After that, as though everything had entered a predetermined course of development, all matters became like a mire, taking on an indescribably sluggish state.
Class A continued to adhere to its policy of not discussing or speaking. No matter which group they were in, they remained silent. Once a discussion ended, they immediately left the room. Even after their standby obligations were over, they gathered together and avoided contact with students from other classes, making their defense airtight and giving no one any opportunity.
Class B, meanwhile, seemed to have lost all confidence in overcoming the situation. They had practically given up on winning the exam. Under Ichinose Honami's lead, each of them had entered a dead end where they could not break the stalemate, completely at a loss.
Class C was even more lax. Whether it was Ryuen Kaito's instructions or simply because he did not want small fry affecting his progress, Ryuen Kaito, who distrusted others by nature, had not allowed too many people to help him. He simply let the rest do as they pleased, allowing them to sink into the same vacation mood as they had on the uninhabited island and enjoy themselves to the fullest. Only he occasionally appeared in various corners of the cruise ship with Ibuki Mio, making contact with all sorts of people. Presumably, he was still steadily accumulating results.
As for Class D, there was nothing to say. No one had the ability to break the deadlock. Only groups containing a Favored One held a little initiative; everyone else could do nothing about the Class A students and was anxious beyond measure.
Ike Koji, Yamauchi Haruki, Sudo Ken, and the others in particular could often be heard complaining to those around them as time gradually passed, venting their dissatisfaction.
Honestly, this