CTF (3)

"hmm?" zero murmured, 'the rewards isn't shown is this normal?'

'well, whatever, ill know it later anyway.' zero thought, 

The arena buzzed with nervous excitement. The overhead lights flashed rhythmically as the commentator's voice echoed, piercing through the chatter. "Contestants! Only five minutes remain before the games commence! Please proceed to your designated staff member for the next steps!"

As teams started moving towards their respective staff, Zero huddled his team closer, speaking in a hushed tone, "Keep an eye out for Team 2. With Astral Academy and Cascade paired up, they're not only powerhouses but brilliant strategists. They're our biggest competition."

"Astral is known for its tactical gameplay, and Cascade's physical prowess is unmatched. Together, they form a potent combination." Zero said

Mike adjusted his uniform, "well it doesn't matter since we are also strong anyway."

Orion, cracking his knuckles, added, "Well, every challenge is an opportunity. We've faced tough opponents before. This is just another day at the academy."

Zero nodded, "Good, let's focus up."

Aurelia added, "And don't forget, information is key. The more we know, the better we can strategize."

In a somewhat synchronized manner, team members were blindfolded. The fabric felt cool against their skin, casting everything into pitch darkness. Guided by the firm yet gentle grip of the staff, they were led to their starting positions.

After what felt like an eternity, Zero's shoes crunched on fallen leaves, the scent of damp earth filling his nostrils. The forest. He knew it instantly. The chirping of crickets, the distant hoot of an owl, it all painted a clear picture. They were in one of the forest zones. This was good. Forests meant cover, and cover meant strategic advantages.

All the contestants, blindfolded and at their respective start points, held their breath in a shared sense of anticipation.

Suddenly, over the canopy, a series of bright drones illuminated the forest's ceiling, casting dynamic beams of light that danced through the tree branches, mimicking the early morning rays. The forest was brought to life in a radiant glow.

The loudspeakers, strategically placed and hidden within the landscape, then buzzed to life. A deep, resonant voice echoed, "Contestants, are you ready?" The forest remained silent but the electric charge of eagerness was palpable.

"After months of training, after countless challenges, the time has come. Brace yourselves, strategize, and may the best academy reign supreme!" There was a brief pause as the energy peaked, "In 3... 2... 1..."

Suddenly, a loud beep resounded through the air, cutting through the tension and reverberating off the trees. The blindingly bright green glow from their bracelets signaled the start of the game. The forest, once silent, was now filled with hurried whispers, rustling, and footsteps. The game had officially begun.

Orion whispered, "This is it," as he and Aurelia immediately sprinted towards their designated storage area. They'd need tools and supplies for their defenses.

Zero, Clara, and Mike, meanwhile, wasted no time in venturing out. Their first task was clear - scouting and gathering as much information about their surroundings and potential threats as they could. 

outside they saw on their north a huge mountain area, probably the revive area,

Zero's eyes swiftly scanned the landscape. To the north, the rugged peaks of a vast mountain range loomed. Its height and central location suggested its significance. 'That must be the revive area,' he thought.

Directly adjacent to their base on the right was another camp. Flags bearing the Solstice Academy insignia fluttered in the light breeze, confirming their neighbors to the east. If Solstice was to their east, then the opposite direction would lead to another team's territory. Turning westward, Zero's gaze settled on a vast expanse of sand and dunes, the unmistakable traits of a desert zone.

Making a snap decision, Zero decided to head to the mountain first. The elevation would provide a vantage point, giving him a clearer picture of the layout and positions of the other teams. His athletic build and high stamina came to his aid as he quickly scaled the slopes. Within minutes, he was on top, taking in a panoramic view of the arena.

His prediction held. To the right of Solstice's base lay the plains area, a vast stretch of open land with patches of tall grass. 'Team 2's zone,' he surmised. The plains, with their lack of cover, would be challenging terrain, especially for those used to forests or urban settings.

Satisfied with his initial reconnaissance, Zero plotted his next move. Knowing the layout and the positions of his rivals was advantageous, but it was only the first step in the game of strategy that lay ahead.

Beyond the mountain to the north, another zone unfolded before Zero's eyes, the territory of Team 3. Its features were distinct from the plains and the forest, but from this height, specifics were harder to discern. To the west, the sand dunes stretched out, signaling Team 4's desert zone.

A sigh of relief passed Zero's lips. 'We got lucky,' he mused, realizing that the forest terrain they'd been assigned was one of the most favorable. Forests offered concealment, resources, and strategic positioning, a stark contrast to the exposed plains or the unyielding desert.

But his contemplative moment was broken by the movement below. Two figures, unmistakably Ares and Kolson, were making a beeline for Team 2's zone. Zero squinted, trying to decipher their intentions. Were they genuinely planning to confront both Astral and Cascade with just the two of them? It seemed like a bold, perhaps even foolhardy, move.

'Guess that's their problem,' Zero shrugged internally. Their agreement was to operate separately, after all. Without wasting another second atop the mountain, Zero made his descent, agilely making his way back to his base.

By the time another ten minutes had passed, the forest's ambiance was filled with the muted sounds of teams making their moves, whispers of strategy, and the occasional rustle of leaves. Inside the base, Zero, Clara, and Mike regrouped, sharing their findings and observations, ready to strategize their next steps.