Ayanokoji Kiyotaka was swiftly navigating the dense forest. If any of Class D's students saw him now, they might be shocked that someone with such an average build could move so fast. But since he was confident there were no surveillance devices or followers in this forest, he finally let loose, revealing his true capabilities.
Pushing aside the branches, a distinctive tower came into view—the landmark that marked the vicinity of Class A's cave base.
Ayanokoji pulled out a borrowed ballpoint pen and a folded sheet of paper, sketching a simple map of the terrain he had traversed.
After a full day of analysis, Ayanokoji had formed a theory about the special exam. He believed 80% of the exam was a "defensive test" to assess internal class cooperation—whether the class could unite to overcome challenges. Horikita Suzune's definition of it as a test of "endurance" was not entirely wrong. However, the remaining 20% was just as crucial, focused on "offensive tactics" such as intelligence gathering and inter-class espionage.
And despite the 80-20 split in form, it was that 20% that could very well decide the outcome of the entire exam.
He halted in front of a cliff and quickly spotted a ladder leading down to a man-made cabin. Climbing down, he confirmed that the cabin was one of the school-sanctioned checkpoints. If he were Class D's leader, he could claim it once every eight hours for one test point.
Ayanokoji stepped up to the terminal and checked the current status—Class A had occupied it, with about four hours remaining before the claim expired.
Peeking through the window, he spotted fishing rods and related gear inside. If a class secured this cabin, they could fish without spending test points to rent equipment.
Yet, the dust coating those tools suggested they hadn't been touched. Ayanokoji marked the spot on his map, roughly estimating the location. Pinpointing it more accurately would take more time.
Just as Class D operated near the riverside, Class A had chosen to center their activities around the cave. Still, it was puzzling why they didn't utilize the cabin to save on food-related costs.
Given that Sakayanagi Arisu wasn't leading this time and Class A had only started with 270 points, they should've been as frugal as Class D.
Ayanokoji climbed back up, squinting toward the cave entrance in the distance. The opening was covered by a giant curtain fashioned from connected plastic bags, and two students stood guard like sentinels.
So, Katsuragi hadn't chosen the cave arbitrarily. Its greatest advantage wasn't shelter, but concealment. With only one entry, anything hidden inside could remain undetected.
Creeping closer to investigate further—given the strong ties between Class C's plans and Class A—Ayanokoji pressed on. Since Class C had likely all withdrawn, Class A was now the only viable target.
Considering Karuizawa Kei's connection with Class C, Class D was already at a defensive disadvantage. If they were to claw back points, they had no choice but to go on the offensive.
After moving a few dozen more meters, two Class A boys suddenly emerged from the brush like predators springing a trap.
"What are you doing here? This is Class A's territory," one of them barked.
They flanked Ayanokoji, wielding thick branches like makeshift weapons—likely for intimidation rather than violence, since physical aggression would lead to serious punishment.
Ayanokoji raised his hands, signaling he meant no harm.
"Who are you? I don't recognize you," one of them sneered, poking a branch toward his throat.
"I'm Ayanokoji from Class D," he answered calmly.
The moment they heard "Class D," the boys relaxed somewhat, though their attitudes remained hostile.
"Let's check if he's carrying anything suspicious."
One searched his pockets, the other checking his ankles.
"This isn't violence, you understand that, right?" they threatened as they frisked him. Ayanokoji nodded, indicating understanding.
They soon found the pen and map.
"A pen? And a hand-drawn map?"
Holding it up, one of the boys glared at him.
"Give it back," Ayanokoji said, stepping forward to reclaim it, but missed.
"We'll be taking this. You Class D losers should just stay in your camp."
Apparently seeing nothing more of value, they were about to let him go.
"Return it."
Ayanokoji didn't move. Calmly, he stated:
"Any violent acts, plundering, destruction, or theft of tools between classes will result in the offending student's class being disqualified and the offender losing all personal points."
"It may just be a piece of paper, but is it worth the risk?"
But the Class A boys weren't intimidated. One of them scoffed and looked at Ayanokoji like he was an idiot.
"The difference between Class A and Class D is simple. We know how to exploit rules. You just blindly follow them."
He tore the map to shreds and tossed the fragments into the air. The wind scattered them into the forest.
"No teachers. No cameras. No proof. Your accusation won't stick."
He patted Ayanokoji on the shoulder, grinning:
"Class D rejects like you really need to learn better."
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"Huh? Kitagawa-kun didn't leave the island?"
Hearing the sound of a visitor approaching, Ichinose Honami turned around and greeted Kitagawa Ryo, who had once again come to the B-Class campsite.
"After all, I still need to stay behind to gather intel. The leaders of both A-Class and D-Class still need to be confirmed."
Kitagawa Ryo smiled as he replied, watching Honami set up a hammock. Unlike the other classes that used tents, B-Class had strung up several hammocks between trees near their base—giving off a true camping vibe.
Dressed in sportswear, Honami exuded energy and cheerfulness. Despite the near-noon heat, her smile remained radiant. Kanzaki, who had been working nearby, quickly approached upon noticing Kitagawa's visit.
"Things seem to be going smoothly?"
"It was tough at first, but everyone in B-Class has been actively brainstorming and trying out different strategies. Although it's made things more complicated, the situation is gradually improving."
Honami smiled with satisfaction while tying off a rope. She clearly enjoyed the sense of unity within B-Class.
"Kitagawa-kun, are you facing any difficulties?"
"Since B-Class and D-Class have signed a contract, we're allies for now. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to say it."
Kanzaki's face tightened as he arrived just in time to hear Honami's generous offer. He didn't want to openly oppose her, but he shot Kitagawa a warning glance.
Still, Honami treated Kitagawa like an honored guest. She even invited him to sit on the freshly set-up hammock. Kitagawa didn't hesitate and casually gestured for her to join him.
"Eh?"
Even the socially adept Honami froze at the sudden invitation.
"How much do you weigh, Honami?"
"Eh—uh… about a hundred pounds? I just weighed myself last month."
Clearly caught off guard, she answered reflexively.
"That's within the limit. Come on, have a seat."
Kitagawa scooted over to make space. Still stunned, Honami sat beside him. Kanzaki's eyebrows twitched—he couldn't shake the feeling that his class leader was being lured away by C-Class.
"See? It holds just fine."
The school-issued hammock was sturdy. Even with both of them on it, there was no sign of collapse. Kitagawa even rocked it playfully like a swing.
"It's really stable. Seems like we won't have to worry about sleeping tonight."
Honami gently swayed it too, her sky-blue eyes as gentle as ever.
"Would you like one, Kitagawa-kun? If you don't have a place to sleep—"
She had clearly noticed C-Class evacuating the island this morning. Unlike Ayanokouji, who thought strategically, Honami was concerned about Kitagawa's well-being.
Kitagawa smiled. "You're seriously offering a C-Class student a spot in your camp?"
"Well, we are allies under contract during this exam, right?"
She lifted her hand in a tiny cheer.
"Besides, it's just an exam. I wouldn't want you to get sick out here."
"It's true that this island has been cleared by the school, but the forest is still dangerous."
Kanzaki chimed in. "The one getting hurt by helping students from other classes… is you, Ichinose."
He frowned. "Everyone offered to get you medicine, and you refused."
Kitagawa's expression darkened. "You're injured?"
"It's just a scratch from a tree branch while carrying supplies. I've already taken care of it."
She shyly rolled up her sleeve to show a few scrapes on her arm. The wounds had been cleaned, but they hadn't scabbed yet.
"Wait here."
Kitagawa jumped off the hammock. A few minutes later, he returned with a handful of weeds.
"This is plantain. If you crush its leaves, it's effective for cuts and minor burns. Taken internally, it helps with coughs and phlegm. I figure it might be useful for your class."
"You know stuff like this, Kitagawa-kun?"
Honami was pleasantly surprised as she accepted the plain-looking herbs.
"Some of the girls have been coughing recently. This might help."
"Take care of yourself first."
Kitagawa sighed and turned to Kanzaki. "Do you have any tools?"
Kanzaki understood and brought back a smooth stick. Kitagawa crushed the leaves, squeezed out the juice, and sat beside Honami.
"Hold still."
He gently applied the plantain juice to her injured arm. Though slightly rough, Honami allowed him to finish treating her wound.
"Think of it as a little repayment for B-Class's help."
Honami smiled. "Okay."
Kanzaki was confused. He'd assumed Kitagawa was here as a spy. Although B and C Classes were allies, there was no rule against guessing each other's leaders. It would be easy for Kitagawa to betray them.
But since seeing Honami's injury, Kitagawa's actions and expression had changed. There was no manipulation, just genuine concern.
Could C-Class really be cooperating sincerely this time?
That was the tentative conclusion Kanzaki came to.
"Well then, I won't keep you any longer."
After finishing the treatment, Kitagawa left B-Class's camp.
What they didn't know was that he went directly to another predetermined location.
"The plan is progressing. D-Class can make their move now."
He smiled at the girl waiting for him.
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