Deserted Island Game (14)

"Stop them!" Ryuen recovered quickly, but it was already too late.

Tang Yu and Ichinose slipped into the warehouse and locked the door behind them. The warehouse was stacked with supplies—emergency rations, medical kits, communication equipment, and even several power generators.

"This is amazing!" Ichinose was ecstatic. "This is enough to earn bonus points for two classes!"

Tang Yu quickly inspected the supplies and found a box labeled "Class D Exclusive." Upon opening it, he found a note and a small electronic device.

The note read: "Congratulations on finding the hidden task. Bring the device back to camp and connect it to a computer to unlock a special reward. —Chabashira Sae"

"It seems our homeroom teacher had this planned all along." Tang Yu tucked away the device and the note. "Let's move what we can carry first, then mark the location and notify the school administration."

Just as the two were about to leave, the warehouse door was suddenly struck violently. Ryuen's furious voice came from outside: "Get out here! I know you're in there!"

"The back door!" Tang Yu pointed to a small door at the other end of the warehouse.

The two slipped out the back with as many supplies as they could carry, rendezvousing with Sudo and Shibata's team. Ryuen was livid upon realizing he had been tricked, but it was already too late to change the outcome.

[Task completion reward: Intelligence +0.5 (Current 11/12)]

[Rage from Ryuen Kakeru +500]

[Frustration from Class C members +300]

[Current Emotion Points: 21450/30000]

On the way back to camp, Tang Yu was in high spirits. Not only had he successfully completed the task, but he had also collected a large amount of Emotion Points. More importantly, he had verified the practicality of his Emotion Manipulation ability—although it could currently only last for a few seconds, it was enough to turn the tide at a critical moment.

The students in the camp erupted into cheers when they saw the supplies brought back. Even the usually indifferent Ayanokoji nodded slightly in approval.

"Well done." Hirata patted Tang Yu on the shoulder. "Class D's points are secure now."

Tang Yu connected Chabashira's special device to a computer, and a video immediately appeared on the screen. In the video, Chabashira announced with a blank expression:

"Class D has completed the hidden task and earned 200 Class Points. Additionally, each member of the leadership group will receive 500,000 Private Points."

This good news sparked another round of cheers. Private Points were equivalent to cash at the school and could be used to purchase various goods and services; 500,000 was a significant fortune.

"Strange." Ayanokoji suddenly said, "How did Chabashira-sensei know it was the 'leadership group' and not the 'assault team' that completed the task?"

Tang Yu's heart tightened—indeed, this method of reward distribution was too precise, as if Chabashira had known exactly who would be involved in the decision-making process.

"Perhaps it refers to the collective effort of all leadership group members," Hirata tried to explain.

Ayanokoji remained noncommittal, but Tang Yu's Emotion Perception captured the suspicion in his heart—Chabashira-sensei's attention toward Class D seemed to exceed the normal scope.

By evening, the school administration announced the end of the special test, and each class prepared to return the following day. Class D led by a narrow margin, thanks largely to their outstanding performance in the warehouse task.

Tang Yu sat alone on the beach, reflecting on the events of the past two days. The unlocking of the System Store had greatly expanded his possibilities, but it also brought new risks—exchanging items could arouse suspicion, especially from opponents with keen observation skills like Ayanokoji.

"What are you thinking about?" Horikita Suzune's voice came from behind. She was leaning on a crutch, her right leg still in a cast, but she was already able to walk short distances.

"You're back?" Tang Yu turned around in surprise.

"The infirmary cleared me to return to the group, though I still can't participate in strenuous activities." Horikita sat down beside him. "I heard you all performed brilliantly."

"A result of teamwork," Tang Yu said modestly.

Horikita was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Thank you... for saving me that night."

This was the second time she had thanked him, and her tone was more sincere than it had been during the video call. Tang Yu activated Emotion Perception and found that Horikita's emotion cloud presented a rare, soft hue—a blend of trust and gratitude.

"You're welcome." Tang Yu smiled. "Class D needs you."

"I was too stubborn before." Horikita looked out at the distant horizon. "Refusing to cooperate, refusing to acknowledge the value of others... especially you."

Tang Yu was somewhat surprised: "What changed your mind?"

"That night... in the flood, I thought I was going to die." Horikita's voice was very soft. "Then you appeared. At that moment, I understood that true strength isn't fighting alone, but knowing when to accept help and when to give it."

These words warmed Tang Yu's heart. He activated Emotional Link, wanting to understand Horikita's transformation more deeply.

In an instant, he felt the changes deep within her—the relief from her brother's shadow, a new understanding of the power of a team, and... a gradually growing respect and trust toward him personally.

After the link disconnected, Tang Yu said softly, "Welcome to the team."

The two watched the sunset sink into the horizon in silence, a new sense of mutual understanding established between them.

After nightfall, Tang Yu decided to try the store function again. This time, he chose Information Acquisition, spending 2000 points to exchange for "The identity of the mastermind behind Ryuen Kakeru."

The system interface flickered a few times, then displayed a blurry photo—Ryuen talking to a hooded figure, with a school emblem faintly visible in the corner of the photo. Tang Yu zoomed in on the image, and his heart jolted—it was the Student Council emblem!

What was even more shocking was that as the image was further magnified, he recognized the hand handing over the medicine bottle—slender fingers, a unique bracelet on the wrist... Kiriyama Ikiteru!

"Student Council Vice President..." Tang Yu muttered to himself. "No wonder Ryuen knew the location of the warehouse."

This discovery explained many things. Kiriyama was using Ryuen to strike at Class D, but what was his goal? Was it targeting him, the anomalous transfer student, or...

Tang Yu's train of thought was interrupted by a commotion. At the edge of the camp, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka was talking to a mysterious figure. Tang Yu activated his Night Vision (exchanged earlier) and saw clearly that the person was wearing a Class A uniform, but they were facing away, making them impossible to identify.

"It's getting more complicated." Tang Yu closed the system interface and decided to stay put for the time being.

The deserted island test was coming to an end, but the real game seemed to have only just begun. The Student Council, Class A, Class C... various forces were intertwined, and he, possessing the system, was at the center of the vortex.

[Special Reminder: Increased activity detected from multiple factions]

[Student Council threat level: 50%]

[Class A threat level: 30%]

[Class C threat level: 70%]

[Recommendation: Increase strength, proceed with caution]

Tang Yu looked up at the starry night sky, a determined smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. No matter what challenges lay ahead, he was already prepared.

The potential of the Emotion System had only just begun to be tapped, and he had already found his own path in this school where ability was everything.