COTE : Backed By Black Technology System

As time passed, Kushida Kikyo and Horikita Suzune arrived one after the other in the Dragon Group room. However, Ryuen and his two companions from Class C were still nowhere to be seen.

"Ryuen wouldn't be skipping out, would he? If that's the case, Class C is out of the running," Kanda Shuichi joked, glancing at the clock, which was about to hit one o'clock.

"Why the rush? It's not even time yet," came the reply.

Just as Kanda Shuichi finished speaking, Ryuen slammed the door open, swaggering in with his underlings.

"Are you eavesdropping out there?" Kanda asked, his tone mocking.

"This room has such great soundproofing, how could I have been eavesdropping?" Ryuen replied, pulling out the chair across from Kanda Shuichi and sitting down near Class A's spot. 

"So, you really were eavesdropping?" Kanda shot back.

Kanda Shuichi continued to press on, while Ryuen casually glanced at the other students from classes other than Class C.

"Let me see, where are the preferred candidates? Is it you, Kanda?"

"Unfortunately, I'm not a preferred candidate," Kanda Shuichi shrugged and said with a regretful tone. "If you don't believe me, I can show you my phone."

"Hmph, no need for that."

Ryuen sneered and didn't take Kanda Shuichi up on his offer. Looking at Kanda's phone would mean showing his own phone in return, and Ryuen didn't think it was necessary.

Just this brief exchange of words revealed a lot of information.

First, Ryuen made it clear from the start that there were no preferred candidates in his class and expressed his determination to find them. 

Then, Kanda Shuichi, using the same tactic, explained that there were no preferred candidates in his class either, as he wasn't afraid to exchange phones with Ryuen to confirm his identity.

Since there were no preferred candidates in B Class either, that must mean the preferred candidates are in Class A, right?

After a quick analysis, Ichinose looked toward Katsuragi.

Noticing Ichinose's gaze, Katsuragi's expression remained unchanged, but inside, he felt a bit uncomfortable.

Why is she looking at me?

I don't know either. Anyway, I'm not one of them.

But he couldn't show it. He just sat silently, saying nothing, as still as a mountain.

When 1:00 PM arrived, the announcement on the ship's PA system echoed throughout the room.

[Now, we will begin the first round of group discussions.]

As the announcement ended, the atmosphere in the room immediately became tense. Kushida, who had been chatting lively with the two girls from Class B, now zipped her lips.

Even though the discussion had already started, the atmosphere in the Dragon Group room became incredibly serious. No one wanted to speak first, as if the person who did would be attacked by students from the other three classes.

The person who broke the silence was Ichinose from Class B. Not only was she beautiful, but she also had a lovely voice and behaved with grace, unlike Kushida, who was two-faced.

If Kushida was an angel, then this girl was undoubtedly her superior, a true angel!

However, as far as Kanda Shuichi was concerned, he liked any angel.

"Alright, since no one wants to speak first, I'll go ahead. Although I already roughly know everyone's names... 

But the teachers also told us to introduce ourselves, so I think we should follow the instructions and do that. There may be some people meeting for the first time."

Hearing no objections, Ichinose continued: "I'm Ichinose Honami from Class B, nice to meet you."

"Still doing introductions at this point? Ichinose, you really are such a good girl, aren't you?" 

The one who objected was a boy from Class A, whom Kanda Shuichi didn't know. But after hearing him, he immediately exchanged a glance with Ryuen, both of them seeing that glint of mischief in each other's eyes.

"I'm Ryuen Kakeru from Class C."

"I'm Kanda Shuichi from Class D."

With the representatives of the three classes introducing themselves briefly, others also started to introduce their names one by one.

Finally, it was Class A's turn, and all eyes turned towards that direction.

"I'm Katsuragi Kohei from Class A."

With Katsuragi's statement, the other two members of Class A exchanged glances and introduced themselves. This made the identity of the other person completely clear.

Shinji Matoba—that was the person who refused to cooperate and didn't want to introduce himself.

He was a tall boy with sharp eyes, looking like he wasn't a fool. However, it seemed like the deserted island exam had hit him hard, leaving his mind a bit unclear.

"It's you, huh? Nice to meet you." 

Kanda Shuichi said with a smile, then noticed the appreciative look Ryuen gave him. 

Since everyone had introduced themselves, Shinji couldn't hide his identity anymore. After Kanda Shuichi pointed it out, he just sneered coldly and didn't say anything further.

To be honest, Kanda Shuichi understood Shinji's reaction. After all, during the deserted island exam, Class B had taken Class A's spot, so it was only natural for him to feel dissatisfied. 

"Now that we've completed the school's task, let's get started," Ichinose took the initiative to act as the host, and no one opposed. 

In fact, out of everyone here, Ichinose Honami was the only one truly suited for this role. 

Ryuen's group of three didn't count; no matter who hosted, it would feel like Ryuen was speaking, and no one here wanted him to take control. 

As for Kanda Shuichi's side, even though Class B didn't object, Ryuen and Katsuragi wouldn't agree. 

And Katsuragi, being a defeated man, didn't have the right to claim the role, so that left Ichinose, who was full of charm and approachability. 

Class B and D were allies behind the scenes, so D wouldn't object, and although Ryuen looked down on Ichinose, he couldn't deny that she was perfect for the role. 

As for Class A... 

Forget it, their opinions didn't matter. 

"Well then, I have a question for everyone. Please allow me to ask. The question is—do you all think that the best outcome would be for everyone to pass this exam, aiming for result one?" 

As soon as Ichinose asked her question, Hirata, sitting beside her, couldn't hold back. He was so eager to agree with her that he almost stood up to respond. 

Luckily, Kanda Shuichi quickly reacted and kicked him under the table to calm him down. 

On the other hand, Horikita's poker face was much more composed. 

"Ichinose, there's no need for such nonsense. Let me make it clear. In my Class C, we're aiming for result one to finish this exam. Ideally, every group should aim for result one!" 

Ryuen didn't bother pretending anymore. He clearly stated that he wanted to take over more than 20 million private points from the school. 

"But to achieve result one, the names of the special candidates must be revealed before the exam ends. This could lead to the risk of result three." 

Horikita Suzune's words made it clear she disagreed. 

"That's true. If false information is provided, it could result in the tragic outcomes of result two or result four," Ryuen said, shrugging. "Let's put it this way, I don't trust the people from Class A." 

Ryuen's words made several students from Class A furious. 

He was the one who betrayed us during the deserted island exam, and now he has the nerve to say that we're untrustworthy? 

"Ryuen! You bastard, you're really trying to get result three, aren't you?" 

Shinji Matoba looked at Ryuen and said in a deep voice. 

In fact, Shinji Matoba didn't hold any hatred towards the successful Kanda Shuichi; losing to Class D was simply a matter of skill, but Ryuen's betrayal left a permanent scar on Class A.

So no matter what Ryuen said, he would never trust him again.

"Although Ryuen's words are harsh, there's some truth to them. Even if someone pulls out their phone now and shows their message saying they're a special candidate, would everyone believe it?

What if it's a trap? Even if we prove that this person isn't a special candidate and find the real one, can we be sure? I don't think so. What do you think, Katsuragi?"

Kanda Shuichi didn't hesitate to dig into Katsuragi's old wounds, then twisted the knife with salt. 

These words brought back painful memories for Katsuragi.

You bastard! 

You think I'll fall for the same trick again from the deserted island exam? 

You must be dreaming!

Then Katsuragi immediately made an important announcement.

"This time, Class A will not participate in the exam. Our goal is to achieve Result 2 as a whole group."

Kanda Shuichi almost laughed at Katsuragi's declaration. *Do you even know what you're saying?* But just to be sure, Kanda Shuichi asked again.

"So, you're saying that, just to be safe, you plan to keep the current situation until the exam ends?"

"That's right. Class A has already lost a lot of points under my leadership. I've given up on being the leader of Class A, but before handing it over to Sakayanagi, I'll try my best to protect the class points."

In other words, it's: *I'd rather do nothing than do something wrong.*

A typical turtle mentality, which was really frustrating. Kanda Shuichi had already found Class A hard to deal with, but now it was even worse than he imagined.

Now, aren't you forcing me to find the rules for selecting privileged students?

From Kanda Shuichi and Ryuen's point of view, Class A's actions were like tying themselves up in knots and digging their own grave.

Since the other side was being so accommodating, shouldn't we give them a little gift?

"Then can I assume that Class C is aiming for Result 1, while Class A is aiming for Result 2?"

Even though the atmosphere was already tense, Ichinose still dutifully played the role of the mediator and asked Ryuen, who had already made his statement.

"You can understand it that way. I care more about private points than class points."

Hearing Ryuen's words, the students from Class A felt a sharp sting in their hearts.

Starting next month, they'll have to pay Ryuen 800,000 private points every month, continuing until they graduate or Ryuen leaves the school.

"And what does Class D think?"

Ichinose looked to Kanda Shuichi, as if waiting for an answer.

"We're just Class D, after all. But more than that, Ichinose, I'd like to know... What does Class B plan to do?"

"We? We are of course inclined towards Result 1. 20 million private points can exempt us from one expulsion penalty.

No one here can guarantee that they won't face expulsion, right? I've heard that many people in the higher grades have already been expelled."

Ichinose's and Hirata's thoughts aligned—both were hoping to gather 20 million private points to avoid the threat of expulsion.

At the right moment, Kanda Shuichi gently kicked Hirata.

"Since that's the case, we'll assist you."

Hirata suppressed his excitement and responded to Ichinose's statement.

"I also think this is a good idea."

"I support Hirata's decision."

Next, Kushida Kikyo and Kanda Shuichi both expressed their support, while Horikita Suzune silently closed her eyes, as if agreeing with the plan.

The three classes then turned their attention to the four students from Class A.

Class A, you're in danger!

"If you think you can do it, go ahead, but be careful. Ryuen will definitely betray you."

"No, right now, I think Class A is more likely to betray you than Ryuen," Kanda Shuichi pressed on. "Your class points have already been surpassed by Class B. Although the difference is still less than 100 points, surpassed is surpassed."

"However, because the difference is less than 100 points, you still have a chance to turn things around. I believe your students won't give up this opportunity, right?"

Yet, no matter what Kanda Shuichi said, the students from Class A remained silent, occasionally speaking only to try to disrupt the unity of Classes B, C, and D.

No, maybe there isn't any unity between these three classes in the first place, because Class B doesn't trust Ryuen either.

"Ryuen, how do you expect us to trust you?"

"Oh? My character still needs to be doubted?" 

What a bold claim!

Come on, do you want to hear what you're actually saying?

*You? Your character? Are you kidding me, Ryuen-san?*

Believing in your character is like believing an old tree will bloom or that a pig can climb a tree.

Everyone in the room, including the two members of Class C, were speechless. How could Ryuen say something like that with such confidence?

"Anyway, Ryuen-kun, our Class B will not cooperate with you," Ichinose shook her head, still refusing. "During the deserted island test, it was you who sent Kaneda, right? And the goal was to get the leader's information from our class, right?"

"What? You're still upset about that?" Ryuen seemed completely unfazed. "Since you know Kaneda was a spy I sent, you should be more careful not to let him find out your leader. Class D handled it well, after all."

When Ryuen shifted the topic to Class D, Kanda Shuichi and the others didn't respond. They just quietly watched him perform.

"Anyway, I won't agree to cooperate with you unless you prove yourself trustworthy," Ichinose's stance remained firm.

"So, if I prove I'm trustworthy, you'll cooperate with me?" Ryuen countered.

After hearing his response, Ichinose felt something was off, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

Instinctively, Ichinose thought about asking Kanda Shuichi for advice, but immediately dismissed the idea. No, I can't always rely on Class D. One day we'll be competing against them, and if we keep listening to them, we'll be powerless when that happens.

"If you can provide evidence that you won't betray us, I'll believe you," Ichinose replied after thinking it over.

To her, whether Ryuen was trustworthy or not was up to her. As long as Class D didn't show they trusted him, she wouldn't either.

After getting Ichinose's answer, Ryuen turned his attention to Kanda Shuichi.

"Well then, what about Class D? Do you want to cooperate with me? I already have information on three preferred candidates from your class. Once I get your information, it'll be easy to link it all together. How about we work together to crush Classes A and B?"

Kanda Shuichi was silent when Ryuen looked at him.

What now?

What nonsense is this? No guarantees, and you expect me to believe you with just a word?

Although our last cooperation went smoothly, you haven't forgotten the contract we signed, right?

"Sorry, Ryuen, but I agree with Class B. I think you'll betray us."

Horikita Suzune also expressed that she wouldn't trust Ryuen. In fact, her stance reflected the views of all the students in Class D.

If it hadn't been for that harsh contract last time, not many in Class D would have trusted Ryuen, especially Sudou, who almost got tricked by him.

"That's too much, Suzune. I don't think I did anything to your Class D, did I? Didn't we cooperate quite well last time?"

"Hmph, that was just because you failed to identify Class D's true leader."

Horikita Suzune didn't believe a word Ryuen said. Instinctively, she felt he wasn't someone who would follow the rules.

Although there was also someone in her camp who didn't follow the rules, the feeling she got from Kanda Shuichi was completely different from what she got from Ryuen.

Kanda Shuichi seemed to act unorthodox, while Ryuen was completely unscrupulous—cooperating with you one moment, and betraying you the next.

Compared to Ryuen, at least Kanda Shuichi had some integrity.

If Horikita's thoughts were heard by Ryuen, he would probably laugh out loud.

Hey, girl, you probably don't know how Kanda Shuichi tricked Class A out of 200 class points, right?

Thinking Kanda Shuichi has integrity is just a joke.

"Hey, Kanda, what do you think? Do you trust me?"

Seeing that Horikita Suzune wasn't giving in, Ryuen turned to his hidden ally, Kanda Shuichi. 

"I really want to trust you, but this situation is different from last time. Last time, I was confident I could stop you, but this time it's different. Even if you betray me, I won't be able to do anything." 

Kanda Shuichi shrugged. "The root of the problem isn't really on our side. If Class A doesn't cooperate, what's the point of finding the list of special candidates? It'll just make Class A lose 150 points, and we'd still have a hard time achieving result one." 

Ryuen agreed with this, but he still wanted to first combine the special candidates' lists from the three classes and deduce the rules for selecting special candidates. 

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