Along with the arrival of Karuizawa Kei, both her silhouette and voice, a faint scent of floral mosquito repellent wafted through the air toward Kitagawa Ryo. Due to the large number of insects on the uninhabited island, the school had provided students with various insect-repellent sprays and lotions.
Compared to the slightly pungent smell of insect spray, the mosquito-repellent floral water issued by the school was undeniably fresher. With his exceptional sense of smell and the innate talent [Floral Whisperer], Ryo immediately identified the scent's complex blend of citrus, jasmine, Nile water lily, and western cypress.
"Kei, are you planning to camp here too? There's plenty of space if you're alone."
As golden sunlight filtered through the treetops, a leaf gently landed on Karuizawa Kei's hair. Kitagawa Ryo stepped forward to brush it away and continued the conversation.
"I had my eye on this spot earlier, but I got caught up completing a nearby task and didn't get a chance to set up my tent."
Kei lowered her backpack, pulled out a single-person tent, and cheerfully called out to Horikita Suzune's group in the corner:
"Looks like we're going to be neighbors tonight. Please take care of me."
Neither reason nor rules allowed Horikita's group to object. Besides, since their tent was already set up, relocating wasn't realistic. After a brief exchange of awkward glances, they all reluctantly nodded. Still, unease lingered in their hearts.
The island was huge—this kind of coincidence seemed too deliberate.
Everyone, including Ryo, was well aware of Kei's intentions. Even Kei knew that Ryo understood her motives. Yet, precisely because of this mutual awareness, no one pointed out the obvious.
Out of the corner of her eye, Horikita Suzune watched the others' expressions. The moment Karuizawa Kei appeared and spoke to Ryo, Ichinose Honami visibly tensed, her entire body taut like a fully drawn bow.
Sakayanagi Arisu, while still wearing her usual half-smile, looked pale—her lips, like her hair, shaded in cold hues.
"There's still an hour before sunset. The third round of tasks has already refreshed."
Horikita checked her watch, then looked up and addressed Ryo, who was still facing away from them:
"You don't have a tent yet, right? The task at grid H4—[English Listening Test]—offers a tent as a reward. First place gets 200 points and a two-person tent, second gets a single-person tent, and third gets 2L of water. Want to go for it?"
"Sounds good. I'll go take a look."
Ryo scratched the back of his head as he navigated to the task page on his watch. Perhaps due to the approaching evening, there were fewer tasks this round. Nearby, only two remained: the English Listening Test and [Underwater Breath-Holding], which offered only 400 points for first place—less appealing.
"Why don't we all go together? We can also redeem supplies on the way and carry them back."
He suggested this after some thought.
During the exam, students could redeem items using points earned from tasks—either at designated exchange points or directly from the staff supervising each task.
"Of course, if you'd prefer to rest, that's fine too. There probably won't be much to carry, and it might be a good chance to check our supplies."
Though he said this, Ryo wasn't truly worried about theft. The rules prohibited stealing or using violence to obtain others' resources, and student movements were tracked via wristbands, with drones and helicopters constantly monitoring the island.
Perhaps because the remaining tasks were too far, or maybe because Kei's sudden appearance stirred unease, all three girls quickly agreed to accompany Ryo to the [English Listening Test].
"I'll stay behind. I'm tired from walking all day. Better to set up my tent first."
Unexpectedly, Kei chose not to follow. She crouched down and began assembling her tent alone.
"Traveling alone is more tiring."
"Then I'll leave our camp in your care."
Ryo smiled in acknowledgment and added:
"As a thank-you, join us for dinner. Suzune got some good ingredients today."
He winked at Horikita.
"Considering that, I'll let you off the hook for bossing me into cooking."
"So I'm benefiting from Horikita-san's generosity?"
Kei quipped playfully before waving her hand:
"Alright, get going. If you miss the sign-up, you'll have to spend extra points for a tent."
"We'll head out then."
With that, Ryo's group moved out together for the first time that day.
"Karuizawa-san has a Special Card, doesn't she?"
As they walked through the woods, Sakayanagi suddenly looked up and asked.
"Hm? Why do you think that, Arisu?"
"It's obvious."
She explained:
"This special exam favors multi-member groups—better card synergies, complementary strengths. While single-member groups might earn more per point, the risk is much higher. Only three solo groups exist. Those going solo must either trust their capabilities, have no choice due to isolation, or hold a Special Card that benefits most from solo play."
"Karuizawa-san's academic and athletic skills are decent but not top-tier. So solo gains wouldn't outweigh group benefits. She's B-Class's leader—no chance she's isolated. That leaves one answer: she holds either the [Resurrection] or [Reinforcement] card."
"Why [Resurrection]? [Reinforcement] I get."
Horikita asked, puzzled.
"Because B-Class likely has a plan to prevent any member from being expelled, as Arisu mentioned before. If Kei has the [Resurrection] card, she can deliberately reduce her score by exchanging points for supplies, then use the card to cancel her expulsion."
"That's also why she must act solo—the card only saves one person."
"So, Ryo, do you know which card Kei drew?"
Ichinose's gentle blue eyes met Ryo's. He shook his head.
"I honestly don't know. Only the person who drew the card knows for sure."
"Like Arisu said, there are only three solo groups. Anyone could have a Special Card."
"You're still defending her."
"...I defend all of you."
Ryo didn't want to pursue the topic further. They had already reached the task location, where four groups were present—none familiar, likely A and B-Class.
"I'll sign up."
Only one person from each group could participate, so Ryo quickly approached the teacher to register. Being first in group rankings, their presence seemed to rattle the others.
"Three minutes left to sign up. You're the last group, it seems."
The teacher handed Ryo a headset and tablet.
After a short wait, five participants were brought to the center. Ryo put on the headset and waited.
Ichinose and Sakayanagi quietly observed while Horikita used the time to collect supplies from the nearby staff member.
"Let's see: one pot, four sets of tableware, a pack of disposable cups, 3L of water, two flashlights, and one lighter, right?"
The staff member expertly pulled items from the tent behind them.
"If you're planning to cook, consider this kitchen set. It includes your requested items, plus extras—grill, utensils, even a barbecue rack. Perfect for stargazing at night."
"Only 1,200 points. If someone in your group has a [Discount] card, it'll be cheaper."
"Hold on, let me check with the others."
Knowing Ryo's Discount card was Level 2, Horikita was intrigued.
She explained the offer to Sakayanagi and Ichinose:
"It's worth it. Today's only day one. The sooner we buy it, the better the return. From tomorrow on, we'll be earning more points anyway. Even today, we've hit over 1,800."
The "over" referred to Ryo, whom she clearly trusted to place high.
"Shouldn't we let Ryo decide? He is our leader."
Ichinose still watched him closely, remembering what he had said earlier.
"I've never had Ryo's barbecue. Camping and barbecue go hand in hand, right?"
Sakayanagi stretched lazily, then asked abruptly:
"...Did something happen between you and Karuizawa before? You seem like old acquaintances."
Perceptive as always.
"Not really. I did some support work for the troupe Ryo was with for a while. That's all."
Ichinose finally looked away from Ryo and whispered:
"I just don't want to see anyone forcing him to make a choice again."
Horikita lowered her gaze. Sakayanagi frowned.
Both picked up on the subtle warning in her words.
But Ichinose didn't care about their reactions. She reached into her pocket, fingers brushing against an ornate hair clip—peach-pink, carved with a soaring bird, the tail dyed in gradient crimson flames.
She had never worn the gift Ryo gave her two years ago.
Because a beautiful hairpin only comes alive when worn.
Taken off, it's just a drop of mosquito blood.
A lifeless, dull red.
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