The scene before them was completely different from Class B's camp. No—it was unlike any other first-year setup.
Class A had chosen a cave, while Classes B and C had picked forest clearings near rivers and wells.
The common theme was concealment, using rock formations and dense foliage for cover.
But Class D?
They had set up camp right by the beach.
It wasn't even a proper stronghold—there was no check-in machine, no defensive positioning, just an open shoreline with a stunning ocean view.
The only natural barrier was the massive stone gates protruding on either side, enclosing the beach in a way that almost resembled a private resort.
What stood out even more was the sheer luxury of their setup.
Unlike the makeshift shelters of other classes, Class D had showers, portable toilets, beach chairs, umbrellas, and even a small warehouse stacked with supplies.
Large cardboard boxes, adorned with brand logos, suggested an abundant stock of food and bottled water.
Under the golden morning sun, loud, energetic music blasted across the beach.
Some students swam in the ocean, others played volleyball, and a few lucky ones had even managed to secure motorboats, revving their engines and slicing through the waves at full speed.
Watching this, Kure Ragna rubbed his chin.
"...They're having more fun than I expected."
Beside him, Kushida Kikyo and Karuizawa Kei exchanged silent glances, their expressions mirroring his thoughts.
Horikita Suzune, who had been carefully observing Class D's camp, frowned deeply.
At the center of the beach, lounging like a king on his throne, Ryuen Kakeru lay stretched out on a deck chair.
Behind him, Albert stood stone-faced, his presence alone enough to act as a deterrent.
Noticing the four figures emerging from the treeline, Ryuen didn't move.
Instead, he simply tilted his head and shot a glance at Komiya—a familiar face from the Sudo incident. That single look was enough of an order.
Komiya nodded and jogged over to them.
"Ryuen-san wants to see you."
"...Wants?" Kure Ragna echoed, raising an eyebrow.
"Shouldn't that be 'invites'?"
Komiya hesitated but didn't argue.
Kure Ragna smirked and walked past him, leading Kei and Kikyo forward. Horikita, after a brief moment of hesitation, sighed and followed.
Ryuen didn't acknowledge them right away. Instead, he lazily raised his head, as if just noticing their presence. A slow, sharp grin stretched across his face.
"Well, well… If it isn't Class B's finest. How's the survival game treating you?"
Without waiting for an answer, he continued.
"I imagine rationing points must be miserable. Starving yourselves, strategizing every little move…" He smirked, stretching his arms behind his head.
"Meanwhile, we get whatever we want."
Horikita's eyes narrowed. "You spent all 300 points in a single day?"
"Spent?" Ryuen repeated, arching an eyebrow. After a pause, he laughed.
"So what if we did? The school said we could take this exam however we wanted. If we choose to enjoy our vacation instead of struggling like dogs, that's our choice."
Then, his gaze shifted toward Kure Ragna, amusement flickering in his eyes.
"Speaking of which…" His smirk widened.
"I heard you made quite a scene yesterday, talking big about this being an obedience test—a dog training exercise. You sounded pretty damn cool back then." He leaned forward slightly.
"But looking at you now… you're just another obedient student taking the test honestly with the rest of your mediocre class."
The taunt hung in the air, sharp and deliberate.
But Kure Ragna?
He didn't care.
Instead, he spread his arms in a mock surrender, his tone casual.
"Taking the exam honestly? Ah, yes, yes. Absolutely. You're completely right."
For a brief moment, Ryuen's grin faltered. He had expected pushback, a sharp retort, anything—but instead, Kure Ragna had agreed without hesitation.
It threw him off balance.
Kure Ragna, noticing the walkie-talkie sitting on the small table beside Ryuen, picked it up without hesitation.
"Hey, hey. Anyone on this channel? Thanks for grabbing me that bottle of water."
"—!"
Ryuen's expression darkened instantly. He snatched the device back, his fingers tightening around it. His irritation was subtle but unmistakable.
After a beat, he turned to the side and raised his voice slightly.
"Ishizaki!"
"Yes, boss!"
Not far away, Ishizaki—who had been in the middle of a volleyball match—immediately dropped what he was doing and ran over.
He didn't stop—he skidded into place, kneeling on one knee like a soldier awaiting orders.
The next second, ice-cold mineral water was dumped over his head.
"The water wasn't cold enough," Ryuen muttered, tossing the empty bottle aside.
"Get me two bottles of ice-cold water this time."
"U-Understood…!"
Ishizaki scrambled to his feet and sprinted toward their supply stockpile.
Moments later, he returned with two bottles dripping with condensation.
Ryuen took one, inspecting it with satisfaction. Then, with a casual flick of his wrist, he tossed the second bottle toward Kure Ragna.
"Here. Drink up."
His smirk returned.
"My treat."
Kure Ragna caught it effortlessly.
"I allow you to invite me," he quipped, twisting the cap off.
Ryuen chuckled. "Humph…"
Kure Ragna took a sip. After a moment's pause—having confirmed it wasn't tampered with—he handed it to Kei and Kikyo, letting them drink as well.
Then, as if remembering something, he suddenly smiled.
"By the way… I just noticed something interesting."
He took a step closer, lowering his voice slightly.
"There are thirty-eight people here, not counting us." He gestured around.
"And yet, none of them are carrying walkie-talkies."
His gaze flicked to the one in Ryuen's hand.
"Which brings us to the real question—where are the two missing students? And more importantly… who's on the other end of that radio?"
For the first time since their conversation started, Ryuen's smirk vanished.
His expression darkened noticeably.
"That's not something you should worry about." His voice was low.
Kure Ragna simply chuckled inwardly.
He's easy to read. Every emotion is written on his face.
So much for pretending to be on vacation. Ryuen was up to something—and it was about to get interesting.
"Well," Kure Ragna stretched, his tone light.
"Since you don't feel like sharing, I won't pry." He patted Kei and Kikyo on the shoulders, then shot Horikita a glance.
"Thanks for the water. We'll be going now."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, the others following close behind.
Ryuen remained silent, his fingers tightening around the walkie-talkie.
Only after Class B had fully disappeared from sight did he press the button.
"It's me. The plan has changed. Forget Class A. Find those two—now."
--------------------------------------
Support me at patreon.com/Arthorain and read upto 100 Advanced Chapters and Exclusive R-18 Content!