"So what do we do? Should everyone here pool private points together to pay for it?"
The moment Ryuuen left and just as someone was about to ask another question, Kanzaki made the suggestion.
200,000 private points. A hefty sum for any individual.
But the three classes—excluding C—were already cooperating. Split the cost, and it wouldn't feel like much at all.
"I'm in favor."
Horikita voiced her opinion.
Everyone present leaned in, waiting to hear her reasoning.
"Forcing the information out of him would let us end the exam fastest.
It would prevent any further complications, and more importantly—as I explained earlier—speed is everything in this strategy. I don't want someone from another class beating us to the punch."
"You're right. Everyone here already supports Horikita's plan. I'll cooperate for the sake of its success too."
Taking Kanzaki's words as a cue, Class B signaled agreement.
Dividing 200,000 points among three classes came to roughly 65,000 per class.
A bit steep, but not impossible for an entire class to cover.
"…We'll cooperate as much as we can."
Katsuragi followed with a low grumble.
"You don't sound very enthusiastic."
"No, I have no complaints about the strategy itself—I support it.
It's just… we're already getting fewer points than usual from this plan, and now we have to spend private points on top of it. It doesn't sit well."
200,000 points. Even Class A, currently in the lead, didn't want to throw money away.
Even split three ways, it still meant less reward from the exam.
The realization cast a heavy mood over the room.
"…Sorry. I didn't mean to dampen everyone's spirits."
Katsuragi apologized with genuine remorse.
His sincerity was clear, and no one felt like blaming him.
"What you're saying is true, yes. But if this strategy succeeds, we'll gain class points.
On top of that, it'll deal a massive blow to Class C. …The reduced reward is unavoidable, but if you think of it that way, it shouldn't feel too discouraging."
Uncharacteristically, Horikita offered reassurance.
Ichinose was present... she's someone who would normally smooth over the atmosphere. Horikita was clumsily trying to fill that role herself.
Reading the room and projecting optimism, she had truly grown through this exam.
"…That's fair. But Class A in particular stands to gain the least points.
And judging from Ryuuen's attitude earlier, he probably hasn't figured out our strategy yet, right?"
"…He almost certainly hasn't realized what we're planning.
He likely assumes the three-class alliance will unilaterally target Class C, but he hasn't caught on to the 1:1 exchanges.
If he had, he wouldn't have walked out just now."
Ryuuen was already gone.
He must have misunderstood our intentions.
He understood that the three classes were ganging up to crush Class C one-sidedly.
But he thought he still had room to maneuver afterward. He didn't believe the exam would end in a single day, which was why he left.
He was probably planning for the exam to continue into the second day or beyond. That's why he withdrew today—to prepare for tomorrow. By now, he was likely collecting private points from his classmates to uncover the truth behind the announcement.
But the core of our strategy was the 1:1 exchanges. Not just hammering Class C, but ending the entire exam immediately afterward—complete domination.
"…So Ryuuen still doesn't know we've figured out the VIP pattern?"
"And while we're at it—he hasn't figured it out himself either."
Ichinose was right. If he had, Ryuuen would have stayed and forcibly stopped our plan.
Anyone would try to prevent their points from being completely stolen.
"Then we can afford to wait. We want as many points as possible.
We could execute the strategy tomorrow morning instead. Even if the equipment malfunction is real, it should be fixed by tonight. We'd have plenty of time."
From Class A's perspective, that made sense. Avoid paying points now, wait until morning when the malfunction was resolved, then carry out the plan.
They'd earn more points. It was understandable for Class A—who wouldn't see class point movement from this strategy anyway—to want that.
But it was far too risky. What if Ryuuen figured out the VIP pattern in the meantime?
He was known as Class C's tyrant. While everyone else slept and refreshed their minds tonight, what if he stayed up, thinking desperately, and discovered the pattern? The exam could end in the middle of the night.
Even if the malfunction resolved today, we didn't know exactly when—right at midnight, or dragged into the early hours?
And above all—Kamukura. If his mood suddenly shifted and he decided to end the exam, it would all be over.
In my analysis, no student here could currently counter him. At best, maybe Kouenji—but his personality made cooperation unlikely.
In the current state, we'd be at his mercy. Our chances of victory would plummet.
"It does seem worth considering…"
Kanzaki said while frowning in thought.
Class A's argument wasn't unreasonable.
A short delay could be tolerated. Everyone was starting to think so.
"We allied because we expected gains too… Please let us have a little selfishness here."
Katsuragi bowed his head in earnest request.
The mood in the room shifted rapidly toward indulgence.
Just one day. Yet one day.
Which to choose? The final decision rested with the strategy's architect.
Horikita—which will you pick?
"I refuse."
She stood tall, her voice resolute.
Katsuragi looked slightly startled.
Seeing her like that, I felt something welling up inside me…
I'd set that aside for now. First, hear Horikita out.
"I've decided not to underestimate him anymore. Ryuuen is dangerous.
If we get complacent and lose, it's over. We need to collect the private points right now and end the exam immediately."
"…But still, we should hear out our allies."
"I am considering it. But this time, I need you to bear with me.
That announcement might be convenient for Class A. Maybe your luck was just that good—a coincidental broadcast.
But something about it bothers me."
"What bothers you?"
"The timing. That broadcast… it's just a hunch, but it feels too perfect."
Horikita's face clouded with unease.
Katsuragi responded without dismissing her.
"A hunch? That's a pretty weak basis."
"…A broadcast that came at the perfect moment to benefit Class C, and the worst possible moment for Class D.
It could be coincidence, but it feels orchestrated."
"That interpretation is possible, sure. But it's overly negative."
"I understand wanting to end the exam quickly, but couldn't we wait a little? Let's think positively."
It was hard to deny Horikita was overthinking.
Yet both sides made sense, so no one else spoke.
The decision belonged to the two of them. No one interfered.
"No. I can't wait. I absolutely won't back down on this.
Please forgive the reduced rewards. We have to do it now—or it'll be too late."
Horikita let emotion show, her eyes burning with determination.
Even Katsuragi faltered before that intensity.
It wasn't like her to push with emotion instead of logic. This wasn't the girl I remembered from enrollment day.
From that fierce resolve came an unfounded trust.
"How can you deny it so strongly?
Can you say with certainty this judgment is wrong? That the future after this decision will be wrong?"
Katsuragi, unwilling to yield, pressed further.
"No one can know if a decision or its aftermath is wrong… No one can."
"But I do know one thing, a future I choose myself will leave fewer regrets than one where I simply wait."
"I thought, I worried, I gained your cooperation, and I arrived at this strategy. That's why I'll see it through. That's why I reject your opinion."
It was pure selfishness.
The stubborn whim of a single girl trying to force her own plan through emotion alone.
"I'm sorry, but I can't afford to look back. The strategy isn't complete yet. I won't abandon it halfway."
Katsuragi stunned and let out a wry laugh.
He must have wanted to believe in that strength of will—the reckless drive to push forward.
"…I understand your resolve. Out of respect for your sincerity, Class A will trust you."
Agreement reached.
Horikita's iron will had bent the stubborn Katsuragi.
Yet strangely, he showed no dissatisfaction.
Horikita gave a faint smile, then immediately began issuing orders.
All that remained was to gather the 200,000 points here and now.
Katsuragi, Ichinose, and Hirata summoned their respective classes and efficiently tallied the points each could contribute.
Once confirmed, the divided shares were collected by the three representatives.
"I truly underestimated Class D."
"This strategy was Horikita-san's idea alone."
"Even so. Class D lacks cohesion, but its individuals are exceptionally strong.
And now, with Horikita emerging as a leader who can unite the class, you're no longer an opponent we can take lightly."
Katsuragi's honest praise made Hirata smile happily.
Being praised for his class meant far more to the class-loving Hirata than personal compliments.
Horikita, meanwhile, kept her usual aloof demeanor. Some things never changed.
"…Are we ready?"
Watching the exchange, Mashima-sensei spoke like a game character confirming before the final boss fight.
With Katsuragi's nod, the three representatives immediately transferred the points.
Mashima-sensei checked the total, then smiled faintly.
"…Honestly, when students heard that broadcast, I thought they'd be confused about what was happening, too busy with their own classes to cooperate across lines.
But it seems we teachers underestimated you. Hahaha—this year's crop is bountiful."
The usually stern teacher offered genuine praise.
The students felt something swell deep inside—reward for their efforts.
But the exam wasn't over. No letting guard down.
Ironically, they'd learned that from the very man who had stirred up this exam.
Whatever the process, they had experienced and grown.
Not just Horikita—every student from every class had taken a step forward.
"Now then, let's reveal the truth behind that broadcast."
Everyone faced Mashima-sensei, ready to listen.
He smiled again at their serious expressions.
"That broadcast was fake. There is no equipment malfunction. Even right now, VIP information sent would be properly received."
Eyes widened across the room.
Fake. Meaning the malfunction was a lie. Not "how many lies" in the broadcast—the entire broadcast itself was the lie.
What was the purpose?
Likely to test responses to an unexpected situation.
For students who knew the VIP, the effect was immediate. Panic and a wrong move could end everything.
Such malicious intent... this clearly a reminder that this school was anything but ordinary.
Horikita, seeing success within reach, let out a quiet breath of relief.
"That broadcast was not prepared by the school. It was an emergency announcement carried out because one student paid private points."
A chill ran across my skin.
One student. Mashima-sensei avoided naming them—perhaps for anonymity—but everyone in the room instantly thought of the same person.
"That student paid 200,000 private points to request one announcement and a gag order. And that broadcast was made… That is the truth behind it."
…Carried out the broadcast?
I latched onto the phrasing.
It sounded less like Mashima-sensei had made it and more like the student themselves had.
An unpleasant possibility gained weight.
"…Sensei."
Ichinose called out in a trembling voice.
She had reached the same conclusion as me.
No matter who heard it, that broadcast voice had unmistakably been Mashima-sensei's.
Voice changer? Impersonation? Too perfectly executed.
Yet Mashima-sensei showed no sign of lying.
"That broadcast—wasn't made by you, Sensei?"
"…Unfortunately, no. It was that student imitating my voice."
That was the truth.
That student… No, only one person could pull this off at that exact moment.
Izuru Kamukura. After the Dragon Group exam ended, he had made the fake broadcast.
A simple fake announcement could be seen through quickly if one stayed calm. Easy—just ask a teacher.
But that broadcast worked precisely because it came in Mashima-sensei's voice.
Teachers were graders. They stayed neutral, never directly involving themselves in the exam.
That's why we were misled.
Mashima-sensei made the broadcast. Therefore, it was an official school announcement.
Regardless of truth or falsehood, it was part of the exam—at the very least, we immediately dismissed the idea that the entire broadcast could be a lie.
We had been deliberately induced into misrecognition.
The oddly phrased sentences. Messages only those who knew the VIP pattern would catch.
Covering truth with lies? No joke. This was on another level.
People take solid ground for granted and never thank it. We forget the value of the obvious because it is obvious.
Because it was the teacher's voice, we accepted the broadcast as official school communication without question.
From the moment we heard it, we noticed the oddities and began walking forward, relying on them.
But unbeknownst to us, the solid ground had vanished, and we had already been swallowed into a bottomless shadow.
In the shadows, the light of truth was invisible. We couldn't question the obvious, trapping us in a prison of darkness.
There was no forceful salesman or scam pressing us into submission. We didn't even realize we'd been deceived.
…And the timing was the crowning touch. Right after everyone had eliminated the disaster named Kamukura and breathed a sigh of relief.
Just after the Dragon Group ended, while confusion rippled through the other groups. The announcement came immediately afterward—one couldn't blame anyone for panicking.
"Don't look so down. Despite all this, you arrived at the correct answer splendidly.
You should even take pride in handling it this quickly."
Mashima-sensei encouraged everyone present.
The feeling of victory gradually took hold.
All's well that ends well.
I could sense the cheerful mood slowly returning.
But the sharper ones felt it—this outcome had been allowed to happen.
If the price had been astronomically higher? The exam might have been lost right then and there.
"…Ayanokouji-kun? Where are you going?"
Horikita called out as I started to move.
All eyes turned to me, making it feel like I was about to make some grand announcement.
"Sorry, but I really need the bathroom. I've been holding it for a while… just bad timing."
Laughter rippled through the room.
The lingering tension dissolved completely.
"Go already. We'll handle the rest."
"…Sorry about that."
I jogged toward the door.
Once outside, I confirmed the bathroom's location. It was close.
Distance didn't matter—I headed there as fast as possible.
No one seemed to be watching my undignified rush. I sensed no presence.
I finally burst into the men's restroom.
Good. Made it.
Thinking that, I reached my right hand toward my pants.
—I pulled out the phone from my pocket.
That was the only thing on my mind the whole way. Not any urge.
A strategy to win the exam.
I quickly called Hashimoto.
The call connected before the first ring even finished.
"It's me."
"…Yo. What's up?"
"From your tone, it sounds like you were planning to betray us after all."
"Haha, and from yours, it sounds like you see right through everything."
Hashimoto's voice was playful.
He was sharp. Sharp enough that I'd always accounted for the possibility of betrayal.
This was my final check, right before the exam ended.
"You're keeping a call open with someone from the Dragon Group, right? And while we're at it—three people should be there... you, the VIP you're guessing, and the student from the same group as that VIP who's also on a call with someone in the Dragon Group."
"…Haha, how the hell do you know that?"
His voice pulled back with wary.
Simple. If I were in your position and planning to betray, that's exactly what I'd do.
"But come on, cut me some slack. The points we're getting are just too low.
And I'd only be taking what Class B was supposed to earn anyway."
"I told you before—you can try if you want. You'd just make a lot of enemies."
"I've heard that threat already."
Hashimoto sighed. He still hadn't given up.
"If you betray us here, Sakayanagi's rise will stall too."
"That doesn't matter to me. As long as I have my position when someone wins in the end."
"Practical thinking. Cold, too."
"Mind your own business."
"Points are important. You get that, right?"
"I'll gather them eventually. Let it go this time. We're not walking away with zero."
Hashimoto fell silent. Tens of seconds later, he let out the deepest sigh of the day, as if surrendering.
"…Fine. Just widening the gap with Class C is enough of a win. I'll hold back this time."
He'd given in.
I thanked him and ended the call.
That wrapped up one shadow operation.
One role complete.
I muttered to myself inwardly.
All that remained was evaluating Kei Karuizawa. That was the only task left for me in this exam.
I left the bathroom and started back toward the Dragon Group room.
—A familiar silhouette blocked my path.
"…Kamukura."
…
"Are we ready?"
After Ayanokouji disappeared, Horikita took command.
She was still inexperienced as a leader in many ways, but as the strategy's creator, everyone trusted and accepted her authority.
They caught every word of her clear, beautiful voice and quickly focused on executing the plan.
"Yep! Class B is fully ready to send the emails too! Just one order and we're good!"
"Class A is the same. Ready anytime."
"Class D needs a little more time. A few people haven't replied yet."
The preparations involved coordinating who would identify the VIPs.
To end a group, someone from outside the VIP's class—but in the same group—had to send the email.
That coordination was underway, and only Class D was lagging.
The difference in leadership showed. Class D lacked an absolute leader who could unify opinions.
But wishing for what wasn't there was pointless. They were giving everything they had with what they possessed.
"Okay, we're ready! Sorry for the delay!"
"Understood. Then send the signal all at once.
—This ends the exam."
Horikita issued the swift command.
Everyone's hands moved in unison.
They typed rapidly. Every message was the same... the go-ahead to submit the VIP to the school.
Time crawled forward, agonizingly slow.
The moments that would decide the exam's fate ticked by.
Like skipping commercials when you just want to watch a recorded show, I wished I could fast-forward this agonizing wait.
But time was merciless, advancing only forward at a steady pace.
Even so, they believed in themselves and hoped for the result.
Effort should be rewarded. No absolute guarantee, but they wished for it fiercely.
And their earnest resolve brought a good outcome.
---
[The Ox Group's exam has concluded. Members of the Ox Group are no longer required to participate in the exam going forward. Please take care not to disturb the other students.]
[The Tiger Group's exam has concluded. Members of the Tiger Group are no longer required to participate in the exam going forward. Please take care not to disturb the other students.]
[The Rabbit Group's exam has concluded. Members of the Rabbit Group are no longer required to participate in the exam going forward. Please take care not to disturb the other students.]
[The Snake Group's exam has concluded. Members of the Snake Group are no longer required to participate in the exam going forward. Please take care not to disturb the other students.]
[The Horse Group's exam has concluded. Members of the Horse Group are no longer required to participate in the exam going forward. Please take care not to disturb the other students.]
[The Goat Group's exam has concluded. Members of the Goat Group are no longer required to participate in the exam going forward. Please take care not to disturb the other students.]
[The Monkey Group's exam has concluded. Members of the Monkey Group are no longer required to participate in the exam going forward. Please take care not to disturb the other students.]
[The Rooster Group's exam has concluded. Members of the Rooster Group are no longer required to participate in the exam going forward. Please take care not to disturb the other students.]
[The Dog Group's exam has concluded. Members of the Dog Group are no longer required to participate in the exam going forward. Please take care not to disturb the other students.]
[The Pig Group's exam has concluded. Members of the Pig Group are no longer required to participate in the exam going forward. Please take care not to disturb the other students.]
---
Announcements poured in one after another.
Ten announcements. Adding the two groups already finished, all twelve.
The exam's groups, modeled after the zodiac, numbered twelve.
In other words, every exam had ended.
Horikita's strategy had succeeded.
Smiles spread across the Dragon Group members' faces. Even Katsuragi and Kanzaki, usually so stern, were visibly overjoyed.
This exam brought minimal class point shifts. No change in class rankings.
They savored the future they had seized. Anxiety and worry had no place here.
The future changes. It branches endlessly, unknowable to anyone.
It cannot be held in one's palm. It holds infinite possibilities.
That is why it is interesting.
They had reached their ideal future despite massive obstacles.
What they gained was not just rewards—something far greater... confidence.
"It looks safe."
The world's bystander declared.
He smiled at the hopeful students.
…
Kamukura approached from the same direction as the Dragon Group room, close enough to speak.
He slightly taller than me, and when add the volume of his hair, he seemed even larger.
This was our first one-on-one since this morning.
A day that felt both endlessly long and impossibly short. A dense, eventful day was finally ending.
I just wanted it to reach its grand finale quickly.
"You caused quite a stir."
I opened with quiet pressure.
"Yes. But it seems this exam will end in defeat for me."
Still polite as ever. His tone was flat toward everyone, perhaps making him easy to talk to.
Yet even accounting for that, I remained wary in conversation with him.
"Defeat, huh. In any exam there are winners and losers—it can't be helped…"
"No need to spare my feelings. Winning or losing—it's all the same to me."
"…I see."
He stated it calmly, words I could never comprehend.
I neither nodded nor shook my head.
"More importantly, Ayanokouji-kun. Horikita-san has grown considerably."
Despite his unchanging expression, instinct told me he was in a good mood.
"Has she? I wouldn't know, but if you say so—someone who was in her group—maybe you're right."
I feigned ignorance, masking my tone.
Horikita had grown immensely in this exam. And the reason stood right in front of me.
Kamukura knew he had handed the enemy an advantage. His deliberate actions had succeeded; he might be inwardly thrilled.
To witness an "unpredictable future," he had created that situation.
Horikita, who had brilliantly overcome it, must shine in his eyes like a single radiant star piercing a dark, heavy night sky.
"She truly is remarkable."
"'I know that a future I choose myself will leave fewer regrets than one where I simply wait.'"
"That statement—I couldn't help but see his shadow in it. It was worth combining the talents of spy and assassin."
Those words raised my alertness.
Where was this guy just now?
The line he quoted was Horikita's from moments ago.
He had been in a place where he could hear it.
At minimum, conversations inside the room couldn't be heard from outside—the meeting rooms were reasonably soundproof.
No way…
"Still as stubborn as ever. You have the ability—do you truly hate stepping into the spotlight that much?"
As if my thoughts were irrelevant, Kamukura changed the subject.
I had no choice but to continue.
"…I told you before—I don't step forward, and I don't have the ability you claim."
He fixed me with a sullen glare.
"I also hate standing out. I don't want criticism or embarrassment in front of others."
"I told you before—lies don't work on me."
"It's not a lie."
"Even if it were true, you show no signs of avoidant personality disorder."
"…What's that? Don't use complicated words. I don't understand."
Kamukura let out a heavy sigh.
If I played dumb this much, anyone would get fed up and lose interest in dealing with me.
Yet no disappointment appeared in his eyes. Annoyance at being targeted by someone so troublesome welled up inside me.
"Well, fine. Besides, you helped promote Horikita-san's growth this time. I got to see an interesting future."
"I didn't promote anything. But if you saw an interesting future, good for you."
As we spoke, the distinctive buzz of the ship's PA system activating sounded.
One after another, announcements declared each group's exam ended.
It seemed they had finished over there.
"It's over. Then I'll return to my room."
Kamukura turned to leave.
Before he could, I asked the question that had been bothering me.
"By the way, why are you here?"
Why here?
Considering his earlier statement, I had to ask.
To gauge his true intent, I lowered my voice slightly and asked again.
"Did you have some purpose?"
Kamukura answered without expression.
No irritation beneath his words—just his usual refined tone.
"I wanted to witness the conclusion.
And… to avoid Ryuuen-kun. He came this way earlier looking for me. We just missed each other."
As I thought…
The room did have several blind spots. With so many presences, it might have been hard to notice.
An unbelievable fact. Probably since before I entered the room…
"Then I'll be off."
Kamukura left.
I braced for some parting remark like before, but none came.
An incomprehensible opponent. I'd thought we shared something, but now it felt like an illusion.
Lost in thought about what had passed, I returned to the Dragon Group room.
A space overflowing with smiles. Even students from different classes chatted happily.
Mashima-sensei watching them looked genuinely delighted.
An exam that transcended class boundaries had led to this outcome. An ideal conclusion.
They had won. Seeing them, the reality sank in for me once more.
Savoring the taste of victory, I stepped into the room.
***
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