*'Saiki-sensei seems to have provided more tech support, transforming the school's island. This exam will surely be unique.'*
Chabashira thought, while the class looked uneasy.
The cruise was exciting, but last summer's island exam left terrible memories: heat, dryness, noise, and even bathroom issues.
For the students, it was a past they'd rather forget.
"Let's start with the schedule. You can download it later, so no need to take notes now."
Chabashira spoke, operating her computer. The screen displayed the exam schedule.
July 19th: Gather at the schoolyard, depart by bus, and board the ship at the port.
July 20th: Exam begins, with instructions and supply distribution.
August 3rd: Exam ends. Results and rewards announced onboard.
August Points: Paid after applying the island exam results.
August 4th: Cruise begins, free activities all day.
*'Is this exam longer than the last one?'*
Saiki wondered, glancing at the schedule.
The previous artificial island exam lasted about a week, but this one was two weeks—double the time.
And...
It also meant a shorter summer break!
*'Wait, thinking it through, there's only one exam this time, not two like last time. Plus, a week on a luxury cruise—overall, it's a win.'*
Saiki began planning his vacation.
"Back to the topic. Last year's island survival exam was different. This time, the exam lasts two weeks, on a larger island with more advanced tech—all provided by Saiki-sensei!"
Hearing this, the class looked curious.
*'What high-tech gadgets did Saiki-sensei make this time?'*
*'I'm actually excited.'*
*'Last time, Saiki-sensei showed some amazing tools in class!'*
Unlike Saiki's expectations, the students liked Saiki Kūsuke. He often brought inventions to class—things beyond ordinary students' understanding, which they found fascinating.
But Saiki knew Kūsuke's true feelings.
*'Useless ants, amazed by such trivial things. Hopeless.'*
To Kūsuke, these students were no different from single-celled organisms.
"This exam isn't just for your grade; it's a school-wide competition."
Chabashira continued.
"You'll face more opponents than ever."
"What?!"
The class gasped.
This exam was even more absurd—the entire school would participate.
*'No wonder Kiriyama mentioned cooperation between grades... but it's a school-wide competition?'*
Saiki felt a premonition.
Nagumo Miyabi or Kiryūin Fūka would likely cause trouble. Even first-year students might stir things up.
But for Saiki, it wasn't unusual.
What worried him most was what Kūsuke might do during the exam.
Saiki hadn't seen Kūsuke lately, and his involvement in modifying the island meant something was up.
"Doesn't this favor third-years over first-years?"
Hirata Yōsuke asked.
"Different grades have physical and experience gaps."
"I understand, but no exam is ever completely fair. Even within your grade, there's nearly a year's difference in age, yet you compete on the same stage."
Chabashira replied.
"There'll be grade-based disadvantages, but you'll fight on the same battlefield. To balance grades, lower grades get more rewards and fewer penalties."
Hirata nodded.
"Moving on, new rules for the island survival exam—I won't reveal everything today."
*'Why the riddles? Bad mystery novels use this trope, and it's annoying.'*
Saiki thought, and others in class felt the same.
"First, understand the group system. You can form groups of up to six. Remember, groups must be from the same grade, regardless of class."
*'Six-person groups?'*
Saiki frowned. He disliked teamwork.
Last time, he was grouped with strange students, and he didn't want a repeat.
Plus, with others around, using his powers was risky.
"From today until July 16th, you can choose up to two partners to form a base group of three. Though it's free grouping, there are rules: same grade only, no mixing with first or third-years. First-years form groups of seven."
*'Free choice is more trouble than random assignment. I'll wait for others to approach me; I won't initiate.'*
Saiki thought, noticing some students eyeing him.
He had no interest in teaming up.
"For mixed-gender groups, girls must be at least two-thirds."
"What if we don't form a group?"
Ike Kanji asked.
"Groups can be solo. Benefits are fewer, but no issues. This exam allows solo participation, regardless of gender!"
*'!'*
Saiki's eyes lit up.
*'Solo groups? Perfect!'*
Going solo was ideal for Saiki.
He could avoid strange teammates and act freely—even leave mid-exam to rest!
The exam would just be part of his vacation!
Saiki's lips curved slightly.
"Some may prefer solo, but more people are advantageous. The school has bonuses, so I suggest not going solo until the end."
*'No, solo is easier.'*
Saiki thought.
"But remember, you'll form six-person supergroups during the exam: two groups of three, three groups of two, or six solos. Rules apply: supergroups of four or more must be 50% female."
Chabashira explained further.
"I know free grouping is confusing without knowing the exam details. I can't reveal the exam, but I'll hint at the skills needed. Last year, many couldn't use their abilities fully. This year, all skills will be needed: academics, physical strength, mental toughness, communication. Beyond these, use your unique talents..."
*'They won't expect mini-exams on the island!'*
*'I see.'*
Saiki now understood.
The exam combined survival with subject tests in different areas, earning supplies or points. But participation was limited.
It was a unique exam, blending various subjects.
Chabashira continued with rules and rewards.
First place got 300 class points, 1 million personal points, and 1 protection point.
Bottom groups lost class points, and the last five faced expulsion—unless they paid a rescue fee.
There were also item cards: some boosted rewards, reduced penalties, or increased group size.
"Each student gets one of eight cards tomorrow morning. Cards can be traded within the same grade until the exam starts. OAA shows who has what. You can sell or buy, but duplicates don't stack."
Chabashira explained.
Saiki wasn't interested, avoiding attention from high scores.
Mid-rank was best.
But one card caught his eye: Hitchhiker Card—gain half the personal points of a designated group at the start.
If a designated group is assigned to the same team as the user, the effect is nullified.
The card's effect is unrelated to the holder's performance. Kusuo can use it to earn personal points while maintaining a moderate rank.
"Some might not fully understand the explanation, but the school will automatically send special exam materials to your tablets. You can review them later."
Chabashira Sae said this while glancing at Ike Kanji, as if confirming his confusion.
"With that, I'll leave you to think it over."
Almost simultaneously, the dismissal bell rang, and Chabashira left the classroom.
Ayanokōji approached Kusuo:
"Kusuo..."
"Sorry, I don't plan on teaming up."