Day One - Part 2
Whis' POV
The sky was painted in a golden hue, a gentle reminder that the day was drawing to a close. The time read 6:24 PM—just an hour and thirty-six minutes before roll call.
Class D was already showing signs of strain. Complaints ranged from food shortages to discomfort and discontent. It was inevitable, given the circumstances. The sooner they adapted, the better their chances of making it through the trial.
As expected, Ayanokoji's gaze never left my back. I could feel his eyes analyzing, calculating, waiting for the moment to strike. I'd have to admit, my actions in the classroom a few days ago were reckless. They had undoubtedly exposed part of my hand to him. However, I had my reasons. I needed to gauge just how much his past defined his existence.
Reckless? Perhaps.
Unwarranted? Not in the slightest.
But Ayanokoji was plotting something—I could sense it. And whatever it was, I would have to counter it. That, of course, would depend on how well Sienna could handle herself against Lloyd.
Seated on a large rock, I scanned the camp. Small clusters of students were engaged in conversation, some discussing trivial matters, others arguing with Hirata over resource allocation.
"Everyone, calm down!" Hirata's voice cut through the noise, firm but composed. "Look, we need to keep a cool head during this test. If we don't, we'll end up dead last."
Horikita, ever the self-proclaimed leader of Class D, stepped in to quell the ongoing dispute over whether they should spend more points to improve living conditions. Honestly, I couldn't have cared less. Their victory or failure had nothing to do with me. My only objective had already been fulfilled—I had confirmed the identity of that chestnut-brown-haired individual.
With a sigh, I rose from my seat and decided to take a brief walk along the perimeter of the campsite. The solitude was a welcome escape from the constant grievances of my classmates.
Stopping beneath a towering tree, I let the evening breeze ruffle my hair. In that fleeting moment, everything felt peaceful. A rare instance where the world didn't feel like a chessboard, where I wasn't constantly maneuvering pieces. I found myself wishing—however foolishly—that things could always be this way.
Until...
A faint presence disrupted my momentary tranquility.
"Good evening," I said calmly, without turning around. "And what do you want?"
There was a brief pause, then the slightest shuffle of movement. A quiet exhale. I had caught him off guard.
"Good evening, Whis."
I turned my head slightly, my gaze settling on the figure behind me.
Ayanokoji.
His posture was relaxed, his expression unreadable as always.
"What brings you here?" I asked, tilting my head slightly. "I assume you're not a fan of me."
"Hardly," he replied. "But I suppose you could say I'm a fan of the stunt you pulled."
I raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. "Interesting. What stunt are you referring to?"
"You can play dumb all you want," he said, his voice unwavering. "But I have a question for you, Whis. If you answer it, I'll refrain from bothering you—for now."
I let out a small sigh, though my curiosity was piqued. "Alright, shoot."
"What is your purpose in this school?" His gaze was steady, unwavering. "On closer inspection, your description of hobbies and goals seemed... bland. And given your involvement in various affairs, I find it hard to believe you don't have an ulterior motive."
Ayanokoji's expression remained neutral, but his eyes—those calculating golden orbs—held something beneath the surface. Something dangerous. Something empty.
I smirked slightly. "You're in no position to demand such answers from me. But don't worry—I'll give you a tip." I leaned in just a fraction, my voice dropping to a whisper. "Your existence is a nuisance."
Ayanokoji didn't so much as flinch. Instead, he merely tilted his head—almost playfully.
"Oh, really?" he mused. "So, a personal grudge against me? No, that can't be it. Your deliberate use of my origins to provoke a reaction suggests a different motive. Somewhat… illogical."
"As always," I sighed, brushing past him. "You overanalyze everything."
I had no intention of continuing this conversation. His presence was already beginning to weigh on me.
But then—
Grab.
A vice-like grip closed around my forearm.
"I wasn't done, was I?"
Ayanokoji's voice was calm, almost amused. But his grip was anything but. When I met his gaze, the flickering light of a predator lurked beneath his golden irises.
"Oh? What is this?" I mused, meeting his stare. "Are you trying to start something, Ayanokoji?"
He only tilted his head further—like a maniac enjoying his game.
"I wouldn't go to such lengths just to confirm your involvement in the vandalism of my desk," he murmured. "But the fact that you aren't surprised by my current demeanor tells me more than enough."
Shit.
He got me.
I clicked my tongue in annoyance and rubbed my temple. "Tch. You got me good."
Voom!!!
A sudden instinct kicked in. My body moved on its own, twisting just in time to avoid a strike—one that came from nowhere. My eyes darted to Ayanokoji's recoiling hand.
Without hesitation, I countered, sending a quick jab toward him.
But he was faster.
Effortlessly, he swayed to the side, avoiding my strike with unsettling ease. In the same motion, he caught my arm and delivered a precise strike to my brachioradialis—the muscle responsible for flexing the elbow.
A sharp pain shot through my arm, numbing my muscles. I instantly retreated, gritting my teeth at the sensation.
(AN: The brachioradialis is a forearm muscle that, when struck correctly, can cause temporary numbness or even muscle tears. It's a well-known technique in martial arts, as the area is rich in nerve endings.)
Ayanokoji studied me carefully, his expression unreadable.
"Interesting..." he murmured. "Your strikes are precise. You have experience."
I exhaled slowly, rolling my shoulder. "Not particularly. Just a diet of coleslaw and burger sandwiches. But I do have experience with guns." I gave a half-shrug. "Too bad Japan is a coward when it comes to handling firearms."
"I see…"
He said nothing more. Instead, he simply turned and walked away, heading back toward the camp without another word.
I glanced at my wristwatch.
7:56 PM.
Roll call was about to begin.
---
Kanzaki's POV
At exactly 8:00 PM, we gathered for roll call.
Ichinose, as always, radiated positivity, her voice filled with energy as she checked names off the list. In stark contrast, Lloyd stood beside her, his posture relaxed, his eyes half-lidded as though threatening to drift into sleep.
Once attendance was complete, we headed back toward camp.
"Did you guys come up with any theories about the other class leaders?" Lloyd asked lazily, his voice breaking the comfortable silence.
Ichinose tilted her head. "I'm not sure… Guessing leaders isn't really part of our plan. We don't want to make unnecessary enemies."
I exchanged a glance with Lloyd. Her idealism was admirable, but it didn't change the fact that our own leader could easily be identified.
The probability of them guessing correctly? 3.1%.
But with the minds of Horikita, Katsuragi, and Ryuuen in play, that number might change.
I sighed inwardly.
For now, I could rest easy. But not for long.