In the short time it took to walk from the beach to the forest entrance, I confirmed my bearings and drew a complete map in my mind.
I pinpointed the locations I'd seen from the ship, then raced toward the areas most likely to be spots.
No students from any class had entered the forest yet—which was exactly why I had to hurry.
—I needed to get there first and conceal myself.
"These trees, these paths… everything is remarkably well-maintained."
Several trails wide enough for a person to pass through had been cleared, and the climax forest had its height carefully regulated.
After surveying the obvious signs of human intervention, I stopped for a moment.
Then I drew a deep breath in this space filled with pleasant air.
Ample oxygen flowed into my lungs, coursing through my blood vessels and awakening power throughout my body.
I took one powerful step forward.
Like a gust of wind, I reached full speed in just a few strides.
Without breaking momentum, I leaped toward a nearby branch within reach, gripping it firmly with both hands and swinging.
Using the momentum and inertia, I deftly twisted my body and landed atop the branch.
From this higher vantage point, the view opened up considerably.
There were two reasons I climbed the tree.
First, for ordinary people going about their daily lives, the vertical axis—up and down—is far less guarded than left and right.
In other words, a blind spot. Unless consciously considered, it's a place where nothing can be detected.
Perfect for hiding from others.
Second, it's simply more convenient for movement—and it allows a wide view of the surroundings from up high.
Leaving no footprints is a nice bonus.
"Now then."
I gathered strength in my legs and began leaping from tree to tree.
Naturally, I combined multiple physical talents to do so.
Agile movements drawing from gymnastics, military training, assassination, and parkour.
Efficient grip and arm strength from martial arts and wrestling.
I crossed the treetops silently, like a shinobi, without stopping.
As I advanced, a warm wind carrying the strong scent of the sea rustled my hair.
Thanks to the natural breeze and the trees blocking the sunlight, the stifling heat from earlier had eased somewhat.
After about a minute of high-speed travel, I found my target.
Even from the ship's overview, this place had stood out conspicuously... a massive fallen tree, with a path leading deeper into the forest from its base.
The moment I heard the supplementary explanation, I had pinpointed two locations as definite spots—this fallen tree and the stone-ringed cave.
Both offered spaces to hide from the surroundings and were ideal for establishing a base.
Such places have few entrances.
That means fewer points to watch.
Especially appealing was the ability to renew spot occupation using the device inside without worrying about outside eyes.
Both were optimal solutions for this special exam.
I briefly scouted around the fallen tree.
Surprisingly, there were only two entrances.
And both were blatantly obvious, as if deliberately marked "entrance here."
After checking everything once, I stepped inside the tree.
The path continuing deep into the forest was uneven and looked somewhat difficult to walk.
From the treetops, I spotted a well and the spot occupation device installed there.
As expected.
All that remained was to wait for the class that would visit.
Just wait—and see who uses the key card.
The unexpected always arrives suddenly, from outside your field of vision.
It's correct to be on guard against having your leader guessed in this exam.
But people easily let their guard down at the beginning and end of things.
A single moment of carelessness can sever a lifeline.
This time, I targeted that vulnerability.
—Ah, how boring.
I can think of countless ways to win an exam like this. Every pattern of attack and defense surfaces in my mind.
As I idly watched the meaningless passage of time, multiple voices reached me from the entrance I'd used earlier.
"They arrived sooner than I expected."
Muttering to myself, I moved toward the other entrance.
I positioned myself where I could visually confirm the person occupying the spot—the "leader"—while still being able to escape quickly.
I regulated my posture and breathing, erasing my presence.
"As expected of Ichinose, huh!
Spotting this place from the ship… I was just thinking how much the boat was rocking."
"The announcement and the way the ship moved—its speed felt off, you know?
So I was watching the island just in case.
And then, by chance, this place caught my eye~"
The cohesive group of students approached.
"S-seriously, even if it was coincidence, that's amazing!"
"Chihiro-chan, that's not true at all~"
"If you overdo the humility, it starts sounding sarcastic, Ichinose.
Besides, luck is part of strength, right?"
"Hmm, you might be right, Kanzaki-kun~.
Hehe, everyone, feel free to thank my luck!"
"Thanking your luck somehow doesn't feel very grateful."
The group walked cheerfully, chatting with smiles.
At the center of their bright energy was a girl with well-groomed, glossy peach-colored hair and a voluptuous beauty unusual for a high school student.
She was the de facto leader of Class B—Honami Ichinose.
"Ah, Ichinose-san! Isn't that the spot device?"
"Eh!? …You're right!"
"Nice one, Amikura-san~"
"That's purely coincidence, Ichinose-san."
Cheerful laughter and positivity spread through Class B's circle.
Calling them lacking in crisis awareness might be harsh, but their close-knit, friendly atmosphere certainly stood out.
It had barely been half a month since school started, so that was only natural.
Yet even in such a short time, talent reveals itself clearly.
The center was, as expected, Ichinose.
She guided Class B and called everyone to gather in front of the device.
"Great work getting here, everyone!!
For now, let's take a break—and while we're at it, decide on a leader?"
Ichinose proceeded rationally.
No one in Class B ignored her instructions; they all began thinking at once.
Whether seriously or not, everyone pondered at least a little—working their brains for the sake of the class.
This unity, unseen in other classes, was their strength. A powerful weapon.
"What does everyone think?"
After about two minutes, Ichinose took the lead in the discussion.
Even her slight movements highlighted her attractive figure.
"Can I go first?"
"Yes, Kanzaki-kun!"
"Everyone recognizes that the leader must not be guessed in this exam.
So when choosing, I think we should avoid anyone who usually stands out."
The boy called Kanzaki stated his opinion confidently without changing expression.
"That's a good idea!"
"I think so too!"
One, two, three… agreement grew, turning his view into the class consensus.
"But what about the reverse—someone who stands out on purpose?"
"Hmm, isn't that pretty risky, Ichinose-san?"
"Yeah, it is~.
But that's exactly why it might be unexpected, right?"
"…That strategy has merit, but since it's our first special exam, I think Kanzaki-kun's safer approach is better for now."
"That's true too… Yeah, let's go with Kanzaki-kun's safe plan!"
"I agree~"
They truly were a well-led class.
Opinions clashed, yet without arguing—they collectively refined the answers.
There was no absolute ruler like Ryuuen, but Ichinose unified them while still accepting direct input from everyone.
The ideal microcosm of society—a feat made possible by Honami Ichinose's personal virtue.
"All right, let's decide the leader now.
Anyone willing to do it?"
"…U-um, Ichinose-san, can I?"
The one who raised her hand was a somewhat boyish girl.
Boring.
In the end, my luck worked again, bringing me this close to achieving my goal so easily.
To guess a leader, you need their full name.
I barely know the names of students from other classes, but I know hers.
"Chihiro-chan, are you sure?"
"Yeah… I don't stand out much, and I want to help everyone."
The girl I'd met at the shopping mall—Chihiro Shiranami—smiled without noticing me.
"That's fine, right?
Shiranami is doing it for all of us. There's no reason to blame her."
"Yeah, exactly!
And volunteering first takes courage—it's amazing!"
"…Ah, thank you."
Compared to when we'd met before, she seemed more reserved.
She probably disliked standing in front of crowds.
Her timid, self-conscious demeanor was unusually hesitant for someone volunteering as leader.
She showed a mix of joy and bewilderment at the praise from her classmates.
A good class that accepted her without resistance.
Yet none of them realized danger was approaching right now.
No—they couldn't realize.
"Ahh, youth~"
The one delivering the dubious line was Class B's homeroom teacher and health instructor, Chie Hoshinomiya.
She had been watching silently but interjected now that opinions had converged.
"Sensei, that's a little old-lady-ish!"
"Hey, hey, I'm still in my twenties~"
She laughed as if age taboos for women didn't apply to her.
The exchange felt like casual banter—proof of how close she was with her students.
"Here you go, Shiranami-chan. The card's ready."
Using a machine uncommon in daily life, the key card was issued.
From this distance I couldn't read the name on it, but I saw Shiranami receive the card.
"Okay, I'll occupy the spot now."
Beep—a mechanical sound that felt out of place amid nature rang out.
With that, the well became usable only by Class B.
I—had visually confirmed Chihiro Shiranami using the key card.
"All right, next is dividing into exploration teams!"
As Ichinose declared that, I employed the Ultimate Spy talent to move without a trace of presence or footstep.
I descended from the trees unnoticed and exited through the other entrance.
...
After confirming Class B's occupation, I headed straight for the cave I suspected was the next spot.
It was farther away, so I moved even faster across the treetops than before.
No mistakes like falling—I arrived at the target cave.
But this time, I couldn't enter.
The place was already claimed by one group—no, two opposing groups.
I settled on a nearby tree and observed the scene.
Having traveled a fair distance, sweat beaded on my forehead.
Running in this heat without hydration would exhaust even me.
I wiped my brow with my jersey sleeve to clear my vision and prepared to observe.
I rested my body briefly while keeping my mind active, planning the next steps.
The surroundings, warmed by intense sunlight, were somewhat hot, but the salty breeze regulated my temperature, leaving my thoughts clear.
"I'll say it again—this exam is under my command."
The two groups, which had only been glaring earlier, had finally escalated to arguing—a good timing.
I descended the tree and crept closer, reaching a position where I could hear their conversation clearly.
"No. The strategy you just outlined is far too defensive.
That would only close the gap we could widen here."
"The gap is already wide enough. Taking unnecessary risks to widen it further could bring worse results for the class."
A blond slicked-back boy and a skinhead boy exchanged views.
The skinhead was taller, yet the blond refused to yield an inch.
A hostile atmosphere enveloped the entire group.
Having just seen Class B's unity, it felt slightly off—but this was probably the normal shape of a class.
—Conflict. Not necessarily bad.
"You're probably thinking this is your chance because Sakayanagi isn't here, but we have no intention of following you."
"I figured. But even if you don't want to, you'll still act with the group.
Class division could lead to bad outcomes. You wouldn't want that either, right?"
"There you go assuming again.
Don't you think we might deliberately lose to drag you down?"
"…Hashimoto, are you serious?"
"Who knows."
No sign of resolution.
With statements bordering on open betrayal, this class barely functioned as a group anymore.
From the looks of it, they probably hadn't even decided on a leader.
I began growing bored with the tedious scene.
Still, it was a good opportunity to learn the leader, so I patiently continued observing.
"Katsuragi-san. Just ignore these guys and decide the leader among ourselves!"
"No. That would be no different from completely dismissing their opinions. We can't move forward that way."
"Haha, you're really a good guy, Katsuragi~
But maybe you should remember that some people are fundamentally incompatible?
Like that 'dead weight' over there said—maybe we should just decide without them?"
"What did you say, Hashimoto!
Your grades are lower than mine, yet you call me dead weight?"
An average-faced boy directed anger at him.
The blond slicked-back student called Hashimoto mocked him.
"Totsuka, by grades do you mean test scores?"
"Yes! What else would there be!"
"Oh, I was just wondering what someone who used past exams has to say about it."
"Sh-shut up! That's part of ability too.
And even without them, I would've scored high on that test!!"
"Yeah, sure."
The boy called Totsuka insists on his point, and the one named Hashimoto snickers at him in mocking amusement.
Boring.
Any more of this would be a waste of time. That man Katsuragi is undeniably capable. He's a strict leader respected by everyone, and the trust in him is plain to see.
But it won't work. His approach is far too rigid.
Above all, he and I—more precisely, he and Sakayanagi—are complete opposites. Cooperation would be difficult.
I fully understand now why they clash.
He's earnest and straightforward. An admirable person who would extend a hand to any comrade.
That's entirely different from Sakayanagi, who thinks cunningly, draws information from broad perspectives, and always chooses the optimal path—even if it requires sacrifices.
Humanitarian concerns barely factor into her calculations. And an upright man like Katsuragi would naturally bristle at that.
I conclude that as long as they're infighting, they pose no threat.
With that, I climb back into the trees and resume moving at maximum speed.
"For now, we'll decide the class leader on our side… No objections, right?"
Several minutes after Izuru Kamukura vanished from the shadows of the trees, Class A still hadn't settled on a leader.
"…Fine, I'll let you have it. That's okay with everyone, yeah?"
Hashimoto checks with the Sakayanagi faction classmates.
They all give half-hearted replies, making no effort to hide their reluctance.
At that attitude, the expressions on the Katsuragi faction shift to outright fury.
Once again, the air turns explosive.
"But I draw the line at that 'dead weight' being leader, Katsuragi-kun."
"You—!"
"Calm down, Yahiko… Hashimoto, that's going too far."
Katsuragi responds in a firm tone, and Hashimoto raises both hands in surrender as if to say he gives up.
Totsuka's anger at the flippant gesture is already on the verge of boiling over.
"Kuku. For Class A of all people to not even have a leader decided yet."
Just as Totsuka was about to hurl abuse at Hashimoto, a distinctive laugh interrupted him.
Every member of Class A immediately turns toward the newcomer—no, they tense in wariness.
"…Why are you here?"
"I came to tell you exactly that."
Katsuragi shows faint signs of fatigue from handling one issue after another.
In contrast, the man with the fearless grin orders the several subordinates carrying luggage behind him to set it down.
That casual confidence only heightens Class A's caution.
"I'll get straight to the point, Katsuragi.
—Team up with me."
The man advances slowly but steadily.
There is no sign he intends to stop.
...
"I already said it—having no toilet is impossible! How are we supposed to last seven days with cardboard?"
"I already told you—we have no choice but to endure it. Don't let emotions dictate your actions."
"I'm just making a perfectly reasonable request as a girl!"
A serious-looking boy with glasses and a girl of average height with short black bobbed hair are at each other's throats.
"Calm down, Shinohara-san, Yukimura-kun. You're both getting too heated."
"Yeah, you're definitely overdoing it, Shinohara-san."
The beautiful couple widely regarded as the best in the first year step in to restrain the arguing pair.
"My instincts tell me we should stay here today… Hahahahaha!"
"Kouenji-kun, could you be quiet for a moment?"
"Whoops, my apologies, Cool Girl."
In the stifling heat, the black-haired beauty with her jersey zipped all the way up is being toyed with by the blond boy laughing flamboyantly.
"Looks like Kouenji came back."
"Y-yeah… R-right!"
The girl with pink-rimmed glasses trembles like a phone on vibrate as she responds nervously to the expressionless, unremarkable boy.
The conclusion I reached after beginning surveillance was chaos—Class D lacked cohesion even more than Class A.
After ending my observation of Class A, I confirmed the location of the base Ryuuen had established from the highest tree, then proceeded along the shortest route there.
Along the way, however, I spotted scattered students.
From their movements, I inferred they were searching for a base location and spots.
I had already confirmed the positions of Classes A, B, and C, so the dispersed group now had to be Class D.
Fortunately spotting them, I followed the largest cluster among the scattered groups.
Doing so brought me to a wide riverside that likely continued downstream.
They had decided on this spot as their base and immediately began bickering.
It offered the major advantage of water access, but the downside was being surrounded 360 degrees by forest—making it impossible to notice anyone concealed in the bushes or treetops.
This cleared space felt artificially maintained as well, yet I couldn't help but feel a slight admiration—they had found quite a good location.
"Everyone, calm down for a second! Let's decide on a leader first!"
The one who adjusted her vocal cords to project a clear, carrying voice was a blonde girl of average height with a model-like figure.
The girl possessing the talent of a con artist—Kikyo Kushida.
She called everyone to gather, forming a circle, then lowered her volume slightly to begin the discussion.
There was none of the unity seen in Class B; each person had been doing as they pleased, yet at her single call, a distorted but genuine cohesion emerged.
"I've been thinking about it, and people like Hirata-kun or Karuizawa-san stand out whether they want to or not.
But if we're entrusting the leader role, it has to be someone responsible.
So I think the best choice is someone who fits both conditions!"
Impressive technique.
The way she spoke with clear intonation and drew attention to herself like a speech—it wasn't improvised; I could sense considerable practice behind it.
"That's a good point, Kushida-san. I agree we should pick someone who meets those criteria."
"But Hirata-kun, is there actually anyone like that?
Someone reliable but not too noticeable.
Our class has a lot of eccentric people, so I'm worried…"
"Don't worry, Karuizawa-san.
There's one person who fits perfectly, in my opinion."
"No way!? As expected of Hirata-kun—you notice everything~"
Hirata-kun and Karuizawa-san act surprisingly distant for the reputed best couple.
I had considered romance earlier, and from that perspective, their closeness feels genuine.
A faint interest stirs, but I refocus my mind on completing the task at hand.
"So who is it, who?"
"I'd like Horikita-san to be the leader."
The black-haired beauty dressed in stifling clothing—Horikita-san—is nominated.
The one named reacts calmly, gauging the other students' responses.
"Hey, Hirata. She's clearly reluctant—don't force it on her."
"I won't force anything. Of course, I'll respect Horikita-san's wishes."
"…Fine, then."
The one who snapped at Hirata's suggestion was Ken Sudou, the victim of that false violence accusation.
Since the incident, he seems to have reflected on himself and hasn't resorted to violence anymore.
Now he steps forward as if to shield Horikita-san, glaring in warning.
"No problem. Hirata-kun, I'll accept."
As if to say she doesn't need protecting, Horikita steps past Sudou and answers resolutely.
Strong-willed by nature. She apparently has no intention of relying on a bodyguard.
"Thank you, Horikita-san."
Hirata-kun replies with a smile.
Horikita remains unfazed, maintaining her cool expression.
He then turns to the adult woman wearing the same jersey as the students.
"Chabashira-sensei, please issue the key card. The leader is Horikita-san."
"Got it."
With the critical leader role decided, relieved expressions begin appearing here and there among the students.
But I had clearly heard those words.
Boring. In the end, things tilt toward whoever I expect.
That was what I thought.
—Until I heard the next words.
"Hold on a moment, my schoolmates."
The clear male voice rang out, drawing everyone's attention.
His interjection pauses the key card issuance.
"Is something wrong, Kouenji-kun?
Are you perhaps dissatisfied with me becoming leader?"
"No, Cool Girl."
The man who answers with a slightly solemn face—Rokusuke Kouenji—is not lying.
Unexpected potential stirs my anticipation toward him.
A free spirit, the embodiment of arrogance—yet here he is unusually acting for the class.
Unpredictable. An eccentric deviant might prove entertaining after all.
"Then what is it?"
"Cool Girl, can you see that?"
Kouenji points toward the top of a tree in his line of sight.
The gesture guides not only Horikita's gaze but that of every Class D student there.
"Look closely. Even I overlooked it until just earlier."
"…That!?"
"Not bad eyesight, Cool Girl."
Horikita's shock is unmistakable.
But my interest right now isn't in her.
"Kouenji-kun, when did you notice?"
"Just a moment ago… and by chance."
Though my mouth doesn't curve, I feel my mood lift.
At this moment, I inwardly revise my evaluation of Rokusuke Kouenji.
—Because he detected my presence despite my complete erasure of any trace.
"That's… could that be a person!?"
One of the boys shouts with a startled expression.
Yes—in the direction pointed, the place Class D is staring at, "I" am there.
I had constantly employed the Ultimate Spy talent. Detecting my presence should be nearly impossible.
Yet he noticed. Truly unexpected.
For the first time in a while, I push my mind to full throttle, analyzing.
And I arrive at one possibility.
"Hey, you up there—come down!!"
Game over draws near.
Class D students slowly creep toward the tree I'm in.
Escaping once surrounded would be easy, but the sparked interest rejects that option.
"Come out without worry, Observer.
I won't have you captured.
I'm simply interested in the person who has my schoolmates cornered at this stage."
Would a fleeing villain stop if told to halt?
Would a barricaded criminal surrender meekly if ordered to give up?
Would a culprit raise their hand if told to confess in a life-or-death class trial?
Would someone trying to escape emerge just because told to come out?
"Hahaha, as expected—it's you, Kamukura Boy."
I leap down from the tree, landing on the same ground as them.
Some laugh and welcome my appearance.
Some widen their eyes in shock.
Some pale as if old wounds have been reopened.
Some grimace, unable to hide their bitterness.
And some size me up with appraising eyes.
—Not bad. This situation is truly unknown.
"Hello, everyone in Class D."
In what might seem a desperate predicament, I break the silence first.
Several flinch and brace themselves, but it doesn't matter.
I surrender myself to the preceding interest.
***
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