Chapter 778
“Only the champion team gets the prize money and rewards. Since it’s a team round, teams are allowed to target members of other teams. If you eliminate even one member, that whole team loses its shot at the competition.
“But not many teams actually go that route. Teams that lose their shot at the team round aren’t out for good–they can still stick around, join forces with others, and go after the team that knocked them out.
“Cooperation between teams is also important. Your social skills matter too–having good connections can really make a difference.
“The whole event is under surveillance. If you use any banned weapons like guns or explosives, you’ll be permanently disqualified. And if you cause any injuries or deaths, the consequences are even more severe.
“Plus, you have to sign a risk disclosure and a liability waiver–there’s an actual risk of death.”
Aria raised an eyebrow and said, “These rules are pretty complicated.”
Cathy laughed and said, “That’s already the short version. Last time, because the teams were so uneven, we knocked out seven teams right at the start and cruised to victory.
“This year, the teams‘ strengths are fairly balanced, but Fabian’s team has three members from last year’s champions–they’re the strongest. We used to be the underdogs, but now that you’re here, that might not be the case.
“Honestly, I think you could beat Fabian. Fighters don’t just have to deal with other teams–they also have to go up against the instructors.
“Last year, to claim a supply station, the fighters had to dodge hidden weapons and take down an instructor at the same time. Just get familiar with the setup–you might be the one going in.”
Last year, Cathy was the fighter, and she almost didn’t make it. Although Caroline joined the team this year, her fighting power was just middle of the pack here at the Bureau. Everyone felt Caroline didn’t stand a chance against an instructor.
So nobody thought they had a shot at the championship. But Cathy believed in Aria.
Aria shot Cathy a look and said, “You’re putting way too much faith in me.”
Cathy blinked and said, “I really believe in you. We’re going for the championship.”
Emily sighed and said, “Honestly, not getting eliminated would be good enough for me.”
Caroline chimed in, “Same here.”
Cathy and her team had been in hardcore training for this competition since before Christmas Day. But Aria hadn’t joined a single session.
So the team members thought, ‘Not only do we have to compete, but now we will have to look out for her. If she is too weak and gets knocked out, the whole team will be out of the competition.
‘But it is Cathy who brought her in, and there just aren’t any other girls willing to join. Guess we can only wait to be eliminated.’
Seeing that the team’s morale was low, Cathy encouraged, “Come on, let’s pull ourselves together–championship, championship.”
Suddenly, someone nearby snickered.
Cathy turned her head at the voice, frowning.
Weyne and Fabian’s team strolled over and deliberately took a seat close by.
Weyne said, “Cathy, we’re just as determined to take the championship.”
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Chapter 778
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Cathy kept a straight face and said, “Everyone wants the title. We all have the right to compete.”
Fabian stared straight at Cathy and said, “You know, sign–ups aren’t set in stone. If you want that championship, you could still switch over to our team.”
Cathy shot back, “Not happening. I’m sticking with my team.”
Fabian’s face soured, but he didn’t push it any further.
Aria gave a lazy glance in Fabian’s direction and said to Cathy, “Does that Mr. Forehead over there have a crush on you or something?”
Cathy nearly spit out her drink at the address. She sneaked a look at Fabian and thought, ‘His forehead is huge. She then turned to Aria and exclaimed, “You have decent people skills.”
She always thought Aria’s brains and people skills couldn’t possibly go together.
Aria gave Cathy a complicated look and asked, “Do I come off as socially clueless?”
Cathy replied, “No, that’s not what I mean.”
“Just spit it out,” Aria said.
Cathy said, “I mean, you actually noticed that he likes me.”
Aria said, “Mr. Forehead always acts all high and mighty with everyone else, but when he talks to you, he holds back.”
Fabian had never actually confessed, but everyone at the State Security Bureau could tell he had a thing for Cathy. But he was way too proud to ever
make the first move.
Cathy originally didn’t have any particular feelings for Fabian–neither liking nor disliking him.
However, when Fabian started to act as if she had feelings for him too, with a sense of confidence that she would reluctantly accept his confession if he made one, Cathy began to feel disgusted with him.
Thankfully, Fabian never did anything creepy, so Cathy just pretended the whole thing didn’t exist.
Jocelyn said, “Mr. Forehead is a pretty fitting nickname.”
“I agree,” Allison chimed in.
The tense atmosphere gradually eased, and the rest of the team stopped fixating on whether Aria was strong enough. They figured they’d just take things as they came and give it their all.
Just then, Bruce spoke up. “Mr. Harrison is here.”
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