Chapter 035: Its Okay If Its A Rich Person
The school staff had set up a tent and stage on the beach. The students were divided into four teams, each under the shade of the setup. Hikigaya stood amidst Class B, wearing an expression that could only be described as helpless. Tokyo feels different from Chiba, he thought idly.
In Chiba, students were lined up by birthday. Here in Tokyo, it seemed the fifty-syllable order was preferred—or maybe this was just how high school operated, and he'd never noticed before.
Regardless, he found himself stuck in the middle of Class B. He didn't know the students ahead of him, nor the ones behind. Thankfully, Class B seemed disciplined enough. No idle chatter reached his ears, sparing him some embarrassment. Regardless, he found himself stuck in the middle of Class B.
He didn't know the students ahead of him, nor those behind. Thankfully, Class B appeared disciplined. No idle chatter reached his ears, sparing him any embarrassment. If someone did start talking, though, it was always the same story—the conversation would die as it reached him, only to pick up again behind him. Every time, the awkwardness made him want to disappear.
When the names of each student were finally called, a burly teacher ascended the newly erected stage. "I believe many of you already know me," he began, voice steady through a loudspeaker. "But for those who don't, let me introduce myself. I am Tomoya Mashima, Class A's homeroom teacher for the first year. You can call me Teacher Mashima." Mashima exuded an air of rigor and responsibility—an impression worlds apart from a certain someone.
Yeah, I'm looking at you, thought Hikigaya, glancing at Hoshinomiya-sensei, who was lazily avoiding the sun. You`re at work now! Be serious!
Clearing his throat, Mashima continued, "First, I'm glad everyone arrived here safely. However, I regret to inform you that one student cannot participate due to illness."
Hikigaya's initial reaction was smug. Poor kid, he thought. But then something didn't sit right. This cruise had been announced weeks ago. Who would miss such a luxurious trip, even if sick? Unless, of course... Must be a rich woman, he decided. Only someone like that would give up this opportunity so easily.
He murmured under his breath, "Rich woman..." And then he almost comically, "Oh, that's okay. A loner like me has no right to laugh at a rich woman."
Mashima's voice cut through his musings. "Next, we will begin the first special examination of the year."
An unexpected murmur rose to Hikigaya's right, and glancing over, he noticed Classes C and D devolving into chaos.
Don't you feel the heat? He thought irritably. Can you hold your questions until Mashima finishes? The sooner he's done, the sooner we can all relax.
"The exam will last one week, concluding on the afternoon of August 7th," Mashima announced not caring of the students obvious dismay. "During this time, you will live as a group on this uninhabited island. That is the content of the exam."
The murmurs from Class D escalated.
"What? Desert island survival?"
"Ridiculous! There's no way this is real."
"We have two tents for the entire class! What about food? Sensei, I'm filing a complaint with the Ministry of Education!" A well-built guy above average height with straight shoulder-length blonde hair and brown eyes complained.
Hikigaya sighed. Idiots, he thought. We're social animals in a system dictated by capital. Complaining won't change anything. Even if you complain youll be just the odd man out.
As expected, Class D's teacher, Chabashira Sae, stepped in with a lengthy explanation. Though her tone was professional, the subtext was clear: Are you stupid?
Mashima resumed, "As a starting point, each class has been allocated 300 special points. These points can be used to make your time here more comfortable—by purchasing resources like water, tents, and food. However, unused points will be converted to class points at the end of the exam. Choose wisely."
A guidebook was passed around. Hikigaya skimmed it, noting various items and their point costs. Drinking water, barbecues, toilets, even showers were available.
Rules were outlined on the last page:
Illness resulting in withdrawal from the exam: -30 points.
Environmental pollution: -20 points.
Absences from roll calls: -5 points per person, per instance.
Violence: Immediate disqualification for the offender and their class.
Hikigaya passed the guidebook behind him, barely interested. Why not spend all the points on a feast? He mused. It's not like I care about advancing to Class A. Being able to graduate in Class A would be great, but if you cant. Why waste the effort on something worthless. Ichinose, however, likely had other plans. She seemed the type to prioritize saving points for advancement. Im more interested in gaining private points and transferring to Class A.
The staff member provides each student with a watch, which seems to also have body detection, satellite positioning, and other emergency features.
As if on cue, Ichinose spoke up. "Everyone, there's a [possession rights] mechanism in the manual. Hoshinomiya-sensei? Sensei?—" She trailed off, looking around.
Hikigaya followed her gaze. Their teacher was missing, off chatting with Chabashira. This teacher is unbelievable, he thought. She's supposed to supervise us, but she's busy catching up with her colleagues.
It seems Chabashira-sensei and Hoshinomiya are quite close. He envied their carefree attitudes, The teachers could just relax on this island, unlike the students who expected to compete with each class.