It was the third day on this island for this special exam and the repetitiveness began to grate me. I had a feeling that gathering was crucial for this exam.
Sakura approached me, her voice barely a whisper. "Ayanokouji-kun, are you heading out again?"
I offered a curt nod. "Indeed. There are still areas that require exploration."
To my surprise, she didn't hesitate. "May I accompany you again?"
The request was unexpected, yet not unwelcome. Perhaps her newfound confidence extended to venturing outside the confines of the camp.
"Very well," I replied, my voice devoid of inflection. "Maintain a low profile and stay vigilant."
Sakura, without prompting, removed her spectacles. The change was subtle, but the shyness that usually clouded her eyes was replaced by a flicker of determination.
We set off into the forest, maintaining a steady pace. My destination was the location Koenji had alluded to – a potential anomaly requiring further investigation.
We arrived at the predetermined location within the forest – the spot I had discreetly marked with Sakura's handkerchief earlier.
We began a systematic exploration of the area. My initial hunch proved correct. Hidden amongst the trees was a small, cultivated plot of land – a surprising discovery considering the island's supposed barrenness. Growing within the plot were stalks of corn, their vibrant green leaves a stark contrast to the surrounding foliage.
An unexpected opportunity. These crops, if nurtured, could provide a valuable source of sustenance for D-Class. Without hesitation, I began harvesting the corn, my movements efficient and practiced.
"We'll need to transport them back to camp," I stated, glancing at the growing pile. "However, we lack a suitable container."
Sakura offered no suggestions, her cheeks flushed a faint pink as she averted her gaze. An idea struck me, a pragmatic solution that prioritized efficiency over decorum.
"I'll improvise," I announced, shrugging off my shirt.
The efficiency of the action seemed to further fluster Sakura, her gaze flickering away from me. This emotional response was…irrelevant.
Without further comment, I gathered the corn stalks and secured a bit of them within the makeshift bag formed by my shirt. The task completed, I tossed the garment back on, ignoring the prickle of sweat against my skin.
Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps shattered the relative silence.
Two figures emerged from the bushes, their expressions a mixture of surprise and suspicion. Yahiko and Katsuragi of Class A. It appeared we weren't the only ones who had stumbled upon this hidden bounty.
The unexpected arrival of Yahiko and Katsuragi from Class A complicated the situation. Their presence introduced a new element of competition for the cornfield's resources.
"Apologies for the intrusion," Katsuragi greeted us, his voice smooth but his eyes sharp. "We didn't mean to startle you."
I offered a curt nod, my expression unchanged.
"We understand you discovered this crop site first," Katsuragi continued, his gaze flickering between me and Sakura. "We wouldn't dream of contesting your claim."
"Indeed," I replied, my voice flat. "We were in the process of collecting some of these stalks."
Katsuragi's smile faltered slightly. "A wise decision," he conceded. "But be warned, others may follow suit if you leave."
An accurate observation. The news of these crops would undoubtedly spread like wildfire.
"We intended to return with additional classmates to facilitate transport," I stated, my voice flat.
Yahiko interjected. "Perhaps one of you could remain here while the other retrieves reinforcements?"
Katsuragi, however, shook his head. "Traveling through these woods alone is inadvisable," he countered. "Allow us to assist you with transporting the crops back to your camp."
D-Class wouldn't benefit from an alliance with Class A at this point.
"We appreciate the sentiment," I replied, my voice firm. "However, caution dictates we remain wary of other classes. We wouldn't want to accept assistance that could compromise our position."
"But if you leave the corn unattended," Katsuragi persisted, his voice taking on a sly edge, "others might stumble upon it. Wouldn't you hate to see your efforts go to waste?"
I met his gaze unflinchingly. "If that happens," I replied, my voice devoid of emotion, "we will be powerless to stop it."
Returning to the D-Class camp, I presented the makeshift bag of corn stalks I had fashioned from my shirt. The sight elicited a range of reactions – curiosity from some, disbelief from others.
Hirata, predictably, approached with an excited look.
"Ayanokouji," he began, his voice laced with a bit of excitement, "where did you acquire these?"
I explained our encounter with the cornfield in a monotone, omitting the details regarding Class A's arrival. There was no need to introduce unnecessary complications at this stage.
The news of the corn sparked a surge of excitement amongst the D-Class students. The prospect of readily available food offered a welcome reprieve from their meager rations. Even the boisterous Ike and Sudou were momentarily subdued, their attention captured by the potential bounty.
Seizing the momentum, Hirata announced a plan. "We will return to the location en masse to secure a larger quantity of these crops."
"We must act swiftly," I explained, my voice devoid of warmth. "The longer we wait, the higher the risk of discovery by other classes."
My words resonated with the students. The threat of competition spurred them into action. Without further delay, we set off for the cornfield, a group unified by the need for sustenance.
Fortunately, upon arrival, we found the cornfield undisturbed.
With renewed urgency, D-Class set to work, carefully harvesting the corn stalks and filling every available container they could find.
This discovery was a significant turning point for D-Class. The prospect of a reliable food source provided a much-needed boost in morale. The additional resources would allow us to focus on strategizing and securing further advantages in this complex exam.
As D-Class diligently harvested the corn, Yamauchi approached me, his voice a low growl. "What's the deal with you and Sakura, Ayanokouji?" he muttered, his irritation barely veiled.
The reason for his annoyance was predictable. Yamauchi, a simpletoon, harbored some delusional belief in his ability to charm Sakura with a facade of niceness. He likely perceived my presence as a threat to his non-existent romantic prospects.
"Don't overthink it, Yamauchi," I replied flatly, not bothering to turn and face him.
His question was a waste of breath. Sakura's "companionship" served a purpose, and her growing confidence was a positive byproduct. There was no romantic entanglement in our arrangement, a fact that would likely elude Yamauchi's simplistic understanding.
With that, I moved to a different section of the cornfield, leaving him to stew in his own insecurities.
The last stalks of corn were gathered, and as dusk settled, we returned to the D-Class camp. The nightly roll call echoed through the clearing, a monotonous reminder of our confined reality.
Disappointment flickered within me. The gathering of the corn had consumed a significant portion of the day, leaving little time for further exploration. Investigating the remaining areas of the island would have to wait.
Patrolling the camp with a flashlight during the night was an unappealing option. The light would draw unwanted attention, negating the element of surprise. A more discreet approach was required.
A plan began to form in my mind. I would venture out at midday tomorrow, utilizing the natural light to navigate the island's unexplored regions. Alone, of course.
With a silent nod to myself, I assisted minimally with the evening tasks before retreating to my tent. Sleep was necessary.
On the fourth day, the morning roll call concluded, and a sense of complacency settled over D-Class. The discovery of the cornfield had boosted morale, and the relative abundance of food had created an illusion of security. This, however, was unacceptable.
While the students reveled in their newfound comfort, I saw a larger picture. This exam wasn't merely a test of resource management and teamwork – it was an intelligence war. Information was the key to victory, and Class A, the top dogs, remained an enigma.
With a resolute mind, I departed from the camp, leaving the festivities behind. My destination – the island's coast. A specific location, glimpsed from the cruise ship, demanded closer inspection.
Pushing through the foliage, I discovered a hidden wooden ladder leading down a slope. Curiosity piqued, I descended, eventually finding a solitary cabin nestled amongst the trees. An assortment of unused tools, including fishing rods, lay scattered within.
The place seemed abandoned, but I made a note of its location, nonetheless.
Drawing a map of the area on a scrap of paper, I continued my trek.
A nearby tower caught my eye, and I decided to investigate further. The path leading there was marked by a single set of human footprints, yet I encountered no one along the way. The tower itself appeared deserted as well but it hadn't been occupied by anyone.
It was then that I noticed the tower's proximity to Class A's designated cave. An interesting coincidence, or perhaps a calculated move on their part.
My silent exploration was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of two figures. Class A students, their expressions hostile as they demanded my business. Their territory, they declared, with a self-importance that bordered on arrogance.
A cursory search revealed the rudimentary map I had sketched.
Their interrogation focused on its purpose and the information it contained. Feigning reluctance, I offered the excuse that revealing my findings would incite hostility within D-Class.
However, this tactic was short-lived.
One of the students, desperate for intel, attempted to bribe me. Private points in exchange for the identity of our class leader. The offer was tempting, but not enough.
"And negotiations would be best conducted with someone trustworthy… perhaps Katsuragi?"
The mention of Katsuragi seemed to throw them off balance. Their irritation was evident.
"Sakayanagi is our representative," one of them snapped.
With a dismissive wave, they allowed me to leave, their focus seemingly shifted.
This encounter provided valuable intel. The internal politics of Class A were more complex than I initially anticipated.
Sakayanagi's position as leader, and the apparent discord within their ranks, were valuable insights.