Chapter 3.1

The eternal summer sea. The infinite blue sky. Perfectly clean air. The gentle rustle of the salty sea breeze wrapping around the body. Here, in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, without feeling the suffocating heat of midsummer.

Yes, this is truly a marine paradise.

Ike: Ohhhh! This is the best! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Loud shouts echoed from the deck of a luxurious transatlantic ship as Ike Kanji stood with both hands raised. Usually, complaints like "Shut up!" would come flying from all directions, but today of all days, none arrived, and everyone finally enjoyed a happy moment.

—"What a fantastic view! I'm so excited!!!!"

A group of girls led by Karuizawa emerged from the interior compartments. She pointed at the ocean and with a smile from ear to ear said:

Kushida: It's true, such an incredible scene...

Kikyō Kushida, one of the girls in the group who was usually laid back, was also in ecstasy and sighed as she looked at the sea.

After overwhelming difficulties, midterm and final exams, we finally welcomed the summer vacation. It was waiting for us with open arms. Koudo Ikusei High School had organized a luxurious two-week trip for us. A cruise on a luxury transatlantic ship.

Yamauchi: I'm glad I didn't drop out of school, Ken. If this were a regular trip, it would have been impossible for me for sure. How does it feel to be someone on the verge of expulsion, who was in last place even on the final exam? Tell me, how does it feel?

Previously, I would have undoubtedly shown displeasure at Yamauchi's figure, but nowadays, I value him as the first cannon fodder, followed by Ike and Shinohara in that order.

Sudo: I never dreamed I could be part of such a luxurious trip. And it's for 2 weeks, 2 WEEKS. When Mom and Dad hear about this, they'll be so surprised that they'll wet their pants.

As Sudō said, from an ordinary person's perspective, this is not a standard trip. I myself would have had to send an incalculable number of journals; a simple trip with my classmates took months of hard work to get.

—"Attention all students! Please gather on the deck. You will soon be able to see the island. For a while, you will be able to see a very significant and splendid scene."

This curious announcement suddenly reverberated throughout the ship. Kushida and the others paid attention, calmly awaiting what was about to come.

A few minutes after several students started gathering, the island appeared. Ike let out a cry of joy. The students noticed it, and they all crowded onto the deck at once. As a large number of people crowded the area, some inconsiderate students pushed us aside to take our place in the best spot.

—"Ugh, so annoying... Hey, get out of the way! Defects!"

At that moment, one of the most intimidating boys shoved Ayanokouji's shoulder. In sudden confusion, he grabbed the deck railing to avoid losing balance and falling. Those students sneered with disdain.

Sudo: Hey, you, what the hell are you doing?

Sudō got really angry and emitted a threatening aura right away.

—"You must understand the system of this school. It's a merit-based school. There are no human rights for Class D. The 'defects' must behave obediently and submissively, like the rejects they are. On this side, we're all from Class A."

(Sigh) I guess it's my turn to intervene.

Yuuichi: I think you're the one who doesn't understand the school's system.

—What the hell are you talking about, you defective bastard?

Yuuichi: Oh, for someone who's above all of us "Defects," you seem to have the comprehension of a monkey.

—Explain yourself, you defective rat - frowning.

Yuuichi: Haha, just as you said, this school is based on merit... But now, let me ask you, Kenta Yoshida-Kun, what are your merits? I understand you had the lowest score in your class and you're barely above average physically.

Kenta: So what? I'm still in Class A, and you're in Class D.

Yuuichi: That's correct - nodding - but... Your position isn't that of a Class A student, but that of cannon fodder. That's why you have no friends, you're the trash of your class, the reject, you're as defective or more than us.

Kenta: You... you bastard!!!!! - grabbing my shirt, about to hit me.

But before his fist made contact with my face, one of his classmates grabbed his fist.

—"You're embarrassing our class," he said, turning around and looking at me, "always getting under the skin of others, Katagiri Yuuichi."

Yuuichi: Hahaha, you're going to make me blush, Kohei-Chan.

Katsuragi: Annoying as ever.

He walked away calmly with his class, but before fully exiting my field of vision, he nodded slightly at Yuuichi.

Hirata: What's going on?! - he asked, placing a hand on my shoulder.

Yuuichi: One of the Class A guys was bothering poor innocent Ayanokouji-Kun, and I stepped in to defend him.

Hirata: You didn't do anything reckless, did you?

Yuuichi: I would never, I just talked to him a bit and waited for his father to show up - shrugging -

—————————————

The students' excitement grew immensely as the island became clearly visible to the naked eye and the distance shortened with each passing moment.

I thought the ship was heading toward the island, but for some reason, we passed by the dock and the ship started circling the island. The area granted by the country to manage the island was 0.5 km. The highest altitude was 230 m. It's a very small island when seen from the perspective of Japan as a whole country, but when seen by hundreds of people on a cruise like us, it was too large. Somehow, the cruise ship circumnavigated the island, fully displaying it.

It continued to circle the outer perimeter without changing speed. Although the ship barely splashed water, it was actually sailing at a high speed.

—From here on, we will descend to a deserted island owned by the school. Students should change into their T-shirts, properly inspect their suitcases and luggage according to the rules, and don't forget to take out your phones. After that, please gather on the deck. Please store all personal belongings in your rooms. Since there's a possibility you won't be able to use the restroom for some time, please solve the issue now.

This announcement echoed through the area. Apparently, the landing point on the private beach was nearby. It seems Ike and the others are getting back into good spirits. I returned to the group room as well. Then I changed into a T-shirt I used during physical education class, went back to the deck, and waited for the boat to reach the island. As we got closer to the island right in front of us, the first-year students' excitement

reached its peak.

—From this point onwards, starting with the Class A students, we will begin descending in order. Additionally, it's prohibited to bring phones to the island. So please hand them over to your homeroom teacher and disembark from the ship.

With the teacher's voice on the loudspeaker, students descended the stairs of the ship in order.

Ike: Whew, hurry up! Even though we're dressed in light clothes, we're all sweating here.

The anchored ship's deck was too exposed to the sun. No wonder many complaints arose. Class D stood on the ship's deck, ready to disembark while enduring the heat, and eventually Horikita joined them as well. At first glance, it seemed like a typical situation, but something changed. There was a sense of discomfort and unease in the air. Even Horikita, who is usually methodical and meticulous, seemed anxious about the external situation. However, she left her messy black hair untouched, not completely changing her appearance. She looked a bit cold and unconsciously rubbed her arms while waiting to disembark on the island.

She's probably running a fever.

Yuuichi: What were you doing, Suzu-nee?

Horikita: I was reading a book in my room. "For Whom the Bell Tolls"... You wouldn't know it.

It hurts, but she's completely right. I can't remember the last time I read a whole book for pleasure. Anyway, I've always been someone who excels in practice and struggles theoretically.

Horikita: I'm looking forward to the sequel, but since personal items are prohibited, I can't do anything about it.

Yuuichi: That's a shame... Aren't they being overly cautious or, how should I say, careful? They should confiscate phones during a test, not now. It seems even bringing too many personal items is prohibited. What do you think, Ayanokouji?

Ayanokouji: Same here, they're being overly cautious.

Horikita: Exactly. If people are just going to play in the ocean, I also feel they don't need to go to the extreme of doing this.

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Sae: From now on, I'll call out the names of Class D. Students who are called, respond firmly.

We were instructed to form a line as our teacher began taking attendance while simultaneously holding a surfboard in one hand. Chabashira-sensei was wearing the same T-shirt as the students. Instead of summer vacation, the atmosphere was closer to a training camp. Still, there were no signs of tension in most of the students.

Ike: Oh, come on, give us some free time already. The sea stretches out in front of me, you know?

Ike muttered irritably. It seemed that most of the students were eager to rush to the beach.

Shortly after, a tall teacher stepped forward and approached a prepared white platform.

It was Mr. Mashima, the English teacher in charge of Class A, famous for being a stubborn person. At first glance, he might seem burly due to his wrestling physique, but he was quite clever and sometimes taught special topics.

Mashima: First of all, I'm glad you've all safely arrived here today. However, it's unfortunate that one student cannot participate due to illness.

Ike: Ah, there's a sick guy who couldn't join this trip, poor guy.

Ike said in a low voice so that the teachers couldn't hear.

I'd agree with Ike completely if it weren't for the fact that I know who this "poor" student is—it's Sakayanagi Arisu, one of the leaders of Class A.

Mr. Mashima merely uttered a cruel word, as if waiting for the air to change.

Mashima: So, let's move on to the first-year academic test.

Ike: Huh? Test? What do you mean?

At that moment, when this matter came up, it wasn't just those surrounding Ike. It seemed that all the classes were ready to explode. Until now, no, even now, students thought it was just a group trip. They were gathering as if they had been unexpectedly attacked. Our summer vacation depended on the school's benevolence. But that was, as I thought, just an illusion.

The shift from satisfaction to tension was too abrupt.

Mashima: The duration will be one week. It ends at noon on August 7th. From now on, you will live on this deserted island for a week. It's a test to see if you can live together as a group. Furthermore, this special test has been designed with reference to real-life corporate training. Even before it begins, I'll give you hints about what is needed to win this special test.

—"Since it's a deserted island, there are no ships or boats, what will we do for accommodation?"

Classes B and C, who were close to Mr. Mashima, directed this question to him.

Mashima: That's right! Boarding a ship without a justifiable reason is not allowed. Living on this island requires you to consider everything, from sleeping arrangements to food preparation. The moment the test begins, each class will receive 2 tents and 2 flashlights. You will be provided with a box of matches. There's no restriction on the supply of sunscreen. Each person will receive a toothbrush. As an exception, sanitary goods are allowed without restrictions only for the girls. You can ask anything to your homeroom teacher. That's all. What's left now is to distribute the supplies.

—What? So, to win this test on a deserted island, do I have to become a survivor? Now is not the time for nonsense! This isn't an anime or a cartoon!

Ike: We can't all sleep in just 2 tents! And what are we going to do for food? I can't do this!

Ike made a loud fuss so that everyone could hear.

Mashima: It might not be an advantage to know, but I'll tell you some inconsequential information. This deserted island belongs to a large company, the same one that designed this test. It's a top-secret operation, so no one else knows what's happening here.

—No way!!!!! So... This is not just a special operation. The island itself plays an important role in all of this. That's why it exists, as a testing ground.

Ike: No way!! This can't be happening!

—Now, since it goes against the rules, let's stop.

Sae: So, what Mr. Mashima told us about this island, only a part of that was true. In this world, there are many other types of companies like our school, and training courses can change suddenly. Your place at work isn't just your seat in the office, but also your ability to move forward by rolling your dice, just like when your salary is determined. The world is much wider and deeper than you believe.

Watching Ike's careless movements, Chabashira-sensei said this in a voice as if she were hurt and continued.

Sae: In other words, you have to draw the thin line between reality and fantasy. Many students, unable to comprehend the situation, had a grim expression on their faces. What's the meaning of this test? I bet you're thinking that now. Or you might even doubt the very existence of this training program, but students who think that way will become adults with no prospects in the future. You might think... Is this talk a basis for criticizing you with words like "You're insufferable," "You

're ridiculous"? But you're just students. You're not anyone yet, and your worthlessness is the same among yourselves. Are you going to criticize the methods of a top-class corporation? That would be ridiculous. To give you an example. To control a corporation, you have to rise to the top as a manager. If you were the president leading a company higher in rank than the one I mentioned, you might have the right to deny it. However, there shouldn't be a basis that seeks to deny lesser humans.

—But, teacher... It's supposed to be summer vacation. And we came here under the pretext of a trip. Don't you think participating in a survival training test is playing dirty?

Some students from the class finally remembered how to protest. This was followed by others.

Mashima: I understand. You're not wrong about this point. I also understand your dissatisfaction and complaints.

Unlike Ike, Mr. Mashima acknowledged a part of the students' objection, but he didn't make any trivial comments. At that moment, everyone's dissatisfaction was evident. The process of getting to this point, the sense of objection. The moment when the students' and teachers' viewpoints differed.

Mashima: But don't worry. In this cruel daily life, being coerced into harsh criticism is quite common. When we say this is a special test, don't overthink it. From now on, for a week, you'll swim in the sea, you'll also have barbecues. I think it will be enjoyable. You'll be able to sit around campfires, talk with friends, and build relationships. That's not so bad, right? The theme of this special test is "Freedom."

Ike: Huh? Huh?... Freedom is the theme?... Can we have a barbecue then??? And all of this, is it part of the test? I'm feeling confused.

Even though it's a test, they chose "Freedom" as the theme. As soon as the students heard about the theme, they felt even more bewildered.

Sae: This survival test on a deserted island is of great importance. It's been decided that each class will start with 300 points. If you spend these points wisely over a week, there's a possibility you can enjoy it as if you're on a trip. For this reason, we've prepared a manual. Mr. Mashima has compiled this manual by gathering information from various teachers over the years, until it was large enough to become a book. This book contains a list of how you can earn points. It advises on daily needs, drinking water, or finding food, as well as how to have a barbecue. About equipment, ingredients, and how to prepare a meal, how to catch seafood, how to ensure enough food and water, how to fully enjoy your daily life, how to gather various tools, and many times even how to use them.

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Sae: First of all, let's read the part on the last page where the evaluated items are listed. This will become very important information that symbolizes this special test. It's up to you, whether you're alive or dead— On the last page, there was a description that said: Penalties will be imposed on those who engage in the following: Those who are deemed to be in notably poor physical condition or have serious injuries will lose 30 points and be disqualified.

In the event of environmental pollution, you will lose 20 points. Each of you will lose 5 points if you miss the daily attendance roll call at 8 am and 8 pm.

And the biggest punishment was set on a total of four matters: In the case of violent acts against other classes, looting or damaging utensils, the class to which the involved students belong will be immediately disqualified, and the individual's points will be confiscated.

It seemed that Class A had also received the sanctions of these rules. The fourth, obstructive behavior, was very reasonable, while the other three were clearly rules to prevent students from doing irrational things. When doing roll call in the morning and evening, not only is it impossible to sleep outside all night, but it also suppresses the barbaric behavior of randomly spreading waste. In other words, this is a contest to test endurance. As a school that cares for its precious children, it could be said that these are the required rules and they are impossible to avoid.

Sae: It's up to you to behave irrationally, but if 10 students fall ill, all your patience and effort will vanish in an instant. Once you decide to withdraw, you cannot return to the test.

The strategy of not using a single point became partially impossible in this way, as the possibility of other classes challenging survival with all their might nearly disappeared. At the same time, whether you participate or withdraw from the fate in this test, it seems that it's not only patience that becomes different here.

Shinohara: Basically, it's inevitable to use the points in this system, right?

A girl named Shinohara said, listening to the conversation.

— I don't agree with committing from the beginning as a fighting method. We should endure until we can.

Hirata: I understand you, but it will be tough if our physical condition deteriorates.

— Hirata, don't say discouraging things. We have a tolerance test first, right?

The more we understand the rules, the more differing opinions we encounter. Opinions will differ. Still, the range of items in the manual that could be purchased was quite extensive. Essential survival gear like tents and cooking utensils, digital cameras and transceivers, umbrellas, life jackets, barbecue sets, and entertainment items like fireworks. Food and water are essential for living. Everything was set up in a way that could be organized into points. If we wanted to use points, everyone could do so by requesting it from a teacher at any time.

Horikita: Chabashira-sensei, please answer if you can. What happens if someone withdraws after using up the 300 points?

Horikita, who received the basic explanation, raised her hand and asked Chabashira-sensei.

Sae: In that case, it will simply increase the number of people who withdraw. Points won't go below zero.

Horikita: In other words, we won't have negative points with this test, right?

Chabashira-sensei nodded.

Sae: One tent is large enough for 8 people to use. The weight is around 15 kilograms, so be careful when carrying it. Also, the school won't help at all regarding the loss or damage of supplied items. If you need a new tent, remember to use your points.

— Is it okay if I ask something, teacher? Where does it say about the roll call?

Sae: It's been decided that the teacher will be with their class until the end of the test. If you've decided where to set your base camp, let me know. I'll establish a base, and roll call will be conducted there. Once you decide on the base camp, you won't be able to change it without a justifiable reason, so think it through. This applies to other classes as well. No exceptions.

Sudou: Look, teacher. Sorry to interrupt your talk, but I need to go to the bathroom, it might be the juice I had a while ago. Where's the bathroom?

Sudou was looking around calmly. It seemed he hadn't heard the announcement.

Sae: Bathroom? I was thinking of explaining that from now on. Use it when you need to go.

(With her foot), she kicked a cardboard box from a pile. Then, she removed the tape and took out a corrugated cardboard box.

Sudou: Huh? What's that?

Sae: It's a basic toilet. Each class will receive one. Please handle it with care.

It wasn't Sudou who was more perplexed with this explanation, but the girls in the class.

Shinohara: You're telling me we're going to use that too!?

The one who was particularly surprised and raised her voice wasn't Karuizawa, but Shinohara. Instead of saying this was Karuizawa's group, the girl had a presence to the point of garnering some support from the other girls.

Sae: Both boys and girls will share it. But don't worry. It comes with an automatic tent that can also be used to change clothes. It's not like anyone will see you.

Shinohara: That's not the issue! It's that it's a corrugated cardboard box! That's absolutely unacceptable!

Sae: It might be a corrugated cardboard box, but it's so well-made that it can also be used in times of disaster. I'll show you how to use it from now on, so remember it well.

While being booed by the girls, Chabashira-sensei casually set up the toilet with her hands. Then, she placed a blue plastic bag and put something like a white sheet.

Sae: This sheet is called a polymer water supply sheet. It covers and solidifies the waste. It makes the waste invisible and at the same time suppresses the odor. When you're done using it, put the sheet back. You can use a vinyl to repeat this about five times. Only these vinyls and sheets will be supplied unlimitedly. If absolutely necessary, you can change it after each use.

Faced with this explanation, the girls fell silent and listened. If this were a moment of disaster, they couldn't complain. Because it won't matter if it's a boy or a girl or a corrugated cardboard box at that time.

But now it was quite difficult to say that this place was a disaster area and that we should act as if it were.

Shinohara: I can't do this! Definitely can't!

Starting with Shinohara, almost all the girls rejected it at once. Ike, who had been quietly observing the situation, grumbled:

Ike: We're enduring this kind of bathroom. It's not the time to fight over it, Shinohara.

Shinohara: Quit joking. Boys don't care, do they? I won't do it in a corrugated cardboard box

.

Sae: It's up to you. I have nothing to say. But it's not allowed to relieve yourself in the woods, nor in the sea or river. Don't forget.

With just this warning, the teacher continued speaking indifferently.

Shinohara: But, a corrugated cardboard box! Moreover, boys will be nearby too, right? Disgusting!

Shinohara, who disagreed with this fact, started venting her frustrations on the boys, especially on Ike.

Ike: What. I don't get why you're treating us like perverts.

Shinohara: It's true, isn't it? You seem very perverted.

Ike: Huh? Ouch, that hurts. I'm a great gentleman.

Shinohara: Don't make me laugh. A gentleman, what are you talking about? By far, you're a top contender for being a pervert.

Ike and Shinohara had a (silly) heated argument.

Kei: Anyway, I think it's impossible for me. Shinohara and most of the girls weren't accepting the situation.

Ike: Then what will you do? It's impossible not to use the bathroom for a week, right?

Kei: Well, that...