"After this special exam concludes, the remaining points of each class will be converted directly into class evaluation points and officially settled after summer vacation."
Mashima's words swept across the beach with the wind, stirring up a cloud of sand.
At the same time, every student was shaken. This exam had been designed as a special trial centered on "earning points." Unlike past tests of academic ability or athletic skill, this one tested survival qualities such as endurance and adaptability to the environment.
More importantly, even completely indulging in leisure and fun would not cause a class to lose points, but it would widen the gap with the other classes and make the road to advancement increasingly difficult. It was easy to foresee that every class would give it their all—though it was hard to say how Ryuen, sitting nearby, would react.
"We will now distribute the exam manuals. If you lose yours, you may apply for a replacement, but it will cost points, so please keep it safe. Also, if a student withdraws midway due to physical discomfort, their class will lose 30 points. The absent Class A student has already incurred the corresponding deduction, so they will begin the exam with 270 points."
Even Sakanayanagi, who was absent due to poor health, had points deducted? Wasn't that rule too harsh?
Class A showed no particular reaction, while students from the other classes struggled to hide their delight at having automatically narrowed the gap with Class A by 30 points.
Once Mashima finished his explanation, each class began gathering in groups for further instructions from their homeroom teachers. Ike excitedly shouted, "We'll be able to get thirty thousand next month!" The girls were also discussing shopping plans for when the points came in, but things obviously would not be