The winter break wasn't long, only about two weeks. During this time, Saiki Kusuo didn't do much, mostly staying in his dorm, reading manga, and studying. This was his preferred way to pass the time, at least without being bothered by others.
However, the break ended quickly, and the third semester of the first year began. At that moment, several buses lined up in a long row, speeding down the highway.
The buses weren't just for first-year students; second and third-year students were also on board. This was a large-scale movement involving the entire school.
*"Hmm, is the school up to something again?"*
Saiki Kusuo sat by the window, gazing at the scenery outside. Shortly after the semester started, the school instructed students to prepare extra sportswear and underwear, then board the buses to an undisclosed location.
The school hadn't revealed the destination or purpose, but Saiki Kusuo, using his telepathy, already knew it was another special exam.
If it were just a regular exam, it wouldn't be a big deal...
This time, students from multiple grades would take the exam together.
This meant Saiki Kusuo might have to interact with that troublesome second-year student, Nagumo Miyabi.
He also recalled his promise to Horikita Manabu to keep Nagumo in check, so he'd need to pay some attention to Nagumo's actions.
"Are we going on a trip again?"
"No way, it's probably another special exam."
"Yeah, probably."
After half a year, the students had grown accustomed to the school's ways and no longer believed they were going on a leisure trip.
The atmosphere on the bus was relaxed, with everyone chatting casually. As the bus entered a tunnel, Chabashira Sae stood up from her seat, looked around, and spoke.
"Sorry to interrupt, but please quiet down."
Holding a microphone, she continued, "I'm sure you're curious about our destination and what's next."
"Yeah, are we going to another deserted island?"
Ike Kanji joked. Though their class had performed well in the deserted island exam and advanced to Class A, the experience wasn't pleasant for most.
"It seems the deserted island left a lasting impression, but don't worry. Large-scale exams like that aren't frequent. We're not that cruel to make you endure another one so soon after the summer exam."
Chabashira smiled.
*"I'm not so sure about that,"* Saiki thought, though he knew this exam would be different.
"As you've guessed, there's a new special exam. Compared to the deserted island, it's simpler. Let me explain the rules."
"We're heading to a mountain retreat, arriving in less than an hour. The shorter the explanation, the more buffer time you'll have."
"You don't often interact with upperclassmen, especially if you're not in a club..."
*"But some upperclassmen seek you out,"* Saiki thought, recalling Horikita Manabu's approach.
"...but this retreat will be an eight-day, seven-night cross-grade group activity, bigger than the sports festival. It's called the Mixed Retreat Exam. Since a verbal explanation might not be enough, I'll distribute the details."
Chabashira handed out thick booklets to the front row, which were passed down. The booklets, over twenty pages, included information on accommodations, baths, and dining.
"You're free to read now, but I'll explain the rules. The booklets will be collected before we disembark, so pay attention. I'll take questions at the end. Understood?"
Chabashira's gaze fell on Ike, who merely nodded.
"This exam focuses on mental growth. You'll learn to build relationships with unfamiliar people, essential for survival in society."
*"A retreat with strangers..."* Saiki's expression remained neutral, but he felt uneasy.
Interacting with his class of nearly thirty was already challenging, and he hadn't connected with many. Now, he'd be with students from other classes, possibly upperclassmen.
It would be complicated. If he ended up with more troublesome people...
He'd rather face another deserted island exam, at least he'd have more personal time.
"Upon arrival, you'll be separated by gender. After discussions, you'll form six groups."
"Each group's size is based on grade and gender. For instance, if there are sixty or more boys in a grade, groups will have 8-13 members; seventy or more, 9-14; eighty or more, 10-15."
"Since groups are mixed-gender, you'll be with students from other classes. During the retreat, you'll work as a group, possibly with members from different classes."
*"Great,"* Saiki sighed internally.
With forty students in his class, evenly split by gender, and no dropouts, there should be around eighty boys in the first year. Groups of 10-15 meant he'd likely be with many from other classes.
"We can form our own groups!" Ike said, ignoring Chabashira's words.
*"Genius!"* he thought.
"Not so fast. Groups must include at least two classes. You're free to choose partners within the size limit, but consensus is required."
The students began discussing.
"At least two classes... but aren't other classes enemies?"
"Maybe Class C is better?"
"Anything but Class D..."
"Groups are temporary during the retreat. You'll attend classes, cook, clean, bathe, and sleep together. The final exam on the last day will determine the results. Details are on page seven."
*"This is complicated,"* Saiki thought, skimming the booklet.
It listed unfamiliar tasks, with no specifics on the exam, like a riddle.
The schedule included morning tasks, meditation, chores, meals, classes, and evening activities, with only Sundays off.
*"Meditation? Why?"* Saiki wondered.
Given the school's style, it would likely be part of the exam.
*"Maybe they'll judge posture..."*
"After first-year groups are formed, you'll join second and third-year groups, creating six large groups of 30-45 students. First-year groups merge with other grades. Clear?"
Chabashira asked, and students nodded.
*"What?"* Sudo Ken whispered, pretending to understand.
"Rewards are based on group performance. Larger groups earn higher multipliers for top three ranks, but not for penalties. Don't worry."
Chabashira smiled meaningfully.
"The last-place group faces severe consequences—expulsion."
The bus fell silent, the atmosphere heavy.
Rewards:
- 1st: 10,000 points (individual), 3 points (class).
- 2nd: 5,000 points (individual), 1 point (class).
- 3rd: 3,000 points (individual).
Penalties:
- 4th: -5,000 points (individual).
- 5th: -10,000 points (individual), -3 points (class).
- 6th: -20,000 points (individual), -5 points (class).
Students' expressions grew complex. Horikita Suzune calculated the impact, realizing surpassing Class A would be difficult.
Despite reaching Class B, the gap with Class A hadn't narrowed after monthly exams. Class A's academic prowess was formidable, especially after the sports festival.
*"Sakayanagi Arisu controls Class A now. She'll be our biggest obstacle,"* Suzune thought.
Even in extreme scenarios, Class B couldn't surpass Class A, but they could shorten the distance for future opportunities.
"Multipliers apply to top ranks based on group diversity. Larger groups earn higher multipliers, but not for penalties. Relax."
Chabashira's final words hung in the air as the bus continued its journey, the students lost in thought about the challenges ahead.