3.1

Considering that the 1st years had taken their 2nd special exam at the end of May, as 2nd years, it wouldn't have been surprising for our special exam to be announced at any time. It was about time for us to be ready for that.

As if to test that readiness, the homeroom began differently than usual.

"It seems like everyone is here, that's good."

After taking attendance, Chabashira worked the tablet on her hand to show the images on the monitor.

It didn't take long for her to get ready. She switched to a white screen and then turned back to us.

"I've been with you guys for a while now, so I'm sure you must've guessed what this is."

A new special exam is about to begin.

Even though everyone had that sentence in their throat, they still waited for Chabashira's next words.

Apart from some students, most students had their eyes on Chabashira, and after a pause, Chabashira laughed lightly.

"It's true that we'll be discussing the topic of the special exam after this, but to maintain the suspense for a bit longer, I'll pick it up later. First, let's talk about summer vacation."

After saying that, Chabashira looked at her tablet, and then an image appeared on the monitor.

The first thing shown was a picture of a luxury cruise ship.

Our Class D had memories of a similar ship.

"Now I'll explain to you what'll happen in the summer vacation before it actually starts."

For a moment, the students looked at each other, as if they were trying to express their inner joy with sweet words.

However, the combination of a boat and a vacation also brought up a different memory deep inside everyone.

This school wouldn't just feed us sweet things. As we thought back on this, the monitor switched from pictures from the exterior of the ship to the interior. The schedule was also shown.

"From August 4 to August 11, you can enjoy to your heart's content your summer vacation on this luxury cruise for a total of eight days and seven nights. You can watch plays or pamper your taste buds. And there will not be anything like a special exam on the cruise."

In other words, we were being promised a real, genuine one-week vacation.

The strongly sceptical students eased up a bit.

However, as soon as those images were cleared, that ease disappeared.

It was as if saying that it was a temptation.

"But in order to fully enjoy this cruise trip, you must successfully complete the next special exam."

Just after the students were treated to a fantasy for a little while, they were quickly dragged back to reality.

This approach of lifting us up and then bringing us down would usually be very frustrating to us students.

However, the students instantly changed their mindsets to one of alertness to the forthcoming battle.

"Looks like you're indeed learning."

A smile of admiration appeared on Chabashira's face.

It wasn't as if she had brought up the vacation first and foremost just to be mean.

Even though we were still in Class D, she wanted us to prove that we are different from the Class D of a year ago.

Through trial after trial in succession, we had learned how to brace ourselves.

"When would the special exam begin?"

Horikita, who was sitting in the front row's centre seat, asked a question.

"Usually, the course of events would be such that the test would start the same day or the next day, but unfortunately, this test is still a ways away. The next special exam will be held during summer vacation."

So, the school would use the summer vacation to carry out the special exam after the end of the first semester?

What caught my mind is that it was way too early to explain right now. They were announcing it now even though there was still over a month to go, so what did that mean?

In any case, from the schedule announced so far, like it or not, there was one special exam that would come up in the students' minds. The very moment when everyone was probably thinking the same thing, Chabashira's words transformed our thoughts into reality.

"You will have to participate in the "Uninhabited Island Survival" special exam and compete with each other."

Special exam, survival on an uninhabited island. The inter-class battle that took place during the summer vacation in the first year was still fresh in our minds. Each class had to compete using a limited amount of class points, and there were rules for the special exam such as guessing who the leader was for the other classes, and occupying strategic points to obtain points.

"We have to do that again this year, huh…"

Keisei, who usually would quietly listen to the instructions of the special exams, murmured as if recalling memories of that.

Then, the boys and girls in Class D had a heated internal dispute and endured a number of hardships.

"You all probably recalled the uninhabited island survival exam from last year, but the exam this year is very different from the previous one. It's probably going to be tougher and more unforgiving than any other special exam before. Of course, in turn, the number of class points and private points you can get has increased dramatically."

In last year's uninhabited island, you were free to choose how you fight. If you wanted to win, you had to economize, but if you gave up on winning, you were permitted to live more freely. Also, you would not face harsh punishments like getting expelled so long as you didn't violate the important rules.

Although it was said that the exam would become tougher and more unforgiving, what would be the changes compared to last year?

There's no need to hurry in thinking of the answer, as Chabashira would probably tell us soon enough.

"First, I'll start by explaining the schedule in detail. There's no need to take notes now because you can download and check them afterwards on your smartphone or tablet."

Chabashira gave these instructions, and put the schedule of the special exam on the monitor.

July 19: Assemble at the sports field, take the bus to the port, and board the ship.

July 20: Special Exam starts; the exam will be explained, and supplies will be given.

August 3: Special Exam ends; rankings will be announced on the ship, and rewards will be paid out accordingly.

*Private points for August will be awarded after the uninhabited island exam.

August 4: On the cruise, free to do anything the whole day.

August 11: Arrive at the port, return to school and be dismissed.

The closing ceremony declaring the end of the first semester is on Friday the 16th, and the schedule said we were to head out for the special exam three days later. Furthermore, the duration of the special exam is twice as long as the last one, lasting two weeks.

"Sensei, based on this schedule, won't our summer vacation be very short?"

Nishimura shot out a question like an arrow out of a bow. Summer vacation was normally about 40 days, but even if we count the voyage on the ship as summer vacation, there would only be about 24 days of summer vacation. It's understandable that the students would express their discontent.

"Unfortunately, there will be no making up for that time. The shortening of the summer vacation is final."

The school caught the arrow the students shot head-on.

Of course, getting some voices of disapproval were unavoidable.

Because for most students, a day off is more valuable than a day spent studying in school.

"However, as compensation, there'll be a week's voyage on the luxury cruise ship. Based on how you think about it, this week should be worth more than the two weeks that you will lose. As I just said, that period of time during the voyage would be free time purely for your enjoyment."

Chabashira seemed like she was trying to encourage us with that.

Last year we also went on board a luxury cruise ship, but there was very little time to enjoy it then fully. I recalled the time when the zodiac exam was added after the uninhabited island survival exam.

For us living within the school campus, the outside world was both new, and exciting. Even though we would be on a ship, being able to live a different life than usual could make it the ultimate summer vacation. The students who had been expressing their discontent seemed to have been more or less convinced by that. If you couldn't accept it, you couldn't move forward.

And this year, unlike last year, because the students were to some extent loaded with private points, they wouldn't have to face any inconvenience on the ship. That was also an important reason why it was less stressful for the students.

"Okay, now back to the topic at hand. Although the uninhabited island survival exam was also held last year, the biggest difference between them can be said to be "scale". The duration of the exam is two weeks, and the area of the uninhabited island used for this exam will be larger than before."

An uninhabited island floating on the sea filmed from above by a drone was shown.

"Also, not just students from the same year, but all the students from all the school years will be competing against each other."

In other words, this scale of this exam would be far bigger than the last one in many ways.

"The number of people you'll have to fight will also be higher than ever before."

What an unexpected unfolding; All the years would be involved in this survival exam.

And the fighting wouldn't be just against students in the same year. That was the particularly surprising part. 

"Wouldn't that… be extremely disadvantageous to the first-year students, and advantageous for the third years?"

Hirata, who hates inequality, raised his doubts. If the test would involve participating with the other school years, then everyone should be equal. But that wasn't the case this time. Thus, based on the difference in age, physical ability and experience, a considerable gap would arise.

"I know what you're saying, but I'm going to state in advance that no exam can be 100% fair. Even just taking you 2nd years as an example, there's almost a year's difference between the students who were born late and early in the same year, but you're still fighting on the same stage, right?"

But in other words, although there was a year's difference in terms of school year, if we look at age, there could even be a disadvantage of nearly 2 years that had to be borne by the later-born.

"If a first-year asked for advice, as a senpai, it is the nature of a senior to at least answer it, but how much one says is up to them. It is the same when you ask the third years for advice."

There was no problem with consulting if necessary, but it would be like helping one's enemy.

"Although there are more or less some gaps between the school years, everyone's basically fighting under the same stage. Therefore, in order to fill in the gaps between the school years, the younger students will receive higher rewards, and their corresponding penalties will be lighter."

So, the higher your school year is, the less you get paid, and the harsher your punishment? This seems to be drawn from the special exam in April where students had to find partners. In that exam, although it was the same test, the penalty for the 2nd years was expulsion, while the first years were punished by taking away their private points. There was a huge difference between the two punishments.

"On the basis of this, I'll continue. Now, I'll proceed onto explaining "part" of the new rules for the uninhabited island survival exam."

The word "part" made the students look at each other.

"In other words, not all the rules will be made public today."

Chabashira first instructed us to listen obediently, and then switched the screen on the monitor.

On the screen, the word "group" stood out.

"In order to understand the rules of the uninhabited island survival exam, you must understand the groups."

It seemed like the introduction to this particular exam was much longer than ever before.

This seemed to be hinting at the difficulty of the uninhabited island survival exam that awaited us.

"The next special exam, the uninhabited island survival exam, will have a rule which allows a maximum of 6 people to form a big group to work with each other. Remember this first; if the people you group with are in the same year, you will be allowed to form the group regardless of any class boundaries."

"Which means… the students in the 2nd year, are our allies…?"

Horikita, who used to believe that everyone not from her own class is an enemy, talked to herself, her voice echoing within the classroom.

Chabashira had to have heard Horikita's words, but she continued to speak without replying.

"In the period from today till Friday, July 16 inclusive, approximately four weeks, you have the right to select up to two second-year students of your choice to form a small group of a maximum of 3 people. The small groups form the basis of the big groups. However, although I said you could form the group with whoever you liked, there are still rules that exist. First, as I already said, you can only group up with students from the same grade. You can't form a group with 1st or 3rd years."

In other words, it's alright to partner up with a Class 2-A or a Class 2-C student.

A maximum of four can be in a small group created by the 1st years, and 3rd years could have up to three people in a group, same as the 2nd years. This is probably one of the handicaps prepared for each school year. This rule was clearly displayed on the screen. A situation in which all classes worked together to form the strongest group for the competition could also occur. If you could freely form an ideal group, the possibility of winning would certainly appear. Or rather, the other years would surely pick out the best candidates to form the groups, so in order to counter that, we have to gather all our power.

"And then, for the ratio of boys to girls in the next exam, when both boys and girls form a mixed group, the proportion of girls to boys must be at least 2 to 3."

This means that the combinations of 2 boys and 1 girl, or 1 boy and 1 girl would not be allowed.

The possible combinations of the small groups were shown on the monitor.

[1 boy] [2 boys] [3 boys]

[1 girl] [2 girls] [3 girls]

[1 boy, 2 girls]

There were seven combinations in total. On the contrary, groups of [2 boys, 1 girls] and [1 boy, 1 girl] cannot be formed and will be rejected.

"What happens if you don't form a group… or if you can't form a group?"

"As shown in the list of possible combinations, a group of 1 person can be established. Although the benefits are reduced, no special problems will arise. This is because the next special exam can be done regardless of the size of the group. If anyone, whether male or female, wants to take on the challenge by himself or herself, it's allowed."

Although there would be nothing better than having as many people as possible, a single person can still take the special exam without any issues.

"Although there will also be students who think that it would be easier with only one person, there would be nothing better than having as many people as possible. Apart from the advantages of having more people, special privileges are afforded to groups with more people. Therefore, I would not recommend choosing to fight on your own except as a last resort."

If you could easily handle the exam, forming a one-man group might not be a bad option, but students who couldn't form a group would be forced to take the exam under unfavourable conditions. In this case, for a normal student, forming a group of three would be the lowest requirement to stand on the same starting line as everyone else.

"There's nothing but advantages to forming a group, but there's also a point worthy of attention. That is, once you've established a group, you can't switch to another group whatever the reason may be."

After forming a group, it seems like the group members will have to be together as allies until the end of the special exam.

"We can't change groups, but we could form a group of up to 6 for the special exam, right? But so far, we can only form small groups of up to three people. What's up with that?"

Hirata raised his question to Chabashira.

"Yeah, that's the key point. After the special exam starts, the small groups will be allowed to come together. 2 groups of 3 people or 3 groups of 2 people or even 6 lone wolves could form one big group. However, the conditions for forming a group still exist. In a big group of more than 4 people, the percentage of girls in the group must be at least 50%."

The rules for the proportion of girls in a group will be changed from 2:3 to 1:2. If the restrictions are going to change, sticking to small groups of 1 or 2 people to begin with can be a strategy.

"From this, some students might think that they can just form their groups after the special exam starts, but that won't be an easy thing to do. Although you are allowed to group with anyone freely, it will be extremely difficult to form your ideal big group in the exam. Situations, where one wants to form a big group with the maximum of 6 people but isn't able to, could be very common."

While having a small number of people in a group didn't seem entirely without its benefits, considering the risks of going through the uninhabited island survival exam from the beginning to the end all alone, forming a group of three people beforehand would be safer.

Without considering the dropouts, in the whole year, each class has 40 people. That's 160 students in each year with four classes. Since it's clearly stated that only groups with a maximum of 6 people can be formed, there will be at least 81 groups in the entire school when the exam starts. And since there's no guarantee that every group will be able to have 6 people, the number of big groups competing against each other might reach triple digits.

"Okay, I also know that asking you guys to form groups as you please might still leave you confused. After all, if you don't know the contents of the exam, you won't be able to target the people you need."

Presumably, everyone was thinking that way. Chabashira continued on.

"I cannot tell you the contents of the next exam. However, let me touch upon what kinds of abilities will be needed."

After saying that, Chabashira looked at the students who were wearing stiff expressions.

"In last year's uninhabited island survival exam, there were many students who were worried because they didn't get a chance to show their potential. But this year's exam can be considered to require 'all types of abilities'. Academic ability, physical ability, mental ability, communication ability. In addition to the abilities I just listed, there's a high likelihood that you'll need to use the abilities in which you're good at."

It's not good enough to be only good at studies or only good at sports.

I guess it means that the more things you are good at, the more of an advantage you have.

At first glance, it was hard to see the connection between an uninhabited island and academics, but there are actually many ways to test it.

For example, if the rules were designed so that if you couldn't answer a question correctly, you couldn't get any food.

It is possible for a group made entirely of people proud of their physical ability to get knocked out immediately.

"Although forming a group with students who you are close with is important, it's very likely that the overall ability of the group will directly relate to the results you'll get on the special exam, so I advise everyone to consider the right talents when forming your groups."

Students with a high overall ability forming a group will simply be more beneficial.

However, as Chabashira said, choosing students who you have a good relationship with is a point that couldn't be overlooked.

We don't know the contents of the exam, and it's possible effective teamwork could make all the difference.

"Although I said the more people you have, the greater the advantage, the biggest reason for that is not that you have six bodies or six brains. Rather, it's because of the rule regarding the dropping out of group members from the exam. Let's compare the situation where Hirata takes the official exam on by himself till the end, to the situation where the trio of Hirata, Sudo, and Hondou challenges the exam till the end."

After Chabashira finished typing something on the tablet, the image on the screen switched. Displaying Hirata's name in a one-man group and the names in a three-man group including Hirata. The borders of each name were coloured blue.

"Suppose that during the special exam, Hirata is met with some kind of accident and could not continue the exam. Of course, if he was participating alone, his group would be disqualified immediately, and will pay the penalties."

Hirata's name in the one-man group turned red, indicating his disqualification.

"On the other hand, what would happen if Hirata dropped out in the three-man group…?"

Although Hirata's name turned red, the names of the other two group members remained blue.

"While Hirata will be disqualified and sent back to the ship, the other two members can continue the exam without any issues. And if that group persevered until the very end and got first place, Hirata, as one of the group members, would also be considered as ending up in first place."

In other words, even if individuals were eliminated, it was fine as long as the group survived?

Basically, having fewer people in a group would only bring disadvantages. 

"No matter how many people drop out in the middle of the exam, the group can continue to function without any issues until the last person drops out. To put it simply, the more people there are in a group, the more chances they have to survive."

So that's the case. It's confirmed that the groups are tremendously important.

No matter how capable a student is, they still could meet with an accident and get injured or fall ill.

In terms of dispersing that risk, forming a 6 man group is a condition essential to victory.

"Now that you know the importance of groups, I'll explain the rewards."

At this point, the impact of the uninhabited island survival exam on the class will be made public for the first time.

 #Rewards

Group placed First:

300 Class Points, 1 million Private Points, 1 Protection Point.

Group placed Second:

200 Class Points, 500,000 Private Points.

Group placed Third:

100 Class Points, 250,000 Private Points.

Groups placed in the top 50% (including groups placed 1st to 3rd): 

50,000 Private Points.

Groups placed in the top 70% (including groups placed 1st to 3rd): 

10,000 Private Points.

*Class Points rewards for the top three groups will be taken from the class years of the bottom-placed three groups.

Class Points are not related to the number of people, but are divided equally by the number of classes (rounded.)

From what's shown on the screen, the rewards in both Class and Private Points are quite high. There would be huge changes if the top 3 places are taken by the same class, but there was something weird to take note of.

"This is the list of rewards for this time. Keep in mind that since you can't group with anyone outside of your year this time, it will inevitably turn into a competition between the years. However, both the rewards and penalties will be given out by group per class. In other words, if a group consisting of only Class D students gets first place, the rewards for first place will be given entirely to Class D. On the other hand, if a group consisting of students from all four classes gets first place, the rewards will be divided equally among the four classes. While a group made up of the best students of each class might have a higher chance of winning, it wouldn't change the class point standings in the slightest."

Because the difference in the number of people from each class in the group wouldn't matter, the 300 class points will just be divided equally among the four classes.

This way, even getting first place would not narrow the gap in class points. No, at any rate, at this current stage where we can only form small groups with a maximum of 3 people, one class wouldn't be able to join. This would make an ideal negotiation impossible.

 "And— — the colossal total reward of 600 class points for the top three groups, will be evenly collected from the years of the bottom three placed groups. If the first-placed group is a second-year group and the last-placed group is a first-year group, the reward will be taken equally from every first-year class's class points. The second-placed group corresponds to the second-to-last group, and the third-placed group corresponds to the third-to-last group.

In other words, it's likely to become a situation where the years would be robbing each other's class points.

"Next, for comparison, I will explain what will happen in case the top and bottom groups are from the same year. In that situation, there will be a special arrangement. The classes in the last placed group will have to pay 100 points each to the classes in the top group, while the classes in the 2nd to last-placed group will have to pay 66 points each, and the third to last with 33 points each. If a class wins first place alone, they will receive 300 points, but if that class also has a student alone in a group in last place, 100 points will be deducted, and they'll only get 200 points."

The class points that a mixed group of 4 classes would receive if they win is 75 points per class. Even if your class has a group in 1st place, if a group containing students from your class comes in the last place, your class would still be at a loss.

"In addition, if the levied class points do not reach the reward amount, the school will fill in the remainder. This rule applies to the other year's levies as well."

Even if the levied class points are not enough, the rewards will still be guaranteed.

"Furthermore, if a group with a mix of 4 classes finishes bottom, the number of class points to be taken will be reduced slightly. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd last place will be reduced to 75, 50, and 25 class points respectively, again, an equal burden."

Was that a bonus because it is difficult to work together in this exam?

"There are, of course, penalties for the groups placed at the bottom of the rankings. Only the bottom 3 groups will have their class points taken away, but that isn't all. The students of the bottom 5 groups will be expelled."

The students held their breaths.

5 groups, up to 30 people might be expelled.

"I-If only Class 2-D becomes the target of expulsion…"

"In the worst-case scenario, Class D would be reduced to 9 people. But that would be extremely rare. In the event that you do face the penalty for the exam, you can pay 6 million private points to be exempt from it. The division of this amount is based on the number of people in the group. For a group of six, a million private points per person would do."

Even if you were penalized, there seems to be still a way to save yourself.

"After the exam starts, you cannot borrow or lend points to each other. As a result, it is necessary to keep enough points to save yourself from the penalty on your own phone before boarding the cruise."

The option to help each other afterwards doesn't exist, so it seems necessary to raise points in advance before the special exam starts.

"Within the group that is penalized, there might be some students who can pay and some students who can't. If there's even one person who doesn't have enough points, what will happen?"

"Don't worry about that; Even if 5 out of the 6 students fall short, the other student who has enough can bail themself out by paying 1 million private points."

From the look of it, so long as you have the right number of people, there is no need to worry about having others drag you down with them.

"Are there any questions?"

The one who raised her hand now was Horikita who was sitting right in front of Chabashira.

"If you form a group with the other classes, the reward will be split equally among the classes. Wouldn't that rule result in only choosing people from your own class to form the groups?"

Horikita thought it would be pointless to work hard to survive and achieve victory just to get the class points split evenly among the classes. 

"If you decide that there's no benefit in that, then you can just form groups with students of your own class. That is all."

Chabashira retorted by telling us to figure out by ourselves what to do.

There is no objectively correct solution to this problem. But what is certain is that if one wanted to monopolize the rewards and created groups with only one's classmates, the leftover groups would be forced to engage in difficult battles and some groups could be formed which would be likely to get expelled. On the other hand, increasing the number of classes in a group would decrease the reward itself, but it would also make it easier to form a broader group and control the risk of the penalty. Of course, that might create other risks as well.

Forming groups for survival on the uninhabited island.

Here's a summary of the information Chabashira has given us so far.

• Survive for up to two weeks on the uninhabited island.

• Because of the variety of abilities needed, groups with higher overall strength have an advantage, but the unity of the team mustn't be ignored.

• The top groups will be given special rewards such as class points, private points, protection points. (But class points will be divided equally by the number of classes in the groups.)

• Groups must be formed with at least 1 to at most 6 people, and the more people, the more advantageous. (The ranking of the group will depend on the last person in the group that gets eliminated.)

• The bottom groups will receive penalties, including getting expelled.

• Subject to the rules, small groups can be freely formed within one's year (up to 3 people.)

• Forming big groups during the exam won't be easy.

That's the gist of it, but that explanation alone still doesn't give a complete picture of the exam.

"I've given you all a tedious explanation so far, but there's more to explain apart from that."

Chabashira took a breath and continued to what needed to be explained.

"Take a look at this."

The monitor display switched screens, displaying 8 items.

Basic Cards overview

1. Head Start: At the start of the exam, the points you can use are multiplied by 1.5.

2. Bonus: The owner of this card gets twice as many private points from rewards.

3. Half Off: In the event of a penalty, reduces the number of private points to be paid by half. Only valid for the cardholder.

4. Free Ride: Designate a group at the start of the exam. Receive as a bonus half of the private points won by the designated group. Joining with the designated group nullifies the effect of the card.

5. Insurance: In case the owner of this card is to be eliminated due to ill health, gives that person one grace day to recover. Not valid if the elimination is due to cheating.

Special Cards overview

1. More People: The owner of this card can join a group as the 7th person. This card can be used once the exam starts, and the required ratio of boys to girls will not apply.

2. Nullify: In the event of a penalty, reduces the number of private points to be paid to 0. Only valid for the cardholder.

3. Trial: Receive the right to get 1.5 times as many class points from the rewards of the special exam. However, the group will be penalized if they don't enter the top 30%. The school will provide the additional class points for the rewards.

"What, what are those?"

"These are like items that can affect the uninhabited island survival exam, and everyone will receive one of these. Except for one of them, there is no harm to having one of these. You can more or less understand that by reading the instructions."

It was a lineup of a total of 8 types of cards, ranging from cards that would allow you to gain an advantage in the special exam to cards that are designed to protect you. The latter would be useful to protect yourself, but if you consider it as a safeguard against failure, then the evaluation would be different. The trickiest one is probably the "Trial" card, which contains the only drawback. If used well, it has the potential to pay more than any other reward, but placing in the top 30% wouldn't be easy.

"Each student will receive one of these eight cards at random. The cards will be distributed tomorrow morning, and until the special exam begins, you can transfer or trade the card you get, so long as it is within your school year. Anyone can look up who holds what card in the OAA. You can either sell them to students who want to buy them, or you could collect multiple cards by buying them. But the effects of the same cards do not stack, so there's absolutely no point in getting two identical cards."

Cards overview and rules

1. Both Basic and Special Cards can be traded within the same year.

2. You couldn't trade within your class, and once a card has changed owners, it cannot be traded further.

3. The effects do not stack when you use the same card.

In other words, a student can hold and use up to 7 cards.

However, because some of them can only be used in positive or negative cases, not all of the cards' effects can be used. In the end, you just get effective options to use in either case.

 "Also, of the three special cards, they will be randomly distributed, and each school year will get only one of each type. Therefore, it is possible that one class might coincidentally end up with all three of the special cards. That is all."

Explanations regarding the instructions for the uninhabited island survival exam, and of the rewards and penalties.

And then explanations regarding the distribution of items known as Cards.

At this point, we finally finished listening to the long overview of the uninhabited island survival exam.

"Some of you might not be able to understand the explanations this time fully, but before lunch break, a manual will be automatically sent to everyone's tablet, so you can check from that."

Just as Chabashira finished her explanations, the bell rang, and the first class ended.

"There's plenty of time for you to think slowly about what strategy for grouping to use."

Leaving that advice, Chabashira left the classroom. The students gathered after that.

Under these circumstances, Kouenji, who was sitting to my left across an empty seat, left his seat and walked towards the corridor. Although it looked like his usual egotistical behaviour we had become very familiar with, he was walking quicker than usual.

I felt that Kouenji's behaviour was a bit odd and decided to follow him.

In order not to be noticed, I tried to eliminate the sound of my footsteps and other related scents. That said, since this place wasn't like the uninhabited island, which had lots of cover, there wasn't much I could do.

But normal people usually don't spend their lives cautious of being followed. Suppose an amateur was tailing another amateur, even if they half-assed it, they probably wouldn't get noticed.

Shortly after, I could hear Chabashira and Kouenji from around the corner.

I held my breath at the corner and listened to the conversation between the two.

"So, what did you want to talk about, Kouenji?"

"I just don't think Teacher explained a crucial point." 

Chabashira, presumably standing face to face with Kouenji, waited for his question.

"A crucial point?"

"If a person who is taking the special exam alone falls sick on the day, what happens then?"

"And here I was wondering what you'd ask. How boring."

Although I couldn't see her, Chabashira laughed somewhat delightfully.

"You withdrew from the exam last year by taking sick leave, right? Unfortunately, that won't work this year. You will be penalized without any special treatment. In other words, you'll have to pay 6 million private points. From what you have on hand, it's impossible."

"Fufu, that's true. I'm an avaricious and insatiable person, so this is quite troubling."

Even for this time's uninhabited island survival exam, Kouenji seemed to have planned to withdraw as usual.

But there is no way for a solo participant surviving on the uninhabited island to escape.

"So what are you going to do then? Carry out your freedom, and then get expelled?"

"Really, I wonder what I should do? You can leave now, teacher."

Kouenji seemed to be satisfied with Chabashira's answer, so he asked Chabashira to leave. In a bit, the sound of her footsteps disappeared.

Kouenji, too, will probably set out soon, and so staying here would be pointless.

And so I decided to leave that place quietly.

But—

"By the way, who's the one who's hiding and spying on me, and from where?"

Kouenji noticed me, who was hiding. I could tell just by the direction of his voice that he had turned around.

"Whether you come out or not is up to you."

He hadn't just said that on a whim. He's as acute as an animal…

Although I could have gone back to the classroom without showing my face, I decided to reveal myself honestly.

"It's the Ayanokouji boy? Do you want anything from me?"

Without even a hint of surprise, he indifferently accepted my presence. 

More than him predicting it, it was like he just didn't care who it was.

"Horikita told me to keep an eye out on your actions. We don't know how Kouenji will act, she said."

"Hmm."

Kouenji slowly walked towards me, his eyes appraising me.

"You seem to be good at hiding yourself. But I can't see through your truths and lies, Ayanokouji boy. I won't trust the words of someone like that."

"I didn't think you were the type to trust someone."

"Fufufu, that's true. I have no trust in anyone except myself. Rather, it's more like I have no interest in anyone else."

Kouenji, who came to my side, stopped walking for a moment.

"That applies to you as well, Ayanokouji boy."

After I got the perfect score in math, Kouenji left the classroom with no expression on his face.

There were no signs of him asking anybody else about the details later either.

I couldn't detect a single lie from Kouenji's words.

"What are you going to do in this special exam?"

"Yeah… Speaking of that, can I join your group?"

I was wondering how he was going to respond. I see how it is.

As long as Kouenji groups up with someone, he can easily withdraw after the special exam starts.

"Sorry, but I'll have to reject you. I don't have the leisure to accept someone who's guaranteed to quit at the very beginning."

"Fufufu, is that so, there's no helping it then."

"But is that way of thinking really good? Even if you find a group that you can join, you'll end up having to trust others with your fate of getting expelled."

"That's true, if I quit without doing anything."

Kouenji once again took a step, walking forward.

"What should I do? I'll carefully think about it until it officially starts."

Leaving behind those words, Kouenji returned to the classroom.