Practical Classroom: Kaoru Hanayama's Classroom of Merit

Fifteen minutes had passed since Koenji disappeared into the depths of the forest.

The students of Class C, forced to wait on the beach where there was no shade, were gradually pushing their physical strength to the limit.

"It's so hot... I can't take it anymore, I'm going to dry out..."

Karuizawa Megumi fanned herself with the handbook that had been handed out, then slumped helplessly onto the beach.

Not only her, but also Shinohara, Wang Meiyu, and other female students complained about the hot weather.

"Hey, how long are we going to wait in a place like this? Let's hurry up and find some shade and a base in the forest!"

Ken Sudo, barely able to contain his anxiety, shouted loudly.

Yosuke Hirata looked at the entrance to the forest with a worried expression.

"But if we move from here, Koenji-kun might get lost on his way back. And we don't have any means of communication..."

The smart devices have been confiscated, and on this vast, uninhabited island, once separated, it will be extremely difficult to reunite.

Just when everyone was stuck in a dilemma, unable to move.

"Hey, you over there."

Kaoru Hanayama's deep and calm voice rang out.

He walked toward Chazusa, who was standing under the shade of a coconut tree, arms crossed, gazing at the sea.

"You stay here and help Kougenji give him directions when he comes back."

"……ha?"

Tea Pillar's eyes widened in surprise at these unexpected words.

"Wait, wait a minute, Hanayama-kun!? No matter how you look at it, this is a bit... a bit... to say this to the teacher..."

Kikyo Kushida hurriedly tried to interject, but Hanayama didn't even glance at her, looking down at the tea stalk and continuing to speak.

"The manual doesn't say anything about teachers being prohibited from giving directions."

Everything that is not explicitly stated in the rules is permitted.

When it comes to exploiting loopholes, no one in Huashan, living in the inner circle of society, can surpass him.

Chazhu frowned slightly, looking somewhat displeased.

To maintain the fairness of examinations, teachers should limit their excessive intervention in students' lives.

However, as Huashan said, this is not an explicitly prohibited matter.

"Hmph. You're quick-witted when it comes to these crooked ideas."

Chazhu sighed and coldly uttered a sentence.

"Tell me your decision. I will convey it to Koenji when he returns."

"I'm sorry to have troubled you."

Huashan slightly lowered his chin and bowed.

"Seriously? They actually used a teacher as a road sign?"

Amidst the stunned mutterings of the crowd, Class C finally began to move towards the forest.

However, at this point, the next problem arose.

"Who's going to move this?"

Haruki Yamauchi pointed to the distributed supplies piled up like a small mountain.

Two huge folding tents for eight people each, and a set of modular temporary toilets.

Each set includes a metal frame and is much heavier than it looks.

It's too heavy for girls to lift, and even for boys, it would take several people working together to move it.

Moreover, the physical exertion of carrying these things through a pathless forest would be immeasurable.

Just as everyone was preparing to discuss how to share the burden.

"Get out of the way."

Huashan walked over and grabbed the handles of two huge tent bundles, each weighing several tens of kilograms, with just one hand.

Then, with his other hand, he held the box containing the temporary toilet in his hand as well.

"It would be a real problem if it fell on the ground and broke. I'll carry it. Can someone lead the way?"

"Ah, me, me! I used to go camping all the time, I have a lot of experience!"

Coming to his senses, Ike Kanji hurriedly raised his hand.

"By observing the growth of the plants and the slope of the terrain, we can roughly determine the direction of the water source! Leave it to me!"

"Very good. You lead the way."

Led by Ike, Class C and their group stepped into the forest.

Once inside the forest, the lush trees blocked the direct sunlight, and the perceived temperature dropped rapidly.

He was indeed knowledgeable about the pond; he accurately interpreted the animal footprints and the growth of moss, preventing the class from getting lost and guiding them from the front.

Soon, the faint sound of gurgling water reached my ears.

"See? Just as I guessed!"

In the distance that Chi pointed to with a triumphant air, there was a clear, flowing stream.

There is also a flat space nearby that is large enough to pitch a tent.

"Wow! That's amazing! The water is so cool and refreshing!"

The girls cheered and splashed water from the river onto their faces.

Freed from thirst and the sweltering heat, a sense of peace filled the classroom.

With a thud, Huashan placed the supplies on the ground.

"It's a good place; the pond is quite well-drained."

"Hehe, right? I'm a pro at outdoor survival!"

When praised by Huashan, Chi rubbed the area below his nose shyly.

He, who is usually complacent and makes frequent mistakes, has shown clear value in this environment.

Just then.

"Aaaaaaaahh ...

Suddenly, a strange cry, like that of Tarzan, rang out from above the forest.

Everyone in the class was startled and looked up at the ceiling.

Shhh! Shhh!

A man, gripping a sturdy vine tightly with both hands, swung through the air in an illogical manner.

"Hahaha! Nice Landing!"

The man drew a beautiful parabola in the air and landed silently and elegantly on the flat ground in front of Class C.

"Taka... Takaenji-kun!?"

Hirata's eyes widened, and he let out a startled cry.

Koenji Rokusuke elegantly tossed his bangs and twirled the key card in his hand with his fingertips to show everyone.

"Oh, Hirata Boy and everybody. Kneel down before the beautiful me! I've magnificently unlocked all six key strongholds on this island!"

"Six, six!?"

Hirata's voice trembled with astonishment.

Only about an hour into the exam, Gaoyuan Temple had already covered all six outposts on this vast, uninhabited island.

Moreover, this was the result of forcibly advancing through a forest where there were no roads.

"Hehehe. I also ran into those guys from Class A along the way. Probably because that sickly little girl was being carried on the back of a girl who looked very unhappy and had a fierce look in her eyes, the whole class was moving very slowly."

Koenji's shoulders trembled as if he found the memory amusing.

"Although they seem to be desperately searching for a base, sadly, they're nowhere near as elegant or fast as me. I've already checked in at all three bases along their path! Hehehehehe!"

"...Kouenji-kun, isn't that a bit too provocative...?"

Hirata tried to persuade him with a wry smile, but Koenji didn't take it to heart at all.

"Instead of that, let's set up our base here. What a beautiful little stream. Come on, let me rest in the shade for a bit."

Just then, Hirata suddenly realized something and tilted his head in confusion.

"Huh? Speaking of which, Koenji-kun. Where's Chabashira-sensei? Isn't he with you?"

The teacher who was supposed to be waiting for Kogenji on the beach was nowhere to be seen.

"Tea Pillar Teacher? What happened?"

Koenji struck a pose boasting about his physique and spoke casually.

"I just heard you guys talking nearby, so I swung over here on the tree branch."

(Tea Pillar Teacher, are you still standing pointlessly on the beach under the scorching sun?)

Faced with this fact, several students in the class looked towards the sea and clasped their hands together.