Standing beside me, Ravel whispered
“I have something that I need to confirm.”
“What is it?”
“—It’s whether an [object] can be moved or not.”
…Whether an [object] can be moved huh. Ravel continued
“Based on the [objects] prepared in the previous [Object Break] games, there have been both stationary and moveable ones. If there happen to be moveable [objects] this time, it will become somewhat tricky.”
If they can be moved, then it will indeed be trickier, so it was necessary to confirm this fact. “So, when we encounter an [object], we need to confirm whether or not it can be moved first.”
I responded to Ravel’s strategy. [Now, the game will begin right away! After both teams are transported, and have confirmed the shape of the [objects], the game will begin!] The announcer’s words encouraged the audience to heat up, and we were then wrapped in the light of teleportation magic—. Part 4
After we had been transported, what appeared before our eyes was — a vast natural environment. There were towering mountains that spread out around us. There was also a lake not too far from the forest of trees. From the looks of it, a mountainous terrain had been used as a template for this field. In one particular corner — stood a steep cliff that our base camp was situated on top of. A table and a set of chairs had been prepared atop the cliff. A full map was laid out across the table. Just like a chessboard, it was set out in an eight by eight grid, with a single line drawn across the middle separating the north and south sides. The northern half was the opposing side’s territory, whilst the southern side was ours. We also confirmed the location of the ‘recovery points’, with each side having one. Then, a projection from the table showed a three-dimensional image of the [object]. The [object] was — a statue of a woman with the wings of both a Fallen Angel and a Devil. …The [object] inevitably reminded me of Akeno-san. —At that time, the field resounded with ring of a bell to signal the beginning. Most likely, after both we and our opponents had confirmed what the [objects] were, they announced the opening. And like that, the game began. Ravel cleared her throat as she said
“—Well, everyone. I will now begin to explain our strategy.”
While we listened to our strategic advisor Ravel’s instructions, we began to prepare for the game—. One and a half hours had passed since the beginning of the game. I had been instructed to explore the western side of our territory. Bova also came along with me to explore the west. Speaking of which, because the field was so vast, there were places that weren’t possible to see with the naked eye. Well, as I flew in the air overlooking all that was below, I couldn’t find anything that appeared similar. Sometimes I would descend into the shade of the trees and into the valleys, and I would even check out the river occasionally, but still came up emptyhanded. After all, we were not told of how large the target item actually was. Without knowing what its size was, if it was a small object, it’d be even more troublesome. In the end, I wonder if it’s possible to find the number required to win ahead of our opponent…. Just at that moment—. An announcement was broadcast across the entire field. [Confirmation that the [Lightning] team has destroyed an [object]. They have gained one point.] —What! They’ve taken the lead! [Whoa! The first [object] has been destroyed! This action has come from the Grigori’s [Lightning] team! But the game is still in progress, which side will be the ones to destroy the next [object]!?] A calm message from Ravel reached my ears. “Please do not get impatient. They have simply taken one point.”
…Although that was the case, and my mind was clear, I couldn’t help trying to speed up. …Ah, no, I can’t. If I did that, it would be a dereliction of my duty as the [King]. I had to calm my own emotions. Ravel, who was in charge of our strategic command, as well as Asia, who was our healer, remained at our base camp…in an inconspicuous area not too far from it. Since it was dangerous to stay in an unguarded base camp, they had hidden in a more discreet location. Given the possibility that there could be an [object] nearby, Asia summoned the four Evil Dragon brothers to search. —Good news suddenly arrived at my ears. “This is Xenovia. —I’ve found an object. It’s roughly thirty centimetres in size.”
It was communication from Xenovia who had gone to explore the eastern side of our base camp. Ooh, we’ve actually found one! Ravel said
“Understood. Please confirm whether you can move it before destroying it.”
“…It can be moved. Ravel, Ise, what now?”
Ravel responded
“Since it can be moved, we’ll need to change our strategy for this game. We won’t destroy it, but we’ll keep it as a weapon of our side.”
“…We’ll move it first, and then destroy it in a location that will be favourable to us.”
I said. Since it was moveable, we’d do just that. As a last resort, it could be used as a weapon when fighting against their [King]. After all, carrying something that was just 30 centimetres in size was rather convenient. Ravel reaffirmed my statement. “Indeed. This can be treated as a weapon against their [King]. The way these [objects] are used will change the direction of the entire game.”
Rossweisse-san said through the communications channel
“Given that’s the case, perhaps our opponents have already found other [objects], and destroyed one, but are holding on to the rest of them, waiting for the right time to use them.”
“T-They shouldn’t have gotten their hands on three of them already, right…?”
Irina (responsible for searching the eastern side) nervously asked. Ravel replied
“Given the vast extent of the field, it should be impossible to have three, unless they were extremely lucky. However, the probability that they’ve found two is quite high. But taking into account these small possibilities, for now, we should act as though the other side have already captured three.”
“So what about this one? Should I destroy it? Or should I keep it?”
Xenovia asked Ravel. “In my opinion, this one should be saved. Finding the second one as soon as possible is the most important thing. What do you think, Ise-sama?”
“Yes, hold onto it first. Let’s continue to find more of these target items and so that we can go ahead advantageously.”
As long as they don’t get stolen, and we hold onto them safely, we could destroy them all at the right time. After all, we weren’t clear on what the other side was planning, so it was best to hold onto them for now. “After Xenovia-sama and Rossweisse-sama regroup, please analyse the [object]. Rossweisse-sama, I’m leaving things up to you then.”
““Understood.””
Upon hearing Ravel’s instructions, both Xenovia and Rossweisse-san responded. Rossweisse could use magic to analyse the [object], and then formulate a technique to search the field for them; this was our plan. If successful, then we would easily be able to find all of them.