Strategy

Visconti strode back into the room, slipping on a pair of pristine white gloves that looked like they belonged to some historical prince. The gloves fit snugly, their fabric catching the light just enough to draw attention.

Kieran raised an eyebrow. "What's with the royal vibes? You planning to duel someone for honor?"

Visconti ignored the jab, his expression focused as he raised his gloved hand and began typing into the air.

A moment later, a bright blue holographic map materialized in front of them, floating mid-air.

The map displayed a sprawling modern cityscape—skyscrapers, alleyways, parking lots, and even an abandoned subway station.

"Wow," Kieran muttered, stepping closer and tilting his head to take it all in. "That's insane. How'd you pull this up?"

"Technology," Visconti replied with a small smirk. "The gloves are linked to a tactical projection system. I've been compiling potential layouts for our battle. There's a big chance the instructors are going to use a modern map like this. It's too versatile and chaotic to ignore."

Elijah leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "So, what's the plan?"

Visconti adjusted the map, zooming in on a cluster of buildings. "Here's the rundown. First, the hiding spots. If we end up in a map like this, the rooftops of these mid-level buildings are key. They provide clear vantage points for Kieran to position himself as an archer. From there, he can cover large sections of the battlefield while staying relatively safe."

Kieran grinned, puffing out his chest. "Of course. I'll rain down chaos from above."

Visconti raised a hand, cutting him off. "Don't get too cocky. The rooftops also make you vulnerable to long-range opponents. If they have a sniper or another archer, you'll need to be constantly moving. That's your disadvantage."

Kieran's grin faded slightly, and he nodded. "Got it. Keep moving. No easy target."

"Elijah, what's your longest range for sniping?" Visconti asked.

Elijah thought for a moment before replying. "Around 50-60 meters."

"And what's your accuracy for moving targets?"

"Hmm, 85 percent."

Visconti shifted the map again, zooming into a series of narrow alleyways. "Then, Elijah, you'll be most effective here, in the tight spaces. If you use your guns, you can ambush opponents before they even see you. But it's risky. If you get cornered or outnumbered, those alleys could become a deathtrap."

Elijah nodded, studying the map carefully. "Understood. So I'll need to stay mobile and avoid getting boxed in."

"Exactly," Visconti said, pointing to a small cluster of buildings near the center of the map. "This area is where we'll likely find a lot of flags. It's a high-traffic zone, which means there'll be plenty of opportunities to engage opponents. We'll need to work as a unit to dominate this section without spreading ourselves too thin."

"What about you?" Elijah asked, his eyes flicking to Visconti.

Visconti smirked. "I'll be the floater. I'll move between you two, providing support where it's needed. Whether it's setting up traps, flanking enemies, or helping you retreat, I'll make sure we stay coordinated. That's our biggest advantage: teamwork."

Kieran whistled, clearly impressed. "Man, you've thought this through. I'd have just charged in swinging."

"That's why you're not the leader," Elijah said with a faint smirk.

Visconti ignored the banter, zooming out on the map to show the entire cityscape again. "One last thing: the subway station. It's underground, which means it'll be harder to track opponents down there. It's both an advantage and a disadvantage. If we need to regroup or lose a tail, that's where we go. But it's also a likely spot for traps."

Elijah and Kieran exchanged a glance, then turned back to Visconti.

"Next, the forest map," Visconti announced, pulling up another holographic projection.

This one showcased a dense, sprawling forest, its thick canopy of trees casting shadows over the ground below. Streams, rocky outcrops, and uneven terrain dotted the map, making it both visually stunning and strategically complex.

Kieran leaned forward, squinting at the screen. "Oh, this looks promising. I could probably disappear in there."

Visconti nodded, zooming in on a cluster of trees near the center. "Exactly. In the forest, your best advantage is mobility and stealth. This area here," he pointed to a slightly elevated section surrounded by dense foliage, "Is your ideal hiding spot. From here, you'll have a clear line of sight to most of the forest while staying camouflaged by the trees and underbrush."

Kieran grinned, already picturing himself perched on the high ground like some kind of predator. "Perfect. I'll be untouchable."

"Not quite," Visconti said, snapping Kieran out of his daydream. "Your biggest disadvantage is visibility. Sure, you can blend in with the environment, but so can the enemy. If someone has sharp eyes or uses abilities that enhance tracking, you'll be vulnerable. And let's not forget about close-range combat—if someone sneaks up on you, it's game over."

Kieran's grin faltered slightly. "Alright, point taken. No slacking off."

Visconti swiped to zoom in on another section of the map, this one featuring a rocky outcrop overlooking a shallow stream. "Elijah, this is where you should position yourself for sniping. From here, you'll have a clear vantage point of the main paths where most opponents will move. The height gives you an edge, and the stream below acts as a natural barrier, making it harder for enemies to reach you without being noticed."

Elijah studied the map, nodding thoughtfully. "Seems solid. What's the catch?"

Visconti smirked. "The catch is that this spot is too obvious. It's the first place any tactician worth their salt will look for a sniper. If you stay there too long, you'll be a sitting duck. Plus, the uneven terrain around it makes retreat tricky. One wrong step, and you're tumbling down into the stream."

Elijah sighed, running a hand through his hair. "So, I'll need to keep relocating after every few shots."

"Exactly," Visconti said, zooming out to show the entire forest. "The forest map has its advantages—plenty of cover, natural barriers, and opportunities for ambushes. But it's also unpredictable. Visibility is low, movement is slower, and it's easy to get separated from your team. If we're not careful, we could end up fighting blind."

"So what's the plan?" Kieran asked, crossing his arms.

Visconti tapped the map again, highlighting a central area with scattered boulders and a large tree with exposed roots. "We use this area as our fallback point. It's relatively open, making it harder for opponents to set up an ambush, and the exposed roots provide decent cover. If we get separated, regroup here."

Elijah raised an eyebrow. "And if the enemy figures out this is our fallback point?"

"Then we adapt," Visconti replied firmly. "The key to winning in the forest is staying unpredictable. We use the terrain to our advantage but never get too comfortable in one spot. Mobility and communication will make or break us."

Kieran stretched, cracking his neck. "Alright, Mr. Tactician, I'm sold. This is starting to sound fun."

Elijah smirked. "Let's see how much fun you're having when someone's shooting arrows at you."

Kieran shrugged with a grin. "I'll just shoot back."

"Then lastly, the apocalyptic map," Visconti said, his voice steady as he pulled up the final holographic projection.

The map showcased a grim, desolate wasteland. Ruined skyscrapers loomed like skeletons against a gray sky, debris scattered everywhere, and rusted vehicles were overturned or abandoned. A faint haze of smoke and ash seemed to hover over the area, making it difficult to imagine any safe place to hide.

Kieran let out a low whistle. "Wow, this place is…cheerful."

Visconti smirked. "Cheerful or not, it's where you'll have to shine. Let's start with you, Kieran." He zoomed in on a crumbling office building with shattered windows and several holes in its structure. "This building offers some of the best vantage points for an archer like you. The elevated floors give you a wide view of the battlefield, and the broken walls provide natural cover. You'll be able to pick off targets without exposing yourself too much."

Kieran leaned closer to inspect the map. "Sounds perfect. What's the catch?"

Visconti tapped a section of the building where the floor was partially collapsed. "The structure is unstable. Too much movement or force might cause it to cave in, and you'll have no way of knowing until it's too late. Plus, the elevated position makes you an obvious target for anyone clever enough to flank you."

Kieran scratched his head, frowning. "So, basically, stay light on my feet and don't overstay my welcome?"

"Exactly," Visconti replied, moving the map to highlight another area.

This time, it was a toppled highway bridge partially buried under rubble. "Elijah, this is where you'll set up for sniping. The broken sections of the bridge create natural choke points, and the height gives you a clear line of sight across the map."

Elijah studied the image with a sharp eye. "And the disadvantages?"

"The bridge's height works both ways," Visconti explained. "While you can see everything, everyone else can see you. Once your position is compromised, you'll have to move fast. And if you get cornered, the narrow pathways give you little room to fight back."

Elijah nodded, already calculating his fallback routes. "Got it. What about close combat? I'm not just going to sit and shoot the whole time."

Visconti smirked. "I was getting to that. The rubble beneath the bridge is scattered enough to allow for quick movements and ambushes. If you're forced to engage in swordsmanship, use the terrain to your advantage. Narrow pathways, debris for cover—it's all there if you know how to use it."

Kieran raised an eyebrow. "And what about you, oh great leader? Where will you be?"