THE FINAL TASK: DEPARTURE

The scene shifts to 12:00 pm, where students are receiving their meals in the dining hall. Today's meal consists of rice, chicken, and cabbage. Pathro stands in line, waiting for his food. The chef notices him and says, "Ah, if it isn't the head boy himself. Why stand in line? You know you can just come straight to the front."

Pathro chuckles, scratching his head. "Yeah, well, I wasn't really in a hurry and wasn't that hungry."

The chef grins. "Since today's your last day on the island, let me give you triple the usual amount of rice and meat."

Pathro's eyes widen, nervous. But… my usual is already three times more than an average student's. Is he trying to kill me?

Kiligaku leans in and whispers, "My, my, Mr. Head Boy. Looks like your stomach's about to learn the art of expansion."

The chef hands Pathro a bowl of rice that weighs about 5 pounds. As he carries it to a table, Pathro feels the stares of the other students. Kiligaku, deciding not to take his meal, steps aside to help Pathro carry the massive bowl.

The chef notices Kiligaku's decision and calls out, "Hey, CAPTAIN, you don't need to leave. I was planning on giving you the exact same—"

Before he can finish, Kiligaku and Pathro quickly dash to a table. Pathro sits down with Iguro, Sumire, and Kaile.

Kaile smirks. "You really can't help yourself, can you? Why'd you get so much food?"

Pathro shrugs. "Trust me, it wasn't my choice. He said it was his way of saying goodbye to me."

Kaile looks at Kiligaku, a little confused. "And why didn't you take your meal?"

Kiligaku leans back in his chair. "We all know Pathro can't possibly finish all this rice, so I decided to skip my own meal and help him out."

Sumire laughs softly. "Kaile, are you just jealous the chef gave Pathro more rice than you? After all, you do consider him your equal, right?"

Kaile narrows her eyes and shakes her head. "That's not it. I just thought he was showing off too much, that's all."

Sumire gives her a "really?" look.

Kaile crosses her arms and shouts, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Pathro leans in with a grin. "Well, if you're still hungry, you can always eat more after you finish what you've got."

Kaile waves him off. "Nah, I took just enough for me."

Sumire pauses for a moment, then says, "Hmm, this is our last day here, right? I think it would be nice if we each shared a little secret. Maybe... who our crushes were?"

Iguro, who was also at the table, speaks up, "Maybe you can start doing that after we survive tonight. Otherwise, those confessions might end up in tragedy."

Pathro grins, "Well, you sure are right about that. However, we did plan this already, didn't we?"

Iguro nods. "We did, but a few revisions can't hurt. Pathro, you can just call a meeting after we're done with lunch, just to revise the plan. We want to ensure we save as many as possible."

Kaile, looking a little mad, interrupts, "Why Pathro? Why not both of us? After all, I am the Head Girl."

Iguro shrugs. "You're unnecessary in this process, but feel free to butt in if you like."

Kaile's face flushes with anger, but Pathro chuckles and says, "You still have a big job, Kaile. I can't go to the girls' hostels, so you'll have the job of calling them."

Kaile sighs reluctantly. "Fine, whatever."

Iguro stands up after finishing his meal. "I leave the rest to you then." He leaves the table.

After he walks away, Kaile looks frustrated and mutters, "What's his deal?"

Pathro shrugs. "Yeah, you know Iguro. Never been a sugar-coater. He's just blunt as ever. Maybe going with what Sumire said earlier will help lighten the mood."

Kaile immediately shoots her down. "No. Absolutely not. Terrible idea. Not happening."

Pathro laughs. "Come on, Kaile, you're no fun. It's not like I'm your crush, right? So you don't need to worry."

Kaile raises an eyebrow. "Even if it were or weren't you, I still wouldn't say it."

Pathro smirks. "You sure are a tough nut to crack... Fine, have it your way. But Sumire, how about we do it after tonight's mission?"

Sumire hesitates but then shrugs. "Uh, sure. Why not?"

Pathro lets out a small sigh. "Fine, then. Me, you, and Kiligaku will do it then."

Kiligaku looks up from his meal. "Sorry, I'm not doing that."

Pathro looks a little ashamed. "Come on, man, don't betray me like that."

Kiligaku smirks. "It would have been betrayal if I promised to join but didn't. In this case, I promised nothing."

Kaile smiles slightly, laughing at the situation.

---

The scene shifts. Pathro now wears his white Keikogi, a traditional martial arts uniform. The back of his Keikogi displays a Japanese symbol in black, which translates to "FIGHT." He exits his room and finds Kiligaku standing outside.

"I've got the swords," Kiligaku says, handing Pathro two blades. He attaches his own swords to his back, just like the other students.

Kiligaku nods. "Well, looks like it's going to start soon. Hope everything you and Iguro planned works out. The others will need to follow through."

Pathro glances toward the statue of Sir Alexander Mortifold. "Yeah, I hope so too. We're finally going to become heroes like him. We need to make it back alive."

At that moment, Kaile approaches, walking briskly toward them. "There you are, you two. Feeling nervous?"

Pathro rubs his neck. "Well, this is a life-and-death situation we're heading into. Naturally, I'm nervous."

Kaile punches him lightly in the stomach. "What was that for?" Pathro protests.

"If the head boy—the most skilled among us, and our most influential leader—is nervous, how do you expect the rest of us to be calm?" Kaile says, her voice firm. "If the leader shows weakness, the followers get worried. So get it together."

Pathro looks at her, a bit taken aback but nodding. "Right, I get it. Thanks, Kaile."

Suddenly, the loud siren rings, signaling that the final task has begun. The students line up in rows—15 rows, 10 columns—standing tall, ready for what lies ahead. There's a noticeable gap where two students used to be, the ones who tragically passed away earlier, leaving a total of 148 students.

Mr. Kamito, standing in front of them, addresses the group. "I won't take up much of your time. I just want to wish you all the best of luck. Your final task begins now."

With a loud click, the gates open.

Without another word, the students charge forward.