First Blood

(Seems like it’s started. There’s a fight happening at my 3 o’clock. A lot of the newer people decided to take this survival game on their own.)

(I should probably move to a different area for the first hour. Trying to wait out the chaos by myself would put me at a disadvantage. I need to find someone to team up with.)

(Maybe Raito-san or Kuguri… -san… would work? They’re both in gangs that rival each other, so maybe joining one of them would give me better chances of winning.)

(I need to buddy-up with someone, at the very least. It might be better to team up with Raito-san, since he was pretty nice.)

(I should… probably try to avoid Kuguri-san. I’ll lay low so that I’m not spotted.)

Oh, man. How long’s it been since I last seriously played a survival game? My blood’s pumping…!

Hey there. You’re pretty fast, maci.

Kuguri-san?!

(What’s a “maci”? Nevermind that, I didn’t expect to run into this guy so soon! This is a risky move, but…!)

Sorry, I’m shooting!

Shooting first, warning after? So sneaky.

?!

(I was definitely aiming for the right place… Did the ink not hit?!)

So there is a feisty side to you. I’m starting to like you a lot more ♪

Augh, wh–?! Let me go!

Nooope~ I’ve decided to use you as a meatshield, Number 10-kun.

Now, let’s go. Stay in front of me and walk, m’kay? Or else I might just shoot you.

(Are you serious…? Of all the people I could get caught by, it had to be the most troublesome one…)

……

Oh, Number 17… Or, rather, Kinari. Standing out in the middle of the forest like this will get you shot.

Kitakata Raito.

You’re by yourself? Looks like you’re using a sniper rifle as a weapon too…

Perfect. Would you like to work together?

……

I have a handgun, so I’ll only be able to fight at close range.

I’ve been trying to find a sniper to team up with. I’d appreciate having you cover me.

…Is that a command?

A command? It’s more like an offer.

Currently, I’ve been temporarily removed from the warden’s command system. If you are assuming command, I will comply.

Hmmm? Kinari, would you happen to be a Virgo with Mercury as your ruling planet?¹ You strike me as a serious revolutionary.

According to my database, the correlation between zodiac signs and ruling planets is derived from statistics and general knowledge. Yet, the origin of the correlation has not been explained.

Ahaha, I’m sure.

Right, let’s go. My other comrades should be headed towards the center.

Command processed.

Prisoner numbers 300005 and 498887 are working together, so are numbers 477771 and 500010.

Several people who attempted to advance alone have already been eliminated.

I didn’t see that coming. Some people started shooting right off the bat, but others started teaming up…

Trying to attempt a survival game alone rarely works. It’s better to team up with someone who knows what they’re doing in order to increase chances of victory.

Prisoners who are serious about wanting to win will likely form two or three-man teams…

You’re right, they generally ended up in pairs and trios.

(They need to be smart in order to win. We might end up with some pretty capable people!)

Still… tsk.

(So he managed to find and pair up with someone with long range skills… Ever the lucky one…)

Grrrr… Natsuyaki Chihiro…! Where are you? You’re the one that deserves to win…!

(What’s wrong with the chief warden? He’s glued to the monitor and looks like… he’s looking for someone?)

Come on… Lose and die already…

(Something’s off with Nayuki-kun too… I hope this audition goes well… )

Guardy, what’s going on~? Didn’t Kodamacchi say that hiding out in buildings was a no-go?

Is it really okay for Chii to be here?

It-It’s fine! I want you to be the one that wins this game, Chii. You’re meant to be the winner! I just know it!

(Huffs)…

Gotcha! So you’re gonna be looking after Chii, Guardy? ♪

Thanksies~! XOXO ☆

Hiyaaah…! I got a front row seat… to Natsuyaki Chihiro’s fanservice…!

But, are we gonna end up using the guns? Chii’s a pretty good shot~!

KYAAAA…! Natsuyaki Chihiro’s fresh new look…! The gunslinger vibe makes such a good contrast…

Guardy~?

Chii! Don’t worry. Even if Chief Kodama said it wasn’t allowed… I’ll definitely help you to your rightful place…!

Uh-huh?

When there aren’t many players left, I’ll call for you, so just stay here until then! If you tell them you got lost in the woods then… it’ll be fine.

Uh-huh…

I’m… I’m the only one that gets it…! Chii, you’re more innocent than anyone! Only you deserve that place!

Yaaaay, thanksss~

I’ll see you later!

(Sigh)… “Innocent”, huh…

You aren’t looking at what’s behind the screen. So lazy.

People just expect me to be an idol all the time… Not that I care.

(Where would the “right place” even be for someone like me? I don’t… even know myself anymore.)

Oh, it started? Isn’t it a bit early, though? Are they booting out the new guys right from the start?

Oh right, that new guy… I wonder if he ended up joining a gang. He looked a little weak, so he might not be around long.

(He seemed like he didn’t know much about me. That was nice…)