The morning of the third day of the special test—August 3—arrived.
I sat up halfway in the tent and looked around; my classmates were sleeping, breathing in a variety of rhythms.
Third day since the test began. No one showed signs of waking, and life in this unfamiliar environment seemed to be slowly accumulating fatigue in them.
"Time to wash my face."
I gradually roused my consciousness and slipped out of the tent without making a sound, just like yesterday morning, heading toward the luggage area.
I swear I wasn't rummaging—it was simply to get a towel to wipe my face after washing.
"Kouenji's still here, at least."
I could see a figure in the hammock tied to a tree. I couldn't tell if he was asleep, but he was definitely there.
His whims had worked in our favor this time.
As an aside, the hammock he used was naturally purchased with points, so the point-conservation faction had nearly condemned him for it.
But once they saw the mountain of food he'd brought in, they had no choice but to shut up.
"You're up early, Ayanokouji-kun."
"...Horikita, you were awake?"
I turned toward the voice and saw Horikita standing there.
Arms folded as always, glaring at me.
But right now, it wasn't intimidating at all.
Her complexion was poor; it was obvious her condition was steadily worsening.
"Quite commendable. So unlike the usual you."
"Not really. I'm just strong in the mornings."
I brushed it off casually and headed toward the river.
Horikita followed, perhaps having business with me.
"So, what's the plan for today?"
"First, washing my face."
"Answer seriously."
My half-joking reply earned a sharp retort that could have cut me in two.
"Today's schedule is confirming whether Class C is still here and proposing the 'contract' to Class B."
Even weakened, she was still Horikita. Getting hit again would be rough, so I answered properly this time.
"You're doing nothing about Class A, then."
"More precisely, there's nothing we can do. With defenses that solid, even I can't manage it."
"...True. It's beyond troublesome."
As we walked and chatted, we reached the river.
I crouched immediately, scooped the flowing water with both hands, and splashed it on my face with a little force.
After repeating the motion two or three times, Horikita began washing her face the same way.
"What are you staring at?"
"Nothing."
She was strikingly beautiful—especially her face.
...I swallowed the words that had almost escaped and brushed it off.
"That's unpleasant. If you have something to say, say it clearly."
"No, just that you're pretty strong in the mornings too."
"...Haa, fine. More importantly, Ayanokouji-kun—when are we scouting Class C?"
"Right now."
"Then I'm coming too."
"Fine by me."
I wiped the water droplets with the towel before answering.
The cold water had fully awakened me.
With one task done, we started toward the beach.
A few minutes later, we took the same path as yesterday.
"——!"
"As I thought."
The journey had been silent until then, broken only by a sharp intake of breath and a murmur.
Horikita's speechless shock was understandable.
The view before us was nothing but the vast, open sea.
"They really retired."
The beach chairs, parasols, containers, coolers, barbecue sets, and jet skis Class C had used—everything was gone.
Only Horikita and I stood there. All that remained were what looked like palm trees, sand, and the blue ocean.
"...Ayanokouji-kun. I can only think that the entire Class C truly retired."
"Any basis for that?"
"None. ...I know it's prejudice, but I simply can't imagine people like them coming up with the strategy you predicted."
I understood Horikita's thinking.
Between my view and hers, if asked which was laughable, it would unquestionably be mine.
Mine overcomplicated things. If someone said that, I'd have to admit they were right.
Given Class C's attitude and the usual rumors, it looked like nothing more than reckless extravagance.
"I get what you're trying to say. But relax, Horikita. I found 'evidence' to back up my guess."
"...What is it?"
"——A radio."
"A radio? Where on earth..."
"Ibuki buried it in the dirt. Yesterday, after scouting with you and reporting to Hirata, I confirmed it."
When we spotted Ibuki with Sakura and the others, her hands had been unusually dirty.
I'd immediately scanned the surrounding ground carefully.
That's when I noticed soil slightly different in color from the rest.
From that, the possibility arose that she'd buried something.
If it seemed suspicious, investigate—that's all. And the suspicion proved correct.
"So Ibuki is definitely a spy."
"...A radio requires two people to function. That means at least one more person from Class C is still on this island. If their true goal is guessing leaders, everything falls into place."
"Exactly."
Horikita folded her arms, looking grim but nodding in acceptance.
"...Ibuki-san is pitiful. She's faithfully carrying out her role as a spy, only for her targets to vanish by the end of today."
"Yeah, pretty much."
Once Class D retired, she'd probably retire too.
Even if she joined the remaining Class C members, continuing to guess leaders as Ibuki would only raise the risk of us discovering her.
That would render meaningless the cover of lavish spending followed by mass retirement.
Wandering suspiciously and arousing doubt would be worse than simply retiring her.
The only remaining possibility would be switching her spying target to Class B.
But that was unlikely too.
If they were going to send a spy to Class B, they would have done it much earlier.
And above all, there was Kamukura, who had scouted ahead.
From this, it's plausible they succeeded in learning Class B's leader through him and thus canceled the spy mission to Class B.
If no spy was needed, that makes sense.
Sending spies to two classes would be too suspicious anyway. Ryuuen probably avoided that and didn't give the order.
If this guess is correct, they shouldn't need to interfere with Class B. Ibuki wouldn't be able to take reckless action either.
If Class B grew wary and she started acting unpredictably, it would be nothing but trouble.
Having fully considered these multiple potential sparks, I halted my thoughts.
"Let's head back, Ayanokouji-kun. We have no reason to come here again."
"Yeah."
We turned our backs on the beach and started toward our own base camp.
...
The time approached noon.
As I'd declared to Horikita that morning, I prepared to head to Class B.
Horikita readied the minimum necessities as well.
Since this involved concluding an important "contract," I couldn't handle it alone. We needed the leader—Horikita—to come.
The atmosphere between us was somewhat heavy.
If we failed here—at the critical moment—Class D's chances of winning would plummet.
We were about to make a move that allowed no mistakes. No one would joke around in that situation.
"Ayanokouji-kun, let's go."
"Yeah."
We began setting the strategy in motion.
We advanced straight toward the large tree where Class B's base camp was located, without hesitation.
Proceeding efficiently, we quickly reached the tree and entered the area where their camp lay.
"...Who are you?"
As we walked the well-trodden path, a Class B girl called out to us.
She directed an openly wary gaze our way.
It was understandable.
In this test, contact with another class carried a high risk of exposing one's leader.
With no prior notice, we were complete enemies. Her reaction was perfectly correct.
"Sorry for the sudden visit. I'm Horikita Suzune from Class D."
"...Class D."
The girl frowned at Horikita's introduction.
Her openly displeased expression said it all.
"I'd like to get to the point to save time. Is Ichinose-san here?"
Horikita must have noticed the change in expression but pressed on regardless.
"I think so."
She gave a terse reply. Horikita accepted it.
When she asked the girl to call Ichinose, the girl reluctantly jogged toward the base camp.
Less than a minute later, a beautiful girl with flowing light peach-colored hair appeared. Behind her was a cool, handsome boy with hair nearly black with a hint of indigo.
When my eyes met Kanzaki—the cool handsome boy—he smiled faintly. At least with these two, relations were good. For now, that was fine.
"It's been since yesterday, Horikita-san, Ayanokouji-kun. What brings you today?"
Ichinose opened with her usual pure, beaming smile.
"We came to discuss something important."
"Important?"
"To cut to the chase—I'll be direct. Ichinose-san, would you be willing to form a 'contract' with Class D?"
Caught off guard by the sudden proposal, Ichinose and Kanzaki widened their eyes.
Without waiting for their confusion to settle, Horikita began explaining the contract.
"The terms are simple. Ichinose-san, could Class B hold Class D's points for us?"
"...Umm, wait a second. Hmm."
At Horikita's offer, Ichinose pressed both index fingers to her temples in thought.
Even for the quick-thinking Ichinose, she hadn't fully grasped the situation yet.
"...Horikita, you mean 'point transfer'?"
"Correct, Kanzaki-kun. We in Class D want to transfer our points to Class B. And later—have them returned."
Kanzaki, arms folded in thought, reached the answer faster than Ichinose.
Hearing the conversation up to that point, Ichinose began to show understanding.
"...I see. You interpreted that rule as 'entrusting.' This strategy—was it your idea, Horikita-san?"
"Yes. Last night, while thinking of a way to win this special test, it came to me."
Horikita lied as naturally as breathing.
Her seamless delivery left me slightly taken aback, underestimating her ability just a little.
As expected, Horikita had high overall potential. She was suitable as a leader.
"We confirmed yesterday that we won't target each other's leaders. I believe Class B and Class D meet the conditions necessary for point transfer. That's why I'm proposing this 'contract' to you."
"Yeah, true. Class B and Class D have a non-aggression pact—we won't guess each other's leaders.
And point transfer is a rule that can only be performed between leaders. Meaning it can't be executed unless the leaders are shared.
Indeed, between current Class B and Class D, it might be possible.
But Horikita-san, there's no benefit for us. In fact, we might want to do the same thing ourselves—don't you think?"
As expected of Kanzaki—and Ichinose.
They already understood the basics of point transfer and countered skillfully.
"Yes. That's precisely why it's a 'contract.' To provide you with benefits."
"I see. Then let's hear the 'contract' that offers those benefits right away."
The response was anticipated—everything was going smoothly.
Horikita pulled from her pocket the "contract" she'd written on a torn-out blank page from the manual and handed it to Kanzaki.
He immediately began reading. Ichinose peeked over from the side, reading along.
Their shoulders nearly touched, yet Kanzaki showed no sign of minding it, remaining calm.
A man with composure. That sense of distance was something even I could learn from.
"I see. So the benefit Horikita mentioned is handing over even more of the points earned from occupying spots. With this setup, there's definitely something in it for us too."
"Yeah. I get the whole 'contract' now. Coming up with a plan like this—you really are impressive."
The advantage we offered Class B was exactly what Kanzaki said is transferring the points gained from spot occupation.
It was a strategy only possible because we'd cleared the prerequisite of trust. Ichinose's character, combined with Horikita's good fortune in having a prior connection to her, made this alliance possible.
Class B would hold Class D's points in trust, and as long as they returned them properly, we'd receive the spot-occupation points as compensation.
Pure profit. Just by agreeing to the transfer, Class B would gain a considerable number of points with no real downside.
They'd bite.
—Of course, it was practically guaranteed that Class C would correctly guess Class B's leader.
That was precisely why I'd crafted this proposal. If we couldn't close the gap with Class B, reaching Class A would remain a distant fantasy.
This was a critical juncture—an opportunity to narrow the difference, however slightly.
"But, Horikita-san… I'm still not fully convinced. I don't understand the 'why'—the reason you're offering to transfer points to us.
You'll explain properly why you approached us with this deal, right?"
Ichinose's sharp gaze was rare. I could sense her determination not to let any excuses slide.
"Yes, I'll explain. The reason we're proposing this contract is simple—we in Class D intend to have several students retire, leaving only a small group behind."
Ichinose's expression barely changed. She'd apparently already suspected as much.
Kanzaki showed the same lack of surprise.
"…As I thought. Then why did you decide on that approach?"
"…It's embarrassing to admit, but Class D isn't nearly as united as your Class B.
If things continue as they are, the class will fall apart. This strategy is meant to prevent that collapse before it happens.
There's one other reason, too. We'll operate as a small, elite unit. By moving in a reduced group, we can maximize efficiency in food consumption and movement—and devote every spare moment and effort to identifying the enemy classes' leaders. Incidentally, if we uncover any leader information, we'll share it with you as our partners."
Ichinose and Kanzaki fell into thought at Horikita's answer.
After a few seconds, they both nodded and spoke.
"…Wow, I'm impressed. To take Ryuuen-kun's strategy and refine it like this…"
"Yeah. It's a complete upgrade—perfectly superior."
"It's nothing that sophisticated. Class D simply lacks cohesion, so we have no choice but to resort to this.
If we had an absolute leader like you, Ichinose-san, we would have continued the full seven-day exam the same way you are."
"I'm really not some absolute leader or anything~"
Excessive humility can come across as sarcasm, and this was a perfect example.
The person who could create the very "unity" Class D needed most was flatly denying it. From Horikita's perspective—someone aiming for Class A—that had to be frustrating deep down.
"…In any case, what we're attempting is borderline rule-breaking. It's hardly a commendable tactic.
Class D is full of students who might retire after just one more day, students who play blatant favorites, an overly gentle boys' leader, and people like me right now who are acting selfishly.
…But for the moment, we're still holding together. This is nothing more than a temporary patch to keep that atmosphere from shattering. That's all it is."
Halfway through, she started venting with a resigned edge—proof that the stress had been building.
Beyond her physical condition and Ichinose's modesty, the real pain likely came from being praised for a strategy that wasn't even hers.
She was bearing my shadow, holding it in. Otherwise, she would have exploded long ago.
"I-I see. That makes sense, Horikita-san."
"Good. Then, can we consider this 'contract' agreed?"
"—Actually, could you hold on just a little longer?"
A sharp, stern light flashed in Ichinose's eyes.
I felt a brief inward jolt. Had she spotted the flaw? Or—
"Something's still nagging at me. It feels like a puzzle piece is missing."
"You think Class D is hiding something?"
"Yeah, that's what my gut says, at least~"
My worry had been unfounded. This was still within expectations.
I signaled Horikita with a glance, as arranged beforehand.
To divert attention from the part of the contract I least wanted scrutinized, we'd release new information to muddy the waters.
"As expected of you, Ichinose-san. Truth be told, there's one thing I haven't mentioned yet."
What I didn't want them to latch onto wasn't the spot-occupation points—
—it was being asked to transfer the original points distributed for this exam.
If that demand came, Class B's total would undoubtedly rise, while our remaining points would drop so low that spot bonuses would become irrelevant. That outcome had to be avoided.
I hoped she'd continue believing the spot-occupation points were hers to claim—that full cooperation between Classes B and D would let us secure spots easily and potentially yield enemy leader information with minimal effort.
"…What is it?"
"That there is currently one spy from Class C staying in Class D."
"…That's a pretty serious issue, isn't it?"
Ichinose narrowed her eyes suspiciously and pressed further.
"Yes, but I couldn't reveal it earlier because I hadn't figured out the motive behind it. Now that I have confirmation, I can tell you."
"…The motive behind it?"
"I'll get straight to the conclusion again. …Ichinose-san, there are still students from 'Class C' remaining on this island."
Both Ichinose and Kanzaki widened their eyes once more.
But only for an instant. Their sharp minds kicked into full gear, and they grasped the situation almost immediately.
"…I see. So the true purpose of retiring several students is to flush out that Class C spy—is that correct?"
"Everything I said earlier is also true. Both are genuine objectives; I haven't lied about either."
"That's fair…"
Ichinose hesitated slightly before her next words.
She seemed reluctant to criticize partners in a cooperative relationship.
That particular softness reminded me a little of Hirata, I noted.
Ichinose glanced at Kanzaki. He responded instantly, like a long-married couple, and picked up the thread.
"Yeah, it's a little underhanded. And we have no way to verify whether the spy story is actually true. Mind walking us through how you arrived at that conclusion?"
Kanzaki covered Ichinose's blind spots perfectly. A troublesome pair.
At the same time, an excellent one. I reaffirmed that they wouldn't be easy opponents if we ever faced them as enemies.
Horikita then explained everything to them—how we'd brought Ibuki Mio into Class D, the full circumstances, hiding nothing.
"That's the situation. Ichinose-san, I intended to share this information from the beginning even if you hadn't noticed, so please don't be too suspicious."
"…In other words, you were testing us?"
"Yes. After all, that's the policy of this school.
Learning through conversation just how formidable the higher classes are—that in itself is a legitimate skill, isn't it?"
Horikita offered a faint smile as she spoke.
Impressive performance. With this, both of their focus would shift entirely onto her.
…She really was the perfect decoy.
"Ahaha, I knew you weren't someone to underestimate."
"True. Allies for now, but the thought of facing you as enemies is honestly frightening."
The pair smiled as they looked at Horikita.
"The same could be said of you two.
…So, Ichinose-san—shall we consider the 'contract' settled?"
"Let me hold off just a bit longer on that. I still need to explain everything to the rest of Class B and get their agreement."
"That's reasonable. Then, once you've decided, please send someone to Class D."
"Got it."
Ichinose nodded, and Horikita handed her the paper detailing the contract terms.
"Let's head back, Ayanokouji-kun."
"Yeah."
We turned our backs on Ichinose and the others and began walking toward our own base.
I couldn't help but admire Horikita's potential—she had secured a thoroughly satisfying outcome.
...
Today felt especially strange.
I thought this while keeping watch over Class D, around noon on the third day of the special exam.
It was just before midday, and the blazing sun was relentless. I was resting in the shade of some trees a little distance from Class D's base camp.
Even in the shade, sweat wouldn't stop pouring down my forehead. I wiped it away two or three times in the span of a few minutes.
To avoid dehydration, I drank some of the water the overly kind group had shared with me, then let out a heavy sigh.
"I shouldn't have been so stubborn."
Leaning my back against a tree made it easier to mutter to myself.
It was pathetic, but I couldn't help feeling a surge of regret toward my past self.
If I'd just left it to Kaneda, I thought belatedly.
To be honest, this exam was far harsher than I'd imagined.
Food wasn't the worst part, but sleeping in tents that felt no better than the bare ground, the crude makeshift toilets, and having to help out with Class D during the day so I wouldn't look suspicious.
The biggest problem for me—someone terrible at socializing—was communicating with Class D.
Kushida and Hirata were friendly enough to talk to me, but the other students were wary, suspecting I might be a spy, and my own unapproachable aura meant no one ever spoke to me warmly.
"Everyone, could you gather around for a moment?"
A call to assemble—something I'd never seen before.
Lost in pessimistic thoughts, I snapped back to reality at the sound of Hirata's voice and immediately focused on the Class D students starting to gather.
"Thank you for coming together."
Hirata drew everyone's attention and thanked them with his usual refreshing smile.
He was Class D's de facto leader—Yōsuke Hirata.
Smart, athletic, a soccer club member with outstanding interpersonal skills and popularity that transcended class boundaries. A handsome guy.
Honestly, I had no idea why someone like him was in Class D.
"I want everyone to listen. We've decided to change our approach to the rest of this special exam."
His words caused a stir among the group. Seeing many students exchange surprised looks, it was clear this was the first they were hearing of it.
"But before that, let's confirm the points Class D still has.
The points we've managed to preserve so far are… 248. Honestly, I didn't think we'd do this well."
248... That was impressive for Class D.
I kept my expression neutral while inwardly admiring them.
"Thanks to Kouenji-kun for finding places to procure food, Ike-kun for sorting edible wild plants, and everyone who actively drank river water—we've kept food- and drink-related spending to just 10 points over these three days."
I scanned the campsite and calculated what Class D had spent points on.
20 points for the makeshift toilet, 20 points for two boys' tents. Add the 10-point food set of emergency rations and bottled water for 40 people ordered on the first night—that's 50 points total.
Plus the 2-point hammock Kouenji had unilaterally ordered, bringing it to 52 points.
That was all. It was shockingly little. I had to report this to Ryuuen. Especially the names of those who'd contributed this time.
"And from now on, we want to preserve as many points as possible. No one objects to that, right?"
Nearly everyone in Class D voiced agreement.
I was bewildered by how unusually united the class seemed.
There was Kouenji, infamous for doing whatever he wanted; Horikita, who usually acted alone; and plenty of other students lacking cooperativeness.
Yet now, the class had transformed into something cohesive.
"So I have one proposal."
Hirata continued without pause.
"…Why don't we all retire from this special exam together?"
For a moment, all sound vanished.
"…W-What do you mean, Hirata?"
A boy in black-rimmed glasses voiced confusion and dissatisfaction, protesting against Hirata's calm smile.
"We finally have a chance to close the gap with Class A. Things are going well right now… Don't even joke about that!"
"Yukimura-kun, please hear me out to the end. This isn't a joke—I have a proper reason."
"A reason…?"
Yukimura's expression and gaze sharpened, but Hirata kept his relaxed smile and continued explaining.
"Yeah, and that is—"
"…I see. So that's why retirement. To improve efficiency in food and movement, form a small elite team to guess leaders, and simultaneously raise the risk of guessing wrong with fewer people.
And by cleverly using the rules about point transfers and 'not going below zero points,' we made that contract with Class B. That way, we can preserve all 248 points."
"Exactly, Yukimura-kun."
Yukimura—one of the smarter students in Class D—neatly summarized Hirata's five-minute explanation.
My honest reaction is "Don't screw with me."
I'd only just managed to infiltrate, and now they were planning a strategy that would render all my efforts meaningless.
Worst of all, the trigger for this plan had apparently been that question from Kamukura. It was infuriating.
"I understand and accept the logic. We can preserve plenty of points this way. It's a good strategy. But Hirata, there's still a problem."
"What's that?"
"Who stays, and how many. If it's only a few people, we can't exactly leave both boys and girls, can we?"
Yukimura raised a perfectly reasonable point.
"Yeah, Hirata-kun. Something like this should be left to the boys."
A girl with average looks stepped forward and said that.
Misandry. She reminded me of Manabe, I thought briefly.
"Wait a second, Shinohara. Don't just assume that. It's possible the girls could stay instead."
"Hah? So Yukimura-kun thinks it's better to leave just a few girls and retire everyone else? That's disgusting."
"I didn't say that, and I'm firmly against it too. We should choose the most capable few from Class D."
"…Well, yeah, that's true. But who exactly are these 'capable' people?"
Realizing Yukimura was on her side, Shinohara stopped her verbal attack.
Simple-minded, or just socially adept? Hard to say.
Hirata, acting as facilitator, asked everyone to recommend who should stay.
After giving them a few minutes to think, it was time for nominations.
First, since he'd proposed it, Hirata volunteered himself, and everyone agreed.
Names of other candidates followed one after another.
"…I'm reluctant, but I nominate Kouenji."
It was Yukimura who spoke, looking frustrated as he said it.
"I agree with Yukimura-kun. And from me, I'd like Ike-kun to join too."
"Eh!? M-Me?"
The boy called Ike sounded surprised, but his voice was oddly cheerful.
He must be happy to be relied on—even my poor analytical skills could tell.
"Yukimura-boy, that won't do~"
"Why not, Kouenji?"
"Because my health is poor. I'm already enduring it now, but if I'm forced to stay, I might develop a fever."
"Don't lie! You're perfectly fine!"
"It'll get worse from now on, Yukimura-boy."
"That's definitely faking!"
The comedic exchange between Yukimura and Kouenji drew faint laughter from the group.
But it lasted only a moment. When Hirata cleared his throat, the atmosphere shifted back to the next nomination.
"Any other recommendations?"
"Hey, Hirata. Can I do it?"
The one who raised his hand was the boy I'd managed to talk to casually—Ayanokouji.
"I'm in favor, Ayanokouji-kun. What does everyone else think?"
"I'm in favor too. After all, Ayanokouji-kun was helping Horikita-san prepare for guessing leaders, right?"
The speaker was Shinohara, the girl I'd judged similar to Manabe.
Her supportive words made me doubt my ears.
Honestly, I'd thought Ayanokouji had little popularity.
"Well, I did help out a bit."
"Then I'm in favor."
Shinohara's approval seemed to spark it—more and more voices agreed.
Horikita was the one preparing for leader guesses, but if Ayanokouji had been watching her methods up close, he warranted caution.
Eventually, the entire class reached consensus, and Ayanokouji was added.
"Hirata. Can I join too?"
Next to raise his hand was Sudou, the guy caught up in that violence incident.
His expression showed determination.
"I caused trouble for everyone in that last incident. So I want to redeem myself… I want to be useful."
"I think that works."
"Horikita!"
Sudou reacted to Horikita's approval like a dog wagging its tail, practically jumping with joy.
The first to voice support was the girl in Class D who warranted the most caution—Suzune Horikita.
Rumor had it she was the one who'd devised the strategy after Kamukura's question.
"His stamina and athletic ability will be valuable in an exam like this."
"Yeah. I'm in favor too. Everyone else?"
When Hirata took the vote again, everyone agreed.
"Anyone else?"
"No, I think these four are enough. Any more would reduce efficiency."
"I agree!"
The one who agreed with Yukimura was Class D's idol, Kikyo Kushida.
Once she approved, boys with obvious ulterior motives raised their hands one after another in support.
From that, her popularity was clearly immense.
"Alright, then the members are decided! Four including me—leave it to us, everyone!"
"Yeah! Count on us!"
"Leave it to ya, Yōsuke, Ken… and Ayanokouji too."
"Good luck, Hirata-kun!"
—Now's my chance.
While Class D was buzzing with excitement, I'd slip away.
If I stayed longer, someone might start asking questions about me. I could answer, but depending on how I handled it, I might mess up—so better to get out fast.
Deciding that, I quickly gathered my things and headed from Class D's base toward the large tree where I'd buried the radio and flashlight.
Once there, I dug them up and immediately moved to a secluded spot.
After confirming no one was around, I took the radio out of the plastic bag and turned it on.
"Here goes…"
I held the radio to my ear. After the electronic beep, I'd hear that infuriating guy's voice—but right now, that wasn't the issue.
The line connected.
"Hey, Ryuuen, it's me. There's emergency, Class D is—"
[…Have they begun preparations for retirement?]
"Eh?"
I stared wide-eyed at the radio.
And at the words spoken in that inorganic tone.
[Then, Ibuki-san. Please head straight to Class A.]
The flat voice implicitly conveying that he'd anticipated this wasn't Ryuuen, and to my stunned silence, the speaker continued calmly as if giving directions.
***
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