Noticing a silver parachute gracefully descending towards his position, excitement and curiosity seize Jacob as he approaches to retrieve it.
With trembling hands filled with anticipation, Jacob unfolds the parachute and discovers its contents: twelve landmines and a three-day supply of dry food. He is left speechless by the unexpected gift from the sponsors. The landmines shine with a menacing appearance, their round and compact shape revealing the destructive potential they hold.
Each landmine is equipped with a sensitive triggering mechanism, designed to respond to pressure or sudden movement. Its surface is covered with a metallic material that reflects light and shadows in a sinister play. Jacob examines the mines cautiously, aware of their power and the responsibility they entail.
As Jacob looks at them, he is impressed by the cunning and strategy of the sponsors in providing him with these deadly tools. He knows that the landmines could become a significant advantage in the game if used intelligently and strategically. However, he is also aware of the lethal and dangerous nature of these weapons.
With a mix of gratitude and the tension of facing a critical choice, Jacob makes a decision: he will use the landmines as a tactical resource to protect his allies and neutralize his enemies. He knows that their proper handling can make the difference between life and death in the arena.
Although impressed by the audacity of the sponsors in providing him with this gift, Jacob also feels the burden of responsibility that comes with having these weapons at his disposal. Landmines are a double-edged sword, capable of causing indiscriminate harm and endangering both enemies and allies. He is aware that their use must be carefully considered and limited to situations where it is absolutely necessary.
While carefully storing the landmines, Jacob looked at Rue on the other side of the tree and signaled her to come down.
"What did the sponsors send you?" Rue asked curiously, as she hadn't interacted much with Jacob, but they were allies, and he didn't seem like a bad person.
Jacob, as he descended, slowly placed the box with the supplies and said, "Dry food and landmines..."
"Mines?" Rue couldn't see well in the darkness, so she wasn't sure if they were the mines she was thinking of.
"Yes, these will be incredible for defending the area against intruders..." Jacob took out the bags of dry food, opened his backpack, and stored them. After doing this, he took out a small flashlight and illuminated the landmines.
"[Jacob, as your intelligent assistant, I understand that you're interested in receiving instructions on how to strategically place the landmines in your hidden base. It's important to consider various factors to maximize their effectiveness and minimize the risks involved. Let me guide you through this process:
Evaluate the terrain: Observe the surroundings of your hidden base carefully. Identify entry points and areas that could be vulnerable to attacks. Pay special attention to paths frequented by other tributes or animals, as well as cover areas where you could place the mines without them being easily visible.
Select strategic locations: Choose the places where you will place the landmines carefully. Opt for areas where the probability of tributes or animals stepping on or passing near them is high. These could be narrow corridors, hunting grounds, or areas near water sources. Remember that surprise and concealment are key to their effectiveness.
Camouflage the mines: Once you have determined the locations, it's time to camouflage the landmines. Use the natural environment to hide them, such as leaves, branches, or other elements found in the terrain. Make sure they are not easily detectable by other tributes or animals.
Consider animal traps: Remember that landmines can also be used to eliminate animals. If you want to hunt or protect yourself from dangerous animals, choose areas where their presence has been observed. However, keep in mind the regulations and restrictions of the Hunger Games regarding the use of traps and hunting animals.
Mark the locations: Although you want the mines to be invisible to others, it's important that you can safely identify their locations. Use subtle markers or signals to remember where you have placed the mines. This will help you avoid accidents and allow you to deactivate them when necessary.
Remember that landmines are powerful and dangerous weapons, both for humans and animals. Use them with extreme caution and only when absolutely necessary for your survival. Always consider the consequences and possible side effects of their use.]"
Jacob knew this, but considering that a beast controlled by the Watchers attacks the tributes, it will somehow force the two groups of participants in the arena to reduce their numbers. When he considered this, he needed to know what the administrators were basing their attacks on, what were they really seeking by doing that?
"What will you do with the mines, Jacob?" Rue asked, noticing that Jacob was thinking too much.
"What if we place them now?" This idea inevitably came to Jacob's mind.
Rue didn't seem to mind and nodded her head. She looked around with vigilant eyes, and seeing that no one was following, she followed Jacob to a slightly flat area.
As they headed towards the designated spot, they walked in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Jacob broke the silence and shared a slight joke with Rue, "Have you ever placed mines before?"
"Never..."
"Trust me, I don't know how to do it either." Jacob hid his smile and continued walking.
Rue, who seemed perplexed, looked at Jacob's back, pondered for a moment, and said, "If you've never placed mines, how do you expect me to trust you?"
Jacob shrugged his shoulders and pointed, "Well, it can't be that difficult."
They arrived at the indicated point and began to place the mines on the ground, paying attention to every detail to ensure they remained hidden and strategically positioned.
"[Place a mine every five meters in a straight line, people and animals usually avoid being close to trees!]"
Jacob did as his intelligent assistant instructed, carefully placing the third mine and then covering it with soil.
In the midst of their task, the intelligent assistant issued a warning. "[Enemy detected, multiple figures approaching you, master!]"
Alert, Jacob raised his bow and signaled Rue to come closer to him, "Rue, by my side, we're in danger."
"What?" Rue turned her head from side to side, and just when she thought it was a joke, she saw yellow eyes gleaming in the darkness.
"When you have space, you must run, run as fast as you can and wake the others up, don't look back and just focus on running forward!" Jacob's eyes were cold, and his hands slightly sweaty from the uncontrolled emotions he was feeling.
Growls of dogs were heard around Jacob and Rue at one point, indicating that they were surrounded.
"Wait, wait... Run now!" Jacob's shout couldn't be contained. He looked at the dogs approaching him and smiled coldly, "Come, I will kill you!"