The difference between "specially useful favored person clues" and "information slips" was already so vast that Amane-san didn't know where to begin complaining.
The condition for "specially useful favored person clues" to appear was that both those who drew the Big and Small ghost cards were present. And after all discussions each day, clues definitely related to the favored person would be given, with the holders of the Big and Small ghost cards each drawing one clue.
This meant that, including the last day, the holders of the Big and Small ghost cards could draw a total of six clues related to the favored person. It would basically be possible to determine who the favored person was, not to mention there were also clues directly stating the favored person's name. If such information was learned by a ghost card holder, especially if drawn by a Small ghost card holder, and if they were not from the favored person's class, then the entire special exam would basically be declared over immediately.
Under the temptation of doubled rewards and doubled penalties in Result 3 and Result 4, it would be impossible for members of other classes to resist. They would definitely choose to directly answer the question of who the favored person is, then end the special exam and secure victory.
However, holding a single ghost card grants the opportunity to draw information slips. The drawing condition becomes one draw per discussion. This means that, excluding the rest day when no discussion takes place, a person holding a single ghost card will have six opportunities to draw information slips.
At first glance, the total number of information slip draws seems identical to the number of favored person clues, which are particularly useful, but the actual content is vastly different.
If we use Mashima-sensei's example as a reference, the content on the information slip is useful to the ghost card holder, but it's uncertain in what specific aspect it's useful. There's also a chance to draw important clues, but judging from Mashima-sensei's expression, the probability of drawing important clues from an information slip is probably no less than the probability of blindly guessing the favored person correctly.
What was originally just an ordinary guessing game, after the introduction of the ghost card rule, the ghost card holder became the driving force behind the discussion topics, and could even guide and host the discussion content at certain times.
Therefore, whether this favored person exam can conclude quickly now entirely depends on the luck of the ghost card holder.
Since the favored person only learns their identity after the third day, it's useless to interrogate every participant, as they simply don't know if they are the favored person. This also means there's nothing to discuss on the first day. Only after the ghost card holder obtains some clues and information at the end of the first day's discussion can they discuss around that information and potentially guess who the favored person is.
The most important point is that Mashima-sensei only said that the favored person's identity would be announced after the rest day, but how it would be announced is also a problem. If it's sent to their phones, everyone just needs to check their phone emails to find the favored person. If they are called out for a private talk, then all the students in the class just need to mobilize and stake out all room entrances to catch all twelve favored persons in one fell swoop.
Amane was curious about how the school would discreetly inform the favored person of its identity.
"I have told you everything that needs to be said. Now, remember your poker card numbers, then place them face down on the table, and you may leave. The ghost card holder may take the ghost card with them. Today's special briefing session ends here. You may now go back and prepare."
After Mashima-sensei announced the end of the briefing, many people glanced at the number on their poker cards, but some didn't even look and simply placed their cards face down on the table and left.
Mashima-sensei pretended not to see the actions of these people.
It seems that the rules probably don't mandate remembering the number on the card.
Amane glanced at the ghost card in her hand, carefully put it into her pocket for safekeeping, and then left the room.
"Amane."
Amane had barely walked two steps when Karuizawa called out to her. From her still somewhat embarrassed expression, it seemed she intended to discuss the recent offense? Or perhaps she wanted to ask for another favor?
"If you want to talk about what just happened, there's no need to open your mouth. It's over, and the other party has already apologized. Let's leave it at that."
Amane had some understanding of Karuizawa's personality.
If Karuizawa was looking for her because of what just happened, it was highly likely she hoped Amane would teach Ishida from Class A a lesson.
However, although the other party's words were somewhat offensive, they were true. Class D was indeed called a defective class, and its overall performance was hard to describe, so being mocked by other classes was unavoidable. Even if they won on Uninhabited Island, stereotypes wouldn't disappear in a short time.
So Ishida's words were not wrong. Karuizawa felt embarrassed simply because she was thin-skinned and her self-esteem was hurt after being mocked, making her feel insulted. That's why Amane intervened, making the other party choose to apologize and back down to resolve the matter. This was already the other party's maximum concession.
To push it further would be a bit much.
Karuizawa fell silent.
This left Amane momentarily unsure of what to say.
"If there's nothing else, I'll head back first. Anything you want to say, you can still tell me back at the dorm."
Karuizawa and Amane were already in the same dorm, so discussing things there was safer than in a crowded place like the ship's corridor.
Just as Amane was about to turn and leave, Karuizawa suddenly stepped forward quickly and hugged Amane's arm.
Perhaps because it was her first time proactively making intimate contact with Amane to achieve her goal, Karuizawa's movements were a bit stiff, but she still chose to press her body as close as possible to Amane's arm.
Amane felt the soft pressure, but there wasn't a ripple in her heart, because Karuizawa's performance was too clumsy, even the intimate contact seemed too deliberate.
For a girl like Karuizawa, who cared so much about her image, to make such a move, the content she was about to speak of might be very troublesome.
"What I want to tell Amane is not about what just happened... It's not convenient to talk here with people from other classes around. Amane, would you mind taking a walk with me on the deck? Hirata-san isn't here, and I'm still a bit unaccustomed to being alone."
Karuizawa tried hard to keep her voice calm, perhaps worried that Amane would refuse her invitation. After all, putting herself in Karuizawa's shoes, one would realize how strange Karuizawa's actions were today. In such a situation, any normal person would refuse such a request.
But Amane nodded and agreed.
Even if Karuizawa wanted to use her, what of it?
With her, as long as a sufficient price was paid, everything was negotiable.
For a lamb like Karuizawa, who offered herself up, Amane naturally chose to accept all comers.
"Then let's go for a walk on the deck. I happen to feel a bit stuffy too."
Amane showed a gentle smile.
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