Chapter 5.2 - Distortion

After we received the message, what followed was an announcement which could be heard throughout the ship.

"Attention. This is an announcement to all students. All students should have received a message from the school, as indicated in the contact line. Please check your individual mobile devices and follow the instructions accordingly. The contents of the message are extremely important, please do not miss it. We repeat-"

"That was about the message we just got, right?" Kikyou asked.

"Sounds like it."

I turned my phone and showed her the following message:

[A special test will begin soon. Place gather in the designated room at the designated time. Anyone who arrives later than ten minutes after start time may be penalized. Please gather in Room 203 on the second deck by 19:20 today. Because it takes about twenty minutes to reach the area, we ask that you please use the restrooms now if necessary. Either silence your phone or turn it off, and make your way over.]

"A special test?"

The first year Zodiac special test had finally begun.

"Show me your phone for a second." I demanded.

Kikyou, without hesitation, showed me the message. The difference was the designated time and place. In her message, the designated time was set at 20:40.

"I wonder why they called us in such a strange way?" Kikyou mused.

"Our time is different. Perhaps they're calling us in different groups."

I checked the clock. It was exactly 1PM. In other words, I had to wait seven more hours to get more information. The events of the cruise ship exam was blurry in my memory. I only memorized the main events, and didn't bother remembering the remaining details.

How could I have possibly known that I'd get to experience the same exam one day?

In any case, it was a situation where I needed to gather information and combine them with my knowledge of the future to weave new plans.

"Kikyou, ask the other's about their details."

"Okay, I'll get straight to it."

Kikyou began fiddling with her phone, sending lime messages to the other class C students. For now, at least one fact was confirmed. I wasn't part of the the dragon group. And I have a premonition that I won't be a part of the main group either.

I immediately opened 'secret' and began typing.

[Did you check the message?]

[What message?]

This bastard...

[My designated meeting time is 19:20. What about yours?]

[18:00]

[Danke Schön.]

[.....]

No doubt about it now. I wasn't part of the rabbit group either. It was a rather inconvenient situation for me.

"Levent-kun? What is it?"

As if interested in my chat with Ayanokouji, Kikyou drew nearer to me. I closed the tab and threw my phone back in the pocket.

"Did the others say anything?" I asked.

"Ah... Yes. They have." she responded while giving me a look of suspicion

"What did they say?" I asked.

I considered leaving Kikyou out of the discussion but then I decided otherwise. In the original YouZitsu, Kikyou was against the class, and did everything to stand in our way. Whether it was because of my forceful tactics, or call it sheer luck, Kikyou on the current scenario wasn't against us. On the contrary, she was on my side. At least that's what I had concluded for the time being.

"Kayano-chan said her time is 16:40. Kokoro-chan has the same time as Kayano-chan. However, Nene-chan told me her time is 19:20, same as you."

"Nene? You mean Mori Nene?"

"Hn.." Kikyou nodded.

Mori Nene. I didn't get much information about her from the story. Naturally, as a classmate I knew the bare minimum about her. She was part of Kikyou's circle and I usually saw her with Matsushita. Aside from that, I was clueless about what type of character she was.

But judging by the little amount of interaction we had in the last four months of my existence, I think she was one of those 'genki' type who could naturally get along with anyone.

"It seems she has the same time as you."

"So it seems."

This is quite inconvenient.

Information is weapon. I knew that way better than anyone else. Preferably I wanted to be put into one of the main groups where I knew the information. That way, I could've directed the scenario more efficiently.

However, I was put into a different group with different members. My lack of information on them could make this test quite challenging. On top of that, I didn't remember which group had which members. I had little information about the characters in this part of the arc. YouZitsu wasn't exactly a subject in highschool which I needed to memorize.

In any case, I had no choice but to gather all the information myself.

"You should head back for now."

But let's wait and see how things develop. For now, I would love to have a long and lengthy conversation with the water closet.

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I walked through the hallways of the second deck, as the message had instructed. Before coming here, I had a conversation with with Ayanokouji who had attended the meeting prior to mine. I asked him about the details of the exam (omitting the fact that I already knew about it). Ayanokouji cooperated and gave me the details. I was able to relax, because the information was the same as the original YouZitsu.

I arrived at my destination ten minutes earlier than my designated arrival time. There were several other students wandering around the normally deserted level. It mostly consisted of faces that I couldn't recognize. However, there were also faces that I couldn't help but remember.

Yamada Albert, with his huge physique alongside Oda Takumi, the boy from class D who I witnessed being mistreated. I had also noticed Kamuro Masumi from class A walking along with two other girls. All of them disappeared in the neighboring rooms. If I throw my two cents into it, I think we'll probably end up being in the same group.

Seeing as they were free to enter their own respective rooms, I also knocked on the door.

"Come in~!"

"....."

A familiar, and rather frivolous voice came from the inside. Could it be?

"Pardon the intrusion..."

I stepped into the room and our gazes met. The homeroom teacher for class B, Hoshinomiya Chie was sitting in a chair. My eyes immediately landed on the small table on which the exam materials waited. There were three vacant seats in front of Hoshinomiya, which probably meant that I was the first one to come.

"Please, relax and take a seat. Let's wait for your classmates together, kay?"

I silently nodded and took a seat. The vacant seats beside me piqued my curiosity. At first glance, I could tell that one of the seat was probably for Mori Nene, but the other one I didn't know. Depending on what I saw outside, Albert, Oda and Kamuro would be part of the same group. I didn't know which zodiac this group would belong to, and it would be impossible to figure out the VIP without learning the identity of the members. But what if-

"My name is Hoshinomiya Chie. I'm the homeroom teacher for class B. You can call me Chie-sensei~."

Hoshinomiya introduced herself with a sudden 'Kyaha' pose. It was one of those cutesy pose where the girl winks at you while smiling and raising a peace sign next to her. Never thought I'd see something in real life.

But then again, this is not real life, so I guess anything goes..

"My name is Aozaki Levent. I'll be under your care, Chie-sensei."

"Aha!" For some reason she was rather surprised when she heard my name. "Aozaki-kun, huh? I've heard about you before! Honami-chan told me about you."

"Did she really?"

"Yes, Yes! She told me about how calm and bravely you saved your classmate from a molester. You must be so brave, Aozaki-kun!"

"..."

Ichinose... I literally begged you not to tell anyone!

"I'm sure anybody would've done the same if they were in my position. It was my duty to ensure her well being. I don't see why I'm being praised for something like that." I responded.

"Ara~, you're quite humble too it seems. Say, you must be quite popular in your class, right?"

What the hell is she talking about?

"I'm not really that popular. But I do appreciate your thought." I replied.

"Ehhhh? You're lying~!" Hoshinomiya pouted. "How can someone like you not be popular?"

"Because I'm average looking?"

"Boo... You're wrong!"

How?

"I mean look at you. You're tall, handsome, you have big beautiful eyes and on top of that, you're a gentleman who knows how to protect a girl~"

"You're giving me too much credit."

"No need to be humble. If you have more confidence, I think the girls will come fawning over you."

"Uh... Thanks?"

"Mou, I think Honami-chan will fall for your charms one day." Hoshinomiya pouted. "But I can't blame her. I mean, if you were in my class I think I would've fallen for you~"

".... How flattering."

It was getting uncomfortable by the minute. I was not used to being praised like that. And her flirtatious tone didn't make it any less weird. Why was she doing that anyway? Why was she hitting on me?

*Knock Knock

Fortunately, someone happened to knock the door just in time to save me from the increasing awkwardness.

"Come in~" said Hoshinomiya.

"Pardon the intrusion!" It was a familiar voice. When I twirled around, I saw a shoulder length brown haired girl standing on the entrance. It was Mori Nene. She entered the room alongside another girl.

A rather unexpected girl.

"Huh? Levent-kun? You're here too."

It was a teenage girl of average height with upper-back length brown hair that has bangs hanging on the left side. She was wearing trendy clothes, which was quite befitting of her gal image.

"Good evening, Mori-san, Satou-san." I greeted both of them.

Yes. It was none other than Satou Maya. She was part of Karuizawa's group and her popularity and influence on the girls in class was second to Karuizawa. Just like Mori, I didn't have too many interactions with her. However, from what little conversation I had, I'd say she was a rather friendly and cooperative person, a direct contrast to Karuizawa.

"Now now. Hurry up you two and go take a seat next to Levent-kun~" Hoshinomiya probed the girls.

"Okay."

They sat on the vacant chairs next to me. After carefully studying the expressions on their faces, I quickly concluded that it would be best if I lifted the chair and moved it a little further away from them.

Initially, I thought that I'd have another male comrade in this exam. Heck, I was actually praying for them to assign someone like Miyake, or Kikuchi in my group. The best case scenario was me being assigned to Kouenji's group. However, that didn't seem to be the case.

"Alright! Aozaki-kun, Satou-chan, and Mori-chan, from Class C. Now that you're all here, without further ado, I will now explain the special test."

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"T-test?" Mori was surprised, so was Satou.

"W-wait a minute, sensei. I don't understand. Wasn't our test over three days ago? Also why did you call us like this?" Satou unable to grasp the situation, barraged our teacher with those questions. I don't think any of them checked the message properly.

Hoshinomiya replied with her usual smile. "I know you have a lot to ask. However sensei won't be answering your questions right now. That's why make sure to listen very carefully~"

It was reasonable. By the way, unlike our homeroom teacher, Hoshinomiya was more cheerful and friendly. She was cooperative and supportive toward her students and their growth. She would go out of her way to help her students whenever they needed assistance. Meanwhile Chabashira was seemingly unmotivated and unnaturally uncooperative to her students. If only she could exude half of Hoshinomiya's support. Even if it was all fake, I think it would still manage to raise the morales of her students a little bit.

After picking up the materials from the table, Hoshinomiya began her explanation.

"In this special test, all the first-year students will be divided into twelve groups based on the signs of the Zodiac. Everyone will participate within their respective group. The purpose of this examination is to test your thinking."

Twelve groups of Chinese Zodiac signs divided by four classes. Which means every class would represent at least three zodiac signs. Each of those groups would consist of at least one VIP. The assignation was decided completely at random, the rabbit group being the sole exception (Due to Hoshinomiya's interference).

"Our thinking?" Mori muttered to herself.

"Precisely." After tilting the materials on her hands, Hoshinomiya continued explaining.

"Society needs three fundamental qualities in order to progress: action, thinking, and teamwork. Those with the necessary qualities will become wonderful adults. The previous exam on the uninhabited island focused heavily on testing your teamwork. However, we shall now test your thinking in four ways: your ability to thoroughly process information, which is an essential component of this test. Your ability to analyze your current situation and clarify the task at hand. The ability to solve the problem after you've clarified the process and identified the task. The ability to utilize your imagination, and the ability to create new values. Those are the qualities you'll need."

Although her explanation was rather concise, several question marks were still hanging over everyone's heads. Truth to be told, I didn't memorize half the things she said. Unsarcastically, it sounded like a long and boring lecture on philosophy.

After the explanation, Satou raised her hand.

"Yes?" Hoshinomiya asked.

"Uh, sensei. What are we even supposed to do?"

Good question.

"We will get to that very soon. For now you should know that you three will be part of the same group. At this very moment, students from the other rooms are receiving the same explanation like you are." Hoshinomiya stated.

This seemingly confused Satou and Mori.

"If that's the case then, wouldn't it be better if you just gathered all of our classmates together in one place? It would be way faster and easier to explain that way." Mori questioned.

"As I said before, in this test we have divided you all into twelve groups. However, the groups don't consist of members from just one class; they are made up of about three to five individuals collected from each class. If we didn't explain things in advance, we would run the risk of confusion."

"Basically we have to work together with students from other classes, correct?" I summarized.

"W-wait a minute. We have been competing against the other classes up until now. And now we're supposed to ignore all of that and just suddenly team up with them?" Mori asked.

"Yeah, aren't they our enemy?" Satou added.

"That's not a healthy way of thinking, Satou-chan." Hoshinomiya pouted. "Your school life has just started. Being divided by class competition doesn't necessarily mean students from the other classes are your enemy."

"Ah, p-pardon me."

"Right now, you shouldn't focus on trying to understand this test. Rather, focus on how to think. By the way, your group assignment is 'Rat'."

Rat group, huh?

"Here is a list of the members. You will be required to return this list when you leave the room. You're not allowed to write them down or take pictures of it. If necessary, please try to memorize it now."

Hoshinomiya handed us some A4 sized papers. On it, I could see the list of fourteen people in our group. Aside from us, all the others were from class A, B and D.

The list was something like this:

Class A: Kamuro Masumi, Yamamura Miki, Yasumi Sawada

Class B: Asaka Yumemi, Amikura Mako, Himeno Yuki, Yonezu Haruto

Class C: Aozaki Levent, Mori Nene, Satou Maya

Class D: Oda Takumi, Shiina Hiyori, Yamada Albert, Minori Kinoshita

After seeing the names on that list, an ominous feeling loomed over me.

There were some students I could easily recognize; but there were also students that I didn't. But more importantly, there were three surnames with the same character 'あ' (A) in the front. Considering the fact that this was the Rat group, the VIP would be from one of the three names.

And I was was part of it.

"The point of this test is to ignore the prior fraught relationships between Classes A through D." Hoshinomiya continued. "From this point on, you are no longer acting as members of Class C, but rather as members of the Rat group. Whether you pass or fail this test depends on each group."

"Ah, understood."

It was simple enough that even Satou could comprehend. After everyone was satisfied looking through the list of names, Hoshinomiya took the paper and gave new ones to each of us. The paper I received was slightly crumpled-up; most likely, the students who were here before us had already looked at them.

"Read the contents and try to understand it carefully, kay? Oh, and also.. you are prohibited from taking these handouts, or taking photographs of them, or anything or the sort. I suggest you memorize them before you leave. It's very important."

The contents of the paper were much more descriptive. It gave us a brief overview of all the rules and characteristics of the special test. A brief summary of the rules were written as follows:

On the first day, a 'VIP' will be selected.

The test would last for a total of four days.

The participants were required to join group meetings for one hour, twice a day. The time and the location would be designated by the school authorities.

Aside from self-introduction, the topic of the discussion could be anything.

The third day will be a rest day, and we'll be free to do whatever we want for the whole day.

The group is to submit their answers on the fourth day after the exam is over. The school would accept submissions during the period of 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

A participant other than the VIP can submit their answer at least once. However, if someone from the group answered first, only their answer will decide the results of the exam.

The VIPs aren't allowed to answer.

There are four outcomes in total. Depending on the answers submitted (within 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM), the group would reach one of of the following two outcomes.

Outcome #1: The group submits the correct name. In that case, they all receive 500,000 private points, while the VIP receives 1,000,000 private points.

Or,

Outcome #2: The group submits the wrong name. In that case, except for the VIP, no one gets the 500,000 private points reward.

As I mentioned before, this is just my summery. I could understand it well because I knew about this from the original YouZitsu. Without deeper explanation, the mechanisms of the exam was still unclear.

I jerked my head towards the girls direction. Both Satou and Mori had a complicated expression on their face. After seeing their reaction, Hoshinomiya gave us a supplementary explanation with her usual cheerful tone.

"The key element of this exam is the existence of the VIP. There is only one VIP in the group. In this test, you're after the name of the VIP. It's that simple. For example, Aozaki-kun, let's say that you were chosen as VIP."

Why?

"The correct answer for the Rat group would be 'Aozaki Levent.' That answer would be shared with all members of your group. Then, after the test concludes at 9:00 p.m. at the end of the third day, the school would accept answer submissions only between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. During that time, each member of your group should enter the name 'Aozaki' in a message and email it to the school. Your group would pass, and we would confirm that you've met Outcome #1, and thus every member of your group would be awarded 500,000 points. In addition, as a reward for leading their group to achieving Outcome #1, the VIP would receive double that amount- 1,000,000 points."

"O-one million?! Whoa."

"So everyone receives 500,000 points? And if you're the VIP, you get double?"

Those were not some ordinary numbers. We're discussing an amount that reached seven digits. Considering the fact that more a hundred and fifty students were participating, if all twelve groups decided to reach for Outcome #1, that would mean the school would have to give away approximately seventy two million yen to it's students, which I thought to be painfully absurd.

"As for Outcome #2... If the VIP's identity is not discovered before the end of the exam, and your group fails to report them or sends an incorrect VIP name, then only the VIP will be awarded points. In that case he or she will receive 500,000 points."

"Isn't that a bit unfair?" Satou voiced her opinion. "I mean, no matter what happens, the 'VIP' is getting more points than the others."

What Satou said was true. The VIP received special treatment. Everyone was bound to feel jealous of the VIP because of the huge privilege they'd receive. In that case, who wouldn't want to be the VIP?

However, that was only the first two of the four outcomes.

"Sensei, what about outcome #3 and #4?" I asked.

"Did you understand the explanation for the first two?"

I couldn't tell if the girls fully understood that lecture. However, judging by their nods, I guess they were ready to move forward.

"Of course, we understand. Please continue."

After a short pause, Hoshinomiya went on.

"Then you may check what's on the reverse side of the paper."

We instinctively flipped over the paper, and the rules explaining the remaining outcomes revealed themselves.

Here's the thing. If the group reached Outcome #1, the VIP would receive the most benefits out of all. The VIP was free to reveal themselves. There were no rules stopping a VIP from saying, "Hey, I'm the VIP, my name is the answer." If that was the case then, wouldn't everyone aim for Outcome #1?

That's why the school implemented some rules to minimize that risk.

Outcome #1 and #2 depended on what the group answered during the period of 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM. However, the latter Outcomes didn't have any specific period.

These outcomes were triggered when the answer was submitted before the intended period. All answers would be accepted regardless the time, and the exam would cease afterwards. In this case, the student who submitted the answer would be called, 'traitor'. Additionally, the VIP's classmates were prohibited from being the traitor, thus stopping them from initiating a friendly fire.

The simplified outcomes were listed as follows:

OUTCOME #3: The traitor submits the correct answer.

The traitor's class will gain fifty class points, and the traitor themselves would receive 500,000 private points.

Additionally, the VIP's (who's name was guessed) class will lose fifty class points as a penalty.

OUTCOME #4: The traitor submits the incorrect answer.

The traitor's class will lose fifty class points as a penalty.

The VIP's (who's name was protected) class will gain fifty class points, and the VIP themselves would receive 500,000 private points.

"This... pretty much changes everything, doesn't it?" Mori commented.

With the addition of a 'traitor' catalyst, the entire exam flipped on its head. Should the VIP carelessly out themselves, they would immediately be preyed upon by the traitors.

I raised my right hand. "Sensei, in case someone decided to betray the group, will the name of the traitor be kept a secret?"

"Of course! That goes without saying. It is to prevent the potential risks of the student being a victim of bullying."

The school would take anonymity into account during the test. At the end, only the outcomes for each group and the increase or decrease in points for each class will be announced. In other words, the names of the VIPs or those who submitted answers will not be announced.

Hoshinomiya also added, "If you wish, you may have a temporary ID assigned to you, to which you can transfer points. It is also possible to divide points up and receive them that way. If you yourself remain quiet, there should be no fear of discovery after the test. Of course, if it's not necessary for you to hide your identity, you may receive your points openly. That is perfectly fine."

I've been carrying more than one million points for almost five months now. Except for those who I showed willingly, no one knew about my actual point balance. Being antisocial happens to a blessing sometimes. Of course people like Yamauchi would come to me from time to time. But I would always lie about my points to them.

This test was about thinking. The school said this required cognitive abilities, which seemed true. This test carried dangers far different from those we'd faced on the island. There were twelve groups, with twelve outcomes.

In the worst-case scenario, Ryuen would target us and class A simultaneously, shortening gap between our classes. This would either become the turning point for class D, or the final nail in the coffin. The outcome depended on what we did from that point onwards.

"There should also be a list of prohibited actions on the sheet. Make sure to examine it thoroughly."

There were several NG codes for the exam. Simple things like: stealing another person's cell phone; using threats to confirm information related to the VIP; using someone else's cell phone without their permission to submit answers; and so on. Also, the sheet mentioned something about discussion among students from other classes being forbidden during the examination.

If you broke the rules, the highest level of punishment for these actions was expulsion. Furthermore, if any suspicious activity were discovered, the school would open up a thorough investigation to make sure no one had broken any rules. We were being monitored heavily, so it was best to keep that in mind.

"Tomorrow, you will go to your designated room at 1:00 p.m. and again at 8:00 p.m. Your group's name will be displayed on a nameplate outside. Be sure to introduce yourselves when you meet the other members for the first time. After you've entered, leaving the room during the examination is not permitted. Please use the restroom ahead of time. In the event that you feel ill or can't endure it any longer, please contact Sae-chan immediately and make a request."

"How long do we need to stay in there?" Mori asked.

"The discussion time is for one hour. Aside from self introduction on your first day, you're free to do whatever you want with that time. Any more questions?"

There were none. I'm sure the others were still on the fence about it. However, they decided to ignore all of that, and go with the flow.

"Alright then. With that, the explanation for the exam is over. All of you are free to go now." Hoshinomiya declared.

We stood up from the seats and bowed before heading out. I was the last one to leave the room. Before treading outside, my eyes unintentionally went toward Hoshinomiya, who had her usual smile plastered on her face.

I could tell. For some reason, she was keeping an eye on me. I already knew how she purposefully assigned Ichinose on the Rabbit group to examine him. Which is why I was beginning to doubt whether or not it was 'chance' that I got assigned to this group.

After noticing that I was looking at her, Hoshinomiya waved at me. I simply waved back before closing the door.

Something was off.

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After the meeting was over, we began walking down the hallway toward the elevator. As I was walking, I sensed discontent from the girls who were walking beside me; which I pretended not to notice.

"Say, Levent-kun. Did you get any of that?" Satou, who barely interacted with me before the exam suddenly asked.

"For the most parts, I guess? I do have a few questions on the back of my mind."

"Oh man. This sucks! Why'd they have to give us this stupid test out of nowhere?"

"Hey, it's not that bad, Satou-chan." Mori added her own words. "We just have to join the meetings for an hour, that's all. Besides, we're free to do whatever we want for the whole hour."

"I know. But... to be in the in the same room with students from the other classes."

"I don't think you need to sweat it." I mused. "We'll just have to get along with whoever we're assigned with."

"Levent-kun is right. At least we should wait and see what happens." Mori agreed with me.

Satou seemed unconvinced, but shrugged it off. She then looked at me and asked, "By the way, what do you think we should do?"

"You're asking me?"

"Well, you were our leader during the island exam, weren't you? And you did a great job too."

"But that was all thanks to Horikita, wasn't it? I just did what I was told to do."

"I think you're underestimating yourself." Mori added. "You did many things that are hard to do without proper leadership."

Was Mori always that perceptive?

"Yeah. I think you were really impressive back there. I didn't know Levent-kun could be that amazing!"

Satou was beaming at me too. Thinking about it now, my influence in the class had grown quite a lot since the last exam. Even after implementing that façade story, my classmates viewed me in new light. Which also meant that, people from the other classes were now aware of me too.

In any case, I didn't want to bring any more light to that chapter for now.

"Maybe your overestimating me. But thank you for the compliment."

While walking, I kept pinching my lips, my mind was in a deep thought. I was trying to think of a response while making a strategy that aligned with it.

"I think we should wait for tomorrow before doing anything. For now, we'll just share what we learned through the lime group chat, and discuss it with the other groups from our class. Maybe Horikita will think of something again."

"Sounds like a plan." Satou responded with a smile.

The elevator reached the second deck and the door opened. We stepped inside and went to our respective floors. After waving goodbye to the I returned to my room.

I should probably write down the names.

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It was the next day, the very first day of our test. My slumber was cut short by the persistent noise of my phone's ringtone. After pushing the book away from my face, I sluggishly tilted my phone, only to see a few familiar kanjis burning on the display.

"Hello."

[Meet me at the coffee shop on the fifth deck.]

As soon as I answered the call, a female voice rang from the other side.

"No."

[I'll be waiting there.]

"What're you talking abo-"

The call ended just as abruptly as it came. I checked the time again. It was 7:42 AM, almost twenty minutes prior to the VIP assignment. There was a possibility that she called me there to see my role.

After sitting down on the bed, I stretched my body and let out a yawn. My body felt light and more relaxed than ever. It was probably thanks to getting proper sleep for the past few days. I quickly folded my blanket and washed myself before leaving for the upper deck.

When I reached the restaurant Horikita had sent me in Lime, there were barely any customers. She had purposefully chose this area so that we could somewhat talk peacefully without holding the fear of being eavesdropped.

As I gently pushed the door, a gust of cool air came from the restaurant's AC. I scanned the area while lightly rubbing my palms, looking for a certain black haired individual.

"Levent-kun." Speaking of the devil.

Horikita was sitting on the far most corner of the facility. She was sitting there by her lonesome. After noticing me, she patted the seat next to her. I walked toward her, as I had nothing else to do.

"Such a forceful way of calling someone, don't you think?"

"It was necessary. You wouldn't listen to me otherwise."

"What if I simply decided to ignore you and went back to sleep?" My eyebrow went upwards.

"In that case, I would've visited your room and picked you up in person."

I stared at her with a deadpan expression. For a moment I thought it was a joke, but soon realized that it was not the case. She didn't say anything, but her seriousness was visible in her eyes.

Horikita gently picked up her cup of coffee and took a sip of it. She seemed to be at ease, or somewhat happy even, which was unusual of her. After seeing her in that pose, I was reminded of the illustration on this scene.



"So what did you call me here for?" I asked.

"Isn't it obvious?" Horikita replied. "We're talking about the current exam at hand."

"And? What exactly do you want to talk about?"

"I'm curious about what you think of this exam. Did you notice anything that stands out of the obvious, like last time?"

"The explanation itself was as curt as expected. It was simple enough for everyone to understand. And everyone was given the exact same one, correct?"

"That's right."

"Let's think about it this way. What are the risks, and what should we aim for?"

Horikita pondered for a second before responding, "The outcomes on the back page. I think the 'traitor' rule would be the deciding factor of this exam."

"There are twelve zodiac groups which involves members from the other classes. At least three of the VIP would be from our class. If a traitor somehow manages to sniff them, we'd lose fifty points." I concluded.

"In other words, we have to protect the names of our VIPs, and learn about the other ones if we want to win."

"One thing's for sure, this exam will definitely test our ability to work with Information." I mused. "By the way, do you remember who's in your group?"

Horikita nodded in affirmation before she handed over a slip of paper. She'd written this down on her own notepad, and had memorized all the names. I took the list and looked it over. Her group name was Dragon, like in the original story.

Class A: Katsuragi Kouhei, Nishikawa Ryouko, Matoba Shinji, Yano Koharu

Class B: Andou Saya, Kanzaki Ryuuji, Tsube Hitomi

Class C: Kushida Kikyou, Hirata Yousuke, Horikita Suzune

Class D: Nagisa Isoyama, Suzuki Hidetoshi, Sonoda Masashi, Ryuuen Kakeru

"Wow, such big names in a single group."

"The list is honestly surprising. It's biased to the point where I can't imagine it's a coincidence."

"I think it was an inevitable group."

A group solely made from all the class representatives. If the pattern were to go as the school had intended, I think Ichinose would've been there too. However, that Hoshinomiya Chie had assigned Ichinose somewhere else to keep an eye on Ayanokouji, and became the invigilator of our group for me.

I know it seems too presumptuous, but this is most likely what had happened.

"For now, we need to know who should be protected."

"You mean the VIP?"

"As the name suggests, a VIP will play the key role in this exam. If their identity somehow gets exposed, we would be at the mercy of the traitor." I replied.

"I understand that."

"As I said before, each class should have at least three VIPs. Which means 150 class points are at stake. But at the same time, the chance to gain almost 450 class points was also there. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"If class D somehow manages to win this exam, they'll be able to completely turn things around." Horikita crossed her arm.

I then pulled my phone out of my pocket, and took a picture of the names. My eyes instinctively went toward the clock.

7:59 AM.

"It's almost time." I mused.

Horikita pulled the phone out of her pocket and stared at the screen. As the time passed, we were holding our breathes waiting for the email.

Exactly when the clock hit 8, all the phones near us began blaring loudly, indicating that we had received an email from the school. The VIP assignation was at place.

I instinctively headed to the mails and opened the latest email. Then I slowly began reading the contents.

"....."

My lips instinctively curled up a little.

'What's this?'

At first, I was nonchalant about it, thinking that I already knew what was there. But I was wrong. It wasn't what I was expecting. It was exactly as I had feared. The butterfly had fluttered it's wing, creating a storm of probabilities. And from that, stemmed something completely unexpected.

"What did your email say?" Horikita curiously asked.

I reread the email again and again to leave no doubts. But rereading the same content would hardly changes anything. When I was done with denying the possibility, I gave up and showed my email to Horikita. Even Horikita's eyes increased in size after giving it a look.

I had a lingering suspicious about this being the case so...

I guess things are about to get much more interesting now..

[You have been selected as the VIP.]