"Teacher," Ichinose said, standing up inside the bus. "If a dropout occurs, is there a way to remedy it?"
"There is," Hoshinomiya replied, shrugging helplessly.
"This exam requires twenty million Private Points and three hundred Class Points for a remedy. However, your Private Points probably aren't enough right now, so it's best to find a way to pass the exam."
High.
Hikigaya also noticed something.
Perhaps because that guy in Class D whom Hoshinomiya cared about hadn't displayed his corresponding strength.
Now Class D posed no threat to Class B, and Hoshinomiya didn't take Class D seriously at all; she wasn't even very interested in Class A.
But as long as there was a possibility of a dropout in Class B, Hoshinomiya Chie would still do her best to fulfill her duty as a teacher.
"Indeed."
Ichinose knitted her brows, thinking about the exam strategy.
The people around her instinctively cast expectant gazes, waiting for Ichinose to make arrangements.
To be honest, Hikigaya had no idea what to do either.
He felt this exam wasn't difficult; as long as one performed the duties of a corporate drone, passing shouldn't be hard.
But if he were in Ichinose's position, Hikigaya felt his mind would be a total mess.
After all, he didn't have a clear understanding of the people in the class; he couldn't even remember all their names. Even if he wanted to make arrangements, he couldn't.
"Pure... Shibata, what do you think we should do?" Hikigaya asked in a low voice.
"Eh?"
Startled by the sudden conversation, Shibata paused before replying: "Listen to Honami. Or do you have some ideas, Hikigaya-kun?"
"I guess so..." Hikigaya responded helplessly.
Truth be told, with the social skills of people like Shibata, this exam shouldn't be very hard for Class B, but getting a high reward would probably be as difficult as reaching the heavens.
The cooperative relationship between Class B and Class D...
Honestly, Hikigaya felt a headache just thinking about that crappy cooperation. It was basically acting as a nanny for Class D.
With Ichinose's personality, she would probably consider the two-class cooperation again, taking care of Class D and maybe adding other classes.
"Okay."
After a moment, Ichinose nodded with a bright smile.
"For this exam, I want to aim for no one being expelled. After all, I love this class very much and really don't want to see anyone leave."
"This exam separates boys and girls. Kanzaki, Shibata, can I leave the boys' side to you?"
"No problem."
Kanzaki nodded calmly, appearing very trustworthy.
"Got it, leave it to me," Shibata guaranteed, patting his chest. He turned around and said, "Everyone, the manual says we only have a chance to contact each other during lunch and dinner. If you have any trouble during the exam, you can come to me anytime!"
"Then, for the girls' side..."
Ichinose turned back to the girls. "This exam also requires dividing into several small groups. Yume-chan, Mako-chan, and the rest of you—I'll leave it to you."
"Don't worry, Honami-chan."
"I don't want to see a single person missing from the class either."
Several girls held hands, showing happy smiles.
Soon, Ichinose, Kanzaki, and the others formulated a detailed lineup.
While details would have to wait until they got off the bus, Kanzaki and the others established groups of three as units.
Even in a strange environment, having friends nearby provided help.
Compared to other classes, classmates were more trustworthy.
"Hikigaya."
Kanzaki walked to Shibata's side and said, "You, Shibata, and I will be in a group of three. We'll see whether to add others later or just merge into other classes as a three-man unit."
"Understood."
Hikigaya nodded.
Kanzaki and Shibata. One was the class second-in-command, the other the third.
They were probably thinking about bringing along a guy like him who wasn't good at socializing.
Moreover, compared to others in the class, he was relatively familiar with Kanzaki and Shibata, which did make him feel much more relaxed.
He had no right to be dissatisfied; he would see if he needed to change his mind later.
What was more noteworthy was Ichinose Honami not far away. She was arranging the girls' groups with a face full of smiles.
Unexpectedly, Ichinose didn't mention the cooperation with Class D at all; she had no intention of working with them.
She had probably realized it too.
Continuing like this was not the way.
If every exam considered the cooperation with Class D, they would only be constantly held back. At least for now, that was the case.
And in the last exam, although it was unknown how Class D did it, they had actually defeated Class C.
From zero points to the current 209 points, Class D was undoubtedly growing fast.
To rise to Class A, they had no energy to take care of other classes. Ichinose was reflecting to some extent.
However, even though it was like this now, once they separated, it was unknown if Ichinose would continue to look after those "unwanted" students from other classes.
After all, such students definitely existed.
If it weren't for Kanzaki and Shibata, Hikigaya felt he would likely be left until the end, mixed in with other loners.
In any case, the fact that Ichinose was thinking was ultimately a good thing. He just didn't know how much longer she would think.
The bus arrived at the destination.
After turning in their phones, Hikigaya followed the Class B crowd off the bus.
Fortunately, it seemed that because Class D hadn't yet shown intimidating strength, Hoshinomiya didn't come to tease him again.
Before his eyes was a wide playground and two ancient-looking school buildings nearby.
Everyone followed the teachers to the gymnasium, where they could see the second and third-years walking in almost simultaneously.
Unlike the composure of Class A and Class B, Class C and Class D still behaved noisily.
"I will assume you understood the exam content beforehand on the bus, so I won't repeat it here."
"Now then, let us begin."
"I will arrange the locations and times for forming small groups. Please have each grade discuss and form six small groups."
"The time and place for forming large groups will be arranged starting at eight tonight. Regarding the decision of small groups, regardless of size, it has nothing to do with the school."
"That is all."
The middle-aged teacher held the microphone, finished speaking, and walked off the stage, leaving the remaining time to them.
Hikigaya hung back at the end of Class B and observed Class C, immediately spotting Ryuen at the very back.
Unlike before when he was surrounded by followers, Ryuen was now following Class C all alone.
This must be what Ibuki Mio mentioned about Ryuen having his leadership position taken away.
Most likely, there was a serious mistake on the rooftop.
As a leader, one naturally needs to take responsibility for one's actions.
However, since Ryuen was the leader decided at the start of school, Hikigaya didn't know anyone in Class C who could match him.
In other words, Ryuen likely felt the responsibility and voluntarily gave up his status as class leader.
That's why he could follow behind now as a "corporate drone" with such a nonchalant face.
But then again, a status discarded due to responsibility could likewise be reclaimed due to responsibility; this would probably depend on the new leader's ability.
Hikigaya looked at the very front of Class C.
Several Class C boys were surrounding the blonde-haired Kaneda; the new leader was likely him.
Hikigaya really didn't think Kaneda could be a qualified leader.
At most, he could only be considered a bit clever.
Hikigaya felt even he could handle him, so Ryuen's return was likely just a matter of time.
While Hikigaya's mind was wandering, Class A gathered and formed a fourteen-person group, and then a leading boy stepped in front of everyone.
"As you can see, we in Class A intend to form a group with these members. Currently, the group size is fourteen, as you can see. If one more student joins, we can reach the necessary number."
"So, we are recruiting a willing participant!"
Hmm? Is there such a good thing in the world?
Hikigaya turned his head suddenly, feeling a bit tempted, but he should probably check with the second-in-command first.
"Hey, hey, hey, what are you saying on your own? Isn't it too cunning for just you guys?"
Just then, the blustering voice of Class D's Sudo rang out.
Hikigaya didn't take it to heart. To say others are acting on their own—Class D is the most self-centered of all.
"Can this be called acting on our own? In our proposal, a group is composed of students from at most two classes, and the multiplier for taking first place is high. I don't think this is a greedy proposal that only benefits Class A."
"Besides, if it's like this, you remaining three classes can each use three fifteen-person slots. Can't each class just form similar groups?"
"Furthermore, our policy is that no matter what kind of group or configuration it is, the remaining six people from Class A will gladly join!"
Sudo was momentarily silenced.
Hikigaya also stole a glance.
Despite a very prominent bald head being visible in the group, the person speaking was actually someone he didn't know.
As expected, Katsuragi had also stepped down.
But since he could still work so dutifully, it felt like Katsuragi could become an excellent corporate drone.
"I'll go?"
Hikigaya walked behind Kanzaki and spoke in a low voice.
"You want to join that group?"
Kanzaki turned back with a frown, and Shibata and the others couldn't help but look over. Just then, people from Class C and Class D also walked this way.
After all...
The class most likely to be able to contend with Class A was Class B; most probably wanted Class B to take the lead and draw the fire.
"Yeah."
Hikigaya nodded, glancing at Kaneda. "If it's like this, it should be easier for you guys to group up too."
Actually, it wasn't like that.
No matter who he teamed up with, it was just business; for Hikigaya, there was no difference.
Even if he teamed up with Kaneda, Hikigaya was confident he could get along with him. Although Kaneda showed a bit of ingratitude on the deserted island last time, his character was actually easy to understand.
This kind of "clever" guy was actually very easy to deal with. Just praise him a bit, and Kaneda would drift off on his own.
There were other reasons to join Class A's group.
"Hmm?"
Kaneda's mouth immediately showed a disdainful smile, but he didn't speak.
Seventy percent of human dialogue is composed of actions and expressions.
This kind of smile implied: Kid, seeing me become the leader, you're scared, right? Consider yourself sensible.
"Don't worry," the Class A guy timely added, seeing the situation.
"If you're willing to join our group, we won't let that student take any responsibility. Even if we end up in last place, we guarantee we won't drag that person down. Of course, this is limited to not intentionally doing poorly or harming companions; if it's just bad grades, we will be lenient."
"I'm not being the leader," Hikigaya had already made up his mind.
If one were to ask if Ichinose-led Class B had any advantages—naturally, they did.
The people were cheerful and had good personalities. Even if they teamed up with different classes, Class B members would probably work like industrious honeybees, doing their best and even making concessions for the sake of the team.
They were the "sweet treats" among corporate drones. Very sought after.
Surely Classes A, C, and D would all be happy to team up with Class B students.
"Don't worry, the leader for this group is Katsuragi."
The Class A guy's mouth twitched.
Please, this is a group formed by fourteen Class A students; how could they let an outsider like you be the leader?
"It seems you've already decided?"
Kanzaki stared at Hikigaya and asked with a frown.
"Hikigaya-kun, are you sure?" Shibata was also full of worry.
"It's fine." Hikigaya nodded.
With Kanzaki's consent, Hikigaya walked toward the Class A camp alone.