Seeing that no one was cooperating, Nagumo had no choice but to continue.
"This time, the school has entrusted the Student Council to supervise this special exam to ensure it is more competitive while safeguarding everyone's safety. Starting today, you will live on this island as classes for one week, until noon on August 7th. This is the content of this exam."
As soon as Nagumo finished speaking, the first-year students' expressions all relaxed.
"I thought it was something serious. Turns out it's just staying for a week. While it might be a bit boring, it's actually the easiest compared to an exam."
Someone's comment, though it's unclear whose, was met with agreement from many in Class C and Class D.
Indeed, compared to an exam, spending seven days on an island seemed much simpler, but… was it really that simple?
"It is indeed easy, but I hope you pay attention: during the exam, you cannot return to the ship. From sleeping to eating, everything needs to be done by yourselves. The school will provide some basic daily necessities; the rest is up to you."
Nagumo pointed to the supplies, which had been divided into four portions by staff. Besides two tents, the other items were pitifully few.
Just then, Shibata raised his hand to ask a question.
"That student, do you have a question?"
"Yes, it's like this: although I'm not clear on the exact quantity of supplies, the tents and other items provided by the school are clearly not enough for one class. We can figure out food, but what about accommodation? If we build shelters on-site without professional skills, it will waste a lot of time…"
Shibata's question was crucial, and everyone's gaze fell on Nagumo.
"That's a good question. At this point, you will need this guidebook. The school isn't forcing you into a survival situation. The essence of this special exam is still a vacation. We have prepared 300 class points for each class. You can spend these class points to purchase items from the guidebook to enrich your vacation life. Any remaining points will be added to your class points. If you manage your points freely, even having a barbecue party on the beach isn't impossible."
"So… whether you plan for a comfortable vacation or save points for the future… the decision is in your hands."
As soon as Nagumo finished speaking, the entire first-year cohort erupted.
"300 points!!! If we're frugal, we might even surpass Class C in one go!"
Hirata clenched his fists, a little excited.
This guy still takes the class's improvement very seriously.
"But doesn't that mean we have to be very frugal? Surely some people will complain about a meager life, right?"
Horikita's words brought Hirata back to reality as if a basin of cold water had been poured over him.
He subtly glanced at Karuizawa and the others.
Clearly, they were more interested in quality of life than in saving points.
"This exam probably won't be that simple, will it? I remember Vice President Nangong, you mentioned the word 'competition.' Are we supposed to compete over who saves the most?"
Ryuuen Kakeru's question brought a smile to Nagumo's face.
"Of course not. Although it's a vacation, everyone will also undergo some trials. The specific rules are as follows. I hope each of you remembers them firmly."
"1. Each class receives 300 initial points. If initial points are used up, class members will not be eliminated and can continue to participate on the island."
"2. Each class will have two special roles: a 'key card holder' and a 'lurker.' This island has many strongholds. Occupying a stronghold requires the key card holder to use the key card issued by the school to clock in and occupy it. Other students in the class using a key card to clock in will be invalid. The lurker is not subject to this restriction. Each time a stronghold is occupied by clocking in, one class point will be gained. The cooldown period is eight hours. Points gained from strongholds cannot be used during the exam but will be included in the final settlement after the exam."
"3. After the exam, all classes can guess the key card holder and lurker of any other class (excluding their own). Guessing the key card holder correctly will reward your class with 50 class points, and the other class will have 50 class points deducted. Guessing incorrectly will deduct 50 class points from your class. Guessing the lurker correctly will directly grant your class all of the other class's points, excluding stronghold points. Guessing incorrectly will deduct all of your class's points, excluding stronghold points. Therefore, please choose carefully."
"4. All classes must send one student to exchange with one student from another class. There are two methods: designated exchange and non-designated exchange. The former allows you to designate one person from the other class to join your class, but you must also accept a designation from the other class. Non-designated exchange has no restrictions. If the exchanged student correctly guesses the key card holder and lurker of the other class, the school will award an additional 50 and 100 class points respectively."
"5. Once a stronghold is occupied, it cannot be re-occupied by another class. However, after its cooldown period, it can be occupied by other classes. Furthermore, once occupied by another class, all point income generated by that stronghold will be directly deducted."
"6. The lurker has the same authority as the key card holder. In addition, they can use 'Peep' once every day to ascertain whether an individual is a key card holder or a lurker, but the specific identity will not be revealed."
"7. If a class member leaves the island due to injury, illness, or other reasons, 30 class points will be deducted, and that student's eligibility will be revoked. If acts of environmental damage, such as littering, are discovered, 20 class points will be deducted. Roll call will be taken at 8 AM and 8 PM daily. Each missing person will result in a deduction of 5 class points. If acts of violence, such as plundering others' tools or key cards, are 'discovered,' the student's class will have all points deducted and immediately lose their eligibility."
While the seven rules left everyone bewildered, Amane-san quickly began to calculate.
Aside from the penalty items, it essentially boiled down to: if the key card holder is guessed, 50 points are deducted; if someone else's is guessed correctly, 50 points are added; if guessed incorrectly, 50 points are also deducted.
If the lurker is guessed incorrectly, it's game over, all points are lost. Even if guessing correctly yields a substantial profit, who would gamble on being 100% correct? Of course, spending all points and then going all-in is also a valid tactic.
Furthermore, the lurker's 'Peep' ability is basically useless. Even if the key card holder and lurker of another class are found, their specific identity still needs to be guessed. It merely narrows down the pool of suspects.
Amane-san was more interested in the rule allowing one student to be exchanged between classes. If the exchanged person correctly guesses the key card holder and lurker of the other class, they would receive additional points.
This meant that if this special exam was utilized well, even a direct surge to Class B was not impossible.
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