"Ayanokōji-kun."

Right now I was visiting Class D's base camp together with Kanzaki.

We happened to find it by coincidence and it turned out to be surprisingly close.

"Been two days. Hirata."

I greeted Hirata, who came running over immediately.

But the stares from Class D were still painful.

Well, that's only natural.

After all, Kanzaki and I are the very people responsible for getting their classmates expelled.

It may be misplaced resentment but I've learned over the past few months that not everyone can separate emotions that neatly.

That said I don't personally hold any grudge against them.

"So... what brings you here?"

Hirata seemed confused by our sudden visit.

His eyes were wandering slightly and his expression looked strained.

"For this exam we can't predict Class C's movements. There's a chance they might target Class D. We came to warn you while scouting spots."

Kanzaki answered in my place.

However there was a small lie mixed in.

We had actually been searching for every class's base camp because saving Class D briefly was preferable to giving the troublesome Class C a win.

Since we did technically find it by coincidence it wasn't entirely a lie.

"Class C... I see. You've already thought that far ahead. We're still barely managing to deal with our own situation."

I looked over Class D's base camp.

They bought the same number of tents as us and two temporary toilets as well.

There were traces of a campfire but it didn't look like it had burned very well.

At that moment I hesitated.

Class D contained my friends like Hirata and Sakura.

So if they were struggling I wanted to help them even if they were from another class.

But doing that here would be like giving aid to the enemy.

My relationship with Hirata is already known to Kanzaki and Ichinose but whether they'd accept that is uncertain.

Well given the nature of Kōiku it's unavoidable to some extent but communication with other classes is also an important social skill...

"Hirata. I see traces of a campfire. Were you actually able to cook anything?"

I decided to ask him directly.

He looked surprised.

"You can tell?"

"Well... yeah. If the ground is scorched and there are stones around it, anyone would figure it out."

"I see. But honestly it was a failure. Our class doesn't have anyone with camping experience or even people who like outdoor activities. We're completely stuck when it comes to survival."

I thought so.

But when I thought about it again Class D never actually harmed me directly.

They did try to extort money but that could also be interpreted as them acting out of 'care for their classmates'.

"I can at least teach you how to start a campfire."

When I muttered that Kanzaki glared at me.

But at the same time the way Class D looked at me seemed to gain a hint of hesitation.

"Ayanokōji. What are you thinking?"

"This exam aside, there will absolutely be class conflicts in the future. When that happens would you be happy if our enemies increased?"

"That would be... an undesirable development..."

"Exactly. Class D already lost seven students and their strength is limited. There's no reason to crush them further and teaching them doesn't reduce our points."

Kanzaki fell silent.

Because he could understand my reasoning was correct.

"He's my friend. I don't want them starving out here."

"...Alright. But you can't tell them the locations of spots."

"I know. Thanks, Kanzaki."

"Don't mention it."

After finishing our conversation I approached Hirata.

"Hirata. I shall teach you the secret technique of campfires."

"Are you really sure? We're technically enemies."

Hirata had a point.

I suppose I should declare it properly here.

Kanzaki shares the same opinion and there's no need to even ask Ichinose.

"Everyone. Listen for a moment."

I raised my voice so the entire Class D base camp could hear.

Immediately everyone's eyes turned toward me.

Even the ones working at the edges and the ones focused on fishing.

"In many people's eyes I, Ayanokōji Kiyotaka of Class B, am an enemy. As the one responsible for the expulsion of your friends and classmates. I also understand that many of you may dislike me for other reasons."

While speaking I looked around.

Some wore suspicious expressions while others glared lightly.

Emotions truly are interesting.

"However that decision wasn't driven by my personal feelings but by a constructive judgment for the future of my class. I understand emotions aren't something you can easily separate, but I want you to at least know that."

I spoke sincerely.

What mattered here was preventing our future relationship with Class D from becoming hostile.

There will certainly be more special exams and there may even be times when classes cooperate.

When that happens it would be nice if we could join hands with them.

Even something worthless gains value if it doesn't harm my allies.

"You might think I'm saying something convenient. That's fine. But neither I nor Class B intends to openly oppose Class D in the future. That's all I wanted to say."

After concluding that I stood beside Hirata in front of the campfire remains.

"First, starting a fire. Instead of primitive methods it's faster to use the matches given to every class. Also choose the wood carefully. It's fine to pick up wood from the forest but choose pieces that are as dry as possible."

I know a little about survival methods.

Though it's only intermediate knowledge so if I were told to survive alone on a deserted island it would still be difficult.

After that we chatted with some members of Class D before leaving their base camp.

Staying too long would just be awkward and pointless.

Of course we also didn't mention anything about leaders.

Naturally.

"..."

As we left I briefly glanced toward Matsushita, who was standing at the edge.

Even that alone should have conveyed the message.

"Kanzaki, something came up. Could you go back first?"

After walking a few minutes away from the base camp I stopped and said that to Kanzaki.

He looked puzzled for a moment but soon sighed as if accepting it.

"Ayanokōji doesn't do pointless things. I came to that conclusion during the first semester. Tell me what you did after the exam ends. If you agree to that, go."

I like people who understand quickly.

Besides, my thinking is somewhat similar to Kanzaki's.

There isn't anyone else who can understand intentions without words like he can.

"I understand. After this exam ends I'll tell you everything."

"Then I'll go ahead. I'd probably just be in the way."

After saying that he walked quickly back toward Class B's base camp.

Without turning around.

"Long time no see, Ayanokōji-kun."

Immediately afterward a voice called out.

A slightly high but calm voice.

"You took your time, Matsushita."

I called her name.

When I turned around Matsushita stood there wearing the school's designated tracksuit.

"I couldn't come out while Kanzaki-kun was there. You knew that."

"So, did you find anything?"

I skipped unnecessary talk and went straight to the point.

We didn't have time to waste.

"Yeah. I can't say the leader yet since there's still risk and I don't have evidence but I remember the spot locations. We found five spots just yesterday. Is that enough for now?"

Matsushita drew a bird's-eye map of the island on the dry ground using a stick.

Then she carefully marked the positions of the spots.

If this isn't a lie it's very convenient.

Since Class D and Class B's base camps are close it won't burden Amikura either.

"When was the latest occupation?"

"Around eight this morning. I went with them so I remember."

Eight this morning.

Which means the next occupation time would be around four in the afternoon.

Assuming about thirty minutes of travel...

"I understand. This information is very valuable. And about our next meeting."

"Late night or early morning?"

That was quick.

She understood what I meant.

"Early morning. What time should we meet here?"

"I'm fine anytime."

"Then considering the timing, how about four in the morning."

"Alright."

"See you."

"Yeah."

There was no benefit for Matsushita to lie here.

Which means the information about the spots is most likely true.

This will greatly improve the efficiency of earning points.

Now the next step is...

Identifying the leaders of the other classes.