Chapter 212: -210- How many secret have you discovered?
At this time of day, it's rare to see students up and about.
After all, it's summer vacation, and this is the season that makes people want to sleep in. It wouldn't be surprising if students were hiding in their rooms, indulging in some extra rest.
However, due to the email from the school scheduled for eight o'clock, quite a few students were already up and active.
Some were gathering in various restaurants on the cruise ship to have breakfast, while others were grouping up to find a quiet place to discuss something, making the atmosphere rather lively.
Nanaya Hori headed directly to the open deck on the top floor.
Passing by the popular buffet restaurant, Hori went straight to a restaurant located at the back of the deck.
In the shadowed corner of this restaurant, in a secluded spot, was a table.
"You dare to be late after making me order for you?"
Horikita Suzune was sitting there, looking at Hori with displeasure.
On the table in front of her was a full spread of food, as she had mentioned the night before.
Seeing this, Hori couldn't help but find it amusing.
The fact that Horikita Suzune had ordered and patiently waited for him was a rare occurrence that perhaps only Hori and her older brother, Horikita Manabu, could experience.
Hori sat down opposite Horikita without any ceremony.
He then picked up the tea cup next to him and took a sip.
"Iced tea?" Hori frowned slightly and said, "Not coffee?"
"Do you like coffee that much?" Horikita replied flatly, "Generally, high school students don't prefer coffee, right?"
"I quite like it," Hori shrugged and replied, "You know, the word 'coffee' originates from the Greek word 'Kaweh,' which means 'strength' and 'passion.'"
A beverage that could refresh the mind and reduce fatigue to some extent was something Hori didn't mind.
But generally, students probably wouldn't be fond of coffee.
"Be careful not to overdose on caffeine."
Horikita coldly threw out this remark.
"Let's get to the point," Horikita didn't waste any more time and said directly, "Yesterday, I heard from Ayanokouji about the content of the briefing you attended: twelve groups, four results, and the email announcing the VIPs at eight in the morning. Everything is exactly the same as what I heard at 8:40 PM last night, without any discrepancies. The only difference is the teachers who explained the details."
Hori had already confirmed this.
When chatting with Sakura Airi, Hori had asked her what she heard during her briefing, confirming that the contents were exactly the same.
In other words, the rules of this special exam were as described: twelve groups competing separately, with no additional hidden agendas.
"However, the intensity of the competition varies greatly depending on the members of each group."
Horikita's statement made Hori nod in agreement.
Indeed, it varied.
Take, for instance, the elite group Horikita was in, which was filled with formidable individuals.
The competition among such individuals would undoubtedly be fierce.
Though Hori already had a rough idea of who the members were, he still asked out of curiosity.
"Who are the members of your group?"
Hearing Hori's question, Horikita, as if prepared, took out her phone, opened her notes, and showed a saved note to Hori.
It read as follows:
---
Dragon Group
- Class A: Katsuragi Kouhei, Nishikawa Ryoko, Matoba Shinji, Yano Koharu
- Class B: Andou Sayo, Kanzaki Ryuji, Tsube Hitomi
- Class C: Oda Takumi, Suzuki Hidetoshi, Sonoda Masashi, Ryuen Kakeru
- Class D: Kushida Kikyou, Hirata Yousuke, Horikita Suzune
---
It seemed Horikita's group was the Dragon Group.
And as mentioned last night, it was undoubtedly the elite group.
Class A's Katsuragi Kouhei.
Class B's Kanzaki Ryuji.
Class C's Ryuen Kakeru.
These were central figures in their respective classes.
Class D was no exception, consisting of the class leader, the popular student, and a lone wolf with undeniable ability.
Of course, in terms of pure ability, the strongest three in Class D were Hori, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, and Kouenji Rokusuke.
Unfortunately, Hori had little interest in class competition, Ayanokouji was reclusive, and Kouenji was a wild card, better left unmentioned.
So, excluding these three major problem children, the trio of Horikita Suzune, Kushida Kikyou, and Hirata Yousuke was currently the strongest combination in Class D.
"The rest of the group members are also highly capable individuals in their respective classes, ranking among the top in terms of overall ability."
Horikita seemed to have gathered quite a bit of information in advance, staring at Hori as she spoke.
"As you all predicted, the Dragon Group is the elite group in this special exam."
Despite saying this, Horikita showed no sense of superiority about being selected into the elite group.
It's not that Horikita didn't consider herself exceptional.
On the contrary.
Precisely because Horikita took her excellence for granted, she wouldn't feel any inexplicable sense of superiority and remained calm.
However, this calm demeanor might come off as showing off to others.
Even if Horikita had no such intention, it would still appear that way.
Currently, Horikita only wanted to know one thing.
"Why weren't you selected into the Dragon Group?"
Horikita asked straightforwardly.
"And Ichinose Honami too, even Ayanokouji. You all have the capability to be in the Dragon Group, so why are you in the Rabbit Group instead?"
Clearly, Horikita was eager to understand this question.
Ryuen Kakeru's statement last night must have affected this stubborn girl.
Therefore, Horikita wanted to uncover the hidden secrets of the Rabbit Group.
And she wasn't the only one.
Katsuragi Kouhei was likely investigating this matter as well.
Both individuals wouldn't be content with being left behind.
Knowing that Hori and Ryuen had already gained a lead, these two would undoubtedly do everything they could to catch up.
However, this was ultimately insignificant.
Whether Hori was in the elite group or not, and how others were grouped, had never really concerned Horikita.
What Horikita truly cared about was only one thing.
"How many secrets of this exam have you uncovered?"
Horikita stared directly at Hori and asked.
"I want to know how much you've discovered at this stage."
This was the thing Horikita most wanted to confirm right now.
Without a doubt.
Weekly Power Status
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