Ultimately, after a discussion with Hiyori, 'Hiyori Shiina' thought for a moment and decided to accept Ibuki's invitation.
Although I've always held the attitude that 'it's always the good swimmers who drown,' now that I'm out at sea, I have to learn what needs to be learned—my life is on the line.
While the girl went back to report to Ryūen, Symon took the initiative and went to the swimsuit shop on the ship, planning to pick out a suitable outfit.
It was the hottest time of the day, and a few girls were also picking out swimsuits in the store. Two of them were acquaintances:
"I think this set would look great on you, Kikyō-chan," Mei-Yu Wang said, holding a revealing red bikini and pushing it into the hands of the girl beside her.
The smile on Kikyō Kushida's face faltered slightly as she hesitated, "Isn't... isn't this a little too revealing?"
"What's wrong with that? We're on vacation, after all."
As she spoke, Mei-Yu Wang turned around and her eyes met Symon's. She asked curiously, "Shiina, are you here to pick out a swimsuit too? I can help you with some recommendations!"
"No need to trouble yourself," Symon said with a wave of his hand. "I already had something in mind before I came."
Mei-Yu Wang was clearly a little disappointed. "Oh, I see... That's a shame."
Symon chuckled teasingly, "Don't say that. I think you just enjoy stirring up a little trouble for fun."
Mei-Yu Wang giggled sheepishly, "Ehehe~"
Without saying much more to the girl, Symon walked around the store and picked out a school swimsuit with white frills. He also grabbed a rash guard, sandals, a waterproof pouch, and sunscreen before heading into the changing room.
When Symon came out of the changing room, he had already changed into the swimsuit. The waterproof pouch was looped around his wrist, and he had tied his hair up into a high ponytail with a hair tie he'd brought along.
Meanwhile, Hiyori Shiina spoke up in his mind, amused, "I thought you were going to change by yourself, Mr. Ghost. I don't mind, you know."
Symon pretended not to hear. He pushed the door open, walked a few steps, and rented a locker and a swim ring from the water sports shop next door. A moment later, he was sitting at the top of a slide leading directly into the public pool.
Splash~! The sound of entering the water.
Buoyed by the swim ring, Symon floated up from the water and took a moment to get his bearings. This seemed to be the shallow end; the water came up to his chest when standing, about 1.2 meters deep.
Since Ibuki hadn't arrived yet, Symon had no intention of practicing on his own. He rested on the swim ring, tiptoeing on the pool floor, and watched Kushida and Mei-chan playing water volley"ball" in the center of the pool.
"How nice..."—came Symon's soft sigh.
"Hmph~ I am so beautiful."—came a narcissistic male voice from the poolside.
Caught off guard by such a statement, Symon shot a strange look toward the boy lounging on a beach chair by the pool:
Long blond hair, European features, a muscular physique clad only in a speedo, and a small round mirror in his hand. A charmingly sinister smile played on his lips as he admired his own reflection—it was Rokusuke Kōenji from Class D.
Symon couldn't help but be amused. "This guy is so flamboyant~"
Hiyori chuckled. "That must be Kōenji-kun from Class D. He's just as narcissistic as the rumors say."
Perhaps because 'Hiyori Shiina's' stare was so peculiar, Kōenji soon noticed the attention. He closed his eyes, swept a hand through the hair on his forehead, and grinned. "Ah~ Are you also captivated by my beauty? It's quite all right. Gaze upon it to your heart's content... Heh~ Hahahaha!"
Hiyori: "..."
Symon: "..."
Meanwhile—
In the bar, mood lighting cast colorful, fluorescent glows. Ryūen sat at the counter, watching the dance floor with a cold gaze, holding his terminal to his ear and listening to a recording sent by Ibuki.
"..."
"The problem is, even if we know the exam content in advance, it's uncertain whether we can establish a first-mover advantage with that information."
"Whether these points should be spent is a decision only Ryūen himself can make."
Hearing this, Ryūen stroked his chin in thought for a moment. He set the terminal aside, his gaze drifting to his underlings partying on the dance floor, then glanced at the impatient expression on Ibuki's face beside him. His brow gradually furrowed.
It seemed he had... no one he could rely on?
To execute that zero-cost experiment, he needed a group of subordinates with some reconnaissance and analytical skills, or perhaps a social butterfly.
As for reconnaissance and analysis, besides himself and Hiyori Shiina, the only one in Class C who came close was Satoru Kaneda.
A social butterfly was out of the question; Class C simply didn't have anyone like that.
For the first time, Ryūen became aware of the sheer disparity in the world—Damn it, how did my Class C end up in this sorry state?
After mulling it over, Ryūen downed his drink in one go, stood up, and held up a hand to stop Yamada, who was about to follow him. He then walked out of the bar alone.
At the same time, in the cruise ship's theater, a play about the story of 'Icarus' was being performed. There were only two people in the audience: Class D's homeroom teacher, Sae Chabashira, and a Class D student, Kiyotaka Ayanokōji.
"A few days ago, a man contacted the school. He demanded that Kiyotaka Ayanokōji be expelled," Sae Chabashira said calmly, her arms crossed over her chest.
"How very strange," Kiyotaka Ayanokōji replied, his expression unreadable. "Although I don't know who that man is, the school wouldn't expel a student without a valid reason, would it?"
"Of course. As long as you are a student here, you are protected by the school rules. However, if you were to engage in problematic behavior, that would be a different story."
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji's gaze lifted slightly. "That's a pity. Unlike the arrogant Icarus, I have no intention of provoking the sun."
"It has nothing to do with your will. As long as I deem that you have violated the school rules, it becomes fact, and you will be expelled," Sae Chabashira stated as if it were a simple truth.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji was puzzled. "Are you... threatening me?"
"It's a deal. If you aim to reach Class A, I will do everything in my power to protect you."
"It seems we have nothing more to discuss," Kiyotaka Ayanokōji said, standing up.
"That's a real shame, Ayanokōji. You will be expelled and, consequently, lose your freedom."
Sae Chabashira lifted her chin, looking coldly at Ayanokōji as he prepared to leave. She threatened in a chilling tone, "Are you going to decide now? Promotion to Class A, or expulsion."
"You may one day regret using me," Kiyotaka Ayanokōji said, his expression as indifferent as if he were completely unaffected.
Should I have her removed from this school? There are plenty of ways to do it, after all, the boy thought.
Recognizing the concession in his words, a somewhat bitter smile touched Sae Chabashira's lips. "Don't worry. My life is already full of regrets."
"A person like you can hardly be called a teacher."
...
______
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