Is This Class Really Hopeless?

As Mashima explained the details in depth, every class finally grasped the rules of this exam.

The most critical point among them was how to utilize the 300 exam points each class was granted at the start.

These 300 points were exclusive to this exam and had no usage restrictions; they could be used to purchase necessary tools, food, or other items from the homeroom teachers.

In other words, as long as these 300 points were used wisely, getting through this exam should be entirely trouble-free.

Yet, that was precisely where the problem lay; if it were truly that simple, this could hardly be called an exam—at most, it would be a slightly difficult test.

Without any contradictions or conflicts of interest between classes, could such an exam really improve our collaboration or capabilities? The answer was no.

Sure enough, the very next second, Mashima's next sentence completely resolved our questions.

"Finally, all points remaining at the end of this special exam will be converted into class points and will take effect upon returning to school."

"What?!"

"Are you serious?!"

It was no wonder many began to clamor; if they managed these 300 points well, they could narrow the gap between themselves and the classes ahead to some extent. More extremely, if they didn't spend a single point, while they couldn't directly surpass Class C, the distance between the classes would shrink significantly.

"Hey, hey, did you hear that! That's 300 points! If we really don't spend any at all..."

"Calm down for a second. It seems the teacher has other rules to explain; let's discuss this later."

Seeing his classmates getting as excited as if they'd been injected with adrenaline, Hirata hurriedly stepped forward to soothe their emotions, especially as the gazes of other classes began to converge on Class D.

"300 points... if converted into class points, we shouldn't have to worry about a deficit next month, right..."

Hearing the murmur of Karuizawa Kei beside him, Chiba Yu said faintly, "Do you really think it will be that simple?"

Karuizawa Kei looked up at his profile in confusion. Although he still wore his usual lazy expression, she felt something was different from his usual self.

Before Chiba Yu could answer, Chabashira Sae walked over with a guidebook and handed it to Hirata.

"The rest of the rules are all written in this guidebook, including items that will result in point deductions and other important matters regarding this exam. Pass it around and read it yourselves."

It was clearly the duty of a homeroom teacher to explain these things, yet she just tossed it to the students like this—how irresponsible.

Perhaps because Chabashira Sae still possessed a shred of humanity, she did disclose a few of the most important rules.

"There are multiple bases set up on this island, and you will receive reward points for each occupation. Each class must select a 'Leader' from among their students. The school will provide a special Leader Card for occupying bases; those who are not the leader cannot use the card."

"In addition, occupied bases will expire every 8 hours, during which time they must be re-occupied. Using another class's base without their permission will result in a penalty. Furthermore, you may not change your leader at will without a special reason."

"Finally, after the exam concludes, each class will engage in an activity to guess the leaders of the other classes. The class that is correctly guessed will have 50 points deducted, while the opposite will be rewarded."

This was the most important aspect of the exam and the key to determining its success.

But looking at the current situation... Chiba Yu shifted his gaze toward the group in his class.

"In that case, it wouldn't hurt to use a certain amount of points, right?"

"No, we should endure unless it's an absolute necessity."

Regarding the use of class points, the group of girls represented by Karuizawa believed they should spend a certain amount, as the simple toilets provided by the school were truly subpar. Meanwhile, the boys' faction represented by Yukimura argued that this was an unnecessary expense, and the two sides began to bicker.

Starting off like this already? Chiba Yu began to feel despair regarding this exam.

"I suddenly feel that this exam is even more complicated and difficult than I imagined."

Chiba Yu looked at Ayanokoji and Horikita walking beside him, nodding in understanding at their remarks.

"Hirata will handle it anyway. It's probably better if we don't get involved in their argument right now."

"Aren't you planning to go over and help?"

Chiba Yu looked at Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, who had asked the question, with surprise. Rolling his eyes slightly, he replied, "You should know my personality well enough. Why would I rush into such an obviously thankless situation?"

"I thought you might try to put in a good word for that Karuizawa," Horikita said casually.

"I'm really not that close to her. I hope you can understand that, thank you."

"I don't think so."

"Fine, think whatever you want." Chiba Yu tilted his head away and simply gave up.

While the trio was chatting, the others finally finished their discussion.

Strangely enough, the result of their discussion was to first look for a base to live in, while things like toilets would be discussed while they walked.

Hearing their decision, Chiba Yu sighed inwardly, feeling more helpless than anything else.

This kind of activity was the most agonizing thing for someone like him. If he could, he would use illness as an excuse to return to the ship right now, rather than playing wilderness survival with this group of problem children.

After deciding that Ike, Yamauchi, and Sudo would split up to explore campsites and bases, the rest of them followed the main group, walking slowly through the jungle.

Chiba Yu, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, and Horikita walked at the very back of the line, chatting casually as they moved.

"Are you not interested?" Ayanokoji Kiyotaka asked, looking at Horikita, who was walking beside him with her arms crossed.

"This kind of activity doesn't suit me. Living a primitive life is one thing, but being unable to be alone is another."

"I couldn't agree more," Chiba Yu chimed in from the edge of the pair.

Faced with his remark, Horikita turned her head and glared at him. "We are not the same."

"Fine, fine, if you say we're different, then we're different. But I really don't think this activity suits me either. Compared to this, I'm much better suited for sitting in the classroom doing brain work."

"Are you saying that next time there's an exam that requires brain work, I can come to you? Is that what you mean?"

Chiba Yu was dumbfounded by Horikita's statement and couldn't help but turn to look at Ayanokoji, his expression clearly asking: She's always like this?!

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka: You're only just realizing that now?