"Classmates? Even if we treat them as classmates, they'll treat us like wolves. The nature of this school dictates that unless a strong individual emerges who can unite an entire grade, the struggle among the four classes will never cease until graduation. I thought you had realized this, Suzune."
Amane's disappointed gaze made Horikita restless.
Of course, she knew this, but Amane's serious expression for the first time made her feel uneasy.
It didn't matter if they didn't do anything big tonight.
There was no need to put herself at risk just to help Sakayanagi.
In her opinion, moving up to Class A was important, but it wasn't urgent right now. Besides... moving up to Class A was just to prove to her brother that she wasn't the good-for-nothing he called her.
But that was a long time ago.
Now, although she still wanted to move up to Class A, if she had to choose between moving up to Class A and Amane, she would unhesitatingly choose Amane.
Therefore, she couldn't stand by and watch Amane risk herself for a wish that was no longer so strong.
It was completely unprofitable.
Yet, it was also she who had asked Amane for help.
This led to a situation where no matter what actions Amane took, as long as they benefited the class and helped her get closer to Class A,
Horikita Suzune had no right to question or criticize Amane.
Amane could completely choose not to help, as she didn't have a strong desire to move up to Class A. All actions so far were only because of Horikita's request.
This logical loop caused Horikita to fall into self-contradiction.
She didn't want Amane to do anything risky, but she didn't have the ability to lead Class D to Class A on her own, at least not yet.
At the same time, she had no alternative to taking risks. On the surface, this operation was to repay Sakayanagi's previous help.
In reality, it was an exchange of class interests.
Amane was responsible for damaging Katsuragi's reputation in exchange for Class A's key card.
Horikita felt a sense of powerlessness gradually creeping over her.
"Suzune, you look a bit unwell? Are you alright?"
Amane placed her head on Horikita's forehead, and after confirming Horikita's temperature was normal, she began to scrutinize Horikita's body.
"I'm fine, I probably haven't rested well enough. Since you two have decided on the plan, I'll stay. I'm going to get some sleep. You can discuss the upcoming arrangements in more detail. After all, you'll be deep behind enemy lines, so even with help, you need to be careful."
"Okay, Suzune, you go rest first."
After Horikita left the dorm, Amane and Ayanokoji didn't speak immediately.
It wasn't until the footsteps faded into the distance that Ayanokoji got up, walked around outside the tent, and then returned to continue their conversation.
"Suzune won't do nothing."
"Then how will she act?"
Amane knew Horikita wanted to prove herself, but Amane didn't need any unexpected complications at this moment. Everything was within her plan, and Horikita's rash actions could easily disrupt it.
So, this meant Amane not only had to be wary of students from other classes but also had to do her best to avoid the potential dangers of Horikita's extra actions.
"It should be Shibata's side. I'm guessing Shibata might also try to get a piece of the pie, but unfortunately, Suzune doesn't even know what we're going to do."
Amane glanced at the location of Class A's camp on the simplified map.
Whether Class A would still be able to camp in that spot by this time tomorrow was another matter.
"If it's Shibata, then there's nothing to worry about. But I need to remind you, Amane-san, do you know what you're about to do?"
Ayanokoji looked seriously at Amane.
The next second, the simplified map was thrown forcefully into Ayanokoji's arms.
"Stop being so wishy-washy. At this point, are you still trying to test me? You underestimate me too much."
Ayanokoji showed little change in expression despite being reprimanded, merely nodding calmly.
"I'm somewhat looking forward to tonight's operation."
Night had fallen.
Class A's camp.
The Class A students, who had just finished roll call, immediately began a barbecue feast.
Today was the fifth day, leaving only two days until the end of the exam and departure from the island. No, to be precise, it was one and a half days.
Because the exam would end at noon the day after tomorrow.
With the exam progressing to this point, everyone was focused on saving points, yet Class A could indulge in eating and drinking.
This was because they had initially adopted the most frugal way of living, and then obtained items purchased with points they had used from Ryuuen.
This allowed Class A to use most of their saved points to enjoy life. Incited by Hashimoto, the Class A students all demanded a small barbecue party today to satisfy their cravings. Even Totsuka couldn't stand eating bento all day long.
So, when someone made this suggestion, it immediately received Totsuka's approval.
Watching the still-partying crowd, Totsuka felt a surge of self-satisfaction. Without him, Class A would never have such a celebration.
Neither Katsuragi nor Sakayanagi would ever allow Class A to waste class points on food.
But Totsuka did it.
The reason was simple.
To win people over.
Although he had checked in at the cave stronghold again in the afternoon, his points before the exam were already cleared.
To avoid being held accountable by Katsuragi or Sakayanagi, Totsuka came up with this idea, using food to make everyone like him. This way, when Katsuragi reprimanded him, at least someone would stand up for him.
It was precisely with the intention of winning people over that Totsuka agreed to such extravagance.
But as he reveled in the joyous atmosphere of cheers and laughter, he didn't notice that Hashimoto and a few others from the Sakayanagi faction had quietly left the crowd.
"Hashimoto... are you really sure you want to do this?"
Kamuro looked at the item in front of her, hesitant to take it, fearing she might get into serious trouble.
"If we don't do this, how can we show our sincerity? We need to at least set one tent on fire, otherwise, I'm afraid those Class D students won't dare to show their faces."
Hashimoto's concern was valid. At this moment, Amane was in the forest outside Class A's camp, quietly watching the revelers.
If Hashimoto didn't dare to fire the first shot, she wouldn't actively go and attract Class A's hatred.
"Anyway, I'm not doing this. What if, what if something goes wrong? We could go to jail, right? How could you agree to such an absurd..."
Just as Kamuro was still incessantly complaining, Hashimoto threw a red-hot piece of charcoal onto an empty tent.
The tent, which seemed to have been sprinkled with something, quickly began to burn.
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