'Taking first place in the exam is too risky for me. It might draw unwanted attention.'
Saiki Kusuo thought to himself.
'But for the luxury dessert—no, to prevent that guy from actually planting bombs on the island, I'll have to put in some effort this time.'
"Next, let's explain the second scoring method: completing 'tasks' set up across the island earns points. Tasks will appear randomly from 7 AM to 5 PM—while the island is divided into 100 zones, multiple tasks can appear in the same zone. Take a look."
Mashima Tomonari spoke while holding up a tablet for the exam.
"Red dots indicating tasks can only be confirmed on the tablet. Students can't predict when, where, or what type of task will appear; they'll only know once a red dot shows up."
'This doesn't affect me at all.'
Saiki Kusuo thought.
With his psychic powers, knowing the exam tasks would be a breeze.
Meanwhile, the same content on Mashima's tablet was projected on the big screen for other students to see.
Task: Math Exam Category: Academic
Registration: Within 60 minutes after the task appears.
Participants: One per group.
Limit: Closes after 10 registrations.
Victory Condition: Highest score among participating students within the time limit.
*(Difficulty adjusted by grade level.)*
Reward: 5 points for 1st, 3 points for 2nd, 1 point for 3rd. Winners also receive a day's worth of food.
There were not only math exams but also physical tasks like shot put and even 'other' category tasks like fishing.
[So, we're supposed to take exams while surviving on an uninhabited island?]
[A math exam on a deserted island... feels weird.]
[Fishing as an exam? Really?]
"Tasks require 40% academic, 30% physical, and 30% other skills. They range from technical to luck-based. Of course, the same task might appear multiple times..."
"...Staff or exam supervisors will be at task locations. Students must register with them using their watches and tablets..."
"...Task details and locations will appear on the tablet, but resources will disappear as the task nears its end..."
After Mashima explained the rules, Tsukishiro stepped forward to add more details.
"...Also, the longer you stay on the island, the more problems or conflicts may arise—like food or water shortages. I'm okay with minor conflicts to a degree."
Tsukishiro's goal was simple: hint to his assassins to target Ayanokōji Kiyotaka during the exam.
Not just the two from the White Room, but Nanase Tsubasa was also Tsukishiro's arrangement.
Of course, Tsukishiro didn't expect them to succeed.
He was just here to pass time. Only 'mission failure' would let him return easily.
But Tsukishiro couldn't openly slack off. After all, Yagami Takuya and Amasawa Ichika might return to the White Room. If they reported to Ayanokōji Doushien, it'd cause trouble.
Tsukishiro also worried about Yagami Takuya's strange behavior toward Ayanokōji Kiyotaka.
When they last met, Tsukishiro sensed Yagami's intent to kill Ayanokōji.
If Yagami acted strangely—like targeting Saiki Kusuo—Tsukishiro might end up in deeper trouble.
But Tsukishiro was slightly surprised.
He expected Ayanokōji Kiyotaka to act—like contacting Sakayanagi Chairman for pressure to remove him.
Yet, Tsukishiro felt no pressure, as if Ayanokōji wasn't planning to remove him.
In reality, that was true.
Tsukishiro hoped Ayanokōji would act soon, so he could leave this task behind.
"Vice-Chairman Tsukishiro!"
Hearing Tsukishiro's words, Mashima rushed over and whispered something.
To Mashima, Tsukishiro's words implied students could use violence.
"Mashima wanted me to retract my statement about allowing conflicts."
Tsukishiro said directly,
"But I won't. Conflicts are inevitable. I only allow minor ones. The school will intervene in severe cases like theft or unauthorized use of items. Depending on the situation, students may be expelled. My statement ends here. Act like the elite high school students you are."
Tsukishiro handed the mic to Mashima, who briefly paused before explaining points and supplies.
Each student starts with 5,000 points for supplies. More can be bought at the starting port store, but at double the price.
Toilets and showers are free at the start. Water stations will be available later, but water can't be taken away.
Toothbrushes, undershirts, underwear, and essentials are free.
'Slightly better than the last island exam, but just barely.'
Saiki Kusuo thought.
"...Your tablets are crucial. They show task locations, island maps, your position, points, and scores. From days 4 to 12, you can see the top 10 groups' scores. After day 6, GPS tracking for all students is available, but it costs 1 point per use..."
Mashima explained.
"Mashima-sensei, how do we charge the tablets?"
Ike Kanji asked.
"Originally, tablets could be charged during tasks or by buying batteries. But thanks to Saiki-sensei, all devices are upgraded. No need to worry about battery life."
Mashima said.
[Saiki-sensei said even if our short lives end, the batteries won't die.]
'Sounds like him.'
[Saiki-sensei's here, but I haven't seen him.]
'Probably planting bombs somewhere.'
[This exam... feels off...]
'Agreed.'
After the explanations, students had free time.
Groups discussed strategies and chose supplies.
Saiki Kusuo went to the store. Though he didn't need anything, the school tracked purchases. Not buying anything would raise suspicion.
So, he got a free backpack, a tent, food, water, and other items.
...
The next day, the exam began.
First-year students left half an hour before the second-years.
Saiki Kusuo checked his tablet: Zone D7.
Others had different destinations.
He glanced at his watch, thinking.
How should he handle this exam?
Top scores in every subject were easy for him—but that'd raise suspicion, ending his peaceful year and a half.
Not taking first place meant others on the island would be in danger.
Saiki Kusuo recalled Saiki Kûsuke's message. He couldn't tell anyone.
'Wait... Kûsuke wants me to get the overall top score, not every subject. I can get average scores in some subjects and rely on others to reach the total.'
Saiki Kusuo decided,
'I'll keep a moderate score early on, then ramp up later.'
Other second-years left, but Saiki Kusuo stayed.
Soon, third-years arrived. He didn't see Nanase—good news for him.
"Still here, Saiki?"
Kiryūin Fūka smiled at him.
"Good morning, Kiryūin-senpai. I... wanted to observe before heading out."
"You're solo, right? Think while you walk."
Kiryūin smiled, knowing his excuse was weak.
"Need any info? I'll tell you."
"Nothing urgent."
"Four hundred students scattered on this island... quite a sight. Though for the island, they're like dust."
Kiryūin watched others leave, calm as ever.
'True. The island's probably expanded by that terrifying guy.'
Saiki Kusuo thought.
"Your first zone's D7 too?"
"Yes."
"Oh? We share the first destination."
'Coincidence? Or Kûsuke's plan?'
Saiki Kusuo wondered.
"Go easy on me."
He said.
"I should be saying that. Let's go."
"Right."
Feeling he had no choice, Saiki Kusuo followed Kiryūin.
'Kiryūin's distant, perfect as a shield.'
He thought, matching her pace and observing.
Hidden in trees and flowers were micro-cameras—even Kiryūin couldn't detect them.
Clearly, this was Saiki Kûsuke's doing.
He was monitoring the exam somewhere.
Just then, Kiryūin stopped, turned, and smiled at Saiki Kusuo:
"You're truly different, Saiki."