A Class's Crushing Defeat

"We've taken the stuff. You guys from Class D, just stay put in your own camp."

Seemingly having confirmed that Ayanokoji Kiyotaka had no other items of greater value, the two boys from Class A decided to let Ayanokoji Kiyotaka go.

Give it back to me.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka showed no sign of leaving. He faced the two of them and said:

"If a student commits acts of violence, looting, vandalism, or theft of equipment against other classes, the class to which the student belongs will be immediately disqualified, and all Private Points of the individual will be confiscated."

"Even though it's just a piece of paper, nobody wants to gamble on the consequences, right?"

However, the students in Class A weren't intimidated. The boy holding the paper even gave Ayanokoji Kiyotaka a look as if he were mentally challenged.

"The difference between Class A and Class D lies in the fact that one can utilize the rules, while the other simply blindly follows them."

He tore the paper to shreds in front of Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, throwing the small fragments away. Soon, the wind swept them away, and they disappeared into the dense forest.

"Without a teacher or surveillance footage, such an accusation without evidence cannot stand."

The boy patted Ayanokoji Kiyotaka on the shoulder:

"Those flawed students in Class D, you'd better learn from this!"

"Huh? Kitagawa-kun didn't leave?"

Sensing the sudden arrival of a guest, Ichinose Honami turned around and spoke to Kitagawa Ryo, who had once again come to Class B's territory.

"After all, we still need to stay behind to gather intelligence, and the Leader of Class A and Class D need to confirm things again."

Kitagawa Ryo Ichinose Honami setting up the hammocks. Unlike the other classes who used tents, Class B had set up quite a few hammocks among the trees around their base, which did give it a real camping feel.

Wearing sportswear, Ichinose Honami perfectly embodies a lively image. Even in the sweltering heat of midday, she still sports an energetic smile. Kanzaki was initially busy a little further away, but quickly approached after noticing Kitagawa Ryo's visit.

"Looks like things went fairly smoothly?"

"It was indeed tough at first, but everyone in Class B was very proactive in finding solutions and tried various approaches. Although the workload actually increased, the situation is slowly getting better."

As she tightened the rope, a satisfied smile spread across her face. She must have been thoroughly enjoying the united atmosphere of Class B.

"Is Kitagawa-kun encountering some kind of difficulty?"

"Class B and Class D have now signed a contract, so they can be considered allies. Just let us know if you need anything."

Kanzaki Ryuji had just arrived at the scene when he heard Ichinose Honami's two sentences. He felt a headache coming on, but he couldn't persuade her to stop. He could only put some pressure on Kitagawa Ryo with his eyes.

However, Ichinose Honami really acted like a host, even solicitously inviting Kitagawa Ryo to sit in the hammock she had just set up. Kitagawa Ryo didn't stand on ceremony and even took the initiative, gesturing for Ichinose Honami to sit in the large hammock as well.

"Huh?"

Even Ichinose Honami is known for her excellent social skills, was taken aback by this incredibly natural invitation.

How much does Honami weigh?

"Huh? Probably around 100. I just had it measured last month."

Completely out of sync with Kitagawa Ryo's Ichinose Honami thought, Ichinose Honami answered instinctively.

"You're not overweight, please have a seat."

Kitagawa Ryo estimated the weight capacity of the hammock, moved to the left to make room for her, Ichinose Honami was already a little dazed, sat down without hesitation. Kanzaki Ryuji, who was standing next to her, had a feeling that the class president of Class B was about to be poached by Class C.

"How was it? It didn't collapse, did it?"

It must be said that the hammocks provided by the school were quite sturdy. Even when Kitagawa Ryo and Ichinose Honami sat together, there was no problem. Kitagawa Ryo even deliberately shook it, as if he were sitting on a swing instead of a hammock.

"It's really secure; it seems we don't need to worry about everyone sleeping at night."

Ichinose Honami, with great interest, imitated Kitagawa Ryo by swaying the hammock, her azure eyes carrying their usual gentleness.

"Does Kitagawa-kun need a place to sleep? If there's really nowhere else to sleep."

She must have also seen the scene when the Class C students boarded the ship in the morning. The beach, which was bustling yesterday, is now deserted. Unlike Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's way of thinking, Ichinose Honami's first concern was actually the living conditions of Kitagawa Ryo, who was left on the island.

Kitagawa Ryo couldn't help himself any longer, and he asked with a smile:

"I'm from Class C, how can you let me sleep in your Class B camp like this?"

"But during this exam, we were allies under a contract, right?"

Ichinose Honami waved her arm slightly and said sincerely:

"Besides, this is ultimately just an exam, and I don't want Kitagawa-kun to get sick because of it."

"Although this is an artificial island that the school has cleared, the jungle itself is a place where injuries are common."

Kanzaki Ryuji chimed in from the side:

"Ichinose, who's currently advising the students from other classes, is probably the Ichinose's most seriously injured. Everyone offered to help you get some medicine, but you stubbornly refused."

Upon hearing Kanzaki Ryuji's words, Kitagawa Ryo frowned and asked:

"Are you injured?"

"It was just a little scratch from a tree branch while moving things; it's already been taken care of."

Ichinose Honami smiled sheepishly. She rolled up the sleeve of her tracksuit, revealing several abrasions on her forearms. Although they had been cleaned, the wounds had not yet scabbed over, and the streaks on her fair skin looked quite unsightly.

"Wait a minute."

Kitagawa Ryo jumped off the hammock, and a few minutes later he returned to the two of them with some wild grass in his hands:

"This is Plantain. Its leaves, when crushed, can effectively treat abrasions, cuts, or minor burns. When used internally, it can also help relieve phlegm and cough. You should be able to use it."

"I didn't expect Kitagawa-kun to have this kind of knowledge."

Ichinose Honami accepted the unassuming little grasses with some surprise:

"It just so happens that one of the girls in the class has been coughing a bit these past couple of days."

You should take care of yourself first.

Kitagawa Ryo looked at Ichinose Honami, who habitually put others first, with a slight headache, sighed, and said to Kanzaki Ryuji:

Do you have any tools here?

Kanzaki Ryuji immediately understood Kitagawa Ryo's meaning. He turned back and grabbed a fairly smooth twig. Kitagawa Ryo simply crushed some Plantain, squeezed out the juice in his hand, and sat down next to Ichinose Honami, whispering:

"Do not move."

The next instant, his right hand, saturated with Plantain juice, was pressed against the injured areas on Ichinose Honami's forearm.

Although the action seemed somewhat forceful, Ichinose Honami only expressed slight dissatisfaction before obediently letting Kitagawa Ryo apply the medicine for her.

"Consider this a small way of repaying my kindness to Class B."

Kitagawa Ryo offered this explanation, and Ichinose Honami responded with a smile:

"Good."

Kanzaki Ryuji was also confused at this point. He had initially firmly believed that Kitagawa Ryo was a spy sent to gather information about Class B. After all, although Class C had signed a contract, it did not stipulate that the two sides could not suspect each other. If Kitagawa Ryo used his status as an ally to gather information about the Leader of Class B, he could easily turn around and betray Class B. Based on his impression of Kitagawa Ryo, he was certain that the other party was capable of doing such a thing.

However, as Bystander, he noticed a fact: from the moment Ichinose Honami showed her wounds, Kitagawa Ryo seemed to be acting entirely for Ichinose Honami's sake. Neither her actions nor her eyes showed any scheming. Her heartfelt gaze was just like that of the students in Class B when they looked at Ichinose Honami.

Could it be that Class C is truly cooperating this time in good faith?

Kanzaki Ryuji tentatively drew this conclusion.

"Then I won't keep you any longer."

After applying the medicine, Kitagawa Ryo also left Class B's base.

Unbeknownst to the members of Class B, Kitagawa Ryo went straight to another pre-arranged location after leaving.

"The plan is progressing steadily; Class D may enter now."

He smiled at the girl in front of him.

Chapter 30: Class A's Utter Devastation

In Hashimoto Masayoshi sense, Hashimoto Masayoshi belongs to the Sakayanagi Faction in Class 1-A, but in reality, he did not join because he agreed with Sakayanagi Arisu's ideals. He simply believed that Sakayanagi Arisu would win the confrontation with Katsuragi Kohei and become the de facto Leader of Class A. Hashimoto Masayoshi simply chose the path that was most advantageous to him.

Compared to Kamuro Masumi Sakayanagi Arisu, he defines himself as a knight protecting Sakayanagi Arisu, respectfully calling her "Princess." This sounds very much in line with Hashimoto Masayoshi frivolous personality, but beneath this superficial exterior, Hashimoto Masayoshi himself is also secretly acting, gathering intelligence to pave the way for what's to come.

Royal power is not eternal, and Class A's position will not remain stable forever.

Hashimoto Masayoshi sat cross-legged on the ground and thanked Kamuro Masumi for bringing the food. Class 1-A's daily meals were now provided by Class C, and each serving cost ten points. The taste wasn't exactly delicious, but it was more filling than fruit or similar food.

Kamuro Masumi was a beautiful girl, Hashimoto Masayoshi seemed to have a slight crush on her as well. However, this didn't mean he could eat calmly under her strange gaze. After only a couple of bites, Hashimoto Masayoshi asked somewhat helplessly:

"Is there something on my face? Or am I just too engrossed in looking at it?"

"No, please enjoy your meal."

Kamuro Masumi seemed to realize that her behavior was somewhat inappropriate, and quickly stood up and sat in another corner of the cave. Although it was close to dusk, the temperature outside was still not low. Most of the students in Class A were lazily enjoying the cool air and eating in the cave, while Katsuragi Kohei had taken a group of his confidants to occupy a stronghold, so he was not in the cave.

While absentmindedly eating her own meal, Kamuro Masumi secretly glanced at Hashimoto Masayoshi. Even in the Uninhabited Island environment, the other party still paid attention to his appearance, his golden slicked-back hair was neatly combed, without a trace of impeccable style.

Although Kamuro Masumi initially mentioned Hashimoto Masayoshi's name to Kitagawa Ryo, their relationship couldn't really be described as familiar; they were merely working together for Sakayanagi Arisu. Kamuro Masumi herself wasn't particularly good at communicating with people, so she made a simple and direct decision—

Execute first, report later.

Perhaps this approach would be more effective, since people are more likely to express genuine emotions when faced with such unexpected and sudden events.

Filled with curiosity and a hint of anticipation, Kamuro Masumi was already getting excited. After all, she was the kind of person who loved seeking thrills, and she was even fearless in stealing to satisfy her need for excitement. Thinking about what was about to happen, she quickly finished her food, thinking she might lose her appetite later.

Just as the students of Class A in the cave finished their dinner, Katsuragi Kohei's bald head suddenly appeared, followed by five or six students, led by his loyal follower Totsuka Yahiko. The group seemed to be exhausted, and as soon as they entered, they found a place to sit down.

"Did you discover any valuable intelligence today?"

Katsuragi Kohei wiped the sweat from his shiny forehead and asked the Class A students in the cave in a calm tone.

"Katsuragi, we saw a D who came all the way over here today..."

Just as a boy was about to report about Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, he smelled a subtle odor. Given the rudimentary shower facilities and the fact that so many people were sleeping in one cave, it wasn't surprising that everyone had developed a slight body odor over the past couple of days. Besides, he was a student in Class A; how could he possibly not even...?

"Hashimoto? Did you eat something wrong?"

Well, he couldn't hold back after all, and turned around to question Hashimoto Masayoshi, who was sitting next to him.

"Ah... sorry, my stomach... it feels a little uncomfortable."

At this moment, Hashimoto Masayoshi was in no mood to argue, and he forgot about maintaining his usual image. Clutching his stomach, he dashed out of the cave and headed straight for the makeshift toilet placed outside.

"What happened?"

Katsuragi Kohei, who was sitting near the cave entrance, was about to continue listening to his classmates' reports when a sound from nearby suddenly drowned out the boys' voices. All the students in Class A in the cave fell silent, and an awkward atmosphere gradually spread.

"Did Hashimoto eat anything unclean or disgusting today?"

Katsuragi Kohei subtly shifted his body further inside.

"Hashimoto and I went fruit picking together today, and I didn't see him steal any. Besides, the fruit on the island should all be cultivated by the school. Didn't we eat some yesterday?"

Another boy raised his hand in response.

Is the water you're drinking unclean?

"It's already boiled, okay?"

"Could it be that Hashimoto has a health problem?"

"Weakened?"

The other students started discussing it amongst themselves, but no one took it too seriously. After all, everyone has experienced diarrhea; it's just that Hashimoto Masayoshi happened to be acting a bit Hashimoto Masayoshi at this time.

"Ahem... Before we discuss these things, could someone please give me a hand?"

Just as the students in Class A were using this as a topic of conversation in their monotonous lives, a weak voice came from the makeshift toilet.

So everyone in Class A lowered their eyes, noses, mouths, and minds, and all turned to look at Katsuragi Kohei, who was sitting closest to them and was also the current Leader of the class.

"Yahiko, lend a hand."

Katsuragi Kohei stood up without hesitation, with an expression that said, "I am the Leader of Class A, and it is my responsibility to protect the students of Class A," and led his follower Yahiko out with an air of righteous indignation.

Two minutes later, the two men carried the exhausted Hashimoto Masayoshi. Just as Katsuragi Kohei breathed a sigh of relief, Hashimoto Masayoshi managed to raise his hand again:

"Um... I think I want to again..."

Katsuragi Kohei took a deep breath, but stopped halfway through the action.

He silently helped Totsuka Yahiko carry Hashimoto Masayoshi back to the makeshift toilet.

"Sorry, it seems... you'll have to hold them back for a bit."