The journey back to the shelter was slower, the weight of the creature slung across my shoulders adding to the strain. But I made it, just as darkness began to fall again.Ichinose shook her head in disbelief, her hands clasped tightly. "He's still moving forward after everything. Carrying that thing all the way back... It's like he never stops. Where does he get the strength?"Building a fire was the next challenge. Using dry leaves and twigs, I struck the rocks together repeatedly, creating small sparks that finally caught. Carefully, I fed the embers until a small flame emerged.The warmth was immediate, a welcome reprieve from the cold. I fed the fire with larger branches, coaxing it to life.Ike's jaw tightened, and he muttered under his breath, a mix of frustration and begrudging admiration in his tone. "Man, that guy's better than me at something I actually take pride in. Starting a fire like it's nothing? Come on!"He slumped back in his seat, crossing his arms as if trying to brush it off. "And here I thought I was the survival expert..."With one of the sharp stones, I fashioned a crude knife, binding it to a short, thick branch. It wasn't sharp, but it was enough to start skinning the creature. The process was slow and laborious, the dull blade dragging against the hide. Blood pooled beneath it, the metallic scent filling the air.Karuizawa looked visibly uncomfortable, her voice shaky. "He's actually skinning it... I don't know if I could ever do something like that. And he's so calm about it.""I never thought the survival books in the White Room would prove useful," I murmured, cutting the meat into smaller pieces.Ryuen leaned forward, his eyes narrowing with a mix of disbelief and grudging respect. "Survival books? You're telling me all of that—tracking, hunting, starting a fire—comes from theory? Just books? Bullshit. The way he moves, it's like he's done it a hundred times before."Shiina tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "If it's really all from theoretical knowledge, then his ability to adapt is... unparalleled. Most people would struggle to apply what they've read in a real situation like this."Kushida frowned, her lips pursed tightly. "Just books? If that's true, it's even scarier. He makes it look effortless—like its second nature. Who even reads survival books to that extent, let alone remembers them so well?"Nagumo rubbed his chin, his tone laced with curiosity. "The White Room really was something else. Training someone to turn theory into action this seamlessly? That's not normal. It's like they were building a walking encyclopedia with perfect execution."Horikita's brows furrowed. "It must be more than just reading. His experience in the White Room—there's no way it didn't involve practical application. No one's instincts are this sharp from theory alone."By the time I finished, the knife had dulled and snapped. "It lasted longer than expected," I muttered. "Good enough for now."Suspending the meat over the fire, I turned it carefully, ensuring it cooked evenly. The smell of roasting meat filled the air, earthy and strange, but undeniably appealing.Thirst clawed at me, and without a water source, I had no choice but to drink the creature's blood. The taste was bitter and metallic, but it kept dehydration at bay.Sudo folded his arms, frowning. "Skinning an animal, roasting it over a fire, even drinking its blood... That's hardcore, but it's also... I dunno, kinda depressing."Horikita tilted her head, her tone thoughtful. "He's doing what's necessary to survive. It's not a matter of preference—it's logic. He knows that dehydration will kill him faster than hunger, so he acts accordingly."Ryuen gave a low laugh, shaking his head. "Drinking blood like it's just water? That's next-level survival. Bet half the people here wouldn't last a day without whining about the taste."As I ate, the fire's warmth seeped into my skin, pushing back the chill and the encroaching shadows. When the meal was done, I extinguished the fire, wary of attracting unwanted attention.Sakayanagi smiled faintly, her voice carrying a note of admiration. "Even in a situation like this, he maintains such composure. Most people would panic or despair, but he simply adapts. That's the mark of true excellence."Ishizaki couldn't hide his unease. "It's messed up, though, isn't it? The guy's just eating and drinking like it's a regular day, but he's in the middle of nowhere, completely alone. How does he stay so... calm?"Ibuki shrugged, her voice terse. "Calm? It's more like he's numb. You don't act like that unless you've been through worse before."Kushida's usual bright mask faltered, her voice quieter than usual. "I can't imagine what kind of life he's lived if this feels normal to him."Hoshinomiya, sitting among the staff, let out a long sigh. "This boy... He doesn't just survive—he thrives. But at what cost? How much of his humanity is left after all this?"Exhaustion settled over me, as I laid back in the shelter. My mind churned with plans for the next day.I had survived another day, but I couldn't stop here. The valley demanded more of me, and I would meet its challenges head-on. Survival was only the beginning.Ryuen leaned forward, his smirk sharper now. "Surviving isn't enough for him. Look at him, already planning his next move. He's not just thinking about living—he's thinking about winning."Ichinose frowned, her voice laced with worry. "Winning? This isn't a game. He's completely alone out there. What could he possibly win?"Ryuen shrugged, his tone nonchalant. "Doesn't matter what he's up against—Ayanokoji's the type who won't settle for just surviving. He'll find a way to dominate."Karuizawa looked down, her voice barely audible. "Even when he's alone, he's always thinking ahead. It's like he doesn't even know how to stop."Horikita nodded, her expression unreadable. "That's how he's always been. No wasted movement, no wasted thought. It's efficient, but it's also... isolating."Shiina whispered softly, almost to herself. "Survival was only the beginning... For him, there's always a next step. Always another challenge. It's admirable, but also heartbreaking."▬▬ι═══════ﺤThe next day, as the dim twilight of the valley persisted, I awoke with a clearer goal. Clothing was my next challenge—one I couldn't ignore any longer. The chill of the valley's misty air had been an ever-present discomfort, biting at my exposed skin and sapping my energy. Protection against the elements was no longer a luxury but a necessity.The body of the creature I had skinned the previous day lay in a heap near the shelter. Its dark, wiry fur was coarse and rough, hardly ideal for garments, but it was better than nothing. Kneeling beside it, I examined the hide carefully, noting its uneven thickness and patches of dried blood. My crude knife, though barely functional, would have to suffice for shaping the material.I began by trimming the edges of the hide, removing jagged bits that would make the garment unwieldy. Each cut required precision, my hands steady as I worked the blade along the pelt. The process was slow, the dull blade dragging against the stubborn fur, but I persevered. Survival didn't allow for frustration.Once the pelt was trimmed, I turned my attention to stitching it into something wearable. Using plant fibers I had gathered earlier, I twisted and braided them into rough threads. The threads were strong enough to hold, but flexible enough to weave through the hide. For a needle, I sharpened a small bone fragment from the creature's remains, its pointed edge just adequate to pierce the tough material.Amasawa Ichika chuckled softly. "Seriously, Senpai? Making a needle out of bone and sewing with plant fibers? That's... creative."Sakayanagi tilted her head slightly, her expression calm but curious. "It's not just creativity. This is resourcefulness born from necessity. He knows exactly what he needs and how to achieve it, regardless of the materials available."Horikita frowned, her gaze steady. "It's the same methodical approach we saw him use in school, just... applied to survival. He doesn't waste time or energy."Threading the bone needle, I began sewing. In each stitch, the fibers loop through the pelt in uneven, crude patterns. The result was far from elegant—a patchwork tunic that hung awkwardly over my frame—but it was functional. It offered a layer of insulation against the cold, shielding me from the worst of the valley's icy grip.Inogashira Kokoro shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her hands twisting the hem of her skirt. She had stayed mostly quiet, her anxious gaze darting between the students around her and the screen. But as the scene unfolded, her fidgeting slowed, her attention fixating on Ayanokoji's deliberate sewing. Her lips moved faintly before she realized she had spoken out loud."That stitch... It's really clean. He's keeping the tension even, and the overlap is smart—he's minimizing wear even with those rough materials."Satou Maya, seated beside her, caught the murmured observation. She leaned closer, her voice kind but curious. "Kokoro-chan, you really love sewing, don't you? That's such a specific thing to notice."Inogashira flinched slightly at the direct question, her cheeks coloring. "Oh, um... Y-yeah. It's... just a hobby," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I-it's not important or anything."Satou smiled warmly, sensing the other girl's discomfort. "I think it's cool! You're probably way better at this than I'd ever be," she said, her tone reassuring. Then, glancing at the room full of murmuring students, she added in a softer voice, "It's hard to talk when there are so many people, huh? This atmosphere is so intense."Inogashira nodded hesitantly, her fingers twisting together. "Y-yeah... It feels like everyone's watching, even when they're not," she admitted quietly.Satou chuckled gently. "I get that. But don't worry. What you said was really insightful. It's nice to have someone who notices those details."Inogashira glanced at her, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "T-thank you," she murmured, the faintest hint of a smile crossing her lips before her attention returned to the screen. The moment of connection had eased some of her nerves, even if only a little.Satisfied with the tunic, I turned my attention to my feet. The sharp rocks and uneven ground had taken their toll, leaving my soles tender and raw. Using strips of bark from the skeletal trees and additional plant fibers, I fashioned rudimentary sandals. The bark served as a rough sole, while the fibers secured it tightly around my feet. The sandals were crude, but the relief they provided was immediate. Walking without the sting of jagged terrain was a small attainment, one that allowed me to direct my focus elsewhere.Sudo laughed, shaking his head. "Man, this guy's out here making his own clothes and sandals, while I'd probably be crying into the dirt. Guess I'll never complain about gym clothes again."Ichinose looked thoughtful, her expression soft. "It's incredible how he's turning every little thing into an advantage. Even the smallest comfort must mean so much out there."As I moved about my shelter, testing the flexibility of my new attire, I began to notice patterns in the valley's ever-present mist. It would thin during certain hours, retreating just enough to reveal more of the terrain. The creatures I hunted seemed to follow a rhythm, grazing in the same clearings at regular intervals. The realization was a small but crucial piece of information—an insight into the valley's natural order.Armed with this knowledge, I set out to map the immediate area around my shelter. Using my spear, I scratched markings onto rocks and tree trunks, creating a network of landmarks to guide my movements. Each mark represented a piece of the valley I had explored, a step toward imposing some semblance of order on the chaotic expanse.Nagumo smirked. "Now he's observing the environment. Figuring out the ecosystem like it's a damn science experiment."Horikita Manabu, seated quietly in the back, murmured, "It's not just observation—it's strategy. He's not letting the valley control him. He's beginning to master it."The day passed quickly, and my focus was absorbed by these tasks. By the time the faint twilight began to dim further, signaling the approach of night, I had mapped a small but significant portion of the valley within my area.Back at my shelter, I sat near the dying embers of my fire, my crude tunic and sandals offering a small reprieve from the cold. The valley was still, its silence broken only by the occasional whisper of wind through the skeletal trees. I stared into the fading light, my mind turning over the patterns I had observed and the progress I had made.Survival was a puzzle, each day revealing a new piece. And while the picture was far from complete, I had taken another step forward, another step closer to mastering this valley. The challenges were relentless, but so was I. This valley, vast and unforgiving, would not hold me back.Hōsen Kazuomi, leaning back lazily in his seat, let out a low scoff. "Pfft. Survival, huh? Acting like it's some big deal to sit around by a fire and think about rocks and trees. What's the guy even so proud of?"Ryuen's sharp smirk widened as he turned to face Hōsen, his voice dripping with mockery. "What's wrong, gorilla? Getting jealous of the smart guy because you can't even spell 'survival'? Or were you just too busy eating bananas to pay attention?"The room erupted in stifled laughter, and Hōsen's expression darkened instantly. He shot to his feet, fists clenching at his sides. "What'd you just say, Ryuen? You wanna say that again to my face?!"Ryuen leaned back casually, his smirk unrelenting. "Oh, did I hurt your feelings? Sorry, I forgot. Big, dumb gorillas don't have feelings."Hōsen's fist shot forward, but before he could take a single step toward Ryuen, an invisible force froze him in place. His body stiffened, and his movements halted as though unseen chains had wrapped around him. At the same time, Ryuen's mocking laughter cut off as his voice failed him. His mouth moved, but no sound came out.Hovering above the students, the figure of Bái Xūé materialized, their tone neutral but their presence radiating authority. "Enough," he said simply, their voice resonating throughout the room.Both Hōsen and Ryuen were pushed forcefully back into their seats, the pressure pinning them in place. The room was silent, the tension palpable.The spell was lifted moments later, and Hōsen and Ryuen found themselves free to move—but the humiliation lingered. Hōsen grumbled under his breath, while Ryuen rubbed his throat, glaring daggers at the mysterious figure.The silence was broken by a ripple of laughter from Ishizaki, who couldn't resist snickering at the scene. "Ha! Gorilla finally got caged. Looks like the banana's on you this time!"The room burst into a wave of chuckles and amused murmurs. Even Kushida, who typically kept her demeanor composed, let out a soft giggle. "I guess even Ryuen has his limits," she whispered with a smirk.From the staff section, Chabashira exchanged a glance with Hoshinomiya, both of them silently marveling at Bái Xūé's ability to exert such control. "That kind of power... It's beyond comprehension," Chabashira muttered.Meanwhile, Nagumo leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the hovering figure. "A god among mortals," he said quietly, a mix of fascination and envy in his tone.The scene ended with the room abuzz with amusement and wonder, everyone still recovering from the sudden display of Bái Xūé's otherworldly abilities. Even as the next part of the story loomed, the tension between Hōsen and Ryuen seemed to dissipate, replaced by a lingering embarrassment neither would dare acknowledge.With that, Bái Xūé disappeared, and the scene continued on.▬▬ι═══════ﺤBy the end of the week, a rhythm had taken hold of my days. The routine was necessary: dismantling my shelter each morning, gathering my tools and supplies, and pressing onward through the unyielding terrain. Each evening, I would construct a new shelter in the fading twilight, always further than the last. This constant movement slowed my overall pace, but it allowed me to explore more of the valley's shadowed expanse.The older Horikita, as composed as ever, kept his gaze fixed on the screen, his sharp eyes reflecting a hint of admiration and respect. "To adhere to such a routine, especially in those conditions, requires immense mental fortitude. Sticking to it without complaint is... admirableMy body, still adjusting to its younger form, was steadily regaining its former control. Each movement was smoother and more deliberate. The lethargy I felt when I first arrived had all but dissipated. It wasn't perfect yet, but I could feel the gap between this body and the one honed in the White Room narrowing with every passing day.Horikita narrowed her eyes, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "The White Room again. Even without full strength, he's progressing at an alarming rate."Hōsen scoffed, leaning forward aggressively. "Tch. So what? He's just catching up to where he was. Still doesn't mean he's invincible."Ryuen sneered at Hōsen. "Gorilla, you're just jealous. If you got thrown into that valley, you wouldn't last a day."Before Hōsen could retort, and a repeat of the previous situation could occur again, Bái Xūé's calm voice filled the room, and the two immediately froze in place, their mouths moving soundlessly. The audience erupted into laughter at the sight, the tension diffused by the display of supernatural intervention.With my foundation firmly established—Food, Shelter, and Clothing—I now turned my attention to the final and most critical priority: Information.Information is the cornerstone of survival. It's what separates the hunter from the hunted, the victor from the vanquished. In ANHS for example, information was power—how I could predict the outcomes and manipulate events to my advantage. In the White Room, I was trained to assess, gather, and wield information with precision. It became part of my nature.Katsuragi crossed his arms, nodding firmly. "It's a universal truth. Information has always been the deciding factor, even in our school's hierarchy."Asahina tapped her chin thoughtfully. "So all those times he seemed a step ahead of everyone... It wasn't just luck or strength. It was his information network."Hashimoto let out a low whistle. "ANHS really is just a chessboard to him, huh? Makes you wonder if anyone actually stood a chance against him."People's personalities, their goals, their weaknesses, their desires.Ryuen leaned back with a smug grin. "Classic Ayanokoji. Knowing what makes people tick. Manipulation 101. Guy should have written a book, he would've made tons of money."The system's secret. Rules that could be bent to a certain degree.Hashimoto chuckled lightly. "Bending the rules, huh? Sounds like someone who'd be real fun at a casino."I have studied people, studied the system, the rules, and everything I could within that closed environment. All of that information allowed me to control the situation to my liking—towards my goal.Nagumo raised an eyebrow, his fingers tapping the armrest of his seat. "Control the situation... That's not just observation. That's domination."Ichinose clasped her hands tightly, her face betraying a mixture of sadness and awe. "Even when he was with us, everything was calculated? Did he ever... care about anyone?"Kiryūin smirked. "Care? Maybe not. But control? Oh, he cared about that a lot."But here? In this alien valley—in this world—, the rules were different. I was no longer in a world where data could be fed to me or strategies calculated in advance—not yet, at least. I was alone, surrounded by the unknown, with no reliable framework to guide me. Information was no less vital, but the means of acquiring it had shifted.Sakayanagi tapped her cane lightly, her voice cool and thoughtful. "Thrown into chaos without a system to exploit... Let's see how Ayanokoji-kun fares when the board isn't set for him."Understanding where I was, what kind of world this was, and whether there was any semblance of civilization nearby was paramount. Without answers to these questions, I couldn't formulate a plan, and without a plan, my survival was meaningless.Information is critical in every world, I reflected. In the world I left behind, it dictated everything—businesses rose and fell by it, governments wielded it like a weapon, and lives were saved or destroyed depending on how well it was managed. In an unknown world like this, its importance is magnified tenfold. Without information, I'm operating blind.Katsuragi, nodding thoughtfully. "He's not wrong. Information drives every outcome, no matter the circumstances."Sudo, scratching his head, muttered, "Yeah, yeah, information and all that. But isn't he just saying he doesn't know anything here?"Amasawa, sitting quietly, added, "And even without knowing anything, he's already got the upper hand. Classic."The room hummed with a mix of awe, tension, and intrigue, the students and staff alike silently pondering just how far Ayanokoji's calculated methods could take him—even in an alien world.I had already begun the process of gathering what little I could by moving my shelter daily, venturing deeper and deeper into the valley. Each shift revealed new terrain and new patterns. I marked significant landmarks in my brain, cataloged changes in this environment, and observed the behavior of the creatures that roamed this strange land.The mist, which I had initially regarded as an oppressive and disorienting force, began to reveal its own rhythm. It would thin and recede during certain times of the day, exposing hidden paths and features of the valley. The creatures I hunted followed predictable routes, their movements tied to unseen cycles. Even the faint light above, filtered through the eternal twilight, seemed to shift subtly, casting different parts of the valley in shadow or illumination.Morishita Ai's monotone voice broke the silence. "Ayanokoji Kiyotaka observes and adapts. This precision is how he thrives."Yamamura Miki, fidgeting nervously, finally spoke up. "He's... he's not just surviving. He's learning everything about that valley, every rhythm and pattern."Sakayanagi's cane rested lightly in her hand as she chuckled softly. "Indeed, knowledge is power. He's unraveling the very fabric of that place."These observations were pieces of a puzzle, scattered fragments that I needed to assemble. The valley was vast and unyielding, its secrets buried beneath layers of silence and shadow. But each day, I chipped away at its mystery, driven by the need to understand.Ryuen barked a short laugh. "He's treating the valley like one big mystery to solve. Guy's not just a survivor—he's a damn detective."Kiryūin smiled mischievously. "Ayanokoji is relentless, isn't he? I wouldn't want to be that valley. He's going to conquer it piece by piece."▬▬ι═══════ﺤ