The Music Speaks

“Let’s go through the guidebook one more time” Sophia says addressing the rest of us.

“How many times must we repeat this process? I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve gone over it!” Ugo grumbles.

“If you stopped complaining at every turn, we would be done by now. Plus, I need to make sure everyone gets it.” Sophia answers.

Ugo does not reply, he crosses his arms and looks away. A large holographic display appears from Sophia’s watch where the event’s full guidebook is presented to us.

—-

Event: Subjugation Royal

Duration: 72 hours

Participant count: 50

Description:

In this event, participants will be placed in groups of five [enlightened] trainees selected from a previous trial. By cooperating and working together with their teammates, the participants’ main task will be to subjugate as many [echo-blessed] beasts as possible before the clock reaches zero. More powerful beasts will grant more points than weaker ones, and points will be awarded to the team of the participant who has dealt the killing blow. All participants are expected to manage their own survival; gather resources, find or create shelter, and account for any potential danger.

Equipment:

To prevent debilitating injury, participants will be given special combat suits. The suits resemble the standard DaiKar combat suits, except for the fact that they will contain a damage receptor. The damage receptor will then be fitted with a very high tech tactile sensor on the suit’s surface. Should the participant receive, or should the suit judge that the participant will receive an injury that may threaten their lives, the suit will create a nigh-impregnable barrier around the participant, inject them with a booster to heal any grievous wounds, and then immobilize them for a Professor to retrieve them.

Participants will also be provided with any instrument of their choice. As is standard practice within DaiKar, they will be allowed to choose from the four basic instruments: The warchord, the sharpsong, the melo-string, and the blast pipe. Additionally, DaiKar executives, following rigorous inspection, may allow instruments which have been personalized by the trainees themselves.

Point system:

In the [enlightened] world, beasts are given classifications. The ones in this trial will be among these three ranks.

Echoborne - 5 points: These are beasts who have barely been under the influence of an echo. Their overall combat power is mostly equivalent to one or two skilled early first stage [enlightened].

Echotoned - 10 points: This category encapsulates beasts who have managed to develop an ability beyond mere physical enhancement. Generally, this ability is connected to the environment they resided in, their intrinsic biological properties or their behavior. One extremely skilled late first stage [enlightened] could take it on by themselves, but that is not recommended.

Echoluminous - 50 points: The term ‘luminous’ comes from the fact that they have reached a state nearing the [enlightenment] experienced by humans. Their ability from the last stage has now started drawing from flow reserves and is undergoing a metamorphosis, approaching a state resembling a [melody]. They rely on more than their instinct and begin showing signs of intelligence. A team of experienced and skilled first stages could attempt to take it down, but one mishap could spell disaster.

Resource management:

As mentioned previously, participants will have the task of managing their own survival, using their own skills and cunning to prevail. However, they will also be allowed to use the points they have gathered to purchase items of their choice. During the event, participants will be given special watches, and in it there will be a ‘shop’ where a plethora of items will be displayed. All participants may view the shop, but only the team leaders will be allowed to purchase its contents. Each team will be awarded an initial 100 point stipend to use as they see fit. They may hold onto it to increase their final tally, or spend it to increase their chances of survival. Additionally, teams may also trade points with one another.

Location:

The event will take place in a designated perimeter of the DaiKar forest. In it, in order to replicate the beasts’ natural habitat, there will be various weather zones. Ranging from the frozen tundra, to a scorching desert, participants will need to not only battle against [echo-blessed] beasts, but against the very elements themselves. Please note that failure to stay within the designated perimeter for an extended period of time will first incur a penalty, and subsequently a disqualification from the contest.

Special events:

During the trial, special events will occur. They may be; The joint subjugation of an especially dreadful beast, revealing the location of a point treasure or the location of a particularly useful supply drop, the retrieval and safeguard of a certain item, etc. All participants, as well as all spectators will receive alarms on their watches once an event is on the verge of taking place. Participants are expected to involve themselves in a certain amount of events during the three days, less they want to suffer from penalties. Some events may even require the participation of the spectators, as such, trainees should consider their likeability during this trial.

Point penalties and deductions:

By the end of the trial, teams should aim to have as many of its original team members as possible. Failure to complete the trial as a whole group will result in point deductions.

Failure to subjugate a set amount of beasts within given time periods will result in point deductions.

Failure to participate in a set amount of special events by the end of the trial will result in point deductions.

Failure to reach the designated regroup point by the end of the trial will result in point deductions.

—-

“They really went all out for this event huh.” I say, despite having read this a million times.

Sophia sighs, evidently also tired from going over this so many times. “Does anyone have any more questions? Camille, if you have other questions, it’s now or never. We won’t move on until you say that you fully get it.”

For the past couple of hours, the real reason we have been unable to move on is due to Camille’s incessant questions. We could have simply ignored it and moved on, but for some reason, Sophia was insistent that there be no ambiguity for any of us, no worries, or lingering doubts. As such, she has spent her time explaining it all to Camille.

“Um, I-I think I get it now… Sorry.” Camille says while looking down in embarrassment.

Sophia’s eyes expand with joy. “Don’t apologize, more than a few of your questions were insightful, do not hesitate, should a new one arise!”

She claps her hands together, and finally moves on to the next subject at hand. “Now that we’re done with the pamphlet, let’s choose our roles shall we!”

“Frankly, I think we already know where we stand.” Ray says with a smirk. He then grabs the pieces of paper with our names written on them and places them next to each role.

—-

Leader: Sophia Thunderblade

Perk: The leader is the only team member with the authority to make purchases within the item shop. Except for the long-range specialist’s drone, each item functions only through their will and will become inoperable should the leader be eliminated. From the shop, they can gain vital resources, special gadgets and team-wide utilities. They also have access to the shop’s recommendations which can suggest items that synergize with current purchases.

Scout: Ugo Brightscar

Perk: The scout possesses a dynamic map of the terrain. This map updates every ten seconds and warns its user in advance of any incoming danger. It also informs its user of any special events and the position of all team members. At times, ‘safe zones’ and shortcuts may appear on the map’s interface. The scout can also mark points of interest on the map, allowing the team to travel great distances through the optimal path.

Vanguard: Alden Thorne

Perk: The vanguard’s suit is designed with an especially high-capped damage sensor, allowing them to take much more punishment before being restrained by its special functions. This role also grants them an extra life. After being restrained for ten minutes, the binding will come undone and the vanguard will be allowed re-entry into the game. This role is designed for a trainee with especially high durability and resilience.

Long-range specialist: Ray Burst

Perk: The long-range specialist is equipped with a high-tech drone that can fly, swim and walk anywhere across the designated perimeter. It can be used for recon purposes as well as a means to mark and track enemies using its integrated tracking chips. Beware, the drone is not fragile, but not indestructible. Should it be destroyed, another can be purchased in the shop, but at a heavy price.

Communication officer: Camille Starforge

Perk: The communication specialist is the relay tower for communication between their team, but also for communication with other teams. They can sparingly eavesdrop on conversations between other teams and send emergency signals. Beware, extreme weather conditions may interfere with the relay of information.

—-

We all look at the designated roles and how Ray has decided to assign them.

“I’m… fine with that...” Ugo says.

“Oh my, how sweet of you Ray, putting me as leader, if I didn’t know any better I’d think you’re doing this just to flatter me.” Sophia teases with a seductive glance.

In response Ray, embarrassed, looks away, and Sophia chuckles.

“Um, are you guys sure you want me as a communications officer? I mean, I’ve been told before that I talk a lot and that sometimes I do get off subject a bit… Sometimes I think of saying something, and then I want to say something else, and then I remember there’s something else I want to say you know? Plus-”

“Camille! It’s okay, we’re all fine with that decision!” I interrupt, trying to ease her anxiety.

‘With her rambling, even if someone were to eavesdrop on our conversations, they’d have no clue what’s going on…but that’s not all, I understand why Ray put her as communications officer over everyone else…’