Chapter Seventeen: Entering the Mountains

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On the path of life, there are countless crossroads. Different choices will bring you different experiences. There is no right or wrong in choosing; you simply lose something while gaining something else.

Those who, like me, chose to participate in the battle, and those who stayed in the training camp to watch us fight, are fundamentally the same. Both are thoughtful individuals—one wishes to be a participant, the other an observer. In the end, no one can truly say who will find more joy.

There is no clear boundary between right and wrong. From the opposing perspectives of two individuals, perhaps both are justified.

The chief instructor never said whose choice was correct or incorrect, but I believe that from his military standpoint, he must hope everyone has the courage to enlist and defend the country. Yet he also knows that this is impossible.

To better prepare for tomorrow’s events, the chief instructor asked all participants to record their clothing sizes before being dismissed.

For reasons unknown, today’s shooting practice was canceled, and the strict instructor had us practice military boxing all day.

The anticipated second day soon arrived, bathed in the morning breeze, awaiting the first rays of the sun.

“All companies, line up to receive your equipment.”

At the order, everyone queued to collect the gear piled in front of each company.

The equipment was simple: first, a suit of body armor; then, a soft plastic knife and a compass.

Those who had signed up for the battle quickly donned their gear.

“Everyone, attention!”

“At ease.”

“Now that you all have your equipment, let me explain briefly,” Hua Wannian cleared his throat and adjusted his military cap.

“The body armor just issued serves two purposes: first, to protect you from being injured by blank rounds; second, it displays your identity. When you are shot, smoke will be triggered on your back, indicating you have been eliminated.”

“The sensor system on the armor will also transmit your coordinates to the training ground’s computer, so don’t even think about cheating.”

“Eliminated participants should remain in place and wait for dedicated personnel to escort them back to the training ground.”

“If you are accidentally injured during the battle, immediately pull the blue cord on your chest. Doing so will allow the sensor system to automatically determine you as eliminated, and smoke will emerge from your back. At that point, wait patiently in place.”

“There are two ways to eliminate others: one is to shoot them, the other is to use close combat when you run out of bullets. If your knife is at an opponent’s throat, they will be deemed eliminated, but only after the blue cord is pulled.”

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“You may have noticed that some participants’ armor is blue, others green. The total number of combatants is eight hundred and twenty-two, with four hundred and eleven per side. Those of the same color are allies, the others are enemies. The battle ends when the combined number of survivors reaches one hundred.”

“Does everyone understand?”

“Understood!”

Though spirits were high, everyone was visibly nervous.

“There’s one unfortunate news: due to the large number of participants, there aren’t enough firearms for everyone. You must head toward the signal gun locations, which fire every ten minutes, to collect equipment and bullets. There are ten armories in total, each containing thirty guns, making three hundred guns altogether. That means not everyone will be able to get a gun.”

On hearing the chief instructor’s playful tone, everyone was stunned—this was going to be interesting.

“And another thing: those planning to hide after entering, take note—anyone without a gun after three hours will be eliminated. Each gun is equipped with a signal receiver to prevent loss and to track who possesses a firearm.”

The chief instructor’s words struck home for many, whose faces fell.

“No fighting is allowed within a hundred meters of the armories until all guns are distributed. Remember, only one gun per person.”

“The armory staff will announce the remaining number of guns.”

“Now you will be split into twelve squads and transported by different vehicles to your destination. Further instructions will be given aboard.”

“Instructors, call the roll.”

Since the teams were reshuffled, most participants didn’t know each other. Clearly, this was intentional.

Soon, we stood before thirteen military trucks.

“Line up and get on, quickly!”

Prompted by what seemed to be the instructor from the Third Company, everyone scrambled aboard.

After everyone was on, the instructor boarded as well.

He was fair-skinned, untouched by the sun despite the heat. His short military haircut framed willow-shaped brows. If not for his manner of speaking and physique, one might mistake him for a woman—he was almost too delicate.

“We have about an hour until we reach the destination. Let me explain things carefully now, lest you get wiped out upon arrival and disgrace me.”

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Everyone smiled at the fair-skinned instructor’s words.

“Our squad has a balanced gender ratio: thirty-five men and thirty-four women,” he said, patting the roster.

“Let me go over the key points.”

“First, you sixty-nine will be divided into six smaller squads and dropped off at six different locations.”

“What, we’re splitting up again?” a girl complained.

“Don’t interrupt while I’m speaking. Wait until I finish, then ask questions if you have any.” The fair-skinned instructor, undeterred by the fact that it was a girl, spoke earnestly.

The girl nodded and said nothing further.

Only then did the instructor nod and continue, “Dispersing you further is a requirement from above. I won’t say why—you’ll experience it yourselves.” At this, a subtle smile curled at his lips.

In my mind, two words jumped out—cunning.

Yes, that’s right: cunning.

“Here are the maps—distribute them,” the instructor took out a stack of paper from his bag.

“The six numbered points marked on the maps are your drop-off locations. The circled areas are the armory zones. Don’t be fooled by the small circles; check the scale for the actual distance.”

“One more thing: if you want a gun, rush to your designated circle as soon as you disembark. The first signal gun will fire when the first person claims a weapon.”

Although I understood most of what was said, I still had no clear plan for what to do after getting off the truck.

I was determined to get a gun, but how was another matter.

The maps gave everyone a target and a range, but ultimately, luck played the biggest role. Yes, luck—those fortunate enough might get a gun right at the start.