I hate conflict.
That's my true feeling, deep in my heart. I have few people I can call friends, and I've always spent most of my time alone—this is my honest sentiment.
If possible, I don't want any trouble outside of exams within the grade.
And if I could have my wish, I'd prefer none during exams either.
A world where everyone can stay calm and enjoy reading—that's the kind of impossible daydream I indulge in as I head from my luxurious cabin toward the place I was summoned to.
The special exam is currently underway, and about twenty minutes have passed since the first group discussion ended.
"Oh?"
My eyes land on a male student walking toward me from the opposite direction.
Hair slightly longer than most boys, both hands carelessly shoved into his pockets, and an even stronger delinquent aura than usual—perhaps because he's clearly in a worse mood.
Class C's leader, Ryuuen-kun, is unusually walking alone.
When I stop, he notices me and approaches directly.
"Hello, Ryuuen-kun."
"…Yo, Hiyori. Perfect timing. Let's talk here."
This isn't the place I was originally called to—it's just along the way—so the plan changes on the spot. We'll talk standing, but neither of us minds.
Still, he looks visibly irritated.
I don't wonder why.
I already know the reason.
He wants to ask me about what happened right after the first group discussion ended.
And the reason he's asking me is simply that I belong to the Rat Group.
"So, why did the Rat Group's exam end?"
"Gets right to the point—saves time. So, which idiot screwed up?"
"If you look at this, everything will be clear."
I prepare to show him the screen I'd readied in advance.
My movements are apparently clumsy with devices like this, because Ryuuen-kun waits with an expression like he's watching something painfully slow.
"…Still not ready?"
"My apologies for the wait."
I finally hand him the phone with a flourish.
Though irritated, he doesn't snatch it—he carefully places it in his palm.
After staring at the screen for ten or so seconds, he lets out a sigh.
I'd expected his eyes to narrow or veins to bulge, but contrary to my prediction, he stays calm.
"…That bastard went and messed everything up."
He does curse, though. It's so like him that I can't help smiling a little.
Seeing that, Ryuuen-kun glares and grumbles, "What're you grinning at?" before handing the phone back.
The screen is still open. It shows the history of a private chat.
The sender is Kamukura-kun.
[When I give the signal, please submit the Rat Group's VIP to the school.]
I was genuinely shocked when I received this chat before the first group discussion began, but knowing it was him, I decided he had some intention and accepted the request.
By the way, he'd specifically instructed me to show this chat to Ryuuen-kun if needed. I'd felt a little uneasy, but the result is as you see.
"You're not angry?"
"The worst-case scenario—some idiot from another class randomly ending the exam—was avoided. No need to be angry."
"Not about that. I meant about Kamukura-kun."
"I've given him free rein in this exam. If I'm gonna lose it, it'll be after the exam when class points drop."
During the uninhabited island exam, he'd restrained Kamukura-kun's freedom, but this time he'd allowed it from the start.
So there's no reason to rage unfairly. It's hard to imagine from his usual behavior and attitude, but Ryuuen-kun is surprisingly tolerant.
Of course, there's the harsh condition that results must be delivered in the end.
"Then if class points drop, I'll be held accountable too?"
"That's how it works. Though the fact you're already thinking that is worth something."
The one who carried it out was Kamukura-kun; I was only the intermediary—I'm not at fault.
I have no intention of being that petty, so I fully accept the responsibility.
"Still, both the uninhabited island exam and this one ended early for you, Hiyori. Must leave you with a lot of free time. Don't you get bored?"
His mood fully recovered now that the worst outcome was avoided, he changes the subject.
Even though I'm usually alone, he always talks to me when we meet. Though he's almost always surrounded by people, so I can't join the group.
I'd be fine with Ibuki-san or Kamukura-kun, but the others are still hard to approach, and I inevitably avoid them.
"True, I have plenty of time, but I'm not bored. I brought a fair number of books onto the ship, and even if I finish them, I can just reread."
"Still a total bookworm. I wouldn't complain if you spent even a little of that time on me. How about it? I won't bore you."
"…I've told you many times—I hate conflict. I'll give my all in exams, but I won't cause unnecessary strife."
"Cold as ever. But Hiyori—time to start delivering results."
His fearless grin freezes me in place.
Results. The thing he obsesses over, the thing he'll use violence to obtain.
For him, when trying to accomplish something, only the result matters. The process is irrelevant. No matter how awful or gruesome the process, as long as the result is good, that's enough.
I can understand it.
I consider myself calm, but I'm by no means kind.
Yet I can't accept or tolerate it. I hate conflict that assumes sacrifices.
I don't want to fight unless the damage is minimal—ideally zero. I genuinely believe that naive idea.
"You haven't produced results in either of the two special exams so far. Both ended in early retirement for you. You already know special exams are unavoidable in this school, right?
I fully understand you hate conflict. But that doesn't mean you alone get to opt out. This class rises and falls together."
You can't escape exams. No matter how you struggle, you'll hit the wall.
If you run, you burden the class—with concrete numbers recorded as data.
If you keep running, your place in the class will inevitably disappear, and suitable punishment will follow.
"I don't need useless people in my class who can't produce results. No matter how smart or capable they are."
I don't deny his powerful words. I nod silently and meet his gaze.
"I'm fully aware. I'll produce results in the next exam."
"I've got your word. Even if the next exam doesn't suit you, you'll still deliver."
"Even if it's one I'm bad at, there are plenty of ways. As long as the class ends up in the positive even if I take a minus, right?"
"Kuku, you really are a shame, Hiyori. Brains and guts both. If you were as aggressive as Ibuki, you'd be perfect."
Ryuuen-kun is certainly frightening. He rules through fear and wields violence without hesitation. His personality isn't exactly praiseworthy.
Yet I understand his convictions. That's why I have no complaints about him leading this class.
"I've got expectations. I don't speak this strongly to someone who can't do anything."
"Thank you. Please do your best in the rest of the exam too, Ryuuen-kun."
"Hah, who do you think you're talking to?"
Fair point, I think.
The standing conversation reaches a natural end, so I move to return to my room.
"Then I'll excuse myself here…"
As I turn to leave, a familiar figure approaches.
A classmate with neutral features hidden behind long, pure-black hair.
"Kamukura-kun."
The eye of this exam's storm is walking toward us.
Why? I wonder—perhaps to confirm about the Rat Group.
That's the slightly wishful thinking tinged with personal feelings.
But as he slowly draws closer, he shows no reaction. Ryuuen-kun seems to find it odd too and stops the foot he'd started to move.
"…Kamukura-kun?"
He's now close enough to hear my voice and stops.
Then—those crimson eyes fix on me.
In that instant, I instinctively step back. At the same time, strength leaves the retreating foot, and my body tilts backward.
It happens in a moment, but time feels slow in my mind—I understand even as I fall that something is different about him today.
"What's the meaning of this, Kamukura?"
There's nothing behind me; I should simply fall helplessly—but my body stops.
It takes time to realize I'm being supported. After all, it's Ryuuen-kun who has wrapped his right arm around my back to catch me.
"…Directing that intensity at Hiyori means she screwed up somehow, huh, genius?"
Ryuuen-kun provokes, but there's no carelessness or ease in his eyes.
Cold sweat runs down his face; his unusually serious gaze pierces Kamukura-kun.
As they glare at each other, Kamukura-kun finally speaks.
"Junko Enoshima. Makoto Naegi. Do those two names ring any bells?"
I brace for something important, but the actual question is simply whether I know those names.
A woman and a man—names I don't recognize. Slightly puzzled, I answer immediately.
"…I don't know them."
"Never heard of 'em. What do those people have to do with us?"
Both Ryuuen-kun and I answer no. Hearing that, Kamukura-kun continues without any further reaction.
"I see."
With only that, he resumes walking and passes beside me.
Ryuuen-kun says nothing. He must feel the wrongness too and judge there's no need to detain this current Kamukura-kun, who seems ready to wound anything he touches.
I can't move until the sound of footsteps behind me fades completely.
"Tch, what the hell was that guy?"
Ryuuen-kun, who'd been watching him from the corner of his eye, clicks his tongue and spits complaints once Kamukura-kun's back disappears.
"How long you planning to lean on me? Move, Hiyori."
"…I'm sorry."
I firmly plant my feet on the ground again.
It's my first experience being supported by a boy, but I never imagined the first would be Ryuuen-kun.
I'd pictured something comically romantic like in novels, but reality doesn't work that way.
Still, though it's not romantic feelings, I secretly felt Ryuuen-kun's manliness for the first time deep in my heart.
"Thank you, Ryuuen-kun."
"Don't worry about it."
He slipping his hands back into his pockets, his stance declaring it was only natural.
True, I hear other girls are often around him, and women are usually present when he hangs out, so he must be used to interactions like this.
"Um, Ryuuen-kun…"
"I don't know why Kamukura's acting like that. But if Hiyori had messed up, he would've asked about it first thing. No need to worry."
I accept that reasoning. It apparently wasn't my mistake.
Once I know it isn't my fault, human nature makes me curious about the real cause. Pushing too far might burn me badly, but I can't help wondering.
"Don't pry too much right now. Let sleeping dogs lie."
He scratches his head, clearly wanting to avoid trouble. He still has the special exam ahead, so he doesn't want extra things to think about.
Class points are on the line—he'll want to focus on the exam.
Being able to calmly narrow his focus to one goal is proof of his intelligence. Diversifying goals is surprisingly easy to do, so I genuinely respect it.
And above all,
"You're surprisingly knowledgeable, Ryuuen-kun. You know four-character idioms and proverbs well."
"Drop the 'surprisingly.' Don't lump me in with those idiots."
"That means you study properly. In other words… um… what was it called again?"
I suddenly remember a school novel I read long ago that had a character like Ryuuen-kun, but the term won't come clearly.
It feels like a fishbone stuck in my throat—I want to remember and feel relieved.
So I rack my brain at full power.
After about seven seconds of digging through memory, the word comes back.
"…That's it! Intellectual yakuza. It fits you perfectly, Ryuuen-kun."
"…You really do have guts."
Ryuuen-kun sighs heavily.
I'd tried my best to compliment him, but it apparently didn't please him.
...
The time until the second group discussion is steadily closing in.
I sit in my chair, staring at the empty teacup I've already finished, an indescribable mood settling over me. Shifting my gaze to the window, I watch the sun striving to sink behind the clouds.
It must be approaching four in the afternoon.
The next meeting time is eight p.m. That leaves about four hours.
"…No good. I can't come up with anything."
No matter how much I think, I can't arrive at an answer that feels right. There's no panic or tension, yet I still can't find a solution.
Ayanokouji-kun said it clearly.
The obstacle is Kamukura Izuru. We should use the cooperative relationship with Class B. And Class A's approach of abandoning the exam wasn't wrong.
What answers can I draw from that?
The most effective option I could think of was for Class B and Class D to abandon the exam just like Class A.
That would neutralize Kamukura. Right now, he's like a child desperate for attention.
His motivation is simply whether something amuses him or not. He disrupts the field selfishly and laughs at the chaos—even if it doesn't show on his face.
He's a child who's overturned the toy box that is this exam and is now picking which toy—the students of the Dragon Group—he wants to play with next.
Dealing with a child like that is simple... just ignore him. In other words, Class A's strategy.
If you ignore him long enough, the child will get bored and stop playing.
After that, he'll either think of a different game or simply abandon the overturned toy box.
"But that only works on someone who responds to reason. I can't think bound by common sense."
That was something else Ayanokouji-kun said.
This is an exam where class points and private points are on the line—an exam where money is essentially at stake. There's no reason to hold back.
There's no reason to abandon an exam tied to your own future… that's common sense. Yet he tramples that common sense underfoot and walks away without cleaning up the mess.
A natural disaster.
Still, I've grasped his personality to some extent. He wouldn't just overturn the toy box and call it a day with "all done."
The moment he finds it boring, he'll guess the VIP of some other class.
Confronting him head-on won't work. Ignoring him won't work either.
So what am I supposed to do? That helpless complaint is where I am right now.
"…In the end, the only option is to find the pattern behind the VIPs."
I'm back at square one. This is pointless.
It's proof that thinking alone isn't getting me anywhere.
I take my phone from my pocket.
"…Isolation and loneliness are different. You were right, Nii-sama."
Even when I consider reaching out to someone, my contact list is painfully sparse.
Ayanokouji-kun gave me hints—he probably won't help further.
The only other person I could rely on is Kushida-san, but she wouldn't lend me her strength.
With a normal classmate it might be different, but she won't entertain someone she hates.
I really am… powerless.
As I slump in defeat, there's a soft knock at the door.
I'm alone in the room right now, so it must be one of my roommates returning.
I walk to the door and open it.
"Horikita-san!!"
Hirata-kun is standing there. The usually calm Hirata-kun looks unusually flustered.
"I'm glad you're in. Do you have time right now?"
"I have time, but why are you in such a rush? …Don't tell me you figured something out about the exam?"
"No, no progress on the exam, sorry. But it is slightly related."
Anything related to the exam is enough for me to decide to listen. If I'm lucky, it might give me a lead.
"So what exactly is this exam-related matter?"
"…It's about Kushida-san. She seems to have taken quite ill.
After the first group discussion ended and she returned to her room, she's been in really bad shape. Her roommates are worried and trying to look after her, but she just keeps insisting she's fine."
"…Honestly, what is she doing?"
The same girl who mocked me when I collapsed during the uninhabited island exam is now claiming illness herself.
Divine retribution, perhaps.
I don't intend to blame her, but I feel a mix of pity and exasperation toward this thorn in my side.
"So you came to tell me Kushida-san intends to retire from the exam?"
I think it could have been sent via chat, but I never exchanged contact info with him.
I want to complain, but part of the fault is mine, so I hold back.
"That's part of it… but if possible, I'd like you to come see Kushida-san."
"Why? There's no reason for her to call me."
"According to her roommates, she was staring blankly and saying Horikita-san's name.
She probably feels responsible for retiring from the exam. After all, she's…"
Hirata-kun hesitates to continue. But after checking our surroundings, he seems to make up his mind and whispers the truth.
"She's the VIP of the Dragon Group."
"…Did you hear that from Kushida-san herself?"
"…? Yeah. She said she contacted you too before the group discussions started…"
"I never received anything."
I say it with a touch of sarcasm, and he looks genuinely shocked.
In moments like this, I'm torn between praising her lie or teasing him for his excessive kindness.
"There was a contact mistake. Sorry. I should've confirmed verbally before the exam started."
"It's not your fault… Never mind. Anyway, I just need to go to Kushida-san, right? Which room is hers?"
"I'll guide you."
It's clearly Kushida-san's mistake, yet he apologizes anyway. This kindness—or foolishness. Either way, it's exhausting.
His gentle smile and the way he steps back considerately while I get ready somehow feel irritating.
It only highlights how little margin I have right now, and I hate myself for it.
"I'm ready."
"Okay. Follow me, then."
I lock the room and follow Hirata-kun.
We soon arrive at her room.
After a few knocks, the door opens immediately, and two girls—presumably Kushida-san's roommates—greet us.
Hirata-kun explains the situation and asks to borrow the room.
The girls kindly leave. His popularity really is something.
Once preparations are done, we turn our attention to the bed.
The blanket is clearly raised. She's probably sitting with her knees drawn up, blanket pulled over herself.
"That's quite a sleeping position. I didn't think your sleeping habits were that bad."
No movement. The fact that she doesn't react even after that suggests it's serious. At the same time, I wonder if it really is just physical illness.
If it were truly just illness, she'd want to tell me quickly. She wouldn't want to spend prolonged time with someone she hates. She'd want to end it fast.
"This is annoying."
I say it bluntly and yank the blanket off without mercy.
Unlike Hirata-kun, I have no intention of starting with gentle words.
The blanket comes off without resistance. As expected, there she is—curled up in a fetal position.
Disheveled blouse, messy hair. The eyes visible when she slightly lifts her face hold no light.
This is abnormal. Not mere illness.
Looking closer, her red-based blazer is discarded beside the bed. As if in self-abandonment—that seems the correct assessment.
"…Kushida-san? What happened?"
She only stares blankly; no answer to Hirata-kun's question.
"What's wrong? Were you… bullied by someone?"
He asks cautiously, as if voicing something difficult.
Yet his expression is stern. A little odd for gentle concern. It could be sheer seriousness, but to me it looks like he's speaking while already convinced she was bullied.
Still, Kushida-san doesn't respond.
"…Could you say something?"
This is frustrating. Yes, she looks unbearable right now, but if she won't speak, we can't move forward.
Yet the stalled conversation advances faster than expected.
"…Hirata-kun, could you step out for a bit?"
Hirata-kun startles slightly at suddenly being addressed by name.
But a considerate man doesn't miss an opportunity.
"Yeah, got it."
With just that, he heads straight for the door.
On the way, he makes eye contact with me—clearly conveying, I'll leave the rest to you.
The door shuts with a thud. The space is now just the two of us.
"…That wasn't acting. He really worries about people. It's creepy, right? Well, he's loaded with ego too, though."
She speaks with a dry, self-mocking laugh.
Then she releases her knees and lets her arms dangle onto the bed.
"Hey, Horikita."
She doesn't meet my eyes, but Kushida-san calls my name.
I ready myself to listen once more.
"…I…"
"…I?"
She starts to say something but suddenly stops.
Then she rephrases and continues.
"Is it really so wrong… to try to become the person you want to be?"
"…Of course not. Striving toward a goal is admirable."
"Right. But for me, for my goal… there are too many walls."
I flinch at this unfamiliar side of her.
Anyone who knows her true self would react the same way.
"I was crazy, you know. No matter how crushed by despair, I could still cling to hope—as long as I somehow fixed myself in the end."
"Bragging? Why tell me this? It changes nothing."
"You'll eventually force me to withdraw. Or I'll break under even greater despair. So talking to you is fine."
You're the serious goody-two-shoes who isn't crazy—she seems to say, with a dry smile and vacant gaze fixed on me.
And I confirm her intent. I'd vaguely suspected, but it seems she plans to eliminate anyone who knows her past.
I've only heard rumors about her, but even so, I couldn't forgive it.
For her to remain herself. To become the person she wants to be.
"Poor you. That man has his eyes on you. But you'll face him with stupid honesty and never break. And then you'll despair."
"…You're like this because of 'that man,' aren't you?"
"That man" is undoubtedly either Kamukura-kun or Ryuuen-kun.
Since it happened during the exam, Kamukura-kun is the logical conclusion.
"More importantly, Kushida-san—are you definitely the VIP?"
"Yeah."
"You saw through Kamukura-kun's lie because you're the VIP yourself… Did something happen between you and him?"
Kushida-san's shoulders tremble at Kamukura's name. Her reaction confirms a connection.
I consider the worst-case scenario. If she met Kamukura-kun and revealed she was the VIP.
The advantage would shift to the enemy again.
"Who knows. Anyway, why are you panicking? You're not still planning to fight this exam, are you?"
"Obviously. I don't abandon exams halfway."
"Huh, charging into a battle you can't win is just stupid."
"It's not decided yet that we can't win. And your strength—"
"—Impossible. I'm only moving so I can have the last laugh. I have no spare energy to help you."
She cuts me off, and she truly looks like she has no margin left.
I don't know what happened, but right now she's pure bluff. Her shoulders still tremble, her presence lacks spirit. Her eyes show traces of crying. It's almost like… she's seeking help.
Lying to her frightened self, yet still trying to achieve her goal.
Why does she refuse to rely on others to that extent?
I'm hardly one to talk. But lately, I've started to understand its importance, even if only a little.
True, letting someone know the real you is scary. But people can't live alone—we have to rely on someone.
Relying on others is never weakness.
"Now get out. Honestly, just looking at your face makes my skin crawl."
Then why call me here? …Because I know her true face? It's certainly ideal for venting, but for someone who doesn't want her true face known, the risk is huge.
"…Just to confirm—you are participating in the exam, right?"
"Depends on my mood."
Kushida-san answers flippantly. The atmosphere suggests no serious conversation is possible anymore; I can't hope for more.
Resigned, I leave the room. A piercing glare stabs my back, but I ignore it and keep walking.
Hirata-kun is waiting outside. He approaches to ask what happened. But I'm in no mood to explain.
Our class harbors a bomb. That reality gives me an unending headache.
Class A not participating, Class C disrupting everything, Class D completely disorganized. I came here to find a way to resolve the exam, yet I've only gained more problems.
I genuinely want to retire. It might be better to have someone guess Kushida-san and recover points from the other groups.
The damage would be severe, but compared to letting things explode in the Dragon Group—
"—Have someone guess?"
Something clicks. Like prey leaping into the net I'd set.
My thoughts accelerate. I become so absorbed I forget to respond to Hirata-kun calling me.
I was frantically trying to disarm the bomb called Kamukura before it detonated. Now another bomb—Kushida—has been added; it's too much.
But I can simply let them explode where it means nothing. There's no need to create an arena where they collide.
And to eliminate that arena, cooperation is required.
The pieces Ayanokouji-kun mentioned fall into place. The method I just thought of offers a chance to resolve the exam.
But there's one fatal problem.
I take out my phone again and call a certain person.
On the second ring, he answers.
"Hello, Ayanokouji-kun. Are you free right now?"
[I'm free… Did you figure something out?]
"Yes. I want to check my answer."
[…Got it. Same place as before?]
"That's fine."
I end the brief call and head straight back to the earlier terrace.
"Hey, Horikita-san!?"
"Sorry, Hirata-kun. I'll explain later."
Hirata-kun, who'd been standing frozen partway, tries to stop me, but I prioritize what I need to do.
Finally, a possibility of clearing the exam has emerged.
I walk briskly toward my destination.
***
If you want to read up to 25 chapters ahead, don't hesitate to visit our patron: pat reon . com / XElenea (remove space)