The Mart (1)
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The gym was packed with all of our people, huddled together around small fire pits we had made using wood and lighters from the store. The heat from the fires barely cut through the cold that seeped into the building, but it was better than nothing.
I sat on the stage with the rest of the high-ranking officials, each of us wrapped in blankets and staring at the scene before us. The large windows at the back of the gym gave us a direct view of the school gates, where we had 24-hour surveillance. Outside, the world was frozen solid, the wind howling past and rattling the glass.
"We're setting up barricades at the gym entrance with tables," Aiden said, gesturing to the makeshift barriers our people were assembling. "It'll help keep the cold from seeping in too much."
I nodded, though I knew it was only a temporary solution. We were safe from any enemy forces for the time being; the other groups were likely just as immobilized by this cold snap as we were. But that didn't solve our most pressing problem—supplies.
I looked at the people shivering in the gym. We were all wrapped in whatever layers we could find, but the chill was still biting, and morale was dropping fast. If we had to step outside for more than an hour, we'd risk freezing to death.
"We have to get to the large mart next to the school," I said, breaking the heavy silence. "We need those supplies. The cafeteria is almost empty, and spending karma on food from the store is wasteful."
Mercy, sitting beside me, nodded. "I want to take that place too. We could use the supplies as leverage against other groups. But how are we supposed to get there in this weather?"
That was the million-dollar question. How could we reach the mart and secure it without freezing to death in the process? The group fell into silence, each of us lost in thought.
We had relied on the school's cafeteria for food since the game began, but those reserves had quickly dwindled. Now, we were using karma to buy necessities, and it was unsustainable. The mart next door was our best bet for long-term survival and leverage. But the cold presented an insurmountable barrier.
"We're not just dealing with cold," I continued, my voice low but firm. "There's bound to be a king at the mart, and they won't give it up easily. But if we can take it, we'll have enough supplies to last for weeks. We need a plan."
The silence stretched on, the only sound the crackling of the fire and the wind outside. Each of us was wracking our brains for a solution. The situation was dire, but I refused to believe we were out of options.
"We could try to create a heated pathway," Jake suggested slowly. "If we can keep the path to the mart warm enough, we might manage a quick strike."
I nodded thoughtfully, considering the logistics. It was a start—a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak scenario. We needed to make this work, somehow, for our survival depended on it.
The gym was silent as we gathered our thoughts, the cold seeping in despite the fires. I could see the worry etched on everyone's faces, but I had an idea. It was risky, but it might just work.
"I might have a plan," I said, breaking the silence.
"The mart is large, but when the games started, it was noon. Most people were either at work or school, so there are bound to be fewer people there now. I might be able to stop the cold from reaching us using my barrier skill and shaping it around like a dome. Since the mart is right next to us, we could quickly get there and take over."
Mercy frowned, crossing her arms. "But you're forgetting about the street. The street is its own territory, right?"
She was right.
Rounds 1 to 4 were largely divided into two groups: the building group and the road group.
Those who were in a building when the game started and those on the streets. The people on the streets also had a king and fought to claim the territory of the street. So technically, the streets were a territory and had a king.
"We can't worry about that right now," I replied. "Looking at the situation, they might have all frozen to death."
Mercy nodded, conceding the point. Yunji, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "Then who will go to attack the mart? I mean, to take its territory?"
"We'll go as a small group," I explained. "There aren't many people in the mart, and it's too risky to go out with a large group. I don't know if my barrier will last long enough."
I thought about the team I'd need. "The people going will be me, Jake, and some of the combat members. I think that's the best approach."
Jake nodded, agreeing with the plan. "I'll bring the best of the combat team."
"Then that's settled," I said, feeling a sense of determination.
Suddenly, someone raised their hand. "Can I come as well?"
It was Mercy.
"Why?" I asked, a bit surprised.
"I'm technically in charge of politics and negotiations. It would be a shame if I couldn't come along," Mercy said with a smirk.
"Besides, I may have gotten a weapon from the store with the karma you gave me, and I'd like to try it out."
She made a valid point, and there was no reason to leave her out. "Okay, you can come," I agreed.
I turned to Yunji and Aiden. "Yunji, Aiden, you two stay here and keep things running smoothly. If someone from another group enters our territory, don't hesitate to kill them."
They both nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. We needed everyone to be on their toes.
"Let's get ready then," I said, feeling the adrenaline start to pump through me. This was our best chance, and we had to make it count.