The endless ocean, illuminated by the sun, shimmered with sparkling light across the entire surface.
The clear blue sky met the seawater at the farthest extent of the horizon, seemingly merging into one.
If one were on the deck, they would surely be enveloped by the warm sea breeze… Of course, this was just Horikita Suzune's imagination; perhaps a refreshing sea breeze would blow instead.
It had been a month since that moment of finally receiving points, which made people cheer with joy.
Compared to the nerve-wracking midterm exams, the final exams held at the end of July went exceptionally smoothly. With so many people having been expelled, no one dared to neglect their studies.
Even the number of people attending Hirata's study group doubled, with almost the entire class participating.
Such a study atmosphere probably wasn't even found in Class A.
Of course, such an atmosphere could not last long in Class D.
They were just cramming at the last minute to avoid expulsion.
After this critical period of survival, it wouldn't be long before they revealed their true colors.
Hirata would probably continue to have headaches over Class D's study situation in the future.
"Suzune, a little higher."
Amane's voice interrupted Horikita's thoughts.
Horikita moved her hand up a little, continuing to rub Amane's stomach.
Amane, who had gorged herself at the buffet restaurant first thing in the morning, had eaten so much that she couldn't even move.
Faced with the gluttonous Amane, even Horikita was helpless and could only massage her to stimulate her digestive system, hoping to make Amane feel better by promoting digestion.
However, what puzzled her was that if the buffet offered delicious delicacies, she could understand Amane's retaliatory eating.
But she had also visited the buffet restaurant, and the food there was merely home-cooked level; at most, it was cooked by a chef, making the taste much better.
But compared to Amane, it was hard to say whose cooking was better, so Amane had no need to overeat such ordinary-tasting food.
"I feel much better now."
Amane narrowed her eyes contentedly.
She looked like a kitten enjoying being petted.
"Why did you eat so much, and in the morning too? I wonder what you'll do for lunch."
Horikita playfully pinched Amane's cheek.
"Hehe, I suggest Suzune you eat more too."
Amane smiled very mysteriously.
This action made Horikita's eyelids twitch involuntarily.
"You don't mean… that we won't be able to eat such food easily from now on, do you?"
Horikita understood Amane's implication.
But before Amane could answer, the sound of a broadcast echoed through the cabin.
"We are about to disembark on the uninhabited island owned by our school. All students are requested to change into their sportswear in thirty minutes, and after confirming that their bags containing changes of clothes and other approved items are in order, please bring your mobile phones and gather on the deck. All other personal belongings must be left in your rooms. As restrooms are still available, please take care of your personal needs before gathering."
Such a broadcast was made on the ship.
Horikita quickly put Amane down and went outside the door.
Outside the cabin, students were running back and forth everywhere.
In addition, not far away, a small island stood quietly, visible to the naked eye.
Although it didn't look very large, it was more than enough to accommodate a hundred students.
Suddenly, Horikita realized a serious problem.
This vacation would probably not be as simple as she imagined.
That Amane fellow!!!
Her lips were so tight.
If she had known, she would have eaten more too.
As the broadcast continued, the noisy crowd on the deck also returned to their rooms to pack their belongings.
Half an hour later, when everyone appeared on the deck in their sportswear, the cruise ship had already reached the shore.
Just as the first-year students were about to cheer, the stern voices of the teachers urging them on spread through the air.
"From now on, please disembark in batches, starting with Class A. Mobile phones are prohibited on the island. Please hand them over to your respective homeroom teachers for safekeeping before disembarking and going ashore."
The teachers' urging caused some dissatisfaction.
However, under the supervision of the homeroom teachers, no one said anything.
They all obediently handed over their phones and then queued up to leave the ship.
Standing on the hot beach, Amane couldn't help but feel drowsy.
But compared to the students' efficiency, the school teachers and staff were several beats slower.
The school staff and homeroom teachers busily transported large quantities of supplies one by one from the ship.
Items like tents and cardboard boxes required several people to lift, which Amane considered a complete waste of time.
If all students were mobilized, the transport would be finished in less than ten minutes.
To still try to conceal things at this point seemed overly cautious. Could students refuse to participate in the exam and then not disembark or swim back to school?
Gradually, complaints began to emerge on the beach.
Amane, meanwhile, leaned on Horikita's shoulder, trying to avoid the sun.
Finally, after another half an hour or so, the staff finished moving all the supplies from the ship.
The four homeroom teachers stood in front of the first-year students in turn.
But this time, there was one more person, someone who shouldn't have been there.
Student Council Vice President Nagumo Miyabi!
At this moment, he was holding a microphone with a smug look, seemingly intending to speak.
"Thank you all for coming here. Next, you will face your first special exam as first-year students."
"Special exam? Isn't this a vacation?"
"Are you kidding me! We have to take an exam during summer vacation too?"
"Special exam? I've never heard of this before."
Facing the noisy discussions.
Nagumo's face broke into a smile.
"Next, I will explain the rules. The rewards for the special exam are very generous. If you don't hear the rules clearly because someone's voice is too loud, don't blame it on me, okay?"
As soon as Nagumo finished speaking.
The entire first-year group immediately quieted down.
In managing students, unlike Horikita Manabu, who advocated personal authority, Nagumo advocated prioritizing self-interest. Rather than using personal authority to make others obey, it was better to clearly state the pros and cons and let the individuals decide whether to harm their own interests.
"Very good, it's very hot now, so I'll keep it short. Since you've come here, it means there's no turning back. All you can do is face the challenge head-on or escape and wait for other classes to trample you underfoot."
Nagumo was a bit worried during his first speech that someone might jump out and refute him.
But to his surprise, everyone looked serious and attentive, which annoyed Nagumo a little. Without an opportunity to establish his authority, his name would still not be remembered by these newcomers.
Were there no bad kids who weren't paying attention for him to establish his authority?
Nagumo scanned the crowd for a long time and finally found his target.
But when he looked closely.
It was Amane.
Hmm, let's just pretend I didn't see her.
Seeing Amane's relaxed demeanor, Nagumo knew without thinking that if he called her name, she would at least bite him twice. It would be ridiculous if he failed to establish his authority and instead caused a chaotic scene that made him lose face.
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