Chapter 29

THE BATTLE ROUND

COMBAT ZONE

The Battle Round are played by a number of squads typically of four players. In each match, the goal is to be the last player or team standing by eliminating all other opponents.Match begins by placing the player-characters in a large map space, typically by having all players slide off a large aircraft within a short time frame. The map may have random distribution or allow players to have some control of where they start. The virtual reality headset that will be used in the game will be wireless or if the players wish to have it contact lenses are okay. As long as they are comfortable and besides the main goal is to find and unlock the second vault.

All players start with minimal equipment, giving no player an implied advantage at the start. Equipment, usually used for combat, survival or transportation, is randomly scattered around the map, often at landmarks on the map. Players need to search the map for these items while avoid being killed by other players, who cannot be visually marked or distinguishable either on-screen or on the map, requiring the player to solely use their own eyes and ears to deduce their positions. And of course by the upgrade of the system the players can stream their play and every item they get they can sell it live. Besides Olympus is also after to marketing and money and so players too have a share of at least fifty percent and depends on the quality and quantity of the item.

Equipment from eliminated players can usually be ravaged as well. But in this game is kill or to be killed. These games often include some mechanic to push opponents closer together as the game progresses, usually taking the form of a gradually shrinking safe zone, with players outside of the zone eventually being killed. It is like a moving portal shrinking the players into a zone and if ever one of the squad not being able to get into the safer zone and the portal is near all of the squad is eliminated.

Typically, the contestants of the battle round are given only one life to play; any player who dies is not allowed to spawn. Games with team support may allow players to enter a temporary, near-death state once health is depleted, giving allies the opportunity to revive them before they give out or are finished off by an opponent. The match is over when only one squad remains, and the game typically provides some kind of reward, such as in-game real cash that will be deposited right to your bank account and game score, to all players based on how long they've survived.

The random nature of starting point, item placement, and safe area reduction enables the battle round genre to challenge players to think and react quickly and improve strategies throughout the match as to be the last squad standing. In this game the players are being utilized, their tactics, strategies, decision-making, being a team, trusting each other, and being wise. This is not only a game but also for the players.

And as you know there will be only five squads in the zone. And each squad are composed of four players and add to that is their chosen hero. The hero is a company of the squad. The heroes can detect resources if they are close so it would be a great help. As you are the player you are only required to use your items but having a great hero is an advantage. May it be an assassin, tank (panzer), fighter (trooper), support and good in magics or witchcraft's which are mystics. They are totally free to do their will as long as the main objective is the real main goal. 

But heroes can damage players lightly but they an attack a hero in a high risk. It will also be like a hero to hero and a player to player. A player can also attack a hero but it will only cause a light damage. 

FOR THE PLAYERS AND HEROES

Resource Boxes: boxes containing items. They are found throughout Syria and come in a variety of colours, usually but not exclusively related to the rarity of the ravage contained within: Find Neon Green (Infrequent), Pink (Rare), Purple (Epic) and Gold (Legendary).

Extraordinary Resource Boxes: boxes containing rarer items. Only available as rewards under Buzzard Contracts.

Buy Stations: Intractable portable communications exchange Cash for Infinite ammo, Weapon Plates, Self-Revive Kits, and Reload Drops.

TYPES TO RAVAGED

The following lists the usual types of ravage that can be found throughout Syria and where it is likely to be found:

Weapon Plates: In order to add protection to you or your squad mate (Ground Loot, Supply Box, Buy Station).

Ammo: Ammunition for a specific type or type of weapon (Ground Loot, Supply Box).

Cash: different numerical values of in-game cash, used in-game and only in a specific match, for the purchase of higher-value loot (Ground Ravage, Resource Box). And of course, here's the waiting game, the players can't be controlled if they just want to be a mercenary.

Buzzard Contracts: a desktop touchscreen that grants a mission known as a contract (Ground Ravage, Resource Box).

Field Upgrades: Equipment or capability requiring manual activation to give a specific advantage in or out of combat (Ground Ravage, Resource Box).

Gas Masks (Battle Round only): a face mask that allows greater survival within the gas of a circle to collapse (Ground Ravage, Resource Box, Buy Station).

Killstreaks: Powerful, single-use reinforcement tools that enable skilled players to turn the tide of battle if used wisely (Buy Station).

Reload Drops: A cargo crate dropped from the sky, containing your favorite reload during the Battle Round game mode (Ground Ravage, Buy Station).

Self-Revive Kits: Medical kits that allow you or a teammate to re-energize after being killed during a match (Ground Ravage, Resource Box, Buy Station).

Arms: offensive weapons (Ground Ravage, Resource Box, Reload Drop).

Ground Ravage 

A loose piece of loot that can be found all over the Warzone on the ground. Generally, land devastation is of a lower quality – think of ammo, common weapons, and the like – than that found by other means. Still, the ravage is ravage, and in Syria there is a lot of it lying on the ground in houses, buildings, and most other places. Focus on collecting it early in a match – so you have a working weapon, for example – before the Resource Box hunt begins.

Resource Box (and special Resource Box)

The Resource Box is a small rectangular box containing multiple ravage items. Hundreds of these are randomly scattered across Syria, waiting to be opened. They are available in a variety of rare colours. Upon interacting with the Resource Box, the contents of the Resource Box will open in front of it, allowing you to pick up anything and everything that pops out.

Ravage within the Resource Box may be of any kind or type. There are also special versions of the Resource Boxes (Special Resource Boxes), which are only available and marked through the Buzzard Contract and usually contain higher rarity damage. No matter what kind of resource box it is, you'll hear the audible hum in-game whenever you're close to one. This hum grows louder as you follow the noise, until it reaches its final crescendo when you're standing right next to a box and haven't opened it. So, generally, remember to listen closely to this audible cue and find the source for a potentially game-changing reward.

Resource Box Tactics: As expected, Resource Boxes are hot spots for potential combat, given that there are only a limited number of such crates in the world. While the exact placement of each Resource Box is not the same from match to match, Clever Combat Zone Operators will eventually learn for themselves where they can usually find them. Fortunately, opening a crate takes very little time, so the optimal strategy is to spring open the Supply Box, decide what loot is worth adding, and move on before any enemy catches you by surprise. Alternatively, if you have a hunch about another squad approaching a box – or know, via Heartbeat Sensor, or other reconnaissance equipment – you could wait it out and spring a trap for them, gaining not only whatever is in the cache, but also anything those hapless rivals had on them.

Buy Station

The other stationary stockpile of loot is the Buy Station, an intractable portable comms station that exchanges Cash for Killstreaks, Weapon Plates, Self-Revive Kits, and Reload Drops. Each of these items costs a specific Cash amount that needs to be met in order to purchase them, and multiple items can be bought in a single trip to this station.

This includes Killstreaks, which appear on the right side of your VR. If you already have a Killstreak available, buying another one will remove the previous one. They do not stack.

Unlike Resource Boxes, Buy Stations can be located on your Map as small green shopping carts. This makes them easier targets for squads to go after and land at than Supply Boxes, as they provide visible markers that guarantee a place to earn ravage. Plus, Buy Stations are usually in areas that contain Resource Boxes and even Contracts, making them high profile (and high reward) drop locations at the beginning of a Combat zone match.

However, because of the versatility of loot on offer from these stations, they should definitely not be avoided during a Combat zone match. This is, without question, one of the best ways to spend Cash earned from Contracts, downing enemies, or collecting it during a match.

While accessing a Buy Station, it is possible for an enemy player to down you. In other words, quick trips to this store are preferred rather than perusing through the menus. Or, request cover from your squad while you check a Buy Station. Like resource Boxes, you could stake out an enemy squad you assume is heading for a shopping spree; but be warned that you may not be the only team with this tactic.

HEROES ROLE

Each Honour Rise hero is unique, has a different set of abilities and, overall, has different ways to help win the game.

PANZER

Tanks are long-lasting, front-line champions that help lock down enemies and start fighting. They are usually found to be leading the charge, choosing the right times and situations to initiate aggression. Many tanks can also protect their more fragile teammates by stunning or pushing dangerous enemies around and limiting their potential for damage. In honour rise, most classes of heroes are really versatile in terms of abilities, and with the item making variations. Usually, the tanks are on the bottom tower. Tank has a high level of defense and hit point, but low damage. Usually, their high durability is used to pin the enemy in the center of the battlefield.

ASSASSIN (Butcher)

An assassin is an agile champion who specializes in killing or disabling roaming targets to pick them up as they try to replenish HP (Health Points). Focused on infiltration, deception, and mobility, assassins are opportunistic hunters who find favorable moments in the fight before they jump into the battle. Regardless of the size of the enemy team, assassins specialize in positioning and artful killing. They strike whenever the time is right—no sooner, no later. Assassins are more suitable for experienced players as they have low HP (Health Points) and high burst damage. They are ideal for easily discarding opponents, but they are easier to kill due to bad positioning and bad timing.

MYSTIC

A magician, is a dealer of magic damages and an important part of any team composition. Their strengths are in their abilities, and they don't usually have basic attacks. However, they tend to be squishy and are a priority target in team fights due to their burst damage and the ability to control the crowd. Mystic is a type of role that has a high magic power and a high degree of coolness in skills, specializing in dealing with magic damage to their abilities. This role is usually of low durability and is therefore often the target in team fights, requiring protection. Most heroes in this role have the ability to control the crowd or have high burst damage.

TROOPER

Fighters are close range fighters with a mix of offensive and defensive capabilities. While they don't have as much utility as a tank or as much damage as an assassin, the damage to the fighter will add up over time to make it a major threat. Fighters are close range fighters with a mix of offensive and defensive capabilities. While they don't have as much utility as a tank or as much damage as an assassin, the damage to the fighter will add up over time to make it a major threat. A fighter is a type of role that has a combination of Tank and Assassin characteristics. They can act as a semi-tank and a dealer for damages due to their durability and damage. Depending on the team lineup, this role is versatile. They may be used in soloing a lane or accompanying an ally. Usually, they shine during the late game.

SUPPORT

The support role is to aid and help protect your allies in any situation. Your role is is to shield or heal them, to tanking some damage or sacrificing yourself to keep others alive. You are often giving up the glorious kills in the game to support others. Support is a type of role that provides some kind of benefit to their team. These benefits provide sustainability through healing or giving shields or deal some form like stunning enemies. They often accompany carry heroes to help them level up faster. They're are recommended to participate in team fights to help teammates in accomplishing objectives and not solo a lane.

KOUSUKE

Honour Rise Game Base

The real thing here is being able to survive. Survival of the fittest. And I bet we have this game. I believe in Axel and his friend Minato. And at the same time even though I don't want to admit it but I trust Kyoya and Kazehaya too. Being able to trust your squad is a real thing and I hope they trust me too. I need to open the second vault. I tried to read the scroll from the first vault but I failed. I guess it is needed to be complete before you can read it. And it will be hard if a different person would get it. I have the real scroll and I will keep it with me.

So the great deal here is we can now use contact lenses and still our mind will be merged and I just it is not like from the start. It's making me sick if I recall it. I bet Ryuzaki is the one who request this thing. Where is he by the way? I cans still remember his words for me that night. I was about to get our contact lenses to distribute it to my squads when Ryuzaki called.

"Hey! Kousuke, are you ready to fight?" Ryuzaki asked a she approaches me. Mary was behind him and so his squads, maybe they are here to get their contact lenses.

"Maybe," I chortled and he tap my back.

I nodded and waved Mary and she returned the gesture. 

"See you in the game," I said and Ryuzaki nodded and smiled. 

As I approach my squad Axel immediately called me. I distributed the black small case of contact lenses to Kyoya and Kazehaya before I walk near to Axel and give his.

"Hey," I voiced and he looked at me intensely. I do not know what I did wrong this day. 

"I saw Ryuzaki walk into your room that night. If you don't mind Kousuke, what did he tell you? What did you two talk about? Do you mind telling me?" he rained me with questions and his eyes were so intense. I don't know if he is mad or what.

"He was there to apologize," I simply answered because anytime now we will be in the game. And I can't afford if we fight in here. This game is important to me. Maybe in this game is my hope to find the assassins of my parents even though I have doubts who are they already. I have to confirm. Because if so, Axel Storm will be one of my greatest enemy. 

"Apologize for what?" he voiced and I stared at him. I don't know why is asking me such a personal thing. Am I supposed to tell him everything?

"Sorry, if I cross the line. You are not obligated to answer my questions and yet this is my actions. I am just...just drop this off. Forget it," he ended and turn his back at me and walk away.

I also notice that Kyoya was looking at us and Kazehaya was frowning in a ridiculous way. 

"Players ready yourself Honour Rise will soon begin. Only three squads are qualified in the game and if ever these three squads don't make it we start again. Good luck players."

An announcement announce and Axel nodded signaling me to go.

Three?

Our team, Ryuzaki's team and whose the third team?

Only us players are in here so how come I didn't notice them? I am still an idiot one.

"Hey, if you're looking for the third squad make your eyes go wide open dude because if they are snake you are now instantly finished, vanished, killed, viola," Kazehaya uttered as he pointed is nose on my back. 

I look at where is the direction and I was stunned. These was my first time seeing them here. Boy, they are like cool kids. 

"And you know what, their hero is a mystic one. They choose magic, funny huh but we should be careful by then. Magic can stun our hero, Minato," he added as I look at the four players. One of them look at me, our eyes meet and a grin was written in his lips.

"Hey! What are you grinning huh?! Do you think it's cool? Nah! You look like a shit poop!" Kazehaya shouted causing the other members of the team in front of us suddenly look on our direction. 

"Ay! Ey! Sorry! Gomennasai!" I apologized and pull Kazehaya's shirt and walk while pulling him. This idiot will put you into a fight.

We will be reunited with Minato again. I hope this will be our calling.

We put our contact lenses and ready for the merging. Unlike from the wireless VR headset contact lenses can give you an electrifying feeling, it is like cold tingling sensation. I was surprised that I didn't even get dizzy and I bet they are too. 

IDENTITY VERIFICATION SUCCESSFUL

WELCOME TO THE HONOUR RISE 

COMBAT ZONE, BATTLE ROUND, FRIDAY

Login completed 9:30:21 

As expected we emerged at the same situation. We are in an aircraft and ready to jump into the harsh air. 

"Okay! This will be our first and last battle team! We should find that damn vault and carry on! Minato! You ready?!" Axel shouted as the harsh air welcomed us. If I am a normal person I would think that being in here is a check on my bucket list already for it looks so real and felt so real.

I look at Minato and I can see that he is ready. His outfit was a stand out for a hero. He looks so awesome, I wonder what it feels like being a hero. For now we only depends on him. I only know that starting the game is you are empty handed. No weapons in you even in your device are not available and it only says error if you have to tap on it. We will roam and search for resources box and weapons to use. We don't care about the stream and live selling. We will do our might to find the vault. and as long as I am with this squad, I feel like I have won.

I look at Kyoya who is well prepared and so is Kazehaya who salutes Axel and still look like an idiot. Kazehaya has the looks but he acts like an idiot while Kyoya has also the looks and lot of girls like him but I kinda want to throw all of my emojis to his face so he can have emotions in his face. He only has poker face though.

"Ready!" We sync and jump to the aircraft.

My glasses detected the map that we are going to land and from here I can see the portal that is shrinking. It takes minutes again to shrink. 

I can't hear a thing except for the strong wind that is embracing me down. As we are near the ground we open our parachute and landed. That was a smooth land for me. The first that I had landed I trip and slide my face into the dirt but now It was successful and I am proud of myself.

"Okay! That was a smooth land for us. Now be sure to keep up and we should stick together and if you have better idea please don't hesitate to tell me. We are empty handed so we begin to search for resources supply!" Axel viced out and we agreed. We run through the dirt and it was hot. I can feel the hotness of the land and the dirt. I am still not used of this shit, even though this is just a game it really looks like real.

"Minato! Sense something?" Axel asked and Minato roamed his eyes.

"Two resources supplies there! A rare one," he announced as he pointed the area and Kazehaya tap his shoulder.

"Go, go, go," Axel commanded and we make sure that we were careful. We shouldn't screw this.

When we reachh the spot Minato was right there are two resource supplies. We immediately opened it and what we got was enough for the four of us to use. weapon, ammo and some kits. If we continue like this we might fall or it will be hard for us. We spend just minutes here but it feels like it was hard enough, these weapons we have is not enough for a battle.

Axel pushed me which makes me shocked. Rain of bullets showered us and I instantly looked at Axel who is now targeting who it is. He pulled a trigger and shout at me.

"Get up and help us you fool!" he shouted and I wanted to smack myself out there. I immediately reloaded my weapon and took a spot. Kyoya and Kazehaya was cooperating too. While Minato is targeting the hero of our opponent. I can't see who it is for it was too far. 

"Minato! Can you spot them? Who are they?" I asked out of curiosity because I am feeling that it is their squad.

"I can't see the-," he was cut off by his words.

"Minato!" I screamed and still there was no response from him. I focus on targeting our opponent when the it suddenly stops.

"I hit one of them," Kyoya voiced and Axel looked at him and nod.

"Nice," Axel praised and tap his shoulder.

It will be just a minute before they can regain their composure and it is better for us to leave now. I look at my screen and it shows that the portal is shrinking again. We better move to the safe zone now. In order to do that we should have a transportation.

"Did you spot our target," Axel asked reffering to Minato.

Minato was silent and as if he didn't heard Axel's question until we stop by our tracks. We were surprised when Axel punch Minato in the face. Even though we are not with Minato in the base I can tell how hard that punch. Minato can feel that. 

"I though we have no secrets here! Cooperate Minato or you might just die here! Don't let your emotions here, just earlier you are talking about freedom and yet you are here fighting like an idiot! I am the captain here so you answer my fucking question Minato! Who is our target!? I know you did see them, don't make me fool!" Axel roared and I can feel the tension between them. 

Kyoya pulled me out between the two because I was just there standing between them...like an idiot.

"Are you dumb? They're fighting and yet you still stand there? What are you a referee or what? Baka!" Kyoya uttered and released my hand. He was right I look like a fool but it keeps bugging me this thoughts that I have. I have this feeling that it was Ryuzaki's squad.

"Answer me Minato!" Axel pulled Minato.

"It was Madeline, I saw here. Their hero is Chevaliers. Ryuzaki's squad," Minato answered and Axel slowly release him.

It was like I was thrown away on what I have heard. Ryuzaki's team? It was Ryuzaki's team? But I thought we are helping each other to find the vault? Did I make fool out of me again? Did he lie to me again? Are those his fake stories? But that night was real. He was sincere, I felt his sincerity.

My breath caught me when Axel grip my neck. I can't breath.

"Sorry Kousuke but I want to know what the hell did you two talk about that night. Care to tell me now? Are you going to kill our squad huh?!" he roared and Kazehaya immediately run into us.

"Ax! Calm down, please calm yourself down. The portal is shrinking again, it comes near us. Let Kousuke explain his side," Kazehaya voiced out and Kyoya just stand there.

Axel slowly released me and sighed. He calmed himself and I see his eyes go red. He was mad.

"Talk!"