The results of the day's skirmish sent a shockwave through the spectators.
"Hey, isn't the Heike Army in serious trouble?"
"At first, I thought it was some kind of joke—eight players against over two hundred. But look at
them now. The Heike are on the verge of total collapse."
"You think they'll be wiped out before the final day even starts?"
"I heard Pale Rider's gone. Now Garrett and the Lion King, Richie, have been taken out too."
"That just leaves Zexceed..."
"Yeah... Zexceed."
Among the crowd, three figures stood with their hoods pulled low. One of them muttered under his breath.
"That's what they're saying, Zexceed-san."
"They can say whatever they damn well want," Zexceed spat back. "I'd like to see those armchair
generals actually step onto the field. Even I didn't expect Shana to be that much of a monster."
"He's systematically hunting us down," another added.
"A freak of nature," Zexceed growled. "What really gets me is how he uses the mobs. How does
that guy know so much about the inner workings of this world?"
"Maybe... he just spent a lot of time adventuring on his own?"
"Haha, Yukko, you always say the funniest things."
Ironically, Yukko's guess was the closest to the truth. Because Shana had sought to enjoy every
facet of the game—not just the combat—he had reached a level of insight others lacked.
"Whatever. Let's follow their lead for once," Zexceed said. "We'll put up a light fight to avoid
disqualification, then head over to the Old Capital. That's where tomorrow's stage is set. Might as
well see the sights."
"I'd like that," Yukko said. "It's fun going to places you've never been."
"Yeah," Zexceed said, his eyes turning distant. "I think I used to feel that way too, a long time ago..."
He shook off the nostalgia. "The Genji Army should be making their move soon. We'll give 'em a
quick hit-and-run, then relocate."
"Right!" his two companions replied in unison.
Meanwhile, the Genji Army—having also completed their skirmish—withdrew to the World Tree Fortress to prepare for the final day.
"Do we have enough traps?"
"Shana, the ammo resupply is complete!"
"Tomorrow is our first and last defensive battle. I want every contingency covered!"
"Is that everything?"
"Alright! Pack the gear into the Humvees! We move out!"
With their preparations finished, the caravan began its journey toward the Old Capital.
Elsewhere, the lone sniper known as Musketeer X checked her gear.
"I've done enough. It's time to regroup," she whispered. "I have achieved results worthy of an audience with him."
Waiting for the heat of battle to die down, she emerged from a quiet corner of the city and began
her trek toward the World Tree Fortress.
Zexceed's group found themselves stalled at the edge of a bridge leading to the island.
"A suspension bridge, huh?"
"Zexceed-san, I'm not sure I want to drive over that... it looks terrifying."
"Tell me about it. I'm scared just looking at it. Fine, let's find a spot to stash the car nearby and go
the rest of the way on foot."
They successfully concealed the vehicle and began a leisurely walk toward the island of the Old Capital.
"Whoa, this thing really sways."
"It's a little nerve-wracking."
"Crossing this with an entire army is going to be a nightmare," Zexceed noted.
"Do you think they'll blow the bridge?" Haruka asked.
Zexceed answered without hesitation. "Shana wouldn't do that."
The two girls looked at him, caught off guard.
"Zexceed-san, I thought you hated Shana?"
"I do. I can't stand the guy."
"But what you just said..."
"Hating him is one thing. Respecting him as a player is another. He's not the type to use cowardly tricks like that."
Yukko and Haruka traded a knowing, stifled grin. Zexceed noticed but chose to ignore them.
"Alright, let's scout the terrain for tomorrow. Yukko, look at this from an attacker's perspective.
Haruka, you think like a defender. Give me your thoughts."
"Understood!"
"And remember, once the clock starts tomorrow, any Heike players outside a certain radius will be
booted. There's no sneaking in early to hide. Keep that in mind."
The three spent the afternoon exploring the island, debating tactics.
"So, the only way onto the island is via these three suspension bridges."
"Should we attack from all three directions?"
"No, the distance from the bridges to the fort is too great. It's better to consolidate our forces, land
together, and then fan out."
"The fort isn't huge," Haruka observed, "but the defenses look solid."
"And remember, plasma grenades are banned for this event. No easy explosive spamming
tomorrow."
-------------------------------
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