The Summit Meeting
* * *
In the dimly lit classroom, three people sat on separate tables arranged in a circle, each eyeing the others with a mix of curiosity and caution.
The air was thick with tension and the metallic scent of dried blood. I sat there, representing the second floor, my gaze steady and unyielding. Across from me was a guy with glasses, the king of the left side of the first floor, and to his right was a red-haired guy, the king of the right side.
Behind each of us stood another person, a loyal subject. Jake, my steadfast ally, was behind me, ready to act if necessary.
The kings of the first floor had managed to survive the second round by forming an alliance, which I had not expected.
The game allowed alliances between territories as a strategic move, permitting groups to pool resources and protect each other's interests.
This was a temporary peace, a tactical decision rather than a true friendship, meant to ensure survival in the chaos that had engulfed the school.
Their alliance had been possible because they shared a mutual goal: to avoid bloodshed and to consolidate power quickly. It was a smart move, one I might have considered if the circumstances were different.
The guy with glasses adjusted them nervously before speaking. "We will now begin the summit meeting between floors 1 and 2," he announced. His voice was calm but had an underlying edge of authority.
I leaned back slightly, observing them both. It was clear they were testing the waters, trying to gauge my intentions. The fact that they had agreed to this meeting showed they were wary of conflict but prepared for it if necessary. I could use that to my advantage.
* * *
30 minutes Earlier
The timer had just run out, signaling the beginning of the third round. My combat team and I stood at the top of the stairs on either side of the corridor, expecting an imminent attack from the first floor.
Tension was high, and everyone was on edge, ready for battle.
From below, I spotted someone slowly making their way up the stairs. I raised my gun, aiming it steadily at the approaching figure.
"Stop right there," I said, my voice carrying an authority that brooked no disobedience.
The guy froze, raising his hands in surrender.
"Wait, wait, I'm not here to fight!" he exclaimed, trying to keep his voice calm. He carefully reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. "Our king wants you to read this."
I glanced back at one of the members of my combat team, giving a silent nod. He understood immediately and cautiously descended the stairs to retrieve the paper. He returned and handed it to me.
I unfolded the paper and scanned the message. The letter was formal and straightforward:
---
To the King of the Second Floor,
We, the kings of the first floor, have formed an alliance to ensure our mutual survival and success.
During the first round, two kings and their entire group were killed, causing unnecessary bloodshed and chaos.
By uniting our territories in the second round, we have ended the conflict among our groups and secured a peaceful resolution to the second round.
We propose a three-person summit meeting between the leaders of floors 1 and 2 to discuss our territories' future. We believe cooperation can bring more prosperity than continued bloodshed.
Awaiting your response,
The Kings of the First Floor
---
After reading the letter, I folded it back up and looked at the messenger. "Tell your kings I accept," I said, my tone firm yet noncommittal.
The guy nodded, visibly relieved, and headed back down to the first floor.
I watched him go, pondering the implications of this unexpected development. A summit meeting was not what I had anticipated, but it presented an intriguing opportunity.
Back in Class 2-1, which had become our headquarters, I sat at the table, my mind buzzing with thoughts and possibilities. Jake and Yunji were already there, waiting for me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.
"So, what are you going to do?" Yunji asked, breaking the silence first. Her eyes were fixed on me, searching for answers. Her presence was calming, and I appreciated having her steady support.
Jake leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Yeah, what's the plan, man? An alliance on the first floor could be tricky. They've managed to stop the killing down there, but they're still a potential threat. Are we considering a peaceful approach?"
I took a moment, glancing at the map of the school we had sketched on the board earlier. "I'm going to get them to surrender to me," I replied, my voice firm and resolute. "I don't want an alliance. If they're not under my command, they could betray us at any moment. We need complete control to ensure they won't become a problem."
Jake nodded thoughtfully. "Okay, but what if they're genuinely trying to create peace? The alliance shows they're capable of uniting without killing each other. Maybe they're open to negotiations."
"Perhaps," I conceded, leaning back in my chair. "But we need to be cautious. The fact that they're organized enough to propose a summit means they've got a good hold on their situation. It's possible they've been preparing for this third round. We can't underestimate them."
Yunji chimed in, "Do you think they'll listen to you? I mean, what's our leverage here?"
I considered her question. "Our leverage is our control over the second floor. We've already secured it, and we've shown we're capable of eliminating threats. If we present ourselves as a more powerful ally than an enemy, they might see the benefits of surrender."
Jake uncrossed his arms and walked closer to the table. "So, what's the game plan if they refuse? We know nothing about their strengths or how their alliance functions."
"We'll use their own strategy against them," I explained. "Divide and conquer. We'll isolate the weaker links in their alliance, picking them off one by one if necessary. But first, we'll try to gather more intel on their stats and abilities."
Yunji nodded, clearly processing my plan. "How do you plan on persuading them to surrender, though? You need something compelling, something more than just brute force."
"I'll appeal to their logic and their desire to survive. They know about the bloodshed of the first round and want to avoid it. If we show them that siding with us offers protection and power without needless death, they'll be more inclined to join us."
Jake's expression shifted to one of determination. "Okay, I see where you're coming from. So we'll prepare for both outcomes—negotiation and confrontation. But we should keep the combat team ready, just in case."
I nodded, appreciating their insights. "Exactly. We'll need to show strength while offering peace. It's a delicate balance, but it's the best way forward."
The room fell silent for a moment as we all mulled over the strategy. There were so many unknowns, so many variables that could tip the scales one way or another. But we had to try, and I needed Jake and Yunji to trust my judgment.
"We've come this far," I said, breaking the silence. "We'll figure it out together. No matter what happens, we'll find a way to come out on top."
Yunji smiled, and Jake gave me a thumbs-up. With our plan in place, I felt a renewed sense of determination. The upcoming summit would be a pivotal moment, and we had to be ready for whatever came next.