Chapter 108 A Journey On The Luxury Cruise

"Beep——!"

The long sound of a steam whistle echoed through the sky, resounding throughout the azure world.

The sky was azure.

The ocean was azure.

Seagulls soared in the sky.

The waves rippled under the sunlight.

This was the central part of the Pacific Ocean.

The source of the long steam whistle was a luxury cruise ship.

It was an extremely luxurious cruise ship that one would typically only see on television and was completely out of reach for high school students.

But at this moment, this cruise ship had been chartered by a group of high school students.

It was chartered by the first-year students from Advanced Nurturing High School, who were spending their first summer vacation after enrolling in the school.

Now, all these high school students had gathered on the deck, gazing at the surrounding seascape.

"It's so beautiful!"

"Oh no! I'm so moved!"

"I never thought we would have a day where we could gaze at the sea from the deck of a luxurious cruise ship!"

"It feels like a dream..."

On the deck, students voiced their admiration while leaning on the railing, gazing at the sea. Together with their companions, they immersed themselves in this rare excitement.

Among these students, not limited to a single class, were students from all four classes of the first year at Advanced Nurturing High School.

Of course, the students from Class 1-D were also among them.

In particular, Ike Kanji, Yamauchi Haruki, and Sudou Ken seemed especially excited.

"Isn't this too luxurious?"

"How much money do you think a trip like this would cost?"

"If my parents found out, they would be shocked, right?"

The three of them excitedly exchanged opinions.

Fang Li could understand their feelings.

"If this was a self-funded trip, even in the off-season, it would probably cost several hundred thousand, right?"

Standing next to Fang Li, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, who was also leaning on the railing, enjoying the sea breeze, sighed and spoke with a hint of admiration.

Fang Li smiled lightly and didn't respond, but he knew that for mere students, this summer vacation trip was quite extravagant.

Today, the first-year students of Advanced Nurturing High School officially embarked on a luxurious cruise ship for a vacation trip arranged by the school.

The first-year students had gathered under the organization of their four homeroom teachers at five o'clock in the morning today. After several months, they finally stepped out of the gates of Advanced Nurturing High School, boarded a bus, and headed to Tokyo Bay. There, they boarded this luxurious cruise ship and set sail into the sea.

On this luxurious cruise ship, not only were there various facilities, but the entertainment options were also quite comprehensive.

There were internationally renowned restaurants with branches of top-notch brands.

There was a theater where first-class plays and actors performed at fixed times.

In addition to that, there were upscale salons, swimming pools rivaling water parks, exceptionally high-end bars, and impeccable services. It was truly an epitome of "luxury."

And that's not all.

What really made people happy was that on this ship, all facilities and services, regardless of their nature, were free to use.

For Class D, who had a severe shortage of private points, it was like nectar from heaven.

Moreover, starting from today, they would spend a week on an uninhabited island in the south, followed by a two-week journey on the cruise ship, exploring the ocean. It was a wonderful two-week adventure.

Who wouldn't be thrilled by such a vacation?

"If only we could continue to have such a leisurely holiday in the future."

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka spoke in an emotionless tone.

Only when one understands that the upcoming journey won't be easy would they make such a statement.

"So, do you feel the same way?"

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka sought validation from Fang Li.

However, if Fang Li were to respond as Ayanokouji Kiyotaka hoped, he wouldn't be Fang Li anymore.

"Everyone should recognize reality and prepare themselves mentally for the cruel contrasts that lie ahead."

With these ominous words, Fang Li turned around, preparing to leave.

However, his action was unsuccessful.

Just as Fang Li was about to leave the deck and return inside the ship, someone approached him.

"Are you Nanaya from Class D?"

Uttering these words, the man walked toward Fang Li from the opposite direction, standing before him.

He was a tall and muscular man with a shaved head and a stern expression.

Behind him was a follower with an unremarkable physique, emanating a sense of sycophancy and false bravado.

As Fang Li faced these two men standing before him, he raised an eyebrow.

"Let's introduce ourselves."

The bald and robust man spoke up.

"I am Katsuragi Kouhei from Class A."

Upon hearing his name, Fang Li's eyebrow twitched slightly.

So that's it.

This man was Katsuragi Kouhei, the leader of the Katsuragi faction, one of the two factions in Class A.

"A pleasure to meet you," Fang Li said with a faint smile. "I never expected one of the central figures in Class A to come and engage with me. It truly makes one feel intimidated."

Although he spoke those words, Fang Li's tone lacked any hint of intimidation and instead sounded indifferent.

In this situation, even before Katsuragi Kouhei could say anything, his follower expressed his dissatisfaction.

"It's quite an honor for Katsuragi to greet you, a defect confined to Class D. It would be best if you understood your position."

Compared to the serious and earnest Katsuragi Kouhei, this follower almost pushed the term "paper tiger" to its limits, arrogantly mocking Fang Li under the pretense of being a member of Class A.

Fang Li glanced at the man briefly and then, seemingly uninterested, averted his gaze.

"I say, you..."

Fang Li's actions seemed to irritate the man, but before he could say anything else, Katsuragi Kouhei interrupted him.

"Quiet down, Yahiko," Katsuragi Kouhei calmly admonished. "I came here to greet him, not to embarrass ourselves. Don't let others find amusement in our expense."

Totsuka Yahiko, the follower who boasted with false bravado, promptly sealed his mouth.

"Katsuragi...."

Evidently, he was quite obedient to Katsuragi Kouhei.

Only then did Fang Li look directly at Katsuragi Kouhei.

"So, what brings you to me?" Fang Li stared at Katsuragi Kouhei and asked, "It can't be as simple as just exchanging greetings, can it?"

Facing Fang Li's question, Katsuragi Kouhei shook his head.

"I truly came only to say hello, without any ulterior motives," Katsuragi Kouhei met Fang Li's gaze and spoke with a composed voice. "I heard that you were involved in the defeat of Ryuuen, and I thought it would be appropriate to greet you."

In other words, Katsuragi Kouhei came to assess the situation.

To see if a new opponent had emerged.