The Day Before the Exam Ends / The Exam Ends, and Ryūen's Ambitions
However, Horikita Suzune's situation is slightly different. Because this black-haired girl always maintains a cold and aloof demeanor, she rarely makes micro-expressions. Even if she makes some small movements, they are not enough to serve as conclusive evidence for making a judgment.
To ensure that one's guesses are absolutely correct, it is also necessary to broaden the scope of intelligence gathering.
Hashiba Hikaru decided to go to Class C's camp herself.
"Is Horikita- san the leader of Class C?" Ichinose Honami, expressing her doubts.
"The chances are high, but it's not 100% certain yet, so I'm going to Class C's base later."
"Really?"
"Yes, to ensure the results are accurate, this operation can only be carried out by me alone, and it may take some time."
Hashiba Hikaru considered the possible scenarios. The information she received from Shibata was that when Class C swiped cards at the base, they would form a human wall to block the line of sight, so if someone was lying in wait outside, it wouldn't be very clear who was inside.
Just because you can't see it from below doesn't mean you can't see it from above.
After mastering the [Wilderness Survival (Master)] skill, in addition to being able to make herbs and identify plants and animals, the most important thing is to strengthen Hashiba Hikaru's connection with the forest. In other words, she can do a better job of climbing trees and hiding.
"I see."
After understanding Hashiba Hikaru's thoughts, Ichinose Honami naturally expressed her support immediately. Although she was somewhat worried about the boy's situation, he was only one step away from the final name, and she believed that no one would give up.
"But there's no need to rush. The information that Shibata and the others have gathered is quite useful."
Hashiba Hikaru pondered, "Class C's most important base right now is that place with the stream, and we already know when it respawns."
"Based on the information gathered, the cards are swiped at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM, so we can deduce that there is another time: 2:30 AM."
"Is Classmate Hashiba going to stay up until dawn?"
"Of course not, that would be too much trouble, and the noise from moving around in a quiet environment at night would be more noticeable, so my goal is 6:30 in the evening."
"However, we definitely need to leave early, so let's prepare our items now. I might be staying in the tree for a while."
"In the tree... in the tree?" The pink-haired girl's pretty face immediately showed a look of great surprise.
"Yes, Ichinose, please wait at the camp. I need to make sure I get to the bottom of that last name."
--
It was past five in the afternoon when Hashiba Hikaru, carrying a small bag, moved quickly through the forest. He knew where Class C's campsite was, so he had to get there early.
He stopped immediately when he heard voices around him.
After observing the surroundings, the boy finally chose a rather tall and straight tree.
Climbing trees actually tests a person's flexibility and upper body strength. After her stamina was raised to 6 points, Hashiba Hikaru had become very proficient in controlling her body. With the [Wilderness Survival (Master)] skill she had obtained, climbing trees was basically no problem for her.
After about a minute or two, the boy successfully climbed to the top of the tree and was leaning against the trunk behind him, looking ahead.
The Class C camp was not far away. They were still quite relaxed preparing dinner, and neither the boys nor the girls showed any unusual behavior.
His target, the black-haired girl, seemed to be helping with the cooking; her expression was very calm.
After observing for a while, Hashiba Hikaru quieted down and waited for 6:30 to arrive.
When the time shown on the watch reached around 6:30, the camp of Class C began to stir. The boys started to hold hands and form a large circle, while the girls went inside, moving and forming a human wall as they went.
Hashiba Hikaru's eyes widened instantly, staring intently at her target.
Sure enough, Horikita Suzune was constantly moving among the girls, and the advantage of being on high ground was that she could see many things below more clearly.
Amidst the heavily shrouded figures, the boy finally saw Horikita Suzune's movements clearly.
She is reaching out to swipe her card.
"Hehe, it really is you, Horikita."
Hashiba Hikaru's lips curled into a smile; now she finally understood completely.
Chapter 168 The Day Before the Exam Ends
As the sun slowly sank below the horizon, Hashiba Hikaru climbed down from the towering tree. After finally seeing the answer he sought, he felt a long-lost sense of satisfaction.
This Special Exam shattered all students' expectations, bringing a completely new experience to everyone, from outdoor camping to the use of base stations and points.
Although Hashiba Hikaru had already secured the leadership positions for three classes, she couldn't completely relax until the very last moment when the scores were announced. After all, she still needed to ensure that no problems arose that could lead to a change in leadership.
With two days left, the camps and outposts of the other classes need to be kept under surveillance. The current objective is to maintain stability and eliminate the pressure of guessing names.
Roll call was scheduled for 8 p. m., so before carrying out his plan to survey the area from above, the boy had roughly calculated the time in his mind. He quickened his pace and ran towards the camp.
At this moment, in Class A's camp, everyone had lined up as usual, waiting for the second roll call of the day. However, because that very important person was missing from their sight, the students' expressions were more or less uneasy.
"Where are Ichinose and Classmate Hashiba?" someone asked quietly.
"Classmate Hashiba has gone to carry out an important plan; he should be back before roll call."
Ichinose Honami stared blankly at the camp entrance. Being absent from roll call would result in a 5-point deduction, but she was more worried about the other person's condition.
However, just as she was feeling a little anxious, the tall and slender figure of the young man finally appeared before everyone.
I'm not late, am I?
Hashiba Hikaru smiled as she walked toward her familiar classmates, then saw Ichinose Honami rush up to her, her beautiful eyes practically scrutinizing her from head to toe.
"I'm fine, so please don't worry, Ichinose."
"Okay, that's good."
After carefully observing the other person's expression and physical condition several times, the pink-haired girl finally felt relieved.
"It's 7:58 now, so please have Ichinose prepare for roll call. We'll have another small meeting tonight to explain the plan for the last two days," Hashiba Hikaru told her.
"I understand." Ichinose Honami nodded seriously.
The roll call ended quickly, and when the boy appeared in the camp, everyone felt as if they had found a pillar of support, and all their unease vanished instantly.
While the students in the class were cleaning up the campfire and tidying up the campsite, Hashiba Hikaru and several classmates that Ichinose Honami had brought came to the campsite again. This time, there were two more people than yesterday, with Beppu Ryota and Amikura Mako joining as newcomers.
"Now that everyone's here, I won't keep you in suspense any longer."
Hashiba Hikaru's gaze swept over the students in front of her, and she said with a light laugh, "Thanks to the efforts of everyone in our class, the names of the leaders for the remaining three classes have now been completely confirmed."
"Really?" Shibata's face lit up with joy, and he quickly asked, "Is the leader of Class C really the one that Classmate Hashiba guessed earlier?"
"Yes, I just confirmed it. We were able to obtain this information thanks to Shibata and the other students in your group who investigated the card-swiping time at Class C's base."
Looking at the cheerful boy, Hashiba Hikaru praised him, "After we return to school, we'll discuss everyone's contributions to this Special Exam. After all, it was agreed that students who performed exceptionally well in the Special Exam wouldn't have to pay half of their monthly Private Points."
"These are all minor problems as long as we achieve final victory."
Shibata waved his hand, appearing not to care too much. After all, if they could win this exam, Class A's Class Evaluation Points would increase significantly, and the amount of Private Points transferred in would also increase, far exceeding the initial expectations when the plan was established.
"In short, rewards will definitely be given based on merit at that time, so everyone shouldn't refuse too much."
After turning her gaze away from Shibata, Hashiba Hikaru continued speaking to the other classmates who had some influence in the class.
"Now that we have the names of all the class leaders, the remaining two days are quite simple."
"It means continuing to monitor the other classes' camps to ensure the students in leadership positions are in good health, preventing any changes in leadership before the exams end. This is also to ensure the names we submit in the final draft are correct."
"That way, we can get more points when the exam is over. Does everyone understand?"
"Yes, I will convey Classmate Hashiba's message."
"That's right, if everything goes smoothly, this should be a big harvest."
"The increased Class Evaluation Points will eventually be converted into Private Points, which is really exciting."
After receiving the tasks for the next two days, everyone had higher expectations for the exam results. After all, this was the first Special Exam, and everyone in the class wanted to do better.
It's not just about maintaining Lead ranking advantage, but also about accumulating real Private Points.
After the meeting, Ichinose Honami and Hashiba Hikaru stood side by side, gazing at the crackling campfire in front of them.
"Keeping everyone united from the start was definitely the best decision."
The girl's expression was gentle. This Uninhabited Island Special Exam was actually a great opportunity for everyone to grow, Ichinose Honami also gained a lot of insights.
"Yes, unity is the most fundamental condition for a group to unleash its full potential."
Hashiba Hikaru's tone was gentle; the smooth progress of the plan was inseparable from the cooperation of all the classmates.
"I'm sure that after this exam, everyone's relationship will get better and better."
"Yes, that's what I think too."
Ichinose Honami suddenly winked playfully, then leaned close to the boy's ear and whispered, "Like me and Hikaru?"
"Certainly."
Hashiba Hikaru nodded, now she just had to wait for the results to be announced in two days.
In the first Special Exam, which class will emerge victorious and rack up the most points?
Time flew by, and soon it was the night before the exams ended.
A discussion is being held at Class A's camp.
Ichinose Honami suggested that students spontaneously stand up and share their insights gained during the past few days of exams, or share the changes in their thinking during these days.
The activity was unanimously approved by all the students, and everyone was very enthusiastic in standing up to express their opinions, from self-awareness to the value and meaning they felt in group life. Even the rather timid Shiranami Chihiro bravely stood up to express her thoughts.
In this atmosphere, every student in Class A once again felt that it was wonderful to be assigned to this group. This is the constantly strengthened class cohesion, the cornerstone that enables them to exert their greatest strength.
Meanwhile, at Class B's base, Katsuragi Kohei was also holding a large meeting. Since they were to gather on the beach at noon the next day, he was conducting a final review and summary.
During these few days, since Sakayanagi didn't come, all the exam plans were made by Katsuragi. Although he was a conservative, he accepted Ryuen's offer to make a deal.
The idea proposed by the other party was not complicated. Katsuragi Kohei has always been a cautious person, and he tries to avoid taking risks if possible.
This transaction can maximize the savings on Class B's points and convert them into Class Evaluation Points to catch up with Class A ahead, thereby proving his ability and further recruiting members of the Sakayanagi Faction.
"In short, we captured three strongholds in this exam, and with virtually no points used, we should have more points left over in the end."
Katsuragi Kohei glanced at Totsuka Yahiko standing beside him and said to the other students in Class B, "Let's all look forward to tomorrow's results."
"I believe Katsuragi's plan is absolutely foolproof, and we will definitely be able to surpass Class A this time." Totsuka Yahiko's face showed excitement.
"Does anyone have any further questions?" Katsuragi shifted his gaze to the members of the Sakayanagi Faction.
"No, we're all looking forward to seeing Katsuragi prove his abilities."
The one who spoke was the blond boy, Hashimoto Masayoshi, who had passed on the information to Ryuen Kakeru. As a core member of the Sakayanagi Faction, he was quite looking forward to seeing what kind of expression the bald man would make when the results were announced at noon the next day.
After signing the cooperation agreement with Ryuen Kakeru, it is likely that there will be an even more severe backlash.
"Then please wait and see Hashimoto- kun."
Katsuragi Kohei glanced at him indifferently, then shut his mouth and said nothing more.
The atmosphere at Class C's camp was much more relaxed than in Class B.
After all, everyone knew that they could return to the Cruise Ship tomorrow and say goodbye to their life on this Uninhabited Island forever.
"It seems everyone is in a good mood today."
Hirata Yosuke's gaze swept across the classroom. As the class leader, he became much happier after seeing everyone's joyful expressions.
"Yes, after all, the exams end tomorrow. Seven days have gone by so fast." A touch of emotion appeared on Kushida Kikyo's pretty face. "I hope we don't guess the wrong name in the end."
After saying that, the short-haired girl's gaze immediately shifted to Horikita Suzune, who was standing to the side.
Class C now knows the names of the leaders of two classes, Class B and Class D, and also the remaining points from the resource consumption. If all goes well, the Class Points will definitely increase significantly.
"Let's hope nothing unexpected happens."
Horikita Suzune touched the Key Card in her pants pocket. Tomorrow morning, she was to submit a document to Chabashira speculating on the leader's name; everything would be revealed then.
Chapter 169 The Exam Ends, Ryuen's Ambition
As the first rays of sunlight shone into the forest, many people in Class A's camp were already up. Everyone knew that today was the day the results would be announced, so they woke up especially early.
Hashiba Hikaru had also gotten up. He stood on a small hill behind the camp, gazing at the scenery in the forest.
"Are we finally leaving this place?"
Although the island didn't look particularly large, the boy had already learned quite a bit about it while collecting supplies.