Midterm Exams and the Promised Island Trip

Friday morning arrived quickly—the day of the midterm exams.

"Everyone's here. Looks like no one was too scared to take the exams, huh?"

Chabashira Sae briefly surveyed the classroom, then entered carrying the sealed bag containing the test papers.

"Today is your first official examination, you defective products. If you have any questions, ask them now. Questions will not be permitted once the exam officially begins."

"We studied seriously during exam week. We won't drop the ball at a crucial moment like this."

"Yeah, yeah."

Several boys chimed in agreement.

"Defective products, confidence is a good thing, but..."

Before Chabashira Sae could finish, the classroom broadcast suddenly came on and cut her off.

"There are fifteen minutes remaining until the official examination. Proctors may begin distributing the test papers."

A cold electronic voice echoed through the classroom.

Chabashira Sae showed the sealed test-paper bag to the Class 1-D students, then had the students in the front row confirm it and sign.

Next, she handed out the answer sheets and test papers.

Chabashira Sae glanced at the clock above the classroom. There were around ten minutes left before the exam began, so she decided to say something unrelated.

"If everyone in Class 1-D can make it through both the midterms and final exams, I'll consider taking you on a trip during summer vacation."

"A trip...?"

"That's right. A trip to a beautiful island, together with all the first-years. A beach in summer—sounds pretty nice, doesn't it?"

"Teacher, that is indeed a very appealing proposal."

Koenji Rokusuke took out a small mirror and adjusted his hair, an arrogant smile curling at his lips.

"An island filled with sunshine and crashing waves is undoubtedly the ideal stage upon which to display my perfect physique."

"..."

"..."

A trip to a beautiful island meant