The next morning.
After the three finished washing up, they set off on today's journey again.
The seven o'clock designated area refreshed at E7, followed by a random designated area at I9.
At the same time.
Tasks also appeared in the adjacent squares F7 and F8.
"What should we do next?"
Several people sat on rocks; Shirami Chihiro was holding a tablet with a bit of a headache.
Currently.
They were still at E7.
The adjacent F7 happened to be a physics test that Amikura Mako was relatively good at.
Reasonably speaking.
Naturally, it would be to participate in the F7 physics test first.
But to then go to the I9 random designated area, they would need to cross the high mountains near G7 to G8, or detour to F8 and then go to the designated area from G9.
Whichever it was, it would consume more physical strength.
Looking at it this way.
Directly participating in the F8 riddle task might be a better choice.
It's just that if they did this, they also lacked the confidence to get points; as expected, it would be better to participate in the F7 physics test.
Feeling that each had its own benefits, Shirami Chihiro really couldn't make up her mind.
"Should we still participate in the F7 physics test first?"
As the leader, Amikura Mako consulted everyone's opinion.
"Would it be a bit better to participate in the F8 task?"
Hikigaya was somewhat hesitant.
Although Shirami Chihiro looked fine after a day's rest, today's amount of exercise would undoubtedly be much greater than yesterday.
If they went to F7 first, Shirami Chihiro might not be able to hold out.
Amikura Mako likely thought of this point as well.
Being questioned by a subordinate member.
If it were a leader with insufficient capacity, they would likely be extremely unhappy.
"In that case, we might find it hard to get points, right? And the next designated area is at I9, with no water source around."
"Coincidentally, the reward for the physics test task also includes drinking water; wouldn't it be better to consider the drinking water issue?"
Amikura Mako voiced her thoughts with some confusion.
The three-person group had naturally purchased water-bottle-type water purifiers, so they weren't carrying much drinking water.
As long as they were near a river.
They wouldn't have to worry about drinking water issues at all.
Although many people were still a bit resistant to river water, both Amikura Mako and Shirami Chihiro said they could endure it.
But the lower half of the island.
Except for the starting point where water could be replenished, there were no water sources to utilize in the lower half.
Since the random designated area was I9 in the bottom right corner of the island.
Naturally, they had to consider the drinking water issue a bit.
They couldn't just leave Shirami Chihiro alone; they had to take her physical strength into account.
Synthesizing the existing situation.
Amikura Mako's thought was perfectly normal; it should be said this would definitely be most people's thought.
"Sigh, actually I also have quite a bit of confidence in riddles; participating in the F8 task should also yield drinking water."
Hikigaya said somewhat malevolently.
Relying on this one reason alone was naturally not enough; this was completely like gambling.
Since he had spoken.
Naturally, he would have part of the responsibility.
If because of his arrogance and recklessness, Shirami Chihiro was unable to keep up with the team, it would truly be regrettable.
"Also, the 'Competition' task."
Hikigaya supplemented based on memory: "Yesterday it seemed the 'Competition' task appeared many times, the one where you get drinking water just by arriving."
"I feel this task is prepared for students; there should be some kind of pattern. As long as we follow the designated areas normally, we shouldn't need to worry particularly about drinking water issues."
"Probably..."
Hikigaya was also not very confident.
It was just that in yesterday's memory, the frequency of the 'Competition' task appearing was very high.
Although not many points were awarded.
But the top thirty would all be rewarded with drinking water.
This was also normal.
If most people dropped out because of a lack of drinking water, the exam would also lose its meaning.
In other words.
The 'Competition' task.
Was likely prepared specifically so that students could get through this exam.
After all, there were only twelve routes in total; it would suffice to set up tasks around them.
Therefore, there would certainly be some kind of pattern.
By following the designated areas normally, they with water purifiers wouldn't have to worry too much about drinking water issues.
As long as they aren't tempted by points to significantly change their route.
Following the designated areas.
Should be the key to smoothly passing this exam.
Pattern?
"Is that so?"
Amikura Mako and Shirami Chihiro were suddenly stunned.
Originally hearing that Hikigaya had confidence in riddles, they had planned to change their minds, but they didn't expect the 'Competition' task might have a pattern.
"Why didn't you say so earlier?"
Amikura Mako asked with some confusion.
"It's just a guess, a guess."
Hikigaya said somewhat embarrassedly: "And I don't know what the pattern actually is."
If he had screenshots.
He might have some gains by comparing the tasks.
But this was way too troublesome.
Participating in tasks was already very tiring; he didn't have the energy to continue doing those things.
"Really."
"Even so, you could also tell Ichinose and the others."
"If we can find the pattern for the existence of 'Competition,' it will certainly bring great help to everyone."
Seeking flowers
Saying so.
Amikura Mako took out her walkie-talkie and passed this matter on to Ichinose.
Each group was paired with a walkie-talkie; naturally, it was Amikura Mako, the leader, who contacted Ichinose.
Only.
Hikigaya wasn't very optimistic about it.
Almost every group in Class B had purchased a water purifier; the drinking water rewarded by the 'Competition' task wouldn't be of much help to everyone, at most just giving everyone more choices.
Soon.
Amikura Mako finished communicating with Ichinose and then turned to look at Hikigaya, saying somewhat helplessly:
"Hikki, if you have any findings in the future, you must tell us."
"Oh."
"All right then, let's set off for F8!"
Saying so.
Amikura Mako led everyone and began to move.
The more she had contact.
The more Amikura Mako could understand Ichinose's words.
Hikigaya was not suited to serve as a leader.
'Competition' didn't just give them one more choice; it could also to a large extent alleviate their drinking water anxiety, allowing them to exert their maximum strength with a more normal mindset.
After all.
Hikigaya's spirit was simply too powerful; this was something he couldn't perceive, completely unable to understand what was worth being anxious about.
Although he was very reliable as a military advisor, he was still somewhat lacking as a leader.
"Be careful."
Hikigaya held the tablet, looking at the GPS while leading the way in front.
Leaving the trampled bushes to the two behind him, this could also make it a bit easier for them.
Actually.
He still had one sentence he didn't say.
'Competition' was a task specifically prepared for students by the school.
The goal was to let them be exhausted and exert their maximum limits, while also safely passing the exam.
There were approximately 150 groups in the whole school.
And there were twelve routes in total.
The top thirty in 'Competition' could all get drinking water rewards, and the frequency of this task appearing was very hight
As long as one normally chased the designated areas.
Without overstretching oneself, basically no dehydration issues would occur.
In other words.
Even if no pattern can be found, just by rushing with physical ability, one could likely often run into this 'Competition' task.
It was quite speechless.
This made those who fought with their brains look like morons.
As long as one's physical fitness was strong enough, one could crush everything.
Then why the hell have an exam?
Just judge me as the loser directly.
Or just say it clearly.
Holding such an unfair exam under the banner of fairness.
Hikigaya was truly a bit unhappy.