AFTER JUST PAST 9 AM., participants arrived at their designated classrooms to receive detailed explanations about the exam from unfamiliar examiners. The same explanations were being given simultaneously in four different classrooms.
The rooms were filled with the usual desks and chairs, with nothing looking out of the ordinary.
It was hard to imagine what kind of exam would be conducted in such a normal environment, but as the explanation progressed, participants' understanding gradually deepened.
The explanation about the discussion that the participants would be carrying out continued without ever touching on the victory conditions for the representatives. Once the explanation was over, the examiner took a breather. The students then looked at each other, trying their best to memorize the rules.
"The most important point to remember is that in this discussion, the only way you can contribute to your class is to perform the role you are given to the best of your abilities."
This was exactly what the participants heard from Ayanokōji and the others.
"We understand our victory conditions, but... the victory conditions for the representatives are more important, aren't they? What are they?"
Matsushita asked on behalf of her classmates.
The battle between the participants was essentially just about whether they would gain private points.
On the other hand, the battle between the representatives would drastically affect the fluctuation of class points, which would determine the class's future.
It was only natural to prioritize long-term gains as a priority over short-term gains.
However, the unfamiliar examiner, who typically didn't tend to react, answered in a detached tone.
"As I just said, all you can do is stick to your roles and conduct your discussions properly. There's no point in trying to guess their victory conditions—how the representatives fight and how the rules might differ each time for them might minutely change each discussion. Only when the special exam is over will you be able to learn all the answers."
The answers weren't vague to begin with; rather, the examiner had no intentions of telling them the answers from the start.
It was impossible to go without feeling the stubborn intent of the school.
"Can we really not see our progress until the exam is over?"
"That's right."
Shinohara complained, and the examiner responded without pause.
They had thoroughly explained that the rules between representatives must be kept secret and were not to be disclosed.
"Remember, not taking the discussions seriously will never be advantageous for your class."
Playing out your role in an easily recognizable way was a liberty for the participants, but there was no guarantee that it would turn out well for the representatives they belonged to.
As long as it was unclear what would determine victory or defeat, engaging seriously in discussions, as instructed, was the choice that would leave you with the least regrets.
The examiners finished conveying what the participants needed to do and ended their explanations.