Golden Week passed pleasantly.

I enjoyed my usual dates with Kiyotaka-kun and went shopping with Kei, Nene and Maya and also chatted at cafés with Mii-chan and Inogashira-san and the others.

Having extra points to spare is really something to be grateful for.

Kiyotaka-kun spent his time well too, playing basketball and soccer with Hirata-kun, Sudo-kun and Miyake-kun and studying in the library with Yukimura-kun and Horikita-san.

During May, there were no special exams and we had a peaceful spring.

Among the first-years there were some issues like a student from Class C being expelled but that was about the only major news.

And before we knew it, we were already halfway through June.

Everyone noticed that the atmosphere around Chabashira-sensei when she entered the classroom was different from usual.

Whenever it’s like this, it means that’s coming.

“It’s been quite a while since I’ve been with all of you. You probably sensed it from the atmosphere… this is about the next special exam.”

As expected, I thought while waiting for her to continue.

“The special exam being announced this time will take place during summer vacation.”

“Summer vacation… that’s still quite a while away.”

“Yeah. The reason for the early notice is because this will be an unprecedentedly large-scale and harsh exam.”

Tension spread through the class at her words.

Still, a summer vacation exam… I have a bad feeling about this.

“The next special exam is ‘Uninhabited Island Survival.’”

As expected, an island exam.

Last time we won thanks to Kiyotaka-kun but… the phrase unprecedented scale is concerning.

It seems the duration is two weeks, from July 20 to August 3.

In addition, it will take place on a larger island than before and involve all year levels competing together.

First-years are disadvantaged in terms of physique but in exchange the rewards are higher and penalties lighter.

There are also disadvantages based on gender but those will not be considered.

Only part of the rules are being explained here.

As Chabashira-sensei said, this seems like a very large-scale exam and the rules are complex.

First, by July 16 we must form small groups.

Up to three people.

Groups can only be formed with students from the same year.

If it’s mixed gender, the ratio must be 1 to 2.

All-male, all-female or solo groups are also allowed.

So I can’t just be alone with Kiyotaka-kun.

Maybe it’s to prevent inappropriate relationships in a place like an uninhabited island where supervision is limited.

…No, I shouldn’t jump to conclusions.

Once a group is formed, you cannot move to another group for any reason.

However, small groups can gather to form large groups.

Small groups are up to three people while large groups are up to six.

But forming a large group requires special conditions that weren’t revealed today.

If mixed gender, more than half must be female.

“While I can’t reveal all details, this exam will require more than just physical strength. Academic ability, communication skills, mental strength and various other abilities will be needed.”

So it requires all-around ability.

We need to carefully balance our group composition.

Chabashira-sensei also emphasized that the biggest advantage of forming a group is that even if someone drops out, the remaining members can continue.

Those who retire return to the ship but as long as someone remains, the group continues.

As for rewards, they are substantial given the difficulty, though not as high as the cruise exam.

1st: 300 class points, 1,000,000 private points, 1 protect point
2nd: 200 class points, 500,000 private points
3rd: 100 class points, 250,000 private points

If one class monopolizes the top three, that’s 600 class points.

Not realistic but getting first would create a huge lead.

However, if a group contains members from different classes, class points are split evenly.

Private points are given to all members and protection points are given to one representative per class.

For example, if Sakayanagi’s elite five teamed with Yamauchi and got first, both classes would get 150 class points.

Though that combination would never happen.

Next, penalties.

These large rewards are taken from low-ranking groups.

The last-place group results in -100 class points for their class.

Second last is -66 and third last is -33.

If all four classes are mixed, the loss is split evenly.

Also, students in the bottom five groups are expelled.

If all five bottom groups are large groups, up to 30 students could be expelled.

A very harsh penalty but there is a rescue system where expulsion can be canceled for 6,000,000 private points per group.

Divided among members, so 1,000,000 each for six.

However, no point trading after expulsion is decided.

If a class had 39 million saved, no one would need to worry but that’s unlikely.

Maybe Sakayanagi’s class could.

On top of this, additional rules were introduced.

Special cards with unique effects will be distributed.

Basic cards

• First Move: Starting points become 1.5x
• Bonus: Doubles private points earned
• Halve: Halves penalty payment
• Ride-Along: Gain half of another group’s reward. Effect is lost if you join them
• Insurance: Recover for one day after illness. Cannot be used for violations

Special cards

• Increase: Allows a 7th member ignoring gender ratio
• Nullify: Reduces penalty payment to 0
• Trial: Increases class point reward by 1.5x but penalizes if not top 30%

Except Trial, none are disadvantages.

Trial can also be powerful depending on use.

Each student gets one random card tomorrow morning.

Only one of each special card exists per year.

Cards can be traded between same-year different-class students before the exam.

Effects do not stack.

I thought of stacking Trial and Bonus on Kiyotaka-kun with Ride-Along but that won’t work.

Shame.

That concluded the explanation.

It’s extremely complex and still incomplete.

No one would want to write all this out.

Apparently a manual will be posted on the school intranet.

As Chabashira-sensei left, the class became noisy.

Students gathered around Kiyotaka-kun, Horikita-san and Hirata-kun.

But only Koenji-kun stood up and left immediately.

“Chiaki.”

Kiyotaka-kun called me.

…Meaning follow him.

Got it.

I quietly left and followed Koenji-kun.

After walking a bit, he turned a corner and started talking with Chabashira-sensei.

He had been heading toward her.

“So, what happens if a solo student falls ill in this exam, teacher?”

“Even then, penalties apply. Unlike last year, early withdrawal isn’t possible.”

So he planned to skip again.

But that won’t work.

No one would pair with him and the penalty would require 6 million.

“Alright, that’s all I wanted to know. You may go, teacher.”

He dismissed her arrogantly.

I got what I needed too so I turned back.

“So, Matsushita girl, eavesdropping?”

I almost reacted out loud.

I thought I was being careful but clearly not.

Or maybe he’s just abnormal.

“Sorry, it’s rare to see you asking questions so I got curious.”

“No need to hide it. Ayanokōji boy’s orders, right?”

Definitely that.

“Yeah, you got me. He wanted to know why you moved.”

“Then ask him this. Would he consider adding me to his group?”

Yeah right, you’d just quit immediately.

“Sure, but he’ll probably refuse.”

“Heh, no harm in asking.”

I can’t imagine Koenji taking this seriously.

But when he does, like with mental math, he’s terrifying.

Honestly, if he tried, he’d be our strongest alongside Kiyotaka-kun.

…Though that might be overkill.

I returned to the classroom.

In that short time, Horikita-san had already outlined the strategy.

Don’t finalize groups until class discussion concludes and consult leadership before forming urgent groups.

But real group formation would likely start after school.

* * *

After school, everyone’s devices started ringing.

Mine too.

The competition for strong members had begun.

“Kiyotaka-kun, what will you do?”

Chiaki’s phone kept ringing too but she ignored it.

“I’ll leave it to you. I’ll act solo so don’t rely on me.”

“That thing Hōsen mentioned, right.”

She misunderstood but that works.

“Even you can’t get first solo then…”

“You were going to make me try otherwise?”

“You always say you’ll act as a pawn. If someone can do it, it’s natural to rely on them.”

“Exactly. If you could get first solo, our Class A position would be even more secure.”

Horikita joined in.

Then someone spoke.

Koenji.

“Horikita girl, Ayanokōji boy. If I achieve high results, grant me freedom until graduation.”

The class reacted.

With his ability, that’s not impossible.

He wants to secure future freedom.

I looked at Horikita.

She nodded.

“I value your ability highly. I won’t waste it on just one exam.”

“Then negotiations fail?”

“No. If conditions are right, I’ll accept. You must get first solo.”

A high bar.

But he accepted instantly.

“Then we have a deal?”

“No. If you fail, you must fully cooperate in a future exam.”

A good deal.

Win or lose, no loss.

Ideally he gets second.

Koenji accepted.

“Then Ayanokōji-kun, aim for solo first as well.”

“Don’t be unreasonable.”

With interference from first-years and Tsukishiro, that’s difficult.

Plus Nagumo exists.

* * *

Days passed and groups formed.

Chiaki teamed with Kei and Mori.

Not top-tier but stable.

I declined all offers.

I will go solo like Koenji.

It’s easier to move and avoid interference.

Because of that, I was summoned to the student council room.

“Ayanokōji, sorry to call you.”

Nagumo said, not looking sorry.

“What is it?”

“You’re a genius who raised Class D to A. As expected of someone Horikita-senpai values.”

“You overestimate me.”

“Fight me in the next exam.”

He wants a match.

“Compare group rankings?”

“Exactly.”

“No problem.”

But he raised a finger.

“I need you serious. Even with obstacles.”

So that’s it.

“The bounty.”

“Yeah. Real talent should handle that.”

“If I am.”

“Horikita-senpai trusted you.”

He values Manabu highly.

“I’ll give it my all.”

“Let’s make a bet. If you win, I grant any wish. If you lose… your girlfriend—”

He stopped.

Because of my gaze.

Careful what you say.

If he harms Chiaki, I won’t hesitate.

“…then she joins the student council.”

“That’s not my decision.”

“Then you join. Secretary.”

“Fine.”

Minor downside.

“Deal.”

He told me to leave.

But I added something.

“Please accept Horikita Suzune and Ryūen Kakeru if they apply.”

He frowned.

“I would have anyway. Why them?”

“They’d be interesting.”

“Fine. It’ll make things less boring.”

That’s enough.

Outside, Kiriyama stopped me.

He introduced a girl.

Kiryūin Fūka.

A third-year with A+ in both academics and physical ability.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

“She’s like Koenji. No interest in class competition.”

Kiriyama is trying to move her.

Impressive.

“I might cooperate.”

“Will you go solo?”

“Yes. Aim high, not necessarily first.”

“I’m aiming for solo first.”

“Oh?”

She reacted.

“With Koenji too.”

“Confident.”

“There’s a chance.”

“450 students total.”

“Only Koenji matches me so far. But you might too.”

“Same here. I’ve never met anyone better.”

She declared confidently.

“You might this time.”

“You mean you?”

“Or Koenji.”

Her interest sharpened.

“Fine. I accept.”

Just as planned.

Though I won’t actually aim for first.

Koenji will have to do it.

Kiriyama thanked me.

I accepted.

Everything is proceeding as planned but…

Looking at a message asking to meet, I sighed.