The Transmigrated Author
Chapter 220: Capture The Flag (2)

[Pinnacle Academy, Dystopic World Simulation]

[Rel's POV]

As the blinding white light of the teleportation enveloped us, a wave of disorientation washed over me.

My senses were overloaded as I was ripped from the platform and flung into the unknown.

[Special Ability: Deadeye Has Been Activated!]

Assuming everyone was blinded and unable to move within this simulated world, I instantly activated Deadeye to see through the darkness.

Slowly, my vision cleared, and I found myself standing in a dense forest. This location seemed far removed from the action or the main battlegrounds.

But I had definitely been dealt a bad hand.

I had memorized important buildings from the original setting of this dystopian simulation.

The bases for Team A and Team B were warehouse-like structures, positioned parallel to each other.

Near the central fighting area was a six-story apartment building, hiding three flags that students had to replace and secure.

But there was another crucial detail: each base held a main flag.

If I found myself in enemy territory, I could potentially steal their flag and end the game early, should things not go according to plan.

Even though I couldn't move yet, I quickly checked my gear and grabbed the simulated bow from my back.

As a test, I tugged the string slightly, and waam...

The bow generated an arrow out of thin air.

"Good..."

The simulation provided a few advantages for ranged weapon users, such as unlimited arrows.

Now, all that remained was to confirm my location and which side I was on.

[The Following Skill Has Been Activated: Sensory Aura]

[Special Ability: Sixth Sense [Grade 6] Has Been Activated!]

With a final thorough check, it was clear I wasn't on the correct side of the base.

There were shades of blue on the benches, the pathways, and even the trees.

Almost every step of the way was bathed in blue, in contrast to my red gear.

WHOOM!!!

The forest floor shimmered and figures began to materialize.

Emerging from the teleportation It was clear that their blue gear stood out most against the green foliage.

A few extras appeared, none of them particularly threatening.

I counted about ten within my range, so there could be even more people beyond my position.

My chances of reaching my team's base undetected seemed slim.

But I'll figure out a way somehow.

A few minutes had passed as I awaited Kolek's announcement, and one final figure materialized.

WHOM!

By assumptions, I hoped it wasn't anyone important but...

"...!"

haah...

I may have to consider rethinking these plans.

Because If not recognizable by her hair, then you'd definitely know the blade.

For a moment, goosebumps prickled my skin, and my breath hitched in my throat.

Holding her katana at her side like an elegant princess, she remained calm despite the teleportation process.

It was the sword saint herself, Valencia.

She stood a short distance away almost enough for me to be recognised within the shade of these trees and my heart pounded absurdingly fast.

I had hoped to avoid any direct confrontation with her during this practice exam, but fate seemed to have other plans.

"Okay everyone, your sight and movement will be restored in 3, 2, 1... There!" Kolek's voice boomed through the speakers and everyone's sight had been restored.

I immediately lunged towards the nearest bush for cover, narrowly avoiding Valencia's gaze.

As I watched her eyes dart around, taking in her surroundings, I felt a strange mix of apprehension and anticipation.

It was a do-or-die moment.

***

With the horn's blast echoing through the trees, Rel vanished into the undergrowth.

His movements were silent and his footsteps barely disturbing the fallen leaves beneath his feet.

He knew he had a distinct advantage without his mana signature – the usual telltale energy that could be sensed by others.

But in this world, only those attuned to aura could truly detect another's presence through sheer willpower and focus.

Rel banked on the fact that Valencia, while proficient in many areas, hadn't yet mastered the intricacies of Sensory Aura.

It was a gamble, but one he had to take.

Crouching low, he moved swiftly through the dense foliage, his eyes constantly scanning his surroundings.

He knew that his red team gear made him a prime target, but he had no intention of becoming an easy mark.

While carefully guided on his path he took notes on the subtle shifts in light and shadow that revealed hidden trails and potential ambush points.

He moved like a phantom, his presence only a mere whisper in the wind.

Rel knew he had to reach his team's base as quickly as possible.

The longer he remained isolated, the more vulnerable he was.

But he also knew that rushing blindly into the fray would be a fatal mistake.

As he paused behind a dense thicket of ferns, his eyes trained on the clearing ahead.

The members of Team A were moving out, their blue-tinged gear flashing between the trees as they formed coordinated groups.

In his head he knew their strategy was clear: overwhelm the enemy with superior numbers and firepower.

Then suddenly a shadow fell over Rel, and a familiar voice whispered in his ear.

"What are you doing, dude? Why are we hiding?"

Rel whipped around, instinctively reaching for his bow.

TAK!

He quickly sidestepped away from his opponent and unleashed a powerful arrow that narrowly missed the figure's head.

"I missed?" Rel's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Why'd you shoot me just now, four-eyes?"

The figure stepped out of the shadows, revealing a familiar face masked in confusion.

It was Bazz, peering through the foliage.

But Rel wasn't going to let this beat around the bush.

"Take a look at your own gear, Bazz."

Taking a few steps back Rel was turning his head looking around for any more people nearby and Bazz's face went pale as he stared at Rel's red gear, then down at his own blue attire.

A look of horror washed over him as Kolek's instructions echoed in his mind.

"Oh shit," he muttered, his voice barely a whisper. "Jan's gonna kill me..."