-171- From the beginning

Silence.

Unlike the hushed silence from just before, this time, the entire beach fell into a dead silence, born from confusion, shock, and disbelief.

Everyone's gaze turned to Hori, making him the center of attention.

However, Hori's gaze didn't land on anyone; it simply rested on Ryuen Kakeru.

This caused Ryuen Kakeru's stiff expression to slowly relax.

However, the smile that had been hanging on his lips until now had completely vanished.

It must be said that Ryuen Kakeru's planning for this special exam was exceptionally thorough.

This man even took into account Hori knowing his target for personal points, ensuring that even if he gave up the special exam, it wouldn't arouse suspicion from Hori.

He deliberately created a situation where Class C appeared to be giving up the exam, leading Ishizaki Daichi to D-Class's camp to attract Hori's attention. Even the choice of a spy was impeccable, making it difficult to suspect Ibuki Mio of being a spy.

Even if there were doubts, they would be reduced to zero due to Class C collectively abstaining from the exam, Ibuki Mio's personality, and rumors of her being incompatible with her classmates.

Considering that there were people like Hirata Yousuke and Kushida Kikyou in Class D, who were nice guys, and understanding that Class D would never let a girl wander alone in the forest, Ryuen Kakeru's grasp of human nature, the situation, and the circumstances was perfect.

Except for underestimating that Hori would lead the entire Class D to survive together in the wilderness, Ryuen Kakeru considered every aspect of the situation meticulously, without showing a single flaw.

Unfortunately, Ryuen Kakeru didn't know.

"From the moment I saw you in Class C's camp, I was already certain, Ryuen," Hori spoke in front of everyone, facing Ryuen Kakeru's grim expression.

"You never truly intended to give up this exam, did you?"

This was something Hori had confirmed from the start, when he saw Class C indulging on the beach and Ryuen Kakeru enjoying the holiday.

"To judge whether someone has truly given up, it's not about their actions on the surface, but whether they still have fighting spirit," Hori stated.

"If there's no fighting spirit, no matter how well they pretend, they won't ultimately succeed; conversely, it's the same."

In other words, even if Ryuen Kakeru played his part well on the surface, it meant nothing if he hadn't lost his fighting spirit.

As long as he hadn't lost his fighting spirit, it was enough to prove that Ryuen Kakeru hadn't given up on the exam.

Hori was certain of this.

"When I saw you on the beach, you said you were giving up, but the determination to win in your eyes couldn't be hidden," Hori asserted confidently.

"So, from that moment on, I knew you hadn't given up on the exam."

Since Hori was convinced that Ryuen Kakeru hadn't given up on the exam, everything Ryuen Kakeru did to create an atmosphere of giving up the exam was completely meaningless.

Of course, it lacked any convincing power.

"Just because of that?" Ryuen Kakeru still kept a stern face, speaking softly. "Just because of that, you're sure I didn't give up on the exam?"

Not only Ryuen Kakeru but also everyone else had a bewildered expression.

Because someone still had fighting spirit, it was certain they wouldn't give up on the exam?

What kind of absurd reasoning was that?

Despite everything, Hori did it anyway.

How could that not astonish people?

However, these people didn't know.

"Judging whether someone still has the will to fight sometimes relates to life and death," Hori said casually.

"Otherwise, you never know when the enemy lying in front of you will suddenly rise and strike you when your back is turned."

This reasoning was probably incomprehensible to the ordinary students present.

But for Hori, who had survived by fighting tooth and nail in his clan, it was perfectly normal.

As mentioned before, if Ayanokouji Kiyotaka was a strategist, then Hori was a warrior.

Therefore, what seemed absurd to others was enough for Hori to make a judgment.

That's why, initially, during the entrance exam at Advanced Nurturing High School, Hori could perceive that the entrance exam was not important to the school's administration.

Now, it was the same.

No need for evidence, no need for proof; as long as Hori confirmed that Ryuen Kakeru hadn't lost his fighting spirit, it was enough to judge that he hadn't given up on the exam.

And that was the problem.

"If you never intended to give up on the exam, why create an illusion of giving up?" Hori asked. "It's obvious that you're trying to prove something in secret."

In other words...

"You knew all along?" This statement didn't come from Ryuen Kakeru but from the realization of Ibuki Mio.

"You knew I was a spy all along?"

Ibuki Mio said incredulously.

The response she received, however, was Hori's indifferent reply.

"I wasn't completely sure at first."

This was the truth.

Even though Hori knew what Ryuen Kakeru was planning to do, at that time, Hori didn't know Ryuen Kakeru's true intentions.

Moreover, the rumors about Ibuki Mio were true. This girl was truly incompatible with Class C, and there was no record of her following Ryuen Kakeru before this incident.

So, Ibuki Mio might have genuinely clashed with Ryuen Kakeru; that was also a possibility.

Hori only truly confirmed Ibuki Mio as a spy when he learned that Kaneda Satoru was taken in by Class B.

"The fact that two people who clashed with Class C's leader were both taken in by Class B and D respectively, isn't that suspicious?" Hori smirked, glancing slightly towards Katsuragi Kouhei before smiling faintly.

"After all, I've confirmed that Classes A and C have a secret collaboration."

With these words, the whole crowd was shocked.

"You..."

Katsuragi Kouhei's usually steady expression changed color once again.

"..."

Ryuen Kakeru continued to stare at Hori intensely, but his eyes flickered.

Clearly, neither of them had anticipated that this matter would be exposed.

When did this person realize this?

This was the first thought that flashed through both of their minds.

And as if Hori could read their minds, he offered an answer.

"From the beginning."

Hori calmly threw out such words as if it were no big deal.

"As early as before the special exam began, while we were still on the ship, I had already guessed that Classes A and C would definitely cooperate in some way."

This answer stunned everyone.