It's a Thursday morning, not long after the start of the third semester, and several buses are lined up driving along the highway.
Not only first-years but also second and third-years are on board. In other words, this is a massive movement of the entire student body. Where this bus—carrying all of us in Class 1-B—is headed hasn't been disclosed to the students.
At this point, all we know is that we've been instructed to wear gym uniforms and strongly advised to bring multiple spare sets and changes of clothes.
Looking outside, the bus enters a long tunnel, dimming the view slightly.
This large-scale movement is clearly not something lighthearted like a trip. With the journey taking a relatively long time—about three hours—everyone on the bus has brought whatever they like to pass the time.
Incidentally, I'm currently suffering from severe motion sickness.
"Hikigaya—you okay—?"
The voice comes from Ishizaki in the seat next to me, perhaps out of concern for my discomfort.
Right now, it's just me, Ishizaki, and Komiya and Kondou in the seats behind us, playing cards with the seats reclined. But my condition took a turn for the worse, forcing us to pause.
"Sorry, but I'm gonna have to drop out for now. I'm feeling sick."
When I say that, Ishizaki and the others encourage me to rest. Thanking them, I return my seat to its original position, let out a sigh, and shift my gaze back outside—where the bus is still in the tunnel.
It's an awfully long tunnel. We've been driving through it for at least two or three minutes now.
Just as I think that, I feel the view slowly brightening.
The scenery outside suddenly grows brighter, signaling our exit from the tunnel. As if waiting for this moment, our homeroom teacher, Mr. Sakagami, moves.
"Sorry to interrupt the fun, but I need everyone to quiet down."
Holding a handheld microphone, Mr. Sakagami addresses the class.
"I'm sure you're all wondering where this bus is headed and what's about to happen."
"Yeah, we're curious. It's not another deserted island, is it?"
In response to Komiya's question, the teacher answers.
"No, you don't have to worry about that. Exams on that scale aren't something we can do frequently. But as you've probably guessed, we'll be conducting a new special exam."
No one seems particularly shaken by the expected announcement. The students stop their chatter and listen closely.
"This bus is taking you to a certain mountain retreat—a campsite. We'll likely arrive at our destination in less than an hour. This hour is effectively the 'grace period' you've been given."
I see. So, this hour is meant for discussing strategies. Even if the explanation takes 20 minutes, we'll still have 40 minutes left to formulate a plan.
"At school, you don't get many chances to interact with upperclassmen—unless you're in a club. But this exam will involve cross-grade teamwork over seven nights and eight days. The name of this special exam is the 'Mixed Training Camp.' I'll now distribute the materials, so please review them."
The teacher walks down the aisle, handing out stacks of documents to each row. I take one as it's passed to me.
Glancing through it, I see photos of the dormitories, communal baths, and cafeteria where we'll be staying. At first glance, it looks like it'll be a relaxed experience, but the scattered mentions of what's likely part of the special exam weigh heavily on my mind.
"The materials will be collected before we disembark, so make sure you understand them thoroughly. The main goal of this camp is mental growth—to see whether you can build smooth relationships with people you don't usually interact with and to learn from that experience."
Recapping what was just explained:
Upon arrival, we'll separate by gender and hold discussions within each grade to form six groups. The group sizes will have minimum and maximum limits, calculated based on the total number of students per grade and gender.
For example, if there are 60 students, groups will range from 8 to 13 members; if 70, then 9 to 14.
One key condition is that each group must include students from at least two different classes.
"Think of these groups as temporary classes for the duration of the camp. You'll attend lessons, cook, do laundry, bathe, and sleep together as a group."
At this point, murmurs of confusion arise in the bus.
While there have been cooperative events like sports festivals before, this takes it to another level—requiring complete trust in students from other classes.
Looking at the materials, it seems the real lessons will run from tomorrow until Wednesday. Then, on the eighth day, a unified exam will be held across all grades, and the results will be scored.
Among the first-years, one of the six groups will be a "small group," while the ones merging with second and third-years will be "large groups."
Ultimately, six fully mixed-grade groups of 30 to 45 students each will be formed.
The results will be determined by the group's average score.
Groups ranking 1st to 3rd will receive rewards distributed to all members:
1st Place – 10,000 private points per student. 3 class points.
2nd Place – 5,000 private points per student. 1 class point.
3rd Place – 3,000 private points per student.
For example, if a small group of 10 has nine members from the same class, winning 1st place would earn that class 27 class points.
At first glance, it might not seem like much, but these points could make a significant difference.
However, the potential downsides are far heavier than the rewards.
4th Place – Lose 5,000 private points per student.
5th Place – Lose 10,000 private points per student. 3 class points deducted.
6th Place – Lose 20,000 private points per student. 5 class points deducted.
These penalties will apply to each student individually.
Additionally, the lowest-ranked group faces "expulsion" as a penalty—though not for the entire group. Only the "leader" (a role decided in advance) will be expelled.
That said, the leader does get one advantage: their rewards are doubled.
If no leader is chosen, the entire group is disqualified—meaning all members are forcibly expelled.
Furthermore, if the leader is expelled, they can designate one other group member for shared responsibility—but only if that student contributed to the group's failure.
"Finally, as a last resort, any student facing expulsion can have it revoked by paying 300 class points and 20 million private points."
The teacher then checks if there are any questions before sitting back down.
"Ryūen-san, about this exam—"
Kanda seems to be asking Ryūen for his thoughts, but right now, I'm still feeling unwell. After letting Ishizaki know, I leave the rest to Ryūen and close my eyes for the remaining time.
...
Upon arriving at the facility for the training camp, what came into view were two school buildings—each showing signs of age—facing each other across a wide field. These were likely the dormitories for male and female students, respectively. We'd be living here for the next week. Somehow, the thought felt profound.
Once all the students had arrived, we were gathered in the gymnasium.
It seemed Classes A and C were already assembled, leaving only our Class B and Class D unaccounted for.
About three minutes later, all the male students from every grade had gathered in the gym, and a man in his forties—presumably a teacher from another grade—stepped onto the stage.
"I'll proceed under the assumption you've already received some explanation on the bus. You'll now have time to form small groups. Through discussion, each grade will create six groups. The formation of large groups will take place at 8 PM tonight. Note that the school will not interfere in group formation at all. That's all—you may begin."
With that, the man stepped down.
This school really leaves everything to the students. When forming large groups, the upperclassmen will likely have the advantage.
As I observed how things unfolded, a portion of Class 1-A gathered in one spot, forming a group of fourteen. Naturally, this drew attention from those around them.
"As you can see, we intend to form a group with these members. We only need one more person—first come, first served—so if anyone is willing, please step forward."
The one who declared this was a student named Matoba.
While Katsuragi was also in that group, Ichinose was currently leading Class A, so this was undoubtedly her doing.
"Hey, what the hell? You can't just jump the gun like that!"
Sudou was the first to voice his displeasure at Matoba's announcement. Glancing around, most students outside Class A wore expressions of dissatisfaction.
"That's not the case. If anything, this is fair—or rather, there's no issue with it. If you think it's unfair, you're free to do the same."
"Uh… is that right, Hirata?"
Unable to comprehend, Sudou turned to Hirata for help.
In the past, Sudou might've lashed out immediately, but now he was trying to consider others' opinions—proof that he'd grown, I suppose.
"You have five minutes to decide. After that, we'll make the decision ourselves."
"A time limit? Giving only five minutes for a one-sided proposal is unreasonable, don't you think?"
Kanzaki voiced his objection upon hearing Matoba's words.
"Perhaps, but don't misunderstand. What we're saying is that this is simply the time limit for this special arrangement."
Implicitly, he was suggesting that Class A, with its well-balanced lineup, could reliably protect its weaker students.
Hirata and Kanzaki—leading their respective classes—seemed troubled because they understood the underlying meaning.
"Uh… Ryūen-san, what should we do?"
Ishizaki nervously sought Ryūen's opinion.
Class A's proposal appeared fair on the surface, but it wasn't.
Only the current top class could afford to settle for fewer rewards in victory. Of course, Ryūen understood this as well.
"Heh. This is pointless. Let them do what they want with that group."
"Are you sure?"
In response to Kaneda's question, Ryūen smirked.
"Either way, only one person can join that group. Wasting time on this is pointless. The rest of you, move. Check for traps before joining any groups."
At Ryūen's command, our classmates scattered to act.
High-potential members like Kaneda, Albert, and Ryūen himself would each join different groups.
I also began moving to form a group, but my lack of connections meant little progress after five minutes. Just as I started to panic—
"...Hikigaya, want to join our group?"
The voice belonged to Kitō from Class A.
"Are you sure? I thought Class A had some kind of strategy."
"That's just that group. I'm not involved."
After a bit more discussion, it seemed they only needed one more person—me—to complete their group.
This was an offer I couldn't refuse.
"Thanks. I'd love to join."
I had been afraid of being left out entirely, so I thanked Kitō profusely.
"Oh! Hikigaya's joining us? That's a relief!"
When Kitō led me to the group, I found Kondou from my class already there.
Looking around, the only people I recognized were Kitō, Kondou, and Shibata—the rest were complete strangers.
"So you're Hikigaya, huh? I'm Shibata! Nice to meet ya!"
"Uh, yeah."
His enthusiasm made me step back slightly, but our group was the last to form, marking the end of small group creation.
Glancing around, Ryūen seemed to have joined a group with Miyake from Class D. Nearby, Ayanokōji and Kōenji were also in a group—if they took this seriously, they'd easily take first place.
"Alright! Let's give it our all for the next week! First, we need to pick a leader—any volunteers?"
No one raised their hand at Shibata's question. The unspoken threat of expulsion likely deterred them.
"No one? Then I'll do it. That cool?"
"Huh!? Are you serious!?"
Kondou couldn't help but interject at Shibata's carefree declaration.
"No worries! This group's stacked! We'll be fine!"
His optimism was overwhelming, but having someone like him would make the next week easier. Shibata's presence was exactly what this group needed.
Just as the group's atmosphere settled, I noticed attention shifting toward the center of the gym.
"I expected this to take longer, but you're quicker than I thought."
Nanase, the well-known student council president, addressed the first-years.
Not just the second-years but even the third-years had already finished forming groups. The gym was now packed with male students from all grades.
"First-years, I've got a proposal. Why don't we form the large groups now?"
The teacher had said large groups would be formed at 8 PM, but that was likely just a precaution in case discussions dragged on.
"You don't mind, do you, Horikita-senpai?"
"Not at all. It's more convenient for us as well."
The selection process would resemble a draft, with representatives from each first-year group choosing upperclassmen.
This seemed like a minimal concession to first-years who lacked information.
"Leave it to me, guys! I'll bring us a win!"
Pumped up, Shibata stepped forward as our representative.
But in reality, we knew nothing about the third-year groups. At a glance, the only obviously strong ones were Nanase's and Horikita's brother's.
The first pick went to Matoba's group, the second to Hirata's, and the third to Ryūen's. Shibata ended up fourth, choosing a group with physically imposing upperclassmen.
The selections proceeded smoothly, and soon, six large groups had formed.
Then, Nanase—who had remained still until now—approached Horikita's brother.
"Horikita-senpai, since we're in different groups, how about a little competition?"
His provocative grin accompanied the challenge.
Horikita's brother remained expressionless, while the third-years around them sighed in exasperation.
"Nanase, how many times is this now? Give it a rest."
Fujimaki—the No. 2 of Class 3-A, if I recalled correctly—stepped in front of Horikita's brother.
"Is there a problem? There's no rule against issuing challenges, is there?"
"This is about basic decency. Just because something isn't prohibited doesn't mean you should do it. Being student council president doesn't give you free rein. Learn some self-awareness."
"Then make me. If you can, that is."
It was a cheap taunt, but it undoubtedly pissed off the third-years.
Watching this exchange, Horikita's brother finally stepped forward.
"I've refused your requests until now. Do you know why?"
"A friend of mine said it's because you're scared of losing, but I know better. You just dislike pointless conflict… right?"
"If you understand that much, then accept it. The conflicts you enjoy involve too many others."
"We'll have to agree to disagree. Either way, I'm feeling restless. So, how about it?"
It was a selfish demand, but Horikita's brother had heard it many times before. His eyes narrowed further.
"What are you proposing?"
"Hmm. If I had to suggest something serious… how about seeing which group scores higher?"
"Fine. But don't involve anyone else. This is strictly between you and me. If you can't accept that, I have no intention of humoring you."
At those words, Nanase grinned.
"Understood. I'm the one asking, after all. I'll take those terms. Well then, Horikita-senpai—I look forward to it."
Without affirmation or denial, Horikita's brother turned and walked away. Nanase watched his retreating figure, his smile widening.
...
After forming the large group, our group was led by the school staff out of the gymnasium and taken to the dormitory where we'd be staying.
Once we'd roughly sorted out the bed arrangements and finished quick self-introductions, Shibata turned to me with an oddly expectant look in his eyes.
"...What?"
His stare was so blatant that I couldn't ignore it.
"Nah, it's just—Hikigaya, you've got a lot of rumors going around. I was kinda wondering who you're dating~"
"...Huh?"
"Oh! I wanna know too!"
At Shibata's sudden outburst, Kondou immediately chimed in, and in an instant, every pair of eyes in the room was locked onto me.
"I heard you went on a date with Matsushita from Class D on Christmas!?"
"Wait, what!? So Shiina isn't the real deal?"
"No way, it's Sakayanagi, right? You carried her princess-style during the sports festival!"
They pressed in on me with overwhelming intensity, but the truth was, I wasn't dating anyone.
"No, I—"
"From what I've seen in our class, Shiina's always with Hikigaya. They look super close, and Shiina always seems really happy around him, so I just assumed..."
"...In my class, the moment Hikigaya's name came up, Sakayanagi reacted instantly. And for some reason, she was in an unusually good mood after that."
"In Class D, there were rumors among the girls that Matsushita was really protective of a bracelet she got from Hikigaya."
"Huh? Seriously? I thought you were dating Ibuki. She turned bright red just looking at your face once."
A barrage of words was fired at me. More importantly—why were they all so *specific*...?
"No, I'm not dating anyone."
"...You're serious?"
Kondou stared at me like he couldn't believe it.
The others' eyes widened at my words, but they kept going anyway.
"I still think Shiina's the most likely."
"I vote Matsushita!"
"Ibuki's got a shot too."
"...Sakayanagi once said Hikigaya was her fiancé—"
""SERIOUSLY!?""
Kitō's single sentence sent them into a frenzy, and soon, I was being shaken by everyone in the room.
For a moment, I genuinely wondered if I'd make it out alive...
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