Frustrating.
On the afternoon of the third day of the special test, that single word is all that fills my mind. My body is nearing its absolute limit.
The midsummer sun beats down mercilessly on the lined-up students of Class D. It's probably been about an hour since noon.
The heat is at its peak. Yet to me, even that fierce sunlight feels like nothing more than a gentle warmth.
Chills have taken complete control of my body. Because of them, I couldn't carry out the tasks required for the special test.
No—to be precise, it's not that I couldn't. It's because of the "strategy." This is a strategic retreat.
And that fact only stings my pride all the more sharply.
"Next, Horikita. What's your reason?"
As every student in Class D fabricates a suitable excuse for retirement and reports it to Chabashira-sensei, my turn has finally come.
Once I finish reporting, I'll return to the ship anchored offshore. My retirement will be complete.
Now it's my turn. Chabashira-sensei, listening to our situations from inside a large tent, must find it exhausting to hear the conditions of all thirty-six students one by one.
"Sensei, I'm retiring from this special test due to poor health."
"Understood."
Chabashira-sensei doesn't press further.
Of course she doesn't. The essence of this test is freedom, after all. Participating is correct, and abandoning it is equally correct.
"...Horikita, let me ask one thing. Who devised this 'strategy'?"
My feet, which had already started toward the ship, stop in their tracks.
I thought there would be no more questions, but it seems Chabashira-sensei has something to say.
I glance around before answering. Pointless—there's no one here but the two of us.
To lack even the margin to check my surroundings... The realization only deepens my bitterness.
"...It was Ayanokouji-kun. Not Hirata-kun, not Kushida-san, not Kouenji-kun, and certainly... not me."
"I see."
A brief reply. Chabashira-sensei nods as though she already knew, and at the same time a faint smile touches her lips like a strategist quietly pleased that the plan is proceeding exactly as intended.
I sense an unusual intensity in that smile.
"Sensei, please tell me about his background."
"Wouldn't it be better to ask Ayanokouji himself?"
"He never gives a straight answer."
"That sounds about right."
It seems Ayanokouji-kun isn't the only one who avoids straight answers.
Combined with my deteriorating condition, I decide further questions are pointless. I turn my back on her quickly.
"Horikita."
Just as I start toward the ship again, Chabashira-sensei calls my name once more in a low, almost whispered voice close to my ear.
I don't turn around, but I stop walking.
"From now on, you'll become even more deeply involved with a person named Ayanokouji.
But—be careful. He isn't someone who can be easily controlled. Think carefully about how you approach him."
Words that feel like a warning from Chabashira-sensei. Once I've heard them, my feet begin moving again.
"Excuse me."
I abandon any pretense of calm. I walk toward the ship with unsteady, faltering steps.
Each step is painful. A mere few dozen paces leave me breathless.
Somehow, though, I reach the ship's interior. I nearly collapse, but I brace my hands on my knees and manage to stay upright.
"Hah, so you really were at your limit."
The words reach me as I stand there panting, finally inside the ship.
I turn only my head toward the voice ahead.
Leaning against the nearby handrail with arms crossed is a blonde girl from my class—Kikyou Kushida.
"...What do you want, Kushida-san?"
"Just confirming. Whether your 'poor health' is genuine."
She continues with a mocking laugh at my pathetic state. It seems she saw right through me.
She's always been unusually perceptive about others. I really wish she'd use that talent for the class's benefit.
"...Don't you need to keep up your facade?"
"No one's here right now. No point in bothering."
"I see... Then what is it? You wouldn't speak to me without a reason."
"You're still so defiant even like this. Not a shred of charm."
Kushida laughs derisively.
Her true face—the one she never shows our classmates, the perfectly crafted mask stripped away.
Her real self. There's no chance she'd speak to me wearing that expression without purpose.
"Fine, whatever. I don't want to waste time either.
So I'll be direct—who came up with this strategy?"
"Hirata-kun and I. We told everyone that, didn't we? Or did you not hear? That's not like you."
"Don't lie. A model student like Hirata could never devise something like this. He's the type who'd protect class unity at any cost.
And you—the Horikita Suzune I know charges forward like a wild boar with textbook answers and straightforward attacks. You wouldn't resort to cheap tricks like this. You couldn't."
"No, it was Hirata-kun and me. That's an unchangeable fact, whether you accept it or not. Don't you understand?"
I return a mocking smile of my own.
She clicks her tongue loudly and glares at me with murderous intensity.
The expression calls to mind a raging Hannya mask. Her anger, no longer concealed, overflows.
"Ahh, it pisses me off. That attitude where you always think you're above everyone else. It really, really pisses me off."
"...I see. Is that all?"
She clicks her tongue again, pauses a few beats, then answers.
"Not yet. There's a message from Kouenji."
"From Kouenji-kun?"
I'm surprised by the unexpected name and the unexpected errand. At the same time, one mystery clears.
From her earlier attitude, it's obvious Kikyou Kushida despises me.
Someone with her pride wouldn't waste time on a person she hates—unless someone else asked her to.
For her, trust is power. A simple request from another person is something she can't easily refuse.
While those thoughts run through my mind, she delivers the message.
"'I will permit the use of my name as a candidate.' That's it. ...I've got nothing else."
Having said her piece, she pushes off the handrail and leaves.
Kouenji-kun's message. I'm momentarily puzzled, but I quickly understand what he means.
More pressing, though, is that I'm reaching my limit. I'll set thinking aside for now.
"Who's still left on the island? Checking won't change anything... but I should at least confirm the answer."
I speak aloud the task I'll undertake once my condition improves, assigning it to myself.
With stumbling, drunken steps, I return to my room.
...
Day six of the special test. The morning of the final day before the end has arrived.
I'm already awake and finished changing. I'm currently in the middle of breakfast.
I eat the ingredients prepared last night together with Class B's students.
Laughter and conversation fill the air—a pleasant atmosphere hard to believe during such a grueling test.
"Whoa, as expected of Sudou. You eat like a beast!"
"I'm actually holding back. You're the one eating too little, Shibata."
"Really? I eat more than average, though! Right, Hirata?"
"Yeah. At least a lot more than me."
Even banter crossing class lines can be heard. It's good to see everyone enjoying themselves.
"Mind if I sit here?"
Kanzaki approaches with his breakfast tray, coming toward me where I'm eating slightly apart from the main group.
"Go ahead. But is it okay? Some girls are watching you."
"I'm not great with big groups."
"Same here."
He gives a faint smile and sits beside me.
It seems Kanzaki shares my dislike of crowds; he appears to like this quieter spot.
"How many points does Class B have left?"
"As of yesterday's calculation, 240. Adding the points we're scheduled to receive from you and the points from our own occupied spots, we should approach 300.
That would make Class A a real possibility. How about your side? How many points has Class D accumulated from spots?"
"We planned to refresh three spots once each—morning, afternoon, evening—but Class A's surveillance prevented it yesterday and this morning.
So we have four days' worth, 36 points accumulated."
Each refresh grants 1 point. Three refreshes per day means 3 points per spot.
Class D holds three spots, so 9 points per day. Four days makes 36 points. That's the math.
"I see. Then we'll help too. When you refresh, we'll surround the spot with available Class B students. No one will see."
"Thanks. Sorry for the trouble, Kanzaki—I appreciate it."
"No need for thanks. We're allies. I'm glad to help."
After discussing the important matters, Kanzaki and I shift to casual, unrelated conversation.
In a positive sense, it lightens the weight on both our shoulders a little.
About struggling with social interaction, how hard it is to keep conversations enjoyable—trivial things like that.
"See you, Ayanokouji. I have... especially high expectations for you and Class D."
"Don't expect too much. There's almost nothing I can do."
Yes. Trivial, meaningless talk.
The human brain doesn't operate at full capacity until roughly three hours after waking. This conversation was merely to pass time until my mind fully awakened and to stimulate it through speech.
I confirmed my brain is functioning normally. No concerns about my condition.
"By the way, Kanzaki—is Shiranami all right?"
Kanzaki stands to return to his class; I stop him while remaining seated.
"Yeah, she said she felt better after resting. Ichinose suggested retirement, but we respected her wishes. No risk of her retiring."
"Good to hear."
Good... I can hardly say that sincerely. It would have been better if she had retired.
If my assumption is correct, given Shiranami Chihiro's current circumstances, retirement isn't an option for her. And that very situation is what's depriving me of my usual composure.
"Let's both give it our all, Kanzaki."
"Yeah."
With that short but resolute reply, Kanzaki walks toward his waiting classmates.
I glance at the watch on my right wrist. It's just a few minutes until eight o'clock.
Roll call time approaches.
It doesn't affect Class D, but every day at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. there's a headcount. Each absent student costs the class 5 points.
To avoid the penalty, classes must gather at their designated locations.
Looking toward Class B, all forty members are already assembled. Their unity is as solid as ever.
"Ayanokouji-kun."
"...Hirata, huh."
A voice calls my name from the opposite direction of Kanzaki's group. I turn.
It's Hirata. A little behind him, Sudou and Ike are visible, still finishing their preparations.
"Shall we get moving too?"
Hirata offers his hand to me as I sit leaning against a tree.
I take it, stand, and continue the conversation.
"Yeah. But before that, Hirata—I have a proposal... no, a request."
I let go of Hirata's hand and face him head-on.
Even in a test this brutal, his smile is blinding. It's obvious at a glance that he still has plenty of composure.
"A request? What is it?"
"Allow me to act alone. And make it look like it's your order."
Hirata's eyes widen at my words.
"Ayanokouji-kun, that's... No, I understand. If it will bring a good result for the class, I'll grant that request."
A sad expression crosses Hirata's face as he accepts, then he pauses briefly before continuing. The weight in his voice is palpable, laced with something almost pained. The smile from moments ago is gone.
"...But still, aren't we unreliable to you? Isn't there anything we can cooperate on—"
"That's not it, Hirata."
I cut across his unnecessary words, and his shoulders twitch, betraying his unease.
"It's division of roles. I want to do what I can do. And for that, I judged that acting alone is better.
So I want you and the others to do what you can do. For example, work with Class B to add more weight to the 'attacks.'
How about splitting into three or so groups? That would make good use of your communication skills, wouldn't it?"
"...Yeah, that's true. But... could you at least tell me what you're going to do?"
"Check if Class C is moving, and scout Class A's movements afterward. See? It's easier for one person to move around."
"...You're right. Got it. I'll leave it to you."
Having said what I needed to, I start walking toward the tent to prepare.
"Thanks, Hirata."
Gratitude—there isn't the slightest trace of it in my tone. I brush past him as I say it.
He's convinced. Now Hirata will move exactly as I advised.
Class D will cooperate with Class B and operate in separate groups.
Numbers against numbers. If Hirata and the others move actively, Class A's surveillance eyes will be scattered. That will create gaps in their watch, allowing me to act alone.
They'll serve as my decoys.
"...Ayanokouji-kun, just who are you..."
I catch that mutter after passing him.
Something stirs deep in my mind.
Who I am—he already understood that long ago.
But it's irrelevant now. Focus on the special test.
...
I begin moving a little after everyone else has started.
About ten minutes earlier, Hirata consulted with Ichinose and Kanzaki and succeeded in strengthening the "attack" front. As planned, solo action is now possible.
"Time to go."
Now completely alone, I murmur that to myself.
Even somewhat away from the base, there's no surveillance from Class A. The dispersion worked.
I carefully begin warming up my knees, body, and ankles.
Today I'll be moving nonstop, so part of it is to avoid injury—but the real reason is different.
It's preparation to fully use my physical abilities for the first time in a while.
"...That tree will do."
I spot one with branches that look perfect for hanging.
For stealth movement, this method exists.
I simulate how to move my body to succeed. I've had plenty of time for that, and calculations confirm I can do it.
I take a slightly longer run-up, sprint, and put power into my takeoff leg.
"Good, from here."
I grab the branch overhead. Using the inertia and momentum, I twist my body and land on a thick branch just like that guy did.
This isn't the end—it's the beginning. I put strength into my legs again and start leaping from tree to tree.
...I see. This is convenient. A fast and stealthy way to move in this situation. The force is a bit tricky, but I'll get used to it.
I keep moving forward.
As I go, I feel myself getting accustomed, so I haven't dulled that much.
"Found it."
A few minutes of high-speed tree movement later, I reach the target location.
It's the elevated platform with a ladder that I discovered during the search on day four, where Class A students were stationed.
Two different students from last time are watching the spot occupied by Class C. Naturally, none of them notice me.
Observing them briefly, they both look bored, idly passing the time. They're talking to each other with weary expressions.
They've probably been like this long before I arrived.
I descend from the tree and move to a position where I can hear their conversation.
"Man, this is so boring."
"Hey, how many times are you gonna say that? You literally just said the same thing."
"...But it is boring."
"Yeah, fair. But keep watch properly. Failure doesn't suit Katsuragi-san."
"I knooow, Machida. Don't be so tense."
When the conversation pauses, the two boys resume watching. One continues half-heartedly, the other seems to refocus and watches seriously.
But I have no business with them. It seems the person I'm looking for has gone to the group watch instead.
I prepare to leave, turning my attention back to the trees—only to stop.
"...Hm? Someone's coming."
"For real? Finally shift change?"
The slacker stretches the end of his sentence happily. At the same time, the one called Machida confirms the visitor.
"...Rejoice. Your guess was right."
"Hell yeah!"
The former doesn't look thrilled; the latter pumps his fist in joy.
After watching their reactions, I turn toward the approaching figure.
Looks like luck is on my side too.
"Yo, you guys actually kept watch properly?"
"Course we did, Hashimoto. Piece of cake."
"Hey, hey, really? Well, anyway—good work. Both of you can head back to camp."
No mistaking that slicked-back blond hair and flashy vibe, holding a water bottle in one hand.
It's exactly the guy I was looking for—Hashimoto Masayoshi.
"Hmph. Leaving the watch to just you feels pretty unreliable."
"Then wanna help?"
"Pass."
Coldly brushed off, Hashimoto just laughs like he expected it.
Machida turns away with an openly displeased expression at the casual attitude. Seeing that, the other watcher hurriedly follows.
In no time, Hashimoto is the only one left.
"Well then."
Hashimoto leans against a nearby tree with a listless remark.
He pulls out some simple food from his pocket and starts eating. Seems he's on break too.
"Seriously, making us waste effort when it's already too late no matter what we do."
Wiping sweat as he grumbles and sits down, I hear those words and make a simple deduction.
The strategy between Classes A and C is proceeding smoothly and has reached a stage where nothing can be done.
Worst of all, that deduction is probably correct.
Our necks are already in the noose.
It's only a matter of time until we're finished. Because we've already allowed a spy into the joint B-D camp.
—Yes, that spy is Shiranami Chihiro. The expression I saw yesterday couldn't possibly be from simple menstrual pain.
It was the look of someone terrified and forced to obey. And Class C's leader... Ryuuen Kakeru is a man who wields fear.
Given the radio's existence and that he's still on the island, the connection is easy to infer.
Yet even in this disadvantageous situation, I'm searching for a way to win.
There might be no means left. Looking at the current state, it's understandable to think so.
I considered "attacking" Class A from within due to the conflict between its two leaders, but Class C's movements have blocked it beyond expectation.
Despite recommending and executing class retirements to expel the spy Ibuki Mio, a new spy waits at the destination.
We've taken countermeasures this far, yet we're always one step behind.
...Forever dancing in someone's palm.
It might be better to retreat here to maneuver better in the next special test, and the one after.
Devote everything to minimizing damage from the opponent and leaving a path open.
—That should be the top priority right now. To win in the end.
But there's also the matter with Chabashira. If I don't produce some results, in the worst case, I might disappear from this school.
I know a single teacher doesn't have that kind of authority.
I should drop out of this test immediately. Beg Chabashira for another chance.
For my final victory.
"Possessing power yet refusing to use it is the act of a fool."
...Ah, an unpleasant memory flickers. That man's voice echoes in my mind.
Even though it has no direct relation to the current outcome. As if it's the correct analysis of this overly reactive situation. For some reason, it resurfaces now.
I forcibly shake off the voice by heightening my focus. Then I use that focus to organize the information I have.
Classes A and C, and Classes B and D, are each in cooperative relationships.
Class A's current leader is Totsuka Yahiko. However, the chance of change is quite high.
Class C's current leader is Ryuuen Kakeru. However, the chance of change is quite high.
Class B's leader Shiranami Chihiro is being threatened by Ryuuen, so the likelihood of her leaking B and D information is extremely high.
I learned Class A's leader during the first day's exploration. By chance I could observe and deduce it.
I've thought through the status of the other classes many times.
On that basis, I run my mind at full speed to derive the equation for victory.
The thinking ends in a few minutes.
"As expected, this is the only way."
It's a gamble. One to show Chabashira some degree of ability in this test while setting up recovery in a different special test.
Extract information from Class A's solid defenders, and by extension from the Class C people behind them—ultimately even the leader's information.
Additionally, avoid exposing our own class leader.
That's the ideal, the victory equation.
But executing everything is impossible in the current situation.
Just reporting my maneuvers this time to Chabashira won't be enough. I need to deliver one more thing obtained in this test, or she won't be satisfied.
So I decided to target someone high-ranking in Class A who's skilled at negotiation.
That's—Hashimoto.
If I can steal information from him, the chance of winning this test rises, even if only by a millimeter.
But that's not the main goal. To connect to the next—even if we fail this test—starting by placing that negotiator is enough.
The cost is my existence being revealed to the negotiator. And from there, the possibility of further exposure.
In other words, a high chance of standing out.
It's what I wanted to avoid most, but compared to expulsion, it's better. No choice.
Abandon defense.
I no longer have the margin to be that careful.
Fortunately, we've preserved many points. 248 points—assuming A and C guess the leaders correctly and deduct 100, totaling 148 points. A sufficient result.
Plus the 36 points from spot occupation that were supposed to go to Class B—if the leaders are guessed, those vanish.
But depending on perspective, it could also close the gap with Class B.
I've made my resolve.
"...You're probably..."
"I want to talk."
I stop concealing my presence and reveal myself from the tree to the negotiator.
He startles at the sudden visitor but quickly puts on a smile.
***
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