This cruise ship has a total of nine decks: five above deck and four below deck.
Of the five upper decks, the Floor was the lounge and banquet hall, a public area.
The second to fifth Floors were guest rooms.
Males reside on the third floor, while females reside on the fourth floor.
The Teacher lives on the second floor.
The fifth floor is reserved for luxury suites, the highest-end accommodations available.
Despite this arrangement, there are no restrictions preventing males from entering female floors.
The three floors below are dedicated to various entertainment facilities.
These include a cinema, a theater, and more.
The fourth basement level houses the power distribution room, typically accessed only by staff.
"Knock, knock!"
At 5:58 PM, Hikigaya arrived on the second floor and knocked on the door of Room 204.
"Come in."
A quick response came from inside the room.
Pushing the door open, the first thing Hikigaya saw was a young man in a suit sitting opposite him.
This was Majima Tomoya, the Teacher of Class A.
On the table in front of him lay a stack of papers, likely documents related to this exam.
Because they had arrived on time, all the students for this batch were already present.
There were two males and one female.
And they were all familiar faces.
The males were VILLAGE and Yukimura.
The female was Kei Karuizawa.
According to information obtained from the Class group chat and Kushida.
The 40 students in their Class were divided into 12 time slots to go to Room 204.
Only these four were scheduled to go to Room 204 at the 6 o'clock time slot.
"Oh, it's Hikigaya-kun."
The slightly overweight otaku, VILLAGE Hideo, who wore glasses, excitedly waved and greeted Hikigaya. This was the "Doctor" that Ike and Sudo talked about, and also the person who spent a high price to buy a computer when he first entered the School.
When Ike failed his confession, he also participated in Ike's heartbreak party.
"Hm."
Hikigaya nodded slightly.
"Hikigaya-kun."
The other male student actively looked over.
Hikigaya also recognized him, Yukimura Teruhiko, who wore glasses and was one of the few top students in the Class. His academic ability was quite high, ranking third in the Class.
However, his physical fitness was extremely poor.
The physical education Teacher would ask him to run 400 meters, and he would gasp for breath as if he were about to collapse.
Nevertheless, Yukimura had a strong sense of Class pride and was the type who would assist if you just asked him.
Karuizawa seemed to be lost in thought, her gaze somewhat vacant as she stared straight ahead. However, there was an empty chair beside her.
Karuizawa did not have good relationships with the males in her Class, and in the previous written exam, her "violation for everyone" had significantly increased her popularity, but she hadn't made any special effort to interact with males.
So, she was sitting alone at the moment.
Yukimura and the others also intentionally or unintentionally kept some distance from her. After all, Karuizawa's interactions with males in the Class were indeed poor.
Hachiman then sat down in the empty seat next to Karuizawa.
"You are the last student to arrive here."
"The exam will begin shortly. If you have a mobile phone, please turn it off."
Teacher Majima glanced at Hachiman and said indifferently.
"Alright, no problem."
Hachiman nodded slightly, then openly placed a pink camera he was carrying on the table.
But...
"..."
Teacher Majima glanced at the camera, his eyebrow twitching.
However, he couldn't react.
Because the rule was to turn off or not carry mobile phones, but there was no compulsory requirement stating that cameras could not be carried.
Teacher Majima then fell silent.
"As expected."
Hachiman had specifically entered as the last student to draw Majima's attention, making it easier to gauge Teacher Majima's reaction.
Therefore.
After entering the room, he observed Majima, watching his state as he placed the camera, and then realized that the School's rules always had loopholes.
And when a bug in the rules was discovered, the School would not stop it.
So, taking photos with the camera later should be allowed.
"Tick-tock! Tick-tock!"
The music box-like grandfather clock in the room ticked, and time passed minute by minute.
Because the Teacher was sitting in front of them, everyone deliberately kept quiet, no one speaking.
The atmosphere felt somewhat subdued.
Time passed minute by minute until it reached six o'clock.
Teacher Majima finally spoke again.
"Class C, VILLAGE Hideo, Yukimura Teruhiko, Hikigaya Hachiman, and Kei Karuizawa, correct?"
Majima Tomoya looked at their faces, then lowered his head as if checking a list, and finally said, "Since everyone is here, I will now explain the special exam."
"Wait, didn't the exam already end?"
However, the slightly plump VILLAGE, as if not understanding, raised his hand and asked, somewhat confused.
"During the exam."
Majima Tomoya said coldly, "I will not accept any questions. Listen carefully."
"In this special exam, the School will divide all First Year students into twelve groups according to the Chinese zodiac. We will hold exams within these groups, and the exam content will test Thinking ability."
Thinking, literal meaning.
Thought; contemplation; reasoning; ideas; insights;
"So what is Thinking?"
VILLAGE, who had been denied a question earlier, reflexively asked.
"I said, I will not accept any questions."
Majima Tomoya maintained his cold demeanor.
"Thinking means to think, please listen to the Teacher continue the explanation." The top student Yukimura proactively answered at this moment.
VILLAGE then remained quiet.
Teacher Majima then continued to speak.
"Society, based on its needs for people, divides basic human abilities into three major categories: Action, Thinking, and Teamwork. Only by possessing these three basic abilities are individuals qualified to become excellent members of society."
"The previous Uninhabited Island Exam focused on teamwork, which is Teamwork. The content of this exam is Thinking, an exam targeting thinking ability."
Although he was interrupted twice in a row, Majima Tomoya still explained responsibly.
However, as he explained, Hachiman noticed that aside from Karuizawa, who seemed to be spacing out without receiving any instructions, Yukimura and VILLAGE were both looking at him.
Although Teacher Majima's explanation included three English words, and VILLAGE might not have reacted yet, the top student Yukimura certainly understood.
So you're looking at me too?
Or are you hoping I take the lead in the exam?
The problem is, the exam rules haven't been fully revealed yet.
So Hachiman continued to listen.
"This exam will be conducted in twelve groups."
Majima Tomoya's gaze swept across their faces, and he said coldly, "You four are one group, and in other rooms, someone will explain to students from other Classes who are in the same group as you."
Hachiman was very clear about this situation.
Majima Tomoya was explaining to the four of them in this room.
So, in the other three rooms, the other three Teachers would also be explaining to students from the other three Classes at this time.
Since Majima Tomoya said there were twelve groups, and other Classes were doing the same thing, it meant that each group was not isolated.
Instead, they would integrate with groups from the other three Classes to form a new group.
The students in each group came from four different Classes.
A total of 12 groups.
"This is your group's member list."
Majima Tomoya took out four cards and handed one to each of them, finally adding, "Also, it is not allowed to take them out of the room."
Not allowed to take them out of the room, but they were shown, meaning they could be memorized.
However, aside from a few social masters, some students might not even be able to fully remember the names of students in their own Class, let alone students from other Classes.
So it would probably be hard to remember.
Only.
"Okay."
Hikigaya stood up at this moment, picked up the pink camera on the table, and then took a picture of the card.
"I've memorized it, Teacher Majima," he said.
"..."
"..."
Majima Tomoya's head tilted slightly, then he looked at him, speechless.
Because the rules did not prohibit the use of cameras.
...
After taking the photo, Hachiman looked at the information on the card.
Four Classes, a total of one hundred and sixty students.
Divided into twelve groups according to the Chinese zodiac, named after the twelve animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.
And these twelve groups, each group contained students from four different Classes.
Hachiman and his group were the Rabbit Group.
The members of the Rabbit Group are as follows:
Class A: Takemoto Shigeru, Machida Koji, Morishige Takuro
Class B: Ichinose Honami, Hamaguchi Tetsuya, Beppu Ryota
Class C: Hikigaya Hachiman, Kei Karuizawa, VILLAGE Hideo, Yukimura Teruhiko.
Class D: Ibuki Mio, Manabe Shiho, Yabu Nanami, Yamashita Saki.
A total of fourteen students.
However, for Hachiman, he didn't know anyone from Class A or Class B, except for Ichinose.
Coincidentally, he knew all the students from Class C and Class D.
Class C was his own Class, so that went without saying.
As for Class D, they were all old acquaintances.
There was Ibuki, who stole his underwear and framed him, and also the small group led by Manabe, who had a conflict with Karuizawa earlier.
And Hachiman's insight as a human observer suddenly noticed something:
Karuizawa, who had remained calm and unresponsive throughout Majima Tomoya's announcement of the exam rules, finally showed a change in expression as she looked at the card.
She must have seen Manabe and her group.
But.
"Wait! What does this mean?!"
Someone reacted even more strongly than she did—it was Yukimura, wearing glasses. "Isn't the Special Exam unit-based by Class? Then isn't it very dangerous to team up with other Classes now? After all, we are enemies!"
"Enemies?"
Upon hearing this, Majima Tomoya seemed to finally find an opportunity to express his attitude, and said coldly, "Your three years of School life have just begun, and you have already made so many enemies. Your prospects are truly worrying."
Hmm.
After hearing Majima's words, Hachiman somewhat agreed.
Because.
The term "enemies" was not quite accurate.
In Class competitions like this, as long as there are benefits, there are no eternal friends or enemies.
At the same time, even if they are in different Classes, they are not necessarily enemies.
Just like Kushida, she fully demonstrated what it means to have no boundaries for friends.
No matter if they were from different Classes or different grades, as long as she could interact with them, they would become her friends.
"Any other questions?"
Majima Tomoya said indifferently, "If not, I will continue."
Upon hearing this, everyone else quieted down.
"I'll give you a piece of advice."
Majima Tomoya suddenly said, "For this exam, you'd best disregard friction with other Classes first. This is the shortcut to the exam."
"And then there's this."
As he spoke, Majima handed over the paper in his hand. A quick glance at the paper showed a large number of rules written in small print. It looked overwhelming, and VILLAGE's forehead was already sweating.
He probably felt completely unable to comprehend it.
"Wait a moment."
But Hachiman took the paper and spread it out on the table.
Then he took out his camera.
Click.
He took a photo.
"Done," Hachiman said.
"…" Majima.
Majima rubbed his forehead. Then he could only remain silent, watching them begin to examine the rules.
"Special Exam Explanation"
This exam is a task based on the "Beneficiary" assigned to each group. By answering the School using the specified method, one of four results will definitely be obtained.
1. The School will send an email notification to all students at 8 AM on the morning of the exam start date. At the same time, those selected as "Beneficiaries" will be informed of their selection.
2. The exam period is from tomorrow until 9 PM four days later.
3. Group members must gather twice a day, from 9-10 AM and 8-9 PM, in the designated room for one hour of discussion each time.
(Note: Students who do not cooperate will have their Class evaluation points deducted accordingly from their Class.)
4. The content of the discussion is entirely up to the group's discretion.
5. Regarding the answer submission, on the evening of the exam's end, the School will accept answers regarding the "Beneficiary's" identity between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM.
Answers are on a first-come, first-served basis, and each person can answer a maximum of once. Once an answer is submitted, that group's exam ends immediately.
6. The School only accepts answers submitted by students sending emails from their own mobile phones to the designated mailbox.
7. The "Beneficiary" has no right to send answers via email.
8. Answers submitted for groups other than one's own Zodiac group will be considered invalid.
9. The School will inform all students of the detailed exam results by email at 11 PM on the last day.
The exam rules were written very clearly and meticulously, almost considering every aspect.
As long as one wasn't stupid and had no mental issues, they could basically understand it.
And the so-called results were also written below.
Result One:
If all members, excluding the Beneficiary within the group and students belonging to the Beneficiary's Class, answer correctly, the School will pay all group members 500,000 private points. (Students belonging to the Beneficiary's Class will each receive the same points, and the Beneficiary themselves will receive double points.)
Result Two:
If anyone among the group members, excluding the Beneficiary and students belonging to the Beneficiary's Class, does not answer or answers incorrectly, the School will only pay the Beneficiary 500,000 private points.
"Five hundred thousand!"
At this moment, Karuizawa covered her mouth, but still couldn't help but exclaim.
Hachiman gave her a monthly share of 12,000 from the Class B welfare, but the total amount over three years was only about 400,000. So, in this single exam, if she was chosen as the Beneficiary, she would directly get 500,000 for free?
Chapter 148 Matsushita Chiaki is Slacking Off
500,000! Possibly even 1,000,000!
"If you have any questions now, you can ask me. And this time, I can answer you."
Looking at the students' expressions, Majima Tomoya said indifferently, "My task is to ensure that you can understand the rules."
"Teacher, these two results."
And very quickly, someone immediately asked for clarification.
Yukimura took a deep breath and pushed up his glasses, "Result One is if everyone guesses the Beneficiary's identity correctly, then everyone in this group will receive 500,000 points, and the Beneficiary themselves will receive 1,000,000 points.
As for Result Two, if any one of the group members fails to guess the Beneficiary's identity, then no matter how many people guess correctly, it will be invalid, and only the Beneficiary can receive 500,000 points. And the Beneficiary cannot submit an answer, is that correct?"
"That's right."
Majima Tomoya looked at him in surprise. Although Class C's performance was excellent now, they had, after all, been promoted from Class D, so he had actually considered that he might have to painstakingly help them understand the exam rules.
Therefore.
Now, the Class C students could actually understand the exam rules on their own, which was truly a relief. He then generously nodded, "Basically, that's it."
"Then I have no more questions."
Yukimura nodded. He basically understood what the rules were about.
The first option was undoubtedly the best: everyone gets rich together.
The second option, where only the Beneficiary benefits, seemed completely incomparable to the first.
If anything, in either result, the Beneficiary would receive 500,000 more points than everyone else.
Beneficiary, Beneficiary, what a nice name. Just being chosen means getting money for free.
"What about the other two results?"
But Karuizawa asked subconsciously.
There were only two results on the paper.
"On the back."
Majima Tomoya said indifferently.
Hachiman heard this and flipped the paper over.
He also checked the time; there were less than five minutes left.
Just in case, Hachiman took a photo of the back as well, and then contentedly began to read the rules on the paper.
"…" Majima Tomoya.
Result Three:
If someone other than the Beneficiary tells the School the answer before the exam ends, and the answer is correct, the Class to which the student who answered correctly belongs will receive 50 Class evaluation points.
At the same time, the School will pay 500,000 private points to the person who answered correctly.
Conversely, the Class whose Beneficiary's identity is exposed will be penalized by a deduction of 50 Class evaluation points.
And once an answer is submitted early, the group's exam ends at that point. Additionally, if a student in the same Class As the Beneficiary answers correctly, the School will consider the answer invalid and continue the exam.
Result Four:
If someone other than the Beneficiary tells the School the answer before the exam ends, and the answer is incorrect, the Class to which the student who answered incorrectly belongs will receive a penalty of 50 Class evaluation points.
While the Beneficiary receives 500,000 private points, the Beneficiary's Class will also receive 50 Class evaluation points.
The exam will end at the point when an incorrect answer is submitted. Furthermore, if a student in the same Class As the Beneficiary answers incorrectly, the answer will be considered invalid and will not be processed.
"Early answer and traitor?"
Hachiman lowered his head and pondered for two seconds, deep in thought.
No wonder.
The theme of this exam was "Thinking."
This was clearly an alternative version of Werewolf.
And the rules were very clear.
To summarize everything, it's like this:
1. The School will send another text message to students at 8 AM tomorrow morning, announcing whether they have been selected as the Beneficiary.
Here, the Beneficiary is one student randomly selected from each of the 12 groups to become a special existence.
It's somewhat similar to a hidden identity game, where people in the same group find this Beneficiary to receive rewards or penalties.
And finding this "undercover agent" is also interesting.
Answering honestly according to the exam rules between 8-9 PM on the third day.
Two results will appear.
If the Beneficiary's information is shared, and everyone except the Beneficiary and students from the Beneficiary's Class participates and answers correctly, then everyone will receive 500,000 points, and the Beneficiary will receive 1,000,000 points. (500,000 per group member, 1,000,000 for the Beneficiary)
This is one.
And the second is that when answering, if anyone answers incorrectly, or if not everyone answers together, then only the Beneficiary themselves can individually receive 500,000 points. (Beneficiary receives 500,000 independently)
This is answering honestly according to the rules.
It will not involve an increase or deduction of Class evaluation points. However.
You can also answer early.
The exam duration is three days.
And during these three days, you can answer at any time. But answering early during this period will result in deductions or additions of points.
First, answering correctly early adds points. If another Class guesses the Beneficiary during this period and answers correctly, that student can receive 500,000 points and also bring 50 Class evaluation points to their Class. At the same time, the Class whose Beneficiary was guessed will have 50 Class evaluation points deducted. (Correct answering Class +50 points, individual 500,000, Beneficiary's Class -50 points)
The one above was for a correct quick answer, but what about an incorrect quick answer? The Class to which the person who guessed incorrectly belongs will have 50 Class evaluation points deducted.
And the Class to which the Beneficiary belongs will gain 50 Class evaluation points, and the Beneficiary themself can also be rewarded with 500,000 private points.
(Incorrect Class -50 points, Beneficiary +500,000, Beneficiary Class +50 points)
This is somewhat similar to guessing the Team Leader on the Uninhabited Island, except this time the Team Leader is called the Beneficiary, and the reason they are called the Beneficiary is evident from the results: aside from their identity being guessed, they can obtain points in all other scenarios.
So, they are truly advantaged.
However, the identity of this Beneficiary is arranged by the School, not chosen by the students, but rather selected by the School, and students will only be notified tomorrow morning at 8 AM.
Therefore, trusting what Majima said about abandoning past grudges with other Classes and treating them as partners is just a facade; as long as there are substantial benefits after betrayal, cooperation is impossible.
But there are still a bunch of trivial matters.
Majima continued to announce, "For example, prohibited actions include not allowing stealing, threatening, or even intimidating behavior to confirm the Beneficiary's identity.
Using someone else's phone to answer incorrectly is also prohibited.
And individuals are not allowed to delete or forge information issued by the School, etc."
Hachiman remained silent.
In other words.
They had to search for the Beneficiary openly and without a plan.
And they had to answer using their own phone.
But.
Who would believe such a thing?
Hachiman had no doubt that someone like Ryuen from Class D would surely gather all the students in his Class immediately after the Beneficiary information was sent out, then force everyone to hand over their phones to confirm the Beneficiary's identity.
After all.
Even classmates cannot be trusted, and if one can keep their identity as the Beneficiary a secret, they can obtain a large sum of 500,000 points.
Or, if they trick someone into guessing incorrectly, not only can they get 500,000, but they can also cause the opposing Class to lose points.
Ryuen would definitely plan this out carefully.
And what is 500,000?
This is equivalent to Class D's… Class D's zero points, but it is also enough for a single person's living expenses for more than ten months, equivalent to Class C's five months of living expenses, and Class A's five months of living expenses.
In addition to living expenses, there are also changes in Class evaluation points that occur after a quick answer.
This is also a test for the currently anxious Class A, Class B, and Class C.
Not giving a quick answer tests human nature, while giving a quick answer tests Class competition.
Because only a quick answer will cause changes in Class evaluation points.
"Wait a moment, Majima, I have a few questions I'd like to ask."
Hachiman pondered for a moment, then asked, "First, according to the rules, whether answering within the time limit or giving a quick answer, any answer regarding another group will be completely invalidated, is that correct?"
"That's right."
Majima nodded.
"Then, if answering within the time limit, it falls under Result One and Result Two.
And if someone gives a quick answer in advance, it falls under Result Three and Result Four, and then… regardless of whether it's correct or not, it will directly end the exam for the group involved, right?"
"Correct."
"Will the exam results announce the name of the person who answered?"
Hachiman pressed on.
"No."
Majima looked up with some surprise, shaking his head, "The School will only announce the results of each group, and the increase or decrease in Class evaluation points.
As for the points obtained by the person who answered, the School can provide a temporary ID and installment withdrawal methods."
"Understood."
Hachiman nodded in understanding, which meant that no matter who answered.
They wouldn't have to worry about being discovered by others.
Because the School would not only not disclose the identity of the person who answered, but would also provide protection for hidden points.
To prevent others from determining the identity of the person who answered through their personal ID points.
So, this was actually encouraging them to answer in advance.
Of course.
While protecting the person who answered.
It was also protecting the Beneficiary.
Because the Beneficiary could completely hide their identity and then receive 1,000,000 points afterwards.
It really sways people's hearts.
Making the students become uncontrollable.
Ah, it's better to say it's a test of human nature.
And human nature is the most fragile when tested.
"Time's up."
Just as Hachiman was about to ask something, Majima suddenly said, "Twenty minutes are up, you can leave."
This left him speechless; this Teacher truly handles matters impartially.
However, the exam rules had already been obtained.
So.
When he was asked to leave Room 204, he stood in the hallway.
"Hikigaya?"
Yukimura felt that this exam, whether it was the information recording of the group members or the rules, had areas that needed discussion.
So he wanted to consult Hachiman.
But he found that Hachiman had not left but was standing by the window in the hallway.
He looked like he was gazing out the window with one hand, or perhaps waiting for something.
"I'm waiting here for the next group of students to arrive," Hachiman said.
"And Yukimura, did you remember the names of our group members?"
"I…" Yukimura was a bit embarrassed, "I couldn't remember all of them, because I don't know that many people."
Right.
"So I'll wait here," Hachiman said.
"I'll hand the camera to the students in our Class and have them take pictures."
"Because if you can't remember the names, others probably can't either."
So that's it.
Yukimura accepted this answer, then scratched his head and left.
However.
Actually, there were still people who could do it.
Like Kushida or Horikita.
They had received the entire grade's roster from Hachiman, so they would know the names of the students Yukimura didn't recognize, and Kushida had even greeted the people on the list.
But the assembly time for both of them was 8:40, which means they were in the same group.
However, the Class was divided into 12 groups.
So, there were still 10 groups' lists to collect.
And the students in the Class couldn't be completely trusted, so he had to confirm here who to give the camera to and who should take the pictures.
Thus.
With a new group of students every 20 minutes, Hikigaya would only be able to rest at 10:20 PM.
"Sorry, Hikigaya, our group dragged on so late."
At 10:20 PM, three students walked out of the room.
Two males and one female.
The female had a sweet appearance, with smooth, shoulder-length brown hair and delicate features, though her style had a touch of a wealthy young lady.
There was also a faint scent of jasmine perfume on her.
She was someone who understood fashion and dressing, living a refined life.
Her name was Matsushita Chiaki.
She handed the pink camera to Hachiman.
She had been entrusted by Hachiman to take pictures after entering the room.
"It's fine," Hachiman said.
Then he took the camera from her hand.
However, this Matsushita handed the camera back to him but did not leave immediately.
Her gaze seemed somewhat intense.
Hachiman looked over.
There were very few usable people in the Class, and even entrusting someone with taking photos wasn't something you could ask just anyone to do.
Could Matsushita be considered a usable talent?
In front of the Uninhabited Island cabin, Hachiman had heard Kushida ramble about many things.
One of them concerned Matsushita.
Kushida's evaluation of Matsushita was that Matsushita was a bit pretentious.
And this pretentiousness could also be understood as a disguise, meaning that Matsushita might usually be slacking off.
"Have you understood the exam rules?" Hachiman asked.
"Later, I plan to send the photos to Horikita so she can summarize and simplify them, and then announce them to everyone tomorrow before the exam begins."
But Matsushita said, "I think the rules for this exam are a bit difficult.
It would be best if you could summarize them."
In other words, she couldn't keep up with the pace and couldn't even fully understand the exam questions?
"Although our Class is currently only Class C, we are only a little over 200 points away from Class A.
If we work harder, perhaps we can catch up," Hikigaya said tentatively.
"Yes," Matsushita's expression seemed slightly strange at this moment, as if she had a hint of regret.
However, this regret quickly faded.
"It would be great if we could climb up in this exam.
But I still can't fully understand the rules," she said.
Then she waved at Hachiman, "Well, I'll head back then.
Good luck, Hikigaya."
Generally speaking, if someone didn't understand the exam questions, they wouldn't repeat it twice.
Clearly.
This Matsushita had actually understood the questions, but she was slacking off.
-------------------------------
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