Apocalypse: I Have One More Keyword Than Others

"What’s your ranking?" the bartender with the keyword "decisive" asked, tossing a bottle of Rum to the Gunner.

"169," the Gunner glanced at his personal panel, his expression somewhat dejected. "What about you?"

"A bit higher than yours, 152," the bartender forced a wry smile. "That damn Paul disrupted everyone’s pace; I’ve never seen anything like it. In less than a month, there are fewer than 200 candidates left in the exam hall. He’s downright crazy."

"Wonder what his keyword is?" the Gunner asked lazily as he lay back on the deck.

"A shit-stirrer, I guess!" the bartender said with a bitter laugh. "I can’t think of a more fitting keyword for him."

"If he’s a shit-stirrer, what does that make us?" The Gunner gave him a look and sighed. "Honestly, when I got this keyword, I knew there was no hope for this simulation. I just wanted to perform well, see if I could get the instructor to notice my understanding of the keyword, and maybe get a chance to be a reserve warrior. Now, that guy has stolen all the limelight."

"It’s a game of luck to begin with," the bartender shook his head. "I hope that damn bastard keeps his good luck on the Alien Battlefield! But I just can’t accept it. We should have had more time to develop..."

"I can’t accept it either," the Gunner said. "I’d rather risk getting eliminated myself than let a shit-stirrer like him stay in the game. His behavior is just disgusting. I also didn’t expect General Mikaro and Mahamadu to be candidates either, and the ones who took possession of them are pretty lucky to have such a head start."

"At least they’re not as annoying." The bartender took a big gulp of alcohol. "Before Paul showed up, they were playing by the rules."

"With the fame General Mikaro and Mahamadu have, just doing a few things that fit their keywords can impact the course of the world. They can’t possibly be outside the top ten. I don’t understand what they are still fighting for?" The Gunner frowned. "Do you think they might lure us over to kill us, just to solidify their rankings?"

"It’s unlikely," the bartender shook his head. "After all, each candidate around increases the risk by a notch. If someone assassinates them and takes their ranking, they would have failed miserably. Those in the top ten wouldn’t do something so foolish."

"Are you saying their rankings might not be in the top ten?" the Gunner asked.