"You asked to see me because you want to discuss cooperation, Kakeru Ryuen, don’t you?"
As expected of one of Class A’s rulers—he was quick on the uptake. That saved them the trouble of pointless pleasantries.
…
After Katsuragi left, Ryuen returned to the deck alone to enjoy the sea breeze. Perhaps his presence was simply too magnetic; even in the darkness of night, it drew the attention of the opposite sex.
Masumi Kamuro, the purple-haired member of Class A’s Sakayanagi faction, was essentially Arisu Sakayanagi’s attendant. Because Sakayanagi had difficulty walking, Kamuro often carried out certain tasks in her stead.
She appeared to be Sakayanagi’s loyal subordinate, but in reality, Sakayanagi had leverage over her and kept her under control with it.
"Ah, even the sea breeze has turned sweet."
Ryuen teased her. The girl before him was fairly attractive, tall and slender, though she rarely smiled.
"How about we discuss cooperation as well?"
Kamuro stopped beside Ryuen, keeping the distance of roughly three people between them.
"As well? So you followed Katsuragi. How incompetent. I can’t believe Katsuragi failed to shake you off."
Ryuen made no effort to hide his contempt, though he was actually extending goodwill toward the Sakayanagi faction. Kamuro would not have come to negotiate with him on her own; she represented Sakayanagi’s wishes.
"Katsuragi is clever. I’m simply better."
Kamuro sounded supremely confident.
She was still defending Katsuragi even now. That was the difference between Class A and the other classes. Though Class A had split into two factions, both sides remained united in protecting the class’s interests against outsiders. If Class A ever truly became unified, it would be bad news for Ryuen.
"Then let’s talk. If you want me to abandon Katsuragi and cooperate with Sakayanagi, you’ll need to show enough sincerity."
Ryuen extended a hand toward Kamuro.
"We can provide the details of this exam."
"Pointless. The uninhabited-island exam is a tradition for first-years. I’ve already heard about it from the upperclassmen. Repeating it to me has no value whatsoever."
That was a lie. Even without asking upperclassmen, Ryuen knew the exam’s contents. The reason he had not suffered a setback so far was because he knew more than everyone else. That was the one cheat advantage granted by his transmigration.
"We’ll give you twice as many points as Katsuragi offered you."
They were truly willing to pay a steep price. But Ryuen also learned something from that statement: although Kamuro had followed Katsuragi, she did not know the terms of Ryuen’s deal with him. So Ryuen decided to play along.
"Oh? That’s no small amount. Katsuragi offered 20,000 points per student every month from now on. If you’re offering double, that makes it 40,000. Can you represent Sakayanagi and sign that contract with me right now?"
Ryuen did not think Sakayanagi would accept those terms. In truth, he only wanted to drive up the price before gradually negotiating it down.
Unexpectedly, Kamuro nodded.
It’s a trap. That was Ryuen’s first thought.
"Tell me your conditions. If you’re offering such generous compensation, the price I’ll have to pay can’t be small."
"Sakayanagi wants you to ensure that Class A finishes last in this exam. Our cooperation must also continue until Sakayanagi takes control of the class."
Kamuro conveyed Sakayanagi’s message. Ryuen had to admire that woman’s audacity. Even the 50,000 points he collected in class dues could not be spent casually, yet Sakayanagi could casually promise someone 40,000 points.
The money would not be easy to earn. Under Sakayanagi’s terms, he would not only need to defeat Katsuragi in this exam, but also help Sakayanagi seize control of Class A in future exams. Ryuen noticed another crucial detail as well: he would only receive his payment once Sakayanagi unified the class. Otherwise, Katsuragi’s faction in Class A would never hand over the points.
After considering it for a moment, Ryuen nodded. That did not mean he intended to abandon his cooperation with Katsuragi. Had Sakayanagi been here, she would certainly have noticed something off about him. Unfortunately, due to her physical condition, she could not participate in the exam. And Kamuro, standing before him...
Ryuen sneered. What a foolish woman—being deceived while helping count the deceiver’s money.
After obtaining the contract from Kamuro, Ryuen returned to his cabin. He needed a good night’s sleep. There would be no peaceful rest in the days to come.
The cruise ship arrived at its destination, and all the students assembled on deck. Looking at the unusually orderly forest before them, Ryuen mentally marked several suitable locations for a base, along with a number of caves.
Faced with the scenery, about half of Class A remained indifferent, while the other half gathered around Katsuragi to discuss something.
All of Class B clustered around Honami Ichinose. That actually restricted Ichinose’s field of vision and judgment. Excessive unity was not always an advantage.
Class D had scattered across the deck, leaning against the railings and admiring the mountain scenery in the distance. They genuinely thought this was a sightseeing trip, completely unaware that something was wrong.
Mr. Mashima, Class A’s teacher, raised a loudspeaker and addressed the students. "We will now begin this semester’s Special Exam. I will explain the rules."
"A Special Exam? What kind of Special Exam? What’s going on?"
Murmurs rose from Class D, but they did nothing to interrupt Mashima’s announcement.
"The exam will last one week and conclude at noon on the seventh day. The content of the exam is group survival on an uninhabited island. For this Special Exam, each class may receive two tents, two flashlights, one box of matches, and an unlimited supply of sunscreen."
The exam was clearly not going to be that simple. As Class D’s discussion grew louder, Mashima continued explaining the rules.
"Each class will be issued 300 Special Points, which can be converted into Class Points at the end of the exam. During the exam, Special Points may be exchanged for daily necessities and game items. Exchange manuals will now be distributed."
Once the booklets reached the students, Classes B and A joined the discussion. Yet it was clear that Mashima had not finished speaking.
"There is also an additional rule. Each class must select a leader, who will receive a magnetic card. At the end of the exam, you may guess the leaders of the other classes. The remaining detailed rules can be found in the exchange catalog you were just given. That is all."
Mashima’s explanation concealed who knew how many traps. Ryuen carefully read through the booklet.
"If a student is deemed unable to continue the exam due to physical discomfort or serious injury, 30 Special Points will be deducted, and that student will withdraw from the exam."
"Polluting the environment will result in a 20-point deduction. Missing roll call at 8:00 a.m. or 8:00 p.m. will result in a 5-point deduction."
"Violently plundering from or sabotaging another class will result in the disqualification of your class from the exam."
"To ensure the health of all students, every participant must wear a school-issued waterproof electronic watch. This watch can monitor your physical condition in real time."
Ryuen noticed a line on the final page of the booklet: "Hidden tasks will be assigned during this exam."
While Ryuen was still studying the rules, the other Class C students stood behind him, waiting for his orders. Meanwhile, the other classes had already disembarked and begun competing for suitable bases.
After all, they would be living here for a week. Their first priority was shelter, followed by food and water. Only after that could they consider the rest of the exam.
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