The Dragon Group's First Discussion (Continued)

Next, Shuichi Kanda explained in the same way that there were no VIP in his class, because he wasn't afraid to exchange phones with Ryuen to verify their identities.

And the VIP aren't in our Class B, so VIP must be in Class A?

After a brief analysis, Ichinose turned her gaze to Katsuragi.

Seeing Ichinose's gaze, Katsuragi's expression remained unchanged, but he felt very miserable inside.

Why are you looking at me?

I don't know either, anyway, it's not me.

However, he couldn't show it; he could only sit there silently, as still as a mountain.

As one o'clock in the afternoon approached, the ship's loudspeaker came on.

[Now let's begin the first round of group discussion.]

As the broadcast ended, the atmosphere in the room immediately became tense. Kushida, who had been chatting enthusiastically with the two girls from Class B, fell silent.

Although the discussion had already begun, the atmosphere in the Dragon Group room became incredibly tense. No one was willing to speak first, as if the person who spoke first would face attacks from the other three classes.

The person who solved this predicament was Ichinose from Class B. Not only was she beautiful, but she also had a lovely voice and a graceful demeanor, completely different from Kushida, who was two-faced.

If Kushida is a little angel, then this must be Kushida's superior, a true archangel!

However, for Shuichi Kanda, he likes all angels.

"Alright, listen up, since no one wants to speak first, I'll do it. Although I already roughly know everyone's names..."

However, the teachers mentioned at the information session that we must introduce ourselves, so I think we should follow their instructions and introduce ourselves first. Besides, there might be some people we're meeting for the first time."

Having heard no objections, Ichinose continued, "I am Ichinose Honami from Class B. Nice to meet you."

"Introducing yourself now? Ichinose, aren't you being a bit too much of a good girl?"

The one who spoke out against it was a boy from Class A, Shuichi Kanda didn't recognize. But after hearing his words, he immediately exchanged a glance with Ryuen, and they both saw the troublemaking look in each other's eyes.

"I am Ryuen Kakeru from Class C."

"I am Shuichi Kanda from Class D."

After the representatives from the three classes gave brief self-introductions, the others followed suit and reported their names.

Finally, it was Class A's turn, and everyone's eyes turned to where Class A was.

"I am Katsuragi Kohei from Class A."

With Katsuragi's speech, the two remaining students from Class A, excluding the one who had spoken rudely, exchanged glances and gave their names, thus making the other person's identity completely clear.

The Shinji Matoba was the one who wasn't cooperating and refused to introduce himself.

He was a tall boy with sharp eyes. He didn't seem to be stupid, but he seemed to have been badly affected by the Uninhabited Island Exam, so he was a little out of it.

"Oh, it's Matoba -kun. Nice to meet you."

Shuichi Kanda said with a smile, and then he saw Ryuen's admiring look.

Since everyone had introduced themselves, there was no point in Matoba trying to hide his identity. After Shuichi Kanda revealed his identity, he simply gave a cold laugh and then said nothing more.

Actually, his reaction is understandable. He was pulled down from Class A by Class B in the Uninhabited Island exam, so it's normal for him to be dissatisfied.

"Now that we've fulfilled the school's instructions, let's begin." Ichinose took the initiative to assume the role of host, and no one objected.

Of all the people here, only Ichinose Honami is suitable for this role.

We'll set aside the three students from Ryuen's class for now. Whoever hosts is essentially Ryuen speaking, and nobody here wants to see Ryuen take the initiative.

The same applies to Shuichi Kanda's side; even if Class B doesn't object, Ryuen and Katsuragi won't agree.

Katsuragi, being a stray dog, doesn't qualify, so that leaves only Ichinose with maxed-out affability.

Class B and Class D are allies in private, so Class D won't object. Although Ryuen looks down on Ichinose, he has to admit that Ichinose is very suitable for the role.

As for Class A...

Never mind, their opinions don't matter.

"Well then, I have a question for everyone, please allow me to ask. My question is—do you all think that the best solution is for everyone to pass this exam, that is, to pursue the result of passing all exams?"

Upon hearing Ichinose's answer, Hirata, who was standing nearby, couldn't contain himself any longer. Someone actually shared his thoughts, and he immediately wanted to stand up and echo Ichinose's opinion.

Fortunately, Shuichi Kanda reacted quickly and kicked him under the table to calm him down.

In comparison, Horikita's poker face is much more perfect.

"Ichinose, there's no need for such nonsense. I'll tell you clearly: Class C, which I lead, aims to finish this exam with a first-place finish. Ideally, every group should finish first!"

Ryuen dropped all pretense and made it clear that he wanted to take more than 20 million Private Points from the school.

"However, to achieve outcome one, the names of those VIP must be made public before the exam ends, which would risk outcome three."

Horikita Suzune's words clearly conveyed her disagreement.

"Indeed, if the information given is false, it could lead to the tragic outcomes of result two and result four." Ryuen shrugged. "Let me put it this way, I don't trust those guys from Class A."

Ryuen's words made the students in Class A so angry they almost twisted their noses.

You betrayed Class A when we were on the Uninhabited Island, and now you're turning around and saying we're untrustworthy?

"Ryuen! You bastard, you really wanted to achieve result three, didn't you?"

Shinji Matoba looked at Ryuen and said in a deep voice.

In reality Shinji Matoba didn't hate Shuichi Kanda, the winner of this victory. Losing to Class D was because Class A was simply less skilled. However, Ryuen's betrayal was what left an indelible wound on Class A.

Therefore, no matter what Ryuen said, he did not trust Ryuen.

"Although what Ryuen said was unpleasant to hear, it still made sense. Even if someone took out their phone and showed their text messages claiming they were VIP, would people believe them?"

What if this is a trap? Even if we reveal that this person isn't VIP and find the real VIP, is it necessarily credible? I don't think so, don't you think, Katsuragi?"

Shuichi Kanda reopened Katsuragi's old wound and then stabbed it in again with a dagger dipped in salt water.

These words stirred up painful memories for Katsuragi once again.

You son of a bitch!

Do you want to try the same tricks on that Uninhabited Island again?

Do you think I'd fall for that twice? You're dreaming.

Katsuragi then immediately made a significant announcement.

"Our Class A will not participate in this exam; our goal is for the entire group to achieve result two."

Katsuragi's declaration immediately made Shuichi Kanda want to laugh. "Do you even know what you just said?" But just in case, Shuichi Kanda asked again.

"So, to be on the safe side, you plan to maintain the current status quo until the exam is over?"

"That's right, I've already lost a lot of Class A's points. I've given up on becoming the leader of Class A, but I will do my best to preserve Class A's points before handing them over to Sakayanagi."

To put it bluntly: I'd rather do nothing than make a mistake.

This is typical of the tortoise mentality; it's really a headache, a huge headache. I already thought Class A would be difficult, but I didn't expect it to be this difficult.

Now you're forcing me to find out the selection rules for VIP?

In the eyes of Shuichi Kanda and Ryuen, Class A's actions were nothing short of self-inflicted traps, a self-imposed prison, and a path to their own demise.

Since they've been so kind to us, shouldn't we at least offer them a small gift?

"So can I assume that Class C wants to achieve result 2, and Class A wants to achieve result 2?"

Even though the atmosphere was already so bad, Ichinose still diligently performed her duties as the host, first asking Ryuen, who had already made a statement, a question.

You can think of it this way: I'd rather have Private Points than Class Points.

Hearing Ryuen mention this, the students in Class A felt as if they had been stabbed in the heart again.

Starting next month, they will have to pay Ryuen 800,000 Private Points every month until graduation or Ryuen withdraws from school.

"What's the opinion from Class D?"

Ichinose looked at Shuichi Kanda, seemingly seeking an answer.

"We're just a lowly Class D, but what I'm more interested in is... Ichinose, what are Class B's plans?"

"We? We definitely prefer outcome one, 20 million Private Points can exempt you from one expulsion penalty."

In this school, no one can guarantee they won't face the risk of being expelled, right? I've heard that many upperclassmen have already been expelled."

Ichinose's idea coincided with Hirata's idea; both wanted to accumulate 20 million Private Points to avoid being expelled from school.

The moment had come, Shuichi Kanda gently kicked Hirata.

"In that case, we'll assist you as well."

Hirata forcibly suppressed his excitement and responded to Ichinose's answer.

"I think this is a good idea too."

"I support Hirata's decision."

Next, Kushida Kikyo and Shuichi Kanda also expressed their opinions, while Horikita Suzune closed her eyes without saying a word, as if tacitly agreeing to the operation.

Then all three classes turned their attention to the four students from Class A.

Class A, in danger!

"If you can do it, then go ahead and do it. But you all need to be careful; Ryuen will definitely betray you."

"No, right now, compared to Ryuen, I think your Class A is more likely to betray us." Shuichi Kanda launched another attack. "Your Class Points have been surpassed by Class B, although the difference is less than a hundred points, but surpassing is surpassing."

"However, because you didn't get a perfect score, you still have a chance to turn things around. I think your students won't give up this opportunity, right?"

However, no matter what Shuichi Kanda said, the students in Class A remained silent, only occasionally uttering a few words in an attempt to disrupt the unity of Classes B, C, and D.

No, perhaps these three classes are not united at all, because Class B doesn't trust Ryuen either.

"Ryuen, how do you intend for us to trust you?"

"Oh? Do I need to doubt my character?"

What kind of indecent words are these?

Come, come, do you want to hear what you're saying?

What the hell?! Your character?! You're not kidding, are you, Ryuen- san?

It's better to believe in an old tree that will bloom, or a sow that can climb a tree, than to believe in your character.

Everyone in the room, including the two from Class C, was speechless. How could Ryuen have the nerve to say something like that?

"In short, Ryuen, Class B will not cooperate with you." Ichinose shook her head, still indicating her refusal. "Back on the Uninhabited Island, wasn't Kaneda -kun sent by you? And his purpose was to obtain information on our class leader, wasn't it?"

"What? Still angry about this?" Ryuen seemed completely unconcerned. "Since you know Kaneda is a spy I sent, you should be more careful not to let him discover your leader. Class D did a great job in that regard."

Shuichi Kanda and the others didn't say a word about Ryuen spreading the fire to Class D, and just watched his performance quietly.

"In short, I will not agree to cooperate with you until you can prove your credibility." Ichinose's attitude remained firm.

"So, after I proved my credibility, you're willing to cooperate with me?" Ryuen asked Ichinose in return.

After hearing what Ryuen said, Ichinose felt that something was not quite right, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Subconsciously, Ichinose wanted to seek answers from Shuichi Kanda, but she immediately dismissed the idea. No, she couldn't keep relying on the students in Class D. One day, they would compete with them, and if they continued to rely on them, they would be powerless to fight back then.

"If you can provide evidence that you couldn't possibly betray me, I'll be willing to believe you," Ichinose replied after careful consideration.

In her view, whether you can be trusted or not is not up to her. As long as Class D doesn't say they believe you, then she won't believe you either.

After receiving Ichinose's reply, Ryuen turned his attention to Shuichi Kanda.

"So, what about you guys in Class D? Do you want to cooperate with me? I already have information on three VIP in the class. Once I have VIP information, it will be easy to connect the dots. How about we work together to take down both Classes A and B?"

Seeing Ryuen looking over, Shuichi Kanda remained silent for a moment.

What else?

What nonsense are you spouting? You haven't made any guarantees, and you expect me to believe you with just a few words?

Although our last collaboration was very pleasant, you haven't forgotten the contract we signed before, have you?

"I'm sorry, Ryuen, but I share the same opinion as Class B; I also believe you will betray us."