First Blood

(I hear a fight breaking out at 3 o’clock. Sounds like they already started. I guess the guys who are new to these kinds of games are starting to move on their own.)

(I’ll focus on moving to a different area before the first 60 minutes are up. I wanna take advantage of the free-for-all at the end, but I won’t be able to do much alone. I should find some allies.)

(Raito-san and…Kuguri-san, was it? Their factions seem to have a rivalry going on, so…I think I might have a better chance at winning if I team up with one of them.)

(I need a party, at least. It’d probably be a good idea for me to work with Raito-san, since he’s a pretty nice guy.)

(Kuguri-san is…someone I’d rather avoid, I think. Alright, let’s get moving.)

Damn, it’s been years since I last got to play a shooting game. I’m excited…

Why, hello. You have very quick reflexes, maci.

Kuguri…san?!

(What the hell is a maci? Man, I didn’t expect to run into someone right off the bat. This is a risky gamble, but…)

Sorry, but I’m shooting!

You announce that after you shoot at me? How surprisingly unfair of you.

Ah?!

(I was definitely aiming at him… Did the ink veer off course?!)

You can be quite belligerent, I see. I keep finding more reasons to like you. ♪

Woah, wait, could you please let go?!

I’m afraid not. I’ve decided to make you my personal bullet shield, number 10.

Now, shall we go? Make sure to stay in front of me. I might just shoot you if you don’t.

(Seriously…? This is the last guy I wanted to get caught by…)

……

Oh, number 17… I mean, Kinari. You’ll get shot if you keep standing around in the woods.

Kitakata Raito.

Are you alone? I see you chose the sniper rifle…

That’s perfect. Would you like to team up?

……

I have a handgun, so I can only deal with close combat.

I was looking to partner up with a sniper who could cover me from a long distance. I’d really appreciate it if you could help me.

Is that an order?

Order? I’d say it’s more of a suggestion.

Presently, I am temporarily released from the wardens’ chain of command. If you would like me to join your chain of command, I will abide.

Hmm, Kinari, you’re a Virgo with Mercury as your ruling planet, aren’t you? I say so because you speak like a revolutionary who’s very fussy over small things.

According to an aggregate database, the connection between zodiac signs and ruling planets is based on statistics and collective wisdom. However, there is no definitive explanation for such a phenomenon.

Ahaha, well, you’re not wrong.

Alright, let’s go. My other teammates should also be heading towards the center area.

Order accepted.

Prisoners number 300005 and 498887, along with 477771 and 500010 have started moving together.

About a dozen inmates who attempted to act on their own have already been eliminated.

Wow. A few people got into fights as soon as the game started, but I didn’t expect everyone else to start teaming up.

Working alone in a game like this puts you at a disadvantage. If you know what you’re doing and want to win, it’s best to form a team.

The inmates who are really aiming for the win will probably be forming two-man or three-man teams.

Yeah, most of them have formed pairs or trios.

(You can’t win unless you think things through… We might actually get some really talented people for our group!)

But even so… Tch.

(He found someone with a long-range weapon so quickly. Always such a lucky bastard…)

HRMMMM… Natsuyaki Chihiro…! Where are you? Where on earth are you?! You’re supposed to win this…!

(The head warden’s been caught up with something for a while. He’s glued to his screen and…looking for someone, I think?)

Lose… Lose and drop dead…

(Something’s going on with Nayuki-kun too… I have a bad feeling about this audition.)

Wardy, what’s up? Kodamacchi said we couldn’t go into the buildings.

Can Chii really be here?

I-It’s fine! I really want you to survive until the end, Chii. You deserve to win! I know you do!

*sigh*

Aw, you’re, like, totally trying to protect me, right? ♪

Thankies! I wub you! ☆

Hahhh…! Fanservice from Natsuyaki Chihiro! Up close and personal…!

But, like, are you sure Chii can’t go out and shoot? I’m literally SO good at it!

HAAHH! A new bromide pose from Natsuyaki Chihiro! The gun gives him so much gap moe…

Wardy?

Chii! Don’t worry! I’ll take you to a place that’s worthy of you! I know Head Warden Kodama said we can’t do this, but…

Mhm?

Just stay here! I’ll come get you when we’re down to the last handful of people! You can just say you got lost in the woods!

Mhm…

I… I know more than anyone else…! That you’re the purest person here, Chii! The only person who’s worthy of that place is you, Chii!

Yaaaay, thankies.

Okay, I’ll come get you later!

*sigh…* “Pure,” huh?

How do you know that when you only ever look at me through a screen? Ugh, this sucks.

They only see me as their idol. Not that I mind, I guess.

(He said that I’m “worthy of that place,” but where is that? I don’t even know myself.)

Oh, it’s starting. That was fast. I guess the beginners are all gonna lose first.

…I wonder if that newbie ended up joining a faction. He looked kinda weak to me, so I’m not sure if he’ll survive this.

(It’s not every day I meet someone who doesn’t know who I am. It was kinda refreshing…)