A sudden visitor. An unforeseen event. An unexpected appearance.
These words fit the current situation perfectly.
The man with long, pure-black hair flips it eerily as he lands from the tree with a full mid-air rotation, like an action movie star.
That single sequence of movements alone tells me his physical ability surpasses even Ken Sudou, who boasts the highest athletic prowess in Class D.
Only a handful of people raised in that place could perform those motions with such ease.
"Hello."
Eyes like blazing flames—crimson as fresh blood.
Those stark red pupils, evoking warnings, sweep over everyone in Class D.
The gaze sends chills down the spine.
His mechanical, emotionless voice freezes the air with terror.
Who knew a simple greeting could make you break out in a cold sweat? While thinking that, I keep my eyes fixed on every single movement of the man… Izuru Kamukura.
This level of caution isn't excessive. The presence concealment he showed in the library was real, and combined with his abnormal physical ability, his overall strength could easily exceed anything I can imagine.
A silence like being bound in place dominates the scene.
Even Hirata doesn't return the greeting—proof of how deeply he distrusts Kamukura.
"Good afternoon, Kamukura Boy. Allow me, of all people, to ask—what brings you here?"
The one who breaks the silence is Class D's resident free spirit, Kouenji.
He addresses Kamukura in his usual tone, unchanged from normal.
For once, the entire class would agree we're glad he's here.
"I came to identify the leader."
"Hahaha, how honest~ I must say, as expected."
An answer in line with expectations. But I didn't think he'd act this quickly.
This time, I have no choice but to thank Kouenji.
He noticed a presence even I couldn't detect—somehow.
Thanks to that, the worst-case scenario was avoided.
"I evaluate you highly as well. I never imagined you possessed 'luck' too."
"Naturally, Kamukura Boy. I have been blessed with luck since birth.
As a perfect human, even fate itself is my ally."
Kouenji laughs heartily, clearly in high spirits.
Still, he says he "possesses" luck.
As if being fortunate were a special skill.
The way he speaks—like it's only natural for him—it's a mindset I can't comprehend.
"…I see. Your 'luck' seems somewhat different from Makoto Naegi's or Nagito Komaeda's."
Kamukura stares at Kouenji and murmurs quietly.
The distance makes the words inaudible, but I can roughly read his lips. The two names—likely people—are ones I've never heard.
"Well then, thanks to your arrival, I was able to endure this boring time. It was truly enjoyable.
We should go for a meal sometime."
"I don't mind. In that case, I'll excuse myself now."
"I'll contact you personally once plans are set. Adieu, Kamukura Boy."
Two utterly bizarre individuals holding casual everyday conversation in the middle of a special exam.
…No, wait a minute.
He's just going to leave like this? That's a huge problem.
True, Kamukura hasn't technically broken any rules or done anything wrong.
But we can't let him go that easily.
I can't afford to stand out, so I glance repeatedly at my neighbor, Horikita.
As if my wish reaches her, she glares at me briefly, sighs deeply, and steps forward.
"Wait."
Her clear voice of restraint echoes through the space.
Kamukura, who had started to leave, stops dead in his tracks and turns back with mechanical precision.
His probing red eyes fix on Horikita.
"Is there something else?"
"Have you been doing 'this' to the other classes too?"
"Yes."
"I see… And did it succeed?"
"There's no need to answer that."
Kamukura turns his back again and begins walking.
His pace is slow—not as if he's hiding something incriminating or feels guilty.
It's more like pure annoyance.
"Hey, you! Wait just—"
"—Sudou-kun, be quiet for a moment."
Horikita silences Sudou and casts a line baited with "food" toward Kamukura.
"Hey, Kamukura-kun. How about selling me the enemy leader information you've obtained—for 100,000 points?"
"Horikita-san!?"
Hirata, not grasping her intent, raises his voice in surprise.
But he's not that foolish—he quickly understands the situation and falls silent.
"Boring. You shouldn't set such an obvious 'trap.'"
Kamukura answers without turning around.
"…What are you talking about?"
Even as she says it, Horikita's expression twists as if biting into something bitter.
The dissatisfaction and frustration of having her strategy seen through so easily are plain to see.
Kamukura's steps don't falter. He doesn't climb the trees this time, simply walking along the flat path.
He turns into the bushes, and his figure disappears from view.
"…Not a bad move."
Kamukura saw through the trap, but Horikita's ploy was actually quite good.
If the 100,000-point offer had made him pause even for a moment, we would have learned there's at least some chance he knows the other classes' leaders.
If we could secure a post-exam contract involving massive private points, we might have gained an advantage in this exam.
But the opponent was simply too strong. For Kamukura, Horikita's strategy was something he could dismantle without needing even an instant.
"I'm sorry… I failed."
Horikita shows an expression unimaginable from her earlier self, genuinely apologizing to her classmates.
This change in attitude shows clear growth since enrollment.
"You don't need to apologize, Horikita-san. None of us could even move."
"Y-yeah, Horikita-chan! Talking to a guy that dangerous at all is already amazing!"
Hirata and Ike, both skilled at communication, immediately back her up.
The other classmates follow suit. In an instant, people gather around Horikita.
…She's really changed.
I was sensing Horikita's growth, but then a sense of wrongness hits me.
She's… not here.
No matter how much she dislikes Horikita, the girl who would normally rush over first to protect her own position—she's absent.
I look around and spot her nearby, standing frozen as if her soul has left her body.
I jog over and speak to her.
"Are you okay, Kushida? Are you feeling—"
"—Not bad… Be quiet and go somewhere else."
As I approach, she leans her face toward my ear and whispers in her "back" voice, laced with menace.
Even though no one's watching right now, this reaction is abnormal.
I want to press her, but she seems to have no margin for it, so I leave her be for now.
I turn on my heel to join the group around Horikita.
But I lack the courage to dive into a crowd of about ten people.
No need to stand out there. I'll just wait on the edge until time passes.
"You're looking quite the loner, Ayanokouji."
As I wait, a woman approaches with a sarcastic remark.
It's our homeroom teacher, Chabashira-sensei, dressed in the same jersey as the students.
"Please stop, Sensei. You'll make me cry."
"Just kidding. Though I can't imagine you actually crying."
During our exchange, she flashes the faint smile of a cool woman.
True to appearance—sadistic personality. Thinking such a rude thing, she suddenly turns serious.
"…You understand, right, Ayanokouji? About 'that matter.'"
"I'd prefer not to discuss it here."
"I do feel bad about that. But—can you surpass 'him'?"
Him—the pronoun points to one person. The man who just left is Izuru Kamukura.
"Aiming for Class A means surpassing him. It's a requirement."
"I'm asking if you can or can't."
Chabashira-sensei presses harder, trying to strip away my composure.
But no conclusion forms on that answer. So I reply honestly.
"I don't know."
"I see."
"…That's surprisingly light. I was bracing for more."
"If you'd said you could, it would have gone as you expected."
She gives a faint huff of laughter before continuing.
"Ayanokouji, never let your guard down around him.
He's a once-in-a-decade talent… maybe even once-in-a-century."
"Why is a student like that in Class C?"
"…I agree completely."
From her thornless tone, this is her way of encouraging me.
There were times her attempts to motivate me stirred unpleasant feelings, but this time, no discomfort arises.
With those words, our conversation ends.
Finally, the crowd around Horikita has dispersed.
I approach her while enduring her glare.
"What were you talking about with Chabashira-sensei?"
"Small talk."
"Liar. You still plan to keep hiding your ability?"
"I don't have the ability you think I do. How many times do I have to say it?"
"Until you admit it."
"Fine, I do."
"Then go with the exploration team."
Horikita smiles thinly and turns toward Hirata.
Noticing, Hirata waves at me with a smile containing not a trace of malice.
…You've set me up, Horikita.
Few people could refuse that smile from Hirata—maybe only Kouenji.
"Consider it punishment for forcing that role on me."
"You were the best fit… No, sorry."
I wanted to protest, but her glare sends me retreating.
Resigned, I head toward Hirata.
The free spirit who had watched our entire exchange—grins fearlessly.
...
The unplanned encounter with Class D over, I walk through the bushes.
Still, for Rokusuke Kouenji to possess not only the talent of an heir but luck as well.
Interesting.
At Ryuuen's current level, Kouenji would be a somewhat heavy opponent.
—Luck is something with variance.
Makoto Naegi's luck, Nagito Komaeda's luck, and my own luck are all the same in that regard.
To make it clear, let's quantify it, set the upper limit of luck at 100 and the lower at -100.
For an average person, the mean is 0, with a wide swing from 100 to -100.
Makoto Naegi's luck has a mean around "-30"—leaning toward misfortune—but irregular waves that easily exceed 100 in fortune.
Nagito Komaeda's luck brings 100 fortune only after hitting -100 misfortune. In other words, luck that requires compensation.
My luck has a mean close to "100," with rare drops to around 80. Essentially, luck that aligns with expectations.
Being spotted by Kouenji appears unlucky at first glance, but since it showed me a future I couldn't quite predict, even slightly—it counts as genuine luck for me.
Now, what about Rokusuke Kouenji's luck?
I can't fully grasp it yet, but it's closer to mine than to Makoto Naegi's or Nagito Komaeda's.
More precisely—an inferior version of mine.
A mean around "50," with luck that rarely goes negative. Variance moving roughly from 0 to 100.
That should be his luck.
I can assess his luck properly when we eventually have that meal.
Until Ryuuen fully matures, I wouldn't mind being his opponent myself.
"Now then… I've finally arrived."
Pushing through the rustling bushes, I emerge onto the open beach with no cover.
Students in swimsuits playing beach volleyball, students sunbathing on the sand, students laughing affectionately while drinking carbonated drinks that shouldn't exist on a deserted island.
The students are fully enjoying their summer vacation, making a racket.
But none of that scenery matters to me as I search for the one responsible for allowing this chaos.
Walking while scanning the area, several people run toward me from ahead.
"Good work, Kamukura-san!"
The one who calls out with the loudest, most energetic voice is his underling, Ishizaki.
Behind him, Komiya and Kondou echo the same words.
"Good work. Where is Ryuuen-kun?"
"Ryuuen-san is resting over there! I'll guide you!"
"Please do."
I follow the beaming, cheerful Ishizaki.
Slightly distracted by the soft sand underfoot, I soon spot the king reclining on a beach chair in the shade of a parasol.
Analyzing his appearance in black swim trunks.
No wetness on the trunks or body, so he hasn't swum.
Yet—numerous beads of what seem like sweat dot his forehead.
He must have taken some action while waiting for my return.
The moment my analysis finishes, his closed eyelids open, and the corners of his mouth slowly rise.
"Kuku, you're back. Let's hear the report… But first, just to confirm.
—Is this situation as you predicted?"
"Yes."
"Kuku, what a disgusting read."
Ignoring the phrase I've heard countless times, I continue.
"So, did you make effective use of the hints I provided?"
"Yeah. I don't know if it surpassed your predictions, but I came up with a solid strategy."
"Then explain it."
"That was the plan."
He says it might take a while and orders Ishizaki and the others to bring a beach chair like his own.
I thank them and sit in the reclined chair.
Not lying fully back—I keep my right leg bent as usual, letting the left stretch out loosely.
"Now then, first—"
From that opening, he and I discussed for several minutes.
"Hmm, not bad. It's a strategy that mobilizes every bit of wisdom you can squeeze out right now.
But—it's still naive."
"As arrogant as ever."
"Get used to it."
"That's asking the impossible."
I've long grown tired of his distinctive "kuku" laugh and the expression that goes with it, so I shift my gaze to the sea stretching out before us.
Out on the water, girls in vibrant swimsuits splash each other playfully, laughing loudly.
Students from outdoor clubs.
Even their toned bodies show clear evidence of rigorous training.
"Which one's your type?"
"None in particular."
He must have been looking the same way, because that's his comment.
Ryuuen gives me a dubious look, his eyes asking if I really mean it.
"…You don't have a sex drive or something?"
"I do."
"Then you must have some thoughts, right? They're girls' bodies."
"Maybe I'm just not as open about it as you."
That's what I say, but even looking at their youthful, firm skin, I only register that they have attractive figures.
Nothing more stirs.
"Well, whatever—that's not important right now.
For starters, let's hear your 'harvest.'"
He sits up without looking at me.
Ryuuen's body is lean, without excess fat—his movement carries considerable authority.
Still in my jersey, I remain motionless, waiting for him to get to the point.
"Hey, Ishizaki, Albert.
Call Ibuki, Kaneda, the three with camping experience, Hiyori, and Sakagami over here."
The two muscleheads start searching for the listed people.
Their heavy footsteps thud across the sand, completely unlike the light sound mine made earlier.
"So, you completed the quota, right?"
Having finished giving orders, he turns back and waits for my answer.
I nod to confirm success. The king flashes a pleased grin.
"As expected. This raises the success rate of my plan."
"…To reduce spies in the other classes. But—are you sure that's wise?"
"Yeah. Sending spies to two classes would risk someone noticing.
But one is far better than two.
…More importantly—which class's leader did you identify?"
"Class B."
"Kukuku, excellent."
The king grows even more elated.
For him, who saw Ichinose—with her ability to build solid teamwork—as a troublesome enemy, cornering her without effort must be the greatest joy.
Perhaps that's why he grabs a carbonated drink within reach and pops it open with a hiss.
Fizz escapes vigorously with the characteristic shuwa sound.
Ryuuen brings it to his mouth without caring that the overflow wets his hand.
"…Ahh. Tastes best when you're in a good mood."
Watching that, my throat suddenly grows parched.
The concern I'd been considering moments ago slips from my mind.
The cause is simple, I've been running around in this stifling heat since the exam started without drinking anything.
I start wishing for something to quench my thirst. When I look away from Ryuuen, luck smiles on me again—a drink approaches.
Of course, the drink isn't walking on its own.
What I want is in the hand of someone heading this way.
My luck remains in top form, as always.
"What's this about, Ryuuen?"
"It's to explain the leader-guessing strategy."
"…Got it."
Satisfied, she folds her arms and steps under the parasol.
"You're back, you—"
"—Ibuki-san, could I have that?"
"Hah?"
Following biological instinct, I ask for the plastic bottle of sports drink in her hand.
—It's half empty, but that doesn't matter.
I don't need a lot—just enough to prevent dehydration.
I casually reach out toward her.
"…No."
"Why?"
"Just because."
Still in her jersey instead of a swimsuit, she steps back quickly, cheeks faintly red as she looks away.
"I haven't drunk anything since the exam began. I'm close to dehydration, so I'd like it soon."
"…Fine."
Appealing to sympathy works—she tosses the bottle at me.
I catch it one-handed and immediately twist off the cap.
Bringing it swiftly to my mouth.
She watches me intently, same as before, with her tsun-tsun attitude.
Annoying, but I can't resist the instinct of thirst.
I—drink without touching the rim with my lips.
"Kukuhahahahaha! Tough luck, Ibuki."
"…I'll kill you!!"
Ryuuen bursts into laughter while Ibuki fumes, hair practically standing on end.
Boring. Of course, I foresaw this outcome.
The indirect kiss fails. What she was watching earlier wasn't me—it was the bottle's mouthpiece.
For people their age, topics like this stir the heart. Though not quite expectation, she had been quite conscious of it.
"Kuku, my stomach hurts."
"Die writhing, then."
"Hehe, everyone's so lively."
The one mediating the playful pair has a bright, high voice.
Her presence shines in translucent light blue, hair flowing gently.
Illuminated by the summer sun, it carries a certain divine quality.
The graceful girl—Hiyori Shiina—wears a full smile.
"…I'm not lively."
"But it looked fun."
"No way!!"
While Ibuki and Shiina exchange casual words, the people Ryuuen called gradually gather.
His two subordinates, the king and me, Ibuki and Shiina—six—plus the three boys with camping experience and Sakagami-sensei, making a total of ten.
Naturally too many for the parasol, but Ryuuen starts regardless.
"Now then, let's begin the strategy meeting to clear the exam.
Speak up clearly if anything seems off."
Uncharacteristic for the proclaimed tyrant. His core remains that of a king, but the classmates sense something different.
Until now, he would force his own opinion alone, convinced no one could read his hand.
Yet now he's willing to incorporate various views.
Little by little, he's advancing—becoming a proper king, his weaknesses fading.
"First, my report."
Drawing their attention, I begin explaining calmly.
"I scouted the other classes' leaders earlier. I identified only Class B's.
I also pinpointed the other classes' base locations and inferred their exam strategies and tendencies from that."
I concisely relay what I did to those present.
I feel admiring gazes from several. Those looks will become troublesome later, but I'm curious how Ryuuen will handle it, so I leave them be.
"That's the gist. And based on this report, I've formulated a rough strategy."
"Stop teasing and tell us already."
"Don't get impatient, Ibuki. Time isn't running away—relax."
Enjoying even this moment, he continues slowly.
"There are two things to explain. Starting with the important roles.
Ibuki, Kaneda—one of you infiltrate Class D and photograph their leader's key card."
Ryuuen shows them a digital camera prepared in advance.
Purchased with points.
Its intended use is capturing summer memories, but he employs it as a tool for solid evidence.
Ibuki looks like she wants to say something but senses the explanation continues and waits.
"And the second. The camping experts and I will survive the remaining five days while holding four spots."
"Ryuuen, occupying four would greatly increase the risk of your leader status being exposed, no?"
"Kuku, true. But that's why the camping experts are here.
Two of you will stay on the island with me for efficient living over the remaining five days.
And act as decoys to obscure that I'm the leader."
He has reason to take the risk for points.
Explaining it would reveal the full strategy, but he withholds.
Occupying four spots requires considerable speed and group coordination.
That's difficult with large numbers. Hence, minimal elite, the two experienced plus the leader—himself.
Three people—likely the smallest number for covert movement.
Fewer people also means easier monitoring—no worry of betrayal.
"With three, won't they just guess randomly?"
"Idiot, Ishizaki. Considering the risk of missing, one in three is a huge barrier."
The penalty for wrongly guessing a leader is minus 50 points.
Factoring in gaps with other classes, it's not easy to guess lightly.
"Sakagami, the class whose leader is guessed loses their bonus points, right?"
"Yes, correct."
"And if they start at zero, there's no change?"
"Exactly."
Confirming with Sakagami-sensei, he laughs boldly.
"Was that confirmation necessary? It's making me want to oppose your plan even more."
"Kuku, because of it, we know that even if the leader is guessed, bonus points won't 'decrease.' It has meaning."
At Ryuuen's words, everyone except me wears question marks. Ishizaki, already groaning, seems completely lost.
"That's all, but let's decide who goes. Ibuki, Kaneda."
"I'll go."
"Wait, Ibuki-san. A guy like me should handle this."
Both volunteer eagerly.
A troublesome debate over who goes seems imminent, but Ibuki's words shoot it down.
"You have a proper role in this class and you're fulfilling it well.
So I'll go… I don't want to be the girl who just complains to Ryuuen."
"Kuku, I like it. Kaneda, you're retiring this time—rest easy. That's an order."
Whether moved by her resolve or struck by her aggressive nature—his type—he decides the spy is Ibuki.
Kaneda nods in acceptance.
"That ends the meeting, but anyone else have something?"
"Wait a moment."
Just as it seems over, Shiina stops him.
"You're not doing anything about Class A?"
"Relax. That's Kamukura's role."
"Then you should say so."
"Kuku, I told you, didn't I? —There's one more strategy."
"…I see. Understood."
Shiina doesn't press Ryuuen's meaningful reply.
Ibuki glares as if demanding no secrets, but Shiina—uninterested in class conflict—asks no further.
"Now, truly dismissed. Kamukura, you stay."
Clapping his hands, he announces cheerfully. Everyone except me disperses.
Heading to their own enjoyment, only Ibuki waits nearby for mission details.
Once alone, Ryuuen glances at me and speaks.
"Now then."
He draws a deep breath.
Calming his mind quietly, just as when classes were gathered.
Then he begins clearly.
"First, the true objective."
The conversation starts the same as before. But the words carry different weight.
"There are two objectives, but really one. I'll separate them anyway.
First is the 'contract' with Class A. Maximizing that is the biggest victory point of this exam."
I heard this earlier. It involves collecting private points from Class A.
But I'm more curious about the other one, watching his face as he deliberately draws it out.
The king smiles with enjoyment.
"The second—is to destroy Arisu Sakayanagi's position."
***
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