Chapter 74: Deserted Island Test Begins

The next day after the briefing, at 8:40 AM, the ship slowly began docking. 

This meant the uninhabited island exam was finally about to begin. 

For this special exam, there were a total of 157 groups, ranging from solo participants to groups of four. Among them, five groups would face expulsion. 

Joining my classmates, whose tension was rising whether they liked it or not, we all headed toward the gangway. 

The starting point was D9 for everyone. Since random areas weren't assigned on the first and last days, we likely wouldn't stray too far from the starting point. 

Yesterday, after discussing luggage arrangements with Ryuuen, my paid selections were: 

- Tent 

- 2L of water 

- Three 500ml water bottles 

- 12 portable meals 

- Flashlight 

- Mobile battery 

- Pot 

- Lighter 

- Walkie-talkie 

Total: 4,980 points. 

There were other things I wanted, but Ryuuen and I agreed to share those. Though he made a very displeased face about it. 

"Hey, don't you dare forget the walkie-talkie." 

"I know. Also, give me some paper cups later." 

As Ryuuen beside me emphasized, the walkie-talkie was absolutely essential—mainly because I expected to move alone at times. 

Additionally, given the nature of the exam, there might be situations where Ryuuen and I would separate. Going solo was one thing, but splitting up in a group carried too much risk. 

The order for disembarking onto the island was the same as the briefing: first-years first. This was likely a handicap in their favor. 

"Ryuuen-senpai! Do your best in the exam!" 

While waiting to disembark, Ishizaki—grinning broadly as usual—called out to Ryuuen from behind. 

"Shut the hell up, Ishizaki." 

"My bad!" 

Ryuuen brushed him off like always, and Ishizaki, also as usual, didn't seem bothered. 

"Speaking of which, Ishizaki's group is Nishino and Hiyori, right?" 

"Yeah. Then on the fourth day, we're merging into a big group with Katsuragi. So I've been talking with him a lot. Man, that guy's sharp. Really makes you remember why he was in Class A." 

It seemed they were following Ryuuen's orders, preparing to form a large group with Katsuragi. From Ishizaki's demeanor, they'd built a decent rapport. 

On the other hand, Katsuragi would be acting alone until the fourth day—but given his cautious nature, he'd probably manage fine. 

"Hey, what are you doing?" 

Apparently unable to ignore the scene, Nishino—also in their group—lightly smacked Ishizaki's back. Behind her, Katsuragi and Hiyori were approaching as well. 

"What do you mean? I was just greeting Ryuuen-senpai!" 

"Yeah, yeah, we all know you're an idiot." 

"Why's that?!" 

Watching Ishizaki's confusion out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Hiyori had quietly appeared beside me. When our eyes met, she smiled softly. 

"It's really hot this time of year, isn't it? Maybe I should've brought a hat. How about you, Hachiman-kun?" 

"Yeah, the sun's my worst enemy." 

"Since this exam lasts two whole weeks, please be careful not to get heatstroke, okay?" 

"Right, of course." 

I thanked her for the kind advice just as the first-years finished disembarking, meaning our second-year turn was coming up. 

At exactly 9:00 AM, the first alert chimed from our watches. Not just mine—every student around me pulled out their tablets simultaneously to check the details. 

The first area Ryuuen and I were assigned to was—E7. 

"E7, huh. Not too close, not too far." 

"Yeah. A manageable distance." 

I'd expected Tsukishiro might interfere somehow, but so far, there was no sign of it. Ryuuen and I had even been assigned the same area. 

"Katsuragi! We got F9—what about you?" 

"I'm at F10. One square north." 

"Nice, that's pretty close! Merging should be easy." 

Luckily, Ishizaki's group and Katsuragi were only one square apart. Barring any irregularities, forming the large group later shouldn't be a problem. 

"Hachiman-kun, where are you assigned?" 

"E7. Doesn't look like we're at the same table, Hiyori." 

"...That's disappointing." 

Though she didn't say it outright, she'd probably hoped we'd be together. Her shoulders slumped visibly. 

Noticing this, I leaned in and whispered near her ear, quiet enough that Ishizaki and the others wouldn't hear. 

"If we meet during the exam, you can cling to me as much as you want to make up for it." 

"!" 

From spending time with her, I'd learned Hiyori was surprisingly clingy and prone to loneliness. I wondered how she'd take those words. 

With that thought in mind, I finally took my first step onto the uninhabited island.

.....

Leaving the harbor behind, we finally set foot on the sandy beach. 

"So, what's the plan? You've had plenty of time to think things through, right?" I asked Ryuuen, who stood beside me as we watched our classmates scatter in different directions. 

"First, we head to the assigned area. Either way, nothing starts until we get there." 

Fair enough. 

After a brief reply, I followed Ryuuen as he quickened his pace. 

Now then... I pulled out my tablet again and opened the map. 

Our first move was from D9 to E7. While not too far, walking under the scorching sun would drain our stamina. 

But Ryuuen seemed aware of that—he swiftly left the beach and entered the forest. A solid decision. 

The flat terrain soon gave way to dense, towering trees that filled our vision. 

"Our class didn't experience the uninhabited island last year. They're probably panicking in an unfamiliar environment." 

I still remember how Ryuuen dominated the exam solo last summer. Meanwhile, the rest of us, myself included, just lazed around. 

"Who knows? Doesn't matter what happens to the idiots in our class. The competent ones will survive on their own." 

"It'd be pretty bad if we ended up failing, though." 

"If that happens, it'll 100% be because you dragged me down." 

"You really wouldn't blame yourself at all?" 

"Obviously. It'd definitely be your fault." 

Annoyingly, I couldn't argue back—not with Tsukishiro lurking in the shadows. 

Exchanging light banter, we walked at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes before finally reaching our first assigned area. 

Almost immediately, our watches chimed softly. A notification confirmed we'd received 2 points as an arrival bonus. 

"Looks like the early birds—the first-years—already took the first arrival rewards." 

"No shit. I'd be shocked if they hadn't." 

Just to be sure, I checked my tablet. The log showed the 2 points from reaching the designated area. 

That said, each area didn't seem very large on the map, giving the illusion that we'd run into others easily. But reality was different. 

Even if there were many students nearby, the thick foliage made it hard to spot anyone. 

"My guess? Most students are probably gathered in the open space deeper in." 

Likely, they were positioning themselves centrally in anticipation of the next assigned area. It'd also help with gathering intel. 

With the first task about to be announced, we pressed forward at the same pace. Sure enough, a crowd of students had gathered in one spot. 

Roughly 20 people were visible. Ryuuen, who hated crowded places, scowled. I could only pray his irritation wouldn't spill over onto me. 

"Senpaaaai~, good morniiing~ ♡" 

While scanning the faces, a sweet voice reached my ears from behind. Amasawa Ichika, from Class 1-A. 

"...Amasawa, how many times do I have to tell you? Just greet me normally." 

"Sorry, Senpai~ I just can't help it when I see you. Oh, and you're Ryuuen-senpai, right? Hi there~! I'm Amasawa Ichika~!" 

Ryuuen smirked, giving a half-hearted response to her casual tone. 

"Damn, Hikigaya, a second first-year? You work fast." 

"That's not it." 

He said the same thing about Nanase. 

"Ehh~? It's too soon to be putting moves on me~ ♡" 

"Don't twist my words. And drop the 'too soon' crap." 

"Huh? You're not gonna make a move? Even though your cute kouhai likes you?" 

"Being cute and making a move are two different things. More importantly, where's your group?" 

Amasawa was supposed to be teamed up with Housen and Nanase, but neither was around. Maybe they were scouting nearby—or had already left with some strategy in mind. 

"My assigned area isn't here. I just came to check things out. But..." 

Before finishing, she plopped down beside me on the rock I was sitting on, pressing close and grinning up at me. 

"Now that Senpai's here, maybe I'll just stick with you~" 

"Don't. You'll just inconvenience Housen and Nanase." 

"Who cares about that gorilla and the walking boob monster? Being with you would be way more fun~" 

"You've got a sharp tongue..." 

"Don't worry. I'll be super nice to you, Senpai~" 

I wished she'd spread even a fraction of that kindness to others. Specifically, anyone but Housen. 

"Why the hell are you letting her push you around?" 

Sensing my disadvantage, Ryuuen stood and turned his gaze to Amasawa. 

"Amasawa, was it? Sorry, but you're not tagging along." 

"Hmm~ That's not really your call, is it, Ryuuen-senpai? I just wanna be with Hachiman-senpai~" 

"I'm not saying never. Just not now. This guy and I are splitting up later. Do whatever you want then." 

In other words, Ryuuen didn't want her around while he was here. Notably, my opinion wasn't factored in at all. 

"Then let me make you a better offer." 

Amasawa tilted her head slightly at Ryuuen's words, which practically oozed persuasion. 

"A better offer~? You really think that'll convince me?" 

"Yeah. You'll definitely take it. No question." 

Ryuuen spoke with absolute confidence. Intrigued, Amasawa hopped up and sidled closer to him. 

"So? What's this better offer, Ryuuen-senpaaai~?" 

"Heh. Listen close—" 

"!!" 

As Ryuuen whispered, Amasawa's eyes widened briefly. Then she glanced back and forth between us. 

What could Ryuuen have offered? Something Amasawa couldn't refuse. I had no clue. How would Ryuuen even know, having just met her? 

"Ryuuen-senpai. You mean that?" 

"Obviously. I keep my promises. I'll even fill him in later." 

Huh? I couldn't hear them, but he just pointed at me. 

"Fuuun~ You're a pretty cool guy, Ryuuen-senpai. I might just fall for you~" 

"Cut the fake act. Not interested in brats." 

"Ouch. Well, I'll back off for today~" 

Wow. Ryuuen actually managed to fend off Amasawa. I'm genuinely impressed—I had zero expectations. 

"Guess I'll head out then. Oh! Senpai~! One last thing—pat my head!" 

She tilted her head, her twin-tails swaying. 

"Sure." 

"Huh? That was easy~" 

"No skin off my back. Here." 

Besides, it was almost 10:00 AM—time for the first task. Better to stay relaxed. Not like I mind patting her head. 

Amasawa closed her eyes, looking pleased, then spun on her heel once satisfied. 

"Nfufu~ Thanks, Senpai! See ya~!" 

With one last radiant smile and a wave, she vanished into the forest. Fast, too. Maybe she's athletic? 

"What the hell is that Amasawa girl? Straight up incomprehensible." 

"I'd like to know too. Still, impressive, Ryuuen. How'd you get rid of her?" 

Not that Amasawa's unreasonable—we probably could've talked it out even without Ryuuen's "negotiation." 

In response, Ryuuen flashed a sly grin. 

"Heh. Don't worry. Every negotiation requires sacrifice." 

"...Wait a second. What did you tell her?" 

"Who knows? Maybe I'll tell you later—if I feel like it." 

No doubt about it—he said something involving me. 

This exam was already brutal, but... what comes after might be even worse.

.....

Ishizaki's group, heading toward F9. 

"Hey, Ishizaki, hold on a sec." 

"What is it, Nishino? I'm in the middle of a super important job here—reading the map—so..." 

"That can wait. Look at that." 

"At what?" 

"Does Shiina seem... a little off to you?" 

Ever since leaving the ship, Nishino had found it strange how Hiyori had been walking around in such high spirits. 

"Does she? I mean, sure, Shiina wasn't exactly thrilled about the uninhabited island thing, but if she's in a good mood now, what's the problem?" 

"That's not the point! I'm wondering why she's so happy all of a sudden!" 

"How the hell should I know?! Right now, we gotta figure out our assigned area—" 

"You can just check the tablet for our location, idiot!" 

Meanwhile, oblivious to their conversation, Hiyori... 

"He said I can cling to him as much as I want... I never expected Hachiman-kun to say something like that... I want to see him soon. I want to cling to him..." 

With a dreamy expression, she lost herself in thoughts of what she might do with the person she longed to see.

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