The order of disembarking from the luxury cruise ship was first-years, then second-years and finally third-years.

Departures were spaced 15 minutes apart.

This was likely to account for differences in physical ability.

It gave first-years a big advantage but for us second-years there wasn’t much benefit.

The first designated area I was assigned was D7.

Among the second-years I likely arrived the fastest but as expected I couldn’t earn any placement bonus.

I memorized the faces of the first-years present at D7 including Nanase.

The first-years had already had one student expelled in the first term.

That leaves 159 students total.

If they all formed groups of three that’s 53 groups.

Since they’d likely be evenly distributed across 12 tables that means at least 4 groups per table would be first-years.

Only the top 3 get placement bonuses.

Even if all tables had completely different starting areas it would be nearly impossible for upperclassmen to get those bonuses.

No point worrying about it.

Getting the arrival bonus is good enough.

Through transceiver coordination I already knew this but none of the groups sharing my first area included key members like Sakayanagi, Ichinose, Ryūen or Katsuragi.

That means I can go all out for placement bonuses.

On that note it’s a shame I didn’t overlap with Koenji.

Speaking of Koenji, during last year’s island exam he moved by jumping between trees.

He retired on the first night but that movement style would still be very useful here.

I might imitate it.

At 10:00 the tasks began.

Tasks like fire starting math tests and grip strength appeared on the tablet map.

This is where our year-wide cooperation shines.

“Sakayanagi. Which task should I go to?”

“Ayanokōji-kun, head to the English test.”

“Understood.”

Communication was simple due to the number of instructions she gave.

It shows her ability.

I headed to the English test.

The optimal strategy for tasks is to monopolize participation slots with second-years but that’s hard at the start.

So Sakayanagi likely assigned top performers like me Sudo and Yamada to suitable tasks.

Sudo is probably at grip strength.

Ike might be at fire starting.

Even if they’re in the same group they can participate separately.

“2-A Ayanokōji Kiyotaka, requesting participation.”

“Approved.”

Looking around several groups from each year were present.

From second-years only high performers participated.

“Ayanokōji. To face you so soon is fortunate.”

Kiryūin arrived.

She looked at me with interest.

“You’re taking the English test too.”

“Let me first gauge your academic ability.”

“I won’t hold back.”

“Good. I want to confirm if your OAA is accurate.”

The test began.

It was mostly multiple choice.

But there were questions outside the high school curriculum.

I scored full marks and took first place.

Second was Kiryūin.

Third was Wang’s group.

“Impressive.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll beat you next time.”

“I won’t lose.”

We shook hands.

She left immediately.

Before moving on—

“Good work.”

“Thanks. You’re amazing as always.”

Wang spoke.

“You too. Third place against third-years is impressive.”

“I’m trying harder after last time.”

Good mindset.

“Um, Ayanokōji-kun.”

“Yes?”

“Could you call me Mii-chan like everyone else?”

“Alright.”

We exchanged area info.

“I was at D6.”

“I was at D7.”

“Let’s help each other.”

“Yeah!”

Then I moved to the next task.

Sakayanagi would assign me to high reward tasks with available slots.

That’s efficient for a solo participant.

“Oh.”

A new task appeared: ‘Race.’

Reach a designated point fastest.

Rewards included mineral water.

1st gets 2L, 2nd 1.5L, 3rd 1L, 4th–30th 500ml.

Water is extremely valuable.

I changed plans and headed there.

Better to act immediately.

I got first place.

And the reward was granted instantly.

2 liters secured.

Water is critical.

Likely a recurring task.

A form of safety measure.

Since up to 30 people can get water monopolizing it isn’t realistic.

Now the next area... B7.

Far from D7.

Focusing on tasks can cause this.

But it can also work in your favor.

There’s always randomness.

I prioritized tasks over placement.

I got first place in several tasks and reached B7.

Final area was D7.

I rushed back and secured a placement bonus.

I observed the same-table students and reported to Sakayanagi.

“Someone to watch... Nanase.”

She’s very capable.

My current score is 31.

Not bad solo.

But easily surpassed.

Day 4 rankings will be interesting.

I must avoid losing to Nagumo.

Joining the student council would be troublesome.

Less time with Chiaki.

“...”

I turned on the transceiver.

“Kiyotaka-kun?”

“How are things?”

“I’ve got 14 points... probably low.”

“31.”

“Wow.”

“As expected.”

Kei and Mori’s voices joined.

“Looks like you’re fine.”

“I secured water and food. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Don’t overdo it. But we’re fine too.”

“I see.”

So I couldn’t use that excuse to meet her.

She’s capable.

Still, if our areas overlap...

That night I listened to her voice through the transceiver.

* * *

Sleeping in a tent again.

Not bad alone.

I washed up in a nearby river.

Ate preserved food.

If I don’t get more I’ll need to gather food myself.

I stretched in the cool air.

At 7:00 the next area appeared.

E8.

Very close.

I confirmed with Sakayanagi and took 1st.

42 points.

“Ryūen’s group is at F8...”

I have extra water.

Better deliver it.

A task appeared between us.

‘General knowledge test.’

Not my strong suit but I can fill slots.

I spotted Ryūen and Katsuragi.

“Ryūen. How’s it going?”

“Are you mocking us? 42 points solo?”

“Sakayanagi told you?”

“Reassuring... or terrifying.”

“You could’ve gotten first solo.”

“Overestimation.”

Still, I ensured Koenji and Kiryūin could disrupt things if needed.

“Anyway, what do you want?”

“I brought water.”

“Much appreciated.”

“It’s part of the deal.”

“Good. Then we can drink freely.”

“Don’t waste it.”

Katsuragi stored the bottles.

Reliable as always.

“Any info?”

“Nagumo’s table is different from yours. Also not overlapping with Chiaki.”

“Good.”

“Also, Nanase, Hōsen and Amasawa are on your table.”

“I see. Thanks.”

“Be careful.”

“No need,” Ryūen said.

I’ll take that as praise.

I left.

Then I spotted Amasawa alone.

Strange.

“Hey, senpai!”

She noticed me.

“Amasawa. Where are the others?”

“We split up. More efficient.”

Smart strategy.

“Then no problem.”

“You were worried? Cute.”

“I thought you got separated.”

“Should’ve lied.”

“I might’ve helped.”

Would I have before?

“Can I join you?”

“No.”

“At least hear me out?”

“No benefit.”

“You’re just worried about your girlfriend.”

She saw right through me.

Typical White Room student.

There is a benefit.

Others would think she’s targeting the bounty.

But I don’t want to be alone with someone other than Chiaki.

“If you understand then that’s enough.”

“Fine.”

She gave up easily.

Suspicious.

“Oh, you’re heading that way? Me too.”

...I see.

She’ll just follow.

There’s no rule against it.

“Can you keep up?”

“I can try.”

She smiled.

And just like that, our chase began.

It wouldn’t last long though.