably wait until others are eliminated before thinking of challenging us."

Saturn showed his apprehension at the exposure of our location to Class 2. Though as I said, that shouldn't be a problem. Beside, there were two spots for the winners. So I don't think Class 2 would brave the danger to challenge us. ......They wouldn't, right?

I stated my reason, and strategy.

"Also, another thing to look out for would be if other classes are going to explore the alliance option. Now, this strategy of mine is based on assuming they do. It's clear that in that case, we would be facing an alliance raid. Meanwhile, the loss for us two classes would be unrecoverable if we fought, and this would translate to a rough time against the alliance force. Though, again, this is just a hypothesis. In actuality, Class 2 would perhaps wait until the end to challenge us. Our main priority would be to crush that alliance first."

"A blitzkrieg huh."

"Even if there are multiple opponents, and in a battle royal, speed is still the key. The first step would give us the head start. Alright, then let's confirm our role once again. Our first offence would be composed of everyone from «Best of the Best, the Great Star», «Machos», and half of «Eden». The rest will focus on defence. Rest is according to plan. And Myu, it would be nice if you can cooperate with Shizu to snipe out enemies. Can you do that in this terrain?"

"No problem."

"Great. Then let's settle out on defence line placement, and each one's role. First, in the eastern side—"

Just to make sure, since it was our first collaboration as the whole class, I once again went over our strategy with the rest of our classmates.

Soon, even that time was over, and Ladvena-sensei's voice echoed throughout the arena.

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MAP EXPLANATION TIME:

The stage for this time's event would be the 5th arena! And unlike the «Capture the Castle» field, which consisted of a 34x33 square grid, this field had mountains and ponds stretched all over.

On a side note, the first arena is the biggest, while the seventh arena is the shortest. ......Rest are the details for another time.

The part about Mukai-sensei rapidly fiddling with the tablet was for nothing more than to create a chaotic map. There was no prior set scheme for the field layout so everything was luck!

The map was filled with squares here as well, and the might of long-range attacks decreased across the different squares. So, even if someone attempted an attack from the top of a mountain, the power of their skills would drastically lower (Important point).

Mountains here are the obstacle, so they're to be avoided. Though climbing them is also an option, most would rather take a detour as that's a steep task, much like the steepness of a cliff.

Base can't be set up inside the pond or at the top of the mountain.

The Class 2 has been sent the map identical to the one you're seeing here, and they would have to pick their choice of location after assessing the map layout.