Trapped on a Terrifying Island, This Good-for-Nothing Just Wants to Survive

Chapter 4



1.

Before specializing in his major, Genji was required to undertake general education, including courses in foreign languages, information, mathematical and physical sciences, material sciences, life sciences, humanities, basic experiments, and research methods.

Although Genji had won awards in memory competitions and could read at a glance and never forget, university education emphasized independent thinking and innovation, rather than rote memorization for exams.

“The institute will arrange tutors and customize the teaching plan according to each student’s situation. Once you, Mr. Suzu, feel that you have reached a certain level, you can apply for the exam. Passing it will allow you to move to the next stage of learning, instead of advancing year by year like regular students.”

This was what Professor Kanazawa had told Genji when he was worried about advancing his studies.

However, being one of the few freshmen at the institute, it was unlikely that the busy faculty, preoccupied with graduate students, could focus much on him. Most of the time, he had to rely on reading books, online courses, and consulting AI systems for self-study.

Even if Genji had the ability to be in two places at once or stretch a day into two, it was impossible to complete a year’s worth of general education courses in a short period. Besides, he didn’t have such superpowers.

He sighed. It seems that graduating early wouldn’t be easy. It’s better to advance year by year, honestly.

Hearing Genji’s sigh, Mikagawa, who was reading a book, closed it and earnestly advised, “Young man, don’t be so impatient. Although the food in the cafeteria isn’t great, working for tutors can earn money. You can then buy some good meat from the port market to grill or enjoy a big meal in town. Why are you always thinking about graduating?”

“It’s not about food and fun… Don’t you miss home, senior?”

“Most of the students here are from poor families or even orphans. We can’t afford to miss home; we have to study hard and earn money. Since we’re here, we can’t leave without graduating, so it’s better not to think too much about it.” Mikagawa seemed unconcerned, as if talking about something unrelated to him.

Genji realized he had asked something inappropriate and quickly apologized.

“What’s the big deal? Why so flustered?” Mikagawa put the book back on the shelf and stretched his arms.

Only then did Genji notice the author’s name on the spine of the book – it was written by his father.

Perhaps because he was staring intently at the book, Mikagawa seemed to realize something: “Oh? You know about this book? It’s written by a historian I greatly respect, his name is Suzu Motomasa. Wait a minute, that surname sounds familiar… Ah! I always call you Genji and almost forgot you’re also a Suzu…”

Mikagawa clapped his hands as if he had just had an epiphany, startling Genji into a cold sweat.

No, no, no! He absolutely couldn’t let others discover his relationship with his father, as his grandparents had repeatedly warned!

Genji quickly turned away, avoiding Mikagawa’s piercing gaze: “It’s just a coincidence. Suzu isn’t a rare surname. If my dad were that impressive, he would have had the money to pay for my education. Why would I need to come here and suffer?”

Wait, doesn’t this over-explanation seem like “protesting too much”? Damn it!

Genji wished he could slap himself. He bowed his head, unable to meet his senior’s eyes.

However, Mikagawa just laughed and shrugged: “Hey, why so nervous? I didn’t say anything. If you claim Professor Suzu as your father, others might not even believe it. Especially since you seem to have no talent in humanities and are struggling with just basic humanities courses. I’m really worried you might fail.”

Hmm, does the senior really think so? It seems I’ve managed to deceive him. Now is the time to pretend to be humiliated. Genji suddenly looked up, raising his fist in protest: “Hey, don’t jump to conclusions! Although I’m a science student, I can still pass humanities! After all, I’ve won memory competitions, right?”

Seeing his junior so adamant, Mikagawa showed a sly smile: “Hmm, really? To verify if you’re a true memory master, I need to assign you a task.”

He then took out an e-reader from the drawer and forcefully handed it to Genji: “Pick a book you’re interested in and read it thoroughly. In two weeks, I’ll test you on the key points. If you do well, I’ll treat you to a big meal. If not, I’ll send love letters to all the girls here in your name. Remember, I’m your mentor. If I report to the teachers that you’re

fishing with a wide net, playing with emotions…”

“Please, no!” Genji almost cried out in despair.

Thinking the general education courses were already a headache, he didn’t expect to be forced into such a tedious task by his eccentric senior.

As the two pushed the e-reader back and forth, Mikagawa’s face suddenly turned serious: “Listen to me, Genji. Read more, books of different types, perspectives, and stands. Some things can’t be avoided; if you don’t look for them, they’ll come looking for you. Better arm your mind first.”

Eh, another face-changing act… What’s with this guy?

Flashes of Mikagawa’s pained expression from before crossed Genji’s mind.

2.

Finally, Genji chose a book on Japanese history written by his father, the “forbidden” topic according to his grandparents.

Following Mikagawa’s repeated instructions, Genji didn’t connect the e-reader to the internet and never took it outside, only reading it in the dorm during his free time.

He initially thought it would be a dull read, but found himself surprisingly engaged.

The book’s narrative flowed like an old friend speaking, accessible yet laced with tight logic and impeccable research.

However, when it came to modern history, his father’s tone became stern, unambiguous, and brutally honest, with only raw historical facts.

Genji felt a chill down his spine, his blood boiling. He set the e-reader aside, trying to distract himself with his phone.

His father still hadn’t replied, nor had he posted anything new on social media. However, one of his last posts before losing contact caught Genji’s attention –

His father seemed to have returned to Japan for a “Human Bones Inquiry Meeting,” joining progressive individuals from various sectors, demanding authorities re-investigate human bones found at a former military medical school site in Tokyo.

Remembering the death threats his father had received years ago due to his academic views, Genji felt a shiver down his spine.

Previously, his father often traveled around the world for field research to gather accurate, firsthand materials. Some areas had poor signals, but he always managed to report safety to Genji, sending local specialties and postcards, never like now, without any contact.

“Why didn’t I think of this before…”

As the phone screen dimmed, Genji’s heart echoed with an ominous resonance: his father might be in trouble.

Click.

The sound of a key turning disrupted Genji’s thoughts. Mikagawa had returned.

Seeing his junior’s distraught appearance, Mikagawa glanced at the e-reader on the table but said nothing.


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