As the sun slowly sank below the horizon, Hashima Hikaru climbed down from the towering tree. Having finally confirmed the answer he sought, a long-awaited sense of satisfaction settled in his heart.
This special exam had shattered all the students' expectations. Whether it was the wilderness camping or the use of bases and points, everything had given them a completely new experience.
Although Hashima had already obtained the names of the leaders from the other three classes, he couldn't afford to relax completely until the final announcement of the results. There was still the risk of last-minute changes in leadership due to unforeseen issues.
With two days left, the surveillance of the other classes' camps and bases needed to continue. The goal now was stability—no more pressure to deduce names.
The evening roll call was at 8 PM, so before executing his high-altitude reconnaissance plan, the boy had already calculated the time in his mind. Picking up his pace, he hurried back to the camp.
At the A-Class camp, the students had lined up as usual for the second roll call of the day. However, the absence of a particularly important figure left many of them visibly uneasy.
"Hey, Ichinose-san, where's Hashima-kun?" someone whispered.
"Hashima-kun is carrying out an important plan. He should be back before roll call," Ichinose Honami replied, her gaze fixed anxiously on the camp entrance. Missing roll call would cost them 5 points, but she was more worried about his well-being.
Just as her anxiety began to rise, the tall, upright figure of the boy finally appeared before the group.
"I'm not late, am I?"
Hashima smiled as he walked toward his classmates. Before he could say more, Ichinose rushed forward, her beautiful eyes scanning him from head to toe as if inspecting for any signs of trouble.
"I'm fine, Ichinose-san. No need to worry."
"...Good."
After scrutinizing his expression and physical condition several times, the pink-haired girl finally let out a relieved sigh.
"It's 7:58 PM. Ichinose-san, please proceed with the roll call. Later tonight, we'll hold a small meeting to discuss the plan for the final two days," Hashima said.
"Understood," Ichinose nodded seriously.
The roll call proceeded swiftly. The moment Hashima appeared, the class seemed to regain its backbone—all their unease instantly dissipated.
While the rest of the class busied themselves with tidying the campfire and cleaning up, Hashima and a few selected students—two more than the previous night, including Beppu Ryouta and Amikura Mako—gathered outside the camp.
"Now that everyone's here, I'll get straight to the point."
Hashima's eyes swept over the group as he spoke with a light smile. "Thanks to the efforts of everyone in our class, we've now confirmed the names of the leaders for all three opposing classes."
"Really?!" Shibata's face lit up with excitement. "Was the C-Class leader really who you guessed earlier?"
"Yes. I've just verified it. Obtaining this intel was only possible thanks to Shibata-kun and your group's efforts in tracking C-Class's base card-swiping times."
Hashima praised the cheerful boy before continuing, "Once we return to school, we'll discuss everyone's contributions during this special exam. As promised, those who performed exceptionally won't have to pay half of their private points for the month."
"As long as we win in the end, that's all that matters!" Shibata waved his hand dismissively. If they secured victory, A-Class's evaluation points would skyrocket, and the influx of private points would far exceed the initial expectations of their plan.
"Regardless, rewards will be distributed accordingly. No need to be modest."
Hashima's gaze shifted to the other influential students in the class.
"Now that we have all the leaders' names, our task for the remaining two days is simple: continue monitoring the other classes' camps to ensure no changes in leadership occur before the exam ends. This guarantees our submitted names remain accurate."
"This way, by the time the exam concludes, we'll secure the maximum points. Understood?"
"I'll relay Hashima-kun's instructions to the others."
"If everything goes smoothly, this should be a huge success."
"The extra class evaluation points will translate into more private points. Can't wait!"
After receiving their final assignments, the group buzzed with anticipation. This was the first special exam, and everyone wanted to give their best—not just to maintain their lead but also for the tangible increase in private points.
Once the meeting adjourned, Ichinose stood beside Hashima, both gazing at the crackling campfire ahead.
"Having everyone united from the start was definitely the right decision."
The girl's expression was gentle. This uninhabited island exam had been a growth opportunity for everyone, and Ichinose had gained many insights of her own.
"Indeed. Unity is the foundation for a group to unleash its greatest strength."
Hashima's tone was equally warm. The smooth execution of their plans owed much to the cooperation of every classmate.
"After this exam, I'm sure everyone's bonds will grow even stronger."
"I think so too."
Ichinose suddenly blinked playfully before leaning in to whisper in his ear, "Just like you and me, Hikaru?"
"Of course."
Hashima nodded. Now, all that remained was to wait for the results in two days.
Which class would emerge victorious in this first special exam, claiming the lion's share of the points?
---
Time flew by, and soon it was the night before the exam's end.
A-Class's camp was hosting a reflection session.
Ichinose had proposed that students voluntarily share their personal growth or shifts in perspective during the exam. The activity was met with unanimous enthusiasm, as classmates eagerly stepped forward to express their thoughts—ranging from self-reflection to the value of teamwork. Even the usually timid Shiromi Chihiro mustered the courage to speak.
In such an atmosphere, every A-Class student reaffirmed their gratitude for being part of such a collective. This was the solidified cohesion of their class—the cornerstone of their greatest strength.
---
Meanwhile, at B-Class's base, Katsuragi Kouhei was also holding a meeting. With the exam ending at noon the next day, he was conducting a final review.
In the absence of Sakayanagi, Katsuragi had been the sole architect of B-Class's strategy. Though a conservative by nature, he had accepted Ryuuen's proposed deal—a low-risk transaction that maximized point conservation while converting them into class evaluation points to close the gap with A-Class.
This was his chance to prove his leadership and win over Sakayanagi's faction.
"To summarize, we've secured three bases while minimizing point expenditure. By the end, we'll undoubtedly retain a significant surplus."
Katsuragi glanced at Totsuka Yahiko before addressing the class. "Let's all look forward to tomorrow's results."
"I'm certain Katsuragi-kun's plan is flawless. This time, we'll surpass A-Class!" Totsuka exclaimed excitedly.
"Any other questions?" Katsuragi's gaze shifted to the Sakayanagi faction.
"None here. We're all eager to see Katsuragi-kun prove himself."
The speaker was Hashimoto Masayoshi, the blond core member of Sakayanagi's group who had leaked intel to Ryuuen. He couldn't wait to see the bald strategist's reaction when the results were revealed tomorrow.
With the signed contract between Katsuragi and Ryuuen, the backlash would be devastating.
"Then I hope you'll watch closely, Hashimoto."
Katsuragi gave him a cool look before falling silent.
---
Over at C-Class's camp, the mood was far more relaxed than B-Class's tense atmosphere.
After all, everyone knew they'd be returning to the cruise ship tomorrow, leaving this uninhabited island behind.
"Seems like everyone's in high spirits tonight."
As the class leader, Hirata Yousuke couldn't help but smile at the cheerful faces around him.
"Yeah, the exam ends tomorrow. These seven days flew by," Kushida Kikyou remarked with a sigh. "Let's just hope we guessed the names right."
Her gaze then drifted toward Horikita Suzune, who stood off to the side.
C-Class already knew the leaders of B and D-Class, and with their remaining supplies, their class points were poised for a major boost—assuming no last-minute surprises.
"Let's hope nothing goes wrong."
Horikita quietly touched the keycard in her pocket. Tomorrow morning, she'd submit the leader names to Chabashira-sensei.
Everything would be decided then.