Its Name Is-Freedom

"Before we disembark, there are a few points I need to cover."

The summer sun was as vicious as ever. As the ship prepared to dock, the students were gathered on the deck, forty to a section. With the sun beating down, there was nowhere to hide, and complaints began to surface.

"Seriously, can we hurry up? It's burning out here."

"Exactly. Can't they just tell us this stuff inside?"

The grumbling started, mostly among the girls.

Chiba Yu stood among the crowd, waiting quietly for Chabashira Sae's instructions.

Even though he tried his best to minimize his presence and pass the time in peace, someone else had other ideas.

"Hey, hey, what do you think the school is planning this time? I have a feeling it's not just a vacation on an island, right? Or is it another special exam?"

"...What's with that look?"

Seeing the expression on Chiba Yu's face—as if he were looking at some rare, exotic treasure—Karuizawa Kei felt offended.

Chiba Yu thought for a moment, then replied with a veiled remark: "Nothing. I'm just surprised that your brain can actually work this fast."

Karuizawa Kei: "..."

"What's that supposed to mean! Are you saying I don't usually use my head?"

Chiba Yu was speechless. It was rare for him to try and pay her a compliment, for heaven's sake.

Just as Karuizawa Kei was about to retort, Chabashira suddenly shouted, "You have thirty minutes to dispose of any unnecessary items. Assemble here in half an hour. We will disembark in order, starting from Class A down to Class D. That is all!"

"It's over. It really feels like a special exam is coming. Sigh~" Karuizawa Kei said, resigning herself to her fate.

"We can't be certain it's a special exam yet. Try to keep a positive mindset."

Karuizawa Kei shot him a look that suggested he was an idiot, and Chiba Yu wisely shut his mouth.

The half-hour passed in a flash. Soon, led by their respective homeroom teachers, the four classes arrived on the island in an orderly fashion and lined up by class.

The sun hit one side of his face, feeling scorching and oppressive.

By now, after various discussions within our class, it was all but confirmed that this was likely not a simple trip.

"Ah~ We came out for a vacation, and now they tell us there's some weird exam? I don't want to live anymore!"

"Look on the bright side, Ike. Maybe this is just a routine assembly, and they'll let us do what we want once they dismiss us?"

"Are you an idiot? How could that possibly be the case!"

Ike and Sudo began to bicker, their voices growing increasingly loud.

The students standing around them listened to the exchange. Although they knew it was unlikely, they secretly hoped Sudo was right; after all, they were on vacation, and nobody wanted to take an exam at a time like this.

"Quiet down. What I'm about to say is very important, so listen closely." Chabashira Sae stepped in to stop the argument, holding up a watch with a stern expression.

"From this moment on, your student IDs will be confiscated. In their place, you must wear these watches. Anyone who removes their watch without permission will be penalized."

After finishing the instructions, Chabashira took out the class roster and began roll call, only retreating to the group of homeroom teachers once she confirmed everyone was present.

"I'm starting to feel a bit nervous now," Karuizawa Kei said suddenly, standing just behind and to the side of Chiba Yu.

"Given the setup, the school must have considered everything. Safety shouldn't be a concern."

"...That's not what I'm worried about. It's just that everything feels so serious; I'm afraid this exam is going to be difficult."

"So you actually worry about class exams? I thought you didn't care much about these things."

Hearing this, Karuizawa Kei blushed instantly and retorted indignantly, "What do you mean by that? Are you saying I don't contribute anything to the class?! ╰(‵□′)╯"

"No, that's not what I meant at all."

"Then what did you mean!"

"..."

"Beep—"

A horn sounded, drawing everyone's attention.

A middle-aged teacher in a white shirt with a tall build walked onto the stage, seemingly prepared to make an announcement.

Chiba Yu recognized him; it was the homeroom teacher of Class A, Mashima Tomoya. He was known for his strict management style and high expectations, though he wasn't exactly hated. Overall, his reputation was a mix of good and bad.

"First, I am glad everyone arrived here safely. However, it is regrettable that one student could not attend due to illness."

Regrettable, huh... Perhaps the one who couldn't attend due to illness was the smartest one of all.

Chiba Yu knew who that student was: the other strong contender for leadership in Class A—Sakayanagi Arisu.

A character even Chiba Yu found difficult to deal with...

The next second, a cold, clinical voice reached our ears.

"Now, we will begin the first special exam of this school year."

"No!!!!"

"This is all your fault, Sudo! Look what happened, the exam is actually starting. My vacation!!!"

"A special exam?" While some groaned in lament, other students looked at the term with confusion.

As the exam was announced, every class began to stir with restlessness. Even though they had anticipated it, the feeling of anxiety and tension surged forward the moment it was officially declared.

"The exam will last for one week. You are required to live collectively on this uninhabited island. Starting today, you must make all decisions for yourselves."

"You will spend one week on this island as a class unit. The school will provide each class with a fixed amount of starting supplies. Whether it is building a fire to cook or obtaining food, you must arrange and decide everything on your own."

"A final reminder: during the exam period, you are not permitted to board the ship without authorization. Violators will be punished."

"The exam duration is one week and will conclude at noon seven days from now. During this time, you will live together as a group. This is the theme of this exam—freedom!"

What was meant to come had finally arrived. The arrival of this real-life version of survival on a deserted island shattered the hopeful hearts of every student and dragged each class into this so-called struggle for 'freedom.'

This was the decisive exam that would determine whether they could spend the coming semester in peace. If enduring one exam could make the next semester easier...

Not knowing what he was thinking, Chiba Yu narrowed his eyes as he gazed at the red sun hanging high in the sky.