Part 4

After a few moments, Kouenji found himself surrounded by exhausted third-year students and on their knees, breathing heavily.

He broke their spirits by continuing to nullify their attacks without directing a single fist.

"What... the hell is it...? You are a real monster. I'm sure it would have been a lot easier ... "

Even as Mikitani walked away in amazement and fear, Kiriyama realized that he could have taken advantage of the gap.

"It's not nice that you always follow me. It's not nice to have a dead leaf slapping my cheek over and over again. "

Hearing this, Kiriyama analyzed the situation without panicking, despite being in a difficult situation.

"I see. It is true that the current Mikitani was prepared to go after you until the end. If he was shown such an overwhelming skill difference, his spirit would be broken. But you are the only one who can devise and perform the trick of breaking your opponent's heart

without counterattacking. "

"Even if I have to drop the reward for reaching the designated area, here I will nip the counterattack of third year students in the bud."

Kiriyama and the others were surprised by Kouenji, who had made that decision. "Are you okay, Mikitani?"

"Oh yeah. I'm not hurt."

Some students fell to the ground in the form of self-destruction, but all were mostly unscathed, with only a few scratches on their hands at most.

In the face of such overwhelming power, it didn't even take a fist to show the difference. "I'll go then, if it's okay with you."

"Do what you want, Kouenji."

"Now if you'll excuse me. Bye."

No one could stop him, and Kouenji left. After that, Mikitani muttered to himself in a broken spirit.

"What the hell is that guy? Is he really in high school?"

"There is always someone who does not agree with your calculations. Like Nagumo."

"In the end, the only thing we can do is crawl on the ground like this forever?" Mikitani hit the ground with his fist in frustration at his inability.

"That monster of youth! He even made me look like an idiot! He made me look like an idiot! Shit! Shit!"

Our fight is not over yet. He glanced back at Kouenji's missing figure and grabbed his walkie-talkie.

"Are you going to report my failure to Nagumo?"

"What do I win? I'm someone who has already decided to win. Don't worry, Miki, I've already assumed from the beginning that Kouenji is out of this world. But there is always one weakness in every opponent. You know what they say, big is better than small. "

Mikitani nodded silently, feeling somewhat grateful for Kiriyama's words.

Kiriyama, for his part, was not the least bit upset because he had expected this to happen from the beginning.

A strategy to give a blow to Kouenji, who is sure to have removed the obstacle.

Despite the large number of people who interfered, almost no real damage occurred. As

a result, Kouenji must have gotten the strong impression that third-year students were no big deal. That was exactly what Kiriyama wanted.

5

Day 11, just before 5:00 p.m. I had barely reached the last designated zone, J10, when I was startled by the sight. It is important to collect scores and homework objects, but even more important is to be careful with scoring. It's surprisingly difficult to keep 11th place at all times. You have to make sure you don't step on the designated area and get penalized, and you also have to keep up with those who score in 10th place.

Yesterday, on the 10th day of the test, the third designated area was announced as F4 followed by a random area in B9, and I gave up soon. I couldn't even get to C9, the fourth designated area, and had to pass twice in a row. I managed to get to the first designated area in the morning, C8, and avoided the penalty, but this time I couldn't get to the random area of H9, and had to get to I9, which was a tough day.

Once an area is designated as a long-distance destination, the next area continues to refer to it. I realized once again the main reason why my overall score was not increasing.

As I reached the end of the steep and rocky road I could hear a man and a woman talking to each other in front of me.

Maybe it's because the wind was blowing, but the voice was vaguely familiar.

I thought I might know them, so I decided to take a look. The voice comes from the west, the direction of the ocean. There, I caught sight of a group of three girls from 2nd year class B, consisting of Isoyama Nagisa, Morofuji Rika, and Shiina Hiyori.

... And there were three more from another group of sophomores. I haven't seen them since the first day of the exam.

It was Ishizaki Daichi, Takeko Nishino, and Hitomi Tsutsube.

I'm sure I've heard of them. The squares were supposed to be different at first, but did the designated zones overlap this time?

"What? Isn't it Ayanokouji-kun? "

The five of them were still talking and had not yet noticed my presence, but only Hiyori, who was in front of me, perceived my presence and noticed me. As soon as our eyes met, she waved at me.

"You look better than I thought."

"Everyone has worked very hard. We have expanded our group to a maximum of six people."

This is how they met Ishizaki and the others. Truth be told, it seems that many of the students of the group lack ability, but Hiyori can bring a lot in terms of brains. That's what she is for. However, her physical capacity is not as high as it should be. Taking into account the members of the group, I would say that they function in a balanced way.

"Did you plan to join Ishizaki and the others from the beginning?"

"That's right. We have several priorities for the merger, and this is one of those groups."

Without denying it, I turned my gaze to where Ishizaki and the others were chatting as they gazed at the soon-to-set sun, as if to ease their fatigue.

They seem to get along well with each other as they are basically a group made up of 2nd year class B. Tsutsube, the only one of a different class, integrated very well.

"Ayanokouji-kun, how do you feel?"

Hiyori didn't seem especially bothered by the fact that no one was coming after her. "Yes. So far, so good."

"I don't think there is anything to worry about, but you have to be careful."

"I know."

She motioned for me to sit next to her and I did.

"There are three days left."

"That's how it is".

I don't think she asked me for any particular reason. After that, we silently stare at the sea and feed our spirits. In most cases, when I meet a friend or someone close to a friend, they ask me how I am doing.

As it is a battle for survival, curiosity cannot be avoided. Hiyori, however, showed no sign of asking me what my score was. It is not so much that she is not interested, but that she is convinced that they will not expel me.

"Hey, Ayanokouji!"

I'm not sure if he finally noticed my presence or not, but for some reason, Ishizaki

smiled at me in a very happy way. The rest of the group seemed to notice immediately and grabbed Ishizaki by the shoulders as he tried to approach us.

"What the hell? Don't get in my way. "

"What? It's not that Ayanokouji doesn't like it, right?" "Do not..."

"Nothing happens. That is one of the good things about you, Ishizaki-kun. " "No. Good point? I'd say you just can't read the air."

"Well ... yes, that could be undeniable."

Nishino and Tsutsube have become good friends with each other. This would be a common sight for many groups in a prolonged battle on an uninhabited island.

If we work together as much as we can to avoid being kicked out, we can easily overcome the smallest of barriers. But at the same time, it is also cruel. After this special exam is over, the class war will resume again, and the future awaits us as we kick each other out.

At that time, there will be few students who will not be able to make normal decisions. "Sorry to interrupt."

I was about to leave when Ishizaki came running up and grabbed me by the shoulder.

"Anyway, you don't have any more tests today, and you were planning to camp near I9, right?"

The designated area, J10, was not suitable for pitching a tent due to the strong wind and rocky ground. In that sense, I was going to avoid the seashore, as Ishizaki said, and I

would go by I9 .... "It's a great idea!"

Hiyori, who had just got up, approached me in agreement. These two people are relatively close to me and don't have problems, but what about the others?

"Isn't it good? Ayanokouji-kun seems quite harmless."

"I know."

And apparently, there was not a single objection. What can I say; I found the group to have such a comfortable and friendly atmosphere that I almost forgot that we were doing a very tough special exam.

This kind of environment is often seen in Ichinose's class, but it seems that Ryuuen's class is also starting to change little by little.

6

"Ayanokouji-senpai, Ayanokouji-senpai ...!"

In the middle of the night, while falling asleep, I woke up to a voice calling out to me. The voice was a silent whisper that could not be heard, and it came from right next to my tent. I checked my watch and it was around 2:30 in the morning.

"It's me, Nanase."

She comes over quickly and peers into my tent. The light from the tablet in the dark

shows Nanase's terrified figure.

"What are you doing here at this time...?"

"I'm fine; I was in I9 like you. In fact, I even saw you from afar at night, but since I was working with Housen-kun, so I decided to avoid contact. "

"... Y?"

"There is something I need to tell you as soon as possible ...Today... well, the date has

already changed, so it was yesterday to be exact, but Housen-kun told me that on the twelfth day, the first years will make a great play on Ayanokouji-senpai. "

"A great play? It sure isn't the only thing." "No, no, let me tell you in order."

Nanase calmed her breathing and began to explain.

I'm not sure how many days passed, but Housen was summoned by Takahashi, Yagami, Tsubaki, and Utomiya, but he ignored them. However, on the ninth day, a student who appeared to be an errand boy for one of the group members showed up with a walkie-talkie and again asked for Housen's help. This is what he said. He wanted to force me to withdraw at the end of the uninhabited island exam. He also said that he intended to hunt down and remove seniors who were performing alone as well.

He said that specific details would be communicated on the day of the event, and that the walkie-talkie was still in Housen's possession, but Housen has no intention of cooperating with them. It seems that Nanase has been told that the plan is to use them

by pretending that they will cooperate.

I knew he would try to make a move at the end of the exam. It is worth having a move in advance.

"It's good that you told us the date and the details until the last moment."

If the date and details were leaked to us, it would be easier for us to deal with it.

In fact, Housen, who could betray them, has not yet received the details of the plan.

"Who is in charge?"

"I don't know, but Tsubaki was the main person I spoke to on the walkie-talkie. "

"She didn't seem like the type that has long been outdoors."

"I agree with you, because I had the impression that Class C was more focused on Utomiya. But Utomiya and Housen don't get along, and when it comes to arguing, they quickly get into quarrels, so Tsubaki may have been deliberately chosen to

act as an intermediary. "

There is also the possibility that someone like Yagami or Takahashi is pulling the strings behind the scenes.

- "I appreciate knowing the date of the meeting. It is best not to stay too long, even late

at night. It's good to know what's going on. "

For better or for worse, Housen and Nanase will have to stay in the same freshman class D. I'll tell her to go before Housen finds out.

"Yes, I'll let you know if there is more important news."

"Oh no, thanks for that, but that's enough for this uninhabited island exam. If you see a freshman moving around, you don't have to come tell me, and you don't have to help me."

"Nevertheless..."

"Nanase, you have given me enough information. Now you must do what you have to do as one of the group of Housen and Amasawa."

If Nanase loses all credibility here, there will be no more information. I'm sure you can find something that works.

"If Ayanokouji senpai says so, I understand ..."

I bowed my head deeply and decide to do so, and Nanase walks away into the dark. When I could no longer see her, I took out my tablet and thought for a while.

My drowsiness disappeared and I start looking at the screen. The details of first-year D- class are unknown, but Housen is a person who uses a type of power similar to Ryuuen's to control the class and act. However, the difference is that Housen tends to take the initiative to try to overcome obstacles.

In this situation, Housen has kept Nanase close to him since the beginning of school.

It is true that Nanase has a strong and tough mindset that most high school freshmen do not have, and with her academic ability and physical prowess, there is no question that she is a valuable asset.

However, Housen's level of trust in Nanase remains completely unknown.

If you didn't trust her, would you let her know about the surprise attack from the first year?

I don't think Housen alone can sustain the idea that Nanase is on my side, but I wouldn't be surprised if he felt some kind of discomfort. If Amasawa is advising him, there is a chance that he may see the truth ....

Either way, the first year's plan of attack isn't surprising. I'm not sure what to make of this. It was nice that Nanase came to inform me, but she did not change our plans in any way.

7

After a brief sleep, I turn on the GPS search just as 6:00 AM arrives. If I do this today I should see some unusual activity among top freshmen, including Housen.

There is nothing unusual about the positioning. The only one at the same table, Housen, is in a close position, but everyone else is at least three squares away. There is no indication that they are preparing anything at this time. It's hard to imagine being attacked in a public place, so as long as Ishizaki and the others are around, we can assume we're safe.

Hiyori, Ishizaki and the others began to wake up and prepare for the 12th day of the exam. When everyone was ready, we started walking together.

Ishizaki complained, still groggy from sleep.

It can not be helped. We will lose points if we suddenly step on the designated area.

Ishizaki and Nishino started talking. They must have been talking like this for more than ten days. The rest of the group concentrated on walking, as if they weren't listening.

"Ayanokouji-kun, do you ever feel lonely being in the exam?" Hiyori, who was walking beside me, asked me.

"Not especially. I feel more comfortable. " "I think ... It's a bit lonely and scary."

"Scared, huh? I can't imagine Hiyori being scared. "

Since she is always so relaxed, she seems to be insensitive to these issues. Even when psychic phenomena occur, she seems to just clap her hands and say, "This is amazing!"

"But I'm still pretty scared, you know. That is why I am sincerely impressed with Ayanokouji-kun. "

I think Horikita and Ibuki are doing better than me.

The longer you struggled with loneliness, the weaker your mental state became, and the more you began to think about things you didn't need to think about.

You begin to feel things that are not there in the sound of the wind or the swaying of the trees.

"Surely ... living on an uninhabited island alone is ... impossible for me."

Hiyori looked a bit scared when imagining it.

Only through this test of the uninhabited island was I able to see an unusual side of her.

"They are very close. Don't they?"

I'm not sure how long he had been walking in front of everyone, but Ishizaki turned around, looked at us, and said so. (You don't need to get involved in anything else)

"Why don't they go out? They can be couples and that's how Ayanokoji comes to our class, right?"

"You're thinking about it a lot."

Nishino throws a strong punch and Ishizaki yells holding his head.

"It's funny, isn't it, Ishizaki-kun?"

With a giggle, Hiyori replies without seeming to care. If I took Ishizaki's words at face value every time, I'd be in trouble. I will let it pass.

"Ouch, that hurts. If you want to put Ayanokouji in your class, don't you think it's necessary?"

"I do not think so at all. You are the one who is so obsessed with Ayanokouji-kun. " For those of other classes, who do not know the details of the situation, that would be

more mysterious. Getting a perfect score on an exam can seem like too demanding.

"Well, what can I say? ... We are on the same wavelength."

"I don't think you are on the same wavelength. I don't think anyone is on the same wavelength as you. "

Faced with Nishino's harsh response, Ishizaki sought help without hesitation.

"That's not true. Ishizaki-kun has a determined look."

Hiyori says as if to continue, but they all bow their heads in unison.

"What do you mean?"

"It is what it is. I can't answer any more questions."

"...So yes. In any case, it's good that Shiina-san praises you. "

"Oh yeah! I don't know what it is, but I don't feel bad about being praised! "

I guess I couldn't think of anything specific to say. There was no way to say something so cruel, so I listened silently.

Later, at seven in the morning, it was announced that the first designated zone was H10. Hiyori and her friends seemed to be in a different designated zone than J9, so it seemed like we weren't going to compete with each other. I appreciate it, because it is not good

to compete with other students in the same course.

"That's all for now, Ayanokouji. See you later."

"Ah. There are only a few days left, so don't lose your temper. "

Ishizaki offered me his fist, which I accepted, and then we started going our separate ways. After a short walk, I thought I heard a voice behind me. I turned around and saw Ishizaki and Hiyori waving at me. I waved goodbye to them and headed for H10.

I spared no effort to repeat the GPS search every hour this day, but there were no signs of any change in the movements of the freshmen.

The information Nanase had risked so much to tell me about the trick of the 12th was empty. Either Amasawa, who knew of Nanase's betrayal, pointed out the information leak. Or the plan was going to go ahead today but was postponed or canceled due to some accident.

In any case, I can't let my guard down tomorrow, the 13th and last day. The third and fourth designated zones of the day had to pass twice due to random zones.

I didn't lose much ground in the rankings, but the searches took a toll on me and I dropped to 16th place.

Tomorrow, I have to step on the designated area at all costs.