Chapter 378: Episode 35

Although he struggled to manipulate the boat, he still managed to reach land. It was supposed to be a straight path to the land, but it seemed to wind and turn, taking longer than planned. Regardless, I was lucky to be able to land before the fuel ran out. The boat left the beach.

He wore a faded, dusty sweater and scarf, hard trousers, and perforated boots. Both were large, making it difficult to move. The insect body was hidden under the clothes as before, so the back looked awkward, but since it was covered by long hair and the scarf, it wouldn't be that conspicuous.

These were clothes hoarded in the mountain cabin. Thinking about the clothes Mock wore, I felt a bit of resistance, but things are things. Treating it as loot, I decided to use it without hesitation. It is a pity that these clothes are the only thing I got after doing so much...

The weather was cloudy with occasional snow. The snow fell for a short time, but it did not melt because there was no clear weather and the temperature did not rise. After walking in the desolate wilderness for a while, I came to a road. Traffic was sparse, but cars were driving.

At first, I was afraid to walk near the road. Hanmok and Pecho came to mind. In my current form, I felt I should just look like a normal human child, but I didn't know how much my common sense could work. I worried they would suddenly attack like the humans I met on that island. I headed in the direction the road continued so as not to be discovered as much as possible.

However, my worries were groundless. Thinking about continuing to hide like this was no different from when I was on the island, I made up my mind to step into the town found at the end of the road, but the people living there were just ordinary people, just as I remembered. Rice fields. He did not use any mysterious power; he was just an ordinary person.

On the contrary, it would be more conspicuous if I hid secretly, so I walked around the town proudly. Even so, he often called out to me, perhaps because he noticed me looking around curiously. I couldn't answer well, but I didn't get a bad look.

When I met someone walking a dog, I was sad. For some reason, all the dogs ran toward me at an amazing speed, wagging their tails. They even brought an owner with a leash. It seemed like he missed me, so I couldn't do anything unkind, and I couldn't pull him away. Large dogs were especially troublesome. Besides being Hard, he also tried to lick his face. It was like wrestling with each other.

I could hear the screams of children. Looking in the direction the sound came from, I saw boys from elementary or junior high school playing in an open space. My body looked about the same size as them. I don't know if you can call them peers, but I was curious about what kind of games children of that age were playing.

It looked like they were having a snowball fight. This was not them randomly throwing snowballs at each other, but two teams fighting in a game format under clear rules. A court had been set up, and a snow barrier had been built to prevent rolling snowballs. It was more like a sport than a children's game. I watched the game for a while because it was very worth seeing.

"Oh, what's happening in a place like this?"

I was peeking at the game from behind a building when someone shouted at me from behind. I was startled and turned around to see a middle-aged woman carrying shopping bags.

"Could it be that you were left out of the group? Well, whatever it is."

As I said this, without waiting for my answer, I was pulled by the hand and brought to the boys in the open space.

"You all need to get along and play together! Let this child join you."

After saying that, the old lady left. The children who had been having fun playing suddenly went blank. The game was interrupted, and the atmosphere was thin.

"Do you want to have a snowball fight?"

A boy who looked like the leader asked. Of course, I tried to refuse. They were experienced in this sport and had a solid and organized game. If a lay amateur entered there, it would be meaningless.

However, contrary to that thought, I could not immediately refuse to participate in the snowball fight. Perhaps I wanted to play with them. This should be my own feeling, but I couldn't give a clear answer.

"Which one?"

Seeing the leader's slightly annoyed attitude, I couldn't help but shake my head.

"Have you played the game before?"

Shaking my head.

"... You know the rules, right?"

I shook my head and sighed blatantly.

"I understand."

"Hey, are you serious! That's a woman!"

"Don't say that, the first set is a substitute. Watch it, learn how to move. Horace, teach me the rules."

"Eh!? Me...?"

I was hired as a substitute. A team can have up to 7 players participating. Besides me, there were several other substitutes acting as referees and rolling snowballs for the next game. A boy named Horace seemed to be one of them.

It seems that this snowball cannot be made and replenished during the game. Each team has 90 balls per set. A set lasts three minutes, and the team that wins two sets first wins. 90 balls will be thrown out quickly, so it seems that no matter how many snowballs you make, it is not enough. Horace taught me the rules, and I helped make snowballs.

Horace explained by drawing a map of the court on the ground.

【Diagram display】

Players hit by a snowball must leave the court. In this way, the team that reduces the number of enemies and eliminates them wins. In addition, you can win by extracting the flag behind the enemy camp without eliminating it. When time runs out, the team with the most remaining players wins.

When I joined, the game had already entered the second set. This team had won one set first, and winning this set would decide the outcome. If the other side wins, the outcome will continue to the third set.

I don't know, but I feel like I can see the strength of the players differently from the previous game. Even during the game, there were many people who glanced at me for some reason. Do you really care that much about the presence of an outsider? Perhaps because I looked elsewhere, one player on this team withdrew.

"Oh, what are you doing? Well, I don't know how you feel, but..."

Finally, this set was lost. Next, it was finally my turn. I was nervous, but I think I had nailed the rules in my mind. In a comfortable, tense atmosphere, the whole team lined up on the back line of the court. The bib given to me was "6" Buck.

The court is divided into a player team and an opponent team, and the dividing line between them is called the "center line." Behind each faction is another line, the "back line." When the game starts, 90 snowballs are placed on the snow wall (castle) behind this back line.

It is impossible to act with snowballs from the beginning. How to replenish balls is also an important tactic. Responsible for this supply are three "Back-shield" roles.

Four of the seven players, numbered 1 to 4, will serve as forwards. They will hide themselves in several snow walls (shelters) set up on the court and aim at the rear of the opponent's court while dodging enemy attacks.

The key to the game is to protect the shelter in front so that you can cut into the enemy formation before the opponent. The forward's skill display is how much he or she can push the opponent's front line, and the opponent's attack range will have a Collision.

However, this does not mean you should recklessly attack forward. There is a large gap when moving from the back shelter to the front shelter, and the further the front line moves, the further it is from the castle that serves as the ball supply source, making replenishment more difficult. If you accidentally reduce the number of people, you will be counterattacked by the opposing team.

Without the cooperation of forwards and defenders, there is no victory. Don't underestimate it just because it's a snowball fight; it requires very advanced tactics. The instruction given to me before the game was, 'You can do well.' Apparently, it didn't count as a force from the beginning.

As soon as the whistle for the start of the game blew, everyone on the team rushed to their respective posts. First, it won't start unless the defender brings out the ball. Since there is a rule that forwards cannot run behind the defender line, the defender must always provide the ball.

Besides me, two other defenders held the balls with familiar hands. This is also where the Buck Sticks, the faster they provide the first-hand speed from the start of the game, the earlier they suppress the front line. You can replenish without interference from other teams, so there are many here, and you need to carry the balls quickly.

The three of us collected the snowballs, just like housewives swarming to a sale, but perhaps because I was trying too hard, the ball I was holding broke. Panic.

When I did that, the remaining two finished and started running. If you take quantity, it takes time; if you take speed, the number of carryable balls decreases. It is necessary to determine the degree of adjustment according to the battle situation. I was impatient and even crushed the snowballs in my arms. Even more impatient.

There was a light there. I couldn't, because I tried to hold it with my hands. I rolled up my sweater and made a pocket to put the snowballs in. This won't break, and you can carry a lot. I finally reached the shelter, lagging behind the other Buck teams.

"No!? Front! You can't see the front!"

All my teammates were looking at me. Two of the forwards were standing in front of the shelter staring at us, and as a result, they were hit by a snowball on the back of their heads and were out.

Peep!

"Foul! Foul!"

Referee Horace ran toward us with a red face. It seems that using a sweater to carry snowballs was a mistake. If you think about it calmly, it is natural that it is a foul because you used a tool. I was not calm enough.

If it were true, he would have been sent off long ago, but because it was a beginner's mistake, he was able to escape with just one warning. However, the elimination of the two forwards was not canceled.

"There's no such thing now! I mean, don't look! You have to look at that kind of thing!"

"No, I can't follow you... I'm out in many ways."

"Did you all see it!?"

My mistake cost my teammates. Apologies surfaced, but the two players in question left the court with friendly smiles. At that time, he gave me a thumbs up and said, "Well done!" In response to their concerns, we must do our best to recover in the next game.

Although it was only a few tens of seconds since the start of the game, the current situation was 5 to 7. This is very disadvantageous. The difference in numbers is directly related to the difference in strength. Since I was not counted in the number of people, they might think it was actually 4 to 7.

Now that the number of forwards has been halved, forcing an advance on the front line is not a good idea. The Leader immediately changed the squad's formation to an interception style, drawing the enemy into their own territory.

As expected, the enemy attacked. I felt like I would be overwhelmed by the numerical difference. Even if we weren't annihilated, we would lose if the flag was stolen. The strategy of drawing the enemy into one's own base is a double-edged sword; it has strong defensive power, but it is also easier for the flag to be stolen. Moreover, as long as they are outnumbered, the interception battle will be even more brutal.

Here, I have no choice but to endure and wait until the enemy becomes impatient and reveals a flaw. Even reducing the numbers by one person still gives us a chance to turn the situation around.

This team has a defender in the front field to fill the vacancy of a forward. If there is no one to block the front line, it will be attacked immediately. At the very least, for the increased burden, I must also do my best as a supplementary role.

"Upam! Give me the ball, Upam!"

The Leader, pressing on the very front line, shouted to the Bucks team.

There are two main ways to provide balls to the forwards. One method is to hold them in your hands and deliver them directly. You can carry many balls at once, but naturally, there is a large gap. Returning to the supply source is also dangerous. The other method is to roll them on the ground and pass them. Since you don't expose yourself while moving, it can be passed relatively safely, but passing each ball takes time and energy.

This place is not a specialized ball field, just an empty lot. The bare ground has many small bumps, and just rolling the ball straight is quite difficult. If the force is too weak, it won't reach the forward, and if the force is too strong, the ball might break while rolling.

The role of the defender depends on how to correctly use these methods and safely and quickly pass the necessary number of balls to the forwards. The place where the forwards are is behind the bunkers. Two shelters are set up in their own camp. The front one is called the First Shelter, and the rear one is called the Second Shelter.

The last line of defense is the Second Shelter, but if the First Shelter falls, the flag will be completely exposed, making it difficult to turn the tide. Currently, there are two forwards in the First Shelter and one defender in the Second Shelter. These three people are guarding the front line.

There are two Bucks responsible for restocking, me and another one. The boy named Upam handed the ball to the Second Shelter near the supply source, then rolled to the distant First Shelter.

This is why the Second Shelter is well-supplied, but the First Shelter has run out of balls. On the other hand, if you carry a ball with you, it will be a good target because it is the front line exposed to the enemy's fierce attack. The game started slowly, and the supply delay was all my fault.

The enemy might have a rough estimate of when this ball will run out. There is no doubt that they will launch a full-scale offensive when the time is ripe. If supplies cannot arrive in time before then, the number of people here will further decrease, and the front line will be pushed to the point of no return.

"Upam! Hurry up! No more! Upam!!"

The Leader exaggerated. But this was acting. I still have plenty of balls to idle for a while. Is it a strategy to pretend to be in a predicament to expose the enemy? However, the enemy realized this and took a firm stance, not moving at all.

The enemy does not seem to have crossed the center line yet. Stabilize the current front line, make all possible preparations, and wait for the right time to attack. There is no need for the outnumbered enemy to rush up. If the stalemate continues like this, we will inevitably be in a state of urgent need. I grabbed a pile of snowballs and started running toward the First Shelter.

"Wait! Now, if you go any further, it will be troublesome...!"

A breakthrough supply prepared in danger. It naturally caught the enemy's eyes. If the supply is successful, the resistance will be prolonged, so even if it is a Beginner, the enemy will not let it go easily. Multiple enemy forwards threw balls at me at the same time.

Concentrate.

The movement of the ball slowed down. I don't know if it's a state similar to the "Zone" in sports terminology. A feeling that the brain's processing speed is temporarily accelerated and the flow of time slows down. This is the feeling I experienced when fighting with the mock. After that, for some reason, I was able to intentionally draw this zone.

The true Zone refers to a very limited mental state where one can maintain peak performance. An extreme state of concentration that eliminates all distractions, which even top athletes cannot draw. The mind is like waves, constantly swaying, and even the smallest stimulus becomes tense and causes changes in the heart like ripples. There is no way to completely control it; rather, the more you try to grasp it, the further away it will be.

Therefore, athletes gradually bring their mental state closer to the zone in daily Training and make adjustments so that the highest score overlaps with the competition schedule. Even so, there is no guarantee that the expected effect can be achieved on the day of the performance. First of all, it is difficult to plan to improve a mind that is difficult to observe and uncertain.

My state of concentration may be different from the Zone, but it is excellent that I can draw a similar state through concentration. This is a feeling not needed in daily life, but this skill should be used in this situation.

Read the trajectory of the approaching snowball and slowly avoid it. In fact, I tried to avoid it, but since my senses were clearly ahead, my body seemed to move only slowly. I can still be much faster than before. After experiencing the mock battle, the physical ability of this body has been greatly improved.

It's not that my body has grown larger, nor have I increased my muscles, but I have clearly become stronger. Apparently, the strength of this power is related to Life Force. I feel that my Life Force and this body are more familiar than before. It no longer consumes as much vitality when not injured. Moreover, I can clearly see the Life Force that I could only vaguely feel.

A film of Life Force forms, thinly covering my body. The film itself has no substance, and it does not seem to have any physical effect in reality. Not just me, other humans have the same Life Force. However, as far as I am concerned, it covers my body like a thin film, while others emit it from their bodies little by little like steam.

"Awesome! You dodged everything!"

Bring back the thoughts that have deviated. We managed to avoid the snowballs and reached the First Shelter. It wasn't certain until I actually tried to dodge it, but compared to the arrows of the mock, this seemed easy enough to dodge.

"Don't do that, you!"

Seeing my actions, the Leader seemed to have decided that a second supply could be carried out. Return to the rear row according to the instructions. At that time, a follow-up snowball flew towards me, but I turned and avoided it while running.

Return to the supply source and quickly grab snowballs. However, my grip was too strong, and I crushed some of the balls. It is good that the power has become stronger, but because of this, there are some aspects I cannot control because I don't know the strength. You need to practice later to control it.

Seeing my supply success, the other supply person, Upam, went to reinforce the Second Shelter. In this way, there were four guards guarding the front line. Enough to fight.

However, while I was raking the balls, a heartbreaking cry reached my ears. The referee's whistle blew. The forward who was protecting the First Shelter with the Leader seemed to have been hit. But he seemed to be hiding well in his shelter. How did the enemy get out?

There is a possibility. It is a throw. By throwing the ball high, he aimed at the rear of the shelter.

But it's easier said than done. A slightly curved trajectory will not hit a player hiding behind a Wall. It's too high like a fly, hard to aim, and easy to avoid. Nevertheless, it is an effective method to check it by interweaving it with a fastball, but it is a different story when killing it.

"Damn, that Pizza bastard... has good control."

It seems to be an attack launched by the enemy captain, Pizza (his nickname, not his real name). There are now four people left in the team. And there are 7 enemies. The path to victory that was about to open has been closed again.

As if to add another blow, the enemy finally launched an attack. Three forwards came to this field. One attacked from the right and two from the left. Even if one of the three is sacrificed, the enemy team's numerical advantage will not be shaken. And on this side, the defenders of the First Shelter have only one Leader. I gave it up by breaking through by force.

At that time, I was on my way to the First Shelter with a large number of snowballs. Both hands were full, and I faced one of the enemies head-on. I misjudged the situation, or rather, the enemy might have launched an attack as I approached.

"I got it!!"

My enemy is the captain of the enemy squad called Pizza. Despite his unhealthy obese body, he approached with agile movements. High throwing accuracy has been demonstrated earlier. This is not an opponent that can be taken lightly regardless of appearance.

I immediately threw away the snowballs I was holding. Leave some on your arms, and abandon the shackles that hinder your progress. A Pizza is imminent. Twist your upper body to dodge. And throw a counter-attack snowball.

"I, impossible... I, who was touted as 'Single-Combat Pizza', lost in a fight...!"

Take one out. A broken Pizza. Just being hit by a snowball, there should be no injury, but he collapsed and couldn't move. But for now, we should focus on the remaining two forwards who are attacking us.

The enemy forwards who were preparing to attack from both sides were a bit shaken, not expecting Pizza to be defeated. In that gap, the Leader and I threw a ball at the exposed enemy. However, the enemy did not let us strike easily, and we retreated quickly.

Pizza, who was still lying there, was dragged out of the field by the opponent's substitute. The battle situation has been rearranged. Then came the judge's voice.

"30 seconds left!"

So I just remembered that the game was only three minutes long. Has it been that long? It feels like things happened too fast.

Coming here, the enemy started a defensive posture. If the time runs out, the team with the most remaining players wins. This one was taken out, but the 4-to-6 disadvantage still hasn't changed. I had to launch an attack on the fortress that the enemy was holding firmly.

The worst part is that there are almost no snowballs left. That's because I broke nearly half of them. It's too bad that I was holding all the snowballs while fighting Pizza. I should have taken more appropriate actions based on the battle situation.

"If that's the case, it's a Coincidence, I have to capture the flag."

If you succeed in capturing the flag, you will win regardless of the number, but the problem is the number of Obstacles that must be overcome. The enemy team is controlling the central bunker set in the middle of the center line. Of course, the main camp in front is also protected. If the attack is carried out like this, it is nothing more than a suicidal act.

However, there is no other way to win either. I have no intention of disputing the Leader's decision.

"The remaining four of us, we all rush in. The rule is that only three people can enter the enemy's field at the same time, but the four of us cannot break through the central shelter anyway, so don't worry about that."

In that case, my role is to slightly attract the enemy's attention and move to a position where other players can easily charge. Confidence to avoid.

"Listen, we will fix the central shelter in place."

However, the instructions given to me by the Leader were the exact opposite. I inadvertently shook my head at the important role I was given in the first game.

"Although we ended up in this situation, I haven't given up on victory."

I could only open my mouth to the Leader who said this, and smiled fearlessly. The Leader gestured to the allies behind.

"Come on! Leave the rest to us!"

The Leader jumped out of the shelter. After a while, I ran out too.

If it weren't for me, this game might have progressed more smoothly. No matter how outstanding my reflexes are, I am just a novice at snowball fights. He broke the rules, made a series of mistakes, and dragged the team down.

If that is the case, am I currently driven by this sense of responsibility? Certainly at first. I tried my best to make up for my mistakes. But I feel a little different now.

For one thing, I can't help but wonder why I played so seriously when I was a child, but I don't think there is any particular reason.

I am excited.

Passing through the side of the central shelter. I turned my face in that direction to guard against snowballs, but stopped. Look forward, then run. Only forward.

The Leader said to leave it to them. Since that's the case, then leave the worries to me. I trust them, just as he trusts me.

Among the 6 enemy members, 3 were blocked by the Leader, but 3 of them were still defending the enemy side. Moreover, two of them were standing in front of the flag, blocking the way with their bodies. Instead of running away to hide in the shelter, he intended to stop my attack by preparing to fight each other.

Snowballs flew from three directions. It was as slow as a slow-motion video, avoiding the incoming balls while drawing afterimage lines. Then he threw back the snowball he was holding in one arm. My ball shot out to where I expected the enemy to dodge, firmly catching the opponent's body.

Now one person is out. However, if I don't defeat one more person, I can't open the path to the flag. I created an opening by throwing the ball. It was impossible for the enemy to miss it. I could read the trajectory of the flying ball, but I couldn't take the next step as my body willed. I tried to avoid it in an unreasonable posture, and as a result, I lost my balance and rolled on the ground.

Managed to avoid it. However, there will be no follow-up this time. Faced with a ball flying directly at the court, I decided I couldn't avoid it.

Does it end here? No, I don't want it to end. I threw a snowball in my hand.

If I trade out an enemy here, we can tie at 4 to 4. That is, if the Leader fighting behind them hasn't been eliminated. When they were desperately attacking to find a way for me, I didn't think they would come out unscathed. I didn't have time to turn around and check. Even so, this should be the best I can do right now.

I had this thought too. But I chose another possibility. The Leader told me to take the flag.

The snowball I threw wasn't aimed at the enemy. It was released on a trajectory that collided head-on with the ball flying toward me, and the two balls collided in mid-air and canceled each other out.

Throwing snowballs at those enemies who were standing still with their mouths open, looking shocked. Now two are out. He stood up without hesitation and started running. No more snowballs. When I rolled earlier, the rest of the balls broke. All that's left is to run.

The last enemy, the buck, rushed out of the shelter, but it was too late. I reached the flag faster than he could block me.

Just as I thought this, a snowball flew from behind me. The enemy on the front line that the Leaders had been suppressing finally started to move to eliminate me. This meant that all other teammates had been killed.

As expected, no matter what kind of reflexes you have, you can't dodge a ball from behind. Fortunately, the first shot didn't seem to hit the target, but I don't think the next shot will be saved by luck. If you look back here, you will be stabbed by the buck approaching you.

I stopped thinking. Only focused on running. Just fast, just looking at the flag.

Consciousness faded. My whole body shuddered, and I grabbed the flag as if sliding into it. At the same time, I had the sensation of multiple snowballs hitting my body.

Did you catch the flag first or get hit by the ball first? Victory or defeat. I couldn't judge it because I was going crazy. The court was silent. No one spoke up. They didn't even know which team won. Everyone's eyes were focused on the referee.

Judge Horace walked up to me. He held the flag with my hand. Raise your hand high.

"Winner!!"

Oh Oh Oh!!

Cheers erupted. Everyone was jumping and making noise. I knew the victorious allies were happy, but I didn't know why the enemies who should have lost were also clapping as happily as if they were their own.

"Hey! Why are you so unresponsive! You played great! Aren't you happy!?"

The Leader asked me excitedly. Honestly, my head was a mess, and I couldn't sort out my emotions. I didn't feel like I did anything amazing. It was certainly good to win the game, but I couldn't feel the joy everyone was making a fuss about.

But one thing was certain. Everyone was very happy about what I did. That was more important than anything.

"Happy."

When I said this, everyone fell silent. I don't know why, but her face turned red, she looked away, lowered her head, stared at me, and her reaction changed. I wanted to show a smile and express my sincere feelings, but was something wrong?

"Hey, Horace. How long have you been holding my hand?"

"Because I'm the referee."

"Does that matter?!"

But soon, the strange atmosphere returned, and it became noisy again. I was covered in mud from rolling on the muddy ground with melted snow water. A bib covered in mud. When I saw the letter "6" written there, for the first time, I felt like I was a member of the team.

"Okay, then let's prepare for the next game—"

The Leader clapped his hands while raising his voice. Just then, the town bell rang. It looked like a clock that told the time. Dusk was spreading everywhere.

"Ah... it's already this time, I have to pack up."

Everyone packed their coats and started preparing to go home. Nothing was wrong. They couldn't stay here forever. There was a place to return to.

I felt cold. The body that had warmed up just from walking suddenly felt cool.

"Do you want to join our club's team? I'll introduce you to the director."

"Even so, I didn't expect that such a talented person was sleeping... I haven't seen you at school either."

They go to school; I belong to a local sports club. For children of this age, this is normal. This is normal.

"Huh? But isn't this strange? With a child like this, wouldn't there always be rumors at school?"

"That's true. Did you move recently?"

"So you're a transfer student? Where do you live?"

I couldn't answer anything. I took a step back with my feet.

"Speaking of which, I haven't even heard your name, what did you say?"

Who are you?

"Hey, are you okay? Are you dizzy?"

Name.

I never felt the need for such a thing. I wanted to live like a human, but I knew their names, yet I didn't consider the symbol that represented me. Why.

"I must go back."

I shuddered at the words that came out of my mouth. Before thinking about the future, turn around and run, interrupting your thoughts.

"Oh, hey hey! Tomorrow is also a holiday, we are playing a game here!"

Originally, I didn't intend to stay in this town for long. Stop to observe how people live, play with the children, that's all. It was fun. It's fine. You don't need to ask for more.

"Must come tomorrow! 'Six'!"

No need to think.