With less than a month to go until summer vacation ended, the first-year students of Advanced Nurturing High School found themselves aboard a cruise ship.
And not just any cruise ship—they had been invited by the school, free of charge.
"...Nice view."
Staring out over the deck by myself, I couldn’t help but wonder once again why I was here.
The answer was simple: this was the starting point of our first Special Exam for new students this year.
In other words, it was a golden opportunity to boost our class points before the vacation ended. Of course, I was more focused on the fact that this was our inaugural Special Exam than on any bonus points.
Still, the idea of holding a Special Exam during summer vacation was astonishing enough. Not during the semester, but right when everyone was at their most relaxed...
Granted, the prospect of enjoying a luxurious passenger ship—with its various leisure facilities, first-rate restaurants, massages, and other comforts—had everyone else practically buzzing with excitement.
Me?
This was my first time on such an extravagant ship, so I was admittedly a bit excited as well. The restaurant food was excellent, and there were plenty of facilities that I could enjoy on my own, without needing to be part of a group.
However.
"It’s a bit hard to really enjoy it..."
I wasn’t about to make a move and risk catching the attention of someone like Ryuuen or Sakayanagi. Honestly, lying in bed with a good book was plenty enjoyable for me.
So after boarding the ship and until we reached the island where the Special Exam would be held, I had little interaction with my classmates—aside from joining Kushida for a bit of water play.
Of course, I hated getting wet, so unlike last time at the pool I steered clear of the water. Still, watching the girls in our class showing off their swimsuits was amusing in its own way. Yeah.
By the way.
"...You again."
"We keep bumping into each other, Horikita."
At Blue—the one café among the many facilities that I actually liked—I kept running into Horikita. Apparently, she had grown fond of the place too.
It made sense: with a great view of the deck and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere perfect for reading or just zoning out, the café was ideal. She always seemed to have a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, occasionally even nibbling on brunch.
"Don’t you go out and play with the others? You’re here all day."
"I don’t like noisy places. Besides, the coffee here is excellent."
It was on a completely different level from your average instant mix.
"I don’t like agreeing with you, but I’ll give you that."
Horikita said as she sipped the coffee from her tiny cup.
"You’re always reading something. What’s the title?"
Just to pass the time, I tried to start up a conversation with her, but…
"I’m under no obligation to tell you."
As always, Horikita rejected my attempt in her characteristically cold manner.
"Ah, suit yourself..."
I sipped my coffee and gazed blankly at the sea, enjoying the gentle, salty breeze.
"Murder mystery, huh?"
Normally, I would have fallen silent, and before long Horikita would have walked away.
But today, for some reason, I felt like continuing the conversation, so I pressed on.
"...Didn’t I just say I’m under no obligation? And you’re awfully specific about the genre."
"You sometimes wear a look of concern or a frown, so I guessed. Looks like I was right."
"...Even if I did make that face, do you seriously have a hobby of observing people? You really treat everyone like a fool."
Why does Ayanokouji always have to treat people like idiots?
"Couldn’t you at least say I have a sharp eye for detail—as a compliment?"
"Me? To you?"
Yes, you’re as cold as ever today.
"...What kind of mystery is it? I actually like that genre a bit myself."
"You? I’ve never sensed any intellectual vibe from you."
"...That’s harsh. I really do love Ellery Queen’s work, you know."
For what it’s worth, that was the truth.
"...So you’ve read at least The Tragedy of Y, then?"
At my words, Horikita’s eyebrows lifted slightly. She seemed intrigued, though reluctant to admit it outright.
Ah, but I should set the record straight.
"That’s fine, but personally I prefer The Lamp of God and The Greek Coffin Mystery."
"...!"
Her reaction told me she had indeed read them—clearly, she was quite passionate about the mystery genre. After all, most people only seem to know Sherlock Holmes.
"...Surprisingly, you know your books."
"I don’t really stick to one genre, but mystery does have its appeal. There’s the thrill of deduction, and the excitement when you finally figure out the trick."
And that was sincere. I found that side of her unexpectedly appealing.
"...I might have to reevaluate you a bit."
Well, thanks for that.
"So, what are you reading?"
After all, that was what I had been most curious about.
"...Murder on the Orient Express."
"Agatha Christie! That’s a masterpiece too."
"You... I never imagined we’d be able to have this kind of conversation in such a place..."
Really? I was just as surprised.
Just when it seemed I might finally be having a real book discussion with Horikita—
"Hey, Suzune. And... goldfish droppings."
At the worst possible moment, Ryuuen stormed in.
Right when things were getting interesting… what an oblivious jerk.
And what’s with “goldfish droppings”? Couldn’t he at least call me “gills” or something?
"...Ryuuen, I’ve told you countless times—don’t call me by my first name..."
"That’s my choice, Suzune. I actually like your type," Ryuuen replied.
He said that, then barked orders at Albert and had the terrace sealed off so no one else could come near. After that, he sat down beside Suzune and began casually running his hand through her hair.
"Stop it. That’s unpleasant."
But Horikita wasn’t about to let him get away with it. She slapped Ryuuen’s hand away, her tone leaving no room for argument. Ryuuen only chuckled, as if he enjoyed the reaction.
"You really got me last time. To think you were hiding a move like that..."
"I have no idea what you’re on about. Didn’t you just run off because you were caught?"
"Hey, hey. Suzune, I came here knowing everything," Ryuuen insisted as he glanced over at me, while I simply sipped my coffee, pretending not to be involved.
"...Hm."
Ryuuen shot me a sharp look before rising and turning to Horikita.
"This time, I'll handle you myself. So, look forward to it, Suzune."
"I hope you don’t run off with your tail between your legs this time."
"Hahaha! Good spirit. I can’t wait to see the look on your face when that spirit is crushed and you sink into despair."
After that, Ryuuen got up, passed by Horikita, and made his way over to me.
"Hey, goldfish droppings."
"Could you stop addressing people like that?"
"What else am I going to call you but goldfish droppings? Where have the other droppings gone?"
"...How should I know? And who exactly are you calling droppings?"
"The guy who came with you to defend that red gorilla. I’ve got business with both you and him."
"...I don’t know. Go find him yourself."
"Fine. I’ll do just that," Ryuuen replied, then drifted away from me, muttering quietly,
"...No, maybe not."
So that was meant to be heard. Best not to react.
Just when it seemed I had dodged the ensuing standoff with Ryuuen—
"Ryuuen!"
A short-haired girl suddenly charged at him.
"...Ibuki, right? Trying to pick a fight again? You don’t even care where you are anymore? You never get tired of this, do you? Heh heh..."
"I can’t stand your tactics any longer! Hey, Albert! Are you happy just playing along with some guy’s antics?!"
What on earth is with these people?
Why are they fighting?
"Not worth discussing. If you really want to fight, follow me to my room. I promise I’ll treat you nicely."
Ryuuen taunted Ibuki with a lewd gesture.
"Disgusting."
Horikita coolly observed, "Ryuuen...!"
Ibuki, clearly incensed, charged again at Ryuuen. But—
"Albert."
The large Black man standing next to Ryuuen effortlessly deflected her attack.
"Albert...!"
"Do it, Albert," Ryuuen ordered.
So that was the name of the big guy—Albert. Come to think of it, whether it was our classmate known as King Mei or me, or even Albert in front of me, it seemed our school had quite the global vibe.
While I was lost in that thought, Albert sent Ibuki flying toward the railing with a swift shove.
"Ghk...!"
"Come to my room anytime, Ibuki. I promise I’ll take good care of you," Ryuuen drawled.
Wow. That was the sort of line a third-rate villain would utter.
And yet, perhaps that was exactly why I found him interesting. He might be more entertaining than I’d expected.
"......"
Horikita remained impassive.
Ryuuen and his entourage eventually left.
As I awkwardly watched everything unfold, I reached out to Ibuki to ask if she was okay, but—
"Mind your own business!"
She brushed off my hand, got to her feet, and dashed off in the direction Ryuuen had taken.
"Class C really is the worst," someone remarked.
Or rather, our overall evaluation was even lower...
Time passed, and when we finally arrived at the island, confusion filled the air.
"Didn't you say this was a luxurious pension?! Why is it suddenly a deserted island...! That's just too much, teacher!"
Indeed. After the ship docked and we all disembarked onto land, we found ourselves on a deserted island boasting a dense forest. Soon after, Teacher Mishima—the homeroom teacher for Class A—stepped forward to explain the rules of the Special Exam.
The rules were simple.
From now on, we were to live on this island for one week.
Basic necessities—tents, flashlights, matches, and personal items—had been provided. Beyond that, all we had was the 300 S points handed out before the exam, along with a booklet listing the items available for purchase with S points.
"So this is a full-on survival game, huh."
Scattered around the island were several bases, known as “spots,” and every eight hours we’d get a chance to occupy one. A successful occupation would boost our S points by 1.
We could buy necessary goods with S points, but only the items listed in the booklet were available. Any additional S points acquired through occupation could not be used for purchases.
On the final day, any remaining S points would be added to our class points. It was a straightforward rule.
Additionally, if someone retired due to poor condition, they would lose 30 points per person; missing either the morning or evening roll call meant a penalty of 5 points per person; and actions considered as environmental destruction would cost 20 points, among other deductions.
There were even strict rules about theft—instant disqualification for any such offenses.
But most importantly—
"...If you correctly identify another class’s leader on the final day, you earn 50 points. If you're wrong, that's minus 50 points. Moreover, the class whose leader is guessed also loses 50 points, and any points held at the moment of a guess, right or wrong, are wiped out."
The rules essentially demanded that we identify another class’s leader.
Oh, and only a class leader could occupy a spot. They mentioned something about a key card—only the leader could use it, and once chosen, a leader could not be replaced unless under special circumstances.
"The rules themselves are extremely simple, which means all kinds of strategies are bound to clash."
I thought to myself that this exam would undoubtedly reveal the true character of each class.
So, what about our class?
"I'm telling you, this is enough for a bathroom!"
"Absolutely not! Sharing a bathroom with the boys? No way, absolutely impossible!"
Even now, Ike and Shinohara—our class’s notorious adversaries—were bickering over a single toilet.
If we were serious about clearing the exam, our class would need to unite first.
"Yeah. This is hopeless," I thought.
I had a feeling that this exam was going to be pretty chaotic.
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