"You're from Class D—Sotomura, Yukimura, Ayanokōji, Karuizawa, and Saiki, right? Now, I'll explain the special exam."
Mashima's voice was cold, like a robot devoid of emotion.
"Wait, wait, I don't get it. What's this about? Isn't the exam already over? And where's everyone else?"
Karuizawa bombarded him with questions. Clearly, Mashima, as the teacher, was growing impatient with her behavior.
"I'm not taking questions right now. Just listen quietly."
His tone was flat, but there was an unshakable seriousness that demanded obedience.
"For this special exam, the school will divide all first-year students into twelve groups, representing the Chinese zodiac. The exam will test your thinking abilities within these groups."
Mashima explained slowly.
Wait, did he just say "thinking"? I know he's the English teacher, but switching to English like that feels so out of place.
Saiki groaned internally.
"What's 'thinking'?"
Karuizawa asked, dead serious.
Are you serious?
Saiki glanced at her.
"I already said no questions."
Mashima scolded her again before continuing.
"In society, people are judged by three core abilities: Action, Thinking, and Teamwork. Only those who master these qualify as successful adults. The previous island exam focused on teamwork, but this one tests Thinking—analyzing situations, identifying problems, planning solutions, and creating new value. These skills will become crucial for you."
Is he really not being pretentious?
Saiki thought but kept quiet.
"So, the exam will proceed in twelve groups, and you'll all be in the same one…"
"Why am I grouped with them?"
Karuizawa interrupted again.
"Wouldn't it be easier to explain to everyone together?"
"Can you just shut up and listen? The exam might've already started. If you waste time and get us penalized, it's on you. You were dead weight on the island too. Stop dragging us down."
Yukimura finally snapped at Karuizawa.
"What? When have I ever been dead weight? You're the one who's annoying!"
Karuizawa fired back mercilessly.
Sigh.
Saiki heard Mashima's first internal sigh, a rare show of frustration. He even rubbed his temples.
Are these kids in elementary school?
I couldn't agree more.
I never thought a class like this could reach Class B in the first semester… How did they even manage?
Honestly, I don't want to know.
"It seems you're bothered by the small group setup. Let me clarify: this isn't some conspiracy or prank. It's simple—groups aren't class-based. Each has three to five students from different classes."
Mashima, tired of the bickering, continued.
So, we're grouped with students from other classes?
Saiki quickly grasped the exam's twist.
"Here's your group list. We're the Rabbit Group."
Mashima handed out the list. Saiki skimmed the names:
Class A: Takemoto, Machida, Morishige.
Class B: Ichinose, Hamaguchi, Beppu.
Class C: Ibuki, Manabe, Yabu, Yamashita.
Class D: Ayanokōji, Karuizawa, Sotomura, Yukimura, Saiki.
Ichinose and Ibuki are in our group too?
Saiki narrowed his eyes. Ichinose was fine, but Ibuki was problematic. After all, she'd infiltrated their class as a spy—fed false info.
And…
Saiki glanced at Karuizawa:
Ibuki probably has the wrong idea about Karuizawa.
"Now, the exam details. Pay attention."
Mashima distributed another document, packed with text.
Summer Group Special Exam Instructions
This exam revolves around the 'Privileged Student' assigned to each group. Answer correctly using the specified method, and one of four outcomes will occur:
At 8 AM tomorrow, the school will email all students. The 'Privileged Student' will also be notified.The exam runs from tomorrow until 9 PM, four days later (with one free day).Groups must meet twice daily at designated times and rooms for one-hour discussions.Discussion topics are decided by the group.Answers must be submitted between 9:30 PM and 10 PM on the final day. Each student can answer once.Answers must be emailed from personal phones to the school's inbox.The 'Privileged Student' cannot submit answers.
…
Like a spy-finding game?
Saiki quickly analyzed the rules.
Why does the school keep inventing these weird exams?
He scanned the possible outcomes at the bottom.
Outcome 1: If everyone except the Privileged Student and their classmates answers correctly, all group members earn points (classmates of the Privileged Student get equal points).
Outcome 2: If anyone fails to answer or answers incorrectly (excluding the Privileged Student and their classmates), the Privileged Student earns 500,000 points.
Karuizawa frowned, clearly confused.
I don't get it!
Mashima seemed to notice her confusion.
"The key is the Privileged Student. Their name is the answer. It's simple. Say Yukimura's the Privileged Student. The answer is 'Yukimura.' Share it with the group, and submit it by 9 PM on the third day. If correct, the group passes, and Outcome 1 triggers—everyone gets 500,000 points. The Privileged Student gets double—1,000,000 points."
"That's amazing!"
Karuizawa's eyes lit up, already dreaming of how to spend 500,000 points.
"Outcome 2 occurs if the Privileged Student keeps their identity secret or misleads others until the end. Only they earn 500,000 points."
"Being the Privileged Student would be awesome!"
Karuizawa looked desperate for the role.
No way the school would offer such a risk-free deal. There are four outcomes, and two haven't been revealed.
Ayanokōji analyzed internally.
"If you understand, I'll explain the remaining outcomes."
Mashima continued.
I don't understand at all.
Karuizawa thought but nodded as if she did.
Mashima looked skeptical but proceeded.
Outcome 3: If someone identifies the Privileged Student early and answers correctly, their class gains 50 points, and they earn 500,000 points. If wrong, their class loses 50 points. The exam ends immediately. Classmates of the Privileged Student's answers are voided.
Outcome 4: If someone answers incorrectly early, their class loses 50 points. The Privileged Student earns 500,000 points, and their class gains 50 points. The exam ends. Classmates' wrong answers are voided.
More like a social deduction game.
Saiki thought.
The first two outcomes rewarded the Privileged Student, but the last two shifted dynamics. Identifying another class's Privileged Student could boost your class's points while penalizing others.
The Privileged Student could reveal themselves for mutual benefit, but others might expose them early. It's a psychological game.
Ayanokōji analyzed.
Saiki's mind-reading would be perfect for this, but…
You're overestimating me.
Saiki sighed internally.
This exam feels ridiculous, but with my ring blocking my powers, maybe I'll find some fun in it…
He reached for his ring, preparing to engage.
The Privileged Student is already decided, based on name order. It's Karuizawa Kei.
So, the exam's practically over before it starts.
Saiki glanced at Karuizawa, who was intently studying the group list.
He knew her outward annoyance masked a deeper vulnerability.
No matter how annoying I am, it's better than being trapped again. I don't need youth or friends. I just need to protect myself—by any means.
I'm a parasite, weak and dependent.
Right now, I can only rely on him…