The ocean that stays summer all year round, the wide blue sky, clear air and the gentle sea breeze softly wrapping around the body make the midsummer heat not even feel hot, right in the middle of the Pacific it truly deserves the phrase maritime paradise.

“The sea is truly beautiful. For them to give us a vacation like this, the school system is quite luxurious.”

“I agree. Thinking tax money is being used for a place like this makes me dumbfounded in a way.”

Hiyori and I stood on the deck of an ultra-luxury passenger liner, each holding a can of coffee while looking out at the beautiful scenery. Looking around, everyone else was enjoying their own moment of happiness.

After successfully getting through the eventful midterms and finals and greeting our first summer break since enrollment, what awaited us was a cruise trip on a high-class luxury passenger ship provided by the school for fifteen days.

“Everyone must be relieved they weren’t expelled.”

“Indeed. For those who were on the verge of failing, it must be an even more precious day.”

Despite the considerable friction between Class C and Class D, Hiyori and I continued interacting normally and I occasionally helped with areas of her studying that lacked detail. Naturally we both passed finals with first place scores in our classes. On top of that I achieved first place in the entire grade again with perfect scores across all subjects.

“Still, letting high schoolers go on a luxury trip for nearly two weeks. I’m sure there’s some scheme behind it.”

“To ordinary people it’s outside the norm, right? We don’t even pay tuition or miscellaneous fees at this school. It's an excessively generous treatment.”

Above all, Sakayanagi was the only first year not allowed to participate due to her heart condition. So before the cruise she met me and requested I use the ‘authority equivalent to Sakayanagi’s power.’

“As you predicted, there’s a high chance this cruise includes a test from the school. I’ve already instructed my friends, so please use my authority for the next two weeks.”

“I was hoping for that. This trip has too many suspicious parts.”

“And I plan to completely crush the Katsuragi faction during this opportunity…”

“You don’t need to say more. You want it crushed even if class points are lost, right?”

“Heh, I’ll leave it to you.”

“I promise Class A won’t fall below Class B even with some losses.”

In other words, during these ten days I’m Ayanokoji Aoi and Sakayanagi Arisu simultaneously. In fact some members of the Sakayanagi faction nearby are looking at me as if waiting for instructions.

They are new chess pieces acknowledging and following me as acknowledged by Sakayanagi.

“Before anything happens, let’s fill our stomachs. Want to eat?”

“Of course. Not moving around would be a disadvantage under the travel system. Try anything inside as you please.”

“Obviously.”

Incidentally the ship we boarded was not only grand externally but lacked nothing facility-wise. Famous top-tier restaurants, theaters and luxury spas. If it were private travel, even off-season it would cost at least a hundred thousand.

Thankfully everything onboard is free. For Class D, always short on points, it’s the perfect chance to indulge in luxury we’ve held back from for months. Since I’m Class D too, I’ll indulge freely.

According to schedule the first week is spent enjoying summer at a villa on an deserted island and the next week staying aboard the ship. Before our arrival we decided to enjoy it as much as possible.

Hungry, we headed toward the restaurant for breakfast.

“What, you picking a fight?”

“Tch! I’m Class A! Trash should go over there!”

“Guys, hear that? Says she’s Class A.”

“Isn’t she from the Katsuragi faction?”

“Ah, the one beaten by Class D’s Ayanokoji Aoi in test scores?”

“Look! There’s someone bragging about being Class A after getting crushed by Class D!”

Inside, several students mocked Class A’s Katsuragi faction. Seems they tried acting superior and got reversed.

Their loss is their fault, nothing pitiful.

“Tch, coming from Class D!”

“What about Class D? Keep it up and we’ll call Ayanokoji.”

“Ugh…”

“Know how scary she is? She beats up boys too! Want to hear what happened to Yamawaki of Class C?”

“Trash suits junk food. Eat burgers if you don’t want to get hit.”

…Truly disgusting incompetents. Some Class D girls who aren’t even close to me were using my name to attack a Katsuragi faction student. Seeing Karuizawa and Shinohara leading it made me frown.

If it were Horikita, my personal maid or maybe Sato or Sakura with prior merit, I might overlook it… but this I won’t tolerate.

“Looks like you’re in trouble.”

“I’ll step in. Let’s eat.”

Hiyori and I loudly opened the door and sat at a seaside window table. My appearance alone silenced the commotion.

“Th-that’s Ayanokoji… that famous Class D one…”

“Tall, long brown hair and sharp eyes, just like rumors.”

“Isn’t the one beside her Shiina Hiyori, Ryūen’s aide from Class C?”

“I heard they’re best friends.”

“Came to eat breakfast together?”

Ignoring gazes, we ordered. Our elegant composure likely resembled a painting.

Among the looks were killing stares from Katsuragi faction members. Even after losing they looked arrogant. I should straighten them someday.

“Hey, Ayanokoji!”

As expected Karuizawa’s group approached, probably to boast familiarity.

Sato wasn’t with them. Someone aware of my personality would’ve objected.

Shameless and repulsive.

“Want to eat together? Pasta here is famous! But maybe you prefer rice? Steak? We’re having carbonara or aglio e olio—”

“Karuizawa Kei.”

“Y-yes?”

I cut her off using full name to distance myself.

“I’m with my ‘friend,’ so step aside.”

Their faces flushed. Using ‘friend’ instead of Hiyori’s name implied Karuizawa wasn’t one and that she was interrupting.

Murmurs spread.

“So they aren’t close.”

“They were loud earlier.”

“Doesn’t Ayanokoji only hang with Shiina?”

“She’s childhood friends with Sakayanagi too?”

“They’re leaders. Meritocrats or something.”

“So that means she’s not capable?”

“Heh, thinks she’s equal.”

Their image plummeted while they laughed at the Katsuragi faction.

“Y-you didn’t have to say it like that!”

“I politely asked you to leave since I’m with my ‘friend.’”

“We can eat as classmates!”

“How many times? You’re disturbing us. Learn manners.”

I emphasized the point. Then unexpectedly—

“It seems Ayanokoji isn’t your friend. Leave.”

Hashimoto of the Sakayanagi faction stepped in with Kamuro and Kito.

“And she’s childhood friends with our queen. That’s reason enough.”

“Mind your business!”

“From Class D trash? Funny. That loss was to the Katsuragi faction. I'm from the Sakayanagi faction. And I’m her ‘friend.’”

Nice assist.

“Karuizawa, apologize to Hashimoto.”

“W-why should I?!”

“You were rude to my ‘friend.’ Apologize or leave.”

Silence focused on her. She fled.

Serves you right.

I stood and shook Hashimoto’s hand, apologizing.

“Sorry about my classmate.”

“No need. Not worth her apology.”

He whispered.

“If you have orders, say so.”

Message delivered well. Food arrived.

“Heh, merciless as always, Aoi.”

“They’re not friends yet pretend to be. Disgusting.”

Hiyori laughed and I laughed remembering Karuizawa’s face.

We chatted and ate like normal friends.

* * *

[Attention students. Please gather on deck soon. The island will appear. You will see a meaningful view.]

Hearing the strange announcement, I recognized a hint.

Meaningful… perhaps essential.

We secured prime bow spots.

‘It must connect to something important. Nothing here is pointless.’

Soon the island appeared and crowds surged.

None dared disturb us.

“Yo, Aoi. On a date with Hiyori?”

Ryūen joined us, with Yamada blocking the others.

“So you came too.”

“Nothing here’s meaningless. And I figured you’d be here Aoi.”

“If something happens on that island, it’s another match between us.”

“Probably not personal this time, but perhaps involving class points.”

“If all classes compete, it’s the perfect stage to wipe you down to Class D.”

“How’s Suzune? Still crying?”

“She’s fine. How about those who cried to cancel the hearing?”

“Heh, spared after beating them up nice and rough. Tell Sudō to pray.”

Our probing talk resembled old friends.

And after circling, Ryūen left.

“Let’s play again. I’ll make you cry.”

“I’ll make you laugh.”

Sighs spread after he left.

“Must be hard with him as leader.”

“He’s capable.”

We kept observing.

“You seem closer after the incident.”

“Does it? We aim blades at each other.”

“He calls you by name.”

“He does yours too.”

I worry because Class C has delinquents. I don’t want her influenced. I’ll protect her.

Many men glance at her beauty rivaling Ichinose or Kushida but fear retaliation.

Not overprotective though. If a worthy man sincerely approaches, I’d support it.

Maybe Hirata—no. She’s too good.

Then another announcement.

[We will land shortly. Change into gym clothes, bring bags, leave other items and use the restroom beforehand.]

Looks like arrival. Thinking about the test and facing Ryūen excited me.

“Let’s prepare then meet again.”

We parted, unaware of the hellish test awaiting.

And the day before its end would leave an unforgettable impact on Horikita and I.