"Winning first place in the exam is too risky for me. It might draw unnecessary attention," thought Saiki.
"But for the sake of luxurious desserts—no, to prevent that guy from potentially planting bombs on the island, I guess I'll have to put in some effort this time."
"Next, I'll explain the second way to earn points: by completing 'tasks' set up at various locations on the uninhabited island. These tasks will be held from 7 AM to 5 PM, and they can appear anywhere at any time. Although the island is divided into 100 regions, multiple tasks may appear within the same region. Please take a look."
As Mashima Tomonari spoke, he pulled out the exam tablet.
"Only the red dots on this tablet indicate where tasks are available. Students cannot predict when, where, or what kind of task will appear. Only after the red dot appears will you know the details."
"This won't affect me," thought Saiki.
With his psychic abilities, knowing the exam questions would be a piece of cake.
At the same time, the same content from Mashima Tomonari's tablet was projected onto a large screen for the convenience of the other students.
Task: Math Exam
Category: Academic Ability
Participation Condition: Sign up within 60 minutes of the task appearing.
Participants: One person per group (only one person from a group can sign up).
Registration Closes: When 10 participants have signed up.
Winning Condition: Compete for the highest score among the students who gather within the time limit.
(The exam content varies by grade level, but the difficulty is adjusted to be equal.)
Rewards: 1st place: 5 points, 2nd place: 3 points, 3rd place: 1 point. Winners will also receive a day's worth of food supplies.
In addition to the math exam, there were also physical tasks like shot put and even a fishing task categorized under 'miscellaneous.'
[So the rules are like this? We have to take exams while surviving on an uninhabited island?]
[Taking a math exam on a deserted island... feels weird.]
[There's even a fishing exam?]
"The abilities required for the tasks are divided into 40% academic, 30% physical, and 30% other skills. You should remember that the tasks are diverse, ranging from those requiring precision to those relying purely on luck. Of course, the same task may be held multiple times..."
"...There will always be staff or exam supervisors at the locations where tasks are held. Students who arrive at the designated locations must work with these staff and sign up using their watches and tablets..."
"...On the tablet, information about the tasks and their locations will be displayed. Please remember that resources related to the tasks will disappear from the tablet as the tasks near their end..."
After Mashima Tomonari finished explaining the exam rules, Tsukishiro Tokinari stepped forward to further elaborate.
"...There's one more thing. The longer you stay on the uninhabited island, the more problems or troubles you'll naturally accumulate. Due to lack of food or water, conflicts may arise among students. Regarding this, I hold a somewhat permissive stance."
Tsukishiro Tokinari's goal was simple: to subtly hint at the assassins he had sent to target Ayanokoji Kiyotaka during the exam.
Not only the two from the White Room, but Nanase Tsubasa was also arranged by Tsukishiro Tokinari to enter the school.
Of course, Tsukishiro Tokinari didn't think they would succeed.
After all, he was just here to pass the time. Only if the 'mission failed' would he be able to return and report.
However, Tsukishiro Tokinari was also well aware that he couldn't openly slack off. In the future, Yagami Takuya and Amasawa Ichika might return to the White Room. If they reported to Ayanokoji Atsuomi, it could cause him a lot of trouble.
Moreover, Tsukishiro Tokinari was somewhat worried that Yagami Takuya might do something strange to Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.
When he had interacted with Yagami Takuya before, Tsukishiro Tokinari could sense that Yagami Takuya seemed to harbor some murderous intent toward Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.
Not only that, if Yagami Takuya were to do something strange—like causing trouble for Saiki—Tsukishiro Tokinari might find himself in an even more dangerous situation.
However, Tsukishiro Tokinari was also slightly surprised.
In his predictions, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka should have taken some action—such as contacting Chairman Sakayanagi to exert external pressure and force him to leave the school early.
But now... Tsukishiro Tokinari didn't feel any pressure, as if Ayanokoji Kiyotaka had done nothing and had no intention of removing him.
In fact, that was exactly the case.
Tsukishiro Tokinari had hoped that Ayanokoji Kiyotaka would act quickly so he could leave the school and end this mission.
"Acting Chairman Tsukishiro!"
At that moment, after hearing Tsukishiro Tokinari's words, Mashima Tomonari quickly stepped forward and whispered something in Tsukishiro Tokinari's ear.
In his eyes, Tsukishiro Tokinari's words were undoubtedly encouraging students to use violence.
"Just now, Mashima-sensei wanted me to retract my statement allowing conflicts among students," Tsukishiro Tokinari said directly.
"But I won't retract it. That's because conflicts are inevitable. They will happen. Of course, even though I'm allowing it, I don't encourage it. I only agree to occasional conflicts. The school will not hesitate to intervene in conflicts deemed severe. Rules cannot allow actions like theft or unauthorized use of others' belongings. Depending on the case, students may be immediately expelled from the exam or even the school. My statement ends here. Please act in a manner befitting students of Advanced Nurturing High School."
After saying this, Tsukishiro Tokinari handed the microphone to Mashima Tomonari, who pursed his lips and began explaining the details about points and supplies.
Each student was given 5,000 points by default, which could be used to purchase supplies.
During the exam, students could also buy additional supplies at the store at the starting port, but the prices would be doubled.
Toilets and showers at the starting point could be used for free. After the second day, the school would also provide places to replenish water, but the water couldn't be taken away.
Toothbrushes, T-shirts, underwear, and other daily necessities would be provided for free.
'This is slightly better than the last uninhabited island exam, but only slightly,' Saiki thought to himself.
"...Additionally, your tablets will play a very important role. Not only can they determine the location and time of tasks, but they can also display the map of the uninhabited island, allowing you to check your current location, your points, and your score. From the fourth to the twelfth day of the exam, you can check the scores of the top and bottom ten groups. Starting from the sixth day, the GPS function will be unlocked, allowing you to check the current location of all students, but each use will cost one point..."
Mashima Tomonari explained.
"But Mashima-sensei, how do we charge the tablets during this exam?" Ike Kanji raised his hand and asked.
"According to the school's original plan, the tablets can be charged when participating in tasks. You can also buy spare batteries at the store... But thanks to Saiki-sensei's help, all our devices have been upgraded. For example, you don't need to worry about the battery life of these tablets and electronic watches."
Mashima Tomonari said.
[Saiki-sensei said that even if our short lifespans run out, the battery won't.]
'That sounds exactly like something he would say.'
[Also, even though Saiki-sensei is participating in this exam, we haven't seen him at all.]
'He's probably somewhere secretly planting bombs.'
[This exam... feels a bit strange...]
'It really does.'
After explaining many things, the students were given some free time.
Students in each group would use this time to discuss strategies and select necessary items.
Saiki also went to the store. Although he didn't need any of the items, the school could see each student's purchase history. If he didn't buy anything, it would raise suspicions.
So Saiki first picked up a free backpack, bought a single-person tent, and then purchased food, water, and other supplies that an ordinary person would need.
...
On the second day, the exam officially began.
Before the second-year students set off, the first-year students had already left half an hour earlier.
Saiki took out his tablet and checked the designated location: Area D7.
He also looked at the designated locations of the others around him. It seemed that everyone's locations were different.
As Saiki looked at his electronic watch, he fell into thought.
How should he handle this exam?
For him, getting first place in every subject would be as easy as breathing. The problem was that if he got first place in every subject, he would definitely be suspected. This would mean that his peaceful life for the next year and a half would be completely over.
But if he didn't get first place, he wouldn't get to eat... and the others on the island would be in danger.
Saiki thought for a moment, recalling the information Saiki Kusuke had sent him. He couldn't tell anyone about this.
'Wait... that guy only told me to get first place overall, not first place in every subject. That means I can maintain average scores in some subjects and rely on others to reach the required points.'
Saiki had his answer.
'In that case, I shouldn't stand out too much at the beginning. I'll maintain a slightly average score in the early and mid stages.'
The other second-year students set off, but Saiki didn't rush to follow.
Soon, the third-year students also arrived at the starting point, but Saiki didn't see Nagumo Miyabi—which was good news for him.
"You're still here, Saiki?"
A familiar voice rang out. Kiryuin Fuka smiled as she looked at Saiki.
"Good morning, Kiryuin-senpai. I... I thought since we've already given the first-year students a head start, I might as well take some time to observe the surroundings."
"But you're in a solo group, right? Even if you're thinking about something, you can think while walking."
Kiryuin Fuka smiled, as if she knew Saiki was just making up an excuse.
"If there's anything you want to know, I'll tell you."
"There's nothing urgent I need to know right now."
"In that case, the sight of all the students scattering across the uninhabited island is quite interesting. Although there are over 400 people, compared to the island, we're like specks of dust."
Kiryuin Fuka looked at the backs of the other students leaving, speaking with complete composure.
'Of course, since this island has likely been expanded by that terrifying guy,' Saiki thought to himself.
"By the way, what's your first designated area?"
"Mine's D7."
"Oh? At least the first location is the same as mine."
'?'
A question mark appeared in Saiki's mind. Was it a coincidence? Or was it arranged by Saiki Kusuke?
"Please go easy on me," Saiki could only say.
"That's what I should be saying. Let's go together."
"Okay."
Feeling like he had no reason to refuse, Saiki followed Kiryuin Fuka.
'Kiryuin seems like the type of person others don't want to interact with too much. She can act as a shield for me, preventing me from having to interact with other students,' Saiki thought to himself.
He maintained the same pace as Kiryuin Fuka, observing his surroundings as they moved.
Hidden among the trees and plants were tiny cameras—even Kiryuin Fuka couldn't detect them.
Clearly, these weren't set up by the school, but by Saiki Kusuke.
He was definitely watching this exam from somewhere.
At that moment, Kiryuin Fuka suddenly stopped and turned to Saiki with a smile:
"You really are different, Saiki-kun~"