Kapitel 12: Chapter 12 : On-board Test part 2

The shipboard exam has finally begun.

At the designated time, I head to the specified location, knock on the door, and enter the room. From here on, it was time for the students to think. It seems the school has left whatever results come from this to the students themselves.

The exam has started, but no one seems eager to start talking.

"Well, since there are some unfamiliar faces, how about we start with introductions?"

Breaking the silence in the room is Ichinose from Class B. Ichinose seems to be quite popular, rivaling the top students in this school—I've heard rumors to that effect.

Ichinose's suggestion is met with agreement from Class B and even some from Class D. Introductions proceed from Class D up to Class B, and then it's A Class's turn.

"For this exam, we in Class A won't be discussing. That's our policy for this round."

"Does that mean you won't be involved in the exam?"

"Yes. That's Katsuragi's idea, the strategy of Class A."

I see. Katsuragi must be aiming to maintain the status quo. It seems typical of Katsuragi to think in such a self-preserving way.

"I see... Well, I guess that can't be helped."

Despite the disapproval from members of Class A, Ichinose doesn't seem bothered.

"Anyway, isn't it best to aim for the top result, result 1? Wouldn't that be the best approach?"

Karuizawa from Class D speaks while messing around with his smartphone.

Voices seeking result 1 are heard from classes other than A. It seems aiming for a result where no one loses out is indeed the best approach.

Following that, discussions aiming for result 1 take place, and the discussion time for this round concludes.

"This exam is such a hassle."

I stand up from my chair and stretch. Next to me, Ibuki, who was sitting there, speaks up.

"Yeah, really. I'm not confident in my communication skills, so this exam is depressing for me. It was reassuring to have you here, Ibuki."

"Yeah, it might be. Without you, I might not have been able to participate in the discussion."

We in Class C have become the center of attention after ranking first in the recent exam, drawing wary glances from the other classes when we entered this room.

While complaining to Ibuki, we notice Manabe from our class confronting Karuizawa from Class D with an irritated voice. It seems they're having an argument, but eventually Karuizawa asks for help from Class A and the conflict ends.

"...I'm really glad you were here."

Even classmates like us find this situation so troublesome that Ibuki and I simultaneously sigh.

…

After wrapping up the discussion in the initial group, I was resting in my room when I heard a notification sound on my smartphone.

"Those who received special treatment, come to my room to show me what you've got. I intend to reward those who come to show."

The notification is from Ryuuen, and it seems he's trying to strategize for this exam. Depending on the outcome this time, Class C might become a target. How to handle that is crucial this time.

What also concerns me is Ayanokoji. He seemed to ponder a bit after the earlier argument between Manabe and Karuizawa. If he's thinking strategically about the exam...

Well, whatever. I could foresee this to some extent, and it doesn't pose any problems for me. Ayanokoji and I are currently in a cooperative relationship, so if Ayanokoji becomes more active, it might actually work out better for me.

I stop pondering and lounge around the room for a while when my phone chimes again with a new notification.

"Let's go eat. Come to this restaurant."

Once again, it's Ryuuen messaging me. He even sent detailed information about the restaurant.

I hadn't been keeping track of time while in the room, but it was already past 7 PM. Saying "let's go eat " must mean he's finished confirming the special treatment recipients in the class.

I didn't expect to be invited by Ryuuen. Since there's no reason to refuse, I leave the room.

….

Right now, Ryuen and I are having dinner. The restaurant Ryuen chose is the most popular one on this ship. It's rare for Ryuen to choose such a crowded place, but I'm digging into a steak that's a whopping four centimeters thick.

"You seem to be enjoying it quite a bit."

"Yeah... this is... really delicious."

I chew and swallow the thick meat. It's my first time eating such hot meat, so I'm quite impressed.

"But seriously, what's gotten into you all of a sudden?"

"Heh. There's something I want to discuss... about the exam."

Ryuen raises his voice slightly when he mentions the exam. Naturally, students from other classes also use this restaurant. Talking about the exam here is like revealing what's on his mind. As expected, with the uninhabited island exam in mind, it seems like all the students in the restaurant are eavesdropping on our conversation. Among them are faces of leaders from various classes, attracted by the popularity of this restaurant on the ship.

"About the exam... so, did you come up with something?"

I decided to go along with this conversation for now. The moment I engage, Ryuen breaks into a smile, so it seems my choice wasn't wrong.

"Well, I'll let you in on it. I've figured out the VIP rule."

At Ryuen's words, the restaurant falls silent for a moment, then buzzes with new commotion. Whether this is true or false, this seems to be Ryuen's intention.

"That's impressive. With that, it's almost like you've won this round of exams. Why not share your answer?"

I intentionally reply, and Ryuen smiles wickedly...

"I'm just being kind, you know. Giving the idiots from the other classes even a slight chance with such an easy VIP rule."

A bold provocation.

To make such a statement in front of so many students is, needless to say, stirring up anger among the students in the restaurant. Katsuragi , who happened to be here, and even Horikita are frowning, apparently not believing Ryuen's words.

Well, it's kind of like saying you guys are idiots indirectly.

"It's just like you. But as a member of the same class, I'm grateful. By the way, I heard you were treating us today, but are your private points okay?"

I steer the conversation to Ryuen's liking, and he responds with a smile, apparently enjoying my response.

"I don't mind that. I'll be getting points from Class A, after all."

"Points from Class A? What do you mean?"

I ask again, this time more conspicuously. The students in the restaurant seem even more curious about my last statement, and Katsuragi is frowning.

"There's someone who made a contract with me during the uninhabited island exam. They fell for my plan and are sending me 800,000 points every month from Class A."

This new revelation astonishes everyone in the restaurant. Obtaining such a large amount of 800,000 points naturally elicits such reactions.

"So that happened. In that case, let's eat generously."

I start eating my steak again.

"Getting points so easily, and from Class A at that. I wonder how long you'll remain in Class A."

With this high-level taunt at the end, one of the guys from Class A who couldn't bear it any longer suddenly stands up roughly from his chair.

"You!!"

He runs towards us, fists raised, clearly intending to punch Ryuen.

We're a few seconds away from him due to the distance, so I look at Ryuen to see what he'll do. He was waiting for me to look at him, it seems, as he points at the guy running towards him and then points at me.

"What?"

In other words, he's telling me to stop him.

Hey, what are you saying without consulting me first?

Even if I tried to say that, he's already almost here. Despite that, Ryuen just smiles confidently without saying a word.

"I guess there's no choice."

"What...!?"

"...Huh?"

I'm not sure whose voice that was, but it seemed to come from somewhere.

Looking around, all eyes are on me, staring at me with looks of disbelief.

What I did was simple. As the guy ran towards me, I tripped him and restrained his arm, rendering him powerless.

That's all I did. There are probably others who could do this. Yet the stares directed at me don't disappear. It's as if they've seen something unbelievable.

"Oi oi. What was with that speed just now..."

Ryuen, who was watching from closest to me, let out a surprised voice.

Yeah. Probably because the stares aren't on me due to a series of speeds. It was sudden, so I put a little effort into it.

"Let go! This guy! This guy!!"

The man I was holding down seemed to have realized his situation and started to flail about, glaring at Ryuuen.

That's right. Maybe I can use this situation to get away with it.

"Stop! Yahiko!"

"K-Katsuragi-san..."

"Huh. I want you to discipline your subordinates properly."

Katsuragi rushes over from behind and scolds Ryuen, but ignores him and looks at me.

"Sorry. One of my class members was rude. Could you let him go?"

He bows his head and apologizes, so I decide to let go quietly, hoping that what happened earlier will be forgotten.

"Hey hey, are you ignoring me?"

"Shut up! All you've been spouting since earlier is nonsense! You think you've figured out the rule of the privileged? There's no way someone like you would understand!"

"That's scary huh... Hey Suzune, what do you think?"

Turning my gaze towards her as I had been watching from the sidelines, I looked at Horikita. Ayanokoji was also near her. Wait, you were here too?

"Why should I have to answer? I distinctly told you not to address me by name."

Despite her puzzled expression, she responded to us.

"Just a little question. Do you think I've figured out the rule of the privileged? ...Hey Hikigaya, record Suzune's next response."

He muttered this quietly so only I could hear. I reluctantly pressed the record button on my phone; this was going to be quite mean if I used it.

"I have no intention of putting up with your nonsense. The fact that you haven't replied is proof enough of that. I'd rather you not involve me in your childish games."

"Y-yes! You have no evidence, so don't make nonsense!"

Horikita replied in a shocked voice, and the one called Yahiko replied in agreement.

"I apologize for that. Now then, Katsuragi."

"... What is it?"

"I'll let you off the hook this time around."

"What are you talking about..."

At that moment, Ryuen took out his phone, dialed someone, and put it on speaker. This action left those around him visibly surprised.

"What is it, Ryuen-san?"

The call connected almost immediately. Apparently, it was Kaneda.

"You were in the bird group, right?"

"Yes, that's right, but..."

"~ is the privileged person. Answer."

At that moment, a loud bang reverberated through the store. He had turned pale and was now staring in shock.

"... That's for sure, isn't it?"

"Do you think I'm reckless?"

"... It was a stupid question."

The conversation ended there, and the next moment–––––

"The bird group's exam has ended. The bird group no longer needs to participate in future exams. Please be careful not to disturb other students."

The announcement of the end of the exam echoed throughout the ship.

"No way... that can't be..."

Likely a member of Class A who was privileged in the bird group collapsed to their knees, staring at the ground in disbelief.

"I can't believe it... You're the privileged one!?"

Even Horikita, who had been looking down on him until the very end, couldn't hide her surprise at the revelation of the privileged member.

"Sorry, Suzune. Let's go along with my little game."

"!!"

Perhaps recalling his own words, Horikita's face twisted in frustration.

"Well, if my nonsense comes true... it'll be fun."

Saying this, Ryuen started to leave the store. Feeling awkward standing alone in this atmosphere, I followed Ryuen. He snatched my smartphone and turned the volume to the maximum...

"I have no intention of putting up with your nonsense.The fact that you haven't answered says it all. I don't want to be involved in such childish games."

"Y-yes! You have no evidence, so don't make nonsense!"

The remarks I had recorded earlier echoed through the store.

This guy is shameless. Just before leaving the store, I glanced over and noticed Horikita trembling with a red face and Yahiko looking angry with flushed cheeks.

….

From there, the exam proceeded without any particular incidents.

One surprising point was on the second day when the Monkey group's answer was revealed; that was likely the work of Kōenji. Considering the members of the Monkey group, only Kōenji would be capable of such a feat.

In my group, "U" (卯), the most noteworthy action occurred on the final day when the D class made some moves. By swapping SIM cards, Ayanokoji and Yukimura, along with the actions in Karuizawa, it seems likely that Class A made a mistaken answer.

However, the way I saw Ayanokoji in Karuizawa on the final day seemed a bit different. It appears he may have succeeded in persuading someone.

Just earlier, I received an email regarding the groups of Rat, Horse, and Boar. It seems Ryuuen has made a move. It looks like he's targeting Class A, so I wonder what the outcome will be...

Based on the results, the changes in class and private points in this main exam are as follows:

- Class A: -200 CP, +2 Million PP

- Class B: No change, +2Million PP

- Class C: +150 CP, +5,5 Million PP

- Class D: +50 CP, +3 Million PP

Class C finishing first and Class A last is as expected. Since Class C targeted Class A, this is natural. What's intriguing is Class D; I suspect Kōenji was responsible, but whether it was a shot in the dark or he noticed a pattern among the privileged, I don't know. Regardless, Kōenji is someone to be cautious of.

I stood out a bit too much in the restaurant incident this time, so I'll need to restrain myself a bit from now on. With that wish in mind, I settled into the final night aboard the luxurious cruise ship.

=================================

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