Amasawa left and sat down on a fairly large rock. Ryuen didn't seem inclined to co close to , instead keeping so distance and sitting on another rock positioned opposite .
The total ti it took to reach the designated area was about 40 minutes. Though we had over three hours before the next designated area would be announced, the tasks would soon be unlocked.
Then, at 10 a.m., when the tasks began, the locations, contents, and rewards of the tasks were simultaneously displayed on the map. Depending on this information, we would face the decision of whether to head for the next designated area or prioritize a task.
At a glance, I decided to ask Ryuen for his opinion first.
"What's the plan? There's a task nearby, but there's also one right here where we are."
Luckily, a task had appeared in E7. The displayed task was an "English Test"—one that required participation by two people from the sa group. It was the perfect task for our two-person team. The scoring system awarded 5 points for 1st place, 3 for 2nd, and 1 for 3rd.
"Heh, what a stroke of luck."
Ryuen, who had been checking his tablet, also seed to think this task was worth taking, as he stood up from the rock.
Once the tasks were announced, several teachers erged from the surrounding forest. They were likely the staff overseeing the tasks. We used our wristwatches to participate in the task, and thanks to our quick decision, we were the first to arrive.
"Surprisingly, so groups are skipping the English test."
Though multiple groups were scattered around E7, quite a few were heading to other areas.
"Well, of course. Not everyone's good at English. Those who suck at it would avoid it."
"Makes sense. I can accept that."
As I nodded at his reasonable explanation, a third-year group joined last, and the task began.
We sat at the prepared desks and skimd through the test papers. The difficulty was around mid-to-high level, with a perfect score being 100. With this level, even scoring a bit higher wouldn't be an issue.
Ryuen usually doesn't put much effort into tests, but he's naturally sharp. There's a chance we could take first place here.
"The task is over. Stop writing now."
As the supervising teacher announced this, they collected the answer sheets and began grading.
"The results are... 1st place, Ryuen's group—189 points."
To be extra cautious, I had aid for a perfect score, but Ryuen also scored an 89—higher than I expected.
"If you can score this well on this test, you could aim for high marks in regular exams too."
Ryuen usually scores around average in term tests.
"Too much damn effort. And I especially don't wanna hear that from you."
Fair enough—that criticism applies to too.
Either way, securing 1st place earned us 5 points. A pretty solid start, all things considered.
.....
After that, we visited two newly appeared tasks. One had a participant limit that prevented us from joining, but we managed to take first place in the other and earned 6 points.
By the afternoon, the second designated area at D7 opened at 1 p.m., and we arrived first, securing 12 points from the arrival bonus and placent reward. Then, shortly after, we reached the third designated area at D6, where we placed third and earned 5 points, including the arrival bonus.
"This is going too well. It's almost scary."
"True. Regardless of the tasks, getting placent rewards twice in a row is..."
Our current total is 30 points. Earning this much on the first day is largely due to luck.
"Guess we should set up the tent now."
With our three daily movents completed, it was ti to prepare for tomorrow. Fortunately, D6 had plenty of dense trees and shade, making it an ideal spot for pitching a tent.
Once the tent was set up, most people would start thinking about dinner—but ours was already decided.
When we took first place in the second task, we received premium beef as an additional reward. Honestly, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say I worked hard today just to eat this.
"Heh. Looks damn good. Hurry up and cook it."
Ryuen seed excited too. Guess high school boys—myself included—are slaves to at.
"Alright, let's cut it up."
"...Hah? The hell you sayin'?"
I was about to slice it into manageable pieces when Ryuen glared at .
"What? I'm just cutting it into bite-sized portions."
"You call yourself a man? You're supposed to grill the whole damn thing and take a bite out of it."
His words shocked .
"T-Take a bite...?"
That wasn't part of my culture. But... it was true that I'd never taken a bite out of a whole chunk of high-quality at like this without cutting it first.
"Gim that."
Ryuen snatched the pan from , heated oil, and tossed the at in. It looked careless at first glance, but he was surprisingly ticulous.
"You're basting it with oil...?"
He was cooking like a professional. Maybe Ryuen's dostic skills were far better than mine.
"..."
Unable to interfere, I waited for about ten minutes, tempted by the aroma of sizzling at. Finally—
"That should do it."
"!...Done?"
Seeing Ryuen plate the at, I quickly stood and rushed over.
"It's ready."
"O-Oh..."
The massive slab of at nearly overflowed the plate. The surface was perfectly seared and glistening, while the cross-section revealed a tender, dium-rare pink. Just looking at it made my mouth water.
"Just salt and pepper for seasoning. This is gonna be good. Though I did make a sauce too—"
"Let's eat."
I couldn't wait any longer and reached for it before Ryuen could finish. Lifting it, I felt its weight, and the aroma grew even stronger.
"Hah! Hell yeah!!!"
Ryuen had already taken a bite, tearing into the at with gusto.
I gulped once, then followed his lead, sinking my teeth into the at with all my might.
"!...This is amazing!!!"
Ryuen was right. Grilling it whole and biting into it was the best way to eat this. For the first ti, I might've actually respected him.
"Hey, Hikigaya. You sure that's enough?"
Ryuen smirked, holding the pan he'd been using earlier.
"?...What do you an?"
"Look at this."
He tilted the pan toward , revealing a rich, dark sauce made from the leftover drippings.
"Homade steak sauce. Wonder what'll happen if we pour this over the at..."
"Ryuen—you're a genius."
And so, the first day of the deserted island exam ca to an end.
.....
Day 2 of the Deserted Island Survival.
6:30 AM—wake up.
When I stepped out of the tent, the blinding sunlight confird it was a perfectly clear day without a single cloud. Though, outside, all I could see was an expanse of forest.
"Setting up the tent in the shade was the right call."
Avoiding direct sunlight significantly reduced the heat. From now on, positioning would be crucial for surviving on this island.
Before long, Ryuen sluggishly crawled out of the tent as well.
"Tch, it's hot."
"Seems like you woke up on the wrong side of the bed."
"With heat like this, anyone would be pissed."
Well, I couldn't exactly bla him.
But we couldn't afford to just sit around complaining about the heat. We packed up the tent and had a quick breakfast of rations and water.
By 7 AM, a signal was sent to our wristwatches—ti for the first designated area of the day.
Our current location was D6. The updated map on the tablet displayed the new designated area as...
"——G7, huh."
This was likely one of the four randomly assigned basic movent points.
"G7, huh. Can't tell if we're lucky or unlucky getting a random one right off the bat. What's the plan, Hikigaya?"
"Well..."
The distance to G7 was considerable. The next designated area would open at 9 AM, giving us only two hours to move—no way we'd make it in ti for the arrival bonus.
In that case, it'd be better to head toward G7 while completing tasks along the way for points.
"Moving toward G7 while clearing tasks is the realistic option. Even if we don't reach G7 in ti, as long as we make it to the next designated area, it's fine. What do you think?"
Checking the tablet again, several tasks appeared along the route.
"Whatever. Let's just get moving then."
Ryuen nodded quietly, seemingly fine with my suggestion. He'd probably been thinking the sa thing.
So far, we hadn't done anything particularly strategic—just steadily accumulating points. And for now, that was the most efficient approach.
But that would only hold true until Day 4.
Starting on the fourth day, the tablet would display the top and bottom 10 groups. If Ryuen and I were in the top 10 by then, we'd inevitably beco targets.
...
On our way to G7, we noticed a task marked in F7 along the route and decided to participate.
The task was called "Punching Machine"—a competition to asure punching power. Only one participant per group was allowed.
Right now, we were discussing who would take part.
"Heh, I'll let you have this one. You go."
"You sure?"
This seed like the kind of task Ryuen would excel at, so him deferring to was unexpected.
"Just curious what kinda numbers you'll put up. This ti's yours."
"Then I won't hold back. ...Never used a punching machine before, though."
Was it as simple as hitting the center of the machine the staff had set up?
As I pondered, a shadow stretched over , blocking the sunlight.
"Hey, Boss and Monsterboy."
"Alberto... drop the nickna."
The massive figure eclipsing the sun turned out to be our classmate, Alberto. No matter how many tis I saw him, his sheer size never got less startling.
"What's wrong with it? 'Monsterboy' fits you damn well."
"Then 'Dragonboy' suits you just fine."
"The hell you say?"
"NO."
Just as Ryuen clenched his fist, Alberto stepped between us—probably to prevent a fight.
"Tch, whatever. More importantly, Alberto, you here for the task too?"
"Yes."
"Then you're up against Hikigaya. Alberto, don't hold back—crush this bastard."
"OK."
"Why is this suddenly a showdown?"
By the ti we finished talking, all participant slots had filled up.
With no choice but to proceed, I headed to the task alongside Alberto, who radiated competitive energy.
The order was decided by lottery—I was sixth, aning I'd go last.
"What number did you get, Alberto?"
He showed his slip—fifth, right before .
"The task will now begin. First up: #1, Tanuma."
"Hrah—!!"
The student called Tanuma stepped up to the machine, clenched his fist, and threw a punch with full force.
[72]
"Tanuma, 72 points."
So that was how it worked. I had no prior experience with punching machines, but this seed like an average score.
The following participants scored between 70 and 100. Good to know the baseline—waiting till the end paid off.
"Next, #5: Yamada Alberto."
Finally, Alberto's turn. I gave him a quiet cheer as he stepped forward.
"Whoa... damn."
A nearby student muttered in awe at Alberto's sheer size. Everyone's eyes were glued to him, anticipating his score.
"Begin!"
"—!!"
Alberto raised his tree-trunk-like arm and unleashed a punch brimming with raw power.
Unlike the others, his strike produced a sharp BANG!—just the sound alone promised a high score.
[173]
"Yamada Alberto, 173 points!"
More than double the previous highest, drawing cheers from every student watching. Friend or foe, they couldn't help but be impressed.
"#6: Hikigaya Hachiman."
Now, my turn. As I passed Alberto, he gave a thumbs-up. I wasn't taking this too seriously, so I casually returned the gesture.
My goal was around 100—enough to secure second place without drawing attention. A solid result.
"—Go all out, dumbass."
But Ryuen's muttered words as we crossed paths shattered that plan.
...What to do? I could ignore him and half-ass it, but the aftermath would be worse. Ryuen wouldn't hesitate to make my life hell.
"Begin!"
Fine. I'd put in so effort.
"—"
I clenched my fist tightly for the first ti in ages, leaned forward, and drove my punch straight into the target.
The result was...
[302]
"H-Hikigaya Hachiman, 302 points...!?"
Even the staff mber announcing the score sounded shocked.
"Huh!?"
"That's gotta be broken!?"
"Three... hundred?"
"Is that guy a gorilla...?"
Students who hadn't even glanced at before were now staring wide-eyed, their piercing gazes burning into . ...I'd definitely overdone it.
The only one laughing hysterically was Ryuen in the back.
"...First place goes to Ryuen's group, Hikigaya Hachiman."
Hearing the results, I quickly left the area.
"Heh, you really are crazy. So crazy it's hilarious."
"Oh... Super Monsterboy."
"I've got words for you too, Ryuen. Alberto, please stop with the Super Monsterboy thing."
Staying here would only draw more attention. Best to leave before this incident spreads any further.
....
On the second day, we smoothly cleared the designated areas and did our best to complete as many tasks as possible.
Then ca the third day.
Due to the movent of the designated areas, we had ended up much closer to the seaside. Our current location was J6. We had just finished our second move, so we were now looking for the next task in the anti.
"A beach flags showdown, huh?"
It was a very seaside-appropriate task.
Originally, beach flags were a sport designed to train lifeguards' reflexes and running ability.
The task was open to solo participants—eight boys and eight girls. On top of that, there was a bonus: a 500ml bottle of water as a participation prize.
It seed like we could still sign up now, but...
"...Hey. Sothing's off."
Ryuuen was glaring at the reception area. I took another look around. Then—
"I see. There are only third-years at this task site."
That's right. Only third-years were at the reception area.
"Heh, looks like they're trying to monopolize it for themselves. If any of us from other grades try to join, the third-years will probably sign up imdiately to block us."
It wasn't an unreasonable assumption. There were just too many third-year groups around. From where I stood, I could see at least eight groups chatting nearby.
"It definitely seems like the third-years are coordinating as a whole."
"Annoying as hell. Looks like we won't be able to participate in this task."
Though we'd been unexpectedly shut out, we couldn't afford to waste ti. Ryuuen imdiately opened his tablet.
As I sat down on a nearby rock, I spotted Ayanokouji further down the beach. He was supposed to be taking the exam alone, but for so reason, he was with Nanase.
"Ryuuen, there's sothing I want to check. Mind if I step away for about ten minutes?"
"Do whatever you want."
He answered without looking up from his tablet, so I left my belongings behind and walked away.
Ayanokouji noticed approaching and shifted his gaze from the beach flags to .
"Hikigaya. Were you planning on participating in this task too?"
"Sothing like that. More importantly, Ayanokouji, why are you with Nanase?"
"I've run into Nanase a few tis in the designated areas. She asked if she could tag along, so we've been moving together."
"And where is Nanase now?"
"She just barely made it into the girls' beach flags task. She went to change into her swimsuit."
"Nanase might be dangerous, you know."
"Of course I'm wary of that. I'm prepared to handle anything she might try."
"I see. If you're fine with it, I won't say anything more."
Ayanokouji narrowed his eyes slightly, as if surprised by my response.
"That's unexpected. I thought you'd press more about Nanase."
"If you say it's not a problem, then I won't worry. It's not like I couldn't handle her myself if needed."
If I could deal with her, so could Ayanokouji.
If Ayanokouji could deal with her, so could I.
If I believed I could handle it, then Ayanokouji definitely could.
"But stay on guard. You're the most likely target in this exam, Ayanokouji."
"I'd prefer if you took that role instead."
"No thanks. Still, if anything happens, I'll help."
"I'll keep that in mind."
With that, the conversation ended, and silence fell between us. The sound of waves filled the air as Nanase, now changed, ca jogging toward us.
When she spotted , she stopped abruptly.
"Hikigaya-senpai...? What are you doing here?"
"Just passing by. I was going to join the beach flags task, but it was full, so I ended up talking to Ayanokouji."
"...I see."
For a brief mont, a shadow crossed Nanase's face, but it quickly cleared as she smiled.
"Nanase, can I ask you sothing?"
"Yes?"
Nanase, who had started stretching in her bikini, looked up at curiously.
"Why did you pick such a cute swimsuit? Was there a reason?"
Her swimsuit was much bolder than the other girls participating.
"A reason? Well, on TV, beach flags are always done in swimsuits like this, so I thought wearing a school swimsuit would be weird. Was I wrong?"
If she was going by TV, then she wasn't wrong. Still, it made realize how naturally naive she could be.
"U-Um, Hikigaya-senpai?"
"...Yeah?"
"It's just... being stared at like that makes a little... uncomfortable..."
Her cheeks slightly flushed as she averted her gaze.
"Ah, right. Sorry. And no, your swimsuit isn't wrong."
"Then I'm glad. The girls' task is about to start, so..."
She bowed politely and ran off toward the gathering area.
"I should get going too. If you need any help, just say the word. You can even reach on the transceiver."
"You're being unusually helpful. That's suspicious."
"If you get expelled now, it'll be trouble for too."
I gave him my honest thoughts, and Ayanokouji simply watched leave without another word.
....
After parting ways with Ayanokouji, I headed back the way I ca when I spotted several figures moving in the shallows.
Among them was Nanami, the student council president, who had apparently been enjoying the ocean unnoticed.
Noticing my gaze, he casually beckoned over.
Naturally, as a re student, I couldn't ignore a summons from the student council president.
Besides, there were things I wanted to ask.
"Looks like you couldn't participate in the task, huh?"
"That's right. What about you, Nanami-senpai? Is this your designated area? Did you co here for that?"
"Who knows?"
Nanami dodged the question with a laugh.
"Why don't you join us for a swim?"
"I'd love to, but unfortunately, I don't have enough points to spare on renting a swimsuit."
Not just Nanami, but also Asahina and a few other third-years had rented swimsuits. On top of that, they'd even borrowed beach balls—living luxuriously.
"You seem pretty relaxed. I thought you'd be scrambling for points."
"Everyone needs a break, right? Besides—the real battle starts tomorrow."
Tomorrow. The fourth day, when the exam would enter its mid-phase.
That was when the top ten and bottom ten groups would be publicly announced on the tablets.
"If any non-third-year group manages to break into the top three, I'll make my move then. First and second-years have no business on the podium. And that includes you."
Nanami was laying out his strategy for victory.
But—
The sa went for .
"Thanks for the warning."
"Hey now, don't act like this doesn't concern you. Weren't you and your partner aiming for the top?"
He seed to rember what I'd said during the briefing.
"I wouldn't dare boast about beating the student council president. ...At least, not ."
"!"
Up until now, I'd only spoken modestly.
These words must have stood out to Nanami.
"Pfft—better make sure that confidence isn't just hot air. I'm looking forward to seeing what the talent Horikita-senpai believed in can do."
"Nanami—! Got a sec—?"
From slightly behind , Mashita, a third-year, called out to him.
Raising a hand in acknowledgnt, Nanami stepped out of the water and headed toward her.
Asahina, who had stopped playing to watch the exchange, approached once Nanami was far enough away.
"Hey. How's it going?"
"Not bad. By the way..."
"Hm? What's up?"
She tilted her head curiously.
"That swimsuit looks great on you. I'm jealous of the senpais who get to play with you."
"...Huh?"
Her fair skin flushed bright red in surprise.
"Sothing wrong?"
"N-No, it's just... I didn't expect you to say sothing like that, so, uh... I'm kinda... embarrassed, I guess?"
She hid her cheeks with both hands, ducking her head slightly.
"I was just being honest."
"O-Oh, really...? Well, then..."
She lifted her face, which had been tilted down, and crossed her index fingers shyly over her chest.
"...On the cruise ship, there's a pool you can rent for points. And, um, after the exam's over, maybe..."
"Ti's up. Let's go, Asahina."
Just as it seed she was about to invite sowhere, Nanami's group called her back, cutting her off.
"O-Okay, good luck!"
"Thanks."
Blushing furiously, she splashed through the water and hurried away.
Dealing with Nanami had been troubleso, but I'd gained sothing useful. Even if only slightly, it was a definite advantage.
The strategy only soone like Nanami Yagami could employ—
If he executed it, the nature of this exam would make things much harder for us.
Now then, how should I handle this?
.....
After parting ways with Ayanokouji, I headed back the way I ca when I spotted several figures moving in the shallows.
Among them was Nanami, the student council president, who had apparently been enjoying the ocean unnoticed.
Noticing my gaze, he casually beckoned over.
Naturally, as a re student, I couldn't ignore a summons from the student council president.
Besides, there were things I wanted to ask.
"Looks like you couldn't participate in the task, huh?"
"That's right. What about you, Nanami-senpai? Is this your designated area? Did you co here for that?"
"Who knows?"
Nanami dodged the question with a laugh.
"Why don't you join us for a swim?"
"I'd love to, but unfortunately, I don't have enough points to spare on renting a swimsuit."
Not just Nanami, but also Asahina and a few other third-years had rented swimsuits. On top of that, they'd even borrowed beach balls—living luxuriously.
"You seem pretty relaxed. I thought you'd be scrambling for points."
"Everyone needs a break, right? Besides—the real battle starts tomorrow."
Tomorrow. The fourth day, when the exam would enter its mid-phase.
That was when the top ten and bottom ten groups would be publicly announced on the tablets.
"If any non-third-year group manages to break into the top three, I'll make my move then. First and second-years have no business on the podium. And that includes you."
Nanami was laying out his strategy for victory.
But—
The sa went for .
"Thanks for the warning."
"Hey now, don't act like this doesn't concern you. Weren't you and your partner aiming for the top?"
He seed to rember what I'd said during the briefing.
"I wouldn't dare boast about beating the student council president. ...At least, not ."
"!"
Up until now, I'd only spoken modestly.
These words must have stood out to Nanami.
"Pfft—better make sure that confidence isn't just hot air. I'm looking forward to seeing what the talent Horikita-senpai believed in can do."
"Nanami—! Got a sec—?"
From slightly behind , Mashita, a third-year, called out to him.
Raising a hand in acknowledgnt, Nanami stepped out of the water and headed toward her.
Asahina, who had stopped playing to watch the exchange, approached once Nanami was far enough away.
"Hey. How's it going?"
"Not bad. By the way..."
"Hm? What's up?"
She tilted her head curiously.
"That swimsuit looks great on you. I'm jealous of the senpais who get to play with you."
"...Huh?"
Her fair skin flushed bright red in surprise.
"Sothing wrong?"
"N-No, it's just... I didn't expect you to say sothing like that, so, uh... I'm kinda... embarrassed, I guess?"
She hid her cheeks with both hands, ducking her head slightly.
"I was just being honest."
"O-Oh, really...? Well, then..."
She lifted her face, which had been tilted down, and crossed her index fingers shyly over her chest.
"...On the cruise ship, there's a pool you can rent for points. And, um, after the exam's over, maybe..."
"Ti's up. Let's go, Asahina."
Just as it seed she was about to invite sowhere, Nanami's group called her back, cutting her off.
"O-Okay, good luck!"
"Thanks."
Blushing furiously, she splashed through the water and hurried away.
Dealing with Nanami had been troubleso, but I'd gained sothing useful. Even if only slightly, it was a definite advantage.
The strategy only soone like Nanami Yagami could employ—
If he executed it, the nature of this exam would make things much harder for us.
Now then, how should I handle this?
....
"Alright! The tent's all set up!"
"Thank you so much, Ishizaki-kun!"
"Huh, even your brute strength cos in handy sotis."
"What's that supposed to an, Nishino?!"
With our designated area move completed and thanks to Ishizaki-kun's enthusiastic help, we finished setting up the tent by around 8 PM.
"Yaaawn... Alright, let's hit the sack. Pushed too hard on the first day and I'm beat."
"You're just tired because you were running around like an idiot on your own."
"Shut up! Being in the middle of the woods just gets a guy pumped up, no matter the era!"
"Whatever."
Nishino gave a half-hearted "Good night" and disappeared into the tent. Ishizaki-kun, unfazed, rubbed his sleepy eyes and said, "Eh, whatever. Shiina, you should get so rest too for tomorrow~" before crawling into his own tent. Both of them must have been exhausted.
"Being in the woods gets you pumped up... I wonder if Hachiman-kun feels the sa way?"
As I settled into my tent, I found myself lost in thought again.
Hehe... It'd be cute seeing Hachiman-kun all excited like that.
Ever since this deserted island exam started, I've been thinking about Hachiman-kun a lot.
He told it was okay to be clingy if we t up, but not being able to see him still makes lonely.
"What should I do first if we et?"
I want him to hug ... and pat my head. Snuggling up together sounds romantic too. And after I get my fill of being spoiled, I want Hachiman-kun to let spoil him back.
And also...
"M-Maybe... so practice runs...?"
Before the exam started, Hachiman-kun promised he'd... take my first ti.
If we et during this exam, he might even... do that kind of thing with ...
"...I really want to see Hachiman-kun."
=================================
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