While Kure Ragna acted alone, Class B finally secured a stronghold.
To be precise, it was a designated stronghold with built-in resources.
Of course, the so-called "resources" didn't mean something as ridiculous as digging under a tree to find a conveniently placed bento box for forty people.
It was far more sustainable than that—an almost unlimited source of fresh water.
—A mountain stream.
The stream was three to four meters wide, its crystal-clear water flowing steadily. The deepest part barely reached an adult man's knees. Small fish and shrimp darted beneath the surface, making it a valuable resource for both water and food.
If a class willingly abandoned such a stronghold, they might as well have let a donkey kick their heads for good measure.
"Alright, this will be our base for the week."
As the dim screen on the instrument lit up with the words [Class B Remaining Usage Time: 7:59:55], Yukinoshita Haruno clapped her hands, addressing the relieved group.
"Now that we've secured a place to stay, it's time to discuss supplies. Our class points aren't too tight right now, so while we should conserve resources where possible, we don't need to be stingy either. First on the list—food for the next seven days."
As everyone gathered to listen to her, Sakura Airi—introverted and without many friends—squatted quietly beneath a tree, distancing herself from the group.
That was when she suddenly noticed a branch above her shifting.
Strange. There's no wind…?
Curious, she tilted her head up—only to freeze in surprise.
A figure crouched on the canopy above, their sportswear torn and dust-covered, as if they had been running through the wilderness.
"K-Kure… Kure Ragna?" Sakura Airi stammered, standing abruptly.
"Yo."
Kure Ragna leaped down like a cat, landing lightly. He gave her a casual wave. "Looks like things are going smoothly on your end."
"Uh… y-yeah…"
Sakura Airi nodded, still startled by his sudden appearance. Then, realizing the state of his clothes, she quickly leaned in, scanning him with concern.
"Wait, why do you look like that? Did you get hurt?"
"I'm fine."
Kure Ragna rolled up his sleeve, revealing an unscathed arm.
"See? No injuries. I just moved a bit too fast in the forest and got my clothes snagged on some branches."
Sakura Airi sighed in relief, patting her chest as if to calm her still-racing heart.
"Oh… thank goodness…"
Kure Ragna chuckled and playfully flicked her forehead before walking past her.
It was a light touch, barely a tap, but Sakura Airi still flinched and crouched down, covering her forehead.
A wisp of hot white mist seemed to rise from her head.
---
Meanwhile…
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka approached Class B's camp, his usual unreadable expression in place.
Spotting Sakura Airi, he walked up to her.
"Do you know where Yukinoshita Haruno is?"
"Huh?" Sakura Airi jolted, caught off guard. "Oh… Ayanokoji-kun? Uh, she's discussing things with Yukimura and the others."
"Got it. I need to ask her something."
Without waiting for further conversation, he turned to leave.
"Ah… y-yeah…" Sakura Airi mumbled after him.
---
At the Camp Center
Yukinoshita Haruno was still focused on planning their resource distribution.
"The school has provided two free tents, each capable of holding ten people. But realistically, for comfort, each can only fit seven or eight at a time. My plan is to buy four more…"
"Wouldn't three be enough?" someone interjected.
It was Yukimura, one of the more academically inclined students. Pushing his glasses up, he immediately pointed out the discrepancy.
"Based on the numbers, three additional tents would cover our needs. With five tents in total, we'd have space for forty people, which is more than enough for our class."
Yukinoshita Haruno smiled at him. "And how would you divide five tents among twenty male and female students?"
"Ah… right."
Yukimura realized the flaw in his logic before she even finished speaking. He fell silent, slightly embarrassed.
Meanwhile, Yamauchi and Ike whispered excitedly.
"If I can share a tent with Kushida-chan, I'm all for it!"
"Right?! This might be our chance!"
Perverts.
The female students collectively shot them looks of disgust. Even Kushida Kikyo, usually composed in her "angelic" persona, twitched slightly at the comment.
---
Ayanokoji's Arrival
"Yukinoshita."
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's voice cut through the murmuring discussion as he gave a small beckoning motion.
Haruno paused, slightly surprised, but quickly regained her composure. With a knowing smile, she turned to the group.
"Continue discussing the remaining necessities. I'll be back soon."
She followed him to a more secluded spot behind a tree.
Without hesitation, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka flipped his palm open, revealing a Class A key card.
Haruno blinked.
"…You stole their key card?"
A hint of amusement flickered in her eyes.
Ayanokoji maintained his neutral expression. "I didn't steal it. I'm just holding onto it for safekeeping."
"Oh?" Haruno smirked. "And how exactly did you come across it?"
"I saw Class A wandering around looking for a stronghold. Worried they might get lost, I decided to follow them. I planned to greet them, but when I jumped down, my hand just so happened to tap the back of their necks. They passed out—probably from exhaustion. This key card conveniently landed in front of me, so I picked it up."
Haruno chuckled.
"You know, that deadpan delivery really kills the joke, Ayanokoji-kun."
She shook her head. No point arguing with him.
"Alright, I only have two questions. First, whose broken bracelet is that on your wrist? Second, how many points does Class A have left?"
"Totsuka Yahiko's. One hundred and two."
Haruno processed the information quickly, then exhaled.
"…I'm glad you're not my enemy."
After a moment, she nodded. "Alright. What do you need?"
"The Class B key card and the class leader's bracelet."
Haruno considered for a second.
"I don't have the key card, and I'm not the class leader. I'll call her over."
A few moments later, she returned with a girl who had long, straight black hair and a sharp, distant expression—Horikita Suzune.
Ayanokoji met her gaze, unreadable as always.
"This is Horikita Suzune, our class leader," Haruno introduced.
Horikita crossed her arms.
Ayanokoji stretched out his hand.
"Lend me your wrist."
Horikita's eyes narrowed with hostility. "Why should I—?"
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka didn't respond but just looked at her calmly.
She hesitated but, after a moment, reluctantly extended her arm.
Ayanokoji took the key card and calmly remarked,
"…Your pulse is fast. Feeling unwell?"
"T-That has nothing to do with you! Mind your own business!" Horikita snapped, turning her head away.
Ayanokoji simply nodded.
"Alright. I'll get back to work."
Without another word, he walked off.
"Wait—you bastard…!"
Horikita gritted her teeth, realizing too late what had just happened.
But by then, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka was already gone.
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