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                           Prologue

Horikita Manabu's Monologue.

There are some things people would find strange if they were to hear about it.

The truth is, I didn't choose this school because I had something I wanted to carry out or anything.

I had lived with the intent of becoming a talented person yet I had no particular destination in mind.

Politician, doctor, researcher, I didn't aim for any of that.

For better or for worse, I've lived my life making sure to not stir anything up. I indifferently complete my assignments and spent my days that way.

Being a 'role model'. Being 'exemplary'.

I believed that to be the right thing to do and never once questioned it.

However, Nagumo Miyabi took one action after another as though to directly oppose me.

A person who cuts their way through, that may how that man can be described.

As a matter of fact, until I graduate, I had already given up on taking action.

I had failed to make a friend I could say I trust from the bottom of my heart.

I have yet to comprehend it.

After 3 years, I've finally realized. My own 'mistake' and the 'regret' it led to. And, that this is the 'beginning'.

Chapter 1: A New Special Exam - Mixed Training Camp.

On a Thursday morning not too long after the 3rd semester began, several buses travelled on a highway.

The 1st years weren't the only ones on the buses. The 2nd years and the 3rd years are also on board. In other words, it's a wholesale migration for the entire student body of the school.

The bus that we, the 1st years' Class C, were riding on entered a tunnel and soon afterwards, our ears were assaulted by the sensation of being clogged up.

This is my second time on a bus since enrolling in this school.

Where we're going and what we'll be doing there are things we haven't received the slightest bit of explanation on.

At this stage, all I can tell is that we were all instructed to wear our jerseys and that it is strongly recommended we prepare several spare jerseys and underwear.

However, at the very least it's probably not going to be a field trip.

The travel time is about 3 hours, a rather long travel time, and so within the limits of what's allowed the students brought with them their favourite things.

Things like cell phones, books and cards or snacks and juice.

There were also students amongst them who brought along gaming devices.

Since the seats on the bus were ordered according to our names, it was 'Ike Kanji' who happened to take the seat beside me.

I had intended to get along with him after enrolling but when I realized it, we had became 'only classmates' and our opportunities to hang out drastically decreased.

Even now it's not me, sitting beside him, that he's talking to. He stood on the seat with his knees, turned back, and talked to Sudou and Yamauchi and the others in a loud voice since they were seated far from him.

From time to time, I could hear the girls warning them about their voices being annoying but they don't seem to be paying attention to that.

The bus interior is quite raucous. No wonder they aren't being considerate.

I do feel a bit lonely but there's no helping it.

Fortunately enough, through the exams I was able to befriend students like Keisei and Akito.

We were inside a bus with a harmonious atmosphere about it but I could tell that this won't be a mere picnic.

I may have been able to consider it mere leisure if it had been in the middle of the winter vacation but the 3rd semester is already underway.

In that case, assuming that this is going to be a special exam like it had been with the uninhabited island is best for peace of mind.

However, it's not like Ike and the others haven't matured either. Probably. Chabashira observed the students going about their own business curiously.

Close to my seat and near the driver's seat, she's there just observing the students.

Since it'd be troublesome if our eyes met by any chance, I decided to look out the window.

This is a long tunnel.

It's been roughly 2-3 minutes since we entered the tunnel. Just as I thought that, slowly I could feel my field of vision brightening up.

We had left the tunnel.

As though she had been waiting for that, Chabashira moved.

At the same time, the pain in my ear increased.

"Sorry about cutting your fun short but pipe down".

Chabashira said that to the students while holding a handheld microphone in her hands.

"I thought you lot might like to know where this bus is going and what we'll do then".

"Of course we're curious about that. You're not going to tell me it's the uninhabited island again, are you?".

Receiving Ike's complaint, Chabashira answered.

"Looks like what happened on the uninhabited island is hard to forget for you lot since it's sticking around in your memory. But calm yourselves. An exam of that scale isn't something that can be held frequently. It means we're not cruel enough to force you into that now that summer's over for you lot. However, as you may have already inferred, a new special exam will be held. Your living standards will be extremely high compared to the uninhabited island".

She said that but it's not something particularly trustworthy. Leaving aside the uninhabited island, up until now there have been special exams held that ordinary students would have considered difficult.

Most importantly, a student will be forced to directly confront the pitfall known as expulsion that lurks behind the special exams.

"The special exam that will be demanded from you Class D students from now is!".

She went that far yet Chabashira stopped speaking.

At that moment, my classmates gave little, proud smiles.

Immediately afterwards, Chabashira lowered her head as though in respect and apologized.

"My apologies. You're already students of 'Class C'. Now then, since you've been promoted, I'll explain the details of the special exams to you lot".

Having overcome multiple special exams, the students who have finally made their way up to Class C in the 3rd semester appeared to be accepting their current situation calmly.

The fact that the explanation will take place in the bus means that from this point onwards, it's possible to prepare countermeasures to a certain extent or I'll at least have the chance to do so.

Since we were still in motion, it's forbidden to carelessly get up from your seat but inside the bus, one's voice will easily reach everyone. If you use a phone then it's possible to talk only with a specific person.

Even Ike and the others who are usually very rowdy, immediately stopped to listen to what Chabashira had to say.

Even if it's just this, it still shows that they've grown somewhat.

"From this point onwards, you will be taken to an outdoors school deep in a certain mountain. In all likelihood, we'll arrive at our destination before another hour passes. The shorter the explanation takes the more of a 'grace period' you will have available".

So this means there's approximately one hour to go until the special exam starts.

Even if it takes 20 minutes to conduct the explanation that still leaves 40 minutes. That much time would be left for me to formulate a strategy in regards to the special exam.

That's probably what she meant by 'grace period'.

"Isn't outdoors school something you attend in the summer?".

The mountains we can see from the highway are still covered in white snow.

A question came forth from Ike, who's an expert when it comes to mountains from his time as a boy scout.

"Can't you keep quiet and listen to me? I believe I've just told you about the 'grace period'".

Chabashira said so more pleasantly than angrily.

Ike apologized and scratched his head.

A brief laughter ensued.

Outdoors school.

Since I haven't heard of that word before I looked it up on my phone.

"Taking place mainly in summer, it commonly takes place on a day with pleasant weather in places like mountains or other locations where greenery is abundant. Collective action is undertaken with the aim of promoting students' health. Also could refer to facilities used for that purpose".

I see. Like Ike said, it usually takes place in the summer. But still, it's not like it absolutely has to take place in that season or anything.

"Opportunities to meet senior students normally.....especially for students not participating in any club activity are limited. But at the outdoors school, we'll be taking collective action that goes beyond school years for 7 nights and 8 days. It's like something beyond even what the sports festival offered. The name of the special exam that will be taking place is 'Mixed Training Camp'. Since you'll still be anxious if it's just a verbal explanation I'll be distributing the materials now".

Chabashira began walking and handed over a bundle of the materials to the student sitting in the front row seat.

We each took one and passed the rest behind.

The material itself was rather thick and amounted to multiple pages.

Since we weren't instructed in particular not to go ahead and look, I flipped over and looked through it.

There were pictures of what appears to be the training camp properly included.

Rooms where students can sleep, large baths, cafeterias and the such are included.

Seeing all this makes it look fun, or rather, like reading a travel guidebook though......

But it's inevitable that every important word regarding the special exam we see would make our moods somber.

Even if it's a special exam, there's the relatively thick paper we were handed on top of the verbal explanation.

Even if you think of it as being the same as the explanation for the Paper Shuffle we received not too long ago, this special exam seems like it's shaping up to be something bothersome.

Not too long after, it appears everyone got their hands on the paper. After confirming that, Chabashira continues speaking.

"Feel free to read ahead but I'm going to go ahead with the explanation for the Mixed Training Camp. Since I'll be collecting the materials before you get off the bus, make sure you understand the rules well. I'll be accepting questions at the very end so make sure to shut up and listen. Do you understand that?".

Chabashira said so as she looked at Ike again. Ike made two or three zipping motions over his mouth.

"This time around, the special exam will be a training camp focusing mainly on mental development. In order to accomplish that, we'll start with the ABCs of integrating into society and we'll confirm whether or not you can live in harmony with those you don't interact with commonly. And each and every one of you will learn it".

So would that be the reason why we'll have to take collective action alongside the senior students? Chabashira said so as well but students engaged in club activities will have established relationships between senior students and junior students but even so, most of that will be limited to club activities only.

Students outside of that category will have had absolutely no contact with the senior students and those students aren't a minority by any measure.

Essentially it'd have been great if such exchanges were to be carried out voluntarily without the need to use club activities as an intermediary but it's also a fact that reality isn't that simple.

However, how exactly are they going to involve the senior students in this? Unless contact between us isn't an absolute necessity, then just like during the sports festival, students will probably keep their distance.

Well, we're probably heading over into the mountains for the 'training camp' to ensure that doesn't happen though.......

Either way, as long as the rules for the special exam aren't properly set, it's easy to figure out loopholes.

There's a massive gap between the 1st years and the 2nd years in terms of physical and mental development.

For teenagers, the period of a year is very significant.

It won't be by that much but we probably won't be able to fight against them on equal terms.

"First off, once you lot arrive at the destination, I'll have you split up based on gender. Then you'll hold a discussion across all school years and then you'll divide yourselves up into six groups".

"Six groups, based on gender........".

As though to memorize it, Ike muttered to himself beside me.

The explanation has just begun but Chabashira continued on without stopping.

"The lower and upper limits for the number of people in a group have been decided. Look at the fifth page of the material in your hands and have a good look at the patterns for the number of people written down there".

All at once, the students turned their eyes to look at the fifth page of the material. It appears the rules pertaining to the groups in the training camp are written there.

"When establishing a group, there's both a lower and an upper limit to the number of people that can be in it. That number has been calculated from the separation of boys and girls as well as the school years. For instance:

- If there are 60 boys in the same school year then 8-13.

- If there are 70 boys in the same school year then 9-14.

- If there are 80 boys in the same school year then 10-15.

will be the lower and upper limits for a group.

However, if the number is below 60 then please refer to the special section.

That was written there.

If there is no difference in the ratio of boy to girl across school years then in theory one class should have 40 and if the ratio of boys to girls is 5:5, then the total number of boy for the 1st year would be 80.

10-15 would form one group and in total, six groups would be formed.

The fact that they referred to the total number of students means that depending on the number of expulsions for the entire school year, the amount of people required would change as well.

"I think you're already aware of it but the fact that the division into six is based on gender means that you'll have students from other classes mixed in when the groups form. Also, for the duration of the outdoors school, you'll have to overcome the special exam with that group. It means your fates are tied to one another".

"It's unreasonable to ask us to form a group with guys from other classes. Aren't they the enemy?".

Perhaps he couldn't stand to keep quiet any longer, as Ike muttered that so Chabashira could hear.

But maybe he struck on a good idea, as he then spoke as though a light bulb had been lit above his head.

"Is that so? Then we don't really have to care about that, right? We can simply divide ourselves, Class C, into two groups and that'll be the end of that. That's what it means, right? Ayanokouji".

Ike asked me that in a loud voice.

Certainly, it's possible to go with the lower limit of 10 to form two Class C groups and this problem can be solved that way. However, that idea of Ike's unfortunately won't fly.

"That sounds good but things won't be that simple. The rules don't permit a group to be formed from just one class alone. As long as the number of people in your group meet the quota it doesn't matter which class you team up with but at the very least, there needs to be two classes or more mixed together".

That statement of Chabashira's also happened to be properly written under the heading of dividing up people.

"Each group must have students from at least two or more classes as a prerequisite".

"Do you mean we'll be forced to work together with the enemy?".

It's not so much a question but more along the line of words that unexpectedly leaked out of Ike.

Chabashira, looking slightly exasperated, replied.

"That would be what it means. Of course, it's not impossible to try and form a group composed of students from your class as much as possible. As long as there's even a single student from another class then you'll have formed it after all".

In short, make two groups and go with the lower limit of 10 people. And of those, 9 would be from Class C. If we do so, we can form a group that's 'mostly Class C'.

However, I doubt a group like that will be acknowledged by all school years when the discussion takes place.

There aren't many students who'd join a group that's made up mostly of people from another class. Also, would having more people be better? Or having less people be better? And if it will change or not?

If this is an exam where advantages and disadvantages can occur based on the difference between the number of people in each group then having a group with few people would be risky.

But since the conditions of the exam aren't clear yet it's impossible to judge the merits and demerits of the number of people.

Whether it be luck or misfortune will depend on the essence of this exam.

"Is it better for a group to have many people? Or few people? That will have a significant impact on the 'outcome' I am going to explain now".

Saying that, Chabashira laughed lightly.

It's easy to figure out since everyone's thoughts were pointed in the same direction.

"Could you please continue with the explanation of the rules? I'm curious about the outcome but first I'd like to know what sort of things we'll be doing as a group".

Hirata, who felt uneasy, said so and urged Chabashira to continue.

"That's right. If I answer every single one of Ike's doubts we won't make any progress".

Ike apologetically scratched his head.

"The groups will be something akin to temporary classes formed for the outdoors school only. However, even if it's only temporary, the contents of it will be intense. Members of a group will take lessons together, will cook and wash together and will even bathe and go to bed together. You will experience daily life of all different kinds together".

If they knew that they'd be taking baths and going to bed together, both boys and girls alike would scream.

"I don't feel like I can live together with folks from other classes---.......".

I can understand why Ike would grumble like that.

We did cooperate with another class during the sports festival, but that was a temporary thing.

It can hardly be said that we went through thick and thin together.

By the way, after coming here, we were about to take part in an exam that would cross class boundaries.

Depending on the circumstances, we may yet form a group that has all four classes mixed in it.

"How the outcome of the special exam will be decided, that will depend on a comprehensive exam that will take place on the last day of outdoor school. A rough idea of the exam's contents are written on the page 7. Go through it".

We were told to do such, and inevitably everyone checked it simultaneously.

"Morals" "Mental Discipline" "Order" "Individuality"

Subjects we would never have to learn in an ordinary school were lined up there.

In other words, I should view this as an exam separate from things like English and mathematics, which fall under academic ability.

The troublesome thing is, there is no 'clear answer' in an exam like this.

There is information on each subject in the materials we were given but they are all abstract.

There's nothing about how exactly, in detail, the exam will be conducted.

Furthermore, I looked at a sample schedule. After we wake up, we'd work on our morning assignments. Then we'd gather at the dojo for Zazen and then we'd go to work (such as cleaning).

Then we eat breakfast.

Afterwards, we'll study various things in a classroom. After that, we eat lunch.

We then receive assignments for the afternoon and once again we practice Zazen.

Then we'd have dinner and a bath and go back to bed. It's an entirely different lifestyle from the one we've lived up until now.

By the way, unlike our usual holidays, lessons will be held throughout the morning on Saturdays.

It appears we'll only be able to rest on a Sunday.

"More details on your schedule will be announced upon arrival at the outdoors school. What kind of special exam will take place and in what order on the last day is also something I cannot tell you at this stage".

It means that we'll have to play it by ear for the duration of the special exam.

It could be that the subject they listed as 'Zazen' will also be a part of the exam.

It would be best if I assumed little things like posture and attitude will also influence the exam.

Other than that, words like 'speech' and 'fabrication' are also disturbing signs.

"Deciding your groups is of utmost importance. All six groups must be as one and must be capable of overcoming a week of the camp. No matter what the reason may be, you are not allowed to withdraw from your group halfway through or change members. If a student is forced to retire from either sickness or injury, then the group must deal with that gap on their own by assuming 'that student exists'".

In other words, if there's discord between us or if we antagonize one another, then we won't be able to proceed. More and more it's starting to look like on top of forming our groups, we'll also have to eliminate the other classes.

Full-scale lessons will start on Friday morning, that's tomorrow, and until Wednesday next week there will be lessons held at the outdoor school.

And also, on the 8th day which will be a Thursday, all school years will take an exam simultaneously and we will be graded.

"After the 1st years have established their groups, they will rendezvous with the 2nd and 3rd years who will have established their groups at the same time. In short, it means six groups will have formed numbering around 30 to 45 people composed of 1st years up to 3rd years".

The situation's already a chaotic one having to form groups amongst fellow 1st years, but other school years will be added to the mix as well.

As soon as that fact was conveyed, a strange atmosphere came over the bus interior.

"If I have to put it simply, the groups you'll be forming with your school year are the small groups and the groups that will be formed from all school years will be the large groups".

Each and every group we form from our school year will be 'small groups'. The small groups will rendezvous with small groups from the 2nd years and the 3rd years and ultimately we'll end up as six 'large groups'.

"Now moving onto the important topic: the outcome. That will depend on the 'point averaged' from the exam results of every member in the six, large groups. It means the talents of the other school years will also play an important role".

Basically, an average point will be calculated from all 40 people making up a large group.

What worries me is the difference in the number of people.

If it's an average point we're talking about, even though it should be hard for inequality to creep in, depending on how the small groups are assembled there could be a considerable difference in the number of people once we form a large group.

The crucial thing here is 'how to form a large group'.

If this is an exam where we'd simply have to compete against one another in terms of academic ability then it's obvious the large group where all the talented students have gathered will win.

Conversely, students judged talentless will inevitably be chased out of the top groups and will have to form low ranking groups.

However, it's not like you're guaranteed to win out in this special exam just by gathering talented students.

"You've gotten the gist of it to a certain extent, haven't you? Then now for last, I'll be explaining the most important thing here. That is, to say, the result of this special exam's outcome".

So basically what we'll stand to gain and what we stand to lose, huh?

Once again, the reason why we're divided based on groups and not classes should be hidden here.

"For large groups whose average points put them in 1st place through 3rd place, all their students will receive private points as well as class points. For large groups that come in at 4th place all the way down to last place, let's just say you'll receive a demerit".

The details regarding the outcome was, of course, also written on the materials we were given.

"Basic Rewards".

1st Place: 10,000 private points. 3 class points.

2nd Place: 5000 private points. 1 class point.

3rd Place: 3000 private points.

The aforementioned rewards will be distributed to each and every student.

If in a small group of 10, 9 happened to be from the same class, they will stand to gain 27 class points by coming in at 1st place.

Of course it's only describing an ideal scenario but it would be for the best if we could collect students from the same class to the utmost of our ability and come in at 1st place.

However, the more people we have, the greater the damage we'll sustain should we lose. Furthermore, if the number of people increases, the more difficult it will become to control the group.

By the way, the minus factors that concern me hold far more weight than the few plus factors there are.

4th Place: 5000 private points.

5th Place: 10,000 private points. 3 class points.

6th Place: 20,000 private points. 5 class points.

The aforementioned points will be deducted from each and every student.

Private points and class points won't fall below zero but it'll remain behind as cumulative deficit and it'll be calculated out whenever we receive rewards in future exams.

It can be said that this is an element that hadn't been present up until now.

The reason why one would feel the rewards for 1st place through to 3rd place are somewhat lacking is because there's a huge trick behind it.

On the subject of rewards, this sentence was written down. Chabashira went ahead and read it out.

"It's set up such that depending on how many of a particular class is present in a small group, the reward may be doubled. On top of that, the more people there are making up a small group, it will be amplified even further. These are rules that apply for 1st place through to 3rd place and this won't apply for the deduction for 4th place and below so relax".

If two classes make up a small group then 1st place through to 3rd place will be rewarded as aforementioned but if it's composed of three classes then both those points will double. If it's composed of four classes then it will triple.

Furthermore, since the amplification appears to change depending on the total number of people, 10 people would cause it to be multiplied by 1, 15 people would cause it to be multipled by 1.5 at most.

This would be an exception but if a group should be formed with 9 people in it then it would be multiplied by 0.9 in that case.

According to calculations, the greatest reward for taking 1st place would be triple if students from all four classes are present and in addition, for a group with the maximum number of 15 it would be multiplied by 1.5 (rounded to the nearest integer) and each person would receive 45000 private points as well as 14 class points.

So far, this covers the good parts of the special exam and a troublesome yet interesting part also exists.

However, you could say that what's truly important is what comes after this.

"Also, the large group that comes in at last place will incur a massive penalty".

"Penalty......it can't be".

"That's right. It's 'expulsion'".

That penalty, which in itself is no longer a surprise, was revealed.

"Still, it's not like we're going to expel everyone in the large group that places last. Because if we did that then we'd have approximately 40 expelled students on our hands. The criteria by which the expulsion will occur is limited to only the small groups whose average point falls below the borderline average point set forth by the school".

This is a rather troublesome setup. The overall ranking will be calculated from the average points of the large groups yet when it comes to expulsion, it's the average point of the small group that matters.

"If a small group should happen to fall below that border, then their 'leader' will be expelled".

"How exactly will that leader be chosen?".

"You will discuss it within your small group in advance and elect one. That's it".

"What the hell? Who the hell would want to be the leader when expulsion's on the table".

Going forward, I wonder just how many students would volunteer.

"There are upsides to it too. Students who are classmates of the leader will receive double the reward".

"...double, you say?".

Horikita, who had been silent up until now, muttered in surprise.

"That's right. The greatest reward for this special exam would be consolidated by the 12 students from Class C within the group. And the remaining 3 will be drawn from A, B and D each. On top of that, if the leader happens to be someone from Class C and you manage to take 1st place then......".

"W-What'll happen then?".

Yamauchi, unable to perform the calculations, rubbed his nose excitedly.

"1.08 million private points. 336 class points. Is what you stand to gain".

"T-Three hundred and thirty six!".

If we acquire that then in one stroke, our class will change significantly.

It depends on the score the other groups receive but it's not impossible to rise up to Class A in this exam.

The more risks you take, the greater the rewards.

Moreover, the chances of receiving that greatest reward aren't low by any measure.

"After the small group has been established, you'll need to discuss amongst yourselves and decide on a leader before daybreak of the next day. If, by any chance, you are unable to decide on a leader for your group then your group will be immediately disqualified. In other words, all of you will be forcibly expelled. Of course, there haven't been a single group in the past so foolish as to be unable to decide on a leader and be expelled".

So the school won't be the ones deciding. It's something that's up to the students to decide for themselves.

Naturally, we'd end up quarrelling while attempting to decide on a leader. However, if by the end there still aren't any candidates, then we'd have no other choice but to decide it with a lottery or a game of rock-paper-scissors.

It's inevitable considering everyone would know that they could be expelled.

In a situation where it's already going to be difficult bringing it together as one, there's also a high possibility that the unity of the group will be a doubtful one.

"Also, if the leader is to be expelled, they can choose another person from their group to bear joint responsibility and be expelled alongside them. You could say it's sort of like dragging them down with you".

"H-Huh? What's with that? That's fucked up! By appointing some random guy as leader, does it mean we'd be able to crush the leaders of the other classes that way?".

I doubt something like that can be accomplished this easily.

If we're going to be electing a leader then we naturally we should select and screen him to a certain extent.

A student who's clearly a throwaway pawn won't simply be made the leader. If such a thoughtless act were to be allowed then that's on the group.

There aren't any students who'd be willing to self-destruct for the sake of their comrades and drag a student from another class down with them in the first place.

It'd be a different story if that student happened to be chained down in Class D and already harbored thoughts of dropping out anyways but information about students like that will probably spread around anyways.

"Relax, it's not like just about anyone can be made to bear joint responsibility. Only students who are a contributing factor to the group falling below the border, as judged by the school, will be liable for that. Like deliberately failing or boycotting the exam, unless you do such things there'll be no problem".

Certainly if that's the case then you could say that both the leader and their group members are well protected. However, for this exam, one can't help but doubt the way the leader ought to be.

Things are different this time around compared to previous special exams.

What I should focus on is the fact that the assignments for this special exam will be shared across all school years.

And that the same explanation is probably being given right now on the other buses as well.

I need to assume that right now, at this very moment, all sorts of strategies are being laid out.

Not just the 1st years but also the 2nd years fighting their own 2nd year fight and the 3rd years fighting their own 3rd year fight.

To clear up my doubts, I sent a message to a certain man.

Because I wanted to know whether or not the 'student council' has a hand in this special exam.

"One more important thing, the expellee's class will be receiving a proportionate penalty as well. The details of the penalty change depending on the exam but for this special exam, in the case of expulsion, 100 points per person will be deducted. In the case of class points being insufficient, it will be calculated out over time. Until then, it will naturally remain zero".

The magnitude of the consequences remain the same as before but the minus is a substantial deduction.

Yet another essence of this exam.

The selling point of being a leader is that the points to be gained would double but on the other hand, they'll have to accept the risk that is expulsion.

Unless they're allocated to a group that they're confident will do fine, there wouldn't be a single person willing to raise their hand.

However, they won't be able to hand over such a perfect opportunity to the other classes either.

On top of that, there's also the joint responsibility to consider.

Rules that are like blind alleys have been set.

"And with that, the explanation ends. I'll be accepting questions".

Hirata immediately raised his hand.

"If an expulsion occurs.....is there any way to extend a lifeline?".

"If you're expelled, you're expelled. Nothing to be done about it, right?".

Such words came from Sudou. But Hirata denied them.

"That's not true. As a matter of fact, Sudou-kun was almost expelled once by Chabashira-sensei. But thanks to Horikita-san's quick-wittedness you were saved. Just like that, it'd be strange if there isn't anything we can do".

Hirata got it right.

Chabashira answered with a smile.

"That's right. As a last resort, you can buy a 'cancellation of expulsion' with private points but of course, the price will be high you know? Cancellation of expulsion.....in other words, as a general rule a 'lifeline' will be equally in demand by all school years. To extend a lifeline to a single person, 20 million private points and a further 300 class points must be paid. This is, at most, just a lifeline and the penalty that will be incurred upon expulsion won't be waived. Of course, if either of the points required happen to be insufficient then you cannot use a lifeline".

A lifeline that requires a tremendous amount of private points isn't something you could possibly pay for.

For the current exam, a minimum of '400' class points are the prerequisite for a lifeline.

Students who are disposed of via expulsion probably won't be bailed out in the first place.

Because in order to save one, the entire class would be losing a great sum.

"That 20 million points you talked about, it doesn't matter even if the entire class pitches in for it right?".

However, Hirata has considered a future where he might have to use that lifeline and did not neglect to check.

"That's exactly right. But this has nothing to do with you lot since you don't have that much either way".

Chabashira concludes the document.

"There isn't much time left until we reach our destination. How you choose to utilize this time is up to you. Once we arrive, I will be collecting the materials I've handed out. Also, the use of cell phones will be forbidden for a week. I'll be confiscating them soon. Other than that, you're free to bring along daily necessities and gaming equipment but you won't be allowed to bring along foodstuff. Things that cannot be stored long term, such as meat, will have to be either eaten before arrival or thrown away in the garbage bag upon alighting. That is all".

Students who did not give much of a reaction to the explanation of the special exam raised their voices at that.

Although they've already experienced the same thing on the uninhabited island, it must be difficult having your phone confiscated for a week.

"I have a question!".

Ike excitedly raised his hand. Chabashira gives a bitter smile.

"You said boys and girls will be separated but exactly how far apart will we be?".

"There are two buildings at the outdoor school. The main building will be used by the boys and the other one will be used by the girls. The buildings are next to one another but in theory, you will be living apart from each other for a week. You won't be allowed to go outside without permission during recess and after school either".

"So that means we won't be able to talk to one another?".

"No, each day for an hour at the cafeteria in the main building, both boys and girls will have their meals together. It's only within that period that the school won't issue any instructions. In other words, you're free to do whatever you want then. Do you understand?".

"Yes!".

Perhaps he's just that happy to be able to talk to girls, as Ike rejoiced.

I got up a bit and turned to look at Shinohara, who's sitting nearby. As I did, I noticed that despite looking exasperated, she appeared somewhat happy to hear Ike's words.

Perhaps that Christmas dinner worked out.

"If there aren't any more questions then I'll be ending this".

Maybe she decided that only silly questions would be forthcoming as Chabashira wrapped things up immediately.

"Sensei. May I borrow your microphone?".

As Chabashira tried to wrap things up, it was Hirata who cut her short.

"Of course, do you as wish".

Chabashira said so as she let go of the microphone and took her seat.

Hirata slowly came forward to replace her and took the microphone into his hands.

"From what sensei said, it doesn't look like we have much time but first of all, I'd like to hear everyone's opinion. On how to overcome this exam. What sort of partition we should aim for in groups".

"For something like that, wouldn't it be best if we could get as much of our classmates in it as possible? We select our best and form a small group of 12 and the rest we can bring it one from each of the other classes. Ain't that perfect?".

Sudou said that to Hirata.

"That would be ideal but I wonder if those 3 students from other classes would be willing to join our small group of 12. They'd naturally be on their guard".

It'd be a group shamelessly aiming to win.

I don't think students from other classes would join one after another at our convenience.

And also, if that group fails to get 1st place then the damage we'd receive would be considerable as well.

"But---. If the smart ones end up forming a group then we'd lose all chances of winning".

Yamauchi muttered that.

It appears he still hasn't realized that it's not our academic ability that's being tested this time.

"We'd also like a chance to obtain private points for ourselves".

It's understandable that Yamauchi would complain. This was a problem that came up a while back during the exam on the cruise as well.

The large group at the top will gain private points but for the students at the bottom, there'd be no profit.

On the contrary, they'd lose their private points. If so, then a lot of students would understandably want to be allocated to the winning group.

"In regards to that, if everyone consents to it then I'd like to go with a way that allows for equal distribution. We don't know which large group will come out on top. Once the exam is underway, and we can confirm that private points will increase for the entire class, then we can divide them up between ourselves. Since transfer of points is permitted there shouldn't be a problem".

Even if we get points deducted, if everyone shares the burden then the risk would also decrease.

"Ohh, I see. There's that".

Of course that makes it easy for the talented students to complain though but it's also easy to come to a consensus in this special exam.

What the deciding factor will be is still a mystery.

"Fufu........".

Having heard Hirata propose his plan, Chabashira turned away and laughed.

"I wasn't able to answer before since you lot didn't ask me any questions but as a reward for your promotion to Class C I'll give you just one, good advice".

"Advice?".

Rather than obediently accept the reward, Hirata showed caution.

"Whenever you aren't bound by the rules, you're free to transfer private points. Whether it be in the middle of the exam or during your daily life, as long as it's within legal boundaries, you can transfer them however you please. Just one thing, private points aren't the same thing as simple pocket money. Keep that in mind".

"By that, do you mean that while saving up 20 million points, it's possible to transfer to any class of your choosing? Or is this about the lifeline?".

"That's not what I meant. There are various ways to use private points. Even a single, extra point saved could make all the difference when it comes to the lifeline is what I mean. Doesn't always mean that getting along and sharing points and supporting one another is the right thing to do you know? For instance, let's say Ike made a mistake and he'll be expelled unless a million points are paid right away. Let's assume you've fallen into this predicament. And if a transfer isn't allowed right then and there and he'd be expelled unless he has a million private points on hand, what'll you do then? If you adopt the strategy of sharing equally amongst yourselves, you may be doing something you cannot take back".

Having heard his name be used as an example, I could hear Ike gulping beside me.

"Besides, when that happens, there's no guarantee the other students will save you. Because it may yet be they themselves who fall into a predicament next. The only one capable of protecting you would be you yourself".

Chabashira gave advice as though trying to say the strategy of sharing evenly amongst ourselves is a mistake.

It may be advice we should be grateful for but now it'll prove difficult to unite the class.

"The ones who work hard will be rewarded with success. That much is common knowledge in society. Once you enter society, someone benevolent enough to share their salary and bonuses with their friends would be a rare case even amongst the rare cases.

Now that you know this, what you do from this point onwards is up to you, Chabashira said so as she laughed.

In all likelihood, what Chabashira said just now is true.

I don't think a teacher of this school would stir things up just because there isn't a precedent.

Because every day, she speaks in perfect accordance with the manual. However, there's an underside to this.

There probably have been cases where individuals have saved up private points but conversely, there have been people saved because their classmates have been saving up a great sum of points.

As for how I know this, it's because in the past, Horikita and I supplied the private points for a nearly-expelled Sudou as a third party and that set a precedent.

Ultimately, sharing it evenly amongst ourselves can still be a preventative measure against unforeseen incidents.

By giving an individual such a great sum of money, you run the risk of them misappropriating it and a betrayal is also very possible.

Chabashira said something disruptive towards her own class. Of course, I can't reject the possibility that it's merely school policy but.......

"Shall we put it to a majority vote then? It's not like we'll decide through that but rather, I'd like to know what everyone thinks after hearing that just now. Can the people who'd prefer to share evenly amongst ourselves during the special exam from now on please raise your hands? Of course, I don't mind even if you change your mind later".

Hirata raised his own hand and became the first one to do so.

Most of the students were troubled by that and they could only raise their hands bit by bit.

It is important to be united as one class and help one another but when it comes down to it, it's also crucial that you prepare insurance in case you're the one being disposed of.

Once again, it appears most of the students have saved only a few ten thousand or hundred thousand private points.

In that case, there'll be quite a few students who will have enough points saved up for emergencies if only then can place 1st.

The students who aren't confident in themselves are the ones who'd wish the most for an equal share. There were more of them than expected but in the end, the number of raised hands wasn't even half the class.

"Thank you".

It means the majority of the class does not wish for an equal sharing of the points.

However, now that it's become like this even Hirata, who's from the equal sharing faction, won't be able to prod things in that direction that easily anymore.

"Was it unnecessary advice, Hirata?".

"No, I'm grateful for it. It's valuable information for us at this stage".

My phone vibrated once. I thought 'he' had replied and took my phone out but it turned out that it was a message from the Horikita 'sister'.

I already guessed it but it had to do with this special exam.

"Do you have any ideas?".

A sentence that left everything to me.

"None whatsoever".

I replied with just that.

But, I reconsidered just a bit and decided to send just one more thing.

"This exam will separate boys and girls. I cannot help with anything, please do your best".

I decided to give such a cheerleading shout. Horikita probably has a lot of things she'd like to say to me but it's impossible to do so here.

I quickly concluded my chat with Horikita and checked yet another chat group that's currently active.

It's the chat for the Ayanokouji Group (I don't mean to brag or anything though).

Keisei and Akito as well as Airi and Haruka were merrily discussing the exam away.

I had already read it but I closed it without making any comments in particular.

And so I listened to Hirata and the others' conversation.

"There isn't enough time to formulate a strategy. Besides, if boys and girls will have to form groups away from one another then it'll be difficult enough just advising each other".

"No way.......".

Looking at it from the girls' perspective, they would no longer be able to ask Hirata, the man they could always depend on, for help.

It's understandable they'd feel uneasy.

"Since we boys won't be able to lend you a hand, I think the girls should decide on a clear leader. Can you take on that role, Horikita-san?".

Hirata must have been thinking of this ever since he heard the explanation for the exam.

He pinned a white arrow on that lone girl, Horikita.

Of course, Horikita is about the only one who could play this role in our class.

"Very well. I don't mind, consult me anytime if there's something troubling you".

Horikita replied like that without showing any displeasure. However, even though Horikita is gradually becoming someone our classmates can depend on, their level of trust in her is still a far cry from Hirata's.

But if it's Horikita as she is right now, she'll understand that herself too.

"However, there should be quite a few girls who feel like I won't be reliable enough alone. I don't like to say this about myself but I don't think I have a personality that lends itself well to a consultation".

It really isn't something one would like to say about themselves.

"That's why I'd like Kushida-san to help me as a sub-leader. What do you say?".

Horikita said so towards Kushida, who sat towards the front.

"W-Will I even be of use?".

"Of course you will. You are trusted more than anyone else in this class".

"Umm.....ok. If you're ok with me then I'll cooperate".

"Thank you. Now it'll be a lot easier for the others to ask for consultation. If you find it difficult to talk to me directly then I don't mind it if you do so via Kushida-san. I'll respond to any consultation, no matter how trivial".

Leaving aside the extent to which Kushida is trustworthy, it's an unmistakable fact that this is the best approach right now.

Because of the rules of this exam, it's considerably difficult for boys and girls to meddle with each other's affairs.

First of all, it's impossible for a boy to join in on the fight at the girls' side.

Both the lessons we'll be receiving and the exam we'll be taking, despite being in the same facility, will be taking place at different locations.

The only time we can make contact is during the one hour we have for dinner.

More so if our phones, which we could use for regular contact, will be confiscated.

Still, it's essential that we gather as much information as possible.

In that case, I'll need accomplices to help me gather information from the girls. Within our class, Kushida's movements are also slightly worrying.

The only two I can use would have to be either Horikita or Kei. The former's currently stuck in a rather troublesome situation. Also, I need to take into account her overthinking my intentions and taking unnecessary action as well.

Most importantly, if she's being consulted by the other girls then she won't have room to do other things as well.

Therefore, as expected, the only one I can use would have to be Kei.

But I cannot possibly force Kei to see through the entire group alone.

I sent the essential facts over to Kei's phone.

The mail arrived and was immediately seen by Kei, who replied with a blank mail.

Boys and girls will be fighting a battle while separated for an extended period of time.

A unique special exam was about to begin and it appears she had instantly assumed I'd contact her.

Kei herself might want some advice right about now.

Considering the leader and joint responsibility system, it's not impossible to think that even Kei may end up becoming a sacrifice.

In regards to her attitude during lessons and her exam scores, I cannot say that Kei is doing well, even as flattery.

That's why I'll teach her how to protect herself.

It isn't something every student will be able to pull off but it's a way to lower the risk even if just a little.

As for me, I couldn't care less about the special exam that's going to be held really.

I have no intention of executing winning strategies. I'm just going to overcome it safely.

Still, just like how I'm giving Kei advice, it doesn't mean I won't be making a move at all.

The worst case scenario in the special exam would be multiple expulsions occurring in Class C.

And it's impossible to perfectly protect the whole class by myself.

I have to narrow down the people I need to protect.

In short, other than myself, I'd like to protect Kei, who has finally become a prominent accomplice as well as Hirata.

Next up, considering my involvement with the student council, I'll need to make sure Horikita survives as well.

Then there are also my friends Keisei, Akito, Haruka and Airi. It's just, while I wish for them to remain, they won't be under my protection. However, as a friend, I will definitely pray for them not to get expelled.

Even though there won't be many opportunities for all the school years to gather together, it should be fine if I just kept an eye on Nagumo's movements.

I have no interest in the skirmishes that will occur around me.

The bus left the highway and began to gradually ascend the mountain road that's paved to a certain extent. I wonder if it's become a custom for us to go to the ocean or to rivers or places surrounded by nature whenever we leave the school.

N/T: 'Zazen' is a type of meditation that has its roots in Zen Buddhism.

1

Anyway, upon arrival, the special exam will begin.

Judging from how they confiscated our cell phones, it appears this is a troublesome exam where you'd have to either gather information yourself or utilize your personal connections.

However, since the more carelessly you act, the more information is leaked, utmost discretion is demanded of us.

"I'm not cut out for this.......".

My honest mutters.

No matter how many special exams I've been through already, I still haven't gotten used to them one bit.

Throughout my life, I've seldom ever cooperated with others.

"We will be arriving at our destination soon. Immediately afterwards, we will have you form groups indoors. And then afterwards, depending on whether or not you've finished partitioning your rooms, you'll have lunch. Throughout the afternoon you'll all be free to do whatever you want".

"That means......hooray! That means we don't have to study today right?".

Ike happily looked towards me and laughed.

That's probably going to be the case. However, unlike during summer vacation, today is a non-holiday.

Despite the long transit time, isn't this a kind of special treatment? It's not that different from a field trip.

Upon arriving at the destination, the bus slowed down and drove towards the parking lot before stopping.

"Students will hand in their cell phones when their names are called and alight from the bus. Ayanokouji, Ike---".

Chabashira performed a roll call of the boys in syllabary order while having them start alighting from the bus.

I turned off my phone and placed it inside the plastic box set beside our teacher.

Upon alighting, an unfamiliar teacher approached. And we were then instructed to wait a slight distant away from the bus.

"Ahh---it's cold!".

After alighting from the bus, Ike hugged himself and shouted. Perhaps it's because we're in the mountains?

It's colder than it was when we had left the school. However, a spectacle unfolded before our eyes that almost made us forget the cold for a moment.

"Wow.....what's this place? This isn't on the scale of a mere outdoors school......".

Before us lay a wide, open space that resembled the school grounds. And behind that were two old-fashioned school buildings.

In order to accomodate all three school years, their size was also considerable.

It appears we'll be spending a week here.

It was the same too during our time on the uninhabited island but I'm really not used to living amongst nature like this.

Considering how this may be an exam that's related to such things, Ike, who had been a boy scout, could be useful.

In addition, taking physical strength into account, Sudou's presence is also reassuring.

The girls were also alighting one after another. Horikita, upon alighting, seemed like she wanted to talk to me but unfortunately, we were already lining up and as such, that proved to be impossible.

Boys and girls were then split up and we each headed over to the school building. The boys to the larger one, which is what they call the main building.

Once we stepped inside the building, the somehow familiar scent of timber tickled our noses.

"It's an old-fashioned wooden building. It seems to be several years old but it looks pretty well maintained. It's really beautiful".

Hirata said so but it appears everyone else agrees with him as well.

Along the way, in a room that appears to be a classroom of some sort, there was no air-conditioning installed but rather a stove had been placed at the center of it.

Probably starting from tomorrow, we'll have lessons in classrooms like that one.

We then passed by what appears to be a gymnasium.

The boys from Class A and Class B arrive and they looked in our direction.

Afterwards, Class D entered and next up would probably be the 2nd and 3rd years.

We were instructed to form a line, stand still and wait for further instructions.

Class A, and Class B too, appeared calm and did not chat amongst themselves. I should assume they've already come up with some sort of strategy on the bus.

2

The boys from across all school years assembled in the gymnasium. Feeling uncomfortable, the 1st years immediately assembled and awaited further instructions without making a fuss.

Not too long afterwards, someone who looked like the teacher of a different school year stood up on a stage with a microphone in hand and spoke to the students.

"I'll assume you've all received prior explanation in the bus regarding the contents of this exam and that you've digested it. As such, there will be no further explanation of it here. Now then, we'll be forming our small groups here so I'll have you set aside time for this. Each school year will hold a discussion in order to create six small groups. Furthermore, as for the formation of the large groups, it'll take place at 8 pm today. That's all. This is supplementary information but when it comes to partitioning the groups, irrespective of size, the school will not interfere. And we will not act as arbitrators either".

Instructions for the boys to do as they wish were conveyed. Before we form the large groups, we'll need to start with the small groups.

Alright then, I wonder what sort of the strategy the other classes will go with and what objectives will they be aiming for. They should have, to a certain extent, already come up with a strategy on the bus but let's see.

Each school year took their distance and inside the gymnasium, we began to partition ourselves into groups. I'm curious about the movements of the other school years but from this distance I won't be able to ascertain the finer details.

As I casually observed the senior students like that, the partitioning of groups commenced and before even a few seconds had passed, there was movement from within the 1st year classes.

I thought we'd be sounding each other out for a while longer but Class A blatantly started forming a massive group.

A most conspicuous action considering the stalemate we're locked in. Inevitably, they drew attention from their surroundings.

Eventually, Class A formed a single group consisting of 14 people. And then they made this declaration to Class B and below, that is to say, us.

"As you can see, we Class A intend on forming a group with these members. And as you can see, right now we number 14. If one more person were to join us, we'd meet the prerequisite number. Now then, we're looking for people willing to join us".

The one who said that was a student from Class A named Matoba.

Katsuragi was also among the 14 that had gathered but the one leading them was the boy named Matoba.

So does this mean Katsuragi isn't the group's leader? Either way, from the start, Class A played the hand of forming a group made up of their own as much as possible.

"Oi, oi. Why the hell are you guys getting ahead of yourselves? It's unfair if you're the only ones in it".

Sudou angrily glares at Matoba.

"Is it really that selfish of us? If we go with our proposal, each group will be composed of, at most, students from two classes. Even if we're 1st place, the bonus we'll get won't be that significant either. I don't feel like this is a greedy proposal that favors only Class A".

"N-No but I mean, it's unfair that there's 14 of you".

"That's not true. On the contrary, it's fair. The remaining three classes can create three groups consisting of 15. In other words, wouldn't it be fine if you form groups just like ours?".

"Is that so?".

Sudou, who didn't quite understand what Matoba is saying, turned around and looked at Hirata.

"That would be the case, yes".

"If you understand then this makes things go quicker. By the way, the remaining 6 from Class A are willing to join your groups in whatever form you see fit".

How does that sound? Matoba smiled as he looked at Hirata.

He looked at Class B's Kanzaki and Shibata the same way as well.

"Umm---.....let's see, I do believe this isn't a bad deal. What about you, Kanzaki?".

"Sorry but I can't give an immediate reply".

"Of course---. I don't believe the remaining six from Class A will go as far as to pull the legs of the other groups on purpose though. But I guess we'd be cautious after all".

Class A tried to decide on the groups right away. However, Kanzaki did not make an immediate decision but rather, tried to put their proposal on hold.

However, in response to that, Matoba fiercely cut in.

"In that case I'll give you 5 minutes. Please make your decision by then".

"A time limit, huh? The group partitioning's only just begun. This is only Class A's personal opinion, it's no good if you onesidedly decide on this. Don't you think it's outrageous that you'd only postpone it by 5 minutes?".

Even if you could say every class would be able to make up a group consisting of 14 of their own, it would be a lie to say that it's a fair proposal for all classes.

The only ones who can afford to think they wouldn't mind even if the bonus points happened to be on the low side would be Class A, who's currently in 1st place and maintaining the lead.

"I suppose so. It may not be good for us to decide that on our own. However, please don't misunderstand, we're not saying we won't negotiate after 5 minutes have passed. At most, we're only saying that these 5 minutes will offer special treatment".

"Special treatment?".

Matoba's just taking the lead and continuing the conversation. It's precisely because the other classes have yet to form their opinions and make their move that he's able to propose whatever he wants.

Truly what you'd call a preemptive strike.

"We Class A will form a group with the 14 of us and welcome just one person from another class. Leaving aside whether or not this is the optimal strategy, it is true that we're selfishly forcing this on you. As such, the one person we'll be welcoming, in other words, if it's now that person will receive special treatment from us".

Matoba smoothly conveys the strategy they must have come up with in advance on the bus.

"If you'll join our group, we will ensure there's no risk to that student. Katsuragi-kun will be this group's leader but even if, by any chance, we're last place then Katsuragi-kun will be the only one to bear the responsibility for it. I promise that we won't drag you down through joint responsibility. Ahh, of course, that's only if you won't intentionally lower our scores or deliberately hurt our allies though. If your exam scores are legitimately bad then we'll pardon it all".

So that's the special treatment he referred to.

"Are you serious......?".

Some students saw some value in that proposal of special treatment. Taking the class into account and forming a group geared towards obtaining the most bonus points in case of victory and assembling group members in order to do so. Such acts are also necessary but the ones who'd think that are the individuals who make up the core of the class.

For your average student, afraid of expulsion, the 'special treatment' proposal that'd allow them to clear this exam with a 100% guarantee of safety isn't such a bad proposal.

Even though Katsuragi ended up as the leader, the one in charge here is the boy named Matoba. Judging from his tone of voice, I could tell he's a relatively capable student.

It probably means that Class A still possesses talented individuals who have not yet revealed themselves.

However, I wonder exactly why Katsuragi did not come forward. Having lost his status within his class, is he being made to bear the responsibility for that?

"Since the 14 of us intend on being first place, there's a good chance that person will also be rewarded with private points. In each class, in regards to this exam, shouldn't there be those without much confidence in themselves?".

Saying that, he looked around at all the students. Now Matoba's words resounded especially in the students who didn't feel like passing up on his offer of special treatment.

"However, if you cannot decide within 5 minutes, we will withdraw our offer of special treatment. If, by any chance, our class receives a penalty, then we won't hesitate to drag you down with us".

"I think this is certainly an interesting proposition but in that case, the benefits of joining your group after 5 minutes would plummet. There isn't a single student who'd want to join when the possibility of being dragged down is high".

There's no need to even say it, Kanzaki added.

"That's right. Nobody's going to join a group knowing they're going to do something like that".

The students who, for a brief moment, considered the special treatment said so in response.

"I don't care how you think of us but we definitely won't break".

Saying that, Matoba dragged his group off and retreated.

It's a way of saying they have no intentio

"It's fine if they ignore us. If 5 minutes pass, there'd be no one willing to join that group. Given time, they'll be the ones to return for discussion".

"Suppose so".

Kanzaki and Shibata said so and decided to keep their distance and calm. I couldn't see any strange movements from Kaneda and the others of Class D.

However, Hirata, who received that offer from Class A, appeared to slightly differ in his train of thought. Approaching me, Keisei and Akito, he called out in a soft voice as though asking for our opinions.

"...what do you guys think?".

"Do you mean about Class A's strategy?".

Keisei took the initiative and asked Hirata.

"Yeah. Surprisingly enough, I don't think their proposal is that bad. The one, absolute condition of this exam is that we, Class C, all overcome it safely. Because we've risen to Class C after all. I don't want to ruin this good mood and I don't wish for the expulsion of a student from the same class. However, the group in last place carries the risk of expulsion. If we have Class A protect the students without confidence in themselves then for one we could rest easy is what I think".

Certainly, if we're going for defense then Class A's proposal has its merits.

"However, it's just whether or not there's any guarantee that Class A will uphold their promise of special treatment to the end. If they happen to be in last place, there's the possibility they'd forcibly go for the joint responsibility. A verbal promise may yet be broken".

Hirata's anxiety over that is understandable.

Essentially speaking, a verbal promise too, can be binding. However, even if we shout that at them they can simply turn it into a pointless argument.

If Class A denies all knowlege of what we're talking about then it'll just muddy the waters and most importantly, their promise to not drag us down is based on the assumption that we won't 'intentionally' sabotage their group.

Even if a student's exam scores happened to be on the low side, it's difficult to distinguish between an intentional act and a non-intentional one.

Still, in a place like this without any pen or papers, we can't leave it in writing either. Even if we attempt to rely on the teachers, they've already stated that they won't be involved in the partitioning of the groups.

It'd be meaningless to ask them to remember this verbal promise. But still, Matoba's promise of special treatment is something that's reached the ears of all 1st years.

To ignore this and go with the dragging down approach would be a huge disadvantage for them too. In theory, it should be fine to trust them.

".....it might be possible to have them shelter one".

I got in on Keisei and Hirata's conversation.

"That's right. If we make our move then the rest is how Class B and Class D choose to act".

If we accept their special treatment, it could be seen as siding with Class A, after they used a brute force method.

Even though it was only a short time, Hirata seemed to want to persistently think about it until the very last moment. Roughly three minutes have passed since the sudden proposal.

I don't know whether or not they're faithfully counting down each second but Matoba and the others are leisurely standing by.

Perhaps they've assumed someone would raise their hand. Or perhaps they're thinking up a different strategy. We watchfully waited down the remaining two minutes to see whether or not we should wait for Matoba and his group to make their move. That depends on the leaders of classes B and under.

"Kanzaki-shi. I have an idea, may I?".

Class D's Kaneda approached Class B's Kanzaki. Rather than whispering in a soft voice, it was a bold approach that everyone around could hear. Kaneda beckoned Hirata over too and in response, Hirata went over to him.

"I've determined that this could be considered an opportunity. Thanks to Class A assembling together, even if their class is to win, they'll only be able to gain two classes worth of bonus points. On top of that, considering the conditions they've laid out, we'd be able to position the Class A students however we want. In other words, it means we can form the remaining groups out of all four classes. Can't it be said that the higher our rank, the closer we'll be to Class A and this is the chance to do just that?".

"That's if we can beat the Class A group".

I don't know the exact scores but during Paper Shuffle, Class A destroyed Class B. If this exam is a showdown of academic abilities then we'd be at a disadvantage.

"Sure there are risks. However, this isn't a simple showdown of academic abilities. How about it? I think it's best if we take action to overthrow Class A here. I believe it's not a bad idea".

Kaneda said. To lay siege to Class A through the cooperation of three classes B, C and D is the objective here.

"Well, in order for our three classes to cooperate, we'd have to acknowledge Class A's group of 14 though. But, considering the four classes worth of bonus points we'd get, wouldn't that be nothing much? Furthermore, they're even offering special treatment so everything works out perfectly".

"That's right. I think Kaneda-kun's strategy is sound".

Hirata gave his support. Kanzaki must have been more cautious, since he didn't give an immediate reply. He seems to be thoroughly mulling over the advantages of having four classes.

"But who are we going to place in that group? At the very least, I doubt there are any students in Class B willing to volunteer for a group that's made up chiefly of Class A. That includes me too".

Even if we'll be protected by their special treatment, that person will have to spend a week with that Class A group. One thing's certain and that's that it won't be comfortable.

"I'd like to ask Class B and Class D. Are there any candidates?".

In response to Hirata's words, the students from those two classes look at one another. However, nobody quite raised their hands.

"Then, I'd like to ask everyone from Class C as well. Do you have any candidates?".

This time he asks his own class. However, the reaction was the same as Class B and Class D's. There are probably a few students who're considering the special treatment but being concerned about everyone's gazes as well as the uncomfortableness, no volunteer came forward.

"This is just my onesided guess but you're all thinking that Class A might just keep their promise".

"How can you tell?".

"Because they're Class A, I suppose. Despite having declared they won't drag anyone down, if they still forcibly drag us students from the lower classes into it, then in the future they wouldn't be able to make deals like this anymore. We're still in the 3rd semester of the 1st year, so if they lose trust from us going forward, it would be a huge loss for them, I think".

Hirata's opinion makes sense. If this is the final, decisive fight then Class A won't care. However, there's still more than two years left to go.

If they keep their promises to a certain degree here then they'd be able to use a similar strategy in other exams as well. In time, wouldn't they do something absurd like that, is what Hirata is thinking.

"I don't want to praise the enemy but they are Class A. Their grades are simply better than ours. In other words, I don't think they'd be last place or fall below the borderline by a large margin. That's why I'd like you all to be aware that you are not being assigned to a losing group".

What Hirata is trying to say is something Ike and the others understand well too.

"Fortunately, Class B and Class D don't seem to have any candidates so I'd like to pick someone from Class C to join the Class A group. Even if they win, our class will still receive a reward and we'd be able to avoid an expulsion on the off-chance it should occur. How does that sound?".

He said so and looked at Ike and Yamauchi in particular.

He probably wants to protect the students who feel unsure about their own capability, even if he can only do so for one. Hirata makes one, final push.

"Even if the student receiving special treatment falls below the borderline score, can you promise me that you won't blame them for it?".

Hirata confirms it with Matoba.

"Of course. From the start, we're not expecting anything. If you can uphold the condition we set first then I guarantee it".

"...I suppose I'll go".

The one who whispered that was Ike.

Hearing that, Yamauchi also said the same thing.

"I might also want to go".

On top of that, the Professor also volunteered. A total of three named themselves.

"Then, in the spirit of fairness, let's go with rock-paper-scissors. I'll have the winning one join the group".

Hirata's also guiding them and just like that, the three of them played rock-paper-scissors.

As a result, Yamauchi became the one to join the Class A group.

And just like that, a group with Class A in charge was successfully formed and leaving behind six students from Class A they headed off towards Mashima-sensei.

It was only for a few minutes.

"Now we can form the groups however we like but what to do? We could do it like Class A and form three groups of 14. Just like Class A, we could go with the strategy of not dragging the leftover one down and cooperate with each other. That's also one option. However, as for me, just as I said earlier, I'd like to propose that the four classes join up".

"That's right. Now that we've humored Class A's proposal, we should go with a four class composite".

"No objections, then. What about Class C?".

Kanzaki and Kaneda presented a strategy that would offer the highest bonus points.

"If we're aiming to win then this is necessary. I won't object".

"Hold on, Hirata. Is it really ok to agree just like that? I don't feel like going at it in a group with guys like Ishizaki in it".

Sudou interrupted.

That's not just Sudou's opinion but Keisei, and a lot of other students from Class C, share that opinion as well. And also, I could hear a few complaints coming from Class B and Class D too. The four class composite offers high bonus points as its advantage but in exchange, it's also easy for problems to arise. If students in a cat-and-dog relationship with one another join hands, it would even have an effect on our scores.

"I get it. I don't think this is something we can decide on right away either. Class A seems to have formed a group of 14 based on some criteria but things probably won't be that easy for us".

Judging from how satisfied all the Class A students seemed to be about it, they're probably going to split up the rewards evenly amongst themselves.

Or perhaps, they've even promised the remaining six greater rewards since they'd be bearing more risk by not joining their group.

This may be a strategy they're able to take precisely because they're in a position of safety know as Class A.

"How about forming a temporary group for now while taking everyone's opinions into account. If we run into problems, we can just disband immediately".

"That's right. I agree with that too. Even if we keep sounding each other out here, we'd only be wasting precious time without coming to a consensus. Class A's already resolved the matter of the groups and have moved onto the next phase".

They've concluded that they wouldn't get anywhere by squabbling with each other. The other students are also leaving it up to their leaders, it seems, since almost no one objected.

"No objections here either".

Kaneda also accepted it without any objections. The group partitioning proceeded without a hitch. However, the students observing this, despite not voicing their objections, had skeptical looks on their faces.

The one who originally led Class D wasn't Kaneda but rather, Ryuuen. And that's something they understand as a matter of fact.

However Ryuuen, who they saw as their leader, did not join in on our conversation but instead kept his distance from everyone and doesn't even seem to be paying attention.

The 3rd semester's already begun and it's common knowledge that Ryuuen's stepped down. Of course, among the students who don't know the details behind it, there are more than a few who suspect him of faking it.

"I'd like to ask you something. Did Ryuuen put you up to it?".

Since even Hirata and Kanzaki hesitated to ask that question, Shibata went straight to the point and did so.

Kaneda took off his glasses and blew away what seemed like accumulated dust on them.

"No, this is my idea. His opinions are irrelevant. Even if, by any chance, we're in cahoots behind the scenes it's still me talking to you right now. Do you have a problem with that?".

Shibata approached and apologized to Kaneda, whose expression had now turned grim.

"I just wanted to confirm that with you. Sorry if I offended you".

"No such thing. More importantly, let's continue our dialogue. If we screw up the group partitioning, it will take up quite a bit of time. We can't afford to spend time on idle talk".

Group partitioning is indeed a difficult matter. And each person in the group, in spite of acting for the common good of the group, will still look out for themselves so they don't end up expelled and they must take action to ensure their class receives the rewards as well.

It sounds easy but it can be unbelievably difficult. And more than anything, when it comes to forming groups, the real struggle is to not nab the big names but to make sure you don't end up drawing the short straw.

The focus should be on how best to push the students likely to slow you down to another group.

In order to proceed with the group formation, Hirata from Class C, Kanzaki from Class B and Kaneda from Class D each raised their voices as the first of their groups of 15.

They seem like they're putting aside the matter of the minority groups for now. Work began on selecting eleven suitable people from the ranks of the classes.

The few students who immediately volunteered to join the group went over to Hirata. If one of your own is in charge of your group then it means you avoid being dragged down and you'd be familiar with them as well.

Intervention from the other classes can also be minimized that way. As though it's the obvious choice of action, they gathered. Class B also showed a similar trend and they reached their quota faster than expected.

And as for Class D, they had begun slowly forming their group.

I'm probably not the only one keeping an eye on Class D. Leaving aside prominent students like Kanzaki and Shibata, a lot of the other students are also observing them. Because they wanted to know what exactly Ryuuen Kakeru is to that class now. Neither Class B nor Class C trusts Class D yet at this stage. It's because the man known as Ryuuen had set traps far too many times until now. Understandable.

"What are you going to do, Kiyotaka?".

Keisei and Akito came over to check with me.

"What about the two of you?".

Putting on a contemplative face, I returned the question.

"I'm thinking of sticking with Keisei. Using your head and thinking things over isn't really my forte you see".

".....a group made up chiefly of Class C has its draw. It's just, to be honest, I'm not really down with Hirata's way of doing things".

"And that means?".

Not understanding, Akito asked.

"Rather than prioritizing victory, Hirata is focusing on protecting his comrades. I won't say that's a bad thing but ultimately it means our chances of winning would decrease as a result. As a matter of fact, Ike and Onizuka as well as Sotomura are hoping to join Hirata's group. Whether or not they'll be useful, of course, depends on the contents of the exam. They may yet be able to score better than I can. But, it's far likelier that they won't be given what I think the exam contents will be".

"Well, I suppose that's also true.....".

"Class A isn't a disorderly mob after all. Even if Yamauchi pulls their leg, it's still skeptical whether or not Hirata's group can win. The only thing we can accomplish is to avoid being dragged down. In that case, I'd much rather be a minority in another group. I think we should aim for victory with an elite few".

"If this is a showdown of average points then that'd be a surefire way, huh?".

Out of all the 1st years, there are 80 boys.

20 in each class. If we're to properly divide them up then:

Class A (14 from A, 1 from C) = 15 people

Class B (12 from B, 1 from A, 1 from C, 1 from D) = 15 people

Class C (12 from C, 1 from A, 1 from B, 1 from D) = 15 people

Class D (12 from D, 1 from A, 1 from C, 1 from B) = 15 people

The remaining 20 (3 from Class A, 6 from Class B, 5 from Class C and 6 from Class D).

Those 20 will probably have to split up into and form two groups.

However, just as the majority of the students form teams according to the wishes of their class representatives, there are also students who aren't quite doing that. One of those is unmistakably Class D's Ryuuen Kakeru.

As though he had no interest in participating in this exam in the first place, he did not interact with anyone. Rather, he spent that time alone, waiting.

However, it's not like he's a mere loner. Nobody bothered with him but instead of spending that time wallowing in loneliness, he boldly persevered through the isolation.

However, now that not all groups have been decided on, we won't be able to move forward. Inevitably, one of the leftover groups must take Ryuuen in.

In a situation where even fellow classmates like Ishizaki won't talk to him, I can think of only one student who can make a move.

"Ryuuen-kun. If you don't mind, why don't you join our team?".

The one who called out to him was, of course, my classmate Hirata. Looking at it from Ryuuen's perspective, since he's already retired from the whole class conflict, an exam like this one that demands compulsory participation may be nothing more than an annoyance but he probably won't clumsily rebel against it either.

"Hold up, Hirata! This isn't funny, taking Ryuuen into our fold!".

All the students who have joined Hirata's group object.

Who'd willingly want to carry around that ultimate bomb? In a strategy that's about climbing up to Class A, Ryuuen Kakeru is a most unnecessary person.

In this battle that revolves around the seat of Class A in this school, the students have attained a certain degree of understanding. However, at the same time, their doubts would also be wafting right up.

That is to say, a scenario where they graduate from a class that is 'not Class A'.

Of course, then they wouldn't fall under that dreamlike system which guarantees you any sort of higher education or job. But in that case, just how high an evaluation they'd get, is the point. Those doubts are everlasting for students who have enrolled here. It's like how good news and bad news intermingle all at once. As for the cons, it'd be being labelled as a 'student who couldn't make the cut'.

Whether or not universities and employers would deem them as such and refuse to admit or employ them.

However, on the other hand, there are also opinions that there isn't a shortage of people who have high opinions of the Advanced Nurturing High School's alumni.

The fact that they've had three years worth of valuable experience in a meritocracy and the fact that it's a government-sponsored school should also lead to high evaluations.

In other words, you could say that even if you don't aim for the top and simply graduate that way, you'd still have a lot going for you.

In other words, it doesn't matter if you're from Class D or from Class C and even if you can't climb all the way up to Class A, there's no need to be pessimistic.

As for the 2nd years, Nagumo already reigns over Class A with overwhelming might and support and he's already pulled apart classes B and under.

There's still one year left to go and a chance to turn it all around but it's tough for the lower classes to do so.

And also, the 3rd years are in a similar situation.

It's not as onesided as the 2nd years but the class the older Horikita belongs to has yet to give up their spot at the top even once and is still going strong.

At the very least, it's borderline impossible for the 2nd and 3rd year classes that have fallen down to D to make a comeback.

Ultra C.....unless things are set up such that the points you've gained up until now can all be overturned with the quiz show's final question, it's probably impossible.

Leaving aside the 1st years, who have yet to fully grasp the bigger picture, I can at least rule out any students being fine with expulsion.

I doubt any university or employer will consider a student who lost and got expelled.

The joint responsibility system that stems from the leader is mostly there as a deterrance.

It's a rule established to ensure no one tries to force an expulsion. However, wariness is still crucial.

There's a possibility that there may be a student who wouldn't mind being expelled and on the off-chance that the leader should be expelled, they probably won't hesitate to drag someone else down with them.

In other words, it's vital that students other than the leader get better scores than said leader, even if it's only by a single point. In order to ensure they aren't liable to be dragged down.

And also, it's important to not incur the resentment of the leader.

"Aren't you a big deal, Hirata? Taking me in and all. But it doesn't look like you'll be coming to a consensus".

That's right. As long as there are people objecting, we won't ever come together as a group.

Sudou and the others will never nod in consent just from Hirata's persuasions alone.

"Hey, Keisei. Isn't being part of the elite few also risky?".

Looking at the remaining people, Akito whispered.

"...more than I expected yes".

That's something Keisei's also caught onto, and he exasperatedly sighs.

The remaining five from Class C would be me, Keisei, Akito, the Professor, Onizuka and Kouenji.

The Professor and Onizuka seem to want to join Hirata's group but that group's simply overloaded and overflowing.

In regards to Kouenji, he always goes at his own pace and he's showing no sign of participating in our discussion.

You could lump these five together but that'd leave two groups of 10 remaining. In other words, the other classes won't be able to do something similar either. Furthermore, since there aren't many students left actively trying to fill the role of leader, the students freeze up as though time had stopped flowing.

"I don't mind as long as I'm not in a group with Ryuuen".

A student from Class B said so and insisted on that.

"I also want to steer clear of Ryuuen".

Beside me, Keisei also appears to share the same opinion and everyone seems to want to avoid having to team up with Ryuuen.

It's probably because there's no telling what he'll do next. The only ones who could have possibly formed a team with him, Ishizaki and the others, also now seem to be distancing themselves from Ryuuen.

The one person who wasn't involved in the rooftop fight and the one person who probably doesn't see Ryuuen in a bad light, Shiina Hiyori, also happens to be a girl and so she can't exert much influence here.

"Doesn't seem like we're going to be reaching a consensus easily".

"It's best to put him in Class D's group".

"It would be great if we can do that but right now we're in a difficult situation".

"...they had a falling out, is the rumor I heard. But there isn't enough evidence for us to take that at face value".

It's understandable for Kanzaki, no, almost all of the students here to suspect such.

They probably see it as a situation where Class D is deliberately distancing itself from Ryuuen to allow him to pull something off.

"Kanzaki-kun, I think we really should do something if Ryuuen-kun's actually troubled by this".

"Do something, by that do you mean Class B and Class C will lend Ryuuen a helping hand, is that it?".

"Yeah".

"Even if Class D's saved by that, it still means two classes could end up as sacrifices. Ultimately, if we weigh the risks on a scale, inviting him in isn't a good idea, right?".

Kanzaki is right. If accepting Ryuuen means there'll be some risk to bear, then that's something his class should bear.

There's no need for us to bear that burden. Even if Kaneda and Ishizaki don't want to, it's far more unreasonable to push this onto another class.

If this is a showdown between pairs then Hirata would probably team up with Ryuuen without any hesitation.

However, this time around, we're forming groups made up of 10 people or more. One person's goodwill cannot speak for everyone else.

The silence that followed afterwards seemed like it had prolonged the group partitioning. As a result, from the three groups that formed as a result of excluding Ryuuen, hair-raising suspicions arose.

3

"I'd like to propose something. Right now the problem is Ryuuen and which group we're going to stuff him in and that's what we're all fighting over, right? Then in that case, I don't mind becoming the leader of the group that takes Ryuuen in".

The one who said so was Akito, who had been carefully observing the situation from beside me. He continued speaking. However, by requesting that Ryuuen be accepted when no one else is willing to do so, he raised doubts.

"What are you up to?".

"That's simple, I'd like the reward that comes with getting 1st place in exchange. A lot of it".

It's not like there isn't any opposition towards it but everyone does understand that the act of taking Ryuuen in comes with a high degree of risk.

It's just, I didn't expect Akito to act with the intent of securing the reward. It looked to me as though he had come up with a reason to take Ryuuen in since no other student wanted to do so.

"What are you proposing exactly? You sure you aren't planning on dragging someone else down with you when the time comes for you to take responsibility?".

"Unless you blatantly sabotage us, I won't do such a thing. In the first place, the rules won't let me do that, right?".

The members of the provisional groups fell silent upon hearing Akito's well-reasoned argument. And just like that, though there were various complications, the 1st year boys were able to form six groups.

And with that, my group was also determined.

From Class C there's "Kouenji", "Keisei" and "me". The three of us.

From Class B there's "Sumida", "Moriyama" and "Tokitou". The three of them.

From Class A there's "Yahiko" and "Hashimoto". The two of them.

And then from Class D there's "Ishizaki" and "Albert". The two of them.

10 people in total.

It's clearly unlike the four groups composed mainly of students from one's own class. Still, I suppose that other group Akito's in charge of is the same.

However, there's still a problem with this group I've ended up joining. That is the fact that we still have yet to choose our leader.

I don't think we have any leader type students to actively seek out the title of leader in our group.

Since there isn't anyone here to take the initiative and guide us to a consensus, our group was overcome by an atmosphere of being unable to say anything.

Either way, we first have to report to the school that we've formed our group. We can afford to appoint our leader afterward. As the sixth group, the 10 of us headed over to make our report.

"We managed to avoid Ryuuen but it's still doubtful whether or not we'll get a good average score with this group".

Anxious words from Keisei. To be honest, I can't tell how good the students from classes other than C are. Personally speaking, I'd have liked to avoid being in a group with Ishizaki and Albert but it can't be helped now.

Ishizaki blatantly averted his eyes to avoid having to look at me but the others probably won't be able to tell anything from just that.

They'd only get the impression that he thinks nothing of me.

"Kouenji's also going to be a problem".

There's nothing to criticize about his academic and physical abilities as long as he does it seriously but that's only 'if he does it seriously'.

"Even Kouenji won't do something that'd lead to a loss, would he? Because if we drag him down with us, it's over for him after all".

I do feel like he'd noncommittally score above the average though. The only thing certain about him is that he isn't the type to let us factor him into our calculations.

There's no predicting what'll happen if Kouenji doesn't show signs of being motivated. After giving our report, I realized that the group centered around Class A had stayed behind, despite the fact that they should've already gone outside.

At first, I thought it was so that they could see the formation of the other five groups but apparently that doesn't seem to be the case. Because 2nd year and 3rd year students also appear to be present.

Most importantly, Nagumo Miyabi, the student council president who dominates the 2nd years, is also present.

He confirmed that the 1st years have all finished forming their groups quickly and then he addressed us.

"I thought you'd take a bit more time but this is surprisingly fast".

It appears the 2nd and 3rd years too, have finished forming their small groups.

"I have a proposal to make to you 1st years. Why don't we form the large groups right away?".

"Nagumo-senpai, isn't that supposed to take place tonight?".

"That's because the school didn't think you'd be able to form your small groups right away. Coincidentally, all the school years have just finished forming their small groups. It's best if we get a move on, right?".

Apparently the teachers hadn't expected things to turn out this way either. Sensing that steps are being taken to form the large groups, the teachers started to move in a hurry.

Since the student council president himself made that proposal, there's no way the other students would refuse to do so either.

"Horikita-senpai, you don't mind, do you?".

"Sure. That'd be convenient for us too".

After that brief back-and-forth, discussions were held with Nagumo at their center.

"What to do? Don't you think it'd be interesting to decide things based on something like a draft? Six representatives from amongst the 1st years play rock-paper-scissors and decide the order. Based on that order, they'll pick the 2nd and 3rd year small groups and just like that, the large groups will form. It'd be quick and impartial".

"The 1st years don't know much. Doesn't sound that impartial".

"It's impossible to decide impartially. In the end, there is a difference between the amount of information we each possess".

A brief, yet important back-and-forth between Nagumo and the older Horikita. There's no way any 1st year would interrupt.

"What about you, 1st years? If you have any complaints about this method then please speak up".

Nagumo said so, knowing they can't talk back to him.

"We have no complaints".

Class A's Matoba, representing the 1st years, answered with that.

"I see. Then let's get started right away".

Nagumo gave a smile and joined up with the small group he probably formed himself.

And then, the 2nd years and 3rd years split themselves up into six groups to make it easier to understand. Leaders from each of the five 1st year groups then stepped forward to discuss.

Watching them, Nagumo's expression turned gentle almost as though he were looking at a child.

"Now all that's left is that group over there".

Since our group has yet to choose a leader, no one took the initiative to go and play rock-paper-scissors. I lightly pushed Keisei's back while ensuring I wouldn't be noticed.

For a moment, he made a skeptical face but Keisei resignedly raised his hand. The six representatives of the small groups assembled and forming a circle, they started playing rock-paper-scissors.

As a result, Keisei became fourth in line to select a senior student group. First in line is the Class A group led by Matoba. Second in line is the Class C group led by Hirata. Third in line is the Class D group led by Kaneda.

"You can discuss amongst yourselves which group you want to pick".

The groups to aim for when picking would either be the Nagumo Group that Nagumo, leader of the 2nd years' Class A and student council president, belongs to or the 3rd year group centered around the older Horikita.

However, if you're someone like Hirata, who's acquainted with a lot of people from outside his own school year, you may be able to discern capable groups that you wouldn't be able to otherwise discern at first glance.

Matoba's group, first in line, chose the 3rd year group that Horikita Manabu belongs to without any hesitation.

And with that done, Hirata, second in line, carefully observed the 11 remaining groups one by one. His choice wasn't the other group you'd aim for but rather, a 3rd year group whose members I'm not familiar with.

"Oi, Hirata. Are this really ok? Isn't that student council president's group better?".

It's understandable that Ike would interrupt like that.

"Yeah. I think this is fine. Talented people have their appeal but the problems they bring with them would be proportionately large too. Besides, the seniors from the group I chose aren't half bad either".

He confidently replied with that and nodded. If that's Hirata's decision then Ike too, didn't go any further.

This is probably the level of trust he's accumulated until this point. Then next up is the Class D group.

Kaneda consulted his classmates, or more like, he informed them of which group he's aiming to pick. There didn't seem to be any objections since he immediately picked.

"I'd like Gouda-senpai's group from the 2nd years".

Once again, Nagumo's group wasn't chosen and another group ended up being picked.

"I wonder why they're avoiding Nagumo".

I muttered that simple question and from beside me, Akito answered.

"That's because other than Nagumo-senpai, the other members are of a questionable sort".

"Is that so?".

"Well it's not like they're all questionable but there are a lot of Class Cs and Class Ds there. The group with a lot of 2nd year Class As is the one Kaneda picked".

In other words, it's not like Kaneda avoided Nagumo for no reason at all. On the contrary, it would mean he chose strong and reliable allies.

But what's curious is why Nagumo didn't form a Class A majority group. Of course, I do know that Nagumo controls the entirety of the 2nd years but still, bringing his class together in one group should be far safer for this exam.

And then Keisei, fourth in line, got his turn.

"Are you okay with me picking?".

Keisei asks the group a simple question.

"I don't really mind. There's no telling either way".

Ishizaki and Class D by extension, seem to be fine with leaving it up to Keisei. Class A too, didn't really have any opinion in particular. Class B, yet to voice their opinion, decided after thinking it over.

"Please choose Nagumo-senpai's group".

Their members seem to be mainly Class Cs and Class Ds but their high evaluation probably comes from the student council president himself being a part of it.

Having received their opinion, Keisei picked the group Nagumo's in charge of.

Afterwards, the discussion continued and the second round of selections ended. Eventually, six large groups were successfully formed.

"Horikita-senpai, we coincidentally happen to be in different large groups. Shall we have a little competition?".

Horikita gave a sharp look at Nagumo, who proposed that. On the other hand, I could hear exasperated sighs coming from the surrounding 3rd years.

Prior to the special exam, Fujimaki of the 3rd years stepped forward as though to complain. I recognized him from the sports festival a while back as a considerably articulate student.

"Nagumo. How many times has it been? Cut it out already".

"What do you mean by how many times, Fujimaki-senpai?".

"You've been challenging Horikita just like this but until now you've never really done anything. But this time around, it's a large scale special exam that involves the 1st years too. We cannot afford to let you act as though this is your personal playground".

"Why is that? There's no such thing as a 1st year or a 3rd year in this school, it's not really strange no matter who challenges who. It's not considered taboo in the special exam's rule book either".

Rather than cower before Fujimaki, who possesses a large physique, Nagumo continued to provoke them.

"We're talking about basic manners here. Even if it's not expressly written, there are things you should and shouldn't do. That much is obvious".

"I don't really think that's the case though. On the contrary, you seniors who seem to only desire infighting within the same school year are the ones hindering the growth of the students enrolled here, isn't that right?".

"You may have become the student council president but that doesn't mean you've gained permission to do anything you want. You should be aware that you're the one abusing his authority".

"If that's what you think then I'll keep that in mind. In that case, why don't you be my opponent as well, Fujimaki-senpai? For the record, you are number two in the 3rd years' Class A".

Blatantly assuming a casual attitude, Nagumo arrogantly put his hands in his pocket. It was a cheap provocation but some 3rd years seem to feel humiliated by it. A few students tried stepping forward.

However, Horikita kept them in check.

"I've rejected your demands up until now. Do you know why?".

"Let's see. Isn't it because your friends are scared that you might lose to me? But of course, that can't possibly be it. Out of all the people I've seen so far, Horikita-senpai, you're the best. You're not afraid of losing and you never even once thought you'd lose in the first place".

The 2nd years listening to Nagumo's words almost seemed as though they were worshipping him.

Friend, benefactor, it's not limited to just those. He's a rival and a hated enemy yet at the same time, also respected. Anyway, a variety of emotions seem to be directed at Nagumo.

In the 2 years he's been here at this school, this man has accomplished things no ordinary person would have been capable of accomplishing and that's probably why.

To what extent those are, not even the 3rd years know. The 1st years have even less insight into that.

"I'm just like you, Fujimaki-senpai. I don't desire meaningless conflict either".

"The conflict you desire drags others into it way too much".

"That's this school's modus operandi and I think that's the real thrill of it.....well, that's just the difference between our opinions though. I mean, I thought I could have had surefire competition with you, senpai, during the sports festival's relay but regrettably I wasn't able to realize that. I'm still frustrated about that, you know?".

"I don't think this is an exam where a competition between a 2nd year and a 3rd year will bear any fruit".

"That's probably right. Senpai's just that kind of person. But as for me, I just want a personal battle between the former student council president and the current student council president. You're about to graduate and leave soon. Before that, I want to see whether or not I've surpassed you".

Nagumo's demand is unstoppable, his craving unsatiable.

"What are you intending to compete with?".

For a moment, the 3rd years seem surprised. It's because the older Horikita seemed as though he'd accept Nagumo's challenge.

"Which one of us can expel the most students. How does that sound?".

Both the 1st years and the 3rd years stirred in response to that one word from Nagumo.

"Stop joking".

"I really think it'll be interesting but I'll refrain this time. If you want me to make a serious proposal then it'd be which group gets the higher average score. Simple and easy to understand".

"I see. If that's the case then I don't mind accepting".

"Thank you. I knew you'd accept, senpai".

"However, this is a personal fight between you and me. Don't involve others".

"Don't involve others, huh? But judging from the manner of the special exam, I'd say inciting someone to sabotage your enemy's group is one strategy".

"That's far from the essence of this exam. At most you should only question your own group's unity. You shouldn't take advantage of your enemy group's opening to stir them up, even by mistake".

".....that is to say?".

Ishizaki ended up asking Keisei that.

"It means nothing other than a fair-and-square meritocratic competition will be acknowledged. If I have to put it simply, it probably means you can't use dirty strategies like Ryuuen does".

"...I see".

Leaving aside the conversation between those two, the older Horikita and Nagumo continued their conversation.

"If you won't humor the conditions I've set, then I have no intention of accepting".

What the older Horikita rejected are actions taken to ensnare one's enemy.

In all likelihood, his goal here is to block Nagumo off from his forte.

"So what this means is that in order to win, I can't attack Horikita-senpai's pawns. I'm fine with that".

I had expected him to be troubled by it but Nagumo surprisingly complied. However, the older Horikita continued.

"That's not limited to this group only. I won't acknowledge any method that causes harm to the other students too. The moment I confirm you've meddled somehow I will call off our competition".

"As expected of you, senpai. You don't miss anything. I did consider requesting cooperation from groups other than Horikita-senpai's and having them attack yours......".

He said so while boldly laughing.

"I understand. I seem to be the only one craving for this competition so I'm willing to humor a certain amount of conditions. Fair-and-square, let's see which one of us can score higher through group unity. Let's have that be our competition. I'll say this in advance but there's no need to set any penalties in case of victory or defeat, right? At most, let this be a fight with just our prides on the line".

Regarding that, the older Horikita gave neither affirmation or refutation. In all likelihood, it probably means he's not even intending to bet his pride on this.

4

That long opening performance ended and our small group was called to a halt by Nagumo.

"Our seniors are gone but do you mind sparing some time? Because you guys don't seem like you've actually chosen your leader after all".

As Nagumo pointed that out, Keisei fell into a slight panic.

"Ehh, how could you tell?".

"When I told you all to play rock-paper-scissors, it was painfully clear how awkward his actions were. If a leader had been chosen upon group formation then he should have stepped up right away. By the way, back then one other group also had a delayed reaction. If I have to add to that, I'd say the groups who didn't elect their leaders are the 3-4 class composite balanced groups".

Nagumo probably doesn't know each and every one of the 1st years, yet he still deduced how our groups were partitioned.

It's not really that hard of a deduction to make but still, it's not something just about anyone could tell.

The delay was only a slight one. As a matter of fact, I immediately pushed Keisei on the back and had him play rock-paper-scissors. If we held discussions there then our lack of a leader would have been revealed.

I did so because I felt it needless to reveal such a weakness ourselves. That attempt of mine seems to have been in vain though.

"I believe it's fine to elect a leader afterwards though".

"That's right. But we'd like to have a good grasp on who the 1st year leaders are. Besides, I wanted to teach you that a leader is a role that should be assumed as quickly as possible. The later that role is assumed, the longer it'll take for the leader to be aware of his position and the anxiety of it will weigh all the more on him".

It's questionable how much of that is pertinent but there's no mistaking the fact that Nagumo wanted us to choose our leaders right here.

"...so what do we do?".

Keisei asks that of our group, which excluding me, he isn't all too familiar with. Keisei himself probably doesn't want to play this role either.

"It doesn't matter how you choose. Please just choose a leader right now".

Since it's the student council president himself giving us instructions, even the delinquent-like Ishizaki and Albert were unable to object.

"No one's going to volunteer for this. Shouldn't we go with rock-paper-scissors for this as well?".

Ishizaki says so to get it over with and extends a balled fist. I played along and did the same.

Nine people and nine fists formed a circle.

One person's missing. There's a student who didn't extend his hand for rock-paper-scissors.

"Oi, Kouenji".

Keisei calls out to Kouenji, who's looking out the window a slight distance away. However, Kouenji did not even look at us.

"Hey you, blondie. Get a move on".

An angry voice came from amongst the 2nd years. Kouenji then finally realized he's being called and turned around.

"Fufufu. You're referring to the striking beauty of my hair, are you not?".

"What?".

He didn't say anything regarding rock-paper-scissors but rather, only gave a response about his hair.

"Get serious, Kouenji".

"What do you mean by serious? Is playing rock-paper-scissors your definition of serious?".

"Hey, 1st year.....Kouenji, right? Are you mocking us senior students?".

Of course he'd end up drawing attention. That's something I had expected from the get-go.

"Mocking you? No, I am not mocking anything. From the very beginning, I had no interest in you lot. You may relax".

He probably intended to say he isn't mocking anyone but it ended up completely backfiring.

"I will not play rock-paper-scissors. Because I have no interest in being the leader".

"I have no interest in it either and neither does anyone else. But there's no other way, right?".

Keisei exasperatedly tries to persuade him but Kouenji showed no sign of caving.

"You say some strange things, Boy. If there is no interest, then there's no reason to participate, is that not correct?".

"No. That's how the rule works".

"The rule is that someone from within the group must become the leader. In that case, someone else just needs to be the leader".

"Stop screwing around. You can't act selfishly like that here".

Ishizaki, who once had a quarrel with Kouenji along with Ryuuen, flared up at him.

"Fufufu. Then why don't you go ahead and make me the leader of your group?".

Kouenji said so and swiped his bangs. At that unexpected proposal, Ishizaki froze up.

"Then I'll have you be the leader. You don't mind, right?".

"You're free to push that role onto me. I have no intention of objecting to that each and every time. If we lack one the group will be punished right? If you're so afraid of that then you're welcome to do that".

But Kouenji's subsequent words shocked everyone present.

"I'll do whatever I've decided to do. However, if I have decided not to do something then there's no way I'll do it. In other words, it means no matter who comes talking to me, my resolve will not waver. Of course, I won't be carrying out the duties of a leader either. I may even boycott this exam. Even if that results in our average score falling below the borderline, even if it means dragging someone down. Okay?".

".....that's.....if you do something like that, you're getting expelled!".

"Fu. Fu. Fu. Yes that would be the case".

He seemed almost as though he had no fear of expulsion.

"However, this sort of topic would normally be considered a foolish question though. Even if I score zero throughout the entirety of the exam, as long as you lot struggle hard then there's no risk of falling below the borderline. Just go ahead and do it without holding back".

Kouenji said so as he swiped his hair back.

But there's no guarantee that we wouldn't fall below the borderline and his words have no leg to stand on. It's just Kouenji's own prediction that this isn't going to be such a difficult exam.

Or perhaps he's just randomly spouting nonsense because he doesn't want to participate. However, Kouenji's alienness has most likely been sufficiently conveyed.

"What a guy. Must have a screw loose up there".

Ishizaki muttered as he took a step back and nodded.

However, I discovered a contradiction in Kouenji's words. But of course, Ishizaki and the others here definitely wouldn't be able to spot that contradiction though.

Why? Because there is no falsehood in his behavior itself. If Kouenji intentionally created that contradiction then......

To confirm that would require taking the huge risk of waiting for exam day to come though.

"Let's just calm down, he probably doesn't have the balls to score zero either way".

If possible, they probably wanted to forcibly push the troublesome and risky role of leader onto Kouenji.

Of course, looking at it from another class's perspective, it would mean losing the chance to earn double the points as well as facing the possibility of being dragged down and so they probably have mixed feelings on the matter.....

But if Kouenji really does score zero then only a disastrous outcome awaits.

"Stop it, Ishizaki. You keep that up and you'll be the one dragged down".

Hashimoto, in an act of saving an enemy, restrained Ishizaki.

"But.....shit, if getting your way by taking a hard line's allowed then I'm definitely not doing it either".

"Well, I suppose so".

Despite his exasperation, Hashimoto nodded as though in acceptance.

Nobody actually thinks this group will place first. That's basically why there isn't a single student willing to assume the role of leader.

It might be that our group's in a far more difficult situation than I had expected. If Kouenji acts Kouenji-like to the very end then we'll lose a considerable amount of points.

The scenario in which we fail to obtain even the 'lowest score' is probably one the 2nd years and 3rd years have not factored into their calculations.

But then someone came forth in response to Kouenji's bizarre behavior.

"I've heard rumors about you, Kouenji".

A surprisingly unexpected person.....Nagumo, who doesn't seem like the type to have had much contact with Kouenji, approached him as though he had found something of great interest to him.

The two who'd never meet under normal circumstances.

"I know you too. You're the person who assumed the role of the new student council president, aren't you?".

Showing no fear even towards the student council president, Kouenji responds in his usual manner.

"You're free to play the fool all you want but do you really not mind being expelled?".

Towards Kouenji, who did not show any weakness, Nagumo asked that question. And he continued.

"This school system's a troublesome one. Regardless of that fact, you've made it this far with that noncommittal attitude of yours. That is in order to graduate from this school. But you'll casually accept the risk that comes with having the leader role pushed onto you here, and on top of that you'll even boycott the exam? Liar. You just don't want to put in the effort to reach Class A and you really don't have any intention of actually leaving this school".

"Fufufu. You're saying some amusing things. How can you tell that I'm lying?".

It's probably true. Not too long after enrolling, the class once asked Kouenji whether or not he had any desire to aim for Class A and he's given us his answer before.

That he has no interest in doing so.

That he only wants to graduate from this school. He doesn't want to be expelled but there's no need for him to aim for the top either.

It's very similar to what I'm hoping to get out of this school. In other words, he's taking a stance where it's no problem for him even if he holds back a fair bit in exams.

That explains his cocksureness.

"That's what's written all over your face".

As Nagumo said that teasingly, Kouenji laughed pleasantly.

"Bravo. Bravo".

Clap. Clap. He gave his applause. And he then gave an honest answer to Nagumo's fair reasoning.

"I lied because I didn't want to be the leader. Allow me to correct myself. I have no intention of aiming for Class A, but neither do I intend on getting expelled. Simply put, I think a noncommittal approach like this is best".

Kouenji answered with that almost as though making a confession. Besides, everyone seems to have accepted that but Nagumo did not.

"You have no interest in Class A, huh? That's also a lie, right?".

"Oh my, oh my. Am I already being branded as a liar?".

"If that isn't a lie then that'd give rise to a slight uncertainty, Kouenji. Don't you already have a surefire way to graduate from Class A in hand?".

Nagumo suddenly said something unbelievable. The 1st years like me and Ishizaki aren't the only ones surprised but the 2nd and 3rd years too, were shocked.

"Hmm? You sure do say the most interesting things. If you don't mind, do tell me the logic behind that".

"You sure? If I explain the logic behind that here, that 'surefire way' of yours will become unusable. No, I'll make it unusable, you know?".

"Fufufu. I don't mind. I just want to know whether or not you can really read me".

Rather than be frightened by Nagumo's questioning, Kouenji happily laughed.

"To promote yourself to Class A through the use of 20 million points. It's a strategy everyone's thought of and tried carrying out at least once. In practice though, it's not that easy to save up that many points. Yet it's still not entirely impossible. Right after you enrolled, the first thing you did was to figure out how the points that graduating 3rd years leave behind are treated".

"Keep going".

"After graduation, your private points are encashed so that you'll be able to use them outside of the school as well. Their value would decrease, of course, compared to when they were still points but that still doesn't change the fact that this is an unprecedented system. You were intending on buying those private points from them at a price higher than the one they'd get from encashment, right?".

Hearing Nagumo's explanation, the rest of them were understandably shocked and couldn't hide their surprise.

And Kouenji, who had that pointed out for him, nodded in satisfaction and then opened his mouth.

Kouenji too, replied accurately.

"That's exactly right. Not too long after I enrolled, I concluded as such and arrived at the truth. That no matter how low I fall during my time enrolled here, as long as I legally acquire those private points at the very end, I will still be able to graduate from Class A in no time. And since I came up with this exploit all too easily, school suddenly became a bore to me".

A miraculous strategy he's capable of pulling off precisely because he's rich, is what it is.

Buy private points at a high price from students who have already given up on aiming for Class A, or from students whose success is already guaranteed or from students whose graduation is fast approaching.

If there's a guarantee that their points will be purchased after graduation, it wouldn't be strange even if a great many students are willing to make the transfer.

However, this is extremely difficult under normal circumstances. If you purchase them at the same value it'd be after being encashed, that would be 20 million yen.

Unless it's within a high school student's means to prepare such a sum, it probably wouldn't be a trustworthy matter even if they say they'll pay for it.

"Fortunately for me, before I enrolled here at this school, I set up a profile on my company's homepage with my picture on it as next in line to be CEO. It means I possess the power to easily move tens of millions. It was extremely easy to get them to trust me".

"Yeah. As a matter of fact, there are many 2nd year students who plan on selling their points to you. There are probably more than a few of those among the 3rd years too. You seem to have sealed their lips but there are quite a lot of 2nd year students who have placed their absolute trust in me. There were also students who consulted me on whether or not they should fall for your cajolery. Of course, I approved of it as a plan. It's not like it doesn't have its risks but you seem to be a fairly rich guy. But that ends today".

Nagumo said so and looked towards the 2nd and 3rd years.

"Even if he is actually that rich, Kouenji isn't a trustworthy man, as you can see. If necessary, he's more than willing to lie. It's best to not make any transactions with him regarding points, even by mistake".

He said that and added one more thing.

"Just in case, I'll report this to the school. Because purchasing private points prior to graduation isn't really something that ought to be permitted after all".

"I don't mind. I had only been making preparations to ascend to Class A after all. I haven't yet decided whether or not to actually carry it out".

At best, Kouenji had only been considering it as one out of many strategies. Still, what an absurd story.

Well, in reality, unless you can prepare a great sum of 20 million then this is a strategy that's exclusive to Kouenji.

"...I always thought you were a strange one but your strategy hinges on the outside, huh? Bravo".

Hashimoto muttered that as though in both admiration and exasperation.

"By tossing that strategy out the window himself, what's Kouenji planning on doing?".

A lot of eyes fell on Kouenji's classmates, Keisei and myself but there's no way we'd know that. No, to be more precise, there's only one thing that comes to mind.

That is that there's no reason why Kouenji needs to graduate from Class A.

Looking at it from Kouenji's perspective, since he only wants to 'graduate from this school', cooperating with his allies must have felt like a pointless endeavour to him.

Even if he's found an exploit, there's no real need to force himself to use it.

That's why he didn't really mind it being revealed. Or perhaps he's found enjoyment in finding another exploit.

Nagumo's insight into and information regarding Kouenji is considerable.

"This is the first time I've seen Kouenji having to explain something away".

I also agreed with those mutters that came from Keisei. However......

"But student council president, now there's no more reason for me to play rock-paper-scissors. On top of having confessed to everything, allow me to say that I have no intention of accepting the role of leader".

"...I see".

Certainly, Kouenji may have had a way of raising money. But there's no change to his stance. On the contrary, he revealed his one advantage and threw it away himself.

You could say that now there's no way of forcing Kouenji to assume the role of leader. Kouenji is extremely wealthy and even if he's expelled, it's not like his future prospects have gone dark.

I can hardly imagine a person like that being afraid of expulsion. Of course, we could take drastic measures and force Kouenji into the leader role but I doubt there are any students in our group brave enough to do so.

Because they'll be damned if they get dragged down by Kouenji.

"You know, it might be for the best if I just take that role.....".

Resignedly, Keisei raised his hand.

Starting with that, students from the other classes reacted but there are students in our group that will be hard to deal with such as Kouenji, Ishizaki and Albert.

And also, the prospects of us winning against the other groups are low. As such, there aren't any other students who volunteered as though this were an auction.

"Then it's decided".

Nagumo oversaw the election of our leader and then dismissed the group.

After that, in accordance with the instructions we received from the school, we left the gymnasium.

5

"This...feels a lot older than I thought it'd be".

The small groups were each brought to their rooms. Inside each room, there are wooden bunk beds that would either increase or decrease in number depending on how many people we have.

Ishizaki immediately walked over to the bunk bed at the very end of the room and used the ladder to climb up to the top bunk.

"This is mine".

"What are you talking about? You're hogging it all to yourself, that's unfair".

Yahiko angrily said so in response to Ishizaki calling dibs on it.

"Early bird gets the worm".

Ishizaki laid down on it while laughing and looking down at Yahiko.

"We should decide who gets what after discussing it first".

The leader, Keisei, also gives a warning that selfish actions won't be tolerated.

And just like he did with Yahiko, Ishizaki probably intended to ignore him, but since I was standing beside Keisei, our eyes met for a brief moment.

He had been doing his best to avoid making eye contact with me but since we're in the same group, there's no avoiding it forever.

"........".

For a moment there, Ishizaki looked like he was terrified and panicking. He panicked and jumped off the bed.

"By discussing it.......how exactly do we decide then?".

Keisei tilted his head in confusion at Ishizaki's sudden change of heart. He may have interpreted the warning from Keisei as being a warning from me.

If so, that's an insane amount of paranoia.

Because I don't really think it's that strange for us to decide our beds on a first come first served basis.

Of course, it would be best if we can decide it smoothly after holding a discussion though.

"Fufufu. If you have no need of it then shall I relieve you of it?".

Kouenji said so and then leaped onto the bed that Ishizaki had been occupying.

"Hey, what the hell are you doing?".

Ishizaki came to his senses and he barked that out at Kouenji, who's now relaxing on the top bunk.

But the guy he's talking to is Kouenji and common sense doesn't work on him. He didn't even listen and in a few seconds, he's already making himself comfortable as though it were his own room.

"Fuck, screw the discussion".

Starting with Kouenji, a few of the students called dibs on their beds. Ishizaki too, stopped quarrelling with Kouenji and instead called dibs on the top bunk of a different bed.

The one thing all students had in common is that they all preferred the top bunk of the bed. Only Albert, whose large physique makes it hard for him to climb to the top bunk, settled on the bottom bunk beneath Ishizaki without any complaints and sat down there.

The atmosphere's already changed to one where there's no need to decide via discussion.

"I have no choice but to go there then".

Keisei said so as he called dibs on the bed beneath Kouenji which no one else wants to take.

The others took their time realizing it but it's really great to have a comrade willing to do things no one else wants to do.

By the way, I too settled on the bottom bunk. Above me is Class A's Hashimoto.

"It's a pleasure, umm.....".

He reached out from the top bunk to greet me but he doesn't seem to know my name.

"I'm Ayanokouji. Pleasure".

"I'm Hashimoto".

We gently shook hands as though promising to be great friends with one another.

As for today, we're free from now on. As such, we didn't act collectively as a group but rather we chose to do our own thing.

If we had a leader like Hirata with us we may have been making an effort to know each other better now but........as for me, I have mixed feelings on the matter. It's regrettable that I won't have a chance to get to know students from other classes better yet at the same time, I'm relieved that there won't be any troublesome back-and-forths.

"Hey, this may be a straightforward question but do you think Albert can speak Japanese? He does understand Japanese, right?".

Hashimoto, from the top bunk, asked me that question regarding Ishizaki and Albert himself.

"Obviously. Right, Albert?".

Ishizaki leaned out of the top bunk and looked down at Albert in reply to Hashimoto. However, Albert did not answer and only continued to stare straight ahead.

"...could it be that he doesn't understand you?".

"Aren't you guys classmates?".

Hashimoto said so while laughing and Ishizaki added this in frustration.

"It can't be helped, right? Ryuuen-san's the one normally giving him orders after all".

"Ryuuen-san, eh?".

Ishizaki casually ended the '-san' suffix to his name. However, as of right now, that would lead to a strange contradiction.

"The rumor about you having a fight with him and overthrowing him from his position of leader, is that true?".

"Shut it. Of course it's true. Right now......was just old habit".

Far from working on the group's unity, it appears we've already begun sounding each other out. The rumor about Ryuuen having stepped down is one whose authenticity everyone doubts.

Giving a side glance to that quickly brewing conflict, I decided to take a walk into the building's interior.

6

The first day's mealtime, in other words, the first opportunity to make contact with the girls since getting off that bus in the morning has come.

The spacious cafeteria looks like it can fit quite a lot of people in it and if you go up the stairs, you get a nice view of the first floor.

From a cursory inspection, it looks like it'd fit about 500 people and there's also a considerable number of students occupying it.

"It's not easy to meet up with someone now that we don't have our phones".

Horikita and Kei are probably looking for me but I didn't make a move.

In this case, even if those two happened to find me, their reactions would be polar opposites.

Horikita would unreservedly call out to me but Kei would wait and see. Because she'd understand that I'm not looking for her, in other words, that there's no need to make contact with each other right now.

On the very first day, making contact with various students is something to be expected. I don't think I'm being marked in particular but there's a good chance that I'll attract attention from Sakayanagi and the student named Nagumo.

Hirata and Satou had been accompanying us at the time, but Nagumo still saw Kei and I together.

As such, I'd like to avoid clumsily making contact. I'll go solo and observe, to a certain extent, who's making contact with who.

However, the meal comes first. The mere one hour we had been allocated is precious time after all. Holding a tray in my hands, I sat alone.

If this had been a normal school day then the different school years would have been separated into different areas to a certain extent but this time around, since we're being divided up into groups instead, students from across all school years intermingle and eat their meals together.

They mostly gather in groups but there are also quite a few students moving around for the sake of gathering information.

There are also a lot of those who are doing so because this is the only place you can make contact with the girls too.

There are also couples who are spending time together because said time together happens to be limited to this period as well.

"Haaaafuuuuuuu".

I heard a cute voice close by that sounded exhausted.

It's the leader of the 1st years' Class B, Ichinose Honami. There were many boys and girls crowded around her.

I took a seat on a vacant chair nearby and decided to eavesdrop. Right now, I'm confident that my surroundings won't notice me, more or less.

"...it's pathetic that I'm proud of not having much of a presence though".

Anyway, Ichinose and the others didn't react at all even though I'm sitting not too far away. Well, there are about 500 students in the cafeteria so they're probably not going out of their way to identify each and every student near them.

"Good work out there, Honami-chan. Was it difficult?".

"Nyahaha. If you ask me whether or not it was difficult then I'd say it was difficult. I thought we'd be able to decide on our groups more smoothly---. But when you've got to quarrel, you've just got to quarrel I guess".

"It can't be helped. The other classes are enemies after all".

"But according to what Kanzaki-kun said earlier, it went pretty well on the boys' side though".

"Ehh~? Really~? It took us past noon though".

It's not like it went smoothly for the boys either but it appears the girls had quarrelled even further. Perhaps the teachers didn't schedule any lessons today for that very reason?

"Hey, do you think somebody will get expelled in this exam.....?".

"It'll definitely be fine, is what I'd like to say but so far there hasn't been a single expellee from amongst the 1st years. Still, I don't think we should let our guard down".

She seems like she's able to take on this special exam with an appropriate awareness of danger.

"What should we do if we get dragged down......?".

"It'll be fine, Asako-chan. As long as you put in serious effort, it won't come to that".

"You think so......?".

"Besides, if it ever does come to that, we can just save you after all".

Ichinose said that to console the despondent Asako. Out of all those members, Ichinose seemed to be the most exhausted one but she was the most stouthearted one there.

"I'm exhausted".

Ichinose leans her upper body on the table. Catastrophically enough, that ended with her noticing me sitting not too far away from her.

"Ayanokouji-kuuuun yaho~".

Ichinose? I didn't notice you there. Answering with that would make it feel unnatural on the contrary.

Considering that despite the distance, I could hear her voice well enough, it would be best if I gave an honest answer.

"You were having a good time".

"Girls' chats may or may not be their source of power".

Saying something I don't really get, Ichinose once again leaned on the table. Since she usually doesn't show this defenseless side of hers, it was quite the unexpected sight.

"Ahh, can't I do this?".

She said that as she tried straightening herself up and so I stopped her.

"It's normal to do something like that when you're tired".

"Sorry---. For making it slightly uncomfortable".

It's not uncomfortable at all. I said so internally since I couldn't put it into words.

"It's become quite the difficult group, hasn't it?".

"It was difficult until we formed this current group, is perhaps how I should put it. Girls know very well what they like and dislike, or more like, there are more than a few girls who are willing to say they don't like another girl straight to their face. In that regard, when it comes to personal feelings, aren't they a lot of boys who like to muddy the waters?".

"Ryuuen's openly disliked though".

"It's bad to laugh at that but that really couldn't be helped, could it? But isn't Ryuuen-kun tired too? To be disliked by everyone must be tiring".

That way of looking at it isn't wrong but that probably doesn't apply to Ryuuen. Because it looked to me that he's able to relax now that he no longer has anything to shoulder.

"Don't get too fired up".

I concluded that it's pointless to overstay my welcome here and so I stood up from my seat.

"It's fine, it's fine. Being energetic is about the only thing I have going for me. See you later, Ayanokouji-kun".

Ichinose waved at me and saw me off. One hour per day. That's the rule this time around concerning opportunities to make contact with the girls.

Boys and girls can't meddle with each other directly but I imagine this hour's clearly meant to let us share information with one another.

In all likelihood, we're meant to gather information here, give out instructions and fight our fight.

This is probably where students who are trusted and who possess high communication abilities shine.

"I'm not suited for this at all".

Just like that time on the uninhabited island, there's basically nothing I can do here.