As students from each class lined up on the beach, the sudden appearance of Dragon boy and Ibuki Mio stunned many.
News of Class D abandoning the exam had spread to the other three classes, and everyone had seen Class D students return to the cruise ship. Logically, they should have given up.
Yet, Dragon boy and Ibuki's appearance, along with the two girls stepping out from Classes A and C, signaled a different outcome. Even after their exam points were reset to zero, they hadn't completely failed.
Their last chance to turn the tables lay in guessing the class leaders' names.
After Dragon boy and Ibuki returned to Class D's position, their homeroom teacher, Sakagami Suma, glanced at them.
Though he'd seen them earlier when filling out the leader's name, their current state was undeniably disheveled. Surviving in the wilderness was harsh. Ibuki, who'd bathed once, merely looked exhausted, but Dragon boy, unkempt and unwashed, was truly ragged.
His long hair was dirty, his beard unshaven, and he smelled foul. Yet, his eyes still gleamed with determination—a thirst for victory.
Sakagami Suma gained a deeper understanding of Dragon boy's character. Though not yet the class leader, his willingness to endure such hardship for victory was admirable.
Ibuki, too, had proven her mettle as a leader, enduring the same conditions as a woman.
Can these two lead their class upward?
Sakagami Suma set aside the thought, awaiting the results.
Dragon boy's appearance caused a stir among the classes, but when Hoshinomiya Chie stepped forward with a microphone, silence fell.
The results of the first special exam were about to be announced. All eyes fixed on the young teacher, eager to know their class's score.
"Good afternoon, first-year students. It's August 7th, noon. I declare the first special exam concluded."
Hoshinomiya Chie's expression was stern.
"The week is over. Congratulations on surviving this exam. We've witnessed various strategies. Regardless of the outcome, you've all worked hard."
"Now, I'll announce the results."
Her gaze swept the lined-up students.
"After the announcement, we won't address any questions or disputes. These results are carefully audited. Reflect on the score changes—it's an important part of the process."
As she finished, Class C, next to Class D, grew uneasy. Seeing Dragon boy and Ibuki return from the forest, they realized Manabe Shiho was a spy.
As a spy, she might have seen Class C's daily base card swipes. Had she obtained the leader's information?
If so, could Class D surpass them?
"Why are you staring?" Dragon boy sneered at the Class C students. "Once the results are out, you'll see how foolish your actions were!"
"Dragon boy-kun, I think I understand," Hirata, Class C's leader, forced himself to remain calm. "You're saying you wrote down our leader's name?"
"Of course. The results are in. It's too late to deny it."
"But that doesn't guarantee your score is higher," Hirata Yoshitake countered. "Your remaining exam points are zero, while ours are still high. Your team returned to the ship, so your points should be reset."
"You're so naive. Do you think we only got one class leader's name?"
Dragon boy smirked, dismissing Hirata and turning to Class A, the farthest left.
Though failing to get Class A's leader's name was unfortunate, his goal wasn't first place. Climbing the class rankings would qualify him to challenge for leadership.
Without full control, Dragon boy felt hindered. He sought to eliminate this obstacle and seize Class D's leadership.
"This guy…"
Several Class C boys were annoyed. They'd welcomed Manabe, and if she'd leaked intel, it would be humiliating.
"The last-place class in this exam is… Class D, with 0 points!" Hoshinomiya Chie announced, her gaze on the expressionless Sakagami Suma.
"!"
"What?"
"Why zero points?"
Ibuki's expression darkened, and Manabe Shiho and Yamashita Saki looked equally shocked, exchanging confused glances.
Dragon boy's face turned grim, his smugness vanishing.
As Class C's boys prepared to mock, Hoshinomiya Chie continued without pause.
"Third place: Class B, 120 points. Second place: Class C, 125 points."
The beach erupted in chatter.
"And the winner… Class A, with 390 points."
After explaining the scores, she added, "Results are final. Prepare to return to the ship."
"What?"
"So many points? Amazing!"
"We've pulled far ahead of Class B!"
Class A erupted in joy. They knew Hashima Hikaru's strategies minimized resource spending (around 60 points), but 390 points exceeded expectations.
Ichise Honami calculated: 150 points for guessing three leaders, minus 60 for resources, left 240 points. Hiding the leader's identity had succeeded.
In Class B, non-Katsuragi faction students protested.
"Katsuragi, what's this?"
"We agreed to ally with Class D. Explain!"
Katsuragi Kohei, expressionless, ignored them, eyeing Class A. Possibilities swirled in his mind.
Class C, confused but relieved not to be last, quickly lined up for the ship.
As Class A prepared to leave, Hashima Hikaru glanced at Dragon boy, smiling faintly.
Seeing Dragon boy at the cave entrance, he'd guessed his solo infiltration aimed to boost his class standing, challenging Ibuki for leadership.
Despite unknown variables, Class D's zero score meant Dragon boy's path to leadership remained difficult.
The spy incident reminded Hashima to monitor his class's dynamics for future preparedness.
Satisfied with the results, he noted the 270-point lead over Class B, making it hard for them to catch up before the next exam.
If these points transferred to class scores, Class A's ranking would soar by next month, increasing individual points—a perfect outcome.
A triumphant victory indeed.
Back on the ship, teachers briefly dismissed them. After the grueling exam, everyone relaxed, celebrating freely.
During the cruise, students shared four-person rooms: boys on the third floor, girls on the fourth. Hashima Hikaru's roommates were Shibata, Hamaguchi Takuya, and Beppu Ryota.
After showering, he changed into summer clothes, eager to unwind after the harsh island trial.
"Hashima, done showering?" Shibata entered with two cold drinks.
"What's up?" Hashima dried his hair, turning.
"Ichise-san's hosting a victory party in the banquet hall. She asked me to get you." Shibata handed him a drink, exuding relaxed vibes.
"Sounds good. We all deserve a celebration." Hashima nodded, joining Shibata.