Chapter 121: I Will Give My All for the Exam!
On the beach, students from the four classes clustered into their respective groups, their faces painted with tension and unease.
Karuizawa Kei stood with Sakura Airi and Sato Maya, all of them looking somewhat pale. Although Horikita Suzune had reminded everyone in the class chat the night before, the sense of nervousness hit them full force now that they were actually facing the moment.
"It's over, it's over, it's over..." Karuizawa Kei muttered under her breath. "It really is an exam... and it really is a deserted island..."
"Kei-chan, please calm down..." Sakura Airi said softly, though her own voice was trembling.
Even though Horikita Suzune had mentioned in the group chat yesterday that an exam might take place, Sakura was still incredibly nervous now that it was confirmed. This exam didn't seem to involve written papers or anything of the sort. This meant that things like academic studying might not be of any use.
Sato Maya took a deep breath, trying her best to steady herself. "It'll be fine. Keima-kun will definitely have a way."
The three of them simultaneously looked toward a certain spot in the crowd.
Katsuragi Keima stood at the very back of the line, head down, clutching his handheld console. He was still playing his game, as if the tense atmosphere around him had absolutely nothing to do with him.
Not far away, in the Class A camp:
Sakayanagi Arisu stood at the front leaning on her cane, a customary composed smile on her face. The sunlight spilling over her made it look as though she were on vacation rather than participating in a life-or-death examination.
"I'm so sorry, but it appears this is the type of exam I am not particularly good at~" Sakayanagi Arisu said with a smile. She gave a slight nod to the group and then, escorted by several staff members, returned to the cruise ship.
Because of Sakayanagi's physical condition, she was unable to participate in any exams or competitions related to physical fitness.
In another part of Class A's area, Katsuragi Kohei stood alone, his brow furrowed deeply.
"Katsuragi, what should we do?" Several Class A students—all his supporters—stood behind him. One of them asked the question.
Katsuragi did not answer. He was thinking. He was thinking about what Ryuen Kakeru had said last night.
"We are interested in that person."
That person—Katsuragi Keima.
Katsuragi looked toward Class D. What exactly was so special about that boy with his head down playing a game? Why was Sakayanagi Arisu so focused on him? Why was Ryuen Kakeru so concerned about him?
He thought about Sakayanagi Arisu's recent behavior—she had placed almost all of her attention on Class D, specifically on that boy named Katsuragi Keima. As Class A's rival, Katsuragi had been observing Sakayanagi's movements.
This wasn't normal. Sakayanagi Arisu never cared this much about a single individual. Unless... that person was truly special.
"We observe first. Sakayanagi withdrawing from the exam means the upcoming tests will likely evaluate physical ability," Katsuragi finally spoke. "Don't act rashly. However, for the time being, we shouldn't need to worry about Sakayanagi pulling any strings."
He knew that this was his opportunity—a chance to take direct control of Class A.
Meanwhile, in the Class B camp:
Ichinose Honami stood at the front with a warm smile on her face. Behind her, although the Class B students were also a bit nervous, the atmosphere was noticeably more relaxed than the other classes under her influence.
"Don't be afraid, everyone!" Ichinose Honami turned around and clapped her hands. "This is just an exam! As long as we unite as one, we can definitely do this!"
"Yeah—!" The Class B students responded in unison.
But if one looked closely, a trace of nervousness was hidden within Ichinose Honami's smile.
And in the Class C camp:
Ryuen Kakeru stood at the very front, a meaningful smirk playing on his lips. Behind him, the Class C students had complex expressions—some were nervous, some excited, and some terrified.
"Ryuen, what are you laughing at?" Ibuki Mio inquired.
"Laughing at this exam," Ryuen Kakeru said. "It's too interesting."
"Interesting?"
"Yeah. Don't you think so?" He looked toward the other classes. "Class A has the Sakayanagi and Katsuragi factions. Class B has that do-gooder Ichinose. And Class D..."
He paused, his gaze landing on a certain direction. "Class D has that guy."
Ibuki Mio followed his gaze. Katsuragi Keima.
Ibuki couldn't help but purse her lips.
Previously, their entire group had been defeated by this boy who looked like he couldn't even hurt a fly. Not a single one of them even remembered what had happened. In her blurred memory, Ibuki only felt as if she had been struck by a cannonball. Then, she lost consciousness.
Ibuki had never encountered that kind of power before. She had practiced martial arts since she was a child, yet she hadn't been able to fight back at all. Was the gap in strength really that vast...?
What would happen during this exam? Ibuki didn't dare to think about it.
Over on Class D's side:
Horikita Suzune stood at the front, expressionless. Behind her, the Class D students wore various expressions—some were tense, some panicked, some numb.
Hirata Yousuke stood at the edge of the crowd, head down, without saying a word. Ever since Yamauchi was expelled, he had been like this—uninterested in everything, his eyes still utterly hollow.
Ike Kanji and Sudo Ken looked pale. They had barely managed to pass the last exam, and now another one was coming?
"It's over, it's over, it's over..." Ike Kanji muttered.
"Stop chanting!" Sudo Ken interrupted him irritably.
Kushida Kikyo stood in the crowd, a sweet smile still on her face. But that smile was noticeably stiffer. Her gaze occasionally drifted toward a certain direction—the boy with his head down playing a game.
Just then, Mashima Tomonari stepped onto a temporary stage built nearby and signaled for everyone to be quiet.
Everyone fell silent. After scanning the scene to confirm everyone was quiet, Mashima-sensei continued.
"Next, I will explain the rules of this special exam. We will also distribute related guidebooks afterward."
He pressed a button on a remote, and detailed rule descriptions appeared on the large temporary screen behind him.
[First-Year Deserted Island Special Exam Rules]
Exam Duration: One week. Active hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Students must return to their respective class camps to rest at night. Each class will receive 300 initial Exam Points.
These points can be used to purchase supplies—drinking water, food, tents, tools, medical supplies, etc. A list of supplies will be sent to the terminals of each class leader later. There are multiple Spots distributed across various areas of the island. Occupying a Spot grants bonus points. Each occupation is valid for 8 hours. Each class must select a "Leader." The leader holds a dedicated keycard used to occupy Spots. The identity of the leader must be kept strictly secret. On the final day of the exam, each class can guess who the leaders of the other classes are. Guessing another class's leader correctly grants points. However, guessing incorrectly will result in a deduction of points. All students must wear a dedicated watch. The watch is used to monitor location and physical condition. Forcibly removing the watch will be considered a violation. Those unable to continue the exam due to injury or illness may apply to withdraw. Withdrawn students will be sent back to the cruise ship to rest, but that class will be penalized 30 Exam Points. Each class teacher will move with their class to facilitate the exchange of supplies and handle emergencies.
"What does this mean? Are they making us survive on a deserted island?"
"No way!"
"We're just students!!"
Many students expressed dissatisfaction. Beside them, Chabashira Sae said with a stern expression: "Students? You must support the arrangements provided by the school. Moreover, many corporations have already adopted this method for evaluation."
"Evaluating with this method? Are you kidding? And even if there's an exam, we should be notified in advance, right?"
"Notification?" Chabashira Sae cold-snorted. "Once you start working, is your superior going to give you advance notice for a surprise inspection?"
The students were speechless. Mashima Tomonari and Chabashira Sae exchanged a glance, and then her voice rang out again.
"We will now begin distributing the supply list. Each class has 30 minutes to discuss and decide which supplies to purchase. After 30 minutes, submit your purchase application."
Staff members began distributing documents. The Class D students quickly formed a circle. Horikita Suzune took the list and scanned it quickly.
Drinking water: 10 points per barrel Food: 15 points per box Tent: 20 points each Simple sleeping bag: 5 points each Tool kit: 15 points per set Medical kit: 20 points per set Flashlight: 5 points each Batteries: 3 points per set Waterproof tarp: 8 points per piece
There were nearly a hundred types of supplies listed. Horikita Suzune noticed that the list didn't just contain survival tools; there were also many entertainment items that could be used for leisure.
"300 points..." Ike Kanji wailed. "How is that enough?"
"Exactly!" Sudo Ken chimed in. "It's not even enough just for drinking water!"
"Quiet," Horikita Suzune said coldly. She was quickly calculating the points. An idea soon formed in her mind. The key to this exam was to avoid wasting points as much as possible. In other words, it was a test of the students' survival abilities on a deserted island. This... was too unique.
"So, we need to find water sources and food on the island ourselves," Horikita Suzune said. "The supplies are only for emergencies."
"Find water? Find food?" Ike Kanji's eyes widened. "This is a deserted island!"
"So?" Horikita Suzune looked at him. "Do you want to give up on this exam?"
Ike Kanji fell silent.
"Additionally, we need a leader." Horikita Suzune nodded. "It'll be disastrous if they are guessed correctly..."
Everyone's eyes, as if by prior agreement, looked in the same direction.
Katsuragi Keima.
He was still looking down, playing his game. "...What are you all looking at me for?" He didn't even lift his head.
"Katsuragi, we want to hear your opinion."
"My opinion?"
"Correct." Horikita Suzune nodded. Even with her formerly arrogant personality, she had to admit that Katsuragi Keima possessed an exceptionally brilliant mind. If he came up with the ideas, it might produce good results.
Suddenly, Katsuragi Keima stood up and looked at his classmates. His gaze was uncharacteristically firm.
"For this exam, I will definitely do my utmost to contribute to the class. As long as you believe in me, I will lead you to clear this game."
Horikita Suzune frowned as she looked at Katsuragi Keima. He looked incredibly serious; he had even put down the game in his hands. This was truly rare.
"I have only one condition: you must trust me unconditionally and follow my arrangements one hundred percent," Katsuragi Keima spoke again.
Upon hearing Katsuragi Keima's words, the Class D students looked at each other. Unconditional trust? One hundred percent obedience? Hearing this come from Katsuragi Keima's mouth was more shocking than seeing the sun rise from the west.
"..." Horikita Suzune's gaze focused on Katsuragi Keima's face. "Are you serious?"
Katsuragi Keima looked at her. There was no trace of a joke in his eyes. "I never joke about games."
"This is an exam, not a game, right!"
"To me, they are the same."
Horikita Suzune was stunned. She remembered the way he looked while playing games—focused, serious, never making a mistake. If he really treated the exam as a game... did that mean he could truly win?
Sakura Airi said softly: "I... I believe in Keima-kun." Her voice was light, but firm.
Sato Maya also nodded: "I believe too. Keima-kun never talks big."
Ike Kanji and Sudo Ken looked at each other, not knowing what to say. Kushida Kikyo looked at Katsuragi Keima, a wave of complex emotions surging in her heart.
Trust him unconditionally? If it were before, she would absolutely never trust anyone. But now...
She thought of those nights when he listened to her complaints, handed her strawberry milk, and said, "Rest if you're tired." That man had never lied to her.
"I believe too," she said. Her voice wasn't loud, but it was clear.
Horikita Suzune glanced at her, somewhat surprised. Kushida Kikyo was the most cautious person in the class; for her to take a stance so quickly?
As the most popular girl in the class, once Kushida Kikyo expressed her stance, other students in the class followed suit and expressed their agreement.
Horikita Suzune was silent for a few seconds, seemingly thinking about something, and then she spoke: "Katsuragi, I need a reason."
Her gaze focused on Katsuragi Keima.
"What reason?"
Horikita Suzune had originally only wanted to get some advice regarding the exam from Katsuragi Keima; she hadn't expected him to take such action.
"Why should we trust you unconditionally?"
Katsuragi Keima pushed up his glasses. "Because of the rules."
"The rules?"
"Yes." He looked at the rule explanations on the large screen. "The design of this exam is, in essence, a game. There are rules, there are loopholes, and there is an optimal solution."
He paused. "And what I am best at is finding the optimal solution."
Horikita Suzune fell silent. She thought about the previous exams—he had been able to predict the exam questions every time, and he had provided the most effective problem-solving ideas every time.
If this exam really was a "game"...
Then there truly was no one better at it than him.
"I understand." She nodded. "I believe you."
Announcement!
New Fanfiction!
Hikigaya's Path to Become a Jujutsu Sorcerer is Wrong as Expected
Following an unusual request from Yotsuya Miko, the world of Jujutsu is unveiled to the Service Club. However, Cursed Spirits are merely the beginning, as this world harbors far deeper secrets.
Magic and swords, curses and abilities, and the beautiful girls gradually gathering around... This kind of youth romantic comedy is definitely a huge problem.
Multi X-Over (Jujitsu Kaisen, SAO, Amagi Brilliant Park and others)
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