Practical Classroom: Kaoru Hanayama's Classroom of Merit

"To avoid any misunderstanding, let me clarify first. This school doesn't just look at academic ability. Coordination, judgment, and the ability to survive in any environment... these are all aspects that will be evaluated on you. This special exam is prepared for this purpose."

Chashiba Sae explained in a slightly trembling voice.

(What? So you don't need to study?)

Upon hearing this, Huashan's muscles relaxed completely.

Since he doesn't need to study and is just doing wilderness survival on a deserted island, it's no different from a vacation for him.

(...Upon closer reflection, it's just that my planned vacation fell through.)

As the leader of the Yakuza and someone who walks the path of chivalry, unexpected troubles should be a daily occurrence.

However, to release such an aura that frightens those around him is really quite immature.

"Sorry. I was just in a bad mood earlier."

Huashan muttered something softly.

The terrifying aura that had dominated the deck suddenly vanished.

"Haa, haa...!"

"What... what just happened? I thought I was going to die."

The students, led by Ike and Yamauchi, all began to breathe heavily.

Karuizawa, who had just collapsed, gripped Kushida's arm tightly, tears of relief welling in her eyes.

Chazhu felt the cold sweat trickling down his back, cleared his throat, and turned his gaze back to the manual.

"...Ahem. Now I'll explain the rules of the exam."

Chazhu's voice returned to its usual cold and stern tone.

"First of all, in order to get through this week, the school will distribute 300 special points to each class."

"Special points? Are they similar to personal points?"

Hirata raised his hand and asked, and Chabashira nodded.

"That's right. Anything you need on this island—food, drinking water, tents, even leisure items—as long as it's listed in the manual, can be purchased from the school using these special points. The selection is very comprehensive."

Upon hearing those words, a bright and cheerful expression immediately lit up on Ike Kanji's face.

"What?! So that's how it is! In other words, if I use points to buy things, I can enjoy camping! That sounds pretty good!"

For Chi, who already enjoys outdoor activities, the camping trip, with its generous budget, felt like a reward.

Chazhu did not deny Ikena's optimistic words.

"It's definitely possible to spend all your points and have a comfortable week."

What Chashu is about to say is the real core of this exam.

"However, a week later, any remaining special points at the end of the exam will be added to the class points for each class."

"Eh...!"

A commotion broke out among the students.

"Your class currently has 660 points. In comparison, Class B above has 850 points."

Chazhu paused deliberately for a moment, then continued.

"The difference is only 190 points. If you use your points wisely, while Class B wastes them, there's a possibility that the class rankings will reverse after the summer vacation."

Horikita Suzune's eyes flashed sharply.

For her, who wanted to move up to Class A, this special exam was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity.

"Whether you spend all your points and enjoy your vacation to the fullest, or endure a painful life to save your points... how you act during this exam is entirely up to you."

At this moment, Hirata raised another question in a calm voice.

"Teacher, if we don't use points, do we start from having nothing?"

"No, it's not that unreasonable yet. We will provide you with the basic supplies you need to survive."

Tea Pillar read out the list.

"Each class will be provided with two tents for eight people each, two flashlights, and a box of matches. In addition, considering the hygiene of girls, menstrual products will be provided without limit, and sunscreen can be applied for free."

Hearing this, several girls patted their chests in relief.

"In addition, each class will be equipped with a modular toilet and a tent for shelter."

Then Chashu held up a booklet with a map of the island and showed it to everyone.

"This island has abundant natural resources. If you look for them, you can be self-sufficient in food and water. It all depends on what you do."

Up to this point, we have been discussing living infrastructure.

"Next, we'll discuss the rules regarding strongholds and leaders on the island. Listen carefully."

Everyone on deck listened intently, holding their breath.

"Several special outposts have been prepared on this island. The class that occupies an outpost will have exclusive access for eight hours. They will also receive a temporary bonus. The right to occupy an outpost will automatically expire after eight hours, and the outpost can be occupied repeatedly thereafter."

"Does that mean we can end up with more than 300 points?"

Horikita muttered something under his breath.

"That's right. But not just anyone can take over a base. It must be done by the unique leader designated by each class. You need to set up your base camp by 5 p.m. today and report to me who will be the leader."

Chashu's eyes narrowed as if he found it amusing.

"The identity of this leader must absolutely not be known to other classes. This would affect the leader guessing game held on the last day of the exam."

"Guess the leader?"

"If you guess the leader of another class correctly, that class's 50 points will be transferred to you. Conversely, if you guess incorrectly, 50 points will be forfeited from your points. Of course, the class whose leader is identified will have 50 points deducted as a penalty, and the points gained from capturing strongholds will also be forfeited."

It's not just about surviving on a deserted island; it also requires engaging in an intelligence war and psychological warfare of mutual probing.

"Once the base camp is finalized, roll call will be conducted there every morning at 8:00 AM and every evening at 8:00 PM. For each instance of being late or missing roll call, 5 special points will be deducted as punishment."

Finally, Chashu pointed to the special watch he was wearing on his wrist for display.

"No one may remove this watch at any time. It is designed to monitor your vital signs, such as body temperature and pulse."

"Monitoring physical condition?"

"If a student is deemed unable to continue the exam due to injury or illness, or withdraws from the competition because they cannot endure it, they will be sent back to the ship."

The sound of the tea stick became even deeper.

"For each participant who withdraws from the competition, 30 points will be deducted from the class's special points."

Make sure no one is left behind, no one is absent, and you also need to conserve points, and then find out the leaders of other classes.

"That concludes the rules explanation. If you are found to have engaged in violent behavior against other classes, you will be immediately disqualified and all your points will be forfeited. Remember this well."

As the tea column finished its explanation, the sound of the gangway being lowered rang out.

"Now, take your watches and manuals, and head down the island. The week-long survival test is about to begin."

With that sentence as a signal, the students of Class C took their first heavy steps toward the dense forest island they had never seen before.

Huashan silently accepted the distributed manual and watch, feeling relieved that he didn't have to take a written exam, and slowly walked off the ship from the back of the line.