Day 1

~ Virtual Battle ~

By. Teadhika

Day 1

~ ~ ~

The day has come,

After agreeing on her senior's offer; Ezra; one of Alisha's gaming friends, that also has the intention to join in the event, Alisha then decided to enroll in his squad. Since the local event held out of town, Alisha comes all the way from her hometown to the far east of the island. However, the moment when she arrives at the spot, none of those faces she could recognize expecting for her presence. Feeling a bit downhearted, Alisha sighs in silence.

Heedful towards Alisha's mood, the guy who just came out the car engage her with a question, "What's the matter, Sha? Can't see any familiar faces?"

Alisha grins to cover her disappointment, not letting her emotions turn everything awkward, "Sorta, but maybe they're on their way"

"Nah, forget it and chill. You have us" Ezra referring to the boys and himself.

Alisha glanced at the boys unloading their stuff out the car.

Seeing her saying nothing more, Ezra continues, "You'll overcome the awkwardness once we get along"

Alisha finally gives a proper smile, "Of course we will. Alright, let's help the others and head inside"

"Wait!" Ezra clutched her sling bag's strap, made the girl turns around with a confused look,

"Leave it to them. We have to claim the attendance"

. . .

"Wow, Sha! You build the tent on your own...?!" exclaimed the man who walks over her as he held out a bottle of water for her, looking kinda mesmerized by her talent

"Of course, I do. This is basic, who doesn't?" Alisha answered being low-key

"Nah, stop" the guy whines in disbelief,

"Hahaha, fine!" She cries and lays her hand on the bottle, "I've done once by myself, so a pinch of experience. Happy now?" she initiates.

She drinks one gulp before saying, "What about you guys'? Thanks btw" she was talking about the drink

"Don't mention it," Egan said,

'Yeah, don't! You're the only primadonna in this squad, we need to take care of you!' Kalvin said abruptly from far away

Egan chuckled, "Don't listen to him. Um, yeah, we're clear" Egan then points at where Ezra and Twan were messing around with each other

Alisha nodded, "Well done"

. . .

For a squad/team activity, this event is pretty liberating. They allow whoever wants to build a tent whether in a team or individually as long as they don't take up much spot. Since Alisha doesn't know anyone other than her squad here, she built a tent close to them.

Ezra was chitchatting with his friends when he saw Alisha just got back from cleaning up. He then runs towards her tent.

"Hey Sha,"

Alisha hums as a response, "While still bright, mind if you come with me to look for firewood? They don't supply it for us"

Alisha glance at the boys, wondering of all members, why should she? But to think of Ezra's value equality, Alisha agreed and tails him for the second time.

"Kay, Let's go"

. . .

Both are walking in through the woods escort by silence and the cool breeze of the evening air. Not far from them, Alisha could see some of the other teams out for the firewoods.

"Do you know which called firewood?" Ezra asked to break the silence

"All woods can be used as firewood, but they have to be in smaller pieces for them to easily burn" she answered

"Impressive" Ezra praised.

Alisha sees some and quickly pick them up and Ezra helps her collect the rest. They keep looking for another until they couldn't find vacant space to place them on their hands

"I think these are enough? We should go back to the tent before dark," Alisha claimed.

"Yup. Let's go" Ezra respond and turn around to lead the way,

But then, he suddenly stopped and Alisha accidentally bumps into him.

"Ouch?" she said confronting Ezra's foolish act. Gladly, the firewoods are safe, or she could have picked them up one by one again.

"I can't remember the way back"

Alisha sigh, "Quit playing and follow me"

. . .

"Hey, you both! Where have you two been leaving without any words?" Twan greets and rallies them with a tease

"Can't you see?" Ezra said appoint the firewoods they had collected.

"Hey, why did you let her carry all of that? What a gentlemen you are, Ezra" Egan replied

While they are arguing about nonsense, Alisha just walks pass them to put the firewood aside.

"Shut up, horse's tail" Ezra exclaimed and catch up with Alisha to help her out

As those branches rolled down Alisha's arms, it left some dirty wood crumbs behind. Without further ado, Ezra grabs her hand and cleans that up in turn; made the girl put out her clueless face.

"Done" he said with pride.

When she figured out what just happen, Alisha chuckles. Even though she does not like spontaneous skinship from a random guy, any guy, but Ezra's intention is good, so she gonna let that pass this time.

"Thank you," she smiles, not knowing how charming she looks in his eyes

Ckrek!

"Tch" The guy grouched seeing someone familiar caught by his camera. He sent a very resentful look at the two people standing far enough from him, committing chemistry to each other.

"Hey, Al! You better get going!" a voice yelling from afar, calling the guy to step on his feet back in the path

"Coming" he responds, took a last glared at the duo before turning around and walk away

Right before the skies turn dark, the committee has the participant gather up for the very first briefing.

"Our schedule would start at 6 am" he said to the crowd line with a very loud and firm voice, a military typical.

Alisha's glancing around and realized that the female participants can be counted by fingers.

"You will be given material and training related to the Battle Royale and Team Deathmatch modes which include rules' explanation, types of equipment and operation guides as well as your squad's schedule."

"Wow! No night hunts?! Too shameee~!" Ezra cries, drawing his surroundings' attention

Alisha glances her surrounding before saying, "It's better not be. Cuz, I don't want the same sh*t back in MWD happens again"

"What's MWD?" Twan asked

"Maha Widya Dharma, kind of orientation for new freshmen of Hindu's uni students last for 3 days 2 nights"

"Oh, sounds fun. Too shame we only got Pasraman in the auditorium" Ezra chimed.

As the skies dim and go darker, the committee dismissed the participant to their tent.

"Okay, that's all for today, you may dismiss. Have proper rest, cause I bet you all gonna need that. Good night...!"

"Good night!" all the participant response non-simultaneously

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