After some discussion, Kaoru Mitoma and Kohei Katsuragi finalized a plan.
No matter what Arisu Sakayanagi did, they would wait until the first group discussion ended, then inform the entire class about the VIPs and send the answer messages in the evening, thereby ending the exams for two of the groups.
Faced with collective benefits, the students of Class A understood that this would also be advantageous for them and wouldn't leak the information.
The only flaw was Arisu Sakayanagi, who might directly sell the information to other classes.
However, whether they informed the entire class or kept the information hidden, the difference wasn't significant, as Arisu Sakayanagi would eventually deduce the answer anyway.
The reason for proceeding slowly with the exam was that ending nine groups' exams all at once would be too exaggerated and could easily alert the other classes.
Due to the lack of overt and covert struggles in group discussions, many people's attention would likely shift to the exam rules, deduce the answers and thereby threaten the privileges of Class A.
Of course, even if it came to that, Class A would only lose a bit of profit.
Therefore, the other reason is simple.
Even if victory is assured, at least give others some time to struggle, even if it seems like going easy on them.
Just by looking at Horikita Suzune's expression, Kaoru Mitoma could guess what she was thinking.
Let her struggle a bit more so she can gradually come to terms with reality.
"First, for the Tiger and Monkey groups, have Sanada and Morimiya send the answer messages tonight. Ending the exams for two groups in one day won't raise any suspicions."
The exam duration is three days and it will officially end on the evening of the third day.
Therefore, Kaoru Mitoma and Kohei Katsuragi only need to quietly eliminate four groups.
The remaining five groups can send their answer messages later.
"Honestly, why don't you take the lead for everyone?" Katsuragi Kohei sighed deeply.
"No, I don't have the time for that. Management requires effort," Kaoru Mitoma smiled.
According to his initial plan, he should broadcast the day's answers to the entire class daily and end all exams on the final day for the best effect.
Unfortunately, Sakayanagi Arisu would definitely disrupt his plan, so he had to inform the entire class of the information.
"But what about the personal points for the correct answerers?" Kohei Katsuragi raised a crucial question.
In the case of a correct answer, besides increasing the class points by 50, the correct answerer would also receive 500,000 personal points.
"Let the students in the same group share it equally. Each person would get about 100,000" Kaoru Mitoma added.
"Whether they are from Sakayanagi's faction or yours, everyone should be treated equally now. No bias."
After two special exams, even the most steadfast members of Sakayanagi's faction would waver, and the number of defectors would continue to increase.
There's no need to target future allies.
If Sakayanagi's faction tries to pull any tricks, then unfortunately, once caught, they would be the ones in the wrong.
Kohei Katsuragi pondered for a moment.
"I want Yahiko and the others to remain silent during the discussion to avoid revealing our information."
If you don't want to slip up, you have to seal your lips in advance.
"I have no objections, do as you see fit," said Kaoru Mitoma, unconcerned with such trivial matters.
"Sakayanagi and Ryuen are both in the Dragon Group, so keep an eye on them."
Kohei Katsuragi, who was usually very composed, couldn't help but smile slightly at this reminder.
"If I mess up knowing the answer, it would be too much of a letdown for you."
"While that's true, don't you want to verify it again?" Kaoru Mitoma thought for a moment.
"Morishita is quite approachable, and she's not aligned with Sakayanagi anymore. If we ask her, she might tell us the answer right away."
Kohei Katsuragi's expression turned strange.
In the entire Class A, you might be the only one who thinks Morishita Ai is approachable.
And, are you really trying to verify the answer?
Isn't this just an excuse to meet her?
"Mitoma, some VIP students has already told you their identity, hasn't they?" Kohei Katsuragi said quietly.
"The fact that you're so confident makes me think that's the truth. Besides, there's nothing wrong with these answers."
Kaoru Mitoma smiled: "It seems we have a tacit trust between us."
Facing his smile, Kohei Katsuragi turned his head away, feeling a bit guilty.
He had only just realized this.
"Enough said, let's prepare for the first group discussion."
***
Before 1 PM, Kaoru Mitoma and Masayoshi Hashimoto arrived on the second floor, where the corridor was filled with students coming to take the exam.
Gently pushing open the door to the room, they immediately drew the attention of those inside.
Kaoru Mitoma glanced around and saw everyone seated around a round table, including Miki Yamamura.
He hadn't expected her to arrive so early, so it seemed he and Hashimoto were the ones running late.
Since each class was wary of the others, the students mostly stuck together, keeping a slight distance from other classes, forming distinct cliques.
However, when Kaoru Mitoma sat next to Miki Yamamura, someone stared at him intently.
"The first round of group discussions will now begin" came the announcement over the ship's intercom, signaling the official start.
Kaoru Mitoma surveyed the surroundings and happened to meet Honami Ichinose's gaze.
She quickly turned her head away, and he noticed the tips of her ears turning slightly red.
Even now, the girl was still shy about her boldness from before.
Yuki Himeno from Class B.
Kaoru Mitoma had some impression of her, she seemed like the quiet type.
Another Class B student was Nakanishi Izumi, who appeared somewhat nervous and uncomfortable in the crowded environment.
Looking at Class C, there was a large black man named Albert Yamada and another who was clearly a delinquent, Kyogo Komiya, with dyed yellow hair.
Come to think of it, the school didn't seem to care about students dyeing their hair.
Kaoru Mitoma turned his gaze to Hiyori Shiina.
The girl's figure was slightly slender, her long hair cascading over her shoulders.
Her flawless, delicate face, with its refined nose and soft pink lips, was tightly pursed.
Her eyes were downcast, her long eyelashes trembling slightly.
She held a book by Ellery Queen in her hands, clearly immersed in the world of the novel.
Whenever he saw her, she always seemed to be quietly reading a book.
Kaoru Mitoma shifted his gaze.
The students of Class D appeared to be in a state of disarray, lacking a clear leader.
There were two boys and two girls.
One of the boys had a petite and cute appearance, almost like a young cross-dresser.
Setting aside the boys, among the two girls, he had once chatted with one of them.
Mei-yu Wang, a student from a certain Eastern country, was short in stature and carried a childlike innocence, especially with her twin ponytails.
She looked more like a little loli compared to Arisu Sakayanagi.
Moreover, her voice perfectly matched the stereotypical image of the girl next door, making one want to take her to see the goldfish.
The other girl was someone he was meeting for the first time, yet she was someone who could captivate his attention effortlessly.
Haruka Hasebe.
This was the first time Kaoru Mitoma had seen someone who could rival Honami Ichinose.
The two were evenly matched, making it hard to determine a winner in a short time.
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