In the middle of a forest, on an uninhabited island, the special exams for first-year students at Tokyo Metropolitan Koudo Ikusei High School are taking place.
We, first-year class D, went sailing on a luxury cruise ship to enjoy our summer vacation…should be. But it ended up not meeting the expectations of us students.
It was the introduction of a special exam from the school to students.
I, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, a first-year student from class 1-D, was sitting alone on a rock while looking up at the night sky above.
Some of my friends were sitting in a circle around the blazing campfire in front of the tent as the only light at that time. I myself stay away from large groups because I don't have any friends, which is natural for a loner like me.
Sitting behind me is a girl named Horikita Suzune.
She is my first friend at this school. Well, even though she doesn't think so, at least I think so…. or not.
The sound of firewood, as well as laughter and fun chatter, can be heard from here.
Even though we had to spend a week on this uninhabited island, sticking with the supplies we had, we were eager to enjoy every pleasant moment whenever possible.
Basically, each class has 300 points. You are free to do anything with the points, if you want to buy something with the points you have and have fun on the island, nothing is forbidden. it is a freedom given by the school.
But keep in mind, the remaining points at the end of this exam will be added to our class points.
There are a few additional important factors to keep in mind, regarding how points are deducted, and how points are added. For example, you will get bonus points if you occupy several spots on the island. The spot will automatically belong to the class and you will get additional points.
However, you must remember to occupy the spot every 8 hours, so that the place remains yours and class.
Each class has its own leader.
The leader is the person who holds the key card that will be used to occupy the existing spot.
In the end, you are given the opportunity by the school to guess the name of each class leader. If you guess successfully, you get 50 points, if you guess wrong, you lose 50 points. This is one of the factors that cause points to decrease, and at the same time the most favorable factor if you guess correctly. Double-edged sword.
On the other hand, a class that has one of the students retired will deduct class points.
We first-year class D students are trying our best to take this exam.
Our class has been dropping points since the beginning of the month and being the lowest class compared to other classes, it's a shame to see.
So, this special exam is one of the precious opportunities for us to increase our class points.
"They had so much fun..."
Horikita sighed when she saw our classmate.
"There's nothing wrong with enjoying what you're doing, after all it's like a vacation right?"
"…I can't deny that."
On the third day of the special exam on this uninhabited island, we have gone through a lot and little by little our class unity has begun to form. Previously there was a difference of opinion regarding the use of class points, now everything has been resolved through discussion. We have also made the most of our points.
In addition to the advantages of existing spot ownership, the benefits obtained from strategic spots are a supporting factor.
Near the spring, there are some fruit growing around the river downstream, and we can fish if necessary, like summer camp. Of course, there are other places where the benefits are even better than this.
"Should we join them and have some fun too?"
I asked Horikita who was behind me, however, she just shook her head.
"...Just you, I'm not interested."
As usual, I don't know what's wrong with her brain.
"You know, sometimes we need to have some friends."
"I am not interested in."
I sighed seeing Horikita's stubborn behavior.
She always thought that making friends was a waste of time.
In a special exam like this, cooperation as a class is the most important thing, you won't be able to do everything alone. No matter how good you are in academics or sports, in the end, you will depend on other people.
I want Horikita to realize this.
Well, it will happen, she will definitely change someday, I just need to give her a push as a trigger, even in a cruel way. For now, I already have some plans in mind, it will go well, I just need to use Horikita for that.
She stood up and returned to the girl's tent to rest.
The night was long, she would want the day to pass quickly and get back to the ship as soon as possible.
And I'm alone now….
By the way, there were some students who sat alone and isolated themselves from the large group.
It was Ibuki and Sakura.
Ibuki is a student from class C.
While looking for wood in the forest, my group accidentally found her, her face looked slightly injured from a slap from a hard object.
She probably just had a fight with a classmate.
Our class reached out and helped her, providing her with shelter and food.
She sat not far from Sakura.
Talking about Sakura, she is one of my friends who can be said to be a little shy, no, I mean she is very shy and can't talk to other people.
She was like a baby bird in a nest that was afraid to fly against the vast sky.
It takes a strong push to help her develop, and this role fits perfectly with those she is close to.
Sakura glanced at me, her eyes flashing something as if she wanted to talk to me.
She stood up and looked like she was about to come over to me.
But….
Kushida comes and calls Ibuki and Sakura to join them.
"E-eh?"
Of course, Sakura was a little panicked.
However, Kushida didn't care and took Sakura's hand and invited her to join her.
Ibuki looked a little hesitant, and in the end, she declined the invitation and decided to return to the tent.
Now, I am completely alone.
The sound of nocturnal animals could be heard in the trees behind me.
The calm flowing river water gives a strong impression of the forest panorama at night.
This is the wilderness, I can't believe that I'm actually living here now.
Usually, from behind the small window in the cold room, the view of the wilderness is familiar to me. Between hills and mountains, the only place I can call home. It never crossed my mind that I would be living in a place like this for a week.
I got up from my seat and approached the large group, where most of my classmates were.
I sat behind a male student I didn't know, they gave me a slight glance but quickly averted their gaze and started chatting as usual.
If you're wondering what I'm thinking, I just don't want to attract unnecessary attention from my classmates. Being a loner is unobtrusive, however, sitting alone and some distance from a campfire where my classmates would be conspicuous to me.
Actually, I wanted to sit near people like Ike, Yamauchi, and Sudou who were close to me, but they were across there and a bit far from where I was before.
For a moment, I was immersed in the conversation between my classmates.
"Huwaaa~ I'm really sleepy."
Karuizawa Kei, the leader of the girls in the class stretched her arms up and yawned in the cutest way for the boys beside her to see.
I have to admit, she's cute
She is one of the leaders in the class, along with Hirata they are the two central figures of the class who get the most attention from classmates.
She is usually a strong and stubborn girl and blessed with an attractive personality, she positions herself as the leader of the girls in the class. Her influence is quite big in the class because all the girls in the class are close to her.
Honestly, she might be of use to me.
"I want all of this to end soon, so I can spend my days at the mall again," Her muttered and leaned her back slightly.
"I agree! I really want to spend a whole day enjoying my summer vacation well," said one of her friends.
"Speaking of holidays, isn't it best to sail and swim all day! Right? Haruki, hehe~'
"YES..."
They are both immersed in wild fantasies of passionate youth.
The two hot-blooded men couldn't help it. Their goal is clear.
Some of the girls laughed and some were a little annoyed by it.
Thinking back before this exam took place, I recalled some of the events that I went through.
There is no denying that this School really gives a lot to its students. Starting from good dorm facilities to entertainment facilities such as cafes and malls, all are available.
And now, to think that the school gives students the opportunity to enjoy their summer in an unusual and new way is something extraordinary for a high school.
Does by doing this the school wants its students to develop and enhance their collaboration as a class through special exams? So that goal is a noble thing to achieve.
The night passed, the stars in the sky lit up the night like eye-catching art.
Unexpectedly, the campfire that had been blazing slowly began to dim. Slowly, we were all swallowed up by the darkness of the night.
"Okay, we better rest now. Tomorrow morning there are many things to do, we have to collect food and so on. We'd better get some sleep and get ready for tomorrow. "
Hirata Yousuke, talks and gets the attention of his classmates.
"I agree with Hirata-kun, we have a lot to prepare tomorrow," Karuizawa, his girlfriend, agreed with him.
She stood up and leaned over to Hirata, slightly hugged her boyfriend's arm, and did what they said was affectionate or something.
We split up and started to prepare ourselves to rest in the tent.
Previously, there were several students who went to wash their faces in the river, and I was one of them.
"Oh, Ayanokouji-kun."
Hirata came over to me and washed his face.
"Today is a long day right?"
I tried to start a conversation with him.
He acted as the leader in the class, it must be difficult for him to do everything himself as a leader.
"That's true, but I also enjoy it. Somehow, we made it through 3 days on this island well, it should be if this situation continues without any problems, our class will be able to save enough points on the last day."
We've been fighting hard until now, it would be great if we could all hold on until the end.
"You're right, this special exam will be a turning point for our class."
Hirata smiled at me. He washed his face and hair. His bangs swayed slightly and small drops of water fell. He looks charming even when doing these little things.
You and your girlfriend are no different lol, both attract attention to your surroundings.
The two of us walked together towards the tent.
However, even for a moment... I—, I felt something strange.
The steps I took felt heavy like my legs were shaking—
I stopped...
Branches and branches swayed from left to right in the wind, the sound of the night animals slowly disappeared, a deadly silence enveloped the entire night at the time.
There is something wrong.
I turned around, crossed the river, I looked deep into the bushes between the big trees, it was close to the location of the toilet.
Hirata who noticed something was wrong with me, turned around and called out to me.
"What is it, Ayanokouji-kun?" I just stood still, looking deep into the bushes.
Somehow this feeling….
It's as if you are being watched by something foreign.
I'm confused. And feel weird. This is something I have never felt in my life. I can swear the so-called "fear" is the first time I've felt this way.
How can fear arise in humans?
Many factors cause. It starts with a frightening stimulus that is sent by the brain from past trauma or it can appear on its own. Usually, those who have high instincts can know something bad is about to happen.
Usually, fear is directly related to emotional anxiety, which is caused by a certain threat or danger.
My organs and body screamed rhythmically like I was welcoming a 90s classical music orchestra.
It feels like you're being watched by something.
This is hard to explain.
I don't know but something is wrong with me.
I don't know if it's just my feelings or something, but I feel that something strange, hidden from the dark nature and thick trees, is watching me with a purpose that is hard to explain.
That's—
Without me knowing it, a hand tapped me.