In fact, this wasn't their first encounter, but in a sense, it could be considered their official meeting.
Kaoru Mitoma had an impression of Karuizawa Kei. She was the fashionable queen bee of Class D, standing at the top of the social hierarchy, with many girls surrounding her.
And now, she was followed by several girls, all sizing up Kaoru Mitoma, with some even lighting up with interest.
"Are you Kaoru Mitoma-kun from Class A?" Karuizawa Kei seemed quite interested in him.
"If no one has stolen my name without permission, then yes, I am Kaoru Mitoma from Class A."
Seeing his serious expression, Karuizawa Kei was momentarily stunned, then couldn't help but laugh.
"Hahaha, who would steal your name? You're quite amusing."
"May I ask—is it true that you're dating Sakayanagi-san?" one of the girls inquired.
Kaoru Mitoma paused for a moment. "Who told you that?"
"Everyone's saying it. And did you two break up recently?"
"Break up?"
"Yeah, Kamuro-san came in later."
"…"
It seemed that being too reckless in the library had attracted unnecessary attention.
Kaoru Mitoma cleared his throat and solemnly told the girls.
"I am pure and upright, and my relationship with Sakayanagi-san is completely innocent. There's nothing improper between us."
The girls were momentarily stunned.
Karuizawa Kei reacted the fastest and quickly apologized "Sorry, sorry, we said things we shouldn't have."
Although she held a high status in the class and was the center of the girls' circle, she still had to show some politeness when dealing with Kaoru Mitoma.
Well, it wasn't just because he was from Class A, but also because he was good-looking—these were all plus points.
"No, it's fine. I just don't want to be misunderstood" Kaoru Mitoma blinked.
"I'm still single and don't have a girlfriend."
Karuizawa Kei was slightly taken aback, then chuckled playfully.
"In that case, why don't we hang out sometime? Maybe Mitoma-kun will even find a girlfriend!"
"I'm always free."
"Hahaha, you're really something!"
Since they couldn't chat for too long, Karuizawa Kei led her group of friends back to her class.
One of the girls glanced subtly at Kaoru Mitoma before following Karuizawa Kei footsteps.
She had some interest, but not much.
Kaoru averted his gaze and walked to his class's queue when an unexpected remark came from beside him.
"I thought you'd keep pestering those girls."
"With you watching, I'm scared."
"Tch, smooth talker."
Kamuro Masumi placed one hand on her hip and slightly distanced herself from Kaoru Mitoma, her gaze drifting toward the side.
The cruise ship had already docked at the pier, and many staff members could be seen disembarking.
Under the direction of Mashima Tomonari, the students of Class A underwent inspections one by one before descending the gangway to gather on the beach.
Soon, students from all classes were assembled on the beach, facing a makeshift stage.
"It's so sunny. When can we start the free activities?" someone muttered under their breath.
At that moment, under everyone watchful eyes, Mashima Tomonari stood on the stage with a megaphone, addressing the crowd with a serious expression.
"First, I'm glad everyone has arrived here safely today. However, some are unfortunately absent due to health reasons."
Although Sakayanagi Arisu wasn't particularly enthusiastic about Class A and approached things with a somewhat playful attitude, she wouldn't push herself to the point of becoming a burden to everyone at this moment.
"Next, we will begin this year first special exam."
As Mashima Tomonari spoke, murmurs of confusion arose among the students, especially from Class D.
"Wait, what's a special exam?!"
Regarding the special exam, Class A was well-informed, Classes B and C had some idea, but Class D was completely in the dark.
"From today until the end of the exam, it will last for one week, ending at 12 PM on August 7th,"
Mashima Tomonari explained.
"During this time, you will learn to live collectively on this uninhabited island. This is the content of the exam. Additionally, this special exam is modeled after real corporate training and holds significant reference value and practical meaning."
Kaoru Mitoma felt exasperated.
In a certain Eastern country, there's a wolf-like corporate culture, and here in Japan, it's survival in the wild, huh?
"How could this be?" someone paled. "So, we're supposed to survive in the wild on this island?"
"Correct. During the exam, you are not allowed to board the ship without a valid reason. From sleeping arrangements to food and water, you'll need to prepare everything yourselves."
Under Mashima Tomonari explanation, the first-year students gradually grasped the situation.
The school would provide each class with two tents, two flashlights, and a box of matches. As for personal items, each student would receive a toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, and unlimited access to sanitary products.
Hmm, clearly not enough.
"The theme of this special exam is freedom. Whether you want to swim at the beach or have a barbecue is entirely up to you."
"Wait, a free exam?!"
"Before the exam begins, the school will distribute 300 exam points to each class. We've also prepared a guide for you. Here, you can use these points to purchase daily necessities, including food and recreational items. As long as you use the points wisely, you can fully enjoy this vacation-like experience."
"Does that mean even if we spend it all, it won't affect us?"
"Not at all. These are exam points and won't deduct from your class points."
Hearing this, some people instinctively relaxed and smiled.
However, Mashima Tomonari quickly shattered some people's illusions.
"But at the end of the exam, any remaining exam points will be converted into class points at a one-to-one ratio."
The entire area fell silent, with only the sound of the sea breeze and the occasional rustle of sand on the beach.
Soon, discussions broke out among the various classes, and the students of Class A almost unanimously turned their gaze toward Katsuragi Kohei.
Katsuragi Kohei, however, instinctively glanced at Kaoru Mitoma, only to find him casually observing the other classes.
"In the special exam rules, if someone withdraws from the exam due to physical discomfort or other reasons, their class will be deducted 30 exam points as per the rules. Class A has one absence, so this exam will start with 270 points."
After explaining the penalty, Mashima Tomoya announced that the briefing was over, and the classes were free to move around.
Thus, the students of each class gathered around their respective homeroom teachers, and Class A was no exception.
"Does everything on the island have to be handled by us students?" Katsuragi Kohei asked.
"Yes, the school won't interfere. You can do whatever you want, and even if you encounter difficulties, figuring out how to solve them is part of the exam," Mashima Tomonari replied.
Many Class A students looked thoughtful.
If they used exam points to purchase necessary supplies, their class would be at a disadvantage with 30 fewer points than the others.
"Guess we'll have to make do with what's available here" Katsuragi Kohei murmured, glancing toward the distant mountains.
Since this was a place carefully arranged by the school, there should be plenty of food.
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