The cruise ship gradually slowed, finally dropping anchor in an open stretch of sea. Under the homeroom teachers' direction, the students of each class gathered on the deck once more.
Class A's homeroom teacher, Mashima Tomoya, stood on a hastily erected platform, his expression stern as he looked down at the students still immersed in their vacation fantasies.
"Everyone, the week-long special exam officially begins now."
His voice carried across the entire deck through the loudspeakers, instantly shattering the relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.
"For the next seven days, until noon on August 7th, you will live as a group by class on this uninhabited island. Where you sleep, what you eat—everything will have to be worked out by yourselves." Mashima's tone held no emotion whatsoever. "Incidentally, this exam was designed with reference to the induction training programs of major real-world corporations. It is highly practical and challenging."
"During the exam, no one may return to the cruise ship without a legitimate reason. At the outset, the school will provide each class with two tents, two flashlights, and a box of matches. Sunscreen will be available in unlimited quantities, and each person will receive one toothbrush. In addition, considering special circumstances, feminine hygiene products will also be supplied without limit. That concludes the basic outline of this exam."
Those words exploded among Class D like a bolt from the blue.
Ike Kanji's expression instantly crumbled from initial anticipation into despair.
"What kind of joke is this?! Surviving on a deserted island?!" His voice rose sharply with shock. "The school has no sense of fair play! They set us up! They ambushed us! Us weak little students! How can they spring something like this on us?!"
Mashima appeared to have expected such a reaction. He simply continued calmly, "We will not interfere