Chapter 110- Protagonist Things (Part 4)

Chapter 110: Chapter 110- Protagonist Things (Part 4)

Chapter 110- Protagonist Things (Part 4)

Minutes passed quickly as the crowds tried to understand the situation. Many were still confused about what they were supposed to do and what strategy they needed to take to increase their chances of surviving this test.

However, there were others who were already planning their approach as they started targeting those who seemed weak. After all, they realized that this wasn’t a test of power but rather a test of someone’s ability to understand their environment and who to target to get the best out of any situation.

There were weak opponents, and those were the ones they were supposed to target and get as many badges as they could, then try to survive the rest of the time. If done correctly, they wouldn’t even need to get into too many conflicts.

Those who didn’t realize that crucial part of the test simply focused on being ready to fight with everything they got.

At the same time, every single candidate there kept an eye on the clock as it ticked down slowly. The nerves reached a whole new level, and what was a friendly vibe turned into a hostile one. The candidates started pulling themselves away from one another as they tried to find some space where nobody could ambush them and steal their badge. If someone did steal it and ran away, finding them again would be nearly impossible.

It was the end for them if they lost their badge.

[1:30.]

The clock showed the numbers in bright lights as the battle approached.

"How many do you think will fall, Venera?" Rize asked.

"... At least half," Venera replied. "There are too many weak people, and the academy noticed that, so they opted to just filter them in the most efficient way.

"Rize, I want you to stay nearby, ok?" Venera said. "We will have each other’s backs to avoid any possible problems."

"Well, it might get really messy, but yeah, I think that would be better," Rize said. Then, he thought for a moment before he smiled. "How about a fun little challenge?"

"Hm?"

"Let’s see which one of us gathers more badges. The loser cooks dinner." Rize said.

"Deal," Venera replied. "Make sure not to oversalt the food."

"Haha, you wish." Rize laughed as he looked at the time. "Look, it’s about to start."

[5.]

[4.]

[3.]

[2.]

[1.]

All the students watched the time tick down with tense looks as they clenched their fists and got ready. One second, and everything was going to ensue. Nobody could truly fathom what was about to happen.

Their hearts raced, and their breaths became uneven as the rush of adrenaline slowly built up in their bodies. Everyone was ready.

Then, the clock hit zero. A loud siren echoed across the dome, announcing the start of the test. For a moment, it was as if the entire world froze for everyone. Nobody moved, not even a single soul spoke. It was as if they were waiting for something to trigger the chaos, for something to move, and with it, the rest of the domino pieces would fall.

That trigger didn’t take long to happen. One of the candidates stood in place, staring at the clock, almost lost in thought. That was when he felt a hand grab his neck, and someone pulled the badge off his body.

"Huh?!"

"Sorry, nothing personal, but I’m taking this." Another candidate said as they ran forward.

"Hey!!! Wait, my badge!!!"

The moment he screamed, everyone snapped out of their daze. Another person leaped at his target, grabbing their badge, then another, and another, and another. The number of people attacking each other increased.

"Let go!!!"

"Don’t touch me, bastard!!!"

*Swish*

Two candidates started brawling as they fought for each other’s badges. Another was able to steal one and run before getting chased.

Everything erupted within several seconds as the battle began. Each person found a target to attack, and 100 million individuals started beating each other up without any hesitation. Nobody cared about the brutality of it all; they wanted to pass the test no matter what.

"AAAGH!!!"

*BANG*

Punches and kicks were thrown everywhere as people piled on top of each other, moving frantically across the entire massive area. The scenes from above were nothing short of bizarre.

"My badge!!!"

"I took it, hahahahaha!!!"

"I’m sorry, but this is mine now."

Many got their badges stolen instantly, and those who did steal them disappeared into the chaotic crowd. However, many of those wouldn’t notice the punches thrown at them, falling to the ground, and losing their badge alongside the other badge they stole.

At the same time, those who got their badges stolen ran everywhere, looking for the person who took it. Many of them weren’t even able to see the face of the culprit, and their hearts sank as they realized that they might not get it back.

However, the most common situation amongst all of that was naturally the brutal and equal struggle of two. Everywhere you looked, there were candidates punching and kicking each other as they fell to the ground, fighting and pulling at each other’s badges.

Some took that opportunity to steal the badges of the two fighting before running away. The sounds of yells and cries echoed in the dome and filled everyone’s ears.

"What a horrid mess." Rize smiled coldly. "This is turning out to be even more brutal than I expected."

"This is only the beginning. As time ticks down, people will get desperate, and their methods will get even more brutal," Venera said in an apathetic tone. "They will steal, attack those who are occupied with other battles, and even use underhanded methods to get the badges."

"Is it really underhanded if the rules didn’t prohibit it?"

"Fair point." Venera shrugged. "For now, we should watch how the scenes transpire. We will make a move when the time is right."

’Let them beat each other up and get exhausted, and then we go down and collect the badges like a harvest. It will still definitely take some muscle work.’

Rize had been eager to fight someone for a while now, and he didn’t get that opportunity, so this was good practice for the future.

A few minutes passed, and the situation only got even worse. The fights turned from duels to group brawls as people tried to team-up together. Those who were friends helped each other to gang up on sole candidates, while those who came alone allied with people they got to know prior.

The battles were unfair, brutal, and completely random. Nobody knew where the next attack would come from, and it kept them on edge. Some of those who collected a badge or two ran to nearby buildings to try and hide. Since these buildings were open, they were allowed in.

However, their ideas weren’t original, as many more tried to do the same and ended up busting their own locations and ending up in a battle. Except this time, the battles were over hiding spots, not badges.

The 100 million or so candidates spread across the entire area, entering buildings, trying to find high ground for more advantages, and using their own wits to maneuver through the mess within the main area.

It didn’t take long for Rize and Venera to hear noises near their lounge. Candidates have invaded their building.