The two began to explore the floor. While wandering they avoided the members and eventually found a viewing deck. They entered the room and snuck onto the balcony with a view of the entire arena.
Quin: "Hey look, that's probably the main area."
Issac: "Definitely has the most people."
"I don't see the symbol from here though."
"It might not be there."
"You're right, that seems too obvious. Maybe one of the paths in there though. Ahem. Oh wow it's kinda dusty up here."
"Maybe keep your voice down."
"I'm trying to but ...oh I have to sneeze."
"Don't you dare."
"No wait, I got it. Wait no I don't. No, we're fine." As more dust entered his nose Quin couldn't hold it anymore and let out a sneeze. Lucky for him Issac caught it and whacked him with the bag before any sound came out. Quin pulled the bag off his face: "Thanks. I think."
"No problem."
"Alright then I think we should probably call it here."
"Yeah."
Quin picked himself up and patted the dust off of his clothes. He paused when he reached his pocket. Confused, he quickly checked all his other pockets.
Issac looked over: "What now?"
"Nothing just looking for... oh." Quin looked over the balcony edge to find Issacs lock pick on top of one of the walls. Issac saw it as well: "You didn't put it back."
"No I did not. Not to worry, I think I can reach it from here." Before he could try some kids messing around bumped the other side of the wall knocking the pick to the lower floor.
Issac: "Hm. Go."
Quin: "I'll go get it."
Quin made his way to the lower level. There were a lot more people around so it took longer than before. Issac followed along looking like he was ready to punch him again if he didn't get his belongings back. They made it there without incident but the lighting was awful so Quin took awhile to look for it: "Are we even in the right spot? I can't see anything."
"Well then crawl around on your hands and knees and feel around until you find it."
"Or you could help you know." Quin mumbled.
Before they could continue they were both silenced by a group of people surrounding them.
Quin: "I think we've been spotted."
"No kidding."
The members of the trouble makers group brought them both to the main room.
Quin: "Well this is spacious."
"And this is surprising." Said one of the members. Most likely some kind of leader: "It's not often we get people making it as far as you did."
"That's us. Very sneaky."
"You don't look familiar, are you a new participant? What's your name?"
"We are. It's our first year. My name is Jack and this is Tom. You?"
The leader ignored him and turned to one of the other members. "They aren't in the top ten," he said.
"How strange. You aren't in the top ten and it's your first year so why are you here? And so late in the game?"
"The outer arenas are supposed to have the most points aren't they?" Issacs tone was as lax as usual.
"You don't expect me to believe that the GMs never gave you a warning do you?"
Quin cut in: "They did. They went in about how difficult it was but not off limits so we thought since it's the last week we might as well try. But alas we failed."
Quin was trying to play it off as a miscommunication on their part. He hoped that if they looked down on them they wouldn't start anything crazy. Their usual tactics involve scaring away any newcomers with ideas of winning in the early stages. Having people try this late in the race was definitely suspicious and most likely someone on or close to reaching the leaderboard.
That's what he wanted at least. But this guy's reaction to everything he said was making it really difficult to stay on task. With every explanation Quin gave he responded with a face that said 'ah he's just an idiot' . Was his acting that good or did he really give off dumb kid vibes?
"Well congrats on making it this far although it was obviously dumb luck. You'll be shown out now by kids who could knock you out in one blow so don't get any ideas of trying again," said the leader.
Quin was so surprised by the ego of this guy he couldn't keep the act up: "Was that a threat?"
"No, it was an insult followed up by a threat. Hard to keep up with, isn't it?" he spoke mockingly.
"You did it again! Wow, that's crazy! Don't think I won't try something right no-ah." Quin tried to step forward to fight but was stopped by Issac who grabbed his head and turned him around: "What?"
"We're leaving."
Another few teens piped up with mocking laughter: "Yeah you probably should!"
"Wouldn't want you to start anything you can't end."
Issac turned around and dragged Quin out. The leader called out once more: "Yeah, keep your dog in line."
Issac stopped for a moment but didn't say anything and started walking again. He brought them far from the building and into the forest. They stopped walking at a break in the path. Quin rubbed his head: "What's your problem now?"
Issac snapped back at him: "Nothing. What's your problem?"
Issac seemed more upset than usual. As he questioned he stepped forward driving Quin back both mentally and physically.
"You were about to start fighting with them."
Quin couldn't defend himself: "Maybe."
"I've seen your agility and have no doubt that if a fight had started you could get yourself out. But what about the hunt? We were scouting for a reason. A fight with them now could have blown our chances at winning."
He only stopped advancing after Quin had backed into a park sign: "I didn't realize you had gotten so passionate about winning."
"The cash pool is up to thousands. You have your motivation and I have mine."
"I see."
"If you really understand then get your head on straight. We only have five more days so no more blowing up before you have to."
Quin nodded: "You're absolutely right. I'll be careful."
"Good." Issac stepped back. He heard Quin chuckle as he turned away: "What's so funny?"
"Hmm? Nothing much. Just thinking I'm quite lucky aren't I?"
"Everything I've seen so far says otherwise."
"It's about perspective. You're right I was one hundred percent irritated back there. Lucky for me I had a responsible team member."
"Because I didn't lose my cool over the sneers of children?"
"Something like that. For a moment there I thought you were about to say something."
"When?"
"When that brat compared me to a dog."
"Oh yeah? He meant that you're a loud, aggressive, yapper. Not much to defend there."
"Oi that's..!"
Issac shot him with a glare that said don't start.
"Ye-yeah.. yup. Ahem..Quin swallowed his words."
____
Now that scouting is finished it was time for equipment. They ate dinner in town as they devised their plans. Afterwards Quin went to talk to all his new gm pals to see what they had. Once it was dark they went out to test their supplies. They had everything from water pistols to airsoft rifles: "How many GM's did you talk to?"
"All of them."
"Right."
"This was all they could get their hands on without going to the actual sights."
"Compared to the other groups it's definitely less."
"But at least all this stuff works. First off, try these."
Issac was handed night vision goggles. He put them on and picked up the rifle while Quin ran to a far off tree. He pointed to the target: "Here, try to hit this. Ow!! What the hell!?!"
Issac scanned the rifle: "Hmm."
"Jesus! You shot my hand! Ow!" Quin checked for a bruise: "Maybe you should practice more."
"No need. I hit what I was aiming for."
"What? Frick that hurts." Quin quickly took the rifle away and tested the rest of their equipment. After finishing up they went back to the inn to sleep for the big days ahead.
____
Day 26.
After a good night's rest they started their attack early the next morning. Issac and Quin stormed each arena fighting and disarming everyone present. They made sure to take out everyone before attempting to get the symbol.
Every attack was as unique as the arenas they fought in. Nothing was off limits. They were a minimum of ten to one meaning sneaky, sudden attacks were important. Turning out the lights, smoking them out, blinding and disorienting them was key.
The group's fighting form and tact wasn't great in the first place. Within minutes they had the whole building in chaos. Everyone was scattered and easily picked off one by one.
Issac's way of fighting was mostly to disarm and put down in the first blow. It's quick, powerful, and accurate. The style picked up through actual training. Quin was more free in his style. He moved to confuse and throw the target off balance. It's also quite quick and full of misdirection. It's usually meant for defence followed by a quick escape but these fights required him to take them out of the fight all together. Keeping this in mind he was happy to use any and all the tools at his disposal to put the targets down.
Put together both are able to cover the others blindspots. In hand to hand Quin could easily create openings for Issac to finish them off. This continued arena after arena.
By the time they were done only empty buildings remained. Cleared of all caught members which were sent to the park staff for holding. Those who made it out ended up in the main building they scouted before. This raised the numbers in that arena but they weren't worried. They figured this might happen.
__
Day 30
Eventually the final say arrived. The two made their way towards the last remaining arena.
"Are you as ready as I am?"
"We have only today to finish this so keep your head on straight."
"Stay focused, I got it."
Issac and Quin separated in the forest and entered at different points. The group was already prepared so sneaking the whole way in wasn't really an option. Up til now they used many tactics like sneak attacks, hitting the lights and wearing night vision, wearing protective gear and hitting those without it. They blatantly follow the rule of if they can, so can we.
After a few days, info continuously spilled back to the main base. Basically the next group knew better and worked to counteract most of their possible plans ahead of time. For now both could only avoid the big groups and slowly work their way in.
Quin headed straight for the main room. He made sure to use the maze-like layout to his advantage. Once there though he was surrounded within moments. That annoying wannabe leader immediately started yapping once more: "So I'm guessing you really were somewhere on the leaderboard?"
"Who knows 'Nate'. Maybe I'm just here because you really got under my skin last time we spoke."
Nathan, who Quin looked into for personal info, was the annoying teen's name. His eyes flashed irritation: "I wouldn't be surprised. You seem like someone who can't keep it together when it matters. You know I've been getting reports about you from all over since you've entered the building. And yet I've had nothing on that friend of yours. Could it be that he too got sick of hearing your voice?"
"Who knows? I suppose it's possible. He's always telling me how annoying I am."
"If I were you I'd have kept him around. Coming this far alone and on the last day no less wasn't a very bright idea."
"What are there like twenty in this room alone?"
"Scared?"
"Meh. Honestly I've seen worse."
"Confidence. I guess ignorance is bliss. Let's make this quick. Knock him out, tie him up, and toss him outside! And make sure to break a few bones will you? They made it this far, they deserve that much respect at least."
"Do we deserve respect? From you guys?" Quin laughed: "I doubt it."
"God your taunts are as annoying as you are. Hurry up!"
Just as a couple of guys rushed towards Quin the room went completely dark.