The Shadow of the Special Exam

Uninhabited Island. Two weeks. Wilderness survival.

Those words, combined, meant this exam would test every aspect of their abilities—physical strength, intelligence, teamwork, and even mental resilience.

"Also," Horikita Manabu added, "this exam allows limited 'cooperation' between classes, as well as a certain degree of 'competition.' Each class can decide for itself how far to take it."

Cooperation and competition. The students from all four classes looked at one another, their gazes tinged with calculation.

"The exam will begin in one week," Horikita Manabu said at last. "This week is for preparation. Each class is free to develop strategies, gather information, and train. But keep in mind—any violation of school rules will be severely punished."

"That concludes the meeting."

The year-wide assembly was over, but the real storm had only just begun.

The students from all four classes filed out of the gymnasium, but the atmosphere had changed completely since they'd entered.

The students of Class D gathered together, their faces full of unease and worry.

"An uninhabited island... Isn't this ridiculous?"

"How are we supposed to survive in the wilderness?"

"We're doomed. Our class is definitely going to come in last..."

Pessimism spread through the group. Students from the other classes watched, their faces growing even more contemptuous.

"Look at those losers. They're already scared," a Class C student scoffed.

"Figures. They're the worst class, after all."

"This time, we'll show them what a real gap looks like."

Ryuen Kakeru didn't join in. He simply walked toward the Class D area, his gaze fixed on Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.

"So, what do you think, my 'special opponent'?" he said in a low voice, loud enough for only the two of them to hear.

"Surviving on an uninhabited island... That's exactly my kind of game."

Ayanokoji looked at him calmly. "Is that so?"

"Of course." Ryuen grinned. "In a place like that, the rules get blurry, and strength becomes the only language. And you... are you ready for a real challenge?"

"I'll do my best."

"Your best?" Ryuen laughed, his voice filled with cruel anticipation. "I want more than that. I want you to give it everything you've got, and then... be utterly crushed by me."

With that, he turned and left, the students of Class C following behind him like a disciplined army.

The students of Class D watched them go, their faces growing even more troubled.

"That Ryuen... He's scary..."

"Class C looks so united..."

"Can we really win?"

More and more voices expressed doubt.

Just then, Yosuke Hirata stepped forward.

"Everyone!" His voice was loud and firm. "Now isn't the time to get discouraged! We still have a week to prepare! As long as we stand together, we can get through this!"

His words were like a shot of adrenaline, lifting the spirits of some of the students.

"Hirata's right!"

"We can't just give up!"

"Yeah! Let's do our best!"

But Ayanokoji Kiyotaka could see the truth. Their renewed resolve was fragile. Once they ran into real difficulties, it could easily fall apart.

He looked at Suzune Horikita. She was frowning, clearly thinking through a strategy.

Then he looked at Kei Karuizawa, who was quietly discussing something with a few other girls, her expression serious.

Finally, he looked at Ken Sudō. The athlete's fists were clenched, and though defiance burned in his eyes, there was even more confusion.

The core group... Ayanokoji silently repeated to himself. We have to establish it before the exam begins.

To do that, he would have to take the initiative.

That evening, in the dormitory.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka knocked on Yosuke Hirata's door.

"Ayanokoji?" Hirata looked surprised, but warmly invited him in anyway. "What's up?"

"I wanted to talk about the Special Exam," Ayanokoji said bluntly. "I'd like to discuss our class's strategy."

Hirata's expression grew serious. "Go ahead."

"You saw the mood in our class after today's assembly," Ayanokoji said.

"Even though you tried to encourage everyone, the unease is still there. And in an environment like an uninhabited island, unease can easily turn into panic."

Hirata nodded, his expression grave. "I know. But I don't know what to do... Almost none of us know anything about wilderness survival."

"That's why we need to divide up the work," Ayanokoji said. "Different people should be responsible for different areas.

"For example, Sudō can handle physical labor and setting up camp; Horikita can analyze the rules and plan tasks; you can manage the group and keep everyone's spirits up."

Hirata's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea! But... will they agree? Horikita, in particular, doesn't seem very willing to work with everyone."

"I'll handle that," Ayanokoji said. "Also, we need someone to gather information—to keep track of the other classes and learn about the island."

"You mean... Karuizawa?" Hirata pondered. "She does have a lot of connections. She should be able to find out a few things."

"So," Ayanokoji concluded, "if the five of us can form a core team, each responsible for a different area, then Class D will have a chance in this exam."

Hirata fell silent for a moment, then nodded solemnly. "I agree. I don't know if I can convince everyone else, but I'll do everything I can to help."

"Thanks." Ayanokoji stood up. "Then starting tomorrow, we'll each take action. I'll talk to Horikita and Sudō, and you'll talk to Karuizawa."

"Okay!"

After leaving Hirata's room, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka didn't head back to his own dorm. Instead, he went in another direction.

He was going to see a third person.

When Kei Karuizawa opened the door, surprise was plain on her face.

"Ayanokoji? This late at night..."

"Can I come in and talk?" Ayanokoji asked. "It's about the Special Exam."

Karuizawa hesitated, then stepped aside to let him in.

Her room was cozily decorated, a striking contrast to Ayanokoji's minimalist one.

"Have a seat." Karuizawa closed the door. "What did you want to talk about?"

"Information," Ayanokoji replied directly. "During the uninhabited island exam, information may be more important than supplies.

"We need to know what the other classes are doing, learn about the island's terrain and available resources, and even figure out whether the Student Council might have set any hidden rules."

Karuizawa raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to handle intelligence gathering?"

"Right." Ayanokoji nodded. "You have the most connections in the class, and you're the best at getting information. You're the obvious choice for the job."

Karuizawa didn't answer right away. Instead, she walked over to the window, turning her back to Ayanokoji.

"Why me?" Her voice was soft. "There are so many people in our class. Why choose me?"

"Because you're capable," Ayanokoji said. "And you care about this class more than you let on."

Karuizawa's shoulders tensed slightly.

"I saw your expression at the assembly," Ayanokoji continued.

"When the other classes looked down on us, you were smiling, but your fingers were clenched tight. You don't want to lose—especially not to people who look down on you."

A long silence settled over the room.

Finally, Karuizawa turned around. Her usual social smile was gone, replaced by a serious expression.

"You're right," she said. "I hate being looked down on. Ever since elementary school, people have looked down on me... until I learned to protect myself with a smile and my social skills."

She walked up to Ayanokoji and looked him in the eyes. "So, I'll do it. I'll handle intelligence gathering. But I have one condition."

"What is it?"

"You have to promise that this so-called 'core team' isn't being formed to use us." Karuizawa's voice was serious.

"I've seen too many people claim they want to 'cooperate' when they're really only looking out for themselves. I don't want to become someone like that's pawn."

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka stood up and returned her serious gaze.

"I promise," he said. "The team has only one goal—to help Class D survive this exam and, hopefully, get a good result. We have no other purpose."

Their gazes met, as if they'd reached an unspoken understanding.

"Good." Karuizawa finally smiled, and this time it was a genuine one. "Then I look forward to working with you."

"Likewise."

As Ayanokoji Kiyotaka left Karuizawa's room, the system's notification sounded in his mind.

[Ping! The host has successfully established cooperative relationships with two key individuals. Progress on the mission "Establishing the Core Group" has been updated.]

[Current progress: 2/3 (Yosuke Hirata, Kei Karuizawa)]

[Note: Assessing the stability of the cooperative relationships...]

One person remained.

Suzune Horikita or Ken Sudō.

Ayanokoji thought it over as he headed toward his dorm.

But someone was waiting for him downstairs.

Ken Sudō was leaning against the wall. When he saw Ayanokoji, he immediately stood up straight.

"Ayanokoji." His voice was a little stiff. "I need to talk to you."

"Go ahead."

Sudō took a deep breath. "Hirata talked to me today and told me about the 'core team' plan. He wants me to handle physical labor and setting up camp."

"What do you think?"

"I..." Sudō clenched his fists. "I agreed. I know it's what I'm good at. I'm no good at studying, but when it comes to physical work... I won't lose to anyone."

Determination burned in his eyes. "So, I want to ask you for something."

"What is it?"

"Teach me," Sudō said earnestly.

"Not schoolwork. I mean... teach me how to be useful on a team. I don't want to hold the class back anymore. I want to be someone who can help everyone."

The request surprised Ayanokoji.

"Are you sure?" he asked. "Teamwork isn't just about enthusiasm. It takes patience, communication, and sometimes compromise."

"I know." Sudō nodded. "But I'm willing to learn. Because... because I don't want to keep watching Hirata and the others work so hard to hold the class together while I can't do anything."

He paused, his voice dropping. "And... I want to prove I'm not just some idiot who knows how to fight."

At that moment, Ayanokoji saw genuine growth in Sudō's eyes.

"Fine," he said. "Starting tomorrow, I'll teach you how to work with a team. But first, you need to learn to control your temper."

"I will!" Sudō's eyes lit up. "Thanks, Ayanokoji!"

As he watched Sudō walk away, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's lips curled into a faint smile.

The third member of the core group had come to him on his own, in a way he hadn't expected.

Now, only the toughest nut to crack remained—

Suzune Horikita.

But as he considered how to persuade Horikita, his phone buzzed.

It was an anonymous message.

[Beware of Class A. They already have a complete plan. Their goal is to make Class D utterly fall apart during this exam.]

The sender was unknown, but the message made Ayanokoji frown.

Class A... Kohei Katsuragi or Sakayanagi Arisu?

Whoever it was, this meant Class D faced an even tougher challenge than he'd imagined.

He looked up at the night sky, where only a few stars glimmered.

The survival test on the uninhabited island wasn't just a test of their ability to survive. It was also a psychological battle of schemes and deception between the classes.

And Class D, the class everyone had always seen as the worst, would unite for the first time under his guidance.

"The core group is taking shape," he murmured. "Next, it's time to put it to work."

The night wind blew past, carrying a hint of chill.

The week of preparation was about to begin.

And on the uninhabited island, the real test was waiting for them all.