After Hoshinomiya Chie revealed the final rule, everyone understood the true purpose of the exam. In the current class ranking system, the 300 special exam points, convertible to 300 class evaluation points, took on new significance.
If they minimized the use of these points over the seven days, the remaining points would yield higher rewards. Though the gap between the top and bottom classes was significant, these 300 points still carried considerable weight.
Classes A and B, the top two, were less than 50 points apart, while Classes C and D, the bottom two, were around 100 points apart. If they could earn more class evaluation points through this exam, the rankings might reshuffle by the end of summer vacation.
This idea quickly became a consensus among the students. It wasn't just about class rankings—it also affected personal points, translating to real money and reputation. Instantly, the value of this wilderness survival exam became clear.
Scanning the four classes, Hoshinomiya Chie continued with the megaphone:
"Each class will receive a guide booklet detailing rules for living on the uninhabited island. If lost, you can get a replacement, but it'll cost exam points, so keep it safe."
"Additionally, one student has already forfeited before the exam began. Her Class B will lose 30 exam points, leaving them with 270 points to start."
"This is a key rule to remember. If a class member can't continue the exam for any reason, this will happen. Be mindful."
"That's the basics. Now, you can disperse. Listen to your homeroom teachers for further details. The exam officially begins now!"
After her final words, the four classes separated on the beach, gathering around their respective teachers for internal discussions.
Hoshinomiya Chie quickly returned to Class A. Seeing her approach, Hashima Hikaru and Ichinoe Honami stepped forward.
"Everyone, do you understand the exam rules? This sudden special exam must be surprising," the young teacher smiled, observing her two most valued students.
"Teacher, Hashima-kun actually predicted this special exam before the cruise," a student raised their hand.
"Yeah, we had a meeting about it. He was right on the mark," another added.
"Really? That's impressive!" Hoshinomiya Chie's eyes widened in surprise. She praised Hashima Hikaru: "You're amazing, Hashima-kun. How did you foresee this?"
"Just a simple analysis. I didn't expect wilderness survival, though. Everyone must feel overwhelmed now."
Hashima Hikaru gave a wry smile. After scanning the class, he asked Hoshinomiya Chie, "Please explain more details. We'll figure out how to pass this exam."
"Yes, please explain further," Ichinoe Honami nodded seriously.
"Alright."
"First, I'll distribute wristwatches. Keep them on until the exam ends. Removing them without permission will result in penalties."
The staff who had been setting up tents approached with a box containing the watches and other supplies—likely the basic items mentioned earlier.
"These watches track time, body temperature, pulse, and location via satellite. Crucially, they have a button to contact the school in emergencies. Don't hesitate to use it if you face unmanageable situations."
Hoshinomiya Chie's expression turned serious: "This is an exam, but I don't want you to overdo it. I want all of you safe by the end. Understood?"
"Yes!" the class responded in unison.
"I'll monitor everyone's condition. Rest assured, teacher," Ichinoe Honami nodded, promising to stay vigilant.
"I trust you, Ichinoe-san."
Hoshinomiya Chie nodded. As watches were distributed, she added, "The watches are waterproof, so keep them on during rain or showers. If they malfunction, exam staff will replace them immediately."
"What emergencies are we talking about? Will there be dangers on the island, like wild animals?" Ando, wearing his watch, raised his hand.
Before Hoshinomiya Chie could answer, Hashima Hikaru spoke up.
"I don't think you need to worry. This island is artificial, not untouched wilderness. The school chose it after surveying, so wild animals are unlikely."
"Exactly, Hashima-kun is sharp," Hoshinomiya Chie followed his lead. "Your task is to survive here for a week. The school won't interfere. If you don't use exam points for food or water, you'll have to manage on your own."
"Are there more rules?" Hashima Hikaru glanced at the guide booklet, then passed it to Ichinoe Honami. "I'd like all the details at once, so we can plan."
"Haha, you're so proactive, Hashima-kun. I'm excited to see your performance."
Hoshinomiya Chie smiled and explained the remaining rules.
"Next, about me. School rules require homeroom teachers to stay with their class until the exam ends. For wilderness survival, choose a campsite. Once decided, I'll mark it as our base."
"Bases can't be changed without valid reason, so choose wisely."
She paused, then continued: "Bases are for roll calls. The rules are in the booklet. Hashima-kun, please explain them to everyone later."
"Got it," Hashima Hikaru nodded, glancing at his classmates, who listened intently.
"There's one more crucial rule."
Hoshinomiya Chie pointed to the island: "There are multiple bases here, each with an Occupation mechanism. Occupying a base grants usage rights. How you use it is up to your class."
"However, occupation lasts only 8 hours. After that, the occupying class loses rights. Each occupation earns 1 extra point."
"Extra points?"
Sensitive to scores, a Class A student asked, "Can they be added to our exam score?"
"Yes, but extra points can't be used during the exam to exchange for supplies."
"So, occupying more bases means more class evaluation points later," Shibata, the athletic type, sounded excited. He was action-oriented and didn't mind the effort.
"No, this requires caution," Ichinoe Honami opened the guide booklet, having studied it closely.
"Occupying bases ties to another key rule: the leader's identity."
The pink-haired girl explained: "Only the leader can use the keycard to occupy bases. Before the exam ends, there's a guessing game for other classes' leaders. Correct guesses earn 50 points."
"More importantly, if your leader is guessed, your class's extra points are reset to zero."
"So, frequent occupation increases the risk of exposing our leader?"
"Right, it's a balance of opportunity and risk... Tough rule."
Class A grasped the rule's core. They agreed caution was needed; otherwise, hard-earned points could vanish if their leader was guessed.
"True, but guessing leaders isn't mandatory. You can opt out," Hoshinomiya Chie smiled. "Decide on a leader today. I'll make the keycard."
Hearing this, the students turned to Hashima Hikaru and Ichinoe Honami at the front.
From the start of school, they had led the class. If a leader was needed, it would be one of them.
"Hashima-kun, what do you think?" Ichinoe Honami tilted her head, looking at him.
"Let's hold off on the leader. I have something else to say first."
Hashima Hikaru took the booklet from her, preparing to share his thoughts.