Summer, Blue Sky, Ocean, Islands

The final exams at the end of July concluded in a tense yet orderly atmosphere. Every member of Class B lived up to expectations, passing smoothly with excellent results. However, this time, Hoshinomiya Chie-sensei stood at the podium, facing the students' faintly expectant gazes, and revealed a sweet smile tinged with mischief.

"You all did wonderfully! Sensei is so proud~!" She clasped her hands together, her voice light and cheerful. "But, there won't be any extra point rewards this time!" Watching the faces that instantly drooped with disappointment, she raised one finger and wagged it. "Because, you see, achieving excellent results is itself your responsibility and duty as students! That's the real 'value'!"

Just as the atmosphere in the classroom began to dip slightly, Hoshinomiya-sensei shifted gears, her smile growing even brighter, like a flower blooming in summer. "But--! As a 'reward' for everyone diligently fulfilling your responsibilities, the school has prepared a super luxurious surprise gift! Ta-da-da-daa--!" She spread her arms dramatically. "Starting tomorrow, we will set off on a two-week--luxury cruise ship voyage!"

"Wah--!!!"

"No way?!"

"A luxury cruise ship?!!"

"That's amazing!!"

After a brief silence, the classroom erupted into deafening cheers and incredulous exclamations! The earlier disappointment was swept away, replaced by indescribable excitement and anticipation. Pure joy shone on every face. Kanzaki Ryuji's steady lips even curled into a rare smile. Shibata Sassa nearly jumped up in excitement. Shiratori Chihiro and the other girls huddled together, chattering animatedly. The entire Class B was immersed in the huge surprise and the anticipation of a vacation.

***

The sky was a clear, cloudless azure. The massive white luxury cruise ship, like an elegant white swan, cut through the deep blue, silk-like sea, sailing steadily across the vast, boundless Pacific Ocean. Sunlight poured down without reserve, scattering countless leaping golden scales across the glittering waves. The sea breeze carried its unique saltiness and a sense of freedom, brushing over the students enjoying their holiday time on the deck.

Members of Class B were scattered across various parts of the ship. Kanzaki Ryuji, Hamaguchi Tetsuya, and a few other boys were by the outdoor swimming pool, enjoying the cool pool water while discussing the trip. Shiratori Chihiro and other Class B girls had claimed a lounge chair area with sun umbrellas, some chatting softly, others quietly reading with sunglasses on. Ichinose Honami, like a happy little sprite, would run to the poolside to greet everyone, then dash over to the girls' group to share fun stories. Her golden hair sparkled in the sunlight, her smile brighter than the sun itself.

Shimiya Kuki stood alone, leaning against the white railing near the bow. Before him stretched a magnificent deep blue panorama—sea and sky merging into one, boundless and infinite. White waves chased and shattered against the ship's side, producing a rhythmic crashing sound. This scenery, enough to make anyone feel small and awestruck, reflected in his deep, ink-black pupils like a stone dropped into a deep pool, stirring only a few faint ripples before quickly returning to calm and unwavering. His expression remained its usual indifference as the sea breeze ruffled the hair on his forehead.

"The sea is truly magnificent, isn't it?" A familiar, smiling voice sounded beside him. Ichinose Honami had somehow come over, leaning on the railing in imitation of him, facing the sea. She took a deep breath, then spread her arms as if to embrace the azure before her. "I never thought the school would actually keep its promise and let us experience such a luxurious trip! It feels like a dream! (≧▽≦)"

"Mm." Kuki's gaze remained fixed on the distant horizon, his reply simple.

"Ah! (´-ω-`)" Ichinose lowered her arms, turned sideways, puffed out her cheeks, and pretended to glare angrily at this excessively calm person beside her. "Kuki-kun, you're such a mood killer! Facing such a beautiful, awe-inspiring sea, and all you say is 'Mm'? Aren't you moved at all by this magnificent view?" Her blue eyes were filled with confusion and a hint of playful accusation.

Kuki finally turned his head slightly, glanced at her, and said in a flat, unwavering tone: "Maybe you just didn't see me when I was shocked."

"I absolutely--cannot imagine what your shocked face looks like!" Ichinose spread her hands dramatically in a "can't imagine" gesture, her face full of a playful "I don't believe you" expression. But she quickly laughed again and looked back at the sea. "Still! For such a rare trip, we have to enjoy it properly! Throw all worries and exams into the sea for now!" She spread her arms and shouted at the sea again, her voice full of energy.

After a moment, she patted her stomach and turned around. "After seeing such an amazing view, I feel hungry! I'm going to get some food. Kuki-kun, want to come? I heard the buffet restaurant on the cruise is amazing!"

Kuki didn't object and followed Ichinose.

The two left the bow platform and entered the huge glass-walled restaurant located on the ship's middle deck. The restaurant was brightly lit, luxuriously decorated, and filled with the enticing aromas of various foods. Long buffet tables were laden with delicacies from around the world: sashimi and sushi so fresh they seemed to carry the scent of the sea, sizzling, beautifully marbled wagyu steak cut to order, colorful and artfully arranged salads and fruits, fragrant pasta and pizza, and countless exquisite little dessert cakes displayed like artworks in refrigerated cases. Waiters in clean uniforms moved among the guests, refilling drinks. The entire restaurant was steeped in the temptation of fine food and the relaxed atmosphere of a vacation.

The two selected their preferred food and found a seat by the window. They enjoyed the boundless sea view outside while savoring a hearty lunch. Ichinose was clearly pleased with the food, her eyes narrowing happily as she occasionally murmured praise for a particular dish. Kuki ate quietly, his movements as composed as ever.

After the meal, they strolled around the ship for a while before returning to their assigned cabins to rest. Kuki's roommates were Kanzaki Ryuji, Shibata Sassa, and Hamaguchi Tetsuya. The cabin was a four-person room, not particularly spacious but well-equipped and comfortable. Shibata immediately flopped onto his bed with a satisfied sigh, Kanzaki took out a book and read quietly, and Hamaguchi organized his luggage. Kuki leaned back on his bed, closing his eyes to rest.

After an unknown amount of time, a clear, gentle broadcast voice, transmitted through speakers installed in every corner, spread throughout the entire ship:

"--Attention to all students. If you have time, please gather on the deck. We will soon be seeing an island. You will likely witness a very meaningful sight within a short period."

The broadcast repeated once and then stopped.

A meaningful sight? The phrasing felt jarring and thought-provoking amidst the vacation atmosphere. Kuki opened his eyes, a flicker of doubt passing through his ink-black pupils. Shibata and Hamaguchi stopped what they were doing. Kanzaki also looked up from his book, exchanging questioning glances with the others.

"Let's go check it out too!" Kanzaki closed his book and suggested.

"Yeah! I've rested enough!" Shibata immediately bounced up from the bed.

Kuki also stood up, straightened his clothes, and left the cabin with Kanzaki, Shibata, and Hamaguchi.

When they arrived on the deck, a crowd of students who had heard the announcement had already gathered, from various classes. Everyone's faces showed curiosity and anticipation as they buzzed with discussion. Most of Class B had also gathered near the bow. Ichinose Honami was standing at the edge of the crowd. When she saw Kuki's group approaching, she immediately stood on tiptoe and waved vigorously at them, her face lit with an excited smile. "Kuki-kun! Kanzaki-kun! Over here!"

Kuki silently walked over and stood beside Ichinose.

"What kind of island could it be? It sounds so mysterious!" Ichinose looked ahead at the vast sea with eager anticipation.

Just then, a wave of exclamations rose from the deck.

"Look! Over there!"

"It's an island! It's huge!"

"It really appeared!"

Everyone's gaze turned toward the direction the ship was heading. On the distant horizon, a vague outline began to emerge, rapidly growing larger and clearer as the ship approached.

It was an island.

An island spanning about 0.5 square kilometers! Lush greenery covered most of it—dense, almost primeval tropical jungle, bursting with vitality yet carrying a hint of unknown mystery. Steep, rugged peaks rose abruptly from the island, appearing towering and perilous. Most striking of all was the dazzlingly white, fine sand beach encircling the entire island. Under the sunlight, it gleamed like a brilliant diamond necklace set between the azure sea and the deep green jungle. The whole island resembled a giant treasure of emerald and diamond embedded in blue velvet, radiating a raw, magnificent beauty.

"Wow--! So beautiful!" Ichinose couldn't help but exclaim, gripping the railing and leaning forward slightly, her eyes filled with awe.

"Indeed... an impressive scale." Kanzaki Ryuji adjusted his glasses, his tone carrying a hint of gravity.

"That beach... amazing! I want to go down and step on it!" Shibata's focus was entirely different.

When the island reached a perfect viewing distance, the massive cruise ship adjusted its course and began to slowly circle the mysterious island, seemingly to allow the students to appreciate its full panorama from all angles.

"It's so big... feels like a little kingdom."

"This forest is way too dense, isn't it? Feels like you'd get lost walking in there..."

"Look at those mountains, so steep!"

"The beach is gorgeous! I wonder if we'll get a chance to go play on it?"

Class B's students couldn't help but discuss among themselves, marveling at the island's scale and pristine appearance. Ichinose even pulled out her terminal and started taking photos of the island nonstop, trying to capture the spectacular sight.

Kuki stood silently, watching this island that looked so beautiful and bountiful under the sun, yet so wild and untamed. The sea breeze ruffled his clothes. His deep gaze calmly swept over the dense jungle covering the island like an emerald crown, the steep, perilous peaks, and the diamond-like beach that might conceal unknown dangers. Faced with this unfamiliar environment, he instinctively began to memorize some of the more prominent terrain features. The luxurious cruise ship's vacation atmosphere remained.

A meaningful sight... was it?

This abruptly appearing massive island, along with that suggestive broadcast, clearly outlined a conclusion in his mind.

It seemed that this vacation, called the "luxury cruise ship trip," had its true destination—or rather, a special exam—about to begin on this seemingly paradisiacal island.