The sea wind howled as it swept over us, carrying a salty tang. Most of the trees on the island had grown in strange shapes, their crooked branches looking as if they'd been tugged about by a pair of invisible hands. But the paths showed signs of having been man-made.
I'm Bear Grylls, and I'm going to show you how to survive in some of the world's harshest environments. If you lack the proper survival skills on this uninhabited island, you won't last more than a day.
Look, there's a wild caveman up ahead. He's got five times as much protein as beef. Catch him, and you'll have your protein intake for the whole week taken care of. Now I'm going to slowly sneak up on him.
"Is this a nature documentary you're filming, Nagami?"
Ichinose asked.
"Sorry, I got a little too into character."
It was summer vacation. The first-years had been told they were going on a summer trip, and the sudden news had left everyone in a daze.
"The ocean is the best!!!"
The Three Idiots from Class D were in high spirits, shouting at the top of their lungs aboard the yacht.
The vast, boundless blue ocean stretched out before us, its calm surface like something from a dream. The cries of seagulls and the cheers of the students mingled together, weaving a picture of summer.
The little clique led by Kushida and Karuizawa let out one delighted exclamation after another, completely entranced.
A luxury yacht, luxurious in every sense of the word. Everything on board was free. First-rate pastries, a first-rate theater, even a high-end spa. At market prices, it would have cost at least 200,000 points.
(But the all-knowing mastermind let out a cackling laugh.)
"What a bunch of adorable little lambs. I wonder how much they'll regret it when they see what hell looks like!"
"That's an outright villain's line, you know."
Ayanokoji remarked.
Back when I was on the phone with Horikita Manabu.
"You said you could get Class D first place in the next Special Exam. For 100,000 points."
"That's right. A 50,000-point deposit, fully refundable, and you'll join the Student Council unconditionally."
"Oh? I accept. Since you're so confident, Nagami, I'll give you some well-known news."
"What news?"
"The school is holding a Special Exam during the summer trip."
Beep, beep, beep... The call ended.
"Oh my, isn't that Class A's Gilbert and his little sidekick?"
"Hmph. Defective goods."
Totsuka from Class A ignored the eager Nagami and walked away after tossing out those words.
Broad-minded as ever, Nagami didn't take Class A's taunts to heart. Just thinking about the look of despair that would soon appear on Totsuka's face filled him with delight.
Meanwhile, the girls were picking out swimsuits aboard the yacht.
"Kushida, this swimsuit would definitely suit you!"
"Um, isn't it a little too daring?"
Kushida looked at the scanty swimsuit, feeling a little unsure.
"It suits you perfectly. Don't worry."
Wang Meili reassured her.
With that, Kushida put on the swimsuit and played ball in the pool with her friends.
"Take this!"
Kushida served first, taking the initiative.
"What huge balls."
"I wish I could date Kushida."
The three spectators, the Three Idiots, commented.
"Man, I wonder how far that bastard's gotten with Kushida."
"Damn it, we got taught a harsh lesson last time. We've got to get even."
"Don't, Sudo. Nagami still has dirt on us."
The Three Idiots instantly lost all their fighting spirit and lowered their heads.
"Nagami, you seem like you're in a good mood."
Ichinose spotted an acquaintance and came over to talk. She looked around as if she'd been searching for him for a while.
"Is that my little angel? Long time no see."
"Huh? It hasn't been that long."
"If it's you, Ichinose, then sure."
"Huh? Sure about what? I don't understand."
"Heh heh. You didn't come all this way just to catch up, did you, Ichinose? If there's something you want to ask, just ask me."
If you enjoyed this book, add it to your bookshelf so you can find it again next time.
Ichinose had been found out. An awkward smile crept across her face.
"Um, I knew I couldn't hide it from you, Nagami. I'm planning to form an alliance with Class D to oppose Classes A and C. I'm sure they're thinking the same thing."
"Oh, you already know the Special Exam is about to begin."
"Heh, Senior Nagumo told me. He said I couldn't tell anyone, and you're the only one I've told, Nagami."
Ichinose leaned her head slightly toward Nagami's ear and spoke softly. Her body naturally pressed against his arm as well.
"Thanks, I appreciate the offer. I was thinking the same thing. I couldn't ask for a better partner than kind-hearted Ichinose. Have you told anyone else in Class D?"
"Hirata, Horikita, and..."
An urgent announcement blared through the speakers.
[Uninhabited Island Special Exam. All students, change into your gym clothes and gather on the deck. Aside from bags and other essential items, nothing may be brought onto the island.]
"So soon? See you on the island, Ichinose."
"Bye-bye!"
On the deck.
[Each class starts with 300 points and may use them to purchase supplies on the island. Withdrawing due to illness costs 30 points. Littering costs 20 points. Each student absent from morning or evening attendance loses 5 points. Any violent conduct will be dealt with according to school regulations. Any remaining points will be added to the class's Class Points.
Each class has a leader, who may not be changed without good reason.
Checking in at a base earns 1 point. Check-ins can be made once every eight hours, and only the leader may check in.
On the final day, correctly guessing another class's leader earns 50 points and erases the points at their base. A wrong guess costs 50 points.
The Uninhabited Island Exam lasts seven days. The exam will end after seven days.]
(There are four classes, so there must be at least four bases. Even if we check in at every opportunity for all seven days, that's only 21 points. If we're lucky enough to claim two bases, that'll be 42 points. It's nowhere near as good as the reward for guessing an enemy leader.)
(Is this exam a game of Werewolf?)
"Interesting. I've already figured out the optimal solution."
After the yacht docked, the homeroom teachers checked the students' belongings one by one as they lined up to go ashore.
"Ugh, I'd rather die than use the same toilet as the boys."
Shinohara made no attempt to hide her dislike of men.
"What? What gives you the right to say that?"
Ike retorted, feeling looked down on.
"Everyone, calm down."
As the arguing continued, Hirata stepped in to smooth things over. Since saving points would benefit the class, Class D had split into two camps: those who wanted to enjoy themselves first and suffer later, and those who wanted to suffer first and enjoy themselves later. Their argument was getting heated.
(What a pain. If I weren't after the points, I'd really like to withdraw. Too bad. We're still in the early stages of building up capital, so I need to save up.)
The shouting from the initial argument gradually grew weaker, as if everyone was running out of steam.
"Everyone, let's go explore and look for a base first. Finding a suitable base could save us a lot of money. Arguing won't get us anywhere."
"I suggest we split into groups. That would be more efficient."
Hirata made the suggestion.
"Agreed! Agreed!"
(Great opportunity. A chance to act alone. Now, who should I team up with?)
His gaze landed on a handsome blond guy.
"I'll pair up with Koenji."
"What is it, Nagami boy? Want to compete with me again?"
"That's right. I absolutely won't lose to you this time."
"Very well. I accept your challenge."
Koenji immediately dashed off, letting out a Tarzan-like cry.
"Beautiful! I'm so beautiful as I soar through the air!"
(Plan successful. I'll pretend to chase him for a bit, then go find the mole in Class A and my little angel in Class B.)
Little angel, the Student Council President owed you. I've settled his debt for him.
(Before we landed, the yacht deliberately circled the island three times. The school needs to take attendance, so the island can't be very big. Judging by the size of the trees as well, it probably takes about thirty minutes to walk from one end to the other. This Uninhabited Island Exam is really interesting.)
(You little nobodies from Class A, I'm coming to take control of you.)
"Horikita, are you feeling all right? You look a little pale." Horikita's body was trembling slightly, as if she had a cold. Ayanokoji, being her friend, naturally noticed.
"I'm fine. It's nothing serious."
"Don't push yourself. You can rest in a tent," Ayanokoji said with concern.
"This exam really does test more than just the exam itself. Guessing the leader could become a serious problem for Class D, since we're so divided."
"You noticed, Horikita. But I don't think anyone would betray the class."
Before you continue