On the sandy beach near the forest, Ichinoe Honami gathered several Class A students around Hashima Hikaru. After discussing, they decided how to allocate their exam points for supplies.
"Ichinoe-san, what did you decide?"
Hashima Hikaru looked at the pink-haired girl, her face serious. To maximize class evaluation points, they had to minimize exam point usage.
"Here's what we thought."
Ichinoe Honami showed the guide booklet's exchange page. "First, basic cookware. With 40 people, food and water consumption will be high. Exchanging everything for points is costly, so we'll forage in the forest for edible plants or fruits."
"But raw food needs preparation, so cookware is essential."
She glanced at Hashima Hikaru, gauging his reaction.
"Right. The school set this exam to test endurance. If the island lacks edible resources, forcing food exchanges wouldn't be a challenge."
Hashima Hikaru nodded. "Anything else, Ichinoe-san?"
"Also, a fire-starting kit. Camping in the forest requires fire for warmth and cooking. Shindou-kun said even in summer, the temperature drops at night."
"Agreed, that's crucial."
Hashima Hikaru studied the exchange page. Items varied in price, most subtly costly.
"Other items can wait until we choose a campsite. Before foraging, we'll assign roles."
"Sounds good."
Hashima Hikaru nodded, scanning the items repeatedly. Suddenly, he turned to Hoshinomiya Chie.
"Teacher, since we can't pollute, how do we handle toilets?"
"Simple. The school prepared this."
Hoshinomiya Chie smiled, pulling a brown box from the supplies. After assembling it, she revealed a foldable toilet with a blue plastic bag and a white absorbent cloth.
"This is...?"
"A portable toilet."
She placed it before them. "The cloth absorbs waste and suppresses odors. After use, cover it. It's reusable."
Scanning the shocked students, she explained calmly: "Each class gets one. Bags and cloths are unlimited, so it's unisex. A lightweight tent ensures privacy."
"..."
After witnessing the assembly, the class fell silent—their first shock on the island. No one had used such a toilet before.
Though determined to save points, the atmosphere was heavy. Hashima Hikaru glanced at Ichinoe Honami, her face pale but eyes resolute.
"Since it's reusable, it's usable," Hashima Hikaru spoke up. "I know it's unbearable, but it's key to our advantage. Just seven days—we can endure."
"I can't force everyone. If anyone disagrees, speak now. The booklet offers toilets for 20 points, more than cookware."
Hearing this, Class A, though reluctant, prioritized points.
"I agree with Hashima-kun. One week—let's use this."
"Right, no need to spend 20 points."
"Points are precious."
Seeing their consensus, Hashima Hikaru smiled at Ichinoe Honami. "Our unity shines, Ichinoe-san."
"Yes, we'll save many points," she smiled, her gaze on his profile.
"With basics decided, let's move. Bring your supplies. We're finding a campsite."
"Let's go!"
After the discussion, Class A formed two lines, following Hashima Hikaru and Ichinoe Honami into the forest.
Leaving the hot beach for the lush forest, the temperature dropped noticeably.
Hashima Hikaru checked the island map in the booklet—basic directions only. He recalled spots with human traces from the ship, potential campsites.
After confirming the route, he quickened his pace, leading the group. "Follow me. Stay together. Boys, assist the girls."
"Yes!"
With Wilderness Survival (Master), Hashima Hikaru observed the surroundings. The school had prepared well—many forest paths were man-made.
Though slower than flat ground, with stamina, progress was steady.
After ten minutes, he spotted a semi-shrubby plant in the undergrowth, stopping the group.
"Hashima-kun, what is it?" Ichinoe Honami asked.
"Not our destination. I found something useful."
He dashed to the plants, confirming their identity. Mugwort—repels insects, disinfects, and sterilizes.
He gathered the mugwort, returning to puzzled stares.
"Don't be surprised. This is mugwort—burns to repel insects and disinfect. We'll use it before sleeping for better rest."
"Really?"
"You know this, Hashima-kun? Impressive!"
The class gathered, amazed.
"You're full of surprises, Hashima. Where'd you learn this?" Shibata played with a sprig, smiling.
"Childhood interest in the outdoors. I read a lot then. Didn't expect it to be useful now."
Hashima Hikaru improvised, explaining: "This island has many useful plants. We might find medicinal herbs to reduce illness, preventing withdrawals."
"Once camped, we'll forage. I'll teach you then, helping us survive."
"You're so reliable, Hashima-kun!"
"Having you in our class is great!"
Class A praised him, their trust deepening.
"I think so too," Ichinoe Honami smiled softly, her heart already his.
"Let's keep going!"
"Understood!"
After another ten minutes, Hashima Hikaru found the first spot he'd seen from the ship—a clearing with a stream.
A low hill provided shade, and the stream offered water for drinking and cleaning. Dense trees surrounded the area, and the hill served as an observation point.
"Wow! This is perfect!"
The class cheered, delighted by the spot.
Hashima Hikaru inspected the area, finding no occupation device from the booklet. It wasn't a base, just a rest area.
"Not a base?" the class noted, hesitating.
"Hashima-kun, your thoughts?" Ichinoe Honami asked.
"It's fine. Bases are for resources and competition. This avoids trouble," Hashima Hikaru explained. "Let's camp here."
His reasoning convinced them.
"Agreed. Let's set up!"
"Boys on physical tasks, girls on organizing. Let's work quickly!"
"Yes!"