Chapter 73: A Gathering With Seniors

"Now, I will explain the rules for the special exam on the uninhabited island." 

As with last year, the explanation was handled by Mashima-sensei, the teacher in charge of Class 2-A. Standing in front of the screen, he began the briefing with a microphone in hand. 

"The duration of your stay on the uninhabited island will be two weeks, starting tomorrow. Unlike last year's uninhabited island exam, the basic premise is that you will live freely as you see fit. During the exam, if you sustain an injury or fall ill to the point of being unable to continue, or if you commit a serious rule violation, you will be forced to withdraw without exception. You were recently asked to form small groups of up to three people, but after the special exam begins, under certain conditions, small groups will be allowed to merge into larger groups of up to six people. If all members of your group withdraw, your group will be disqualified, and your final ranking will be determined." 

This much had already been disclosed beforehand. The bottom five groups would each be penalized with a deduction of 6 million private points, and those unable to pay would face expulsion. 

It was undoubtedly a shared understanding among all groups that they had to avoid landing in the bottom five at all costs. 

"Starting tomorrow, you will spend two weeks on the uninhabited island, but the crucial part begins now." 

That's right. Up until now, the method for determining rankings had not been explained at all. 

"Each group will compete to collect 'points' that determine their ranking." 

Over 150 students focused their attention on the massive screen in the auditorium. 

**Uninhabited Island Special Exam Overview** 

・A survival exam where all groups compete to collect points over two weeks. 

・If a group is forced to withdraw due to all members retiring during the exam, the group is disqualified. 

(All accumulated points become void, and their ranking is finalized at that point.) 

In other words, even if you collect points, they become meaningless if your entire group withdraws. While gathering points is important, the top priority is ensuring you don't get eliminated. 

Along with the overview, a map of the uninhabited island was displayed, divided into a grid of evenly spaced squares. 

"There are two ways to collect points. The first is through the 'basic movement' rule, where you will be instructed to move to specific squares at set intervals. For example, the starting point is Area D9, where the port is located. If the designated movement area is C8, the groups that arrive earliest will receive 'arrival rewards': 10 points for first place, 5 for second, and 3 for third. Additionally, all groups that arrive within the specified time will receive a 'completion bonus' of 1 point." 

This heavily favored larger groups. Both basic movement and completion bonuses made it easier for bigger groups to accumulate points. 

"Notifications for designated movement areas will occur three times on the first and last days of the exam, and four times a day for the remaining twelve days. The goal times are from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and then, after a two-hour break, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM." 

The cutoff at 5:00 PM was likely a safety measure, as moving around in the dark would be dangerous. 

"One thing to note is that if you skip the designated movement area three times in a row, you will lose 1 point. If you skip four times in a row, you lose 2 points at once, and five skips result in a loss of 3 points—the penalty increases by 1 point for each consecutive skip. However, if you break the streak even once, the count resets to zero, and the penalty starts again from three consecutive skips." 

This meant that if you exhausted your stamina and couldn't reach the designated areas, you could end up continuously losing the points you worked hard to collect. 

"Regarding skips, as long as 'anyone' from the group reaches the area, it counts as safe. In other words, not every member of the group needs to arrive. Of course, the completion bonus is only awarded for the number of members who make it." 

As soon as this was explained, a faint murmur spread among the students. 

This essentially meant that larger groups could collect points far more efficiently. 

"However, there is one important condition. The arrival rewards for first to third place are only awarded if the group has no withdrawals and all members reach the designated area." 

This was a fair rule. If even one member could trigger the arrival rewards, it would enable power plays. 

"The designated areas follow a certain pattern. Out of the four daily notifications, three will be within two squares forward, backward, left, or right from the last designated area, or one square diagonally." 

However, since there were four designated areas per day, one of them would not follow this rule. 

"Once per day, the designated area will be an exception to this rule, and its location will be unpredictable. For example, after Area D2, Area D9 could be designated next. However, random designations will never occur twice in a row." 

If, for instance, the movement went from the northernmost to the southernmost point, reaching it within two hours would be impossible regardless of stamina. This would be especially problematic in emergencies. 

"Now, I will explain the second method of earning points, but before that, I'd like you to take a look at this." 

Mashima-sensei received something from Hoshinomiya-sensei, the homeroom teacher of Class 2-C, who had just appeared. 

What he held up was a digital wristwatch. 

"From the start of the exam tomorrow until its conclusion, all students will be required to wear this wristwatch. It is not just for telling time—it is also an essential tool for collecting points. All points from basic movement and other activities will be recorded through this watch. It also has convenient features, such as notifying you when you enter a designated area within the time limit. Additionally, it monitors your physical condition. If the 'alert alarm'—a sound only triggered when someone's health reaches a critical level—goes off at maximum volume, the student will be disqualified regardless of their own wishes." 

In short, without the wristwatch, you couldn't participate. 

"Furthermore, if the watch is physically damaged from strong impacts or malfunctions, the point-collection feature will be disabled. In that case, you must return to the starting point to have it replaced." 

Losing the ability to earn points would be a severe setback. And having to return to the starting point just to replace it would be a hassle. 

"Now that you understand the wristwatch, let's return to the topic of basic movement. During the exam, not all groups will be heading to the same area. These wristwatches have what is called a 'table,' and there are twelve variations in total. This means that each student's designated movement area may differ." 

This had been my first question when hearing about the designated areas. 

While Group A would compete among themselves, there might be times when their destination overlapped with another table's. 

"Next, I will explain the second method of earning points. This involves completing 'tasks' placed all over the uninhabited island. Tasks will be available from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM at various locations. Although the island is divided into 100 areas, multiple tasks may appear in the same area. Let's take a look." 

Examples of tasks appeared on the screen. 

In Area C3, a red dot marked a specific location. 

**Task: Math Test** 

Category: Academic 

Participation Requirements: Must register within 60 minutes of the task appearing. 

Participants: 1 person 

(Registration closes once 10 people have signed up.) 

Victory Condition: Compete against other participants in a test. 

Rewards: 1st place – 5 points, 2nd place – 3 points, 3rd place – 1 point. 

Additional prize: One day's worth of food for top performers. 

**Task: Shot Put** 

Category: Physical Ability 

Participation Requirements: Must register within 30 minutes of the task appearing. 

Participants: Groups of 3 or more. 

(For groups of 4 or more, only 3 need to participate.) 

Victory Condition: Compete based on the combined throwing distance of all three members. 

Rewards: 1st place – 10 points, 2nd place – 5 points, 3rd place – 3 points. 

All participating groups may choose one consolation prize. 

**Task: Fishing** 

Category: Miscellaneous 

Participation Requirements: Must register within 120 minutes of the task appearing. 

Participants: Groups of 2 or more. 

Victory Condition: The student who catches the largest fish within one hour wins. 

Rewards: 1st place – 15 points. 

"The required skills for tasks are divided into 40% academic, 30% physical, and 30% miscellaneous. 'Miscellaneous' includes tasks that require specialized skills or simply luck." 

I had been wondering how this would work, but it was clear that factors beyond physical ability would play a major role. 

"Task locations will always be staffed by either faculty or exam supervisors. To participate, you must register through your wristwatch and a tablet. The tablet will display all task locations, participation requirements, and other details currently shown on the screen. Be aware that once a task is completed, it will disappear from the tablet." 

This meant it was possible to reach a task location only to find that it was already full and participation was no longer possible. 

Next, there was an explanation about forming larger groups by activating a main link through the wristwatch. But since my group wouldn't be doing that, I only half-listened. 

"Now, we will hear a few words from Acting Chairman Tsukishiro." 

With that, Mashima-sensei handed the microphone over to Tsukishiro, who had just appeared. 

"I am Tsukishiro, the acting chairman. This uninhabited island exam will be the largest special exam in the school's history. I hope you all approach it with determination." 

As he addressed everyone, his gaze lingered on me for just a moment—so briefly that no one else would notice. 

"Let me give you one warning. This special exam will be harsh—that is something all of you already understand. There will inevitably be conflicts. The supervisors cannot oversee everything." 

The school staff seemed slightly unsettled by Tsukishiro's words. 

"The longer you stay on the uninhabited island, the more frustration will build. There may even be minor clashes between students—and to some extent, I will allow it." 

This statement caused a stronger reaction from the school staff than the students. It was clear that Tsukishiro's stance differed from the school's official policy. 

Mashima-sensei approached Tsukishiro and whispered something, but Tsukishiro merely nodded without any noticeable reaction. 

"Allowing minor clashes," huh? There was no doubt those words were meant to provoke me. Perhaps unexpected confrontations would occur in the darkness. 

"Of course, 'allowing' does not mean 'encouraging.' We will only tolerate accidental conflicts. If a conflict is deemed malicious, the school will intervene without hesitation—keep that in mind." 

This warning made the students tense up even more. 

"That is all. I expect you all to act in a manner befitting students of Advanced Nurturing High School." 

After his short speech, Tsukishiro quickly returned the microphone to Mashima-sensei. 

"Thank you, Acting Chairman Tsukishiro. Now, let's move on to the final explanation—the essential tools you will need for life on the uninhabited island. First, I will explain the points used to purchase these tools." 

At Mashima-sensei's signal, a large cart was wheeled in, loaded with various items. 

"Each of you will receive 5,000 personal points as a base amount. You may use these to freely purchase and utilize any of the items listed here." 

With that, manuals were distributed from the front. They appeared to be catalogs of the available items for purchase. 

"All items are listed in the uninhabited island manual you've just received. You may discuss with your group or decide individually what to purchase. Purchases will be accepted from now until 6:00 AM tomorrow, but you may also choose to save your points. However, if you buy items during the exam, the price will double—keep that in mind." 

Flipping through the catalog casually, I saw tents, fishing rods, transceivers, food, water, and more—far more options than last year. 

"You will carry your items in backpacks. To help you compare sizes and inspect the products directly, sample items will be on display in a separate room from now until midnight tonight." 

With that, the school's explanation seemed to conclude, and Mashima-sensei turned off the microphone. 

Students began crowding around the displayed items to examine them. 

"What will you do, Hikigaya-kun?" 

Matsushita, sitting next to me, glanced at the bustling crowd and asked. 

By "what," she likely meant whether I would go check out the items now. 

"I'll hold off for now. The catalog shows everything, and I can always check them out later." 

"I think the same way. I was planning to do that too." 

Besides, I needed to coordinate with Ryuuen first. It wouldn't make sense to go into the exam without discussing anything. 

After considering everything, I decided to carefully select what I needed.

......

The exam explanation had ended, so I couldn't just stay in the movie theater forever. The students who had been browsing merchandise up front also gradually dispersed, as the third-years were next in line for their briefing. 

Following the flow, I stepped out of the theater—only to bump into Nagumo, who was about to enter. 

"Yo. Hikigaya." 

"Hey." 

"Yahhoo, Hikigaya-kun!" 

I replied to Nagumo, who was smirking boldly, and then, peeking out from behind him, Asahina appeared as well. She gave me a little wave, her hand swaying playfully. 

"Planning to aim for the top in the uninhabited island exam?" 

"Hard to say. I don't know about myself, but someone in my group seems intent on ranking high." 

"Hah. Still as skilled as ever at hiding yourself behind words, huh?" 

"What about you, Nagumo-senpai? As student council president, you could probably take first place, right?" 

Nagumo had the entire third year under his control. It wouldn't just be one class—he'd manipulate all of them to secure a top spot. 

With a clear smirk, he declared: 

"Sorry, but I'm taking first through third place for myself. I *could* let you guys have third, but I'm not that generous." 

It wasn't exactly an impossible demand. With the entire third year at his disposal, it was entirely achievable… assuming no irregularities popped up. 

"Ugh, Masamune, you never think ahead, do you? What if you lose to someone from another grade after saying something that bold?" 

"Shut it, Nazuna. You really think I'd lose?" 

"Ew, narcissist much…" 

"It's just facts." 

Asahina sighed in exasperation. Meanwhile, in the middle of their exchange, an interloper appeared. 

"My, my. The student council president bullying his underclassmen? How unbecoming." 

"…Kiryuuin. What do you want?" 

Standing at the entrance was Kiryuuin, whom I'd met the other day. She casually took her place beside me, while Nagumo made no effort to hide his displeasure. 

"You've got some nerve talking to me. What's your game?" 

"Not you, Nagumo. I just thought this underclassman was being harassed, so I came to lend a hand." 

She gave my shoulder a light tap from beside me. The fact that she didn't hold back at all around Nagumo suggested they were on hostile terms. 

"Hah! So *this* is why you've never been in any rumors, Kiryuuin. Who'd have thought you'd be hooking up with an underclassman?" 

Nagumo let out an exaggerated laugh. Beside him, Asahina's expression soured slightly, as if annoyed. 

"Tch. Sorry to disappoint, Nagumo, but Hikigaya and I aren't at that stage yet." 

"*Yet*? So you're saying it could happen?" 

"Well, that depends on whether Hikigaya makes a move. …For now, I wouldn't mind that kind of relationship." 

The sudden, outrageous statement wiped the smirk off Nagumo's face for a split second—clearly, he hadn't expected this. 

"…Never thought I'd hear *you* say something like that. Hikigaya, what the hell did you do?" 

"Nothing at all." 

"Don't lie to me." 

I really hadn't done anything, though… 

"Well? Hikigaya." 

Kiryuuin turned to face me directly. 

"Well *what*?" 

"Our earlier conversation. Personally, I wouldn't mind becoming romantically involved with you." 

A breeze blew in from outside, rustling her hair. 

The suddenness of her words—and how bluntly she'd said them—caught me completely off guard. 

"Whoa, what's this? A couple in the making?" 

"H-Hey, Masamune! There's no way that's happening! Besides, if he's into older girls, then I—!" 

The peanut gallery was getting noisy. Also, Asahina, please don't blurt out unnecessary things. 

"All that's left is your approval, and we'd officially be lovers. I pride myself on my looks and figure, you know." 

She placed a hand on her chest, emphasizing her appeal. Against my better judgment, my heart might have skipped a beat. 

Honestly, Kiryuuin was exactly my type. But there was no way I'd agree here. 

"…I don't know you well enough, Kiryuuin-senpai. If you're serious, I'll have to decline." 

"Hmm. Fair enough. Then I suppose there's nothing to be done. I'll just have to try a different approach next time." 

She backed off with surprising ease. Even after that pseudo-confession, her composure didn't waver in the slightest—was she just that confident, like Kouenji? 

"Got shot down, huh, Kiryuuin?" 

"Indeed. A real shame." 

"Doesn't look like it to me." 

"Oh, but it *is*. Truly." 

She replied with a smile, completely unbothered. 

"Ugh, Kiryuuin-senpai, don't scare me like that! And you too, Hikigaya-kun!" 

For some reason, Asahina pointed at me as well. Pretty sure Kiryuuin was the one who started this. 

Just then, an announcement echoed through the venue: the next briefing would begin in five minutes. 

"I'm heading in. Later, Hikigaya. Entertain me in this exam, will you?" 

"I don't have the skills to entertain the student council president." 

"Your humility's getting old." 

With those final words, Nagumo walked off. Asahina followed, but not without shooting me a wink on her way out. The way my heart skipped definitely wasn't my imagination. 

"Shouldn't you be going too, Kiryuuin-senpai?" 

"Right. I suppose I should." 

After being surrounded by upperclassmen for so long, I was finally free. 

Or so I thought—until Kiryuuin turned back at the theater entrance, her long hair swaying. 

"Just so you know, my attraction to you isn't a lie. I'll be expecting you to charm me even more during the uninhabited island exam." 

With those parting words, she entered the theater. 

Why did all the upperclassmen I got involved with have to be so eccentric? Then again, maybe the same could be said for my own grade.

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