Chapter 11 : On-board Test part 1

Several days after the deserted island test had ended,

I found myself lying on an incredibly luxurious bed that I couldn't experience in my own room, experiencing a refreshing awakening since the morning.

Suppressing my drowsiness and checking the time, it was already 10 AM, much later than my usual waking time. It seemed I had overslept a bit due to the overwhelming luxury of this bed, which I had never slept on before.

"As expected, it's amazing!"

As I sat up and looked around, I noticed my roommates—Ishizaki, Komiya, and Kondo—engrossed in lively conversation about something, seemingly unaware of my presence.

I forced myself to stand up, still feeling sleepy, and it seemed the three of them had been engrossed in their conversation and hadn't noticed me until now, as I hadn't heard any noise until then.

"Oh! Hikigaya, good morning!"

"Hey, good morning. What were you guys talking about?"

"It's about Ryuen-san!"

Ah, I see.

Listening in, it seemed their admiration for Ryuen had intensified once again as they discussed his impressive posture when he secured first place in the deserted island test. Ryuen's remarkable achievements were clearly a topic of excitement.

I couldn't help but think again that these guys are way too fond of Ryuen.

Well, certainly, Ryuen's performance on the deserted island was nothing short of impressive. He single-handedly devised strategies, executed them, and led our class to victory. Usui and the others might seem unaffected, but admiration for Ryuen, who accomplished such feats, was undoubtedly growing.

"With Ryuen-san around, Class A could really become a dream!"

After the deserted island test, the class points were as follows:

- Class A: 1174 cp

- Class B: 813 cp

- Class C: 718 cp

- Class D: 142 cp

Compared to May, Class C showed the most growth in points. This was undoubtedly because of Ryuen; it made sense that Usui and the others would say that.

But this school operates on collective responsibility and group battles. While other classes strengthen their bonds through events like the deserted island test, Class C lacked that. Even during the test, only Ryuen, Kaneda, and Ibuki took action, so there was no cooperation on strategies.

Currently, Ryuen's autocratic leadership holds the class together, and his trustworthiness has risen significantly since May. However, it's a dangerously fragile balance. Ryuen's methods might be effective in the short term, but this school spans three years with the same group of people. Depending solely on Ryuen could lead to vulnerabilities in the future.

To prevent that, the entire class needs to grow together and strengthen their bonds.

"Well then, let's go grab some food!"

It seemed they had been waiting until I woke up, so without giving it much thought I thanked them and left the room with Ishizaki and the others.

...

After having lunch with Ishizaki and the others, I parted ways with them and hurried to the meeting place I had arranged yesterday with Ayanokoji.

The meeting spot was a free space on the lowest floor of this ship. While it wasn't strictly off-limits, students rarely ventured there, and even the staff avoided it. It was perfect for our needs.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"No worries, I just got here."

As I arrived at the meeting place, I found Ayanokoji leaning against the wall, waiting.

"So, I have some things I want to ask..."

I had called Ayanokoji to exchange opinions and strategize regarding the White Room. He might have information about the White Room that I didn't know, and I also wanted to discuss the results of the deserted island test.

We talked about the White Room for a while, but we didn't uncover much. It seemed Ayanokoji had similar information to mine, so there wasn't much progress.

"Indeed, assassins might be sent from the White Room."

"Yeah, but it would be difficult for that guy to do anything at this school. If they were to come, it would probably be when we advance to the next grade... or even before that."

Ayanokoji's assessment was spot on. This school was protected by the country, which was why both Ayanokoji and I had chosen it. Even with that guy's power, it would take time, and forcibly retrieving us would be impossible against this school.

"I'd be glad if our predictions were wrong, but if it's that guy, he'll try any means to bring us back."

"If he finds that a direct approach won't work, he might try to expel us based on the school's rules."

Ayanokoji quietly nodded in agreement with my words.

"So, what do you say we join forces?"

"...What exactly do you have in mind?"

This idea had crossed my mind since I first encountered Ayanokoji . Despite the different circumstances bringing us here, our goals aligned. Moreover, knowing Ayanokoji's father's nature assured me that he wouldn't view us as enemies.

"Let's collaborate on dealing with matters concerning the White Room. Our goals are aligned, right? It's better to tackle them together. Besides, having an ally who knows you makes it easier for both of us to act. Don't you agree?"

Mutual interests make for the best partnerships. Ayanokoji and I had that.

"...Alright. It's a welcome proposal from my side as well."

Ayanokoji agreed and extended his hand, seeking a handshake from me.

This was certainly a beneficial agreement for both of us.

Still, we both understood that this could potentially backfire on us.

"Yeah. Count on me from now on."

Even so, I shook Ayanokoji's hand.

…..

"A message to all students. An email containing a message from the school has just been sent to all students. Please check your sample and follow the instructions. I repeat--"

As Ayanokoji and I were about to part ways, an announcement from the school echoed through the ship.

"Seems like there's still something going on."

"Well, this school does have a nasty character."

We exchanged these words and checked the email that had been sent. It instructed us to go to a designated place at a specified time.

When Ayanokoji and I compared our emails, we found out we were assigned the same time and place. It appeared to be a test where groups would be formed within each class. The staggered times were probably to explain the instructions to each group, and it seemed like Ayanokoji and I being in the same group was just a coincidence.

"Shall we go then?"

"Yeah."

Since it was almost time, Ayanokoji and I headed to the designated location.

...It feels kinda weird.

Ayanokoji and I have had some interaction, but we're practically strangers. The first time we really talked was after coming to this school.

It almost feels unbelievable that we're walking side by side now.

"By the way, why didn't you move during the deserted island test?"

As we climbed the stairs, feeling uneasy, I asked him something I had forgotten to do earlier.

"...I didn't intend to win that test. I thought it would be better to lose this time for Horikita's sake and to raise the class's standing."

"Is that part of your plan against the White Room?"

"That too, but also because the teachers in my class are troublesome."

"Teachers? What's the issue? You should be able to handle anything."

"They seem to have hints about my past. Right now, I'm cooperating with them reluctantly."

He said it with his usual expressionless face, but could it be that lightly said? If they know about it...

"You seem to be thinking, but maybe they're just pretending to know."

As if he understood what I was thinking, he responded to my question.

"I doubted it at first, but what you told me dispelled those thoughts. The chairman here must know about the White Room, right? So, they wouldn't leave our information lying around."

That makes sense. There's no way a mere teacher would know about the White Room, and Director Sakayanagi wouldn't make such a mistake.

"I see. So you're cooperating now just in case something happens."

"If the teachers get orders from the White Room, I'll follow along. Is that the idea?"

"That's about it. And in that exam, I even tried to figure out who the leader of Class C was. Did you advise me on that?"

"I didn't do anything. It was all decided by our leader. I was just enjoying my vacation."

"...I also thought Class C was the best option."

"...Yeah. Do your best."

He must be struggling too. After all, the class itself has its problems.

As we continued chatting, we arrived at the designated location. I realized we had arrived about five minutes before the assembly time, which was quite close, but still okay since we were early. I opened the door.

…..

Upon entering the room, we were prompted by the teacher present to take our seats, apparently being the last to arrive. From Class C, it seemed that Ibuki, Manabe, Yabu, and myself were the members of this group.

Across classes A to D, about four students each had gathered in this room.

Once the teacher confirmed everyone was present, they began explaining about this special exam. We were divided into 12 groups, each represented by one of the zodiac signs. The group I was in belonged to "卯" (the sign of the rabbit).

The key to this test is how to treat the one "favored individual" in the group.

There were four possible outcomes from this exam:

Result 1:

If, after the exam, the entire group shares and aligns their answer correctly including the designated special person:

- The special person receives 1 million PP (Points),

- All others receive 500,000 PP.

Result 2:

If someone in the group provides an incorrect answer:

- The special person receives 500,000 PP.

Result 3:

If the group correctly identifies the special person before the exam ends:

- Each student who correctly identifies receives 500,000 PP,

- Their class receives 50 CP (Class Points),

- The special person's class loses 50 CP.

Result 4:

If the group incorrectly identifies the special person before the exam ends:

- Each student who incorrectly identifies loses 50 CP for their class,

- The special person receives 500,000 PP,

- The special person's class loses 50 CP.

Answers provided by students from the same class as the special person are invalid.

We were required to discuss in the designated rooms at 1 PM and 8 PM respectively, and spend an hour in each room.

That roughly summed up the contents.

Looking around the group, it was clear that many students hadn't fully grasped the explanations yet, as they seemed perplexed. This exam would likely involve various strategies, but it was different.

The key would be whether we could pick up on a single hint.

Given this school's penchant for wordplay, this exam was likely designed with that in mind.

…..

After finishing the explanation for the special exam, I headed towards my room and was approached by a young man and woman.

"You're Hikigaya, right?"

"...Yeah, that's me."

Who are these people? Despite having few friends, I should remember acquaintances I've met before.

"Oh! So you really are Hikigaya! Just as Hime-san... Sakayanagi said, you fit the description."

A blond guy walked up from behind, eyeing me as he spoke. So it was Sakayanagi's doing.

"I'm Hashimoto Masayoshi, and this is Kamuro Masumi ."

"Hey, could you not introduce us without permission?"

Hashimoto introduced himself, but Kamuro seemed dissatisfied, glaring at Hashimoto.

"I'm Hachiman Hikigaya. What do you want?"

"Well, you see, Hime-san couldn't make it to this exam. She said she was feeling lonely and wanted to hear your voice. She asked me to get your contact info."

Hashimoto grinned as he spoke, but it was hard to judge if that was really his intention.

...Well, if that's true, I guess I'm somewhat glad.

I took Hashimoto's contact info and, on impulse, exchanged contacts with both Hashimoto and Kamuro. Kamuro seemed reluctantly pulled along by Hashimoto.

"Well then, we're off. Still have things to do. Hikigaya, make sure to call Hime-san soon~"

Waving goodbye, Hashimoto left with his usual smirk, and Kamuro, without saying anything, followed. I glanced over Sakayanagi's contact info.

But Kamuro... definitely seems to have a weakness exploited. That demeanor suggests they've been caught since enrollment. Hashimoto is an easy type to understand. A versatile guy who gives a good impression to everyone. Seems like quite a capable ally.

...Anyway, what should I do? Of course, I should probably call, but it's awkward to ask why they gave me their contact info.

No, perhaps it's all calculated that I'd be this flustered. Maybe it's better to call soon.

I gathered my resolve and pressed the call button.

"Is this Hachiman?"

The call connected almost instantly, catching me off guard.

"Isn't this a bit too fast? This is the quickest connection I've ever had."

"Hehe, I thought it was about time. Did you hear about the results of the unmanned island test? Did you do it, Hachiman?"

"No, it had nothing to do with me. It was all Ryuuen's achievement."

"Well, well. He might end up being my opponent too."

"So, what about today?"

"Haven't you heard from Hashimoto? I was feeling lonely, so I wanted to talk to you, Hachiman."

"...I see."

"There was quite a pause."

Without realizing it, I'm already following Sakayanagi's pace. No, is it always like this?

"There's one more thing I'd like to ask you."

"What is it?"

"I also want to spend time with you, Hachiman. So, would you give me the rest of your summer vacation?"

"What... Do you mean by that?"

Not sure of the exact meaning, I asked Sakayanagi again, and she replied with a slightly different tone.

"Just as I said. I want to make memories with you. Since everyone else seems to be enjoying their time with you, I want to be with you too... I realized I felt jealous."

"...Well, if that's what you want, I'm fine with it."

I agreed since spending time with Sakayanagi seemed enjoyable. We chatted for a while, and just as it was about time to end the call,

"Good luck, okay? A-na-ta~."

She said that last bit and hung up suddenly.

It caught me off guard, and for a moment, my thoughts froze.

"...Was that a bit too bold, perhaps?"

=================================

Want to support me? 

You can join as member in my P4TR30N

p4treon.com/ShirooYuki ( Change 4 to a)

See ya!!