The Moon Hiding at Dawn

Chapter 5: A Brighter Moon

The few days just flew by, soaring around with a not so euphoric swirl of preparations and simulations and before we knew it, its now the thirteenth of August. The previous days were spent in the recalibration of sensors in a few areas of concern pointed out by Rin, Riz, and Cynthia. Areas where guns have code errors and tend to stop shooting bullets. Good thing that the battle royale test we had revealed these areas. Apparently, Randy was chasing everyone he sees around with two machine guns when it suddenly stopped shooting so he got taken down. We discovered the error algorithm after that so recalibration was easy.

We also facilitated the drills and planning of every college. That also meant having exclusive access to their plans to help us with the third night from this activity that is borderline espionage. Business students were planning to separate into two flanks and clear the outside before charging in the building. Engineering students preferred the thickets and guerilla tactics, even to the extent of having a scout division and a flying unit. Law students, being the least in number, planned to conquer the building first and adopt pincer tactics on every opportunity. The Social Sciences students decided to divide into multiple squads and have chain of command, keeping the flag on their starting side.

Most of us returned to busy days after the test-game so we all had little interaction. Sponsorship had to retrieve advertisement material from partnered companies, oversight had to do more paperwork, we in logistics and programming had more recalibrations in our plate, promotions had to attract more people to view the livestream and open a fundraising channel. I'm sure there are more things than that and I really can't keep track of all of them. We only had the chance to gather again after the orientation on the fourteenth to have a pre-event meeting and chill session.

"Ah yessss. It's finally good to have a little rest." Cynthia said as she slumped her body on her desk.

Rin was in her earphones again at the back of the room despite not being there a second ago. We're kinda used to her Houdini mechanics already so we paid it no mind.

Riz entered the room while reading a book. She seemed to memorized the room's layout as she walked and sat on the seat by the window without even taking her eyes off her book.

Chris and Clyde on their phones at the front left, Ramus and Randy on the right. Nina was taking charge at the prof's desk. Kallen was sitting next to me at the back.

Nina just confirmed a few things about sensor adjustments and if things would run smoother this time around. We did recalibrate all of the equipment and tested them one-by-one just to know. It was time consuming and a tedious work but nonetheless made sure that we are foolproof on the technical aspect. Randy even told her that it's already fine and he could go another round without getting killed by technical difficulties anymore. All of us cracked a laugh.

"But still..." Chris faced the rear. "I can't believe a lazy twat and a last place would win. I'm pretty sure you won with cheat programming!"

Here goes the elitist who's so full of himself again, trying to put me on the spotlight just to burn me to ashes. Must be bitter from the time I shot him.

"Nope. I vouch for his skill." Nina defended

"I as well. Those were simple firing. No additional tampering and no other tools were used. I gave him his highly-technical cheat blueprint which he didn't use, you know!" Kallen pouted in my defense.

"Unlike someone who got unknowingly killed in the game..." Exactly as Ramus said! It must be hard to receive an insult from someone who doesn't even talk much.

Clearly, though, Chris is not convinced judging by the look of disgust in his face.

"I could face you one-on-one if you'd want to." I finally spoke. I'd mow him down until his clouded perception of worth washes away.