"Ichinose--"
Amidst the serenity of the atmosphere, I suddenly called out to the relaxed Ichinose.
"Eh-?!" Startled by my voice, she could only respond with a yelp.
"I just wanted to ask if Horikita had sent you anything yet. It's almost time for the last discussion."
"Ahh, mn..." Ichinose grabbed her phone and checked. "No, not yet."
"I see..." She must be busy presenting her explanations.
"Do you still believe she can figure out the pattern?" Ichinose tilted her head curiously.
"I would like to. She's our only winning chance, after all," I replied before turning to Ichinose. "That said, it would also result in the collapse of Class C's entire plan."
"Ahaha, that's true. But you see, if the ruin of our plan was the inevitable result, I'd rather have Horikita-san win than our other rivals." Ichinose became ready for that the moment Horikita said she'd figure out the pattern during the fifth group discussion.
Just as she finished those words, Ichinose's phone vibrated once again.
"Oh-! It's here! Horikita-san really sent me the names! " Ichinose excitedly showed me the message. "She really figured it out...!"
Surely, she felt conflicted. They'd have no chance to attack and gain points from Class A's VIPs anymore. However, because of our deal, they'd gain 100 class points by submitting two of Class D's VIPs.
"Ah, but we can't really submit any of them just yet. Horikita-san wants to negotiate for the remaining VIPs of Class B and C. She'll be here shortly."
Of course, they can't submit their answers recklessly. They never know what Ryuuen and Katsuragi might do once they find out.
"That's ideal. Protect yourselves before letting the enemies know you've attacked them."
"Mn," she nodded.
Despite her initial surprise, Ichinose immediately knew what to do. As soon as Horikita sent her the names, she contacted her friends who belonged in those groups. And because of that, her attention was fully drawn to her phone at the moment.
It was about seven minutes before the group discussion. The door to the Dragon Group's room opened wide and Horikita came along with Kikyou and Hirata in tow.
"Oh, Honami-chan and Kiyotaka-kun~! Hey there!" waved Kikyou.
"Kikyou-chan, hey! Hirata-kun and Horikita-san, too." Ichinose waved back with a bright grin.
"You're here." Horikita narrowed her eyes as she looked at me. "Ah, that's right. I've figured it out, Ayanokouji-kun-- the pattern, that is."
Yes, I knew you would.
"Horikita-san's amazing! She really did it!" Kikyou celebrated innocently.
Hirata smilingly nodded without a word.
"Good job, Horikita," I said. "Did you contact our classmates from their respective groups?"
"Yes, I did. They're currently analyzing my explanation as to why there's no risk in following my answers," she replied.
"As expected, you work very efficiently."
"I appreciate your words." Horikita nodded before turning to Ichinose. "Ichinose-san, please contact your classmates from these following groups. I've already informed the representatives from groups containing Class C's VIPs. They're willing to cooperate once we give the signal."
They were finally on the topic of deliberately triggering Outcome #4 on the last four groups belonging to our respective classes. Minami and Kikyou's names will be revealed to Ichinose and her group. In turn, the names of Class C's last two VIPs will be revealed to us.
However, before Horikita could press send...
*Bzzzt*
Our phones suddenly vibrated three consecutive times. After the loud dinging sound was the iconically strong yet silent buzzing that was also exclusive to messages sent by the school.
I glanced at Horikita and saw her wince in doubt and surprise. After that, I finally read the notifications on my phone.
[The test has now ended for the Horse Group. Those in the Horse Group are no longer required to participate any further. Please do not disturb the other students.]
[The test has now ended for the Tiger Group. Those in the Tiger Group are no longer required to participate any further. Please do not disturb the other students.]
[The test has now ended for the Cow Group. Those in the Cow Group are no longer required to participate any further. Please do not disturb the other students.]
Everyone else checked their phones as fast as possible. Around that time, Kanzaki and Tsube also arrived inside, just five minutes before the group discussion starts.
"We're here. We've already... received the notifications." Kanzaki's composed tone instantly changed after seeing Ichinose and Horikita's uneasy expressions.
"Horikita-san, Honami-chan! Don't tell me..." Tsube got their implications and donned a worried face.
"Yes... We didn't ask anyone to submit the answers yet," said Horikita.
"Which means... someone else did..." followed Ichinose.
And then, a voice from a person whose existence was comparable to that of a venomous snake could be heard by the door.
"Hey now. The group discussion hasn't even started but you're already having a conference?" Ryuuen entered the room with his lackeys.
His wide smile was all they needed to see.
"Ryuuen-kun..." Horikita uttered his name with a glare.
"Ohh, that's nice. I really like the face you're making right now, Suzune."
Ryuuen's overwhelming presence dominated the entire room. Kikyou and Hirata had slightly anxious expressions. They already knew the identities of all the VIPs thanks to Horikita's explanation. Minami was the Horse Group's VIP which meant that Class C students were the VIPs of the other two groups in the notification. Tsube and Kanzaki seemed to get what happened, too.
"Kukuku. So? Did you like my surprise? Your expressions are telling me that you did."
His sinister grin brought discomfort to all of them.
"Hm? It seems like everyone else is already here."
The group was finally completed when Katsuragi arrived with the rest of the Class A members.
"Oh, Katsuragi. How was my gift?" Ryuuen gave him a side glance. "I'm expecting the money right after you receive them."
Matoba and the others glared at him.
"Gift?" Kanzaki muttered in confusion.
"Are you curious? Why don't you tell them, Katsuragi?"
"This is good timing. I can confirm everything right here and now." Katsuragi approached us with a confident stride. "Of the three notifications that we received, one of them was submitted by Class A."
"Is that so? That's what your cooperation with Ryuuen-kun was about?"
"Hm, there's no demerit in talking about it at this point," he replied before continuing. "Yes, that's the extent of our cooperative relationship. Only that," stressed Katsuragi, telling us that he didn't give Ryuuen anything beyond what he deemed necessary.
"So he didn't give him the names of Class A's VIPs, after all." Hirata and Kanzaki discussed among themselves.
"If so, how did Ryuuen figure out the pattern?" they must've thought.
"Ichinose, I would like to confirm if our answer was correct."
The girl in question glanced at Horikita before crossing her arms.
"Of course, Katsuragi-kun. As you said, we're too late in the game to be keeping secrets."
Ryuuen's chuckle reverberated throughout the room. He took a seat, acting extremely relaxed and laid back as if everything went according to plan.
"Why don't you lot take your seats, too? The Dragon Group isn't finished with the exam, you know? It's time for the final discussion."
[The sixth group discussion begins now.]
Following the voice from the speaker, I took a seat and tried to make myself comfortable as well.
Seeing all fourteen members of the Dragon Group sit in a big circle, we finally felt like the first official discussion had begun.
"We've targeted the Cow Group," said Katsuragi. "According to Ryuuen, the VIP is from Class C; namely, Kobashi Yume."
Tsube and Kanzaki's eyes twitched before narrowing.
"So Ryuuen-kun really knew about them-- the VIPs, I mean," shrugged Ichinose. "Well, nothing we could do about that now. Anyway, going back to your question, the Cow Group's VIP is indeed Yume-chan. You've triggered Outcome #3, Katsuragi-kun. Congratulations."
Ichinose's response wasn't unexpected. Katsuragi lightly snorted in satisfaction.
But after that, she turned to Horikita with a meaningful look. They didn't even need to nod at each other to know what was needed to be done. With a subtle tap on their phone screens, the go signal had finally been sent to the necessary people.
"That's 50 class points for you, Katsuragi," commented Ryuuen.
The other two groups were obviously submitted by Class D. If their answers trigger Outcome #3, Class D would have a net gain of 100 class points after the exam on top of the private point rewards.
"There isn't much time left before the end of this exam, but we can still seal the deal defensively, Ryuuen. I don't know why you're so against it."
Everyone knew what those words implied and Katsuragi didn't care that we could hear him.
"Are you talking about triggering Outcome #4, Katsuragi-kun?" asked Horikita.
"That much is obvious. There's no demerit in doing so, especially now that we've secured an answer. I'm sure you've planned to do it, too. It's a solid strategy."
If they succeed in doing so, then the gap between us and Class A would widen.
"Don't get me wrong, Katsuragi. I like that strategy but I also really hate it."
"Hate it?"
"It's a strategy that's perfect for book-smarts and orthodoxists like you. It's extremely boring and it removes the fun in this exam," replied Ryuuen.
"That's irrelevant when you're trying to win." Katsuragi wasn't the least bit provoked by his words.
Given how they also planned to implement that strategy, I'm sure Horikita and Ichinose are behind Katsuragi on this one. However, having similar opinions didn't matter as long as you were enemies. Horikita's next sentence hammered the final nail in the coffin.
"Well, I don't think there's any need for you to worry about that now, Katsuragi-kun," she said.
*Bzzzt*
Just by looking at their facial expressions, it was apparent that Katsuragi and his classmates immediately got a bad premonition.
[The test has now ended for the Snake Group. Those in the Snake Group are no longer required to participate any further. Please do not disturb the other students.]
[The test has now ended for the Sheep Group. Those in the Sheep Group are no longer required to participate any further. Please do not disturb the other students.]
[The test has now ended for the Rat Group. Those in the Rat Group are no longer required to participate any further. Please do not disturb the other students.]
[The test has now ended for the Rooster Group. Those in the Rooster Group are no longer required to participate any further. Please do not disturb the other students.]
[The test has now ended for the Pig Group. Those in the Pig Group are no longer required to participate any further. Please do not disturb the other students.]
In conjunction with the five spontaneous buzzings, we've also received five new notifications.
"Ryuuen, what's the meaning of this?" Katsuragi questioned him with a strong tone. He flashed his phone towards Ryuuen, showing him the notifications.
"Huh? What are you so confused about, Katsuragi? The answer is quite obvious," he replied.
Ryuuen didn't even look at his phone, as if he knew this would happen.
"Did you betray Class A?" That's probably what Katsuragi was thinking-- No. That's what he wanted to think. He already knew the right answer.
"..." Katsuragi's stone-cold expression showed a hint of denial. It almost seemed like he hoped for it to happen-- Ryuuen's betrayal-- rather than the other possibility. Sadly, Ryuuen could only chuckle in response. He knew what Katsuragi was thinking.
"What with that face? We're allies, right? Of course, I kept my word until the end. I didn't betray you."
Katsuragi's eyes narrowed as he turned towards Horikita.
"I see... So you've figured out the pattern, Horikita Suzune," he said.
Horikita sighed and glanced at me for a second before facing Katsuragi.
"That's right, Katsuragi-kun. I managed to figure out the pattern." She responded with a steadfast expression. "I won."
Hearing her say that filled me with a strange feeling of satisfaction.
Katsuragi glanced at Ryuuen, trying to confirm if Horikita was bluffing.
"Kukuku. Sorry, Katsuragi. It seems like Class A... have lost." They were allies, but Ryuuen didn't even look remotely concerned. In fact, his sinister smile almost condemned Katsuragi and his class's fall. "I hope you won't forget about my money just because you lost, Katsuragi."
Class A finally detached themselves from the group discussion.
Katsuragi calmly took the news and sighed in his seat. Horikita and Ryuuen delivered his death call, but he kept his cool without a hitch. His classmates accompanied him with anxious expressions.
"Katsuragi-kun... Are they serious?" asked Matoba.
"We can't really confirm anything unless the results are revealed," replied Katsuragi. "The chance of them being wrong is still there. But I advise you; don't put too much hope on that possibility. Horikita Suzune and Class B know what they are doing. They wouldn't submit their answers unless they are sure of them."
"But did they really find the pattern? All of us wracked our brains into it, too. Even with all the clues, four names weren't enough to figure anything out," said Nishikawa.
According to Hashimoto's words, Katsuragi knew a fourth name. However, even that didn't amount to anything in the end.
Meanwhile, Horikita faced Ichinose and spoke.
"Ichinose-san, it's quite regrettable that it happened but..."
If Horikita figured out the code earlier, then they wouldn't have been too late with the Outcome #4 Strategy, and Ryuuen or Katsuragi wouldn't have anyone left to target. It would've been a completely overwhelming victory for both Class B and C. We knew that all too well.
"Ahh, it's alright, Horikita-san. I don't even have the right to complain about anything. Taking part in our deal was already enough for us." Ichinose interrupted her with a smile.
Her gratitude was understandable. If it weren't for our deal, they would have been at a hundred class point deficit.
Amidst their conversation, Ryuuen's clap could be heard from their part of the circle.
"You've done well, Suzune. Color me impressed."
Despite Horikita's victory, Ryuuen didn't look surprised at all.
"I'm more impressed that you can smile despite having your victory snatched away from you Ryuuen-kun," said Ichinose.
"It's not a big deal for me," he replied.
Everyone narrowed their eyes in doubt.
"You've done the same type of negotiation, right? Giving up the reward money for class points? I hope you're happy about evening out your losses and gains." Ryuuen mockingly chuckled before continuing. "Sorry, sorry. Saying that gets me every time. "Evening out"? What a joke. You guys just got robbed of one and a half million private points. Seeing you smile impresses me more, Ichinose."
"Let me borrow your words back, then. It's not a big deal for us. Sure, private points are important, but class points are what we need in order to hold our ground. We'd gladly accept that trade, especially since it was the only option left for us. The money came from the school, anyway. Not from our own pockets." Ichinose argued back without much thinking.
Ryuuen's grin stayed the same as he changed the topic.
"Alright, Class A got crushed and our three classes are satisfied. However, the question still stands. How are the Dragon Group and Dog Group still in the game?"
Horikita's eyes narrowed as soon as she heard him ask that question.
"I have no idea, and frankly, I'm not interested. Only you and Horikita-san know about the remaining VIPs. Based on everything that's happened just now, the VIPs should belong from your classes-- one for each." Ichinose answered with a shrug.
She didn't know the pattern, so she couldn't be bothered with doing anything at this point. And of course, she can't expect her own original plan to work in this group. Against people like Ryuuen and Horikita, that strategy just won't fly.
In the end, we all decided to let the hour pass by.
"Well, the meeting between all fourteen of us didn't take that long, huh?" commented Hirata.
"G-Geez. The pressure was high the entire time. My heart was beating so fast," said Tsube.
The group got divided after the short conference. With the exam being almost over, the seven of us decided to hang out until the clock hit nine, as per usual.
"So the VIP in this group is either from Class B or D, huh?" said Ichinose. "Isn't that super interesting? What if the VIP is from Class B? I'd be so impressed with the VIP's acting skills!"
"If that's the case, then I hope they'd stay hidden until the end. We don't want our class points to decrease unnecessarily," replied Horikita.
Ichinose stared at her with a huge grin.
"If the VIP turned out to be Ayanokouji, then that would make a lot of sense. His expressions are unreadable, after all." Kanzaki smiled while holding his chin.
"That's true..." Kikyou, Hirata, and Tsube agreed with him instantly.
"Seriously...?"
Despite the ongoing battle, the atmosphere between our classes was friendly. We were even playing around with the identity of the Dragon Group's VIP. Of course, Kikyou's guard was still on maximum. If we let the truth slip out, there's no guarantee that someone won't turn traitor.
The time limit passed without a hitch and the exam was basically finished. However, things were bound to get more interesting.