The Night Before the Exam

After school on Friday, Class D's classroom was piled high with various supplies. Waterproof cloth, sleeping bags, first aid kits, tool kits... All the purchased items were neatly arranged according to the checklist.

Hirata Yousuke and Kushida Kikyo were doing a final inventory. Hirata's blond hair glowed with a warm luster in the sunset, his focus sharp as he checked off each item on the list; Kushida carefully inspected the quality of every piece, her shoulder-length short hair swaying gently with her movements, a gentle smile always on her face.

"Twenty sleeping bags, confirmed." Hirata checked the list.

"First aid kit fully stocked, confirmed." Kushida nodded.

In another corner of the classroom, Horikita Suzune and Yukimura Teruhiko were discussing tactics. Horikita's black long straight hair hung over her shoulders, her brow slightly furrowed as her pale fingers traced across the map; Yukimura pushed up his glasses, his gaze behind the lenses focused and sharp.

"If the exam location is an island, we need to prioritize finding a freshwater source," Yukimura said.

"And we also need to consider the campsite location—close to resources, but easy to defend," Horikita added.

Hanyu Xiuyi stood at the podium, watching it all. The remnants of sunset spilled through the windows into the classroom, gilding everyone's outlines in gold. At this moment, Class D truly looked like a team.

"Hanyu." Hirata walked over. "Supplies inventory complete. All items match the checklist. Total cost: 498,000 points. We have 2,000 points left as backup."

"Good." Hanyu Xiuyi nodded. "Use the remaining points to buy some emergency candy and chocolate. They can replenish energy in a pinch."

"Understood."

Just then, the classroom door slid open, and Ayanokoji Kiyonaga walked in. He was still in his neatly pressed uniform, his expression flat, those emotionless eyes sweeping across the supplies in the room.

"Ayanokoji, perfect timing." Hanyu Xiuyi said. "We're discussing personnel assignments and wanted your input."

Ayanokoji walked over to the whiteboard, where a preliminary division of roles was already written:

Command Group: Hanyu Xiuyi (General Commander), Horikita Suzune (Deputy Commander) Reconnaissance Team: Sudo Ken (Team Leader), Matsushita Chiaki, Sotomura Hideo Resource Team: Hasebe Haruka (Team Leader), Kushida Kikyo, a few girls Support Group: Hirata Yousuke (Team Leader), Yukimura Teruhiko, the rest of the boys Reserve Group: Ike Kanji, Yamauchi Haruki, and others

"The lineup is basically reasonable," Ayanokoji said. "But there are two problems."

"What problems?" Horikita Suzune asked.

"First, Kouenji Rokutaro hasn't been assigned a position." Ayanokoji pointed at the list. "Even if he doesn't participate in group activities, if we run into him during the exam, we need to consider how to interact with him."

"And the second?"

"Second, Karuizawa Kei and her friends." Ayanokoji looked toward the other side of the classroom, where Karuizawa was whispering with a few girls, her blond hair tied up in a high ponytail, looking energetic. "They have influence among the girls, but no clear role. If they feel sidelined, it could affect team morale."

Hanyu Xiuyi admitted Ayanokoji was right. "So what do you suggest?"

"Give Karuizawa an official position," Ayanokoji said. "Something like 'Morale Coordinator,' responsible for mediating internal conflicts and maintaining team atmosphere. That plays to her strengths and gives her a sense of belonging."

"Good idea," Hirata Yousuke agreed. "Karuizawa really is good at keeping the mood up."

"And what about Kouenji?" Yukimura asked.

"I suggest giving him the status of a 'Free Agent,'" Ayanokoji said. "Don't force him to follow orders, but if he's willing to help, assign him tasks suited to his personality—like exploring dangerous areas or completing special challenges."

Horikita Suzune frowned. "Won't that be too lenient?"

"But it's the only way we might win him over," Hanyu Xiuyi said. "Ayanokoji's suggestion makes sense. Kouenji isn't the type to be bound by rules. We need to handle him differently."

After discussion, the assignment plan was adjusted:

Morale Group: Karuizawa Kei (Team Leader), a few close girl friends Free Agent: Kouenji Rokutaro (Special Missions)

At seven in the evening, Hanyu Xiuyi met Ichinose Honami on the rooftop of the teaching building. The evening breeze stirred her pale pink long hair as she stood by the railing, her back view slender and resolute in the twilight.

"Ichinose, thank you for coming."

Ichinose turned around, revealing a warm smile. "Hanyu, what did you want to talk about?"

"About the special exam," Hanyu Xiuyi cut straight to the point. "I've heard that Class C might target us, Class D, during the exam. So I wanted to ask if Class B would be interested in forming a tactical alliance."

Ichinose's smile faded slightly as she thought seriously. "A tactical alliance... what exactly does that mean?"

"Information sharing, mutual support when necessary," Hanyu Xiuyi said. "We're not asking Class B to take risks for us. Just that when facing Class C's malicious attacks, we have an ally we can trust."

Ichinose didn't answer immediately. She gazed into the distance across the campus, silent for a long time.

"Hanyu, can I ask you a question?" she finally spoke.

"Go ahead."

"Why are you working so hard to elevate Class D? I've heard you already have five million points. Even if Class D stays in last place, your personal life wouldn't be affected."

That was a profound question. Hanyu Xiuyi thought for a moment and answered honestly: "Because I believe true strength isn't just personal ability—it also includes the ability to lead others forward. If I can succeed in the worst class, that's real power."

Ichinose's eyes lit up. She turned fully and looked seriously at Hanyu Xiuyi. "I understand. Then, on behalf of Class B, I accept your proposal—during the special exam, we can share basic intelligence and help each other within the rules."

"Thank you, Ichinose."

"But," Ichinose added, "two things need to be clear. First, if Class B's interests conflict with the alliance, I'll prioritize my own class. Second, the alliance is only valid for this exam. We'll discuss it again afterward."

"Fair enough." Hanyu Xiuyi extended his hand.

Ichinose grasped his hand. Her hand was very small, but her grip was firm.

"Also, I have some information to tell you." Ichinose lowered her voice. "Class C's Ryuen is definitely planning something. Yesterday I saw him secretly talking with several senior students, including Class 3-C's Ito—that person has a terrible reputation."

"Do you know the specifics?"

"Not clearly, but I heard the words 'rule loophole' and 'elimination mechanism'." Ichinose said worriedly. "Be careful. Ryuen's methods can be extreme."

"Thanks for the warning. I'll be careful."

After the two parted ways, Hanyu Xiuyi stood on the rooftop, watching the night scenery gradually envelop the campus. The teaching building in the distance was brightly lit, and through the library windows he could still see figures of diligent students.

This school was like a miniature society, where everyone strove for their own goals. Some wanted to climb up, some wanted to hold their position, some wanted to change the rules.

And now, he had a preliminary alliance, a team taking shape, and a clear enemy.

Everything from here on would be decided in the special exam.

When he returned to the dormitory, it was already nine in the evening. As soon as Hanyu Xiuyi opened the door, he saw a note on the ground.

"Tonight at ten, behind the gymnasium. Come alone. —The Informer"

No signature, and the handwriting was very ordinary. Hanyu Xiuyi stared at the note for a few seconds, then decided to go.

At exactly ten o'clock, he arrived at the back door of the gymnasium on time. The place was remote, with only a few dim streetlights. A figure stepped out from the shadows—it was Ayanokoji Kiyonaga.

"You?" Hanyu Xiuyi was somewhat surprised. "Why meet like this?"

"Because some things aren't suitable to say in public." Ayanokoji's voice was very calm. "About tomorrow's special exam, I have an important discovery."

"What discovery?"

"I analyzed all the clauses in the student handbook regarding the special exam." Ayanokoji said. "I found a rule that might be overlooked—the 'Personal Waiver Clause'."

Hanyu Xiuyi frowned. "What does that mean?"

"The rules say that if a student cannot participate in the exam for some reason, they need to apply in advance." Ayanokoji explained. "But if they withdraw 'for a legitimate reason' during the exam, that student's personal points will be deducted, but it won't affect the class's total score."

"So?"

"So, if someone wants to target you, they might use this rule." Ayanokoji said seriously. "For example, causing an accident to injure you, forcing you to withdraw from the exam. This would both weaken Class D and make you lose personal points."

This speculation was bold, but considering Ryuen's style, it wasn't impossible.

"What do you suggest?"

"I suggest you don't act alone the whole time." Ayanokoji said. "At least have someone with you. Also, be careful with food and water—don't accept anything from unknown sources."

"Understood. Thanks for the reminder."

"One more thing." Ayanokoji paused. "I've noticed that you've been systematically observing everyone in the class lately. That's a good strategy, but be careful—not everyone wants to be observed."

Hanyu Xiuyi looked at him. "Including you?"

Ayanokoji was silent for a few seconds. "I'm just an ordinary student. There's nothing worth observing."

But when he said this, a barely perceptible flicker passed through his eyes. Hanyu Xiuyi caught this detail but didn't press further.

"Anyway, thank you for your help," he said.

"You're welcome." Ayanokoji turned to leave, then stopped. "Hanyu, starting tomorrow, everything will be different. Be prepared."

With that, he disappeared into the night.

Hanyu Xiuyi stood there, pondering Ayanokoji's words. This seemingly ordinary classmate always provided key information when he needed it. Was it coincidence, or deliberate?

Either way, now wasn't the time to dwell on it.

Tomorrow, the special exam officially began.

Five days would decide Class D's fate for the next few months.

He took a deep breath and walked back to the dormitory.

All the preparations were made, all the allies he could win over were won, all the risks he could prevent were considered.

What remained was to adapt on the fly during the exam.

Back in his room, Hanyu Xiuyi did a final check of his equipment: multifunctional backpack, water bottle, emergency medicine, flashlight, spare clothes...

Everything was ready.

He sat on the edge of his bed, closed his eyes, and reviewed all the plans, all the divisions of labor, all the possible scenarios in his mind.

Like a general before a great battle, he needed to keep a clear head.

Outside the window, the moon had risen to its zenith. The campus fell asleep, awaiting the arrival of tomorrow.

And tomorrow, everything would change.

Hanyu Xiuyi opened his eyes, a resolute light shining within them.