[It seems that Saiki-sensei has provided the school with more technical support, revitalizing the deserted island. This exam is bound to be very special.]
Chabashira Sae thought to herself, while the expressions of the other students in the class turned grim.
Although the cruise holiday was something to look forward to, the memories of last summer's deserted island exam were far too unpleasant.
The heat, the dryness, the noise… Even going to the bathroom was a problem.
For the students in the class, that period was something they'd rather not recall.
"First, let me explain the schedule in detail. You'll be able to download the schedule on your phones later, so there's no need to take notes now."
As Chabashira Sae spoke, she manipulated the computer, and the large screen displayed the schedule for the special exam.
July 19th: Gather at the schoolyard, take the bus to the port, and board the cruise ship.
July 20th: The special exam begins. Explanation of the exam and distribution of supplies.
August 3rd: The special exam ends. Rankings will be announced on the ship, and rewards will be distributed based on the results.
Personal points for August will be paid out after applying the results of the deserted island exam.
August 4th: Cruise ship activities. The entire day is free for personal activities.
…
'This special exam is going to last longer, huh?'
Saiki looked at the schedule, thinking to himself.
He remembered that the last artificial island exam lasted about a week, but this one would last a full two weeks—double the previous duration.
And…
This also meant that the summer vacation would be significantly shortened!
'No, no, on second thought, this time we'll only go through one special exam, unlike last time when we had two in a row. Plus, we'll get to spend a week on a luxury cruise ship without a care in the world. Overall, it's definitely a win.'
Saiki was already planning his vacation.
"Now, back to the main topic. Last year, we also held a deserted island survival exam, but this year's exam will be different. First, the exam period has been extended to two weeks. The deserted island we'll be using is larger than before, and there will be more high-tech equipment provided—all of which was supplied by Saiki-sensei!"
Hearing Chabashira Sae's words, the students' faces lit up with curiosity.
[Saiki-sensei must have created some high-tech gadgets again!]
[If that's the case, I'm looking forward to it!]
[During class, Saiki-sensei showed us some very special tools!]
Contrary to Saiki's expectations, the students in the class actually had a favorable impression of Saiki Kusuke. After all, during class, Saiki Kusuke often brought in unique inventions that were completely beyond the understanding of ordinary students, which naturally made them feel excited and curious—
However, Saiki knew very well that Saiki Kusuke's attitude toward these students was entirely different.
[What useless ants. They're amazed by something so simple. They're beyond saving.]
In Saiki Kusuke's eyes, these students were no different from single-celled organisms.
"Additionally, this exam won't just be within the same grade. It will be a competition across all grades."
Chabashira Sae continued,
"The number of opponents you'll have to face will also be the largest so far."
"What?!"
The students couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
This special exam was even more outrageous than the previous ones. The entire school would be participating.
'Yare yare, no wonder Kiriyama mentioned it to me earlier… I thought it might be inter-grade cooperation, but it turns out to be a collective competition?'
Saiki couldn't help but have a certain premonition.
Nagumo Miyabi and Kiryuin Fuka would definitely cause trouble for him.
And the first-year students might also stir up some chaos…
But for Saiki, none of this was particularly concerning—
The most important thing was that Saiki had no idea what Saiki Kusuke might do during this exam.
He hadn't heard from Saiki Kusuke in a while, and judging by the fact that Saiki Kusuke had offered to renovate the deserted island for the school, Saiki was certain that his brother was up to something.
"But… wouldn't this only disadvantage the first-years and benefit the third-years?"
Hirata Yosuke immediately raised his hand to ask,
"After all, there's a big gap in physical condition and experience between the different grades, right?"
"I understand your concern, but no exam can ever be 100% fair. Even if this were limited to just your grade, the fact that some of you were born earlier or later means there's nearly a year's difference in age, yet you still compete on the same stage, don't you?"
Chabashira Sae replied,
"The exam will also include some grade-specific disadvantages, but essentially, you'll all be fighting on the same battlefield. As for how to bridge the gap between grades, the school has already made arrangements. Generally, the lower the grade, the more rewards they can earn, and the less punishment they'll face."
Hearing the homeroom teacher's answer, Hirata Yosuke could only nod.
"Now, let me continue. Next, I'll explain some of the new rules for the deserted island survival exam—that is, I won't reveal all the rules here today."
'Hey, hey, why do they always have to be so cryptic before exams? The reason so many bad mystery novels and movies are terrible is because they rely on these clichéd plot devices.'
Saiki inwardly complained, and many students in the class shared the same sentiment.
"To understand the rules of the deserted island survival exam, you first need to understand the concept of groups. In this special exam, you'll be able to form large groups of up to six people and collaborate. However, you must remember from the start that these groups can only consist of students from the same grade, regardless of class."
'Groups of six?'
Saiki's brow twitched slightly. He wasn't particularly fond of the group rule.
After all, during the last training camp exam, he had been grouped with some strange students.
He didn't want to deal with any more inexplicable things.
Moreover, with other people around, Saiki wouldn't be able to use his psychic powers freely.
"From today until Friday, July 16th—a period of about four weeks—second-year students will be given the authority to choose up to two selected partners and form the basis of a large group—a small group of up to three people. Although the grouping is free, there are still rules. For example, as I've already mentioned, group members can only be selected from students in the same grade. You cannot form groups with first or third-year students. To account for the imbalance between grades, first-year students will form groups of seven."
'Free choice of partners? This is even more troublesome than random assignments… I'd rather passively wait for others to approach me. I won't actively seek out others to form a group.'
Saiki thought to himself.
At the same time, he noticed that some students in the class were looking at him, as if they already had plans to team up with him.
But Saiki had no such intention.
"Next is the gender ratio. If the group is mixed-gender, at least two-thirds of the members must be female."
"What happens if someone doesn't form a group… or can't form one?"
Ike Kanji asked from the back.
"As shown on the screen, even a group of one will be allowed. Although the benefits will be reduced, there won't be any special issues. This special exam is designed so that groups of any size can participate. Whether male or female, anyone who wants to challenge the exam alone will be permitted!"
'!'
Hearing Chabashira Sae's words, Saiki's eyes lit up.
'This exam allows solo groups? What a stroke of luck!'
For Saiki, forming a solo group was a dream come true.
Not only could he avoid being grouped with strange students, but he could also act more freely—even going home to rest during the exam wouldn't be a problem!
In this way, the special exam would just be another part of Saiki's vacation!
Saiki couldn't help but smile slightly.
"Some students might think going solo is easier, but having more people is definitely more advantageous. Plus, the school has prepared special bonuses, so I suggest you don't choose to fight alone unless it's absolutely necessary."
'No, no, going solo is definitely the easier option.'
Saiki inwardly responded.
"But as I mentioned, during the exam, you'll need to form large groups of up to six people. So, once the special exam begins, this restriction will be lifted, allowing groups to merge. Whether it's two groups of three, three groups of two, or six solo groups merging, it's all fine. Of course, there are specific rules. For example, in groups of four or more, at least half of the members must be female."
Chabashira Sae further explained the exam rules,
"I know that letting you form groups freely might be confusing. Without knowing the exam's content, it's hard to identify the necessary talents. I can't tell you what the next special exam will entail, but I can give you a hint about the skills you'll need. Last year's deserted island survival exam left many students unable to showcase their potential and feeling frustrated—but this year's exam will require all kinds of abilities: academic, physical, mental, and communication skills. Beyond the abilities I've listed, you'll also have the chance to utilize your own strengths…"
[They definitely won't expect that this deserted island survival exam will also include various mini-exams!]
'Yare yare, so that's how it is?'
Listening to Chabashira Sae's thoughts, Saiki had a rough idea of the exam's rules.
While surviving on the deserted island, students would also have to travel to different areas and participate in various subject exams to earn supplies or points. However, both the supplies and the number of participants for each exam would be limited.
In a way, this was indeed a special exam, integrating different subjects into one.
Chabashira Sae went on to explain some special rules and the rewards for each ranking.
The top group would receive 300 class points, 1 million personal points, and even one protection point.
On the other hand, the bottom groups would not only lose class points but also face expulsion. However, if each member could pay a sufficient rescue fee, they could avoid expulsion.
Moreover, the exam would also feature various item cards. Some would increase post-exam rewards, others would reduce penalties, and some would even allow groups to expand.
"...Each student will randomly receive one of eight types of item cards. The cards will be distributed tomorrow morning, and until the special exam begins, they can be traded or transferred among students of the same grade. Anyone can check who has which card on the OAA. You can sell cards to interested students or buy them to hold multiple cards—but since duplicate effects don't stack, holding two of the same card is meaningless."
Chabashira Sae said slowly.
Saiki wasn't particularly interested in this, as some item cards were tied to exam performance. Saiki didn't want to draw attention with his results again.
It was best to maintain a middle-of-the-pack ranking.
However, free points were free points. Saiki noticed that one card might bring him some benefits.
Hitchhiker Card: Earn an additional half of the personal points awarded to a specified group at the start of the exam.
If the specified group merges with your group, the effect is nullified.
The effect of this card wasn't tied to the holder's performance, so Saiki could use it to earn personal points while maintaining a mediocre ranking.
"Some of you might not fully understand everything from this explanation, but the school will automatically release the special exam materials on your tablets later, so you can check there."
Chabashira Sae said this while glancing at Ike Kanji, as if certain he wouldn't understand,
"With that, I'll leave you to think things over."
Almost simultaneously, the bell rang, and Chabashira Sae left the classroom.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka walked up to Saiki:
"Saiki…"
"Sorry, I'm not planning to form a group."