On the edge of a cliff.
After securing the stronghold for the first time, Hikigaya crouched down, stacking a few stones together to create a makeshift stove. He had successfully landed himself the job he wanted—boiling water.
His task was simple: provide drinking and washing water for the class while keeping an eye on the fire. It couldn’t get any easier.
Meanwhile, Ichinose and the others were busy setting up an awning. A few boys were putting up tents, and several girls were handling cleaning duties. Everyone was actively contributing, with no one slacking off. It was a well-coordinated effort—almost admirable.
Just then, a voice rang out.
"Everyone, I found a cornfield over there!"
A random classmate rushed back to the camp, holding up fresh corn in excitement.
"Really?"
"Yeah! Let’s go! If we bring more people, we’ll have dinner sorted."
Excitement rippled through the group, and several students hurried off toward the cornfield, eager to gather supplies.
Moments later, another voice cut through the air.
"Guys! Listen up! Watanabe is amazing at fishing! He caught several fish in one go!"
"Seriously? Let me see!"
Watanabe and his group returned triumphantly, carrying bags filled with freshly caught river fish. They beamed with pride, showing off their haul.
"By the way, Hikigaya! Can you make a few more stoves?"
"If we have more, the girls can cook faster."
"Yeah! Why don’t we just buy two pots and cook for ourselves for the next few days?"
"That’s a great idea. Does anyone in our class know how to cook?"
"I do! I used to cook a lot at home, but I’m not sure if I’m good at it."
"It doesn’t need to be fancy, just edible. As long as no one gets food poisoning, we’re good."
"Exactly. If we save points like this, we might be able to reach Class A soon."
"Also, we need more firewood. Can someone help gather some?"
"Oh, I’ll do it! I know a good spot nearby."
The enthusiasm in Class B was at an all-time high. Everyone was eager to contribute, motivated by the prospect of advancing in rank.
Hikigaya, on the other hand, remained squatting off to the side, completely speechless.
Wait a second.
Didn’t his workload just increase out of nowhere?
Cooking and boiling water at the same time? That meant he needed at least three stoves—no, four, just to be safe.
He sighed.
Well, it was only the first day. A little extra effort was normal.
Hopefully, things would ease up tomorrow.
Evening Falls
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky turned a warm shade of orange, casting long shadows over the camp.
Dinner was finally ready.
Fresh fish soup, steamed corn, and a selection of fruit—not exactly a feast, but enough to fill their stomachs.
The boys had finished setting up the tents, and empty plastic bottles were now filled with river water for later use.
Hikigaya wiped the sweat from his forehead.
This exam was turning out to be surprisingly easy.
Even though he had no idea how the other classes were faring, Class B was doing remarkably well.
Still, there were certain aspects of the rules that bothered him. But for now, he focused on handling his own responsibilities.
Just then, a commotion broke out near the camp entrance.
"Ah, Shibata, Huko! You’re back! Wait, huh?"
"Shibata... who is that?"
Hikigaya turned toward the source of the confusion.
Shibata and Huko had just returned from gathering fruit, their arms full. But trailing behind them was an unfamiliar blond-haired man wearing glasses.
He didn’t recognize everyone in Class B yet, but judging from the murmurs, the newcomer wasn’t one of them.
"This is Satoru Kaneda from Class C," Shibata explained with a smile.
Hikigaya’s mind blanked for a moment.
Wait... what?
Did they seriously just bring in someone from Class C?
There was still a test at the end of the exam that required them to guess the opposing class’s leader, right?
And they were just letting him waltz right in?
Was that... really okay?
"Shibata, what’s going on?" someone asked.
"Well," Shibata began, "Kaneda-san had a disagreement with his classmates and got kicked out. I couldn’t just leave him out there, so I brought him back to Class B to rest."
He spoke as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Don’t worry," Shibata added. "I’ll ask Ichinose for her opinion. Kaneda-san, please wait here for a moment."
"Yes, I understand. Thank you, Shibata-san," Kaneda replied awkwardly.
Meanwhile, Hikigaya stood frozen in disbelief.
Was this guy an idiot?
What if Kaneda was a spy?
No—this was definitely a spy.
It had to be.
There was no other explanation.
Even if he got kicked out of his class, he could still buy supplies with his own points. And if he had no points left, he could simply give up on the exam.
So why come to Class B?
Hikigaya felt his stomach churn in frustration.
Sure, he wasn’t obsessed with reaching Class A, but it was still the goal. And their class points affected his monthly allowance.
He was fine with working hard on his own tasks.
But this?
This was beyond ridiculous.
He snuck over to Juke and whispered, "Hey."
"Huh?" Juke jumped, clutching her chest. "You scared me! What are you sneaking around for?"
Hikigaya ignored her complaint and asked bluntly, "Is there something wrong with your brain?"
Juke frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Why did you guys bring him back?"
Juke sighed, glancing at Shibata. She lowered her voice. "Shibata said he couldn’t just leave him out there. If I objected, I’d look heartless."
Hikigaya felt his patience thinning.
Great.
So even though they knew he could be a spy, they still brought him back.
Now, everything depended on Ichinose’s decision.
Soon, Ichinose arrived with Shibata.
"Kaneda-san, long time no see," she greeted him with her usual warmth.
"I’m sorry for causing trouble, Ichinose-san," Kaneda replied. "I don’t want to impose—I can leave if necessary."
Ichinose studied him with clear eyes.
"As the class representative, I need to be responsible for Class B," she said with a gentle but firm smile. "If you can answer a few questions, I’ll consider letting you stay. I hope you understand."
Kaneda gave a bitter smile and nodded.
"Of course. I understand."
Ichinose’s expression remained unreadable.
"From what I know, Ryuuen dominates Class C through violence," she said. "Even if I don’t agree with his methods, I know he always acts with a purpose."
She looked at Kaneda directly.
"So, why exactly were you kicked out?"
Hikigaya’s eyes widened.
Ichinose wasn’t just being kind—she was testing him.
He exhaled in relief.
It seemed she wasn’t as naive as he feared.
Still, what Kaneda said next might change everything.
___________________________________
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