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 5 - Two Sides of the Same Coin
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka
After all the immediate tasks were done and dusted, I convened the class again to decide who our leader should be. Our classmates immediately brought up recommendations, such as Yōsuke, Yuki, and even Horikita, because they believed that choosing me as the leader would be an obvious guess for the other classes.
I was inclined to agree with them until Yuki brought forth a compelling argument.
"But think about it this way, isn't that going to be the strategy the other classes are going to go for? Hypothetically, they see Horikita-san and Kiyotaka claim a spot. Who would they think holds the leader's key card? Since they've most likely gone with the obvious strategy of choosing someone other than their class representative to hold the key card, they would be more inclined to believe that Horikita-san is our designated leader," she said.
"Yuki-chan, are you suggesting we should assign Ayanokōji-kun as our leader for the exam?" Kushida asked.
Yuki nodded her head and grinned. "Pretty much! It's simple, really. In situations like these, a strategy rooted in our instinctual common sense would simply make us predictable to people who knew what they were looking for," she replied.
"But isn't that too reliant on assumption?" Yukimura asked. "There's no guarantee the other classes would think that way."
"That's a valid point, Yukimura-kun," Yuki replied, "but any strategy we employ will inevitably be based on certain assumptions about our opponents' thinking process. The goal is to make those assumptions as educated and well-informed as possible. In this case, we must factor in the average person's natural tendency to think predictably in times of stress or high stakes."
I listened to their discussion quietly, studying each person's reactions, body language, and eyes. The consensus seemed to sway between skepticism and cautious agreement, with many glances thrown my way.
"But what if our opponents are expecting us to use this reverse psychology?" Yōsuke posed, his eyes fixed on Yuki. "Then wouldn't assigning Kiyotaka as our leader be just as predictable?"
"That's a possibility," Yuki admitted, looking thoughtful. "But it's a mind game at the end of the day. The odds of the other classes banking on us to employ such a complex strategy are considerably low. Their more likely choice would be to rely on their assumptions about us acting 'predictably.' And that predictability, in this case, would lead them to think our leader is not Kiyotaka."
The conversation continued in this manner, with varying degrees of disagreement and agreement. Yet, the central point seemed clear: I was the likeliest candidate to lead us into this exam.
"I agree with Yuki-chan's assessment, now that I thought about it," Kushida spoke up, flashing us an endearing smile. "Ayanokōji-kun possesses the analytical skills necessary for this task, and his designation as leader would also serve as an effective bluff."
The class, sensing her conviction, gradually began to come around. There were still reservations, but the tide was turning.
"Alright then," Yōsuke said, clapping his hands. "Let's put it to a vote. It's only fair that the class decides the leader."
With a unanimous decision, I was voted in as the leader. It wasn't the plan that I had in mind, but this wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
Yōsuke then turned his gaze to me, offering me a small smile. "Kiyotaka, are you up for it?"
All eyes were on me now, waiting for my response. Taking a deep breath, I answered with a steady voice, "If everyone agrees, then I am ready to take on the role."
Yōsuke immediately went over to Chabashira-sensei to pass on my name as the class leader. Before long, he returned with a card and entrusted it to me. Taking into consideration the possibility that we were being watched, we had everyone touch the device without it activating. This was to camouflage the leader, so a spy wouldn't know who he or she was.
It was too cautious, but there wasn't any harm in doing so.
And so, at 1:45 PM, Class B gained the right of exclusive possession to the spot near the river. We have officially received 1 provisional point.
5.1
Island Exam Day 1 (2:00 PM)
Time passed by quickly, the drowsy lull of the tropical afternoon slowly encroaching upon us, and before we knew it, the hands of the clock struck 2 PM.
Finally getting the opportunity to relax after about five hours of constant movement, the class sought respite under the verdant canopy of the forest or the two parasols we had managed to set up, making small conversations and soaking in the serene beauty of the untouched wilderness that lay before us.
That being said, it was about time for everyone to head out, but before that, I had to call on a certain troublesome blonde, who was still perched up a tree, grooming his nails without a care for the world.
Walking up to where he was, I couldn't help but feel a little jealous at how he could afford to be this aloof, this uncaring. But then again, turning myself into a social outcast was not on my bucket list.
I halted before his lofty perch, my feet barely making a sound as I kicked the base of the tree lightly. I tilted my head up, squinting against the sunlight filtering through the leaves, "Kōenji, scout the island with me."
With his attention finally diverted from his manicure, Kōenji let out a low chuckle, glancing down at me with amusement dancing in his eyes. "Not even asking? Hoh! You sure have gotten audacious, Ayanokōji-boy!"
"I'm sure you wouldn't turn it down anyways. You've always loved the forest... as well as chasing wild animals..." I sighed, the image of him chasing an ostrich for fun still fresh in my mind.
His laughter boomed through the forest, startling a nearby bird into flight. "Ha Ha Ha! I wonder if we'll stumble upon something interesting," he cackled.
"I sure hope not. Why would you even chase after an ostrich, to begin with?"
His response came in the form of a self-indulgent grin. "Simply because I could!"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. So are you going to climb down now, or do I have to get there myself?"
"Hmph! I don't like that demanding tone of you, Ayanokōji-boy," Kōenji retorted, before executing a rather dramatic drop straight from the tree branch he was on, landing perfectly on his feet without a wince.
"10/10," I joked.
"As always! Ha Ha Ha!"
With Kōenji now at my side, we began our trek back to our temporary base. On the way, I noticed Yuki immersed in a deep discussion with Sato and Karuizawa. I called her name, catching her attention. As her eyes met mine, she immediately broke away from the group and approached us.
"Hey Kiyotaka, what's up?" she asked, her tone light.
I picked up two walkie-talkies from a vinyl bag near the boys' baggage, passing one to Yuki. Earlier, we requested another batch of vinyl bags, some of which we planned to use as storage for the walkie-talkies, the cooking tools, and the lanterns.
"I want you to scout the island as well. If there's anything immediate, use the walkie-talkie to communicate. Since Kōenji and I are headed to the center, try to go West. I was supposed to have Chiaki do this, but it'll take time before she and the others determine the river's water source," I explained.
"Alright. Should I head out now?" Yuki asked, already adjusting the frequency on the walkie-talkie.
"Give Yōsuke some instructions before you do. He'll be maintaining order while we're gone," I instructed her, watching as she nodded in understanding.
"Got it!" she responded with a determined nod.
"Thank you, Yuki." I nodded, a small smile crossing my lips as she returned a playful salute. She swiftly turned, heading towards Yōsuke to relay her instructions.
"So that's what you were actually going for, Ayanokōji-boy... how boring," Kōenji's voice broke the momentary silence, his statement laced with a hint of derision.
Did he see through my plans already?
No, that wasn't it. If he did, Kōenji would probably be slightly amused. He most likely just picked up that it was a recon mission, which he found boring.
"It's not us who'd be doing the boring stuff, as you kindly put it. I don't understand why you're complaining," I retorted.
Kōenji just shrugged, a shadow of a smirk playing on his lips, before his attention was directed elsewhere. That's when I realized our brief exchange had garnered the attention of the class. The chatter had died down, and a hush had fallen over the previously lively group, all eyes now on me.
Taking a deep breath, I turned to face my classmates. "To those I've assigned tasks, it's already 2:15 PM. Let's get moving," I announced, my voice echoing in the sudden silence. I took a moment to scan the group, locking eyes with each student, ensuring my words had made an impact.
"Let's finish everything before sundown."
My declaration seemed to stir them out of their inertia. The silence was broken by a flurry of activity, the lull of the afternoon giving way to a rush of adrenaline. The students rose from their lounging spots, some stretching their limbs while others began dusting themselves off.
Ike, Yamauchi, and Miyamoto, meanwhile, grabbed the fishing rods and ran towards the river. Yamauchi and Miyamoto were apparently in a competition as to who'd be able to catch the most fish.
They'd probably catch one... or two if they were lucky. I would have tried to rein them in, but since we were about to have a barbecue party for dinner, we would probably not need any fish in the meantime. Hopefully, Ike could teach them how to fish properly.
Yuki, on the other hand, had reached Yōsuke and was already briefing him, her voice just a soft murmur against the buzzing of activity around us. He nodded along, and at one point, his eyes found mine. He flashed me a quick, reassuring smile.
In the corner of my eye, I saw Kōenji pick a stray leaf off his clothes with an air of nonchalance, as if he were about to embark on a leisurely walk in the park instead of exploring a deserted island.
As the class started to disperse to their respective assignments, I found myself alone with Kōenji once more, our eyes meeting briefly.
"Ready to go, Kōenji?" I asked, taking one last look at our camp.
The troublesome blonde looked back at me, his arrogant smirk never leaving his face. "Lead the way, Ayanokōji-boy."
And with that, we set off, leaving behind the comforts of our makeshift base.
5.2
After setting out from our base, Kōenji suddenly sped up and began climbing and jumping off trees.
"Lead the way, he says..." I muttered under my breath, watching as Kōenji sprang from tree to tree with the agility and speed of a real-life Tarzan.
While I was expecting him to dance only to his tune, I would have appreciated it if he went along with my pace just this once.
"Guess I'll be catching up to this guy," I mused before I followed his lead and started climbing on top of the trees myself.
While observing my surroundings, I followed his lead and started climbing on top of the trees.
"Ah, so beautiful. As I stand here amongst such vast nature, with an air of composure, I really am too beautiful. The pinnacle of beauty!"
In true Kōenji style, he began to shower himself with compliments, a smug grin spreading across his features as he soaked up the golden sunlight.
"When the pinnacle of beauty needs to flaunt his wealth to get laid, something truly is wrong with the world," I retorted in an attempt to poke fun at him.
It wasn't going to work, but it was worth a try.
With a laugh that echoed through the trees, Kōenji swiveled around to face me, one hand still clutching a branch overhead. "Oh, Ayanokōji-boy! You've truly got it all wrong," Kōenji responded, grinning wildly as his laughter echoed through the trees. "You see, it's not the wealth that makes me irresistible; it's simply the irresistible me that happens to be wealthy."
That didn't even make the tiniest bit of sense...
"Right," I muttered, sighing. But I couldn't stop the ghost of a smile from playing on my lips. This was a typical Kōenji response, as nonsensical as it was self-absorbed.
We continued our climb, Kōenji still in the lead. The tropical island foliage was thick, making visibility from the ground difficult, but from our perch among the treetops, we had a clear view of the surrounding landscape.
It was breathtaking. A seemingly endless canopy of lush greenery unfolded beneath us, vibrant in the mid-afternoon sun. The sparkling blue of the ocean, visible in the distance, provided a stark contrast to the dense green. Occasionally, a curious bird would flit around us, the splash of its colorful feathers providing a burst of vibrancy in the calm forest landscape.
Kōenji appeared to be amused by something as he let out a small chuckle. With an air of quiet contemplation, he continued surveying the area, his gaze sweeping across the undulating canopy of the forest. Suddenly, he turned to face me, amusement lighting up his eyes.
"They call this a test? Hmph! As usual, I am right," he said.
"What are you talking about?"
"I suppose I would humor you just this once," Kōenji said. His gaze drifted from me back to the sprawling greenery that enveloped us. "The riverside spot and this wonderful expanse before us. What have you noticed from them?"
"That the exam is useless? I do agree with you on that, but what exactly do you mean? It's not like we can do anything about it."
Kōenji smirked, a glint of amusement lighting up his eyes. "Ah, Ayanokōji-boy, you and your narrow view of the world. It's always about objectives with you, isn't it? But no, I'm not talking about the futility of the test itself. I am referring to its transparency," he sighed theatrically, his gaze flitting back to the dense expanse of green below us.
"What about it?" I asked.
"Simply put, it is dreadfully dull. This so-called 'test' lacks the thrill I crave. It's all too easy, predictable even," Kōenji responded, nonchalantly flicking a leaf off his shoulder.
I arched an eyebrow at his words. "It's too easy?"
"Correct," Kōenji replied, chuckling as though amused by my reply. "Surviving on an uninhabited island, finding food, water, and shelter, working together—it's all so mundane, so predictable. There's no real challenge. No real adversity."
"Hmm... you're surprisingly talkative, Kōenji," I pointed out. "Normally, you'd simply let me guess what's going on in your head instead of elaborating on it."
Kōenji chuckled, a light flickering in his eyes as he glanced back at me. "Ayanokōji-boy, perhaps I am just in an especially generous mood today," he said, his tone tinged with amusement. "Or perhaps the tediousness of this task has inspired me to seek intellectual stimulation elsewhere."
He twirled around a branch, gazing at the vast green carpet beneath us, before looking back at me. "As I was saying, this test lacks the complexity, the intrigue that truly engages one's mind. It's all about survival, yes? Basic necessities—food, water, shelter, cooperation with others. Even a wild animal can understand these. They are simple, uncomplicated."
He paused, his expression turning pensive. "In a sense, it feels as if we're regressing rather than advancing. Here we are, humans, the most intelligent species on this planet, and yet we're participating in a test that can be boiled down to instincts a wild animal possesses. It's ironic, don't you think?"
"There are other dimensions to this exam, too, like reconnaissance and occupying spots. They intentionally gave us blank maps for that purpose," I replied.
I agreed with the points he had made, but Kōenji rarely, if ever, shared what he had in mind. And so, I simply took advantage of a rare opportunity to pick his brain.
Kōenji shrugged his shoulders, seemingly unimpressed. "Yes, there are those elements," he agreed, his voice void of any enthusiasm. "But don't they also come down to basic survival instincts? Occupying territory is a fundamental concept that's embedded in the animal kingdom. And reconnaissance? That's another primal trait. Animals have been doing it for millennia, scanning their surroundings for potential threats or food sources."
He leaned back against a tree trunk, propping himself up as he continued, "I do not deny that these are crucial skills. But they are rudimentary at best. We, as humans, have the capacity for so much more. We have the power to create, to innovate, to dream, and realize those dreams. Reducing us to these basic instincts... it's almost insulting."
"Are you saying that this survival test is beneath us?"
"That's right," he replied, "I do not understand how ANHS supposedly cultivates tomorrow's leaders with pitiful games like these."
Kōenji then leaped to the next tree with effortless grace. "Ayanokōji-boy, the two of us would be inevitably leading this country in a couple of decades. When that happens, would we even be using what little skills we would gain from this institution?"
"Probably not."
"Exactly. And for all its claims of being elite, the only thing they have to show for it... is wealth. Hmph! An elite school serving to nurture wage slaves... I've truly seen it all!" he replied.
His words lingered in the air, a sharp criticism against our institution and the test we were currently undergoing. Kōenji had a way of making his viewpoint feel superior, and in this case, his disdain for the exam and its supposed purpose was all too clear. I stayed quiet, letting his monologue hang in the air, punctuated only by the rustling of leaves and the distant call of birds.
"What would you have them do then?" I asked after a while, genuinely curious about his perspective.
He was silent for a moment, seemingly lost in thought. When he spoke again, his tone was decidedly more serious. "I would have them test our ability to create, innovate, and change the world around us," he said, looking out towards the horizon. "Survival is indeed important, but the world needs more than survivors. It needs visionaries, it needs leaders who can inspire and create change. It needs us to be more than what this 'test' demands of us."
That was a far more profound answer than I had anticipated, and I took a moment to consider his words. It was a statement that held truth; the world indeed required more than just individuals capable of survival. It demanded visionaries who could shape the future, and Kōenji was right in his assertion that this test, while challenging, was not the best measure of that.
"But that's simply assuming ANHS is simply just nurturing leaders," I replied. "People like Yamauchi, as useless as they are, serve a purpose that would make the school's rationale make more sense than what you'd initially think. I see this school as a controlled arena that is an extreme simulation of modern society. After all, the world is not just for the exceptional."
"Ah, a compelling counterpoint," Kōenji conceded, a glint of interest sparking in his eyes. "You're suggesting that this school, in its own twisted way, is trying to prepare us for the realities of the world? To simulate the various roles people play in society?"
I nodded, emboldened by his response. "Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. The world isn't made up of only leaders and visionaries. It also needs followers, individuals who are content with simply surviving, who don't strive to change the world. Everyone has a role to play. In that sense, this school could be seen as a microcosm of society at large."
Kōenji considered my words for a moment, his gaze distant. "Hmm... intriguing. I can see the merit in your perspective," he said, his voice thoughtful. "But don't you think it's a waste? To limit the potential of a person to merely fulfilling a role? Aren't we all capable of so much more?"
"We are," I replied, "But not everyone wants to be more. Some are happy with their lot in life. And there's nothing wrong with that. The world needs all types of people to function."
"Your vision of this school, Ayanokōji-boy, while admirable, is a bit too... humanitarian for my taste," Kōenji finally said, breaking the silence between us. His dismissive tone made it clear that he found the idea distasteful.
"This isn't a charity, this is an elite institution. And in this world, there is no room for the weak. There is no room for those who can't keep up," he continued, his gaze piercing as he stared at me. "Only the strong thrive, only the exceptional rise to the top."
He scoffed, as if the idea of even having to explain such a simple concept was beneath him. "If people are content with merely surviving, then they don't belong in an institution meant to groom the future leaders of this country. They would be better off living ordinary, mediocre lives."
"Isn't that a bit harsh, Kōenji?" I asked. "Not everyone can be exceptional. There's nothing wrong with being ordinary."
"Ayanokōji-boy, you are missing the point," Kōenji replied, his tone patient but firm. "This is not about being ordinary or extraordinary. It's about having the drive to be the best, to push one's limits. And it's clear to me that this test, this school, fails to cultivate that mindset."
He paused, turning his gaze back to the lush canopy below us. "The reality is that in this world, only the strong thrive. That is the fundamental truth that this test fails to teach us. It encourages mediocrity, complacency. And in my book, that's the greatest tragedy."
His words, spoken with such unwavering conviction, hung heavily in the air between us. Despite his ruthless views, I had to admit that Kōenji's perspective had a certain merit.
"I wouldn't say I agree or disagree with your points, Kōenji. But... flexibility goes a long way in ensuring you'll make a mark in this world," I replied.
He shrugged, pushing off the tree to continue our treetop exploration. It seemed his interest in our conversation waned.
"Well, regardless of the purpose of this test or the philosophy of this school, it doesn't change the fact that this exam is utterly dull," he said.
And with that, he was off again, leaping from tree to tree with a graceful agility that was almost unnatural. I watched him go, mulling over our conversation. Despite our differing viewpoints, I had to admit that it was refreshing to have such a candid discussion with Kōenji.
"Guess I should catch up to him... again," I muttered, my eyes focusing on the blonde-haired boy as he went farther into the lush greenery, leaving me to contemplate upon our conversation.
The way Kōenji saw the world was vastly different from my own, and it was thought-provoking to hear his perspective. Even if his inflated sense of self-worth was a bit grating at times, his insights were fascinating.
5.3
After about a few minutes of climbing and leaping from tree to tree, Kōenji suddenly halted in his step, keenly observing something from far away.
"Why did you stop?" I asked.
Without shifting his eyes, he flashed me another audacious smile while running a hand through his silky hair. "What do you think of this place, Ayanokōji-boy? What do you see when you look around?" He asked back, his tone light but not without a hint of challenge.
Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I started observing my surroundings with heightened awareness. I took in the vastness of the forest, the different types of trees, the terrain under our feet, the scattered vegetation, the color and consistency of the soil...
I blinked, realization washing over me as I finally made sense of Kōenji's words.
Quickly, I hopped across the canopy to where Kōenji was. We were currently perched on two massive branches on opposite sides of the same tree, our vantage point giving us a clear view of the area.
"The way to the cave is right there... And it seems like there's an unnatural plot of land if we head a little bit south from here."
"Excellent! I would have been extremely disappointed if you weren't even able to spot that," he applauded, although it seemed more mocking than anything.
"We're perched up in the trees. Only someone with blurry eyes wouldn't be able to spot it," I countered.
"You overestimate common folk too much, Ayanokōji-boy. Most of them wouldn't be able to notice a warning sign even if you slapped it on their face," he replied.
"That aside, are you going to participate in this test?" I asked, shifting the topic.
With Kōenji airing out his displeasure about the concept of this special exam, there was a high likelihood that he would simply retire from the test. It would cost us 30 points, but causing inconvenience to other people never stopped Kōenji from doing what he wanted to do.
On the flip side, there was also the chance he would humor the idea of participating, if only for a few days. He did say that he was pleased I wasn't, in his words, 'planning to play this game like an island survivor.'
"What kind of question is that, Ayanokōji-boy? I thought you knew me better than that."
Kōenji scoffed before finally jumping off the tree, brushing his hair with his fingers as he landed.
"Well, you did just help me spot a key location. That cave was probably a spot, while there are probably some vegetables in that plot of land we saw," I replied.
"That may be true, but offering a speck of my boundless wisdom is not tantamount to what you are implying, is it?" he rebutted, a playful gleam in his eyes.
"So you're really going to retire..." I sighed.
Kōenji let out a haughty laugh. "Don't act surprised! I could tell you had counted on it, Ayanokōji-boy."
"Have I now?"
"You were fully intending to spend 200 points, were you not? The buffer, as you called it earlier, was to take into account a possible retirement," he replied.
"Sometimes, you're too predictable," he continued.
"That's not necessarily a bad thing, Kōenji. I simply knew what I had to work with."
"Ha Ha Ha! And I never said it was."
"So, how exactly are you going to plan your retirement? You can't exactly just tell the teachers you're feeling unwell. Would they even believe you?"
His answer came in the form of an enigmatic smirk. Before I could react, he closed the gap between us with lightning speed. His leg swung up in a high arc, aimed at the side of my head. My body instinctively moved to parry, but Kōenji seemingly expected it. He dropped his leg back down and landed a solid punch into my stomach.
"Predictable!" He taunted, his grin turning wolfish. He swiftly followed with a left straight to my face.
Countering his momentum, I sidestepped, retaliating with a quick one-two punch. Kōenji flowed beneath my assault, bobbing and weaving before lunging into my space. Anticipating this, I pivoted away and slammed my knee into his jaw with a crunch.
With a tight grip on his hair, I smashed my forearm across his cheekbone. He grunted, wincing in pain, but the grin never left his face. As he staggered back, I followed through, striking his ear with a backhand that sent him to his knees.
Not wanting to let up, I grabbed Kōenji's wrists and pulled him back up. As Kōenji approached, I extended my arm and swung it to his neck.
Despite my blow landing squarely on his neck, Kōenji barely flinched, a feral grin spreading across his face. He stepped back, untangling himself from my grasp, his self-satisfied smirk still in place.
"You're holding back, Ayanokōji-boy. I didn't even feel that one," he taunted, straightening his posture. "Afraid to hurt me?"
"Not afraid, Kōenji," I responded, my voice steady. "But it'd be a pain to carry your unconscious body back to our base."
Kōenji laughed, a harsh sound that echoed through the trees. "Such concern for me, Ayanokōji-boy! I'm truly touched," he jeered, circling me, his eyes glinting. "But you're a fool if you think you'd win that easily."
I tilted my head slightly. "Am I really?"
Before he could reply, I launched myself at Kōenji. The attack was quick, barely giving him time to register the movement. I landed a solid punch square on his chest. The force of the blow sent him stumbling back, gasping for breath. As he skidded along, I followed it up with a straight that hit him right in the kisser.
"Predictable, isn't it?" I said tauntingly.
Kōenji coughed, struggling to regain his footing. But his arrogance didn't falter. He straightened himself, wiping a thin trail of blood from his mouth, his smirk not wavering.
"That was a good one, Ayanokōji-boy," he wheezed, visibly wincing from the punch. "But it will take more than that to take me down."
With that, he lunged at me again, trying to land a punch on my chest. Unfortunately for him, I was ready. I side-stepped his attack, grabbed his wrist, and with a swift pivot, threw him off balance. As he stumbled, I brought my knee up into his midsection. Kōenji grunted, bending over in pain.
I stepped back, giving him a moment to recover. Kōenji slowly straightened up, his chest heaving as he attempted to steady his breath. The blonde-haired boy then wiped the sweat from his brow, a mirthful grin returning to his face.
"Good shot, Ayanokōji-boy," he complimented, panting slightly. "It seems like you're not pulling your punches anymore."
"I believe this is what you asked for, isn't it?" I replied, maintaining a firm stance.
Kōenji nodded. "Indeed. And what a beautiful display of violence it is," he said, assuming a combat stance once more. His eyes bore into mine, clearly signaling that he was far from done.
With a sudden burst of energy, Kōenji charged at me again, throwing a flurry of punches that I nimbly sidestepped and blocked. His attack was aggressive, but his movements had become sloppy due to fatigue.
Seizing the opportunity, I went on the offensive. A jab to his side, a hook to his jaw, a roundhouse kick that sent him sprawling backward. Kōenji barely managed to stay on his feet, his breath coming out in ragged gasps. His usual smirk was replaced by a grimace of pain, but his eyes still burned with determination.
"Had enough yet, Kōenji?" I asked, holding my stance. I was breathing heavily myself, the adrenaline rush beginning to subside. Despite his cocky attitude, Kōenji was no pushover. This fight was far more draining than I'd anticipated.
Kōenji shook his head, struggling to keep himself upright. "You'll... need... more than that... to best me, Ayanokōji-boy."
He came at me again, but this time it was a half-hearted attempt at best. His punches were slow, his kicks lacked power, and it was clear that his strength was waning. But his stubborn pride wouldn't let him back down.
And so, I made my move. A swift punch to his abdomen caused him to keel over, followed by a swift knee to the chest, forcing him back. I then launched a high kick to his head, which he barely managed to block. As his guard dropped, I capitalized on the moment. I drew back my right fist, focusing all my strength into one last blow.
"Time to wrap this up," I muttered.
With a burst of speed, I drove my fist forward. Kōenji tried to parry, but he was too slow. My punch connected solidly with his chest, sending him flying backward. He hit the ground hard, skidding a few feet before finally coming to a halt.
Kōenji attempted to rise, but his strength was quickly failing him. He looked up at me, his grin still stubbornly in place despite the pain.
"Ayanokōji-boy..." he coughed, struggling to breathe properly.
"If you dare call this a draw again, I'll shove my foot in your mouth," I quipped.
I was simply joking, but hearing him call all our matches as draws got tiring after the second time... and he had done it fifty times in total.
Kōenji burst into laughter, albeit weak and interrupted by bouts of coughing. "Ha Ha Ha! Your sudden shifts in tone will always be amusing. But I'm inclined to believe you wouldn't follow through on that threat," he choked out, grimacing as he propped himself up into a seated position.
Despite the pain that was evidently etched on his face, his humor didn't waver. His usual smirk might have dimmed a bit, but there was no denying the spark of respect in his eyes. It had always been there once the peculiar bond between us was formed, but it was still an odd look to see on Kōenji's face.
"There's a first time for everything..."
"My, how spirited, Ayanokōji-boy. But fair enough. As you have duly earned it, I shall concede my defeat on this day," Kōenji admitted, reclining onto the soft bed of leaves and turning his gaze skyward.
Those words, coming from Kōenji, were unexpected. I had anticipated some sort of witty comeback or another attempt to frame the situation as a draw. This candid admission of defeat was, in a way, more surprising than our fight.
"You don't hear that every day," I remarked, allowing myself to sit down across from him. The forest was peaceful around us, oblivious to the rigorous fight we just had.
"A perfect existence like myself, while rightfully possessing immense pride in my greatness, is not beneath admitting defeat. Especially when it's to another existence I proclaimed to be my equal," he declared.
How absurd...
A moment of silence passed before I finally spoke again.
"So, what's next?" I asked, breaking the stillness.
Kōenji stared up at the sky, seeming deep in thought. "Next? I think a nice, relaxing bath by the river sounds rather appealing," he chuckled weakly.
"Right," I replied, shaking my head in amusement. "Of course, that's what's on your mind."
"Might as well enjoy what this place has to offer, don't you agree?"
"I guess," I replied, shrugging. "Anyways, can you get back to the base on your own?"
"You're offering help? No need, for I can take care of myself. I simply need a few more minutes of rest."
"I'd rather not risk you fainting in the middle of nowhere, Kōenji."
Kōenji chuckled. "Don't worry about it, Ayanokōji-boy. There are no dangerous wildlife animals in here. And even if there are, I will simply let them know their place."
"Alright, then. I'll be heading out now, Kōenji. I better see your face when I get back to the base."
"Ha Ha Ha! No worries, I shall magnanimously grace you with my perfect self one last time."
"How dramatic..."
With that, I rose and left Kōenji to his solitude. Although I could have insisted on helping him get back to the base, I'd rather not waste time that I could use in further exploring the eastern side of the island.
Besides, he did have a point. This island was probably not dangerous, especially since it was basically just an arena to simulate an experience on a deserted island, a controlled environment, if you may. The well-maintained river, the strategically placed boulders, and the artificially cultivated plots were stark evidence of that.
"Well then... let's see what this island has to offer."
End of Chapter
Clarifications:
Kiyotaka's conversation re: ANHS - Kiyotaka didn't actually have a positive view of ANHS, as evidenced by V2 Chapter 11. But he also knew that Kōenji willingly sharing his viewpoints was a rare occurrence, so he asked him questions to see what Kōenji was thinking about. After all, Kiyotaka, as we know, is still driven by his curiosity to find out how people operated, and Kōenji had always been a fascinating case to him.
Kōenji's Retirement - It could be inferred that he chose to challenge Kiyotaka this early upon realizing the conditions for retirement. He knew he wouldn't come out unscathed, and as he had said, he found the exam pointless. So why bother staying? That said, he wouldn't be retiring right away. (He would stay for the barbecue party later in the night)