Upon arriving at the forest school grounds, we disembarked and conducted roll calls for all school years along with movement preparations.
From the scenery visible from inside the bus, I knew this was a mountainous area.
The chilled air stole away body heat, drawing screams from the students.
After finishing roll call, I headed toward the third-year group and made my way to Horikita Manabu.
"Horikita Manabu, got a moment?"
I spoke in a tone that brooked no argument.
He still seemed to be in the middle of roll call and was chatting lightly with his classmates, but he immediately read my intention and sent them away.
"Your matter is about the email from earlier, correct?"
When I nodded, he promptly gave his answer.
"The student council can intervene in the special exam rules. Yes, intervention is possible. The school adopts a format that incorporates student perspectives, so the student council is permitted to voice opinions on the special exam rules or make partial changes to penalties."
"Partial changes to penalties…"
I had heard what I wanted to hear.
The "leader" and "rules" that had been raising so many questions now made sense once I saw the background.
It looked like this exam would involve various strategies intertwining between the different school years.
"Is that all?"
"Yeah, that helps. Well then, I'll be going…"
"Wait. What was the intention behind that question? Are you implying the student council is involved in this exam?"
Horikita Manabu still seemed unable to dispel his sense of unease.
I was about to answer his question when, at that moment, Class C's movement looked like it was about to start.
"Beware of Nagumo Miyabi."
I gave him the strongest advice I could and left the third-years' gathering area.
I made it just in time for the movement and avoided any penalty.
…
Once we began moving, a wide open area resembling a ground came into view, with two somewhat antiquated school buildings visible deeper inside.
They were quite large, large enough to house all school years.
We proceeded separated by gender, with the boys entering the larger building referred to as the main school building.
The moment we stepped inside, a somewhat nostalgic scent of wood tickled our nostrils.
After briefly looking around the building, the students were ordered to wait in a space similar to a gymnasium.
Once the second-years and third-years arrived as well, a man who appeared to be a teacher from another year stepped onto the prepared platform.
It seemed this was the designated location.
"We will now provide a time and place for forming the small groups. Each school year should form six small groups through discussion. Additionally, the session for creating the large groups is scheduled for 8 PM tonight. That is all."
The instructions were delivered to all the boys.
Each year moved to maintain distance from the others, and group formation began inside the gymnasium.
I remained still. I was waiting for a particular class to make their move.
And sooner than I expected, that class took action.
Among the first-years who had been in a deadlock, that class formed a group of 14 people and boldly declared to everyone present:
"As you can see, we from Class A intend to form one group with these members. As you can see, our current group has 14 people. If one more person joins us, we'll have the full number. We're recruiting participants."
Matoba-kun from Class A announced in a loud, clear voice.
He was leading that group, but I could also see Katsuragi-kun within it.
It seemed the top position had changed hands.
However, since she was a girl, she couldn't exert direct control in this exam.
Therefore, she would likely prioritize defensive maneuvers that didn't waste her pieces while preventing Katsuragi-kun's position from rising again.
On top of that, she would still aim for a high score.
By appointing Katsuragi-kun as the 'leader', she could keep her own faction's pieces intact while keeping him suppressed.
This maneuvering was quite rational.
"Your proposal, Class C approves."
Attention instantly focused on me.
As expected, this was the most convenient outcome possible.
If they formed a group with 14 people, it would make it much easier for the remaining three classes to have their requests granted.
Aiming for massive points would create a real chance to close the gap with Class A.
"However, if Class A forms a group with 14 people, you'll allow the remaining classes to form groups with 12 people, correct?"
"…Yeah, of course. You can use the remaining six from Class A however you like."
"Thank you for your kindness."
Matoba-kun declared while staying wary of me.
He then continued pressing their claim.
"We will now recruit participants for the next five minutes. Anyone who joins within these five minutes will receive special privileges."
Class A did not let up on their preemptive strike.
They were taking advantage of the situation where opinions had not yet solidified to push their agenda forward.
"If you join our group, we will not subject that student to any risk whatsoever."
"Even if their exam performance is poor, we will accept it all. Since Katsuragi-kun will serve as the leader of this group, there is no need to worry about expulsion. Of course, no worry about being dragged down either."
"Furthermore, since our 14 from Class A are aiming for first place, that one person has a high chance of benefiting from pp. What do you think?"
The first-year space stirred at the proposal.
What they called 'special privileges' was, in other words, a ticket to safely clear this exam 100%.
On top of that, because it was Class A, it came with the benefit of easily reaching first place and gaining points.
With Katsuragi-kun as leader, there was no risk.
For people lacking confidence in their academic ability or themselves, it must have sounded like an incredibly attractive offer.
"However, if you don't decide within five minutes, these special privileges will disappear."
Matoba-kun concluded his statement.
From his tone and the way he carried the conversation, it was clear he was a fairly capable student.
He lived up to being in Class A.
"I think it's an interesting proposal, but once five minutes pass, the value of joining drops dramatically. There won't be many students willing to voluntarily enter the position most likely to be dragged down based on just a verbal promise."
Kanzaki-kun from Class B voiced a negative opinion.
This was also a perfectly natural response.
"However, as long as they continue to honor their promise, it becomes an option that can definitely save at least one person. For those who lack confidence in their own abilities, it's definitely worth considering."
I spoke to Kanzaki-kun while aligning myself with Class A.
He glared at me and threw a question.
"Why are you taking Class A's side, Kamukura Izuru?"
"It's pure calculation. In this exam, I want to close the distance with Class A, so I'm making their flexibility work to maximize Class C's benefit."
"That makes sense. But that requires our average score to be higher than Class A's group of 14 to begin with. What exactly are you plotting?"
Indeed, no matter how much it benefited us, conceding to the opponent's strategy carried risks.
It meant having to face 14 of the most outstanding students even within Class A.
But...
"Do you really think I can't handle something of that level?"
I shot back confidently.
Just as Kanzaki-kun feared, even with my guidance, if asked whether Class C students could win against Class A in pure academics, I couldn't guarantee 100%.
However, this exam was not one that competed purely on academic ability.
Since they competed on the large group's average score, even if Class A was excellent, there was still a path to victory.
"Well, the rest is up to you to decide freely. If you agree with Class A's proposal, I'll come back later."
I temporarily halted the conversation and left the area.
"I'll leave it to you, Kaneda-kun. The twelve people are as we decided on the bus. Have them gather beforehand."
"Understood."
During this interval, I handed command over to Kaneda-kun.
For this exam, to secure victory, the twelve from Class C alone weren't enough pieces.
Since they competed on average score, the remaining three people needed to be chosen with even greater care.
The strength of outstanding talent from other classes was indispensable for raising the average score.
Therefore, I needed to scout them before other groups could take them.
I searched for my targets.
I quickly found the first one.
"...─Hashimoto-kun, would you have any interest in joining the 12-person group where I serve as the leader?"
"…Huh?"
The person who let out that dumbfounded voice was none other than the one I was searching for—Masayoshi Hashimoto from Class A.
From what I heard, he was a high-spec student from Class A, possessing outstanding communication skills and no apparent weaknesses in any other abilities.
On top of that, there was the fact that he had contacted Ayanokouji-kun at an early stage, along with the favor owed for how his shout had drastically shortened the search time when we were looking for Ibuki-san.
Even if he was part of Class A's fourteen-person group, I would have found some way to poach him.
"Grateful as the offer is, but I'm a Class A student. Even if I joined your group and we took first place, it'd be far more beneficial for Class A's fourteen-person group to claim the top spot."
"Yeah, I'm fully aware. However, if you help us win this exam, I don't mind making some slight adjustments to that contract..."
I casually slung my arm around Hashimoto-kun's shoulders in a familiar manner and whispered into his ear.
That contract was the one we had formed during the Uninhabited Island Special Exam—the devil's pact meant to torment Class A.
Bringing up this contract had already received Ryuuen-kun's prior approval.
"...What did you say?"
He showed immediate interest.
I never let go of prey once it bit the hook.
"In this exam, the points that Class A's fourteen-person group would gain by taking first place amount to 420,000 PP and 126 CP."
"126 CP equals 12,600 PP. We'll reduce that amount from your monthly collection. On top of that, if you bring this contract back to Sakayanagi-san, your presence will become significantly more valuable to her. You might even be able to regain the trust you once held."
Since it was a fifteen-person group formed from two classes with an A-Class student as the leader, the reward multiplier came to 1× × 1.5× × 2× = 3×.
The total reward was 10,000 PP × 3 × 14 people = 420,000 PP, and 3 CP × 3 × 14 people = 126 CP.
Thanks to the Uninhabited Island Special Exam, Class A had been saddled with a contract to hand over a massive 1,440,000 PP per month (= 40,000 PP × 36 people).
My proposal was to reduce that collection if they conceded victory in this exam.
Specifically, it would become 40,000 PP − 12,600 PP = 27,400 PP, and multiplied by 36 people, the monthly collection would drop to 986,400 PP.
That was close to 500,000 PP less than before.
The benefits went without saying.
"Additionally, if Class A places second in this exam, the points would increase even further. And with a very high probability, at that."
"...Understood. For now, I'll agree to join your group.
But let me contact Hime-san... Sakayanagi later. If she gives the OK, I'll lend you my full power."
"No need for that. I'm certain she'll approve. So please tell her that I'll be waiting in the cafeteria at dinner time today."
Hashimoto-kun tilted his head.
The reason was something Sakayanagi-san could confirm for herself when she did her verification.
"...Hey, I had written you off as a contender because you didn't seem motivated. Why the sudden change of heart?"
Even while his suspicions remained, he questioned me in an unwavering tone.
"It's a simple matter. I just gained a temporary reason to put in the effort, nothing more."
"...When you put it like that, it sounds way too real and honestly scary."
Negotiation successful.
With this, I had secured personnel from Class A.
Now I needed two more—one each from Class B and Class D.
Honestly, I didn't have any particular target among the Class B students. I couldn't find a compelling reason to recruit from there either.
Since I lacked the kind of tactic I'd used to persuade Hashimoto-kun, I had no choice but to select the most capable person from the leftovers.
But Class D was different.
If I could provide them with scarce PP along with CP and guaranteed profits, there would be a chance to pull someone in.
However, they would likely form twelve-person groups just like us and gather the outstanding individuals there.
In the end, it would still come down to choosing from the remaining eight.
That is, in normal circumstances.
"But in Class D, there's an exception in the form of you."
"Hey——Kōenji-kun."
I called out to Rokusuke Kōenji, the most unconventional troublemaker in our grade.
Flashing his bright white teeth, he turned his body toward me.
"Oh my, oh my, that's quite the wicked face you're making, Kamukura boy."
"It might be."
Lately, it seemed my facial muscles had begun to move just a little.
I had no conscious awareness of it, but unconsciously, I might indeed be wearing quite the wicked expression right now.
"Kōenji-kun, won't you lend me your strength?"
"Hoo, so you want to borrow my power? And to hear those words come from your mouth, no less. What's your goal?"
"In this exam, I need to obtain a large number of points to win. That's why I'm selecting the most capable talents."
"And I am the one who met your standards? Hahaha, impressive. You have good eyes."
His loud laughter drew the attention of everyone around.
But it no longer mattered. The talent I had wanted quickly was Hashimoto-kun, and since Kōenji-kun was such an eccentric, he would remain until the end anyway.
Whether he attracted attention or not made little difference.
"So, Kamukura boy, if I join your group, is there any benefit in it for me?"
"First, if I take first place, you would receive 45,000 PP and 13.5 CP. However, I know you're not the type who acts for the sake of points."
For a fifteen-person group involving four classes, the points earned for first place would be 10,000 PP × 1.5 × 3 = 45,000 PP, and 3 CP × 1.5 × 3 = 13.5 CP.
"Ah, with advantages at that level, I can't nod my head yes~"
Rokusuke Kōenji was from Class D. Despite the small point allocation, he had means of obtaining points such as associating with upperclassmen.
That's why he wouldn't be swayed by points.
"Then next, during this special exam, I'll help with your 'freedom.' No matter what you do, if you score high in the exam, I'll forgive it all. I'll also promise not to drag anyone else down with you."
"Hmm, a good proposal. But unfortunately, I'm always free. I can't accept based on that alone."
"Then I'll provide 'comfort.' This exam will likely have worse conditions than usual. During this mixed training camp, I'll use every talent I possess to offer you a comfortable life."
"I'll grant most of the things you desire."
"Specifically?"
"Anything except things involving people's deaths."
"Hahaha, as expected. You understand me quite well. Indeed, that would be very welcome support for me."
Clapping his hands, he praised me.
However, we weren't done yet.
"I could accept that proposal, but... I've gotten in the mood to be a little mean. How about it? Won't you give me one more offer?"
Kōenji-kun said this as if testing me.
As expected, even for me, tying him down with just a contract would be difficult.
In that case...
"——Let's try following our emotions here.
Kōenji-kun, as a friend... please help me."
Respond to a mischievous question with emotion.
Now then, what will you do, Rokusuke Kōenji?
The current me is trying to enjoy myself a little more than before.
"...Haha, fuhahahahaha! You're calling me your friend!'
"That was quite the entertaining exchange, Kamukura boy. It's a huge difference from the cruise ship exam."
"Very well, in this special exam, I'll lend you my strength as your friend!"
It was decided.
This had really been a gamble.
Since the other party also held luck, it was a deal that couldn't be taken lightly. I enjoyed it just a bit.
But with this, victory was all but certain.
Now, for the rest...
"Kamukura-shi, we've also come to an agreement on our side. Both Class B and Class D have approved Class A's fourteen-person group. We'll form three twelve-person groups, and with the remaining members, create two ten-person groups composed of four classes."
"As expected of you. It was the right decision to leave it to you."
"Your words are appreciated."
While I was scouting the two students, Kaneda-kun had organized the discussion for me.
When praised, he retreated a step back as if it was only natural.
Incidentally, it seemed Yamauchi-kun from Class D had joined Class A's fourteen-person group.
"Things have come together quite a bit. For now, let's finish forming all the twelve-person groups first."
Hirata-kun advanced the conversation using his natural cooperativeness.
"The C-Class twelve-person group still needs one more student from Class B. Which classes are needed for the other groups?"
"The D-Class twelve-person group needs a student from Class A, I suppose."
"Class B is still missing one for Class C."
Since time was limited, I went along with him to broaden the discussion.
Hirata-kun and Kanzaki-kun acted as representatives, quickly summarizing the current status of the groups.
And so, all the twelve-person groups were completed.
There was some debate over who to assign to C-Class's twelve-person group, but in the end, they put in the student who lost at rock-paper-scissors.
...
The students who hadn't been selected for the 12-person groups finished forming two 10-person groups as well, and with that, every group assignment was complete.
Just when I thought we'd wrap up the report to the assigned student and disband right there, two figures approached the first-years.
"I figured it would take a little longer, but that went surprisingly quick. How about it, first-years? We've still got time—why don't we form the large groups right here?"
The one saying that was the current student council president, Miyabi Nagumo.
The first-years faltered at the proposal from this second-year who carried an overwhelming aura even among his own.
Forming the large groups now—the ones originally scheduled for 8 PM today—would be an efficient use of time, but it meant ignoring the school's arrangements.
"Relax, I've already gotten permission from the teachers."
Manabu Horikita, the former student council president, added as if to supplement.
The teachers watched without the slightest hint of panic.
With the school's approval and a proposal from these two powerful figures, refusal wasn't an option.
"It's settled. Let's get right to it.
What do you say, Horikita-senpai? Wouldn't deciding it like a draft system be fun? The six representatives from the first-years' small groups play rock-paper-scissors to set the nomination order.
Winners pick the second- and third-year small groups in sequence, and the large groups are done. Fair and quick."
"The first-years have little information. That lacks fairness."
"Perfect fairness is impossible anyway. There's always a gap in the information each person holds.
First-years, what do you think? Anyone unhappy with this method, speak up."
Miyabi Nagumo asked anyway, knowing full well no one could talk back.
"We have no complaints."
Matoba-kun answered on behalf of the first-years.
"I see. Then let's decide immediately."
With quick instructions from Miyabi Nagumo and Manabu Horikita, the upperclassmen split into their twelve small groups.
The person in charge of each stood at the front, lining up in clear formation.
"Just that group over there left."
Out of the six groups, five leaders had gathered in a circle.
The remaining one—one of the 10-person groups—hadn't sent its leader yet.
I could see Kiyotaka Ayanokouji in that group. It seemed he had no intention of taking this exam seriously either.
In that case, we could ignore him this time.
If he were an enemy, I'd have to stay alert, but since he showed no desire to stand out, he wasn't worth engaging.
The chance to crush him would come next time.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Once the last person, Yukimura-kun from Class D, jogged over and joined, we started the rock-paper-scissors.
Since it was a draft system, winning earlier meant more choices and greater advantage.
And naturally, the Ultimate Luck secured first place.
"Kaneda-kun, any preferences?"
While waiting for the rock-paper-scissors to finish, I consulted Kaneda-kun.
"Well, my top candidate is Horikita-senpai's group. It's an outstanding class made from A and B classes.
I also think Gōda-senpai's group is good. It's centered on second-year A class."
Since Kaneda-kun was in the art club, he could leverage his senpai connections.
"What about Miyabi Nagumo's group?"
"The student council president's group is appealing too, but the students he's grouped with are mostly from C and D classes.
Since this exam competes on average scores, it's best to rule it out as a candidate."
Taking that information into account, I observed each upperclassman one by one.
I couldn't discern their finer abilities, but my super analytical ability let me grasp a general gauge.
Kaneda-kun's info didn't differ much from my super analytical evaluations, so it had credibility.
"It's decided, Kamukura. Pick already."
Matoba-kun called out to me, the first to nominate.
The heated rock-paper-scissors seemed to be over.
"Horikita Manabu, I nominate your group."
The lack of honorific earned glares from some students, but that didn't concern me.
Naturally, I chose Manabu Horikita's group.
To win this exam, the upperclassmen's average scores would be a major factor.
Even factoring in Kaneda-kun's information, it was a safe choice.
Next, Matoba-kun's A group in second place chose the group led by the second-year named Gōda, and then Hirata-kun's D class group continued selecting.
Miyabi Nagumo was picked by Yukimura-kun in fourth, and after the last pick the first round ended.
The second round followed the waiver system, so we ended up choosing from the remaining second-year classes.
As a result, we selected a second-year group composed of four classes.
Their physical abilities were generally average overall, so they wouldn't drag us down physically.
"Horikita-senpai. Since we've coincidentally ended up in separate large groups, how about we settle this with a match?"
Once all the large groups were decided, Miyabi Nagumo made the proposal.
A somewhat exasperated sigh leaked from the third-years.
It seemed proposals like this weren't new.
"Nagumo. How many times is this? Knock it off already."
"What do you mean by 'how many times,' Fujimaki-senpai?"
The third-year called Fujimaki stepped in front of Miyabi Nagumo to voice his criticism.
"Up until now I had no intention of intervening when you challenged Horikita, but this is a large-scale special exam that includes first-years too. Personal motives are taking priority too much. You should restrain yourself."
"Why is that? In this meritocracy school, declaring war on someone isn't strange at all. It's not forbidden by the rules either."
"I'm talking basic morals. There are things you shouldn't do even if they're not written down."
"I don't see it that way. Rather, aren't you senpais who only want same-year conflicts the ones obstructing the students' growth potential?"
Miyabi Nagumo didn't flinch even before the large-framed third-year Fujimaki and went so far as to provoke him.
"Just because you've become student council president doesn't mean everything goes your way. You should recognize your own overreach."
"Then make me recognize it. Hell, shall I take you on too, Fujimaki-senpai? You're supposedly Class A's No. 2 after all."
Hands in his pockets, Miyabi Nagumo kept up the blatant provocations.
Some of the third-years saw it as humiliating and started to step forward.
But Manabu Horikita stopped them with one hand.
"Nagumo, I've rejected your requests until now. Do you know why?"
"Well~ It's not that I don't understand it's not because you're scared of losing to me...
Horikita-senpai is the most superior person among all the humans I've seen. You don't fear defeat, and you don't even think you'll lose in the first place."
Unlike the attitude he showed the man named Fujimaki, he displayed recognition and pure respect toward Manabu Horikita.
It was the same as when we spoke before; even viewing him as enemy or rival, Miyabi Nagumo didn't look down on him.
He acknowledged without aversion, despite differences in thinking, personality, and methods used.
That's how magnificent a human Manabu Horikita was.
"The answer is you don't desire meaningless conflicts, right?"
"The kind of conflicts you like drag in too many others."
"But I think that's exactly how this school works and its real appeal~"
"I don't think so."
"That's right. That's the kind of person you are, senpai. But I'm only hoping for a personal fight with you.
You'll graduate and be gone soon. Before that, I want to test whether I can surpass you or not."
"What will you use to determine the contest?"
Miyabi Nagumo's craving showed no sign of stopping, but I'd truly grown tired of it.
I was starting to want to leave this place immediately.
"How about which one of us can force more students to be expelled?"
That single statement enveloped the gymnasium in murmurs.
"Stop joking."
"I think it's interesting, but let's skip it this time.
If I'm to propose seriously, how about whichever group gets the higher average score? Simple, but easy to understand, right?"
"I see. In that case, I have no problem accepting."
The contest details were set—with Miyabi Nagumo's defeat.
Since I was in Manabu Horikita's group, Miyabi Nagumo had no chance of winning.
Good effort. Really, what a boring discussion.
"However, this is strictly a personal battle between you and me. Don't involve others."
"Don't involve others? From the special exam format itself, isn't maneuvering to trip up the opposing group one valid strategy?"
"That's far removed from the exam's true nature. This exam questions the unity within the group.
It's not about exploiting openings in the opposing group and sowing chaos. If you can't accept these conditions, then there's no contest."
In other words, prohibiting acts that undermine the opponent.
It seemed he had no intention of accepting anything beyond a personal showdown.
"So no attacking Horikita-senpai's pieces to win. That's fine with me."
"Not limited to our group. I won't permit attacking any students. If it's determined you engaged in any sabotage, this contest is invalid."
"...As expected of you, senpai. You won't overlook anything."
Manabu Horikita, sensing something off in how readily Miyabi Nagumo accepted, pressed the point to the end.
His sharp gaze didn't miss Nagumo's fearless smile.
"Understood. Strictly fair and square—which of us can score higher through this group unity thing.
Let's have that contest. Just to be clear, no need to set penalties for win or loss, right? It's purely a battle staking pride."
Manabu Horikita neither affirmed nor denied.
It seemed he wasn't even willing to stake his pride.
"...Sorry for wasting time. With all large groups decided, each small group should follow the next instructions."
Manabu Horikita announced the disbandment loud enough for the whole gymnasium to hear.
The teachers followed and quickly began preparations.
Amid it all, Miyabi Nagumo headed straight for me.
"Hey, you've got quite the cute hairstyle now."
"What do you want?"
Not in the mood for small talk, I cut straight to the point.
"Still the same curt attitude.
Well, fine. As you heard, I'm having a contest with Horikita-senpai. Victory condition is the large group's average score, so I came to greet you thinking it's essentially a fight against you too."
"I see. Do your best."
When I replied indifferently, Miyabi Nagumo smiled with delight.
"Do you think Horikita-senpai won't lose to me?"
"Yes."
"Haha, I like that. That completely unfazed attitude toward me, and that confidence too.
If I could, I wanted a direct showdown with you as well, but that'll wait for another time. At least make sure you rack up plenty of points."
Having said everything he wanted, Miyabi Nagumo returned to his own small group.
He really had just come to greet me.
Well, the fact he didn't tell me not to touch his contest with Horikita-senpai was an improvement.
"'I'll crush you all together.' If he had the guts to say something like that, it might've been a little entertaining."
In his eyes, only Manabu Horikita existed.
He was probably thinking of me as an incidental extra.
... That's why you'll be defeated.
Really, how utterly boring.
We followed the instructions and moved to the next location.
***
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