17 Chapter 17 - Social Contracts

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"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." ~Thomas Jefferson

Shinohara's voice cut through the chatter, her tone firm yet laced with concern. "Before we dive into the leadership talk, there's something else we need to settle. We're getting the proper toilet, aren't we?" Her question was followed by several nods from the girls.

But Ike raised an objection. "Hold up, that toilet's gonna cost us 20 points! That's like throwing away 2000 points a month. We can't just burn through our points on a whim."

The division was clear; Ike's stance found support among some of the boys, especially his close-knit group, while the girls' expressions soured at the thought of relying on the portable toilet.

Shinohara turned to Hirata, seeking his help. "Hirata, this is a class test. We need to make decisions together, and most of us girls are not okay with using that portable toilet."

Hirata began to respond. "I think it's important for the girls to have-"

But he was cut off by Ike. "Exactly, as Shinohara pointed out, we can't have one person calling the shots."

I had hoped to sidestep this dispute, but it seemed unavoidable. "I concur with Shinohara," I stated calmly, drawing a few puzzled looks from the boys. My gaze, however, remained fixed on Hirata, who, sensing my intent, stepped forward to speak.

"Ahh, yes, I agree. I was somewhat hesitant to express it earlier, but I, too, would prefer a more private and sanitary environment for personal matters," I said, my gaze lingering on Karuizawa. She seemed ready to interrupt but likely didn't as not to counter Hirata's suggestion.

My eyes then shifted to Ayanokoji. While he wasn't one to involve himself in such trivial matters, I knew opposing the toilet purchase would inevitably create friction within the class. This, of course, served my purpose by weakening the opposition. "What are your thoughts, Ayanokoji?" I inquired.

He met my gaze, likely discerning my intentions, and sighed. "It's inconsequential to me. If it's deemed necessary, then so be it. Otherwise, it's of no concern," he replied nonchalantly, looking away.

"It appears the majority favors acquiring the toilet," I declared, scanning the group. Ike's annoyance was evident.

"Are we seriously going to waste points on something so stupid?" he grumbled.

"It's far from stupid," I countered. "Consider this: wouldn't those in our class who desired the toilet feel uncomfortable and even degraded without it? Even if that weren't the case, it would undoubtedly dampen morale. Because of that, will you take responsibility if some students return to the cruise ship? I imagine you're open to the idea because you've engaged in such activities before, but how many of us can say the same? Was it effortless for you the first time?"

My words gave Ike pause, and he retreated into contemplation, abandoning his argument.

"It looks like we're all finally on the same page," Horikita said, her voice steady. We should find a good campsite fast, before the others take the best ones." She pointed at the other groups, some already leaving, others getting ready to go.

***

The day was progressing as expected, with Class D students mingling and applying sunscreen, yet no one had started looking for a base camp. Most were simply enjoying the shade, getting ready for what was to come.

Kikyo approached me with a curious tilt of her head. "What are you up to, Eru Chan?" she asked, noticing my observation of the students.

"Just thinking of how this exam may end," I answered without looking her way.

She chuckled lightly. "You're funny, Eru Chan. The exams just started, and we don't even have a leader yet. How can you make any predictions about the future?"

I considered her question for a moment. "It's all about patterns and possibilities. Sure, things could go wrong, but it's unlikely. Class D has a good chance of coming out on top in this exam."

"Eru Chan," she said, stepping into my view. "Do you really not care about the upper classes, like you said when Chabashira sensei announced our points?"

"I didn't say I wasn't interested," I corrected her, and she looked taken aback. "I said I enjoy the challenges Class D offers. But naturally, I'm curious about the upper classes. Reaching Class A and maintaining that status would be the ultimate challenge after all."

Her expression turned serious, and I noticed her clenched fist. "What if someone in our class gets in the way of your goal of reaching Class A?" she asked, her voice losing its usual cheer.

I glanced briefly at her and then at another classmate, Rokusuke Koenji. "Then it's just another problem to solve. Depending on the situation, some obstacles might need to be removed."

"And if you had to choose between two people to remove?" she pressed on, her interest seeming deeper than usual.

"That would depend on the circumstances," I replied. She seemed unsatisfied with my answer but nodded anyway.

"Can we talk alone tonight?" she asked, grabbing my hand. It was a typical move for her, though she should know it wouldn't influence me.

"Maybe," I said, looking back at her. Let's see after roll call. It looks like Hirata is gathering everyone. We'll probably start looking for a base soon." She nodded, a slight frown on her face.

As we approached Hirata, he was already in motion, rallying the class. "We need to get moving to find a good spot on the island before it's too late. The terrain is key for our needs like water, and will affect how many points we'll use later. Are there any volunteers?"

The class was quiet until Kikyo stepped up. "I'll go," she said, glancing my way. Maybe she thought it was a chance to talk, but I had other things on my mind. Her volunteering seemed to encourage others, and hands started going up.

With eleven volunteers, we were just one short. "One more, and we can split into three teams of four," Hirata noted.

That's when Sakura raised her hand, likely hoping to be in Ayanokoji's group. It wasn't much of a shock.

"Great, thanks, Sakura!" Hirata said as the class began to form teams. I waited until the last moment to walk up to Ayanokoji's group. If I had known teams would be formed arbitrarily, I wouldn't have bothered, but it's always good to be cautious.

"Apologies for the interruption," I say, addressing the trio.

"No problem, Eru. What's up?" Hirata inquired.

I turn to Sakura, "I have a private matter to discuss with Ayanokoji. I would have asked Koenji to swap places with me, but knowing him, that's not an option. So, I was wondering if you could give me your spot in the group." As I spoke, Ayanokoji's gaze shifted to me, and Hirata's gaze moved to Sakura, awaiting her response. "I thought since you were the last to volunteer, you might not be too keen on these activities and would want to swap roles. But maybe I was wrong. Are you into nature, Sakura? If so, I won't step on your toes. We'll be relying on your expertise after all."

"Really, Sakura? Have you been camping before? That would be a big help," Hirata chimed in.

"No…" Sakura replied softly, stepping back, "Eru is right… I volunteered because I was needed. I'm not really interested in the wilderness."

Sakura's shy demeanor made this easier, "I see. Then I will take the role of your hands; that way, everyone will be happy. Thank you for being so understanding, Sakura." I say, causing Sakura to nod and walk away.

As Sakura and Hirata moved away, Ayanokoji and I found ourselves alone. "Why didn't you just form a group of four?" he asked.

"I mentioned earlier that I have a private matter to discuss. The fewer people involved, the better," I replied.

"What could you possibly want to discuss with me?" he asked, curiosity evident in his tone.

"Actually, I have nothing to say to you," I responded, shifting my gaze towards Koenji. Ayanokoji followed my gaze before closing his eyes.

"That makes sense," he said, a simple response that made the complexity of his character evident. His ability to grasp the basics of my plan from a mere glance showed that he was more than he appeared to be. It seemed he wasn't making an effort to completely hide this, at least not around Horikita and me.

"Just give me a moment with him. You'll know when it's time," I said, receiving a nod in response.

Soon, we began our expedition into the forest with Koenji. The environment was hot and humid, almost unbearably so.

"Such beauty in nature! Truly a spectacle to behold!" Koenji exclaimed with enthusiasm as we traversed. His voice echoing throughout the surroundings,

"What's your take on this test, Ayanokoji?" I ask, trying to make the walk a bit less insufferable.

"It's a unique idea. I found it odd at first when it was presented as a camping test, but the introduction of keycards and leaders changes quite a bit," he replies in his usual straightforward manner.

"I agree. The addition of leaders and keycards was a pleasant surprise for me. It adds an interesting layer to the challenge."

Soon, Koenji began to quicken his pace, gradually pulling ahead.

"Koenji, I was actually hoping to converse with you before you took off," I call out to him.

Upon hearing my words, Koenji stops in his tracks, "Interesting. I was curious why the pink-haired girl was no longer with us. But I'm more intrigued by how you deduced that I had no intention of staying."

"You've never shown any inclination to assist the class out of just goodwill. So, I could only assume that you had an ulterior motive for joining a group, one that wouldn't be to the class's advantage. And I highly doubt you'd betray the class by secretly aligning with the rival classes. You've made it clear in the past that while you won't go out of your way to aid Class D, you also won't deliberately cause us harm."

"I think I'll proceed with the exploration," Ayanokoji stated as he moved past Koenji.

Koenji let out a hearty laugh, "Indeed, I am a free spirit. I do as I please and have no interest in class disputes."

"I would argue that your departure from the island to the cruise ship directly harms our class by costing us 30 points, contradicting your claim of not harming Class D," I retort, causing Koenji's laughter to cease momentarily before resuming.

"Do you really think you can control me with just a few words, Eru? I'm not that easy," he retorts with a smile.

"Perhaps the idealism of Class C is rubbing off on me," I sigh, realizing that if Koenji could be swayed by mere words, I wouldn't be concerned about him now.

"Is that all, Eru?" Koenji asks, preparing to leave.

"I've considered various ways to prevent you from causing trouble for Class D. Let me ask you, Koenji, would you consider staying on this island for 500,000 points?"

Koenji seems taken aback but responds, "I suppose I'm not opposed to a bribe if the 30 points I cost the class are worth that much to you."

"I see. While I could provide you with such funds, I won't."

"And why is that?"

"Because it would be an expensive temporary solution. For that price, I could get more value by paying one of the less capable members of Class D to continue breathing. You see, Koenji, you're not worth 500,000 points, nor 50,000 points, or even a measly 5,000 points. Given the current situation and your intention to harm our class, I would gladly pay for your expulsion."

Koenji, no longer smiling and visibly irritated, retorted, "Is this your strategy to manipulate me? It won't work. Apart from annoying me, you've achieved nothing. I must say, Eru, I didn't peg you as the confrontational type; you look quite ugly right now."

"Manipulate you? That might be part of my plan, but we haven't even gotten to that yet. I usually prefer to handle things quietly, but sometimes, confrontations like these are inevitable. Right now, we're stuck on an island with no cell phones, and there's no one else in our class who can get through to you except me."

"You seem quite sure of yourself. I'll admit, Eru, you're a cut above the rest in Class D, but you're not as impressive as you think. Your slight intellect is making you overconfident," Koenji said, taking a few steps toward me, "Do you really think you're capable enough to handle me?"

I looked at Koenji, analyzing his physique. I wasn't confident in my ability to beat him in a fight. I might be able to hold my own, and at the very least, I wouldn't be completely overpowered by him. But in terms of raw strength, Koenji was clearly superior. If he was as trained as I was, chances were, if we were thrown into a cage, I would lose.

"I don't see myself as a fighter, nor am I confident in my ability to physically overpower you. But I can force your hand, Koenji."

"You can't do anything. At the end of the day, I'll do as I please, and there's nothing you can do about it."

"That's true. Koenji, are you familiar with social contract theory?" I asked, met with silence from Koenji, "I'm sure you have an idea of what it is. It's essentially the concept that people in society abide by a societal agreement that dictates behavior. So, you give up some freedoms to gain some peace of mind. But a contract is just that, a contract. You don't necessarily need to abide by the contract and its obligations. Just because the social contract says don't steal, it doesn't mean you can't steal. For this reason, I think a social contract is an extension of free will. You've taken advantage of it quite well, haven't you, by labeling yourself a free man? You've profited from society and taken advantage of the contributions of others without contributing yourself."

"Tsk, do you really think I wanted to be in Class D with the rest of you? I had no choice in the matter."

"Your willingness to be in Class D is irrelevant. What matters is that you are part of it. Given that free will persists in society, a social contract is more of an acknowledgment that others can act based on their awareness of their freedom rather than a binding agreement. Your choice, or lack thereof, to be part of this society is inconsequential. Koenji, by stepping out of line, you've transitioned from being a mere observer to causing harm to Class D. Consequently, you must also accept that your actions will have repercussions. True freedom, after all, comes with a cost."

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I get worried writing smart characters I feel scared to mess them up because while i think I am decently smart the characters I'm writing are essentially supergenius levels of smart so I hope to do them justice when they are facing off against someone when they winning and even when they are losing.

What do you guys think of where the stories heading as of now?