Three days have passed since that humiliating incident—yeah, I still don't want to talk about the whole "wet bed incident."This morning, we all gathered at the training field. I’ve gotten a bit used to riding the Skystride now, though I still wobble sometimes if I go too fast.
Alex stood in front of us, clapping his hands."Alright, everyone! Today, we're starting Fort Clash training.""And it’s going to be split into 2 teams: 3 versus 2.""Now then, Alex and Lucas will be on one team, and Haruto, Roland, and Selene on the other team.""Alright, everyone, head to your respective bases!""Yes!" we all replied before heading toward our forts.
When we arrived at our fort, I turned to Roland, who was standing beside me."So, how exactly do we play this, Roland?""The rules are simple. Each team has a base called a 'fort.' Your job is to defend your fort while trying to capture the enemy's flag. If you're tagged by the opponent—whether physically or with magic—you’re 'captured' and must stay at their fort until one of your teammates frees you," Roland explained."This is just like a game back on Earth," I muttered."Oh, really? Is that so?""Yeah, but without magic.""In that case, you'll probably adapt quickly to this.""Hahaha… Thanks."
"Roland, Haruto, come here. Strategy meeting," Selene called.We both went over to her."Haruto, since this is your first time playing this, I want you to take the lead. I’ll cover you from behind, and Roland, I want you to defend our fort."
Suddenly, a blue flare shot up into the sky. Selene turned to me."That’s the signal to start. Let’s move, Haruto.""Right!"
After advancing several dozen meters, Lucas suddenly appeared and went straight for me, but I dodged just in time thanks to Selene’s cover.I countered by firing at Lucas alongside Selene, but none of my attacks landed.
"Not bad, Haruto! You almost had me! But you’ll need to be faster than that!" Lucas teased with a grin."Damn it," I muttered."My turn, Hero!" Lucas shouted."Haruto, watch out!" Selene yelled.
BOOM!
The explosion rang out, and when I opened my eyes, Roland was standing in front of me, shielding me."Roland! What are you doing here?! Get back!" Selene ordered."It’s fine. I already placed a protective barrier over the fort," Roland replied casually."What do you mean by that?!""Anyway, leave Lucas to me. You two push forward," Roland said confidently.
We pressed on, and soon, we reached near Alex and Lucas's fort. The atmosphere suddenly felt tense, but I ignored it and kept moving forward.
When I finally saw their fort, Alex was there, his hair tied back and his expression dead serious.I kept advancing, but suddenly, a surprise attack came out of nowhere—though it didn’t hit me.
I quickly retaliated by conjuring a mana bullet, aiming at Alex, but it fizzled out before reaching him."Damn it, Captain’s really going all out," Selene muttered.
Suddenly, Roland’s voice came over,"Lucas has been captured."
Just as he finished speaking, Alex was suddenly right in front of us—before I could even react—and tapped both me and Selene."Tag. You’re both out. Thanks for playing," Alex said with a calm smile.
He then headed toward our fort where Roland was."Sorry…" I muttered to Selene."It’s fine. This is just training," she reassured me.
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Roland’s POV:"Ah, damn it, you got me, Roland," Lucas admitted, sighing."Haha, just luck. Normally, I can’t catch you because you’re too fast," I replied.
I glanced outside to check the situation. Just as I stood up, my protective barrier shattered. I didn’t even need to guess who caused it."Captain! Captain, I’m over here! Help me!" Lucas shouted eagerly.
"Damn it! I need to remake the barrier!" I panicked, hastily casting again.Captain Alex zoomed forward at high speed, freeing Lucas before I could react.
"Where’s Lucas? Damn it, he disappeared. I need to focus on Captain now!" I growled.
But as I fought Alex, I realized he was stalling me.Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me. I turned just in time to see Lucas at our fort, tagging it with a cheeky grin.
A red flare shot into the sky—signaling the end of the match.
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