People bring their own maids to the training camp

"Don't worry, Ryuen-kun. I suspect this exam won't be as easy as it seems." Chihaya placed the empty plate and bottle she was holding on the small table next to Ryuen. "Your plan might not go so smoothly. After all, our school is one that loves to surprise people."

Longyuan remained noncommittal.

"I'll remind Class D that you sent out a spy. I don't think you'll mind, right?"

"It doesn't matter."

"As for Class A, if you'd like, you might be able to team up with me to trick them—it would be good for both of us, wouldn't it?" Chihaya said. "You can come find me if you need to."

After saying that, Chihaya got up and left, walking towards Kanzaki, who was waiting quietly in the distance.

......

"So, how many points did Class C spend?"

“It’s far from 300 points, and it might not even reach 200 points,” Kanzaki said. “The value of the items in the tent is unknown, but there’s no doubt that Class C currently has 0 points.”

“It really is 0 o’clock, otherwise it would be a waste.” Chihaya nodded. “Since it’s 0 o’clock, it’s good. At least we don’t need to worry about fighting for the stronghold. After all, they will all leave sooner or later, so there’s no point in checking in at the stronghold.”

"Indeed, it's easier for us now that we have one less class vying for the base." In Kanzaki's mind, it was good that Class C, who had direct competition, was just slacking off. No matter what tricks Class C had up their sleeve, at least they had definitely spent all 300 points.

Class D, which had just broken through from double digits to triple digits, posed no threat whatsoever. Kanzaki even thought it was a good thing to occupy a few more strongholds, since it was better than letting Class A take them over.

"The next task is to continue searching for a base," Chihaya said, "unless something unexpected happens."

169. Emergencies

If there are no unexpected events, the main focus should be on finding a base.

However, around noon, the unexpected incident that Chihaya had mentioned occurred.

The homeroom teachers of the four classes announced that there would be a test similar to a "pop quiz" every day at noon. Classes that passed would not receive a reward, but those that failed would be penalized. The class with the best daily score would have the opportunity to draw lots for topics that would be beneficial to this special exam.

The details of the daily tests are announced on short notice. The homeroom teacher is only responsible for making the announcements. The tests are conducted at the class's designated location, and the results are communicated by the homeroom teacher.

After lunch, Hoshinomiya-sensei appeared at the camp and conveyed the announcement to everyone. She then stated that the first test would be wood chopping—axes and firewood would be provided by the school, and one person from each class would participate. The person who completed the most wood chopping within the time limit would win.

Regardless of ranking, all firewood can be kept free of charge.

The first-place winner receives no extra points from the special event and can draw a "lucky bag" once.

The second place winner will receive 5 fewer points from the special event and will receive 3 "Treasure Pouch" fragments.

The third-place winner will receive 10 fewer points from the special event and will also receive 1 "Treasure Pouch" fragment.

The fourth place winner receives 15 fewer points from the special event and has no chance to participate in the lottery.

Five fragments can be exchanged for a complete "treasure bag". If you don't need it, each fragment can be exchanged for 1 special event point.

This rule shocked several classes. It was one thing for the first place winner to draw lots, but the next three would actually have points deducted? This was unprecedented.

The school explained that occupying a checkpoint would earn 5 points a day, which is a significant amount, considering there are dozens of checkpoints on the entire deserted island. Even if each class were to divide the points equally, they would still receive a lot.

Furthermore, according to the school, the "trick" includes many beneficial features: such as reminders for leaders of other classes; the ability to switch power to one's own class before the other class reaches a certain check-in point; and the coordinates of where supplies are hidden.

In short, this "secret weapon" is extremely beneficial to the class that ranks first. Even if they don't get first place, the second and third place classes will also have fragments of the "secret weapon." As long as they don't always come in last place, they will always have a chance to get the "secret weapon."

"That's all for now. Everyone, please choose one person to compete. Although it's a competition, we don't know the speed of our opponents, so please don't hold back!" Teacher Hoshinomiya summarized.

"So, does anyone here have confidence in their arm and wrist strength?" Fanbo looked at the group of boys—because it was a strength-based competition, Fanbo immediately passed over Chihaya next to him.

However, Class B doesn't have any particularly burly boys; instead, Class C's black exchange student, Albert Yamada, and Class D's Sudo are both quite capable. Class A isn't entirely clear, but Kito seems to be a very strong player as well.

As for Class B, it seems there's only one choice: Shibata or Kanzaki.

The parties involved are also quite aware of this.

Shibata glanced at Kanzaki and spoke up, "Kanzaki, how about I do it?"

"Well, then I'll leave it to you."

“Then I’ll do it.” Shibata said to Honami and walked toward the place set up by the staff—a support point for placing a log several centimeters high, with an axe lying on the ground next to it.

"This really is wilderness survival now; we'll have to chop wood all the time," Hayasaka complained. "Are we going to have to look into fishing and hunting next?"

"You know what, considering this special exam about wilderness survival, it's really possible that it will be like this. After all, Professor Hoshinomiya just said that it's similar to a pop quiz! Since it's about survival, then it's naturally going to be this kind of test."

"If it's hunting, what kind of animal will you be shooting with a bow and arrow? Wouldn't that be very advantageous for you, Princess?"

As they chatted, Class B began to speculate whether hunting involved bows and arrows.

"Don't worry, everyone. If there's a hunting trip and we're going to use bows and arrows, I'll definitely volunteer." Chihaya immediately expressed her stance after hearing everyone's discussion.

"The archery club's ace is definitely no problem, but even if there is a hunting trip, I guess it will be something like shooting at moving targets. Wouldn't it be a bit too cruel to have students actually use bows and arrows to shoot animals?"

"In short, we can only take it one step at a time."

Class B had absolutely no hope for this "wood chopping" test; their current expectation was to at least get third place.

After all, Albert Yamada from Class C has basically secured first place, so even if Class C adopts a zero-point strategy, there is no need to give up this all-benefit strategy.

Therefore, Class B placed their hopes on the competition in the following days.

Shibata was the same; he was very quick with the first few pieces of firewood, but became slower and slower as he went on, and there were even times when he couldn't split a piece of firewood with one axe.

I was getting weaker and weaker.

The competition ended quickly, and Ms. Hoshinomiya waited for the results of the other groups to be released.

170. Give him a reason he can't refuse.

Soon, Ms. Hoshinomiya synchronized her learning through her headset and received the scores from the other classes.

"Class B is ranked fourth, deducting 15 special event points," Teacher Hoshinomiya announced. "The results of the other classes are confidential, and the contents of the lucky bags they drew are also confidential. Everyone, keep up the good work in the upcoming tests, and be careful when starting the fire tonight!"

After saying that, Hoshinomiya-sensei left Class B's camp.

"Everyone, I'm very sorry, it's all because of my incompetence." Shibata apologized to everyone after his defeat.

"It's not Shibata's fault, the rest of us would have been in the same boat," Honami comforted him. "Instead of dwelling on the failure, we should try to predict the next events and practice, like fishing or something."

"I'll practice fishing," Kanzaki volunteered. "My dad used to take me fishing, so I should have some experience."

“Okay, then I’ll leave it to Kanzaki-san.” Honami nodded. “As for the hunting that everyone mentioned before, if it’s archery, Chihaya will definitely participate, but she probably won’t need to practice, so Chihaya can still move around freely.”

Chihaya nodded, because she still had the responsibility of being a leader, so she naturally needed to continue searching for strongholds. It was something that Honami couldn't openly discuss.

Then Chihaya thought of something and looked at Kaneda, who was mingling among the Class B students.

Expecting a spy of this caliber to find the leader of Class B is impossible for Kaneda unless Chihaya deliberately reveals a flaw herself. However, while the leader cannot be found, Kaneda heard everything clearly about which place he got in the test.

This alone is crucial information; due to the different rankings of different classes, information gaps will inevitably arise. And these information gaps will become the key to widening the gap between classes.

So, after Hanami finished speaking, Chihiro pulled her aside and called Kanzaki and the other two to have a small meeting.

"Is there something you want to say, Chihaya?" Honami asked.

"Here's the thing, although Class C doesn't know what their next move is, they've undoubtedly adopted a zero-point strategy. They'll probably return to the ship after today. In that case, there's no need for Kaneda to stay here and share our hardships, right?" Chihaya shared her thoughts with the two of them.

Kanzaki naturally agreed with this.

"Well, if everyone else in Class C goes back to the ship, it would be better if Kaneda went back to the ship too. After all, wilderness survival isn't exactly a fun activity—he is a classmate of Class C, and he might be able to help his class with the tests every noon."

"Hmm, that makes sense, but how should we tell him about this? We took him in voluntarily, and now that we've discovered the changes in the exam, sending him back to the ship would seem like deliberately kicking him out. Wouldn't that be inappropriate?"

“Then let me explain to Kaneda,” Chihaya said. “I’ll give him a reason he can’t refuse.”

"That's a really intimidating thing to say, Ms. Corleone," Kanzaki retorted.

"Oh, it's not one of those reasons you can't refuse, okay? I'm very gentle."

"Are you talking about encrypted calls? I don't understand." Honami looked at Chihaya and then Kanzaki, not understanding what the "unavoidable reason" they were talking about meant.

"Actually, it comes from a classic line in the movie Godfather. The Godfather who said this line later used some pretty terrible methods to achieve his goal," Kanzaki explained simply. "But as for Himegami-san, her intimidation power over many people is probably more exaggerated than that of teachers and student council presidents. After all, she is the 'Demon King'."

"..." Chihaya fell silent. He was truly helpless about the title of "Demon King". "Anyway, I'll take responsibility. I'll be polite and get Kaneda to leave voluntarily."

"I trust Chihaya." Honami nodded. "Then I'll leave it to you?"

"Ah."

......

Chihaya came to Kaneda's side.

Can we chat for a bit?

“Of course.” Kaneda adjusted his glasses and followed Chihaya to a secluded spot.

“You can go back to Class C now,” Chihaya said bluntly. “I’ve already spoken with Ryuen, and he will personally come and talk to me about any issues.”

"What are you talking about? I don't quite understand," Jintian said, feigning ignorance.

"Don't understand? Then do you need me to take you to Class A?" Chihaya said bluntly. "Ryuen and I have reached an agreement. If you continue to play dumb, you will bear all the losses."

"...I'm sorry, I was just testing the waters, after all, this is a serious matter." Kaneda quickly apologized.

"Just go back and explain a few words to Honami," Chihaya said. "Anyway, Class B came in last place today, so I'll give you this information for free."

"Thank you so much."

"Go back and remind Long Yuan about my situation with him, and tell him to keep it hidden. I might go looking for him."

"Understood, understood, I will definitely convey it to the right person." Now Kaneda trusted Chihaya even more, but he was also curious as to why Ryuen and Class B were also cooperating. Could it be that simply cooperating with Class A was not enough?

"As for guessing the leader, I guess the first place in this round will be your Class C, so let's just rely on our abilities." After saying that, Chihaya signaled to Kaneda that he could leave.

Sure enough, Kaneda quickly picked up his bag, thanked Honami and the people in Class B, and said that he was going back to the ship.

According to regulations, even members who return to the ship can participate in the daily tests, so Kaneda's explanation is very reasonable.

"Chihaya, you're so efficient!" Honami exclaimed.

"Kinda was already suspicious to begin with, so it's a good thing that he's willing to go back on his own now."

"what?"

"Don't you have any doubts, Hobo? How could an honest man like Kaneda dare to rebel against Ryuen?"

"Hahaha, I was only thinking that Ryuen-kun is the type who would actually hit someone, but I didn't consider whether anyone would dare to stand up to him..." Honami laughed awkwardly. Chihaya's words made her realize something. "Thank goodness for Chihaya, otherwise we would have been in trouble if he did something like that."

"We can only give him the information that he came in fourth today," Kanzaki said as he walked over. "But it's okay, we need to arrange for someone to be on guard when we conduct the next test."

"Yes, Kanzaki-san is right!" Honami nodded repeatedly. "Let's do our best together from now on!"