August 8th, the seventh day of survival on the uninhabited island. This sudden special exam finally came to an end. As if echoing the relief in the hearts of the first-year students, the sky cleared just in time, sweeping away the gloom of last night. The air was fresh with the scent of post-rain purity.
"We are now calculating the exam results. Please wait a moment. Since the exam has concluded, students who need a drink or restroom break may proceed to the rest area."
A broadcast echoed nearby. Under their homeroom teachers' direction, the students who had finished tidying up their camps gathered at the rest area. Much to their relief, temporary tents were now equipped with tables, chairs, and paper cups filled with drinks.
As cold drinks slid down his throat, Sudou Ken let out a deep breath, as if revived. Throughout the seven days, due to Class D only having thirty-six students, he had worked double duty. But he believed his effort would be rewarded. With over 400 special exam points secured from occupied base camps, and potentially another 100 if Class C's leader guess proved correct, things looked promising.
Last night, Horikita Suzune even announced she had identified Class C's leader, complete with photographic evidence. Though Hirata Yosuke advised against guessing an ally's leader, the allure of 50 extra points was too tempting for Class D to ignore. Karuizawa Kei stayed silent, observing Suzune's performance. In the end, Class D guessed Kitagawa Ryo as Class C's leader.
If correct, they would gain an additional 50 points.
The atmosphere in Class D remained cheerful. Thanks to supplies from Class A, their living conditions were better than those of Classes A and B. Though the test was on a deserted island, it wasn't overly grueling, and the reward in points made everything worth it.
In stark contrast stood Class A. Despite earning decent points through base camp control, they had given away 200 points to Class D and committed to a contract with Class C involving one million private points monthly. In the end, Class A was the biggest loser in this exam.
Katsuragi Kohei sighed amid the crowd. Though Horikita had passed on the intel that Kitagawa Ryo was Class C's leader, he refrained from submitting a guess. Perhaps because of how Kitagawa had manipulated things throughout the test, or perhaps due to his personality, Class A only guessed the leaders of Classes B and D based on Kitagawa's info.
Meanwhile, under Ichinose Honami's lead, Class B seemed out of touch. They had maintained a defensive strategy since allying with Kitagawa, focusing on conserving points and capturing camps. From their perspective, it was better to protect their own leader than risk trying to guess others. Since no other class had entered their camp, their confidence remained high.
Class C was an entirely different sight. Only two figures stood in their area: the clean and well-kept Kitagawa Ryo, and the disheveled, exhausted-looking Ryuuen Kakeru, who had lost his shirt, dirtied his pants, grown a scruffy beard, and developed dark circles.
Despite the contrast, the energy from Class C wasn't lacking. On the docked cruise ship, the rest of Class C, who had returned to comfort days ago, erupted in celebration:
"Kitagawa-sama is so cool!" "Ryuuen-san's beard is so sexy!" "The victory feast is ready!" "Class C is invincible!"
They waved banners and glow sticks, cheering like idol fans at a concert. Class A students, once intending to mock Ryuuen, looked at the lively Class C and redirected their resentment toward Katsuragi.
A mechanical beep from the PA system signaled the arrival of Class A's homeroom teacher, Mashima Tomonari. The students prepared to line up, but Mashima raised his hand to stop them.
"Relax. The exam is over. This is officially part of your summer vacation now. Though brief, please feel free to enjoy it."
Despite his words, tension filled the air. Everyone stood up and silenced their chatter, waiting for his next statement.
"Over this past week, we've seen your dedication. Some confronted the exam head-on, others took more strategic approaches. All in all, the results are impressive. You've worked hard."
The students, hearing their efforts recognized, showed visible relief and pride. Regardless of the outcome, the exam was finally over.
"Now, I will announce the final results of the special exam. Please note, we will not accept questions or objections. You are expected to analyze the results and apply the lessons to future exams."
Without further delay, Mashima unfolded a paper. Aside from the school, not even the homeroom teachers knew the outcome.
Every student focused on him, desperate to know their class's score.
"In last place, with zero points... Class A."
Katsuragi choked on his drink, spraying it all over his classmate Totsuka Yahiko.
Kitagawa and Ryuuen exchanged glances and nodded.
[Class A started with 270 points, spent 20 on day one, gave 200 to Class D, guessed B and D leaders for +100, but were guessed by B, C, and D for -150. Their leader being guessed also nullified bonus base points, leaving them with zero.]
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka calmly watched Katsuragi. Class A should've gambled on Class C's leader. With zero points, even a wrong guess wouldn't have worsened their score. Hindsight or not, it highlighted Katsuragi's rigid nature.
Even Classes B and D stared in disbelief. Class C nearly skipped the whole test and still didn't get zero. How did Class A manage it?
"Third place, with 100 points... Class D."
Another wave of shock. Based on calculations, Class D should've had over 400 points.
Kitagawa glanced at Horikita Suzune, who had turned pale.
[Class D started with 300 points. Kouenji's withdrawal and earlier exchanges cost 80. Guessing A and B earned 100, but being guessed by A, B, and C deducted 150.]
By that logic, they should have had 170 left. But Horikita's unauthorized purchase of a camera cost 20, and guessing Class C's leader wrong cost another 50.
Originally, they should have placed second.
"Second place, with 140 points... Class B."
Ichinose Honami was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered.
"Looks like our leader got guessed."
Their leader, Shiranami Chihiro, was—by incredible coincidence—another of Kitagawa's planted spies.
[Class B started with 300 points, spent 110 over seven days, retaining 190.]
Had Kitagawa not intervened, Class B likely would have had the highest score.
He turned toward Ichinose. Though initially disheartened, she quickly encouraged her classmates.
[Guessed A and D for +100, but were guessed by A, C, and D for -150, leaving 140 points.]
"Finally, first place..."
Mashima paused. This result was likely unprecedented in his teaching career.
"First-year Class C, with 181 points."
"So you managed to scrape together 31 extra points from base camps, Ryuuen."
Kitagawa moved to pat Ryuuen's shoulder but stopped mid-air.
"Tch."
Ryuuen snorted, irritated by the gesture.
"If we hadn't missed a couple of roll calls during the chase, we could've had even more."
"Doesn't matter. We already took first."
Kitagawa beamed. Not only did Class C win the exam, they secured agreements with all three other classes and eliminated the threat of Ayanokouji Kiyotaka—their true victory.
"Post-exam class points are as follows: Class A: 1004 Class B: 823 Class C: 837 Class D: 187"
"Class C has now surpassed Class B and will be promoted to Class B. The current Class B will be demoted to Class C."
Mashima concluded, then added:
"The ship departs in two hours. Feel free to board or relax by the beach."
Class C erupted as their students poured down from the ship.
Ryuuen prepared to greet them but immediately regretted lifting his arm. Five days of solo survival had left him reeking.
Ishizaki screeched to a halt, Yamada drifted away, Ibuki dodged, and Shiina calmly walked past.
"Kitagawa-sama is the best!" "We're champions!" "Back in Class B! Just 100 points from Class A now." "Those Class A snobs got zero? Hilarious!"
Before he could respond, Kitagawa was hoisted into the air. He didn't resist—victory deserved celebration.
After a couple tosses, he felt dizzy and signaled Yamada to put him down. As his feet touched ground, Shiina Hiyori appeared.
"Are you okay, Ryo? You look exhausted."
Ryuuen wiped his body and silently questioned whether he should expose how Kitagawa had spent the week lounging and being fed by Kei.
"I'm fine," Kitagawa replied with a smile. The seven days had drained him more than he realized.
"Let me help you to the ship."
Shiina supported his arm and guided him up.
Ryuuen looked around, saw that Yamada, who lost at rock-paper-scissors, was approaching to help him.
"...I'll walk myself."
He trudged forward, proud and alone, as Class C parted to form a protective formation—albeit with a two-meter gap.
Class B, shaken at first, regained their spirit under Ichinose's lead. Despite being surpassed, the gap wasn't large. More importantly, with Class A at zero, they had narrowed the distance considerably.
Ichinose wrapped it up:
"Anyway, the exam's over. Let's head back and enjoy summer vacation."
In contrast, Class A's Katsuragi was under fire. The Sakayanagi faction didn't even need to provoke—everyone but Totsuka turned on him:
"Katsuragi, what the hell?" "Paying a million points a month? Seriously?" "If Sakayanagi were here, this would never have happened!"
Katsuragi bit his lip until it bled, overwhelmed by frustration and helplessness. From the start, Class A had been dancing in the palms of C and D.
"I'm sorry. Truly sorry. I'll uncover the truth of this exam and ensure Class A doesn't lose again. It's the least I can do."
He bowed deeply, knowing full well he had lost his right to lead.
Meanwhile, Horikita Suzune faced the wrath of Class D. They weren't sure why they only scored 100, but she became the scapegoat.
She had cost the class 70 points by acting on her own.
The realization hit hard. Her body felt heavy, like gravity had doubled. She averted her eyes, stared at her toes, and muttered:
"...I'm sorry."
Her knees buckled. Noise and confusion filled her mind, unable to tell what time it was or where she was.
The world tilted 90 degrees.
She had collapsed.
In her final view was Kitagawa Ryo, walking up the steps alongside Shiina Hiyori.
He entered the cruise ship without looking back.
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