After finding the ideal spot, Class A divided tasks. They set up two large tents, cleared debris, and organized supplies—essential for their week-long stay.
An hour later, with preparations nearly complete, it was time to cook.
Ichinoe Honami and others agreed that despite foraging, some essentials like salt required exam points. With no electricity, fire was key for cooking. They exchanged points for rice and seasonings, boiling stream water for drinking.
Under Hashima Hikaru and Ichinoe's lead, they split into teams to gather firewood, fruits, and vegetables.
Before leaving, Hashima Hikaru briefed them on medicinal herbs. A basic understanding sufficed; he'd verify later.
On the first day, Ichinoe Honami prioritized meals and a group meeting to discuss the leader and Class A's strategy.
After eating, the class gathered. Hashima Hikaru assigned two students as guards to prevent other classes from approaching. The leader discussion was a secret.
"Now, let's discuss the leader. Once decided, Hoshinomiya-sensei will make the keycard. This is crucial for our exam success, so choose carefully," Ichinoe Honami led, standing at the front.
Hoshinomiya Chie stood quietly, her role limited to supervision.
Hashima Hikaru pondered, thinking about maximizing exam points. The school's rules offered three strategies:
1. Minimize 300 Exam Points: Unity and endurance could save many points.
2. Occupy Bases: Each base refreshes every 8 hours, offering 21 extra points per week. Speed was key.
3. Guess Leaders: The final guessing game was critical. Correct guesses earned 50 points, while guessed classes lost 50. A 100-point swing per guess was huge.
Hashima Hikaru believed the guessing game was the true test. While points from bases and savings were modest, guessing could create massive gaps.
However, occupying bases exposed the leader. Only the leader could use the keycard, and repeated occupation risked revealing their identity. If exposed, they'd lose all extra points and an additional 50.
To occupy bases safely, they needed to protect the leader's identity. Without seeing a base, he couldn't decide yet.
As he thought, a familiar voice interrupted.
"Hashima-kun?"
Ichinoe Honami stood before him, staring intently.
"Did you choose a leader?"
"We did. It was simple. Everyone saw your efforts. You got the most votes," she smiled, blinking playfully.
"Er..."
Though not surprised, Hashima Hikaru wanted to see the bases first.
"I had an idea. Can everyone hear me?"
The class turned to him.
"A plan, Hashima-kun?"
"Just a thought. It needs everyone's cooperation."
He glanced at Ichinoe Honami, addressing the class: "We know the rules. Saving the 300 points is basic. The real game is bases and guessing leaders."
"These strategies conflict. Like a duel, attacking exposes weaknesses."
"We can pursue both, but guessing leaders might be better."
"So, we spy on other classes' leaders?" a student asked.
"Right. Remember what I said on the ship? I spotted several locations. This isn't a base, but two or three spots might be," Hashima Hikaru smiled, pointing to the ground.
"Hours have passed. Two scenarios: the bases are occupied, or they're not."
"If occupied, we can investigate the leader. They won't leave once they know the rules."
"What if they're unoccupied?" Ichinoe Honami asked.
"We'll test my idea—study the area and minimize exposure risk."
"Another idea is to wait. Rules forbid using occupied bases without permission. If we arrive first, later classes must check the base's machine to confirm occupation."
"This gives us control. We can probe for leaders. What do you think?"