COTE : Backed By Black Technology System

During the daytime exploration, Koenji had already mapped out almost all the key spots on the island. Using his intel, Kanda Shuichi and the others quickly devised a strategy. 

The area near Class A had the most concentrated key spots and rough terrain, so the agile Koenji was assigned there. 

The section near Class C was left to Sudou Ken and Miyake Akito. Miyake's main job was to monitor Ryuen's class, while Sudou would handle capturing the key spots — a task well within his physical capabilities. 

The area near Class B was assigned to Horikita Suzune. Since they had a cooperation contract, negotiating would be easier. For extra security, Horikita forcefully dragged along Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, who had been watching idly and thinking about returning to the ship. 

The spots near Class D were handled by Hirata and Kushida since they also needed to assist other students at the base. As for swiping the cards at the main base, Kanda Shuichi took charge. 

"Safety comes first. Beyond that, don't hold back. Since we have zero initial points, we'll take all the key spots even if we have to fight for them," Kanda Shuichi declared. 

"Once we control the spots, the only thing the other classes will learn is who our leader is. That's not something we fear. As long as they value their remaining points, they won't dare clash with us." 

"What if the others decide to go all-in and self-destruct too?" someone asked. 

"Don't worry. Class A's Katsuragi is in a tough spot. He'll be desperate to prove himself in this exam, so he won't risk self-destruction. As for Class B, Horikita will need to negotiate." 

Kanda Shuichi's gaze shifted toward Horikita Suzune, waiting for her response. 

"I'll convince them," she answered. 

Her words didn't seem very convincing. 

Kanda Shuichi then turned his eyes toward Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. 

"If Kanda himself goes, Class B should be persuaded," Ayanokouji suggested. 

What do you mean *if I go, everything will be fine*? What nonsense! 

I'm not going all the way over there. Are you trying to work me to death? 

This is attempted murder, and I could sue you! 

"We can offer them some resource aid, trading uncertain class points for actual supplies. I think Class B will agree." 

If they don't, what kind of allies are they? We'll just take down Class A and B together! 

"As for Class C..." 

Just as Kanda Shuichi was about to mention his secret cooperation with Ryuen, someone came running with a report. 

"Excuse me! A student from Class C was spotted nearby, alone!" 

It was Sotomura, nicknamed "Doc," a chubby student gathering firewood. He rushed over with the latest intel. 

"They're here already?" 

Kanda Shuichi's muttering left those around him puzzled. 

A lone Class C student? Ryuen, you're moving fast. Trying to figure out our class leader, are you? 

If that's the case, let me give you a little surprise from Kanda Shuichi! 

"Looks like the Class C issue can be dealt with. I'll go meet her," Kanda Shuichi said, standing up. 

"Hirata, could you organize the students to wash the rice and start cooking it? I'll cook after talking with the Class C student."

"By the way, Kanda, do you already know what you're making for dinner tonight?" 

"We'll keep it simple for the first night and make some curry. Everyone's tired and could use some meat to regain strength." 

Curry was indeed simple, though it took some time to prepare. 

"In that case, I'll head out now. Hopefully, when I return, I can taste your cooking, sickly boy." 

Koenji ran his fingers through his hair with a refreshed look on his face. 

Sickly boy? Is this guy looking down on me? 

And Horikita Suzune, why are you smirking? Go negotiate with Class B already! 

Before long, Koenji and Horikita had left with their flashlights. Their tasks were to seize camp spots near Class A's cave camp and Class B's well camp, respectively. 

Horikita could negotiate with Ichinose from Class B if needed, even offering some resources since Class D had plenty. 

As for Class A, that would be pure aggression. Given Koenji's capabilities, this small task would be a breeze. If he failed, Kanda Shuichi would definitely assume he was slacking off. 

If that happened, their contract terms might need some adjustment. 

Meanwhile, Kanda Shuichi had to strike a deal with Ryuen. Ryuen might ask for something, but as long as it wasn't outrageous, Kanda didn't mind agreeing. 

Following the doctor's directions, Kanda Shuichi reached the southwest side of the camp and saw a familiar Class C girl—Ibuki Mio. 

Yes, the same girl whose poor acting got exposed on the ship, the one tossed aside like a ragdoll by that giant bouncer. 

Small but fiery—that was Ibuki Mio in a nutshell. 

However, now she was sitting against a tree, clutching a bag with visible bruises on her face. 

Seriously, Ryuen, this is too much. You knew I'd recognize her as a spy, but you still went this far? Any lolicon would be heartbroken seeing this. 

"It's been a while, Ibuki." 

Hearing someone call her name, Ibuki turned her head and saw Kanda Shuichi, the Class D contact Ryuen had mentioned. 

But he wasn't alone—he had brought Miyake Akito and Sudo Ken, two athletic guys she recognized. 

Seeing them standing like Kanda's bodyguards, Ibuki couldn't help but feel confused. 

How did Kanda Shuichi get those two strong guys to follow his lead? 

They could easily take him down if they wanted! 

If Kanda knew what she was thinking, he'd probably teach her a lesson right there. 

"Did Ryuen tell you how to contact him when he sent you here?" 

"Huh? I was kicked out. Why would I know how to reach him?" Ibuki's face twisted with annoyance, though deep down she was nervous. 

Did he see through me already? 

She remembered what Ryuen had said before sending her off. 

[The moment he sees you, he'll understand what I mean.] 

Just like Ryuen predicted, Kanda Shuichi figured it out the moment he saw her. 

"Enough pretending. Plans have changed. I need to talk to Ryuen." 

Kanda crouched down to look Ibuki in the eye. 

"Or do I have to search that bag of yours myself?" 

Ibuki swallowed hard, her heart pounding and her breathing quickening. 

Despite his frail appearance, Kanda's words carried immense pressure. She'd never felt this exposed, not even when dealing with Ryuen. 

Is this what it feels like to be completely seen through? And this is only our second meeting! He's worse than Ryuen! 

Without thinking, Ibuki pulled a black walkie-talkie from her bag and handed it over.

Sudou was stunned. What was going on here?

How did Kanda know they had a way to contact Ryuen? And wasn't Ibuki kicked out?

No, no… Could she actually be a spy? Sudou felt like his brain was overheating.

He turned on the walkie-talkie. After a burst of static, there was only silence. Was it broken?

But soon, Ryuen's familiar, arrogant voice came through.

"Did you get results this fast?"

Hearing that voice, Kanda Shuichi smiled.

"It's me, Ryuen. I heard you've already spent all your points. How's life treating you?"

Kanda Shuichi's sudden greeting seemed to catch the other side off guard. There was silence for so long that Kanda thought the device might really be broken.

"So you already got the walkie-talkie from Ibuki? You're pretty capable."

"Same to you. You didn't send her just to deliver a walkie-talkie, did you? That's not your style."

Glancing at Ibuki, still sitting on the ground, Kanda Shuichi started probing.

"No need to guess. I partnered with Class A."

Kanda Shuichi raised an eyebrow. "That's not what we agreed on. Or is your deal with them... special?"

"Want to hear the details?"

It seemed Ryuen wasn't just planning to mess with Class A during the exam—he was aiming for a much bigger scheme.

"Go ahead."

"I made a deal with Class A. I gave them 200 points' worth of supplies, and in return, they'll transfer 800,000 private points to me every month until graduation.

In addition, I promised to do my best to uncover the leaders of Class B and Class D and share that information with them. I sent Ibuki to your class, and I've also placed a spy in Class B."

Ryuen explained everything without holding back. He knew that if Kanda Shuichi—the person most like him—was on the other end, he would immediately understand what he was up to.

"I see… Interesting. Very interesting. Then let me give you a little gift. The leader of Class D... is Miyake Akito."

As Kanda Shuichi spoke, Ibuki's eyes nearly popped out of her head. Before she could react, Miyake Akito, who was standing right next to Kanda, calmly pulled a keycard from his pocket and tossed it to her.

Ibuki stared at the keycard in her hand, examining it several times, but she couldn't find anything suspicious. It was identical to Ryuen's keycard. It couldn't possibly be fake.

Of course not! 

It was the real deal, straight from Miyake Akito himself—the keycard that could be used to claim strongholds. There was no way she'd notice anything odd, because there was nothing to notice!

"Ryuen, he's telling the truth. I've already checked the keycard."

Ibuki's bitter voice came through, but to Ryuen's ears, it sounded like music.

Ryuen Kakeru's face lit up with a wide grin. As expected... as expected!

This guy gets me!

He understands me perfectly!

"Hahaha! Kanda Shuichi, you really are the best match for me! How about it? Want to join Class C? I can gather 20 million points for you right away!"

"No need for that. I'm quite comfortable in Class D." Kanda Shuichi smiled as he rejected Ryuen's offer once again.

"But those guys from Class A might not believe that Miyake is our leader, because... I've already sent Koenji to raid their camp."

Huh?

Wait!

What did that mean?

Raid... their camp?

Wasn't Miyake the leader of Class D? Why send Koenji to raid their camp?

"Dual leaders, Ryuen. You didn't consider that possibility, did you?"

"Hold on a second!"

Ryuen's voice grew deep and then fell silent. 

About ten minutes later, his voice came back, trembling with excitement. 

"You're quite capable, Kanda Shuichi!" 

"Too bad you made a deal with Katsuragi and spent a lot of points on food, drinks, and entertainment. Otherwise, you could've done what we did — drain your initial points and close the gap with higher-ranking classes using temporary points." 

The 200-point trade was something Ryuen mentioned himself, while the rest of the intel came from Ibuki when she arrived, trying to gain Class D's trust. 

Since Kanda Shuichi knew Ryuen's class was running low on survival supplies, he deliberately revealed this information to him without concern. 

In truth, Ryuen was furious. He really had little left. He had planned to stay alone, seize control of key spots, and guess the leader's identity at the end, so he only brought supplies for himself. 

Even though he realized this exam could net Class D a lot of points, he couldn't copy their strategy. 

As for Ibuki's claim that Ryuen planned to burn through all his points and have Class C forfeit, Kanda Shuichi dismissed it as nonsense. Believing that would be truly foolish. 

"Quite the clever plan, Kanda Shuichi." 

"But you're benefiting too, aren't you?" 

"You're right. I want seven days' worth of food and water for one person. Get it ready," Ryuen demanded bluntly. "Also, investigate Class A's leader." 

"No problem. In fact, it's already done. Class A's leader is Totsuka Yahiko, Katsuragi's little follower." 

Kanda Shuichi answered smoothly. 

"Oh? That fast?" 

"Of course. Since I decided to target Class A, I gave it my all." 

In reality, it wasn't about effort — it was all thanks to high-tech gear. 

This brings us to Kanda Shuichi's June tech gadget: Time TV. 

By inputting a specific location and time, it could show what happened in that place at that time. However, it only worked for past events, not the future. 

Even so, using it came at a cost — 100,000 personal points per minute viewed. After graduation, it would cost 100,000 yen per minute. 

But Kanda Shuichi considered this a small price to pay. 

Using intel from the exploration team, he locked onto the time and location, seeing Totsuka Yahiko taking the cave's key spot with a keycard. 

He also insisted on a solo tent to keep the gadget hidden — it was too big to fit in a backpack and far too noticeable. He hadn't claimed it until now, and without the sudden appearance of a four-dimensional pocket in August, he might never have. 

"I need two more things from you: photos of Koenji's keycard and Miyake's keycard. Can you do that?" 

"Photos?" 

Kanda Shuichi glanced at Ibuki and noticed her dirt-covered hands. 

"I need to check if the camera still works." 

He said, "Move aside, or are you planning to dig it up yourself?" 

Feeling exposed and annoyed, Ibuki clicked her tongue, then dug up a camera from the dirt between her legs and tossed it to Kanda Shuichi. 

He took the camera and casually snapped a picture of Ibuki, then checked its functionality. 

"Ryuen, still there?" 

"Looks like you've confirmed it." 

"Yeah, but unfortunately, the camera records timestamps on photos. For now, I can only send you Koenji's keycard photo."

Kanda Shuichi shook his head regretfully. 

"Then let Ibuki stay in Class D. On the day before the exam ends, bring back a photo of Miyake's key card." 

"No problem. Before taking the photo, I'll have Koenji stop all activities." 

Talking with Akito was easy because he could follow Kanda's train of thought. 

If they immediately revealed that Koenji was Class D's leader, someone as cautious as Katsuragi would definitely suspect some hidden scheme and might not believe it. 

However, if the leader changed just before the exam ended, there would be only one possibility—that Class D had a way to replace the leader from the start, and Koenji was just bait. 

At that point, even Katsuragi would assume that Class D had switched leaders on purpose and wouldn't realize both were fakes. 

As for Koenji taking over Class A's territory, that was meant to send a signal—to make Katsuragi think Class D was willing to expose their leader just to seize more camps, then switch leaders at the last moment by having the former leader withdraw from the exam. 

This way, the newly revealed leader would undoubtedly be the final one! 

Once Katsuragi believed that, Class A would lose 50 initial points again! 

Ryuen Kakeru and Kanda Shuichi's job over the next few days was to embed this idea deeply into Katsuragi's mind—and even into the minds of all Class A students. 

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