A Liquid Inspiration

Summary: (A re-telling of Classroom of the Elite sparked by a certain conversation between Masterpiece and Professor.)

One day, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka receives a surprising invitation from his father, Ayanokouji Atsuomi, to join him for a drink. It was unusual for Kiyotaka, who normally wouldn't be summoned by his father without a hidden agenda.

That's why even the emotionless Kiyotaka was surprised when his father began to open up about his own experiences with love and relationships.

For the emotionally distant "masterpiece," this conversation is a rare moment of connection with his father, and it sparked a curiosity within him to explore the world of human relationships, to be more specific: romance and intimacy.

It was that spark that pushed Kiyotaka to demand something from his father:

"Father, teach me everything about human relationships."

This then begins a ripple that changes how Ayanokouji Kiyotaka would approach the world in the foreseeable future.

Do check out this fic on Wattpad. It has the same title and content, but we do have illustrations there to increase immersion for the fic. Thanks, and here's the chapter!

Vol 3. Chapter 3 - Into the Unknown

Ayanokōji Kiyotaka

After Mashima-sensei's revelation, the students were sent into a frenzy, vividly confused by his announcement of a special exam. How could they not? Most of them probably thought this was just a summer trip, a showcase of the school's benevolence.

That being said, they really haven't learned from May, haven't they?

While there was no doubt we'll be having a summer vacation, there was no way we would simply be lounging around for two weeks.

Yuki, who had been silent until then, broke the silence. "I wonder how long this test would last..." Her voice trailed off, her gaze settling on the uniformed men who were tirelessly setting up equipment. There was a thoughtful look on her face as she tried to make sense of the situation.

"You looked like you've expected this. Did you already know of this, Kiyotaka?" Yōsuke asked.

I shook my head, dispelling his suspicion. "I don't. I simply suspected something was bound to happen," I replied, my gaze meeting his.

"I see. Why didn't you say anything to the class, though?" He asked once more. Although his question seemed accusatory, his tone made it clear that he was simply curious about my decision to keep my suspicions hidden.

I turned my gaze towards the ocean, the vast expanse of blue reflecting my thoughts. "Would it even do anything, Yōsuke?" I countered, my eyes darting back to him. "There was no way we'd be prepared because we don't even know what the exams would even look like."

It was the hard truth. Without specific knowledge about the exam, we couldn't prepare in any meaningful way.

"And knowing our classmates," I continued, my gaze drifting towards our classmates. The anxiety they felt was evident on their faces, just as most of the first-year students gathered on this island. "They would be antsy the whole time, which the other classes would immediately pick up."

Yōsuke's eyes widened slightly at the implication of my words. "You have plans already?"

A simple nod was all it took to answer his question. "I always do," I affirmed, turning my attention back to our classmates.

They've steadily begun to calm down after both Yuki and Kushida imparted to them some reassuring words. These two, despite the disdain they both held for the other, worked really well together.

But then again, it wasn't like Kushida had any other option than go along with what Yuki wanted. After all, Yuki could ruin Kushida's reputation with just a snap of a finger.

Mashima-sensei's voice echoed across the deck, pulling me back to the present. "The test commences now and lasts for one week, concluding on August 7th. This test will determine if you can live on a deserted island together as a group. In addition, I should warn you that this special test is both practical and realistic, designed based on real-world corporate training," he announced.

There were immediate reactions to his words, with some students from Class C and D voicing their concerns, their eyes wide and apprehensive. "Living on a deserted island? Does that mean we're not staying on the boat, but the island?"

Nodding in acknowledgment, Mashima-sensei confirmed their fears. "You are correct. During the test, you will not be allowed to board the ship without a suitably justifiable reason. It will be necessary for you to fend for yourselves on this island while you are here, from creating a place to sleep to preparing food to eat," he paused, his eyes sweeping over the sea of students.

In the silence that followed, the reality of the situation began to sink in. The faces around me were filled with disbelief, confusion, and a hint of apprehension. Mashima-sensei allowed the silence to stretch a moment longer before delivering his final words.

"Once the test starts, each class will receive two tents and two flashlights. You will be provided with one box of matches. There is no limit to the amount of sunscreen you can have. Each student will be provided with one toothbrush. As a special case, girls will be allowed to have as many feminine sanitary products as they'd like, without any restrictions. Please ask your respective homeroom teachers for those. That is all," he finished, stepping back as the teachers began distributing the mentioned items.

A murmur spread through the students, a few protesting mildly, but everyone understood that there was no turning back now. The murmurs varied from complaints about the minimalistic living conditions to the ridiculousness of the scenario.

"This is pretty extreme. We'll have to act like island survivors."

"Two tents only? That's simply not enough..."

"What are we going to do about the food?"

"It's quite insane, to be honest..."

Despite the students' clear incredulity, Mashima-sensei appeared unfazed. He even seemed surprised at their reactions.

"You may say that this is unbelievable, but that's because you've lived a short, superficial life. There is an actual, prominent company that holds training sessions on uninhabited islands," he claimed, a calm demeanor painting his face.

An obvious lie, if there was one. If an actual company held a team-building training on an uninhabited island with the sole goal of running an island survivor simulation, the company would most likely be taken down due to violating numerous labor laws.

Since Mashima-sensei said something about it, and assuming he was actually telling the truth, then the company didn't enforce a Non-Disclosure Agreement to prevent a leak of information. For an actual prominent company, it was an amateurish mistake.

"I assume you're all thinking something like: 'What does this test mean?'. Or perhaps some of you doubt the existence of such training programs," Mashima-sensei began, his tone steady as he addressed the crowd of puzzled students. His gaze shifted, resting on each student for a moment before moving on. "However, students who remain at such a base level of thought are unlikely to become anyone promising in the future."

His words hung heavy in the air, further deepening the solemn atmosphere. "What is your basis for determining this to be 'unbelievable' or 'ridiculous'? You're just students. In my opinion, you're all equally worthless." A harsh statement but one that seemed to have a purpose. "What kind of insignificant person determines that they can criticize a leading company? That's bizarre. Were you a president in charge of one such notable business? If that's the case, then you might have some right to deny our claims. However, there shouldn't be any grounds for someone of your station to be able to do that."

The fictitious leading company he spoke of didn't exist, but the narrative served its purpose.

The reason behind his speech was becoming clear— it was an ingenious way of stifling any dissent from the students already reeling from the unexpected test. Mashima-sensei had successfully framed the argument such that if we failed to understand the purpose of this special exam, it only reflected our immaturity.

To which I would concede to his points.

As far-fetched as this uninhabited island test seemed, it was a vivid representation of the power dynamics prevalent in the world beyond our school gates.

Those who were followers, the wage earners, had no right to complain; their role was simply to obey. This was one of the lessons the school most likely wanted to impart to us by organizing this peculiar exam setup.

It was absurd, but when you thought hard about it, you'll start seeing past the surface.

"Sensei, I have one question," a student from Class A broke the contemplative silence, his hand raised hesitantly.

Mashima-sensei turned towards him, his face impassive, silently inviting him to voice his thoughts.

"We were led here under the guise of a relaxing vacation. After all, this was supposed to be our summer break. Don't you think springing this corporate training on us out of nowhere is somewhat unfair?" he asked.

"I see. Your point is not without merit. I understand why you would feel that way. It would make sense for you to have complaints if you were being forced into a harsh situation," Mashima-sensei responded, nodding in acknowledgment.

"However, please do not worry. Even though we're calling it a special test, there's no need to think about it in such unhappy terms. In the coming week, you can go swimming, or hold a barbecue party. It wouldn't be a bad time for you to occasionally have a campfire and with your friends, either. The theme of this special exam is 'freedom,' after all."

The students exchanged baffled glances, their previous apprehensions replaced by confusion.

"A test... An exam... Yet, we can throw barbecue parties?"

"I don't get it. I'm so confused."

This should be a pretty good time to clarify the paradox in his previous statements. Even the usually astute students appeared visibly taken aback by this sudden twist.

"As a major part of this test, we've decided to distribute 300 points to each class. If used wisely, you might find that this week's special test resembles more of a regular trip than an exam. To aid you in this, we've prepared a comprehensive manual," Mashima-sensei raised the booklet that he had received from another teacher.

"The manual details how points can be earned, along with guidelines on procuring food, potable water, and other necessities. If you want to have a barbecue, it also explains how to prepare the equipment and ingredients. We also have numerous tools for you to be able to enjoy playing in the ocean to the fullest."

The tension that had previously gripped the students seemed to ebb away as Mashima-sensei wrapped up his explanation, replaced by a hint of curiosity and guarded optimism.

"So the way we use those 300 points will be at our own discretion? Is my understanding correct, Sensei?" Ichinose asked, no doubt already formulating a strategy where everyone in her class benefitted.

"That's right. It's possible to arrange for anything using your points. Of course, you must use them in a systematic approach with a solid plan. That way, you can spend your week without any difficulties."

A murmur of agreement ripples through the crowd. The theoretical implication of his words gave us a glimmer of hope. If we could manage our points effectively, this week might actually feel like a true summer break rather than an intensive examination.

"But Sensei, isn't there a catch to this special test?" The skeptical voice belonged to a student towards the back of the crowd, suspicion lacing his question. "After all, it is still considered an exam. Is there some hidden challenge we need to overcome?"

Mashima-sensei met the question with a reassuring smile. "No, there's nothing difficult. Not only that, this exam won't have any adverse effects on your second semester. As your grade's coordinator, I can guarantee that."

This was met with stunned silence before another uncertain question. "S-Sensei... Are you implying that we can actually spend the week just... having fun?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying." Mashima-sensei's confirmation was met with a round of surprised gasps. "You all have the freedom to do as you please. Of course, there are some basic rules you need to adhere to as a group, but nothing that should pose a substantial hurdle."

At this point, it was clear that Mashima-sensei was speaking the truth. This so-called "special test" appeared to be largely risk-free. However, a nagging sense of suspicion lingered. There had to be a catch. Something that would pit the classes against one another. Just as I pondered this, Mashima-sensei provided the clarification.

"When this special test period is over, each class's remaining points will be added to their total class points. Your point totals will reflect this change once the summer vacation is over."

As he spoke, a gust of wind blew across the beach and kicked up a cloud of dust.

Mashima-sensei's words were the greatest shock of the day. In previous examinations, they had simply measured our academic abilities. Naturally, this was advantageous for students with a fundamentally high level of academic ability. However, the rules were completely different this time. This test was designed in a way that didn't create too much of a gap between Classes A and D.

It was now a different playing field.

"I wonder how big the gap between us and Class B would be after this exam," Yuki mused, having just returned to my side.

Quite the confidence you have there, Yuki.

"So if we can endure this for one week, then starting next month, we could see a huge increase in our allowance?" I heard one student from Class D say.

While he theoretically had a point, it would be unwise to survive on an uninhabited island on the bare minimum.

"Each class will receive one copy of the manual. If the manual is lost, you may have another copy. However, it will consume points, so please be very careful," Mashima-sensei's voice rang out again, grabbing everyone's attention. "Also, the student who was marked absent from this trip was from Class A. According to the rules of this special test, should any student have to leave due to illness, there will be a 30-point penalty to the class as a whole. Therefore, Class A will be starting with 270 points."

His words sent a ripple of shock through the crowd. Even though the penalty didn't affect our class, it was still brutal. The students from Class A were visibly upset for obvious reasons. The other classes, meanwhile, were shocked at the severity of the punishment. After all, the same penalty would apply to any class with a member who resigned.

But in the face of everyone's shock, Yuki and I shared a look of mutual understanding.

An opportunity had risen.

"You may now disperse." Mashima-sensei's final words reverberated in our ears, bringing an end to the conversation.

3.1

After Mashima-sensei ordered everyone to disperse, another teacher's voice came over the loudspeaker, telling us that each class would receive supplementary instructions from our respective homeroom teachers. We then gathered around Chabashira-sensei. The four classes had congregated in order to keep some distance from each other.

"I will now hand out wristwatches to every one of you. You are not to take them off until the end of the test. If you remove your wristwatch without permission, you will be punished. This watch doesn't just tell time. Its sensors also check your body temperature, your pulse, and even your movements. It's equipped with a GPS. Also, on the off chance that something bad does happen, this watch comes equipped with means to notify the school. If you find yourself in an emergency, please do not hesitate to push that button."

The distributor who supplied the watches had stacked them next to Chabashira-sensei. Class B students were then instructed to take out the watches from the boxes and put them on.

"When you say an emergency, do you mean, like, if a bear shows up?" Ike asked.

"Even if that was a joke, the test has already begun. You can ask me for clarifications, but I cannot answer any questions that might possibly influence your points or results," Chabashira-sensei replied.

"There's likely no wildlife here," Yōsuke interjected, attempting to assuage the group, "If a student were injured, that would be a substantial issue. These watches must be a safety measure, considering our uninhabited surroundings. It's the school's responsibility to ensure our well-being, after all."

Indeed, the school had gifted us these watches to keep us safe. If we were roaming freely about the island, the teachers wouldn't be able to monitor our condition with their eyes alone. Plus, it would be difficult to install cameras here, like inside the school.

They most likely intended to monitor our physical condition so they could respond to any unforeseen circumstances. The helicopter back on the ship was probably there in case of just such an emergency. As people received their watches, they placed them on either their right or left arm, according to their preferences.

"Sensei, I understand that we're going to spend a week on this island, but is it even possible to get by without using any points?" asked Yōsuke.

I'm sure that question has been on the mind of every student. Good job on taking the initiative to ask that, Yōsuke.

Chabashira-sensei pondered for a moment before answering, "The school remains hands-off during this test. It's on you to secure food, water, shelter, and any other necessities. The challenge of this test lies in crafting solutions to these problems. For now, familiarize yourself with the manual to strategize."

Aside from myself and Yuki, Yōsuke was also one of the de facto leaders of Class B. And so, Chabashira-sensei casually handed him the said manual.

"Turn to the last page," she commanded. "Penalties are outlined there. The contents are critical to your performance in this exam."

The students of Class B huddled up closely. Yōsuke began to read the penalties, loud enough so everyone in the class could hear him clearly.

- Anyone deemed unable to continue the test due to significant deterioration in health or serious injury will be penalized by 30 points.

- In the event that a student has polluted the environment, he or she will be penalized by 20 points.

- In the event that students are absent during the 8 AM or 8 PM roll call, five points will be taken for each student absent.

- In the event that a student is found guilty of an act of violence towards another class, robbing another class, or causing damage to another class' property, etc., the offending student's class will immediately be disqualified, and the individual will forfeit all of his or her private points.

Of course, every class was subject to these penalties. The fourth penalty, in particular, was especially harsh. However, it was also perfectly reasonable. It should prevent other students from engaging in harmful behavior.

The other penalties would prevent us from sleeping our time away and littering all over the place. Essentially, it was a contest of restraint.

"The central theme of this exam is 'freedom.' Thus, you may behave as you see fit, so long as you respect the rules and evade the penalties. However, pay heed to your health. If ten students retire, all your efforts will be rendered moot. Those who retire cannot return." Chabashira-sensei's words reverberated through the air, and I caught the slightest glance she threw towards Horikita. A fleeting moment, almost undetectable unless one was observant.

So, Horikita's sickness didn't escape her attention, huh?

"Chabashira-sensei, may I ask another question?" Yōsuke interjected, his hand wavering in the air.

"Sure, go ahead."

"What would occur if our points dwindled to nothing and a student's class gets penalized?"

"No further reduction. You'd remain at 0 points for the duration of the exam. As Mashima-sensei declared, this exam can't deplete your class points."

A fresh voice joined the conversation, Horikita this time. "Sensei, where will the roll call take place?"

"Each class will be under the supervision of their respective homeroom teacher until the test concludes. If you have decided on your base camp's location, inform me, and I will conduct the roll call there. However, make sure to think about it wisely. Moving your base camp will not be permitted unless there's a valid justification. No exceptions."

So Chabashira-sensei will act as our supervisor, huh?

"Sensei, since it hasn't been brought up yet, where would the restroom be?" Miyamoto asked, treading on what seemed like a sensitive topic.

Surely, the girls were relieved that he had ventured there; it was probably a question that had been plaguing them too.

"Excellent timing. I was about to touch upon that."

Chabashira-sensei moved towards the pile of boxes, ripping open one to reveal a collapsed cardboard structure.

"What is that...?"

"It's a basic toilet. Each class will receive one. Handle it with care."

"We're expected to use that?!" Shinohara exclaimed in horrified shock.

The rest of the girls then surveyed the rudimentary toilet with undisguised horror.

"Don't worry, it comes with a single-button tent. No one would be able to see you when using it. You don't have to be wary about its build, either. These simple toilets are very well-made and can be used even during disasters," Chabashira-sensei explained.

"But it's still just a cardboard box!"

"Impossible!"

Chabashira-sensei continued talking as if she didn't care about the girls' concerns.

"I'll show you how to use it, so please commit this to memory."

Chabashira-sensei dismissed their growing apprehensions, opting to demonstrate how to assemble the toilet. She appeared to be well-versed in setting it up. Unfurling a blue vinyl bag, she fitted it over the cardboard structure and lined it with a white sheet.

"This sheet is made of a water-absorbing polymer. It hides and solidifies waste, reducing odor and visibility. By repeating this process, a single bag can serve up to five uses. You'll have an unlimited supply of these bags and sheets. You can even change them after every use if you prefer."

The girls could do nothing but listen in mute horror. At the end of the day, gender was irrelevant. Necessity would drive everyone to use the makeshift toilet, though it was far from the ideal comfort we were accustomed to.

"There's no way... there's no way I can't use that!" Shinohara protested.

And that seemed to have triggered the fire as, one after another, the girls expressed their disapproval.

Ike, who'd been silent, groaned and said, "Come on, just deal with it. This isn't the time to fight, Shinohara. Everyone has to deal with it."

"Don't screw around! It probably doesn't matter to you boys, but there's no way I can just pee or take a dump in a cardboard box. I'm sure a lot of the girls feel the same way," Shinohara countered, glaring at Ike.

"The decision is yours. However, you are not permitted to relieve yourselves in the forest, the sea, or rivers. Do not forget that," Chabashira-sensei warned. But despite her warning tone, she seemed disinterested in the ensuing argument.

"But... but I definitely can't do it in a cardboard box! Besides, the guys are going to be close, right? That's gross!" Shinohara reasoned, still focusing her glare on Ike.

"What the heck? I don't get why you're treating us like perverts," Ike bit back.

"Well, that's especially true for you, isn't it? You're pretty perverted."

"Huh?! Hey, that's just wrong! I'm a complete gentleman."

"A gentleman? Are you a comedian? Wake up. You're by far the top contender for the biggest pervert in this class!"

While Shinohara was certainly not wrong in her arguments, this had gone on long enough. If none of us interrupted this argument, it would set a negative divide between the boys and the girls. On my end, I simply allowed their argument to continue so they could speak about their grievances. It would be worse if these things remained unaddressed, after all.

But that was enough.

"Enough about that argument," I interjected, glancing at both of them. "We will figure out how we'll go around this issue once Chabashira-sensei finishes with her instructions. Both of you are out of line."

Ike and Shinohara seemed taken aback, their faces flushed from the unexpected admonishment.

"Sorry, Ayanokōji-kun," Shinohara muttered, avoiding my gaze, her former defiant posture deflated.

"Yeah, my bad," Ike added, scratching his head in embarrassment.

Chabashira-sensei seemed to observe this interaction with a faint smirk on her lips, but it immediately morphed into disgust after she suddenly turned around.

"Yoo-hoo~!"

Ah, an understandable reaction, sensei.

The SSR-Tier Succubus Hoshinomiya-sensei rushed at Chabashira-sensei, and while the latter saw her move, she reacted a little too late. Chabashira-sensei was captured and hugged from behind.

"What are you doing?" Chabashira-sensei voiced her annoyance.

"What~? Is it bad to be friendly? I honestly just wanted to see what you'd do," Hoshinomiya-sensei replied with a wink of playful mischief.

Chabashira-sensei shot her a look of clear irritation.

Unfazed, Hoshinomiya-sensei gently ran her hands over Chabashira-sensei's arms. "Whenever I touch your hair, it's always so smooth, Sae-chan~!"

"Don't you understand the school's rules at all? Eavesdropping on other classes when they are giving information is inexcusable."

"Aww, I'm just an unimportant teacher, though. Even if I did hear something, I'd never tell." Hoshinomiya-sensei continued her overly friendly advances on Chabashira-sensei, her voice softening, "But doesn't this feel like fate? I can't believe that we both came to this island together."

Fate? I don't know what Hoshinomiya-sensei was getting at, but Chabashira-sensei chose to ignore whatever she meant by it.

"Shut up. Just hurry back to your class."

"Ah! Aren't those Ayanokōji-kun and Tsubaki-san? It's been so long! I remember you guys pulling Ichinose-san out of class. It still makes me laugh to this day, you know?"

Yuki and I responded with a polite nod. A smile bloomed on Hoshinomiya-sensei's face as she addressed me.

"Summer is the season of love. If you want to confess your feelings to a girl you like, perhaps it'd be more effective while standing before the beautiful ocean?"

The entirety of Class B stared at us. It was especially bad since I'm sure most of my classmates were still under the misconception that Yuki and I were dating.

In an attempt to divert the conversation, I offered a light-hearted jest, "Would that work on you, sensei?"

My monotone voice made the joke ambiguous, and I wouldn't be surprised if some took it seriously.

Hoshinomiya-sensei was taken aback, her cheeks reddening slightly before breaking into a full laugh. "Oh my, are you hitting on me, Ayanokōji-kun? I'm sure many girls would fall for you if you keep saying such things!"

My eyes then drifted to Yuki and then to Chiaki...

Yeah, I couldn't argue about that.

"Hey," Chabashira-sensei called out to Hoshinomiya-sensei. "Should I report you to the school authorities for behavioral problems? Besides, I don't have any more time."

"Ooh, don't glare at me like that. Fine, fine, I get it. See you later~!"

With a dramatic wave and a contrived look of sadness, Hoshinomiya-sensei finally withdrew, giving Chabashira-sensei space to resume her briefing.

"Now, allow me to elaborate on some additional rules," Chabashira-sensei announced, her voice a chilling portent.

The students of Class B gulped in anticipation. The words "additional rules" will surely be vital in this special test. Or at least, that's what we ought to believe.

"You'll be allowed to roam freely, but be extra aware of your surroundings because there are several designated 'spots' on the island. In these spots, there is what's referred to as the right of exclusive possession. The class that obtains those rights is entirely free to determine how they wish to exercise them. However, rights of exclusive possession are only valid for a period of eight hours after being invoked, after which they are automatically revoked. This means that another class can acquire those rights at that time. Also, you gain one bonus point if you occupy a spot once. However, that point is provisional and cannot be used during the testing period. Therefore, bonus points are calculated and added to your total after the test has ended. Because the school is constantly monitoring you, there is no room for fraud. Please be aware of that fact."

"Huh? Huh? Well...wait, isn't that super important, though?! Getting to add a point is awesome! Leave everything to us!"

"Let's go looking right away!" Ike said to Yamauchi and the others, his eyes shining.

"Calm down, you guys," Yuki chuckled at the boys' exuberance. "Chabashira-sensei still isn't finished with her instructions, you know?"

Chabashira-sensei was just observing the boys with a disinterested look on her face. "I can understand your impatience, but be aware of the risks. After you take those risks into account, then you have to consider what to do. Everything is written in the manual," she said.

Taking the initiative, Yōsuke handed the manual to me. After a brief scan, I've come to understand the basics of how occupying a spot works. Apparently, there was some kind of apparatus installed near each spot, one which showed the rights of exclusive possession. However...

"Misuse of a spot would result in a 50-point penalty, huh?" I muttered.

"Indeed, the rule is explicit: do not try to snatch a spot already claimed by another class. You must bide your time until their rights expire. Any violation comes with severe repercussions. Be mindful of this," Chabashira-sensei further elaborated.

Forcibly occupying spots should've been one of the plausible strategies in this exam, but that provision made it impossible.

Among the rules for the right of exclusive possession was the existence of a "leader." The details that explained how having a leader works were highlighted in the manual.

- The key card to claim spots was exclusive to the designated leader.

- This individual would remain the leader throughout the test, barring exceptional circumstances that necessitated a change.

On the surface, the rules seemed simple: the early bird gets the worm. Seizing control of spots repetitively would seem like an advantageous approach.

But that was impossible. The final rule detailed why.

On the seventh and final day of the test, each class was allowed to guess the leaders of other classes during the final roll call. A correct guess granted fifty points to the guessing class, while the correctly-guessed class not only lost all their bonus points but had to offer fifty points as compensation.

This provision implied that hasty attempts to control spots could inadvertently expose our leader and cost us points.

Incorrect guesses weren't without risk either; they attracted a penalty of fifty points.

"One person must be chosen as the leader— no exceptions. However, you are free to not participate. Please tell me once you've selected someone. At that time, I will provide you with a key card stamped with the leader's name. You have until roll call today. In the event that you do not decide by then, we will decide for you. That is all."

With that, Chabashira-sensei completed her briefing.

"Alright, Class B," I called out, raising my voice above the commotion. "It's time for us to move."

Every pair of eyes was trained on me. The girls bore hopeful expressions, no doubt hoping that I would heed their concerns about the worrying toilet situation. The boys, on the other hand, had determined look on their faces. This test was their chance to prove their worth and benefit the class, particularly those who had previously struggled with the written tests.

I glanced back down at the manual Yōsuke had handed me. At first, the rules might appear complex, but in reality, they were just layers of straightforward instructions. However, it would certainly take some time for everyone to wrap their heads around these rules. For the moment, our priority was to determine our immediate course of action.

As I looked around, I felt like this beach was akin to a prelude before a grand symphony. Its tranquility was deceptive, only hinting at the potential challenges lurking in the upcoming acts of our play. The forest we were about to venture into was our unseen script, our unknown path.

What lay beyond would dictate our experience of this exam, whether it would be an idyllic sanctuary or a punishing inferno.

End of Chapter

A/N: Not that many Kiyotaka lines... which makes things a little scary for the other classes. After all, this simply meant that the guy was already starting to plot (heavily hinted throughout some of his monologues).

I feel bad for whoever he targets.

That said, I hope I was able to simplify the explanation of some of the Exam Rules. While they were still quite simple to understand in the source, the phrasing made them sound a little weird. That is why I had Kiyotaka simplify some of the provisions.

Clarifications:

Ike/Shinohara argument: I felt like it still needed to happen here. Although they're now Class B, the fact remains that these guys are generally still morons. Yes, they're more capable of coherent thought here in LI compared to the source, but not too much that they're suddenly competent.

Kiyotaka's approach in the argument: It all boils down to timing.

If he lets the argument go on for too long, it might escalate into a bigger conflict that could disrupt class harmony. On the other hand, if he steps in too quickly, some people might feel that their concerns have not been fully expressed or heard. So Kiyotaka's intervention should ideally occur at a point when he feels both sides have had a fair chance to voice their opinions, but before the argument becomes too heated— which is exactly what he did.