By the cliffside.
After occupying the spot for the first time, Hikigaya squatted on the ground.
He stacked a few stones together to create a simple stove, having successfully obtained the job he wanted.
Boiling water!
He only needed to be responsible for the class's drinking water and washing water, and keep an eye on the fire while he was at it!
It was simply as easy as it could be!
As for Ichinose and the others, they were setting up the sunshade canopy; several boys were setting up the tents, and there were also girls responsible for cleaning.
No one was slacking off; it was a truly outstanding team.
Just then.
"Everyone, I found a cornfield over there."
A passerby A, holding a corn cob, waved his arm excitedly.
"Really?"
"Really, quick, a few more people come. Today's dinner is settled."
That boy waved his hand, and several people quickly left the camp.
"Everyone~"
"Listen to me, Watanabe is so good at fishing; he caught several in one go."
"Really? Let me see, let me see."
Watanabe and the others carried several bags of river fish back to camp, excitedly showing off the results of their labor.
"By the way."
"Hikigaya! Could you please build a few more stoves?"
"That way the girls can cook faster."
"Why don't we just buy two pots and cook for ourselves these next few days?"
"Not bad! Does our class have anyone good at cooking?"
"Yes, yes, me! I used to cook often, but I don't know if I'm considered good!"
"It's fine, no need for high standards here, as long as we don't get sick."
"Yeah. Saving these points, I believe we'll rise to Class A very soon."
"Everyone, the firewood is getting a bit low. Is anyone available to go pick some more?"
"Oh, I'll do it~ I remember there's some in a certain spot."
Class B had a bustling atmosphere, as if they were ready to go all out.
Hikigaya squatted to the side, somewhat speechless.
Speaking of which, did his workload suddenly increase?
If he had to do the cooking and boil the water, three stoves should be enough; for safety's sake, he'd better prepare four.
Whatever.
It's just the first day; it's normal to work a bit harder.
I believe tomorrow will be easier.
Time passed.
The sun gradually set below the horizon.
The entire sky was dyed orange like burning clouds.
The girls had already prepared dinner.
Fresh fish soup with steamed corn and some fruit; although not exactly lavish, it was enough to fill their stomachs.
The boys' side had also finished pitching the tents and had transported a lot of river water using empty plastic bottles.
Hikigaya wiped the sweat from his forehead; this exam seemed quite simple.
Even without knowing what the other classes were doing, Class B's performance would certainly not be bad.
Although.
He was quite concerned about a few points in the rules, but he would just do his own part.
At that moment.
"Ah, Shibata, Koyuki, welcome back. Eh?"
"Shibata, you guys are...?"
"Who is he?"
Several voices of doubt attracted his attention.
Hikigaya turned his head to look. Shibata, holding fruit, and Himeno Yuki had just returned to camp, appearing to have had a bountiful harvest.
But behind them followed a blonde man wearing glasses.
Come to think of it.
He couldn't even recognize everyone in Class B, let alone the other person. But judging by the meaning of Watanabe and the others, it seemed the person was not from Class B.
"This is Kaneda Satoru from First Year Class C, Kaneda-kun."
Shibata explained with a smile.
Wait?
Hikigaya was instantly stunned.
For real?
On the last day of the exam.
There's also an exam to guess the other classes' leaders, right?
Letting the other party in so easily like this.
Is that really okay?
"Shibata, what's going on?"
"Uh, actually Kaneda-kun had a disagreement with his classmates and was kicked out. I really couldn't bear to see it, so I let him come to Class B to rest for a bit."
Shibata nodded and smiled: "Don't worry, I'll go ask for Ichinose's opinion right now. Kaneda-kun, please wait here for a moment."
"Yeah, I know. Sorry for the trouble, Shibata-kun."
Kaneda nodded with some difficulty.
On the other side, Hikigaya was simply dumbfounded.
What if the other party is here to scout their leader?
A spy, right?
This is a spy, right?
This is definitely a spy, right?
No matter how you think about it, this is a spy, right?
Even if you're kicked out of the class, as a member of Class C you can still spend points to buy supplies. If it really doesn't work out, then just quit the exam!
What's the point of running over to Class B?
Hikigaya was a bit speechless.
Although his desire to rise to Class A wasn't very high, he still wanted to rise to A. Moreover, Class Points were related to his monthly allowance.
He didn't object to working hard on his own tasks like this.
After all, this was very much in line with his own way of doing things.
But.
No matter what.
You shouldn't let in a guy who is clearly a spy, right?
"Himeno."
Hikigaya stealthily circled behind Himeno and spoke softly.
"Eek."
Himeno Yuki made a strange sound, and only after turning around to look did she pat her chest.
She said with some dissatisfaction: "What are you doing? I thought it was a ghost and almost died of fright."
"No."
Hikigaya didn't mince words and said: "Are you out of your mind?"
"I couldn't help it either."
Himeno Yuki glanced at Shibata knowingly and lowered her voice: "Shibata said he couldn't just leave him alone. I couldn't say anything either, otherwise wouldn't I seem very unsympathetic?"
"Uh..."
Hikigaya's mouth twitched.
Fine.
It's on the basis of understanding that the other party might be a spy.
Yet they still chose to bring him back.
In that case, we can only see Ichinose's decision, since he is so insignificant in the class and has no decision-making power.
Even if he spoke up, he would probably be overruled by the majority.
Soon.
Ichinose and Shibata returned to this side.
"Kaneda-kun, it's been a long time."
"Sorry, Ichinose-san, I've caused you guys trouble. Don't mind me, I'll leave in a bit."
The two greeted each other and seemed to have known each other for a long time. Given Ichinose's social skills, Hikigaya wasn't surprised.
Besides, that four-eyes looked like the type who only studies.
"No need, Kaneda-kun. We indeed cannot just sit by and watch you stay in the wild alone, but..."
"As the class rep of Class B, I need to be responsible for Class B."
Ichinose held her chest, her smile brilliant: "Only if Kaneda-kun can answer my questions can I consider whether to let you stay. I hope you can understand, Kaneda-kun."
"I understand."
Kaneda nodded with a bitter smile.
After all, looking at the exam content, the two classes are in a completely hostile relationship. Being taken in is already a rare act of kindness.
"Although I cannot agree with Ryuen's way of ruling the class through violence, to be honest, I think Ryuen is a person who has a clear purpose in everything he does."
Ichinose's eyes were clear as she scrutinized the man in front of her: "Why were you kicked out?"
Ichinose clearly isn't just a simple "sweet summer child."
Hikigaya felt relieved, but was startled at the same time.
Ruling the class through violence.
What's this?
How terrifying.
This was the first time he had heard information related to Class C.
Last time he thought Class C and Class D just had a simple friction.
Now it seems.
Class C might be repeat offenders.
At school, one could indeed occasionally see people who looked like delinquents; he just hadn't paid much attention to them.
It's really great to be assigned to Class B~
Hikigaya felt some sentiment.
But.
In high school, still thinking of ruling the class through violence.
Are they elementary schoolers?
By the way, since when was Ichinose the class rep of Class B?
How come I didn't know?
Could it be that I've already been ostracized from Class B?