Somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, a massive cruise ship glided across the azure waters. Its sturdy hull cut through the waves, carrying a shipload of passengers toward their destination.
In the scorching summer heat, participating in such a luxurious cruise trip was undeniably exciting. After boarding the deck, the first-year students began with a headcount and registration, followed by the distribution of cabin keys. Finally, they were dismissed for free time.
Having successfully completed their final exams, the first-year students embarked on this luxurious cruise trip organized by the school. However, it didn't mean they could completely let loose. Attendance and check-ins remained crucial—not only to ensure their safety but also to foster a sense of unity.
Beyond that, this cruise ship would be their dream paradise for the next two weeks. According to the original itinerary, the first week would be spent on an uninhabited island, where they would enjoy seven days in a local guesthouse. The second week would be back on the cruise ship, filled with a week of joyful activities.
What was even more surprising was that all facilities on the ship were free for the students. Whether it was the top-tier restaurants, the theater for enjoying plays, or the high-end SPA and other amenities, everything was accessible without restrictions.
The awe lasted less than an hour. Once free time began, the students eagerly immersed themselves in this extravagantly luxurious cruise trip.
Hashima Hikaru sat on a white lounge chair on the deck, a freshly poured glass of iced orange juice by his side.
Unlike school days, this cruise trip had no strict uniform requirements. The boy wore a simple white short-sleeved shirt and loose knee-length shorts—the perfect vacation attire, free from constraints.
He was staring at his system panel. Since today was August 1st, the Trading Shop had refreshed with new items.
Trading Shop
Stock Analyzer: 1000
High-End Sunglasses: 1000
Lucky Charm: 20000
Tennis (Beginner): 100000
Wilderness Survival (Master): 300000
Charm: 500000
This month's refreshed items included some intriguing ones, like the Lucky Charm worth 20,000 points.
Lucky Charm
Wearing it increases the host's luck value. Unexpected fortunate events may occur at times.
Though the description was simple, the item's uniqueness was palpable. Who wouldn't want to encounter lucky events in life?
Just then, a soft voice came from behind Hashima Hikaru.
"Hashima-kun."
A tall, curvaceous figure approached, quickly sitting in the chair beside him. It was Ichinoe Honami.
The pink-haired girl's smile was radiant. She wore a printed short-sleeved shirt and a light blue skirt that reached her knees. Her bare thighs, unadorned by stockings, gleamed smoothly under the sun like polished jade.
On her feet were a pair of white sandals, perfectly suited for summer, looking both refreshing and charming.
After withdrawing his gaze, Hashima Hikaru smiled and complimented, "Ichinoe-san looks great today. Perfect vacation attire."
"Hehehe, I just picked it randomly." A blush tinted her cheeks, and her happiness was evident. "When we swim later, I'll wear the swimsuit I bought earlier. I'm really looking forward to it."
The day before boarding, Ichinoe Honami, who originally planned to choose a swimsuit with Hashima Hikaru, suddenly changed her mind. She decided to save the surprise for the trip and bought a new swimsuit alone.
"If you want to swim, I think there's an indoor pool on the ship. You can check it out."
Hashima Hikaru sipped his iced orange juice and said gently, "But I'd like to rest for a bit. If Ichinoe-san wants to swim, you can find other classmates to join you."
"I didn't say I wanted to swim now. Since Hashima-kun doesn't want to go, let's just stay here together." Ichinoe Honami shook her head lightly. She wasn't particularly eager to swim; she just wanted to show off her swimsuit to him. Since he didn't want to go, she'd let it be.
"What are the others doing now?" Hashima Hikaru propped his hands behind his head, inquiring about the activities of Ichinoe's classmates.
"Let me ask them."
Ichinoe Honami opened her phone and inquired about everyone's current status in the group chat.
Following Hashima's instructions last time, Ichinoe and Ando had proactively gathered information during their student council work. Though they hadn't obtained specific details about special exams, they had learned some things about the cruise trip.
For instance, every year after the first semester, the school organized such a cruise trip for first-year students. All first-year students participated, enjoying a two-week vacation as a reward.
Additionally, they needed to pay more attention to their health. Falling ill could be troublesome, as it would not only ruin the vacation but also potentially inconvenience classmates.
After learning this seemingly simple information, Hashima Hikaru gathered all Class A students in the classroom before the cruise trip began and held a brief mission briefing—the goal was to gather information about the cruise trip.
From the start of school, it was clear there were hidden rules. Hashima Hikaru suspected that such a standardized vacation activity wouldn't be that simple.
Even if it turned out to be unnecessary, it was better to be prepared than to carelessly muddle through.
And if something did happen, this preparation would instantly prove its worth.
When Hashima Hikaru brought up this topic, though the classmates were surprised by his idea, they agreed to the plan.
After all, everyone trusted Hashima Hikaru's judgment. His arrangement wasn't a burdensome task; he simply asked them to pay attention to the ship and its facilities while enjoying their vacation. If they noticed anything unusual, they were to record and report it.
"Shindou-kun, Shibata-kun, and a few other boys are in the entertainment room on the first floor. Ando-kun and Himeno-kun are in the restaurant on the third floor. Beppu-kun and Ninomiya-kun are in the theater."
Ichinoe Honami began reporting her classmates' activities to Hashima Hikaru. The cruise ship had about seven or eight floors, countless rooms, and various facilities that looked brand new, likely well-maintained.
"Hmm."
Hashima Hikaru looked up at the sky, where white clouds dotted the azure canopy. Though his expression was relaxed, his mind remained alert.
By noon, Hashima Hikaru accompanied Ichinoe Honami to the restaurant for lunch. As they walked out, the broadcast system mounted on the cabin walls suddenly announced:
"Attention everyone, we're about to see the island. If you have time, please gather on the deck. You'll soon witness a very meaningful sight."
Upon hearing this, Ichinoe Honami turned to look at Hashima Hikaru beside her. She noticed a faint smile on his lips, as if he had thought of something.
"Hashima-kun, did you think of something?"
"Ichinoe-san, immediately notify everyone in the group chat to come to the deck. This is important."
Hashima Hikaru didn't directly answer her question but began sending messages in the class group chat.
The broadcast's words made him smile because they confirmed his earlier suspicions.
If this were just a simple vacation, they could have notified everyone to gather on the deck just before landing on the island.
Why announce it now? And what did "meaningful sight" mean? Was it the island's unique terrain, or a view only visible from the cruise ship?
Once Class A received Hashima Hikaru's message, almost everyone rushed to the deck. Many students from other classes also gathered, crowding together to gaze at the horizon.
In the distance, the silhouette of an island emerged from the sea. Rumor had it that the school had rented this island, which was much smaller than others but still a colossal sight to humans.
As the island came into view, the students' expressions grew excited. Ichinoe Honami and Hashima Hikaru stood together, surrounded by other Class A members. Through the naked eye, they could confirm the distance to the island, and everyone's faces lit up with anticipation.
However, just as they thought the ship would directly approach the island, it instead bypassed the protruding dock and began circling the island's outer perimeter.
Noticing this, Hashima Hikaru and Ichinoe Honami instinctively exchanged glances, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes. Circling the island wasn't a normal travel route.
There was only one reason for this: to allow the students to view the island from different angles.
"But why...?"
Hashima Hikaru pondered while carefully observing the island. The ship was now close enough for him to see various details, given his excellent eyesight.
Beside him, Ichinoe Honami was equally focused on the island's scenery. After spending so much time with Hashima Hikaru, her expression had grown more serious.
This was clearly no ordinary signal.
After another thirty minutes or so, the broadcast voice sounded again.
"Students, we're about to land on the island. Please change into your sportswear within thirty minutes, confirm your luggage and backpacks, and bring your phones to the deck. All personal items can be left in your cabin rooms."
"There's still time. If anyone needs to use the restroom, please do so now."
After the broadcast ended, everyone understood that they were about to land on the island. It was now within sight—the place they would spend the next week.
The students began preparing, each face carrying a hint of anticipation.
"Let's go, Ichinoe-san. Looks like we're about to land."
Hashima Hikaru withdrew his gaze from the horizon. After closely observing the island, he had some guesses, but the specifics would depend on the school's arrangements.