Kusuo looked at Ayanokōji, knowing his thoughts. Ayanokōji wanted to team up.
However, Kusuo would never agree.
Ayanokōji was a target for first-year students like Amasawa and Yagami. Teaming up would only invite trouble.
Kusuo didn't want that.
Moreover, this was a rare moment of solitude, and he didn't want interruptions.
"I'll act alone."
Kusuo raised his voice slightly, ensuring others heard.
*Ayanokōji's thoughts: Kusuo prefers solo action for convenience. My plan relies on him not teaming up, making it harder for the White Room group to target me. If he refuses, I'll need another approach.*
"I understand."
Ayanokōji nodded and left.
Kusuo soon departed, wondering about Kûsuke's intentions. He couldn't locate him with his powers.
...
On a remote island:
"It's complete—a stage tailored for you, Kusuo."
Kûsuke smiled, surrounded by giant robots constructing buildings. He wore a peculiar helmet-like device.
"I can't wait for our long-awaited competition. Only at this school can I requisition islands and modify them for our duel!"
...
That evening, Ayanokōji returned to his room. Soon, a knock came.
Opening the door, he saw Kushida.
Ayanokōji knew her purpose instantly.
"Ayanokōji-kun, sorry to disturb you so late!"
Kushida smiled politely, entering and closing the door.
"What can I do for you, Kushida?"
Ayanokōji feigned ignorance, "Is it about finding a partner?"
"No, I want to discuss Yagami."
After school started, Yagami grew closer to Kushida, feigning interest.
This alarmed Kushida.
"Oh? He's your junior, right?"
"Exactly. I want him expelled."
Kushida's expression remained neutral.
"Your attitude toward him differs from Horikita."
Ayanokōji narrowed his eyes.
"I dislike Horikita, but I trust her and you won't reveal my past."
Kushida paused, "Yagami is an unknown. He's a significant risk."
"I see. So, you want..."
"Your help to expel Yagami."
"Our partnership ended..."
"Refuse, and you're my enemy."
"Understood."
Ayanokōji agreed, despite Kushida's threat. Expelling Yagami, possibly a White Room agent, would ensure his safety.
He also considered: *Perhaps I can use this to my advantage.*
...
In July, exams began.
School events unfolded.
First, Katsuragi seemingly agreed with Ryūen: C-Class provided points, and Katsuragi transferred to C-Class, voiding prior agreements.
Shiina invited Kusuo to team up, but he refused.
He declined Karuizawa and Sakura's invitations too, cherishing his solitude.
Before exams, students boarded a luxury cruise to an uninhabited island—larger than last year's.
Kusuo sensed something odd.
*This island... it's bigger. Was it always this large?*
Tsukishiro, the acting chairman, recalled inspecting the island. Now, it seemed different.
*Did someone alter it?*
Kusuo thought, *Kûsuke?*
All students gathered. Mashima, B-Class's homeroom teacher, explained:
"The next two weeks are special exams. Like last year, you'll live independently. Severe injuries, illness, or major violations will disqualify you. Form groups of up to three. After exams start, groups merge into larger teams of up to six. If your group members all quit, you lose qualification and ranking."
"Exams start tomorrow. Groups compete for points determining ranks."
The rules appeared on a large screen.
"Two ways to earn points: 'Basic Movement' and 'Special Tasks.' For Basic Movement, students move within a 100-square grid. You'll be directed to specific areas at set times. Points are awarded based on arrival order: 10 for first, 5 for second, 3 for third. All arrivals within time get 1 point. A 3-person team arriving first gets 13 points (10 + 3). A 2-person team gets 12."
*A race?* Kusuo thought. *As a psychic, this is trivial.*
"Movement times: 7-9 AM, 9-11 AM, 1-3 PM, 3-5 PM, with 2-hour breaks. Ignore three movements, lose 1 point; four, lose 2; five, lose 3. Arrive once, reset penalties. One group member arriving avoids penalties but earns only their points."
"Top 3 ranks require all members arriving, with the slowest time determining rank. Unreachable areas like B1, C1, F10, G10 (all sea) won't be destinations."
*Challenging for normal students, but meaningless for me,* Kusuo thought.
"Before explaining Special Tasks, here's something important."
Mashima held up a small object: a smartwatch.
"Wear this until exams end. It tracks time, scores, and pairs with a tablet. It notifies you of movements and scores. It also monitors vitals: temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen, sleep, and stress. Exceed limits, and an alarm sounds. Ignore it, and staff will intervene via GPS. Damage or lose it, and scoring stops. Exchange it at the starting point."
Kusuo put on the watch, seeing a message:
Kûsuke: Kusuo, let's compete!
*Annoying.* Kusuo tried to ignore it.
Kûsuke: I might've planted bombs beneath the island. Refuse, and it could sink. Don't you care about your classmates?
*Bombs? Kûsuke would do that.*
Kûsuke: Win, and I'll treat you to luxury desserts after break!
*What a pointless challenge.*
Kûsuke: Conditions are simple: rank first in these exams. I've adjusted the subjects slightly.*
'Bring it on, then.'
Saiki Kusuo responded firmly in his mind.