A Little Warmth at Camp / Ichinose Wants to Call Him by His First Name

"..."

After a moment of silence, Katsuragi Kohei finally nodded. Although he really wanted to kick all three of them out, the risk of doing so was too high.

As a key figure in Class A, Hashiba Hikaru has left a deep impression on him, and it seems that people from Sakayanagi's side often mention this name, so he must not leave any leverage when dealing with her.

If they were to be driven out by force, it would leave too many hidden dangers, which is not in line with Katsuragi's usual style. That's why he chose to agree to the request.

"You can check the equipment at the base, but only one person can go at a time."

"Can."

After Katsuragi Kohei agreed, Hashiba Hikaru spoke briefly with the two girls behind her, and they both agreed to let the boy go alone.

However, as Hashiba Hikaru started walking towards the innermost camp, two boys immediately followed him, presumably Katsuragi Faction to monitor him.

After walking for a while, a white metal rod suddenly appeared in front of Hashiba Hikaru, with a digital screen embedded at the top, displaying several lines of different text information.

It includes information about the outposts and operational precautions. The timer at the top displays a countdown, which is likely to show the eight-hour outpost cycle.

"This stronghold is occupied by: Class B."

"You see clearly now, can we go?" the boy behind me urged.

"Of course, I'm a very rule-abiding person."

After withdrawing his probing gaze, Hashiba Hikaru decisively returned the way he came. However, just as he approached Katsuragi, the boy suddenly muttered to himself in a voice that everyone could hear.

"Seriously, so the equipment really doesn't leave any information about the leader at all? What a boring setting."

"!"

Upon hearing this, Katsuragi Kohei's expression changed slightly. He seemed to subconsciously glance in a certain direction, a slight movement that naturally did not escape the notice of those who were paying attention.

"Hehe."

Hashiba Hikaru smiled slightly, then strolled back to Ichinose Honami and Ando Sayo as if nothing had happened.

Chapter 151 A Small Warmth in the Camp

"Thank you for your Katsuragi. This is exactly the kind of demeanor a class leader should have."

After getting the answer she wanted, Hashiba Hikaru smiled and struck up a conversation with Katsuragi Kohei.

"You'd better leave quickly, you're not welcome here." Katsuragi Kohei ignored the boy's praise and coldly dismissed the three of them.

"Alright, let's go then."

Led by Hashiba Hikaru, the two girls quickly emerged from the cave. Although they were both curious about the instrument the boy had just seen, they chose not to ask any questions at this moment, as leaving quickly was the best decision.

After the three figures had completely disappeared, Totsuka Yahiko walked up to Katsuragi Kohei and explained somewhat awkwardly, "Sorry, Katsuragi, I just lost my composure..."

"I hope you truly realize your mistake and will never repeat it!"

Katsuragi Kohei's tone was quite stern as he reprimanded Totsuka Yahiko: "From now on, until the exams are over, if anyone from other classes comes to spy on our base, you are not allowed to speak to them first, understand?"

"I understand, and I don't think I'll make the same mistake again."

Totsuka Yahiko's expression of determination was quite earnest, but no one could truly know just how far he would go.

The trio from Class A stopped quite a distance from the cave entrance. They were both surprised to see the smile suddenly appear on the boy's face. Ichinose Honami and Ando Sayo both taken aback.

"How are you? Why are you so happy, Classmate Hashiba?"

"Because we gained so much from this trip."

Hashiba Hikaru smiled and said to the two girls, "Actually, when we saw Katsuragi Kohei at the cave entrance just now, we couldn't tell whether he was really the leader or not. But the thing I said on purpose just now actually made him give himself away."

"Really?" Ando Sayo's little face showed a very expectant look as she stared straight at the boy's face.

"Was it that last soliloquy that Classmate Hashiba deliberately said? I thought there must be some deeper meaning behind it." A smile appeared on Ichinose Honami's lips.

"That's right, that's exactly what I meant."

Hashiba Hikaru glanced back at the cave entrance, which was now quite far from them, and explained to the two, "Although we saw Katsuragi Kohei at the entrance and the Key Card he was holding, that can't be used as a basis for our judgment because we didn't see the name on it."

"So I suspect that since he took the initiative to do this, it might be intentional," the boy paused, then continued, "But my probing question just now made him almost instinctively glance at a classmate next to him."

"And this student just happened to appear at the cave entrance at the same time as Katsuragi. If they were inseparable in order to protect the Key Card, then the answer is obvious."

"I know, it's Totsuka, right?"

After thinking for Ichinose Honami quickly came to her own answer.

"I see, I think I understand what Katsuragi means. Put the leader by your side and then make yourself the main target to attract everyone else's attention, right?" Ando Sayo followed the group's train of thought, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Yes, the leader of Class B is Totsuka Yahiko."

Hashiba Hikaru made the final judgment, after all, he had seen the scene very carefully. When he took the initiative to mention the word "leader", Katsuragi almost subconsciously glanced to the side, and there was only Totsuka Yahiko in that direction.

Human instincts don't lie; in order to confirm the state of his class leader, he immediately revealed this fact.

"In that case, wouldn't we have gained a tremendous advantage? As expected of Classmate Hashiba, your mind is truly sharp."

"Yes, I think so too."

The pink-haired girl gazed intently at Hashiba Hikaru's profile, her eyes filled with an unchanging affection.

"It was just luck. Let's hurry back to camp. We can do a debriefing with the remaining two groups tonight and formulate a follow-up action plan."

The trio retraced their steps, and having already traversed the route once, they were much faster, returning to Class A's camp in no time.

"It's Classmate Hashiba!"

"And Ichinose and Ando -san, you're back!"

Upon seeing the familiar figures, the students remaining at the camp immediately gathered around, their faces filled with anticipation, eager to hear if they had obtained any important information.

"Where are the other two groups?" Hashiba Hikaru's gaze swept across the campsite.

"Kanzaki are back, but it seems they've gone out to collect supplies again," explained one of the students standing nearby. "Shibata and the others haven't returned yet."

"I see."

The boy nodded, glanced at the time on his watch, and then at the brightness of the sky.

Since it's summer, it won't get dark until around 7 or 8 pm. There's still some time before roll call, so we can make full use of it.

"Well then, did anyone collect any herbs or plants today? I'll identify them; they might come in handy."

He decided to make full use of the [Wilderness Survival (Master)] skill he had previously acquired. Whether it was for disease prevention or to test food safety, it would ensure that his classmates received more resources, which was a crucial way to save exam points.

"Yes, it's over there. Come with me, Classmate Hashiba."

"Um."

While the boy was carefully examining the herbs his classmates had dug up from the forest, Ichinose Honami and Ando Sayo were also busy. Everyone was actively contributing their efforts to serve the class, which is what a united group should do when facing exams.

After roll call in the evening, some students were assigned to smoke the insect repellent herbs that Hashiba Hikaru had just prepared. This would leave a pleasant fragrance in the campsite and reduce the chances of mosquitoes getting close.

Because a stream flows through the campsite, everyone had already set up temporary washing stations. The boys and girls maintained an orderly routine to clean themselves, while others were cleaning kitchen utensils or organizing and counting the supplies they had acquired that day.

Hashiba Hikaru sat on a small hill behind the camp, gazing at the scenery below. He had just spoken with the other two members who had gone out to find a base and formulated a plan of action for tomorrow.

"Classmate Hashiba?"

Just as the boy was relaxing, a very familiar scent wafted from behind him—it was Ichinose Honami.

The other person seemed to have already taken a shower and was walking behind Hashiba Hikaru, wearing only a thin short-sleeved shirt. Since it was night, the campfire in the camp could only illuminate part of her face, but it did not diminish the girl's beauty in the slightest.

"What's wrong?" Hashiba Hikaru asked softly.

"I'd like to chat with Classmate Hashiba, is that alright?" the girl asked softly.

"Of course, but..."

Just after Hashiba Hikaru said "yes," Ichinose Honami quickly sat down next to the boy and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Uh... so this is how you chat?"

"Yes, I have a lot to say to Classmate Hashiba, is that alright?" The pink-haired girl blinked her still bright eyes and stared intently at Hashiba Hikaru's face.

"..."

"Alright."

Even if they're clueless about romance, being in this unfamiliar wilderness environment, perhaps they can offer each other a little warmth.

Hashiba Hikaru moved slightly closer to Ichinose Honami, allowing her to lean on her more comfortably, and said gently, "Let's chat then, Ichinose."

"Uh-huh."

May Summary and Review

Hello everyone, this is the author.

May has come to an end. I updated every day this month without taking any leave, and I updated a total of about 170,000 words, which can be considered as fulfilling my promise from last month.

About the post-mortem analysis.

I read every single comment and post. I can accept discussions about the plot or complaints, but I still hope you won't use profanity.

During this period, the opinions that readers have been focusing on can be roughly divided into two parts.

The first point is to make purchasing stamina the main direction for the male protagonist's improvement. My idea is actually very simple: the male protagonist doesn't know what Special Exam will happen later, so he won't buy most skills unless there is an urgent need. Improving his stamina from being useless to having excellent stamina in a short period of time is his initial choice.

I apologize if I failed to think things through properly, as I may have left you speechless or annoyed.

Secondly, regarding the slow pace of the plot, my plan is to allocate time for each female lead's storyline. The distance they spend together and the development of their romantic relationships all require a process; they can't fall in love with the male lead immediately.

Perhaps the descriptions are not detailed enough, which makes it seem a bit too long. I will gradually speed things up, so please forgive me.

Regarding the follow-up.

After two months, although the book has suffered a significant drop in subscriptions, I believe that as long as there are still people reading it, it will not be discontinued.

I've recently noticed that many similar books have been abandoned. Some friends have suggested that if my book's ratings are too low, I should just stop reading and there's no need to keep going.

But as I said before, this is my first book to be published. Whether you choose to keep reading or abandon it is your prerogative. If I'm not capable enough to keep you reading, I'll work on it slowly.

The key is to write a complete book to give myself confidence, so I will continue writing.

Tomorrow is Children's Day, wishing everyone a happy holiday.

Thank you to all the readers who have supported us.

Love you all.

Chapter 152 Ichinose Who Wants to Call Me By Name

Inside Class A's camp, the students had already completed their basic tasks for the day.

After lighting the campfire and cleaning themselves, the students didn't immediately go into their tents to rest. Having experienced the sudden and unexpected Special Exam, everyone had a lot to say to each other, so they formed small circles and chatted animatedly.

There are no strict rules in the handbook about when it's time to sleep, so it all depends on everyone's self-discipline. Besides, the class leader and key figures aren't here right now, so everyone just wants to play a little longer.

At this moment, on the hillside behind the camp, Hashiba Hikaru and Ichinose Honami were snuggling together. The girl placed her small hand in his, and the two spoke in very soft tones, their voices not loud.

"Does Classmate Hashiba really think we can achieve final victory this time?"

"I believe that as long as everyone is united, there is nothing we cannot achieve. Haven't we already earned the title of class leader?"

"Indeed."

Ichinose Honami squeezed the boy's large hand, her tone tinged with relief, "Although everyone was a little flustered at the beginning, they quickly calmed down under Classmate Hashiba's organization, and no one complained even while enduring various discomforts."

"So, I think it's really great to be assigned to this class."

Hashiba Hikaru gazed at the campsite below, faintly hearing the laughter of everyone. He had spent a semester with his classmates in Class A and had developed a strong sense of belonging to the group.

Although the students in Class A are not the strongest in terms of overall quality, they possess certain qualities that other classes lack: unity and a strong sense of trust in one another.

The boy had witnessed this several times before. Now, under his and Ichinose Honami's leadership, everyone had smoothly passed two major exams, and the Class Evaluation Points had stabilized above 1000 points.

The Point Collection Plan that was initially formulated has been progressing smoothly. After completing the initial rule sale to the three classes and the subsequent three months of Class Points collection, Ichinose Honami's Private Points are about to break the ten million mark.

Since the school organized this Cruise Ship trip during the summer vacation, everyone's idea was to collect points in August after returning to school, at which time the points should be able to successfully break through ten million.

If they can successfully collect 20 million Private Points, they can use them as a means of redemption should any students in the class face the risk of dropping out. After all, both Hashiba Hikaru Ichinose Honami want everyone in the class to survive.

"I think so too. It's really lucky to meet everyone here," Ichinose Honami said softly, her beautiful eyes gleaming with gentle light as she gazed at the boy's profile. "And... it's also great to meet Classmate Hashiba."