Three Rounds of Duel

The challenge platform in the valley stood before them, with students from both classes split on either side. The tension in the forest was thick enough to wring water from, and even the birdsong had vanished, leaving only the rustle of wind through the leaves.

Ryuen Sho stood at the front of Class C's formation, a signature dangerous smile plastered on his face. Behind him stood two intimidating students—one was the burly Ishizaki Daichi, and the other was Ibuki Mio, whose eyes were dark and brooding.

"The rules are simple," Ryuen raised his voice, ensuring everyone could hear. "Three rounds, one event per round, best of three. The winner takes all the supplies on the challenge platform; the loser returns empty-handed. Each side picks one event, and the third is decided by lottery."

Hanyu Xiuyi stood at the front of Class D's formation, his expression calm but his gaze sharp. Behind him, Sudo Ken clenched his fists, Horikita Suzune wore a cold face, and Ayanokoji Kiyonaga remained as expressionless as ever.

"Fine," Hanyu nodded. "But we demand that all events be confirmed before the match begins. To prevent anyone from changing their mind on the spot."

"Sure," Ryuen shrugged. "Then Class C picks first—first round, fighting match. Hand-to-hand combat. A fall or surrender means defeat. Strikes to vital points are forbidden."

This choice was expected. Ryuen knew Sudo Ken was Class D's strongest fighter, and he wanted to establish momentum in the first round.

"Then Class D picks the second round," Hanyu said. "We choose a knowledge quiz. Scope includes wilderness survival common sense, mathematical logic, history, and geography. Each side contributes five questions for the other to answer."

Ryuen's face darkened slightly. This was clearly targeting Class C's weakness—their class generally had poor academic performance.

"The third round is decided by lottery," Hanyu continued. "I suggest drawing from three options: 'Teamwork Challenge,' 'Direction Recognition Competition,' and 'Food Gathering Competition.'"

Ryuen thought for a few seconds, then finally nodded. "Fine. It's settled."

The match officially began.

First round: Fighting match.

Class C sent out Ishizaki Daichi, a student over 180 centimeters tall with well-developed muscles. He stepped onto the challenge platform, cracking his wrists with a series of pops.

"Class D, who's coming to die?" he shouted arrogantly.

Sudo Ken was about to step forward, but Hanyu stopped him. "Sudo, be careful. Ishizaki has the advantage in build. Don't force a direct confrontation."

"I know," Sudo grinned. "But I'm not losing."

He stepped onto the challenge platform, his red hair blazing like flames under the sunlight. The two stood facing each other, and the referee—one appointed from each side—announced the start.

Ishizaki Daichi attacked first. His movements were straightforward—a heavy punch straight at Sudo's face. Sudo sidestepped to dodge, simultaneously sweeping a leg at the opponent's lower body.

But Ishizaki reacted quickly, jumping to evade the sweep and landing with an elbow strike aimed at Sudo's shoulder. Sudo blocked, his arm going numb from the impact.

"This guy's got serious strength..." Sudo gritted his teeth.

On the platform, the two exchanged blows, while everyone below held their breath. Karuizawa Kei nervously gripped Kushida Kikyo's hand, and Sakura Airi hid behind the crowd, only daring to peek through her fingers.

Hanyu Xiuyi watched the fight intently. He noticed that while Ishizaki had the advantage in power, his movements were stiff and lacked variety. Sudo, though weaker in strength, was more agile and had richer combat techniques.

"Sudo, attack his left side!" Hanyu suddenly shouted. "He has an injury on his left shoulder!"

Sudo was startled but immediately followed the instruction. Sure enough, when the attacks focused on the left, Ishizaki's defense weakened noticeably, and his movements slowed.

"How did you know?" Horikita asked in a low voice.

"When he came on stage and moved his shoulders, the left side was clearly less flexible than the right," Hanyu said. "And during that elbow strike just now, he instinctively favored the right."

That was a sharp observation. Horikita looked at Hanyu, a hint of approval in her eyes.

On the platform, Sudo seized the opportunity. A precise hook punch landed on Ishizaki's left ribs. Ishizaki grunted, his movements faltering. Sudo didn't let the chance slip—he followed up with a shoulder throw, slamming Ishizaki heavily onto the ground.

"One, two, three..." the referee began counting.

Ishizaki struggled to get up, but the pain in his left shoulder left him powerless.

"...Ten! First round, Class D wins!"

Class D erupted in cheers. When Sudo Ken came down, though he had sustained some minor injuries, his face was full of victorious joy.

"Well done!" Hirata Yousuke patted him on the shoulder.

"Thanks to Hanyu's reminder," Sudo said, rare in his modesty.

Second round: Knowledge quiz.

Class C sent out Ibuki Mio—that girl with the dark eyes. On Class D's side, Yukimura Teruhiko adjusted his glasses and stepped onto the challenge platform.

"Rules for the questions," the referee announced. "Each side contributes five questions for the other to answer. One point for a correct answer, none for a wrong one. The higher total score wins."

Ibuki Mio asked first: "First question: In the wild, how do you quickly determine if a water source is safe to drink?"

Yukimura Teruhiko answered without hesitation: "First, observe the water's clarity. Then check the surroundings for animal droppings or carcasses. Finally, use a simple test—like adding a small amount of potassium permanganate; if the color fades rapidly, it indicates high organic content. But the safest method is still to boil it."

"Correct. Second question: Without modern tools, how do you measure the height of a tree?"

"Use the principle of similar triangles. Find a stick of known length, stand it vertically in the ground, measure the shadow lengths of both the stick and the tree, and calculate the proportion."

"Correct..."

After five questions, Yukimura answered all correctly. When it was Class D's turn to ask, Hanyu Xiuyi stepped up himself.

"First question: In uninhabited island survival, if you could only bring three tools, what would you choose and why?"

Ibuki Mio thought for a few seconds. "Multi-tool knife, flint, waterproof cloth. The knife can make tools and for self-defense, the flint for starting fires, and the waterproof cloth for building shelter and collecting rainwater."

"Basically correct, but it could be more specific—I would choose a high-quality multi-tool knife, a magnesium alloy flint, and military-grade waterproof cloth. Because these are more reliable in critical moments."

That was a very professional answer. Ibuki Mio's expression soured.

For the remaining questions, Ibuki answered three correctly and missed two. Final score: Yukimura Teruhiko 5 points, Ibuki Mio 3 points.

"Second round, Class D wins!"

Class D cheered once more. They had already won two rounds, so even losing the third wouldn't matter. But Hanyu Xiuyi knew things wouldn't be that simple.

Sure enough, Ryuen's face was dark enough to drip water. He walked to the center of the challenge platform and announced, "The third round proceeds as scheduled. We'll draw lots."

Three slips of paper sat in the lottery tube. Ryuen drew one and unfolded it: "Teamwork Challenge—'Cross the Obstacles.' Each side sends five people to form a team and complete the designated obstacle course in the shortest time."

This event favored Class D. After two days of running in, Class D's teamwork had noticeably improved.

But Ryuen's next words stunned everyone: "However, I'm modifying the rules—the outcome of the third round decides ownership of all supplies. In other words, if Class C wins the third round, the results of the first two rounds are void, and all supplies go to us."

"That's unfair!" Hirata Yousuke protested.

"The rules don't say modifications aren't allowed." Ryuen sneered. "Of course, you can refuse. But then I'll report to the school that you chickened out. The consequences... you know them yourselves."

This was blatant intimidation. Hanyu Xiuyi looked at Ryuen, knowing the man was cornered and starting to play dirty.

"We accept," Hanyu said calmly. "But on one condition—if we win the third round, Class C not only hands over the supplies on the challenge platform but also pays an additional 500,000 Points as compensation."

Ryuen's expression shifted: "On what grounds?"

"On the grounds of your unreasonable demand just now," Hanyu said. "Either accept this condition, or we stick to the original rules—we've already won two rounds, so the supplies are ours by right."

The two locked eyes, sparks practically crackling in the air. Finally, Ryuen gritted his teeth and nodded: "Fine! But if we win, your Class D pays 1,000,000 Points!"

"Deal."

The stakes had escalated. This showdown was no longer just about supplies; it was a high-stakes gamble involving massive points.

On Class D's side, the students were tense. 1,000,000 Points—that was nearly a month's worth of Class Points for the entire class.

"Hanyu, that's too risky..." Hirata said worriedly.

"Sometimes you have to take risks," Hanyu said. "And we have a chance to win."

He quickly selected a five-person team: Sudo Ken, Yukimura Teruhiko, Kushida Kikyo, Ayanokoji Kiyonaga, and Matsushita Chiaki.

Class C also picked five: Ishizaki Daichi, Ibuki Mio, two other burly-looking boys, and Ryuen himself.

The obstacle course was set up in a relatively open forest clearing. It included a rope net to climb, a single plank bridge to balance across, a section requiring teamwork to haul heavy objects, and a gate that needed a riddle to open.

The referee announced the rules: "Both teams start simultaneously. Complete all obstacles and return to the starting point. The team with the shorter time wins. If you fall or fail midway, you must restart that obstacle from the beginning. Now—begin!"

Both teams charged out at the same time.

The first obstacle was the rope net climb. Sudo Ken and Ishizaki Daichi reached the top almost simultaneously, but Sudo was faster descending. Yukimura Teruhiko directed from below: "Sudo, move three steps left! The support is steadier there!"

The second obstacle was the single plank bridge. Class C's Ibuki Mio had excellent balance and passed easily. On Class D's side, Matsushita Chiaki walked steadily too, but Kushida Kikyo nearly fell, saved only by Ayanokoji steadying her from behind.

"Thanks..." Kushida's cheeks flushed slightly.

"Careful," Ayanokoji said flatly.

The third obstacle was the team haul. All five had to work together to move a heavy log across a muddy section. Here, Class D's advantage showed—under Yukimura's direction, the five divided tasks clearly and coordinated smoothly. Class C, though individually stronger, lacked cohesion and nearly dropped the log into the mud several times.

"Lift the left side higher!" Yukimura shouted. "Matsushita, watch your footing!"

"Got it!"

The final obstacle was the riddle gate. A simple logic puzzle was mounted on it, requiring the correct answer to open.

"Listen up," Yukimura read quickly. "'I have a key but can't open the door. I have no key but can open the door. What am I?'"

Everyone fell into thought. Class C was also debating heatedly.

"A combination lock?" Sudo guessed.

"No..." Yukimura frowned.

Then Ayanokoji Kiyonaga spoke: "The answer is 'locksmith.'"

Everyone was stunned. Ayanokoji explained: "A locksmith has keys but can't open the door, and without keys, he can open it."

"Try it!" Hanyu urged.

Yukimura typed "locksmith" in Japanese on the gate's keypad. The gate swung open.

Class D's five crossed the finish line at 23 minutes and 17 seconds.

Ten seconds later, Class C finished at 23 minutes and 49 seconds.

"Third round, Class D wins!" the referee announced.

Class D erupted in deafening cheers. Students rushed to embrace the five-person team, and even the usually aloof Horikita Suzune showed a rare smile.

Ryuen's face was ashen. He stared at Hanyu Xiuyi, his eyes full of fury and resentment.

"As agreed," Hanyu said calmly, "all supplies on the challenge platform go to Class D, and Class C pays 500,000 Points."

"I'll pay," Ryuen gritted out. "But this isn't over, Hanyu Xiuyi. We'll see."

He led Class C away in disgrace.

Class D's students began inventorying their spoils. The supplies on the challenge platform were abundant: three high-grade tents, a complete set of fishing gear, a large amount of compressed food, a professional medical kit, and—most pleasantly surprising—a solar charger and a satellite phone.

"This is incredibly useful!" Yukimura Teruhiko said excitedly. "With the satellite phone, we can contact the school. The solar charger can power the walkie-talkies and flashlights!"

"The food is enough for several days too," Hasebe Haruka said, checking the food crate.

Hanyu Xiuyi looked at these supplies, but a trace of unease lingered in his heart. Winning too smoothly didn't feel like Ryuen's style. That man surely had another move.

But now, the time for celebration had arrived.

"Everyone," Hirata Yousuke said loudly, "today we proved Class D's strength! We united as one and defeated a powerful opponent! Let's keep up the effort and win this Special Exam!"

"Yeah!" the group responded in unison.

The sun set in the west, its golden afterglow spilling across the valley. The students of Class D, carrying their spoils, set off on the road back to camp.

Hanyu Xiuyi walked at the tail end of the line, glancing back at the valley behind him. The forest appeared mysterious and deep in the twilight, as if hiding more unknown challenges.

"Thinking about Ryuen?" Ayanokoji Kiyonaga walked up beside him.

"Yeah." Hanyu nodded. "He lost too cleanly. It's not like him."

"True," Ayanokoji said. "But at least we won today. And through this clash, the class's cohesion has grown stronger."

That was true. Hanyu looked ahead at the line of students—they were chatting and laughing, helping each other carry supplies. Even the most reclusive few had blended into the group.

"Maybe that's the real gain," Hanyu said. "Not just the supplies and points, but something more important."