Chapter 54: Procedure (2)
Almost everyone knows what"s that thing. Ever since we were a child it was already stamped in our mind the importance of that thing when it comes to the game. There are four important things to know about Linus Cup. The Pointing System, the Drift, the Wipeout, and the Cartridge.
The first is the pointing system. Each member has a corresponding point at the start of the game. Each of us is holding a permanent 30 points except for the Team Captain which has 100 points.
We can acquire as many points as possible by killing our opponents. But here’s the catch— all that points that you worked hard to acquire will go to others at the moment that you are killed.
The second term is The Drift. This is the first stage of the game where the members will be given time to gather points or simply called— to kill. That is why it"s also known as All Kill.
At the beginning of the game, the members of the group will be scattered in various part of the arena. Which means you will fight alone until you find your colleagues.
Often times, the Drift stage will last base on the numbers of the group left in the game and the points they hold. When they monitor that some group can win, they will release the countdown for the Wipeout.
The Wipeout, a simple thing, the destruction of the entire arena. To ensure that only the winning team will get out alive in the game, the entire arena will be destroyed at the end of the game.
At the same time with the countdown is the opening of the final location where the cartridge of each group. The Cartridge— the black metal gravestone-like that Miss Aura has shown to us. There we need t secure the points we acquired before the wipeout.
The metal cartridge will count the points and compare to the other cartridges in the arena. The group that has the highest acquired points will be the only survivor when the wipeout comes.
In other words, the moment we walked in the arena, the amount of our life is only measurable on the numbers stamped on our wrist, it can be increased, or may be permanently lost. And they don"t care if you are alive and breathing when wipeout comes because, besides the winning group, all will die in the arena. That is the Linus Cup.
While Miss Aura is discussing in front, I tried to remove from my mind the things that can happen in this game for me. I tried concentrating while tapping my fingers on the table.
Nothing will happen to me if I worry like this. This situation of mine has no other destination, from the start, but the Linus Cup. There everything will end so I might as well accept it.
I just realize Sir Apollo speaking in the front that"s why I closed my eyes in a moment to regain my focus.
"… this metal is your life. It"s your safety. This will bring you out alive in the arena."
Sir Apollo pointed the image of the cartridge on the wall. Only lacking for the stick that he borrowed from Miss Aura is to break. Victoria scrunched her nose in bewilderment. Because you don"t know if Sir Apollo is drunk or what. But we can"t blame him. This is the last meeting— the last official coaching— before the game.
"There is only three main strategy of the group in this game." He said. He looks more serious when he turned to us. "First, when the Drift comes, the moment you enter the arena, look for each other. Don"t hunt a member of the other group alone for the points, except only if they are the one who personally will attack you. Every second is important in the game."
"Second, if you will find each other, while you are gradually gathered and with the support of the others of our members, only you will gather points or attack the other groups near you. I repeat, only the ones near you. You collect points while looking for the rest of your members."
"Third and last, I don"t care wherever you are in the arena when the countdowns happen. When you heard that thing and saw how many hours or days you have before the wipeout, get away from where you are and look for the final location. I tell you, the points you get is useless, they don"t care if you have the most points throughout the game if you didn"t secure those, it"s will be useless! You will die!"
All of us went silent. Luna let a nervous laugh and just held on Cain"s nape. This last coaching session is really something. I don"t know if will be motivated or what.
I tried remembering the three strategies that he said. If you"ll think about it, Sir Apollo summarizes all the strategies that we learned since I stepped into t.i.tan Academy.
Search for the members and no gathering of points alone unless provoked. Use teamwork to gather points. When the countdown started, immediately secure the acquired points.
Search. Gather. Secure.
Miss aura spoke which is now in front of us. Sir Apollo went back to sitting.
"Tomorrow early in the morning, dawn, we will start our trip towards the boundary of the twin district Shou and Shinoa where the arena is." She said.
"We arranged everything that needs to be arranged so you don"t need to worry. Sir Apollo and I will be with you all to the trip towards the arena, followed by other school officials and your parents on the day of the Introduction to the Council until the game proper."
It seems like the last instruction. Goodbye. We waited for Miss Aura to finish speaking. She sighed and watched us with empathy. I slightly avoided her eyes in her slightly teary eyes. I"m not comfortable to see her like that. I"m more used to being scolded and the group by her and Sir Apollo. She slightly smiled and as if thinking that it"s not right to be emotional in front of us,
"O-okay, you may go. See you tomorrow."
We walked out, with the group, from the s.p.a.cious office. Left there are Miss Aura and Sir Apollo. Before I closed the door behind me, I saw Sir Apollo gently hug Miss Aura as if calming her. Sir Apollo said something but didn"t hear it. Despite the situation, I can’t help smiling at the sight. I hope they are going to be fine. But such a waste because when the game starts, I will not see them again.
Author’s Note:
We’re so close to the Linus Cup! Can you feel the gist of it? We are not even on the brink of the chaos yet haha! Anyways, how are you guys doing?
Never had an author’s note in a while eh? So I’ll make the most of the opportunity to thank everyone (and your superb patience) who are reading this story up to this point.
It’s still quite a shock to me honestly, to gain such awesome readers as you! Yes, you’re awesome, especially those comments, messages, predictions, and opinions about t.i.tan Academy. I love reading those!
Sorry if I can’t always reply but I’m reading them from top to bottom so please don’t hesitate.
Anyways, I’ll end my note here and I don’t know when you’ll see me again (I mean the author’s note so chill guys haha!) But! You can always talk to me, especially on Facebook or Twitter (@avery_WP) I’m more accessible in these two. Links are on my profile.
So, until the next update guys! Stay awesome!
@april_avery