Seen Through the Eyes of Goodwill

Chapter-2 (Rules)

"Soon you will be allowed to roam in the forest freely, but there are several designated 'spots' on the island. In these spots, there is what is referred to the right of exclusive possession, and only the class that occupies that spot may exercise those rights. The class that obtains the rights are entirely free to determine how they wish to exercise them. However, rights of exclusive possession are only valid for 8 hours after being invoked, after which they are automatically revoked. That means other classes can acquire those rights at the same time. Also, you gain one bonus point if you occupy a spot once. However, that point is provisional, and cannot be used during the testing period. Because the school is constantly monitoring you, there is no room for fraud. Please be aware of that."

"Huh? That is super important! Let us start looking for it right away."

Everyone's eyes were shining with hope, finding a spot had a very crucial role for our points. Since if we can occupy a spot over and over again then each spot will provide nearly 20+ points over the week.

"I can understand your impatience, but be aware of the risks. After you take those risks into account you have to consider what to do. Everything is written in the manual."

On opening the manual I understood the hazards which she is talking about.

Apparently a specialized key card is required to occupy a spot. You can earn one point by occupying a spot each time. Occupied spots can be used freely, on using a spot occupied by another class without permission one will receive a fifty-point penalty.

Only a designated leader can use the key card. It is impossible to change the leader without a suitable justification. That hints that we need to choose the leader after thinking hard and long.

Chabashira-sensei explained those rules outlined in the manual. I started focusing on other pages. My attention was caught by the final rule.

On the seventh day, the last day of the test, you had the right to guess the identity of the other class' leader during roll call. If you managed to get the identity right, then you could obtain fifty points for each correct guess. Conversely, the other class would have to pay fifty points as compensation. If you moved to acquire a spot without caution, and your leader was discovered, then you would lose a great number of points. So, high risk, high reward.

However, a wrong guess was in itself hazardous, if you happen to be mistaken, you would suffer a fifty-point penalty for incorrect guess. This in itself was enough to make the unconfident guessers back off.

"One person must be chosen as the leader, no exceptions. However, you are free not to participate. Please tell me once you've selected someone. At that time, I will provide you with a key card stamped with the leader's name. You have time until roll call today. In the event that you do not decide by then, we will decide for you. That is all."

That means that the identity of the leader will be discovered only if one can glance over the card or catch them claiming a spot.

The manual included a simple map of the island, with only its size and the shape drawn. Things like the total area of the forest and the topography were completely unknown. It was more like a blank sheet of paper.

"It looks like we need to fill in the necessary parts ourselves."

A ballpoint pen had been given to us as well, for that exact purpose.

"It's good to have a spot near the boat where lots of teachers are,

right?"

"Hey, Hirata-kun. Isn't it better to decide ahead of time what we should do about the toilet?"

The toilet was definitely going to become an issue before long. The

girls' opinions were reasonable.

"Well, we can talk about a decision, but in the end don't we just have

to grin and bear it?"

"No, there could be another way."

Hirata looked at the manual, and then looked back up.

"It says that temporary toilets can be purchased and installed using our

points."

Shinohara and the other immediately gathered around the manual. The functions of the temporary toilets appeared impeccable. However, the problem was that we needed to spend twenty points per toilet. It was difficult to judge whether that was expensive or cheap.

"We absolutely need it! I mean, I really don't like that we have to

spend points... But if we don't, it's just impossible!"

A lot of girls, triggered by Shinohara's remarks, agreed. Toilets were paramount for them at the moment, they would rather quit to the ship than bear the toilet for a week.

"W-wait a minute here, you guys! Twenty points?! Just for a toilet?!"

Ike reacted with horror. Guys surely were more sturdier and compromising when it came to this matter. The class was being divided again.

"Yes, as a toilet, that one's good. But we already have this one! Right? We still have a lot of time left to use our points. It's bad for us to splurge now!"

"You don't get to decide that. Hirata-kun is going to consider all of our opinions and decide. Right, Hirata-kun?" Shinohara ignored Ike and pleaded

with Hirata to buy a temporary toilet.

"I see. At the very least, having a toilet for the girls would be—"

"You're free to consider everyone's opinions, but that doesn't mean you get to make decisions," said Ike, frantically trying to stop Hirata, who

appeared to be about to buy the toilet.

"Ah, shut up already!"

Yukimura suddenly joined the fight.

"It's not as though I don't understand the girls' desire to have a temporary toilet. However, I'm not convinced that we ought to arbitrarily spend our points, whether it's for boys or girls. I suppose if you want the toilet, then I'd like to at least make a decision after collecting a majority vote."

He slid his glasses up his nose, voicing his disagreement in a rather aggressive tone.

"I'm just making a natural request for a girl, that's all. It doesn't

involve boys at all."

"A natural request? Doesn't involve boys? I can't understand that. Isn't

that simply a form of discrimination?"

"Discrimination? Ah, this is giving me a headache. Hirata-kun, please

make them leave me alone."

Shinohara, unable to give up on the toilet matter, frantically pleaded for help.

"This test is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to bridge our point gap with the other classes. We can't use valuable points on things like temporary toilets. I have no intention of being in Class D forever. I don't agree with Shinohara-san, who's making arbitrary requests based on her personal wishes. I would like for us to uniformly decide upon a clear policy."

"Huh? Are you trying to say that I'm not considering anything?" she asked.

"Even money can move based purely on instinct. I hate that women argue so emotionally."

"Huh? That doesn't mean that I want to use our points indiscriminately. What I'm saying is that we should have at least the bare minimum. Do you not understand that?"

"Both of you calm down. Yukimura-kun, I understand what you mean to say, but if you speak so belligerently we're not going to resolve anything, are we? Let's do this calmly."

"Calmly? Don't you agree that we should, under no circumstances, use our points arbitrarily?" Yukimura asked.

"Well..."

Hirata was caught in an increasingly fraught situation. He didn't know what to do, yet frantically tried to mediate while doing his best not to show mounting concern.