Cote: Elite in Action

The Art of Competition: Mastering Capture the Flag

The sports festival was nearing its final moments, and most students had already completed their events. Only a few challenges remained, one of which was the much-anticipated "Capture the Flag by Teams" event.

The objective of the event was clear: capture the flag of the opposing team and bring it back to your own base to earn points. At the same time, you had to protect your own flag to prevent the enemy from capturing it. The first team to reach five points would win the event. If time ran out before anyone reached five points, the team with the most points at the end would be declared the winner.

The rules were simple, but the real complexity arose from the strategies each team decided to implement. The groups would be formed similarly to the tug-of-war: Class A would join forces with Class D, while Class B would combine with Class C. The competition promised to be intense, given the rivalry between the classes and the talent of the participants.

The bases of the teams were situated about 50 meters apart from each other, each one guarded and marked on the field. The students were carefully positioning themselves in their respective bases, finalizing details and adjusting their strategies.

Although the event's rules were straightforward, Kayden knew that the real challenge lay in anticipating and countering the moves of the rival team. As he stretched with a relaxed attitude, his mind had already begun analyzing the possible tactics of the opponents. With serene confidence, he prepared for the start of the event, knowing exactly what to do. There was no uncertainty in his stance; instead, his demeanor showed that he was completely in control and ready to execute his strategies with precision. He knew that while the game was simple in its conception, its execution would be an opportunity to showcase his skill and cunning.

Ryuuen, beside him, shared the same intensity. Both knew that their combination of forces was powerful, but they also understood that coordination and strategy would be crucial to securing victory. The tension in the air was palpable as the teams prepared for the start of the event.

The playing field was ready, and the referee's whistle was about to sound to signal the start of the event. With victory on the line, each team was determined to give their best to secure their place at the top of the festival.

"Looks like you're lucky, Ryuuen," Kayden said as he stretched, his relaxed tone contrasting with the intensity of the upcoming event.

Ryuuen, observing Kayden's calmness, raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do you have a lot of confidence in yourself, huh? Do you have a strategy in mind?"

Kayden, not rushing, responded with a disarming calmness, "Yes, just one."

"What is it?" Ryuuen asked, intrigued and somewhat skeptical.

Kayden, still stretching, explained, "It's very simple. All of you will handle defending the flag, while I'll take care of capturing the other team's flag."

Ryuuen let out a mocking laugh. "What? Do you think you can go alone and steal the flag? You're way too full of yourself. With so many students on each team, stealing the flag is a tough task even with a team. Going solo is just stupid."

Kayden shrugged, his demeanor unshaken. "I don't think I can do it, I know I will. So just stay here and defend. And if I fail, which won't happen, you can do whatever you want," he said with the same relaxed attitude.

Ryuuen couldn't understand where Kayden's confidence was coming from. How had he gained such assurance? How could he live thinking he couldn't fail at anything? These questions flooded Ryuuen's mind. Normally, he would refuse to follow someone else's orders, but in this case, he would follow Kayden's strategy. He wanted to see if Kayden's words were true or if they were just empty promises.