Chapter 090 AC Class Conspiracy, Targeting Hikigaya!
The hidden spot beneath the cliff.
"Found it! It really is here!"
Totsuka Yahiko cautiously descended the stairs by the cliffside and discovered a small wooden hut situated right at the bottom.
"I spotted this location while we were still on the ship." Katsuragi Kohei opened the door. Upon checking the scanning device inside and seeing it was still in an unoccupied state, a confident smile surfaced on his face.
"As expected of Katsuragi-kun! You're the only one who could find this place so quickly." Totsuka Yahiko skillfully offered his sycophantic praise, then pulled the leader's keycard from his pocket. "So, shall we occupy this spot?"
"No. This location is too remote. While we could fish since it's by the sea, it lacks fresh water. It's not suitable as a base for Class A," Katsuragi Kohei shook his head in rejection. "Search the area; see if there are any useful supplies."
The two searched the interior of the hut.
"Katsuragi-kun, look! This is a medical kit worth 30 points!" Totsuka Yahiko held up a blue medical bag, looking extremely excited.
"The harvest from this operation is indeed significant." Katsuragi Kohei found a set of fishing gear—a vital production tool for obtaining food.
"With this, even those guys in the Sakayanagi faction will have no choice but to acknowledge us, right?" Totsuka Yahiko's mouth curled into a smug grin.
"Yahiko, take these supplies back to the class first. Next, I'm going to have a private meeting with the leader of Class C." A sharp glint flashed in Katsuragi Kohei's eyes.
"Ryuen? Are we really going to cooperate with that guy?" Totsuka Yahiko harbored doubts about this.
"It's not so much a cooperation as it is mutual exploitation." As a conservative, Katsuragi Kohei wouldn't normally cooperate with other classes, but the scores between Classes A, B, and C were very close. The sense of crisis forced him to adopt some radical measures.
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A moment later, Ryuen Kakeru arrived as scheduled.
"Inviting me to meet in such a remote place... it seems that despite your bulky exterior, you're a guy with the heart of a timid deer." Ryuen Kakeru opened with a verbal jab.
"Save the pointless provocations," Katsuragi Kohei replied calmly, completely unaffected by the other's words. "I didn't invite you here for that."
"Does that mean you agree to our cooperation?" Ryuen Kakeru had been in contact with him earlier, but Katsuragi had yet to take a clear stance.
"According to the terms we discussed, Class C will transfer 200 points worth of supplies to Class A. Simultaneously, you will be responsible for identifying the leaders of Class B and Class D. Note! Words alone are not enough; I want to see concrete evidence!"
"In return, after the exam ends, every student in Class A will provide 20,000 private points per month to Class C. This treaty will remain in effect until graduation."
It must be said that this treaty was a massive gamble for both sides!
First, by transferring 200 points of supplies, the remaining 100 points would be nowhere near enough to sustain Class C on the island for seven days. This was essentially equivalent to Class C forfeiting the uninhabited island exam. Additionally, they had to find a way to identify the leaders of Class B and Class D for Class A—becoming pure laborers.
Of course, the price Class A had to pay was also enormous. 20,000 per person per month added up to 800,000 for the whole class. Over three years, the total would exceed 20 million points! In Katsuragi Kohei's view, keeping Class A far in the lead was what mattered most; private points were merely for hedonism and could be sacrificed. Moreover, if they won this special exam, the resulting increase in class points would be enough to cover the monthly 800,000-point cost.
"Well? For Class A, this is a deal where you can't lose, right?" Ryuen Kakeru looked at him meaningfully.
"In addition to the terms above, I want to add one extra clause." Katsuragi Kohei narrowed his eyes.
"What condition?"
"I want you to target Hikigaya Hachiman of Class D and take hostile measures against him!"
"Oh? You have a grudge against those dead-fish eyes?" Ryuen's expression shifted.
"Personal grievances are secondary. What matters is that this person has repeatedly provoked Class A. He must be disciplined!" Katsuragi Kohei spoke righteously.
Bullshit. It was obvious he saw the guy's close relationship with Sakayanagi and viewed him as part of the "Sakayanagi faction," using this as an excuse to suppress him! Ryuen sneered inwardly.
"Fine. I accept that condition." Ryuen agreed readily.
This actually caught Katsuragi Kohei by surprise. "If I remember correctly, before the final exams, that Hikigaya actually tutored your Class C, didn't he?"
Attacking a former ally without a single shred of hesitation?
"What? You didn't think I'd be soft-hearted, did you? Don't lump me in with you, Katsuragi!" Ryuen's expression was arrogant, his voice cold. "In my eyes, there are only two kinds of people: useful pawns, and enemies! Enemies should be crushed without mercy!!"
Hmph! Arrogant fellow!
Katsuragi Kohei couldn't approve of Ryuen's methods, but that didn't stop him from utilizing the man.
"In that case, let's sign the contract."
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As the sun set, Classes A, B, and D had all occupied spots and finished building their camps. Only Class C was gathered on the beach, playing to their heart's content!
Outdoor BBQs, surfing, jet skis—various forms of entertainment left the observers sent by other classes stunned.
"Consuming points without restraint on the very first day... is Class C insane?"
"With their remaining points, Class C definitely won't last seven days. They are no longer a threat."
The scouts from other classes gave up on further reconnaissance, believing Class C was no longer a factor.
"It seems the plan is proceeding smoothly. Next, it's my turn to infiltrate Class D..." Ibuki Mio's eyes sparkled with excitement.
According to the original plan, she would pretend to have a conflict with Ryuen, be violently expelled, and "happen" to be found by Class D students who would bring her back to their camp.
"Plans have changed," Ryuen suddenly spoke. "The spy infiltrating Class D will be changed to Manabe Shiho. Ibuki, you go to Class B."
"WHY!!" Ibuki Mio's eyes went wide, her reaction exceptionally intense.
"Why are you so worked up?" Ryuen stared at her with a strange look. "I'm sending you to Class D to be a spy, not to go on a date."
"Who—who's going on a date with Hikigaya...
Don't talk nonsense!" Ibuki Mio denied it heatedly.
"Oh? Did I say your dating partner was Hikigaya?" Ryuen looked at her mockingly.
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