COTE: Hikigaya's Classroom of the Supreme Being

Upon arriving at the forest camp, the first thing that came into view was a spacious field and two rather old-looking buildings, likely the dormitories designated separately for boys and girls.

Their size was more than enough to accommodate students from all grades with ease.

A full week of living here… Hopefully, it would pass without incident.

But considering what was about to happen, that hope was probably nothing more than wishful thinking.

"As soon as you enter, you will form small groups. Once the room assignments are completed, you will have lunch. The afternoon is free time," Chabashira-sensei instructed before leaving with the collected phones.

The class then split into two teams—boys and girls—each heading to their respective dormitories.

As soon as they stepped inside, a nostalgic scent of wood filled the air. It was clear that this place had been around for a long time.

This old-school building had that classic horror movie vibe. If it were just a little more run-down, it'd be perfect.

While thinking about pointless things, Hikigaya followed the group into the gymnasium.

Upon arriving, they found that the boys from the other three classes were already there, all turning their heads to look in their direction.

It seemed that Class D was the last to arrive. Before long, the boys from the second and third years would also be coming.

Following the teacher's instructions, the first-year students stood in formation and waited.

Class A and Class B stood silently, looking composed—they had likely already discussed their strategies.

On the other hand, Classes C and D were in a state of noise disorder, a mix of excitement and anxiety about the upcoming exam… Well, that was to be expected.

Ryuuen might punish students who disobey him, but he had no real rules for discipline. He was probably the worst offender in that regard.

And as for Class D… there was no need to even mention it.

However, as the second and third-year students began arriving, the first-years gradually fell silent under the pressure, waiting for further instructions.

Before long, a teacher from another grade stepped onto the stage, holding a microphone as he addressed the students.

"You all received a basic explanation on the bus. We will now proceed under that assumption. Each grade level must be divided into six small groups. At 8 PM tonight, you will be given time and space to form large groups. Just so you know, whether it's small groups or large groups, the school will not intervene in any way. That is all."

This school had always left most decisions to the students, which meant that third-year students had a clear advantage in forming large groups.

After all, they had the most experience and a better understanding of the second-year students.

The students from each grade spread out, beginning discussions about how to form their small groups.

The first to take action was Class B. Without much discussion, they quickly formed a group of over ten students.

Naturally, this drew the attention of the other classes.

"I suggest we compete fairly this time," a Class B student named Machida stepped forward. "As you can see, our class plans to form a mixed group with eleven of our members and three from other classes. This setup will maximize the benefits for everyone. Of course, the rest of our class will cooperate with you as well. This arrangement is advantageous for everyone."

It wasn't Katsuragi or Hashimoto who stepped up, but this guy, Machida…

Though Katsuragi had experienced setbacks before, they depended on the situation. At the very least, he had managed Class B well during the uninhabited island exam.

This time, the exam didn't have too many external variables. The key was group cohesion—and negotiation and management were exactly Katsuragi's strengths.

Yet, he stood silently at the back of the group, completely retreating into the background…

It was likely Sakayanagi's doing.

Since this exam separated boys and girls, if the Class B boys achieved great results under Katsuragi's leadership, it would not only restore his reputation but also threaten Sakayanagi's influence.

She did love playing these little power games.

Hikigaya had always thought so, and this just reinforced that belief.

"I think this is a good idea," Hirata was the first to voice his approval.

Class A's Kanzaki, on the other hand, remained silent. He was likely weighing the pros and cons of mixing all four classes.

The benefits were obvious—four classes meant high-point rewards.

On the surface, it seemed fair: whoever was the most capable would take first place.

However, for Class A, which already had the highest class points, there was no reason to give the other classes a chance to catch up.

On the flip side, if Class A was the only one to refuse, the other three classes might join forces against them. That would be even worse.

So Kanzaki was waiting for Class C's response before making his decision.

"Hey, hey, could you guys stop talking like we're not here?"

At that moment, an untimely voice interrupted.

Ryuuen swaggered forward from the crowd, completely ignoring Nozomi. Instead, he walked straight up to Katsuragi with a grin.

"Heh… Katsuragi, I get that you've submitted to Sakayanagi, but that little girl isn't here right now. Do you need to keep hiding behind her lackeys?"

"Please don't interfere with matters of our class. If you have any opinions, just talk to me." Machida said, somewhat annoyed.

"I don't have any opinions."

As he spoke, Ryuuen turned to look at Machida, but for a brief moment, his gaze met Hikigaya's.

A bad premonition...

"I just think you're making it sound too simple. Are there students willing to join your class? And are you saying you'll accept anyone?"

Indeed, spending a week alone with members of another class would make anyone feel uneasy.

But Hikigaya had a feeling that Ryuuen's last sentence was a bit off—it probably had a deeper meaning.

"Of course, anyone can join us." Machida nodded. "Additionally, we've considered everything you mentioned, which is why I hope everyone can agree to one rule: if a group led by one's class faces an expulsion situation, they must not drag students from other classes down with them—unless those students deliberately caused trouble or scored low on purpose. What do you all think?"

Although this was merely a verbal agreement, it applied equally to everyone.

Machida continued, "I'll take the lead then. Our class's group will be led by Katsuragi-kun. Even if we end up in last place, Katsuragi alone will bear the responsibility. We promise not to use collective punishment to make others take the fall."

"Heh, since you put it that way, I'll believe you for now."

Unexpectedly, Ryuuen agreed quite readily.

Seeing this, Kanzaki and Hirata also stopped hesitating and accepted the arrangement.

However, Sudou couldn't help but interject, "Hey, Ryuuen! You're the last person who should be saying this. I don't want to be in a group with your class, especially not with you!"

He wasn't alone in that sentiment. Students from other classes, except for Class C, showed similar displeasure, with many displaying dissatisfaction.

With students from all four classes mixed, it was easy to foresee conflicts arising, possibly even affecting exam performance.

But for the lower-ranked classes, this was also the best opportunity for an upset.

If this were the usual Ryuuen, he would have mocked Sudou already. But this time, he merely chuckled, "So, what do you propose? Mixed groups come with a hefty reward—your class doesn't want it anymore?"

"This…"

"Rather than wasting time being suspicious of each other, shouldn't we take action first?"

No one could argue against that. It didn't even sound like something Ryuuen would say.

"And don't worry. I never planned to be in the same group as a small fry like you."

"Who are you calling a small fry?!"

Well, Ryuuen was still Ryuuen.

Ignoring Sudou's fury, he smiled and said, "After all, I intend to join an elite group from Class B."

"Huh… huhhh?!"

Most of the students, including Sudou, were stunned before their expressions turned to disbelief.

"Wait, Ryuuen-kun, are you serious?" Machida asked, visibly anxious.

It seemed he wasn't particularly thrilled about Ryuuen joining… well, that was understandable.

"What's wrong? Didn't you say you'd accept anyone?"

"But…"

Machida was at a loss for words in the face of Ryuuen's response.

And understandably so—Ryuuen was the leader of his class, meaning he should naturally oversee a group led by his class. Yet, he was choosing to join another class's group alone.

It was hard not to suspect some sort of scheme.

Moreover, given that none of Class C's students looked surprised, this was likely planned.

Just as Machida was trying to think of a way to refuse, Ryuuen spoke again. "Hey, dead eyes, why don't you join too? They said they'd accept anyone, so even someone as unwanted as you won't be rejected, right?"

"What?!"

Before Hikigaya could react, Machida shouted, "Don't make decisions on your own! There's no way we'd let him join!"

"Hahaha, hear that, dead eyes? You've been completely rejected." Ryuuen laughed heartily.

"…Hmph." Hikigaya couldn't accept that. He retorted, "Rejecting Ryuuen is one thing, but why reject me? At the very least, I don't pick fights over girls."

"Heh, that's just because you're a coward."

"Then how about Ayanokoji joins Class B's group? I'd love to see you two fight again."

The two continued bickering as if no one else was there, quickly derailing the conversation.

"Hey, you—Machida, was it?"

Hikigaya looked at him expressionlessly.

"Who would you rather have in your group? Me, or Ayanokoji? Pick one."

"Uh, I think… wait, no!"

Machida hurriedly shook his head and steadied himself, then firmly declared, "Our class promised not to drag others down with us, but that assumes the other party isn't a problem student. Naturally, we also won't let problematic students into a group led by another class—that would be in everyone's best interest."

"Best interest, huh? And what makes you think I'm a problem student?" Hikigaya said, annoyed.

"Say whatever you want, but we won't compromise."

With that, Machida and his group took a step back.

"Hikigaya-kun, let it go," Hirata advised. "There's no need to argue with them. Besides, you don't like working with other classes anyway, right? I'll just find someone else for their group."

"…I was just thinking about something."

"Huh? What?"

Hirata looked puzzled.

"This exam requires groups to be formed with members from at least two classes, right? What happens if no agreement is reached?"

"You mean…"

Hikigaya glanced at Machida and the others and said calmly, "I'm just curious—if no one is willing to team up with B Class for breaking their promise, what kind of punishment would they face? Would they be expelled outright?"

"Hold on! Stop making things up!"

Machida was visibly flustered.

"You think that's possible?! No one's going to listen to you!"

"Hahaha, now this is interesting."

Before Machida could finish, Ryuuen clapped his hands and laughed.

"Dead eyes, you never fail to come up with shameless ideas."

"They framed me first."

"Heh, keep telling yourself that." Ryuuen then patted Kanzaki on the shoulder. "So, Kanzaki, what do you think? Dead Eyes's idea isn't bad, right? Plus, it benefits your class too. B Class used to be filled with A-Class elites—if you let them recover, they might surpass you someday. Taking them down now isn't a bad move."

"I don't believe they can do it. I have confidence in my class," Kanzaki replied.

He wasn't easily swayed by Ryuuen, but he also saw no reason to oppose the idea.

"However, B Class did say they'd accept anyone. Now, they're going back on their word. Maybe they deserve a little punishment."

"Tsk tsk, you act all righteous, but deep down, you'd love to see B Class suffer."

Ryuuen spoke as if he knew Kanzaki well. Considering their undisclosed dealings during the Preferential Special Exam, he might not be wrong.

Besides, Kanzaki was probably keeping Hikigaya's stance in mind.

At this stage, A Class and Hikigaya had a decent relationship—there was no need to ruin that over B Class.

"You guys are oversimplifying this," Machida protested. "If our class is punished, won't it affect the whole grade? You could end up facing consequences too!"

Hikigaya responded without hesitation, "The exam rules don't say we have to team up with B Class. As long as we form valid groups, the school won't say anything."

"Ugh…"

Seeing the other three classes unite against them, Machida froze, unsure of what to do.

At this crucial moment, Katsuragi stepped forward. "Enough, Hikigaya. There's no need to take it this far—we'll allow you to join."

"Katsuragi-kun, don't make decisions on your own!" Machida shouted.

"Then tell me, what do you suggest?" Katsuragi asked calmly. "We're in this situation because of your arrogance. If you keep insisting, it will only harm our class. Do you want that?"

"Damn it!"

Machida had no response to such a reasonable argument.

But he still refused to give up. "Hikigaya can join if he wants, but in exchange, he has to take on the role of leader. Otherwise, we absolutely won't agree!"

"Wait a minute, that condition makes no sense at all!" Hirata frowned.

"Of course it does. Don't think we're trying to set him up—this is just a safeguard to prevent him from causing trouble in the group. Considering his past actions, he's not just some ordinary student. Wouldn't you all agree?"

Machida looked rather pleased with himself, probably convinced that Hikigaya wouldn't dare accept.

Unfortunately for him, he was bound to be disappointed.

"Sure, I'll do it."

"W-Wait, do you even understand what being the leader means!?"

"It just means I might get expelled, right?" Hikigaya replied indifferently. "Honestly, considering you guys are all so obsessed with making it to Class A, I'm not worried that you'd deliberately try to frame me."

The reasoning was simple.

If their group ended up in last place and Hikigaya was expelled, that would inevitably mean dragging a Class B student down with him.

And there was no way they'd risk that being one of their own.

Even if Class B managed to gather the full twenty million points in private to bail someone out, it would still cost them a whopping four hundred class points. That would only push them further away from Class A—something they absolutely couldn't accept.

This was the inherent weakness and tendency to compromise that most students at Advanced Nurturing High possessed.