Leaving J6 behind, we moved toward I5 for our second designated area change.
We steadily accumulated points and immediately set our sights on the next task—an academic test in Mathematics at I6. The reward? Extra food rations for the top scorer.
"Perfect for you, isn't it? Your beloved math."
"I wouldn't say I love it."
Since the math test was limited to one participant per group, it made sense for me to take it. Math was an easy subject for me—scoring full marks wouldn't raise any eyebrows.
"Tch, you should've seen the looks on everyone's faces when they realized you were joining. Couldn't even hide their disgust."
As Ryuuen pointed out, the students who arrived before us made no effort to conceal their displeasure. My perfect score on the last math test was probably the reason.
We were just waiting for one more group to start when hurried footsteps and ragged breathing echoed from the forest.
The first to emerge was Hashimoto.
"Still open for registration?!"
Gasping for air, he confirmed their entry. Behind him, Kamuro and Ninomiya from his group trudged forward, visibly exhausted.
"You'll be the final participants. Who will be taking the test?"
"Pretty sure it's just one person… Ninomiya, you're up."
Ninomiya had the highest academic rating in Hashimoto's group. Though still catching his breath, he'd probably recover by the time the test began.
"Cutting it real close, huh?"
Ryuuen sauntered over, clearly bored. Hashimoto's eyes flicked to me, and his shoulders slumped in resignation.
"First time running into you guys during the exam, but damn… Ryuuen and Hikigaya actually teamed up?"
"This bastard wouldn't shut up about partnering, so I had no choice."
"Don't lie, Ryuuen."
He delivered the blatant falsehood with a straight face. If anything, he was the one who pushed for this.
"Wait, don't tell me—Hikigaya's taking the math test?"
"That's right."
"Ugh, seriously? We rushed here for nothing…"
I had no words of comfort for Hashimoto. He wasn't wrong—their only chance was if Ninomiya scored perfectly.
"All participants are present. The test will now begin."
With the final group accounted for, the task started immediately.
"Oops, no more chit-chat. Go get 'em, Ninomiya."
"I'll do my best!"
Ninomiya squared his shoulders at Hashimoto's encouragement. I followed silently behind.
The math test was a lucky break for us. Even if I scored high, my past results would make it seem natural.
Soon, the results were tallied and displayed simultaneously for all eight groups. First place went to me with 100 points, while Ninomiya from Hashimoto's group took second with 70.
"Good work, Ninomiya. Nice second place. …But of course, Hikigaya takes first. Figures."
As I collected my points and food rations, Hashimoto shot me a probing look on my way back to Ryuuen.
"Since Ryuuen's not here, I'll ask—are you really gunning for the top?"
"Not sure what you mean."
"I've been wondering. Ryuuen's definitely aiming high. But what about you?"
He seemed to be implying that while Ryuuen wanted to win, I might not care as much.
My answer was simple.
"Who knows?"
"'Who knows'? So you won't give the enemy any info, huh?"
"Interpret it however you like. Sorry, but I've got places to be."
"Wait a sec."
Just as I turned away, an unexpected voice stopped me. It was Kamuro.
"What is it?"
She stepped closer, rising slightly on her toes to whisper near my ear.
"...Sakayanagi has a message. 'I'm directing operations from the starting point. If you happen to pass by, do say hello.' …That's all."
Having delivered it, she immediately backed off.
"I did my part. Forget it, and it's on you."
"Did Arisu specifically tell you to relay that if you saw me?"
"Yeah. And she only ordered me to do it, so it's a pain. …Ugh, it's so hot."
The irritation in her voice betrayed how drained she was. They'd arrived last for the math test too—she must've pushed herself hard to get here.
"Message received."
"Good… Then I'm leaving."
Eager to get away, she hurried back to Hashimoto and Ninomiya. The moment she returned, Hashimoto sidled up to her.
"Kamuro-chan, don't tell me you've fallen for Hikigaya too—*OWW!*"
His joke earned him a brutal kick. For once, I felt a twinge of sympathy for him.
........
We arrived first at today's final designated area, H6, earning 12 points including the arrival bonus. Since we'd missed one designated area earlier, this was a solid recovery.
With no more tasks scheduled for today, we set up camp by a nearby riverbank.
"Ryuuen, we need to talk."
"What is it?"
I called out to Ryuuen as he stared into the campfire, his eyes still fixed on the flames. I moved to sit across from him, the fire between us, and began.
"Tomorrow marks Day 4—the exam's mid-phase. Do you understand what that means?"
"If you're talking about the top and bottom 10 groups being announced, then yeah."
Ryuuen had clearly been wary of it too, his expression tightening slightly.
"Right now, we're doing well. Too well, even. I'd bet we're definitely in the top 10 when the rankings are posted tomorrow."
"Probably. So? What's your point?"
"Before I get to that—how much do you know about the student council president?"
At the mention of Nanami, Ryuuen's lips curled into a smirk.
"Keh, I see where you're going. Now that I think about it, you were talking to him back at J6."
So he already had some idea about the third-years' dynamics.
"I heard something by chance. The student council president plans to monopolize the top three spots with his entire grade. Only someone who controls his year like he does could pull that off."
"How noble of him."
Ryuuen clapped sarcastically, amused.
"You can guess where this is going. If we're in the top three starting tomorrow, we will be targeted."
With just one point, they could search for our location. And while violence was prohibited, they could still use underhanded methods to stall us.
But Ryuuen didn't see this as a crisis—instead, his grin deepened.
"Message received. But so what? You didn't seriously think—"
His eyes, which had been fixed on the fire, finally locked onto mine.
"—that I hadn't considered this already?"
"Of course not. I knew you had."
I'd only laid it out to confirm our understanding. Neither of us saw Nanami as an insurmountable threat—we'd already accounted for this.
"The student council president, controlling the entire third-year faction? Bring it on. I'll teach him what happens when he relies on small fry for everything."
...Good. While this wasn't a direct confrontation with Nanami, it was still a valuable opportunity to gain experience.
That night, we strategized for victory.
........
On the morning of the fourth exam day at 9 AM, Ryuuen and I packed up our tent and prepared to move out.
"Barely made the cutoff, huh?"
Ryuuen muttered, his eyes fixed on the tablet.
From the fourth day onward, the top and bottom 10 groups would be announced.
At the top was Nanami's group from Class 3-A, followed by Kiriyama's group from Class 3-B in second—both representing the third-year elite.
And right behind them was...
"Keh, that bastard Kouenji. Still as much of a freak as ever."
In fourth place was Kouenji, competing for the top spot alone with an impressive score. His ability to rank so high solo forced me to reevaluate him.
"We're fifth. Way too close for comfort."
Our points were nearly identical to Kouenji's, but thankfully, we hadn't broken into the top three. That would've complicated things.
"Went exactly as planned. Now we can move forward smoothly."
"But the gap's slim. Don't forget—we're slowing our pace today."
"Didn't need you to tell me."
Ryuuen adjusted his backpack.
Soon, the next designated area would be announced.
This time, it was E7. Our current location was H6—meaning this was a random assignment.
"Tch, works out nicely for us."
Normally, a random assignment would be frustrating, but in our case, it was ideal.
The reason? Today, Ryuuen and I were splitting up. Of course, we weren't planning to lose our ranking, so we'd balance tasks and the designated area. Missing the arrival bonus would sting, but efficient task completion should make up for it.
"I'm heading toward F7—there's a fishing task along the way. You?"
"I'll find something. I'll look around."
"Reckless as always... Whatever. Remember, we're meeting at the final designated area."
Ryuuen gave a slight nod and walked off in the opposite direction.
I couldn't help but wonder if he really understood, but overthinking it wouldn't help. I took my first step forward.
Our plan for today was simple in theory, but luck would play a big role—and that was the tricky part.
........
After pushing through dense foliage for several dozen minutes, I finally arrived at the fishing task site.
The challenge was simple: catch the largest fish within one hour. First place earned 10 points, second place 5. About nine other groups had already gathered.
Spending a full hour on one task might seem inefficient, but since I wasn't planning to move much today, it wasn't an issue.
The fishing spot was less of a pond and more like a lakeside river. Even from the bank, I could spot small fish darting beneath the surface.
"So this is a fishing rod..."
I'd received a rod, bait, and a bucket for the catch at registration. This was my first time fishing, so I was oddly looking forward to it.
Not wanting to embarrass myself as a beginner, I chose a secluded spot upstream.
With no experience, I baited the hook and cast it into the river.
"...Now I just wait, I guess?"
This was a test of patience. But the payoff would be worth it.
After days of constant movement, this peaceful moment felt like a luxury. For now, I'd savor it.
As I stared blankly at the fishing line—
"I missed you, Hachiman-kun."
Arms wrapped around me from behind, followed by a familiar weight. The silver hair and voice at the edge of my vision made it obvious who it was.
"Four days, huh. Hiyori."
"Long time no see. Are you alone? I don't spot Ryuuen-kun."
"We split up temporarily."
"Is that so? Hehe, then it's just the two of us now."
With a flower-like smile, Hiyori released her grip and sat beside me.
"Are you here for the task too?"
"Yes. Katsuragi-kun and our merged group are around this area, so it worked out perfectly. Everyone's over there."
So Katsuragi and Ishizaki's groups had successfully merged. Forming a large group from the fourth day onward was incredibly lucky.
"You found me fast."
"I saw you at registration and snuck away without telling Ishizaki-kun."
"You could've just come with me from the start."
"...I wanted us to be alone."
Hiyori pouted, clearly displeased. Seems I'd asked something tactless.
"Muuu... I've been wanting to see you this whole time. But you don't feel the same, do you?"
"Your words and actions don't match."
Despite her irritated tone, Hiyori clung to my arm. With one hand occupied, I held the fishing rod with the other.
"Idiot, dummy, stupid..."
Her tiny fists patted weakly against my chest. Even this childish resistance was endearing.
"Your insult vocabulary's lacking."
A slightly teasing remark made her puff her cheeks further.
"Y-You... demon! Uh... playboy! Th-thief!"
"..."
These seemed to be the worst insults she could muster.
"U-Um, what else..."
She genuinely couldn't think of anything else. Her expression said it all.
Somehow... Hiyori really was like an angel.
...But letting her have all the fun wouldn't do. Time for payback.
I covered my eyes, feigning sadness.
"H-Hachiman-kun...?"
Hiyori froze, then panicked, flustered.
"I-I'm sorry! That was terrible of me... It was all a joke!"
Her "insults" had been harmless—if anything, charming. But I decided to prolong the act a little longer.
"I didn't mean any of it! It was all lies! I really like Hachiman-kun—"
...Crap. I'd gone too far to stop now.
"I-I'd never want to hurt you...!"
Peeking through my fingers, I saw Hiyori on the verge of tears, hugging me tightly.
"Hic... I'm so sorry! I'll never say it again! So... so please... forgive me...!"
"—I'm really sorry...!"
"Fweh?"
I'd overdone it.
Pulling her into a hug, I wiped the tears welling in her eyes.
.........
"So... you mean I cried because of Hachiman-kun's prank?"
"...Yes."
After that, I desperately apologized and explained the situation.
Hiyori stopped crying, but my guilt remained. Now, I was rubbing my forehead against the ground, performing my first-ever dogeza for several minutes.
...Who knew my first dogeza would be for Hiyori?
"I'm really sorry. There's no excuse. This was entirely my fault."
Calling it a momentary lapse would sound better, but that's just a cheap excuse. Someone as wrong as me doesn't have the right to say it.
"...I was really sad, you know?"
"My bad. I got carried away."
"Are you reflecting?"
"I'll never do this again. If you want, you can punch or kick me."
I wanted to punch my past self from a few minutes ago with all my strength.
...Though if I did, I'd probably die.
"I could never do that. So instead..."
Hiyori pulled me up from my dogeza and lightly sat on my lap.
"There are about 40 minutes left in the fishing task. Until then, you absolutely cannot defy me."
"Th-That's all you want?"
"If you don't obey, I won't forgive you."
"I'll listen to everything."
Even if she told me to punch Tsukishiro or Nanami right now, I'd do it without hesitation.
Hiyori took a deep breath, then spread her arms and looked at me.
"Hold me."
"...Hold you?"
"What, are you refusing?"
"Right away..."
With a firm *Nn!*, she demanded, and I wrapped my arms around her. She fit perfectly against my chest, as if made to be held.
Glancing down, I saw Hiyori smiling contentedly.
"You hardly ever reach out to me like this, Hachiman-kun."
"Do I not?"
"You always let me take the initiative, so this is new... It was worth crying over."
I didn't quite get it, but as long as Hiyori was happy, I didn't care.
"Hiyori, I'm really sorry."
"I'm not angry anymore. But I have one more request—"
Before she could finish, I leaned in and silenced her with a kiss.
As she'd said earlier, I rarely initiated contact. Even this—acting first—was a first for me.
I realized now that doing and being done to were entirely different.
"J-Just now... H-Hachiman-kun initiated...?"
As Hiyori gaped in shock, I tried to speak—but the fishing rod on the ground suddenly jerked.
Not wanting to waste the opportunity, I grabbed it and reeled in my first-ever catch.
.....
"That was pure bliss♪"
Hiyori's skin practically glowed with happiness.
After that, I continued obeying her every command. Some were a bit... bold, but as long as she was happy, I kept my mouth shut. Though I did catch a concerning murmur of "...Maybe I should cry more often..."
With ten minutes left in the task, Hiyori and I headed toward Ishizaki's group.
"OOOOOOOHHHHHHH!!!!"
As we approached the crowded downstream area, Ishizaki's battle cry echoed through the air.
He seemed to be locked in a fierce struggle with whatever was on his line.
"Ishizaki! Reel it in steadily!"
"You'll snap the line like that!"
Both Nishino and Katsuragi shouted advice, but Ishizaki shook his head wildly, refusing to yield.
"Relax, guys! I got this! RAAAAAAAAH!"
With a final heave, he yanked the rod upward—and a massive fish burst from the water.
"HELL YEAHHHH!!!"
"...Seriously?"
"How did that work...?"
Nishino and Katsuragi stared blankly at the giant fish flopping on the bank.
"That's amazing, Ishizaki-kun! What a catch!"
"Right?! Oh—Hikigaya's here too! You see that?!"
"Yeah. That was impressive."
Though "technique" had nothing to do with it.
"Ugh, raw fish are so gross..."
"It's kinda scary..."
"You wanna see it up close? C'mere!"
I left Ishizaki to chase Nishino with his prize and turned to Katsuragi.
"Got a minute?"
"What is it?"
"I need a favor."
The word "favor" sharpened Katsuragi's expression.
"Don't overthink it. It's simple."
I handed him a slip of paper.
"Is this... a transceiver channel?"
"Yeah. Mine and Ryuuen's."
Transceivers could communicate if tuned to the same frequency.
"Pass this to any Class B groups you meet. Tell them to test the connection once."
A single confirmation would allow unlimited communication afterward.
"...What's the purpose?"
"Can't explain yet. Just know it's necessary to win. Will you do it?"
Katsuragi paused for a few seconds—then nodded.
"Fine. Right now, your group is Class D's best shot at victory."
"Appreciate it."
Running into Ishizaki's group was lucky. One of the reasons Ryuuen and I split up was already accomplished.
This was the first step. Now, all I could do was hope our actions today would pay off later.
........
At the starting point where Sakayanagi was overseeing operations, she received a call from Kamuro.
"I delivered your message to Hikigaya, just like you asked."
"Thank you, Masumi-san. It's wonderful to have such a reliable friend."
"Haaah..."
Kamuro, now accustomed to Sakayanagi's mannerisms, sighed in response.
"Whatever you're planning with Hikigaya is none of my business, but don't get careless and lose, got it?"
"That won't happen. I'm a woman who can balance work and romance, after all."
"...Right."
Though her tone was light, Kamuro could tell there was no lie in Sakayanagi's words.
"Then why did you send him that message in the first place?"*
"I can't say. But if I had to put it simply… you could call it the whims of a maiden's heart."
*"A maiden's heart…? Yours?"*
"Masumi-san? Is there something you'd like to say?"
*"Never mind. I'm hanging up now."*
Ever the judge of when to retreat, Kamuro promptly ended the call.
"Honestly, how rude of you, Masumi-san."
Sakayanagi set the transceiver down and began operating her tablet.
"And here I am, working so hard just for a chance to meet the one I adore..."
Muttering to herself, she picked up the transceiver again and resumed directing operations.
=================================
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