I woke up much earlier than expected.
The stifling heat made me try to roll over, but I couldn't, and that jolted me fully awake.
There was a warm sensation against my back, reminding me that I had spent the night inside the tent.
Last night's commotion had been like a comic festival, so my body ached a little, and a heavy fatigue lingered.
The other students were probably in the same state.
I slipped out of the tent without waking anyone, stretched lightly, and loosened up my body. Releasing the tension after a deep stretch brought a pleasant sensation that washed over me.
Then I approached the mountain of piled-up luggage.
The boys' and girls' belongings were all grouped together in front of their respective tents—to maximize the space inside.
I glanced around to confirm no one was nearby—and someone was.
More precisely, there was a person lounging in a hammock strung between two trees, watching me.
"Hahaha, why so flustered? If you're going to rummage, be quick about it.
I despise ugliness, but I can understand the impulse… so I'll allow it."
"…If you understand, then keep your voice down, Kouenji."
"My apologies."
With permission from the ultimate free spirit, Kouenji Rokusuke, I located the bag I wanted and unzipped it.
This was the bag belonging to Ibuki, who had been taken in by Class D yesterday.
I glanced at Kouenji for a moment before quickly checking the contents. It held the basics everyone else had—towels, spare clothes, underwear.
But—
"Oh, a digital camera."
Before I could react, the camera I had picked up was snatched away. I didn't mind him coming closer, but was taking it really necessary?
While I idly pondered that, he swiftly turned it on and snapped a couple of shots.
—I was stunned.
What the hell is this guy doing? Seriously, what is he doing?
"Yes, today's me is magnificent as always. A smile worth 120 out of 100… Oh, my apologies again. It's just habit, hahahahaha!"
Speechless and dumbfounded, I watched as Kouenji checked the photos, adjusted his hair, then deleted the data.
He powered it off, returning it to its original state.
…He took pictures just to check his hair. No hand mirror on him, sure, but what a risky move.
"Now then, Ayanokouji Boy. Care to join me for a morning walk?"
An unexpected proposal.
Another whim of Kouenji's, no doubt. I had no idea why he was suddenly motivated—but it worked in my favor.
"Yeah."
"Then let's go at once."
Without looking at me, Kouenji started walking at the same brisk pace he'd used yesterday when leaving Sakura and me behind.
Sakura wasn't here now, so I could keep up. I locked onto his back without issue.
And without further ado, I asked the question.
"Hey, Kouenji—when exactly are you planning to retire?"
"What are you saying, Boy? Why would I retire? What's your basis? I won't get angry, so go ahead and tell me."
"I remember how you emphasized 'just a little' when you brought the food yesterday. That's my inference."
Kouenji grinned.
That smile… it seemed my guess was correct.
He probably had enough for another day or two at most. Beyond that, his personality wouldn't allow it.
"Hahaha, spot on, Ayanokouji Boy."
"You remembered my name."
"It was a rather 'unique' self-introduction, after all."
An invisible blade stabbed my heart, stirring up old trauma.
As I mentally wrapped a bandage called "self-persuasion" around the wound.
"May I ask a question too?"
His English pronunciation was flawless, as always—distinctive phrasing.
"Ayanokouji Boy—why do you hide your true ability? Why don't you always act like you do when speaking with me?"
I fell silent. The sudden, piercing question caught me off guard, and words failed me.
"…It's a long story. So I'll keep it brief?"
I had glimpsed a fraction of this man's capability yesterday. From that, I judged lies or deception wouldn't work.
Even if I tried, his whims were unpredictable—making it a poor choice.
So I gave in and told the truth.
"It's more to my liking that way."
To Kouenji's reply, I explained what I could.
My preference for avoiding trouble, the expulsion threat from Chabashira-sensei, and that I would only show my ability in this exam.
"I see, I see. So that conversation with the teacher was blackmail."
"Something like that."
There were slight differences, but it was close enough, so I affirmed it.
"In that case, Ayanokouji Boy, there's something I should tell you."
"Something to tell me?"
"Yes—about Class C."
Class C. Hearing those words, I drew in a sharp breath. Instinctive wariness surged.
"Yesterday, before returning to camp, I was imitating Kamukura Boy, moving through the treetops…"
Moving through the trees.
Given Kamukura's similar movements last night and Kouenji's physical ability, replication was certainly possible.
"Along the way, I discovered Class C's base. I observed them to kill time, and something interesting came to light."
"Interesting?"
"Yes. Yesterday evening, while Class C students were preparing the campfire, neither the naughty boy nor Kamukura Boy were anywhere to be seen.
Now, what could that mean?"
The question accelerated my thoughts.
Naughty boy was almost certainly Ryuuen. And the other was Izuru Kamukura.
Both of Class C's leader figures absent?
Leaders responsible for commanding the group leaving their post was fundamentally unthinkable.
Especially when efficient campfire preparation would normally require at least one of them to stay.
This meant the two leader figures had business important enough to warrant both going out.
"…That's useful information. Thanks, Kouenji."
"Hahaha, don't mention it. Make good use of it and entertain me to the fullest."
"Yeah, I'll do my best."
I organized the information from Kouenji in my mind and incorporated it as a piece of the equation for victory.
"Good answer… Well, it's about time for my swim. What will you do?"
"I'll wash my face and head back."
As we walked and talked meaningfully, we somehow reached the river.
A fair amount of time had passed, so returning soon was best.
"What are you doing in a place like this?"
As we turned back toward base camp, several male students were watching us.
I recognized one of them, and he showed no hostility.
"Ayanokouji Boy, handle them. I must take my swim now."
"…Yeah. Be careful."
"No problem. There is nothing on my body that requires caution."
"…Right."
…The whims of a free spirit are truly unpredictable.
Flexing his arm muscles exaggeratedly and letting out his now-familiar booming laugh, Kouenji left the scene.
The male students and I watched him go in stunned silence.
"T-That's the ultimate free spirit of our year… Incredible."
The Class B student who had spoken earlier, Kanzaki, stammered the words.
It was understandable. Rumors were one thing, but seeing the real thing in person—if you didn't take a step back, you were either the same type or even stranger.
"Sorry for the noise so early. So, what do you want, Kanzaki?"
"I was wondering how things were going after a day. Came to check. You secured a good spot."
Recalling his purpose from my question, Kanzaki quickly regained composure and spoke.
From his genuine tone of admiration, it didn't sound like a loaded statement.
"Yeah, thanks to someone with camping experience."
"I see. Class D really can't be underestimated."
He nodded, seemingly convinced, though still wary—no sign of displeasure.
"Kanzaki. Where's Class B camping?"
I wasn't sure he'd tell me details, but it was worth asking.
To my surprise, he answered without hesitation.
"On the way back to the beach along the path, there's a fallen large tree. From there, head southwest through the entrance, and you'll reach Class B's campsite.
…If needed, feel free to come. Pass that along."
The person he implicitly wanted me to relay it to was almost certainly Horikita.
Class B and Class D. Kanzaki, Ichinose, and Horikita—they had formed a tentative alliance after the violence incident with Class C.
They might still consider us allies.
The minimal conversation ended, and I returned to our base camp.
…
After morning roll call on the second day, we shifted to free activity.
Hirata gave instructions to reliable classmates and began the strategy to conserve points.
The mood-maker group centered on Kushida.
The queen group centered on Karuizawa.
The exploration group centered on Ike, hailed as this exam's MVP.
And Hirata's own group—four groups in total received his directions.
Hirata alone was overworked. I respected his ability to push forward without a single complaint.
On the other hand, students with little desire to help—those like me, Horikita, and Kouenji who preferred acting alone—began doing whatever we pleased.
"What the hell are you guys doing?!"
Suddenly, Ike's angry voice echoed through the camp. I glanced toward the sound to observe.
There stood two familiar male students, grinning smugly.
Ibuki, who had briefly shown a bitter expression, quickly hid in the shadow of a tent.
"Komiya and Kondou…"
Like Ibuki, who had muttered their names, I remembered the pair. They were the Class C boys involved in that violence incident.
"Man, Class D's living pretty rough, huh. As expected from the defect class."
The two munched on snacks while gulping down cold canned sodas to beat the heat.
"Looks like Class C's living in luxury."
"…It's all Ryuuen's fault."
The venom in the voice made it clear how much hatred there was.
"Message from Ryuuen-san. If you wanna enjoy summer vacation, come to the beach right now. Don't hold back.
We'll share the dream time that'll make this stupid life feel pointless."
"Then take me. I was just wanting to enjoy a vacation."
…Huh?
"Y-You're the ultimate free spirit of the year—"
"—Indeed, I am Kouenji Rokusuke."
The egocentric man whose mood dictated his actions moved freely, unhindered by anyone.
Not just Class D students—even the ones who provoked and Ibuki herself were shocked.
"Hm? What's wrong? Lead me to the place where I can fully enjoy my vacation."
"…Sure, fine. Follow me. We'll give you a taste of time that'll make your current life seem ridiculous."
With those words, Komiya and Kondou turned their backs on Class D and left.
Kouenji followed right behind them.
"It doesn't seem like they came looking for me."
"Yeah. Just plain harassment. Though thanks to Kouenji, it ended up meaningless."
"…Class D has it rough too."
"…Yeah."
Receiving Ibuki's unexpectedly straightforward sympathy, I immediately begin analyzing.
The Class C students who carried out that bizarre provocation had snacks and drinks obtained with points.
In this exam where they should want to preserve even a single point, what exactly is their intention?
"Ibuki, do you have any idea what they meant by 'dream time'?"
"…You'd understand better by seeing it directly than having me explain. It's irredeemably awful."
Ibuki says no more and heads toward the same tree as yesterday.
For now, I go to report to Class D's leader, Horikita.
She's a leader we barely managed to keep. Of course, there were many opinions that we should replace her, but we ultimately agreed it was better to continue with her.
"Horikita, you there?"
I move to the girls' tent and call out to Horikita, who hasn't shown herself since breakfast.
After about ten seconds, she emerges with some rustling.
"Did you hear the commotion earlier?"
"Yes. I'm aware of Class C's cheap provocation and Kouenji-kun's incomprehensible behavior."
Despite her clearly unwell complexion, her tongue remains as sharp as ever.
"Something about it bothers me. Want to go check it out?"
"…Will spears fall from the sky tomorrow?"
It was clear she was mocking my habit of avoiding problems.
"I'm bored. So how about scouting Class C to kill time?"
"I'd rather not move much. As leader, standing out carelessly risks getting hit by stray fire."
"I get how you feel, but holing up won't change the situation. You're probably already on the target list just for being the student council president's sister. Plus there's Kouenji. You're fine letting him go unchecked?"
"…Fine, I suppose."
Though she agrees, her tone and mood are at odds with her very heavy footsteps.
Together with her, I head toward the beach that has become Class C's stronghold.
…
"Ora!"
With a sound of air being sliced. I deflect the fist that produces such a dangerous noise.
"You went and did something unnecessary!"
"I judged that he would be too much for you right now."
I lightly parry Ryuuen's punch—glaring as if he could kill with his eyes alone—using just one hand without stepping back. I deflect every follow-up jab as well.
"I see. Then keep me company while I vent."
Despite the sandy footing, Ryuuen closes the distance with nimble steps.
His right foot is aimed straight at my groin.
"If you need to vent, bullying Class D should suffice."
"I'll do that too. But it's been a while since I wanted a proper fight."
"You know a fight between you and me wouldn't be a fight, right?"
"Keep talking, you damn narcissist!!"
I evade the right kick swinging from right to left with minimal movement.
To cover the opening after the miss, he spins once more on his extended right foot and unleashes a roundhouse kick.
The follow-up is exactly as predicted; I catch it with one hand.
"…Tch. Still can't reach you, huh."
"Are you satisfied?"
I release the caught left leg.
Both feet back on the ground, Ryuuen glares even harder at my words.
"…Who the hell are you, really? That strength isn't normal."
"Would you accept it if I said I was once called the 'Ultimate Hope'?"
"No way in hell."
Fair enough, I conclude internally and continue.
"My past doesn't matter, does it? More importantly, you won't look good if this ends here."
"Huh? …The second wave, huh. Well, no idiot would leave things to that weirdo."
Having finished our playful scuffle, we turn toward the bushes leading to the beach.
There, a boy and girl have just stepped onto the sand and are cautiously observing us.
"Oi, Kamukura. Go call them over."
"Why me? It's because you went wild that none of your pawns are nearby."
"It's the weaklings' fault. Scaring stiff just from watching a fight."
That retort belongs exclusively to "Hinata Hajime," so I don't voice it.
Resigned, I carry out Ryuuen's order.
I don't particularly mind being seen. In fact, it would be convenient if they analyzed me from it.
With that in mind, I approach the frozen pair.
Horikita and an unremarkable boy.
They direct wary gazes at me.
"Good morning. Ryuuen is calling you, so let's talk over there."
I don't forget the morning greeting as I tell them.
Horikita's expression stiffens for a moment, but she replies promptly.
"…Isn't violence against the rules?"
"It's prohibited against other classes."
Saying only that, I turn and return to the king, who is waiting in a posed stance.
"…Ayanokouji-kun, what should we do?"
"That's for Horikita to decide, isn't it?"
"True. I'm interested in the intent behind creating this situation. Let's go."
After a brief consultation, they follow behind me.
We soon arrive right in front of the king.
I subtly suggest Horikita take my beach chair.
But she refuses with, "I'm fine standing."
Ryuuen grins at her stubborn attitude.
I move to Ryuuen's side, facing the standing pair.
"Yo, Horikita Suzune. Got business at my base?"
"You're living quite extravagantly. Seems like you're splurging a lot."
"As you can see, we're in the middle of lavish enjoyment."
Ryuuen spreads his arms like wings, showing off the treasure trove of entertainment laid out.
"This is an exam, you know. Do you understand what that means? I'm stunned that you might not even comprehend the rules…"
"Understanding the rules? …Kuku, giving advice to an enemy? How kind."
"When the top two are incompetent, the rest suffer. That's all I feel sorry for."
Ryuuen turns to me and just laughs.
He's mocking the girl in front of him for not grasping the essence of his strategy, and probably finding it amusing that she insulted me.
"So how many points have you used?"
"All of them?"
Ryuuen answers calmly, without hiding it.
Horikita doesn't flinch. She must have predicted as much.
"I said it earlier, didn't I? We're in the middle of lavish enjoyment. Literally enjoying ourselves.
Which means we're not going to be your enemies."
"For someone saying that, the guy next to you came to identify our leader."
"Kuku, that was his independent action. He took what he thought was the best move for my sake—to identify the leader."
Ryuuen laughs as he says it.
"It wasn't for you. It was for the unknown."
"Hah, that's just like you."
Ryuuen brushes off my correction casually.
Then Horikita shifts her target to me.
"You have that much physical and judgment ability, yet you lent a hand to his ridiculous strategy?"
"Oi, oi, calling it ridiculous is harsh. I built this strategy to fit the exam's theme of 'freedom,' you know?"
"Then you're a genuine idiot. Don't you understand that 'freedom' in this exam means creative ingenuity?"
She's certainly right that the "freedom" this school seeks is the freedom to be resourceful.
Forty classmates tackling the exam. They expect endurance, ingenuity, and cooperation.
But I have not the slightest interest in such a boring, model answer.
"You're a real goody-two-shoes too. Just like that girl."
"That girl? …You mean Ibuki-san?"
"Huh? You know about her? She's surprisingly famous."
He finishes the slightly warmed water he received from Ishizaki and says that.
"Oi, Ishizaki. Bring two new bottles."
He calls Ishizaki, who's resting outside the beach volleyball court.
Ishizaki hurries with panicked steps to one of the many tents to fetch water.
"What a selfish king. Did you punish those who didn't obey you?"
"If you're talking about Ibuki, you're not wrong."
"…As I thought, Ibuki-san clashed with you over how to use the points."
"Simply put, yeah."
Ryuuen grins provocatively.
As for me—I'm analyzing the boy beside her.
He's truly interesting.
It's not talent.
I'm drawn to this plain boy who has reached the realm of superhuman analysis through countless experiences and training.
Cold eyes. Abnormal eyes that see everyone as nothing but pawns.
Eyes that seem to look at others yet see nothing at all—his future changes are, for now, beyond even my ultimate analysis.
Even I struggle to predict his future, and a smile nearly escapes, but I maintain my expressionless face and continue thinking.
What he sees is something else. Something he's fixated on. Those despairing eyes that view people only as pawns reflect one single, absolute thing.
I've seen eyes like his before.
Two people who absolutized abstract concepts like hope and despair.
Both sought hope or despair with every means available, as naturally as breathing.
His eyes resemble theirs exactly.
So, what does he see?
The answer is straightforward.
Something he aims for in the future ahead, willing to discard pawns to seize it.
Something he prioritizes even if it means dragging down those around him, those he faces, those who help him.
Eyes somewhat like Ryuuen's, yet with a broken… ideology—what he desires above all.
His own peace, his own safety. The foundation to fulfill his desires.
What's necessary for that. For example—victory.
"That's enough. Let's go back, Ayanokouji-kun. Staying here longer will just ruin my mood."
Absorbed in my observation of him, I realize the conversation has apparently ended.
"See ya, Suzune."
"Don't call me by my first name so casually."
"Then give me permission. I want to show respect to a strong-willed girl like you."
"You're terrible at lying. You just want to make me yours, don't you?"
"Kuku, no such thing."
Horikita looks down at Ryuuen—who laughs even after being seen through—with contempt.
"Please wait a moment."
As they start to leave, I stop them once, and clothing myself in with Ultimate Despair.
Zzzzt!
"…!?"
"I have no business with you."
I direct my own eyes toward him.
A realm that ordinary people could never reach, no matter how far they stretched.
More intensely than Ryuuen Kakeru, than Ichinose Honami, than Katsuragi Kouhei, than Sakayanagi Arisu.
More overwhelmingly than anyone, I direct my presence, my dominance, toward him.
I slowly point my right finger at the plain boy.
He, who had been looking at me, shows confusion—yet smiles faintly.
A pure smile, like an infant unable to control its emotions.
As expected, he's broken.
"—What is your name?"
"I'm—Ayanokouji Kiyotaka."
With that answer, Ayanokouji-kun takes the hand of the stunned Horikita and begins walking back toward his class's base.
"To move in that atmosphere… Is he a real contender too? …No, just a small fry who couldn't even sense the presence."
Ryuuen shows slight wariness toward him but soon stops thinking and wipes his cold sweat.
"I-I brought them!"
"You're too late."
"S-Sorry!"
Ishizaki, arriving with two ice-cold bottles, looks startled at Ryuuen.
But he quickly bows and hands over one bottle.
The king roughly grabs the water and glares at Ishizaki for his tardiness mistake.
Watching the scene from the side, that interesting boy's smile lingers in my mind.
If I trample his hope—the changes afterward will surely become an unpredictable future.
I am certain of it.
***
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