Part 1.

The elevator rose to full height as we emerged from a secret door on the very left side of the bottom entrance of the temple. Since Damian and Youjo were waiting around for us at the bottom entrance, they were the first ones to notice our arrival and didn't show a single moment of hesitation in coming to us, in our direction.

"Kawahara, how did it go?!"

"Well?!"

Rokoro and I as we closed in to them, gave the good news.

"Damian-dono, Youjo! It's a huge success! Furthermore, we have confirmed that Daniel Lead-dono is dead and as such, we no longer have to fear his existence!"

"It's exactly as the kiddo says, Damian, Youjo. The door that was blocking our passage on the last floor is now open as it required at least five of the exam's participants to insert their finger-prints in the machines. Since we had exactly five people with us, it worked out. But, we have to inform everyone first about this. Can I count on you two to spread the news as fast as possible?"

They were exulted about the good news, without a doubt, and as such, Damian agreed immediately, with a positive attitude backing him up in the beginning of this young night.

"Of course! I'll tell the other group leaders to inform the others as well! Good job!"

Then, Youjo also did the same.

"This is great! This means that we are getting out of this island today! I'm so thrilled!"

Both Damian and Youjo quickly went forward as they met up with the rest. Midst this, I looked at the rising moon on the west side of the dark yet illuminated horizon by the precious moonlight.

I also recalled that I had vowed to get everyone out of this island by the today, so we would have to move in right now. However, as Rayazaki and Kuzan led Hyunda to the area where the other prisoners currently are, Shiori and Rokoro came to my attention as if they could read my mind.

"Ryousuke, I know you said that you would get everyone out of this island, but the truth is that we haven't slept for days..."

"Indeed, Kawahara-dono... I believe we are all tired."

Sagasuga is right here on my right side listening to all of this and he also spoke in my direction.

"Quite the bold claim, Kawahara. But, if we must leave this island today, we should get everyone ready."

I took Shiori and Rokoro's words into far more consideration than Sagasuga's since they brought a good point.

"I understand---so, shall we all sleep for the night and leave in the morning?"

Although I had vowed that they would all leave the island by today, if everyone agrees about the fact that we need to sleep, then I will agree. But, if there are people who also want to leave this island, then I will have to take it into consideration.

"Don't worry about the vow, Ryousuke. It's better if we all sleep and I will convince everyone. Rokoro, help me out, will you?"

Before Rokoro could give an answer, however, Sagasuga spoke in their direction.

"Can I help out too?"

But I didn't allow that to happen.

"Not on my watch. I will be keeping an eye on every single one of you. Shiori, Rokoro, I'll be counting on you."

They quickly ran into the numbers and started to spread the information thus leaving me and Sagasuga on our own, basking under the moonlight.

"I don't understand. Are you skeptical of me despite the fact that I am your prisoner?"

"Again, I don't take any chances, Sagasuga. Let's go and meet up with the rest."

"You mean the rest of the students?"

"No. Our classmates. The remaining ones, that is."

"Ah."

He didn't exactly look quite pleased while muttering that last remaining word. Either way, at the end of the it all, even though I helped all of them, I will have to keep an eye on Sagasuga, Hyunda, Tatsu, and Tsudo to make sure they don't do anything stupid. On the elevator I asked for an extra pair of handcuffs while talking to Shiori so I can cuff both Tsudo and Tatsu to their combining wrists and like that, they will all be unable to move.

Furthermore, since I will be watching over them, this means that Rayazaki and Kuzan can go and have fun with the other remaining students that they have bonded well with.

My destination would be where Karlos would be, on the west side of this grand area where an enormous variety of students lie within. Tatsu and Tsudo are being kept under watch by Karlos while Rayazaki and Kuzan are keeping their shackles on Hyunda.

The area was somewhat deserted but when I reached the area, I spoke in Karlos direction and tapped twice on his right shoulder as a means to congratule him for his efforts thus far.

"That's a good job for you, big guy. Go wild out there and have fun. Eat as much as you can, just don't flirt with my girl."

"I-I wouldn't dare, Master! But still, are you sure you don't need any help?!"

"Nope. They are under my care---as of this moment."

I had to stop midway my speech as I was connecting both of Tatsu and Tsudo's wrists along with their ankles and as such, they were shackled up officially. They were still mildly stunned from the shock earlier, which just went to show how powerful the bars are. However, as far as I'm concerned we won't be needing to utilize any of the components so, they have served their purpose, which was to ironically enough, capture the remaining of my classmates.

In the end, Karlos went to the opposite direction to meet the boys from his group which just left the other two.

"What are you two doing? Leave him to me."

Tatsu and Tsudo are already down on the ground and Sagasuga took a seat with his back against a nearby tree.

"Are you going to keep them all chained up, Kawahara?"

"Of course, Rayazaki. I'll unite all of their chains so they don't think of anything funny."

Sagasuga made a comment with his eyes closed while lowly laughing in my direction.

"So much precaution, I can't help but admire that resolution of yours. But I don't think Hyunda could do anything even if he tried. I mean, he can barely speak."

"You heard him, Rayazaki. And, I think Ringo is waiting for you, no? What are you doing?"

I mocked him a bit indirectly by referencing his lack of initiative towards Ringo, a girl that he had befriended recently, back when we were all playing a game to know who knew Shiori the better. But, at the current time, there's no necessity for that. Rayazaki should go and have fun, as he is bound to enjoy his experience.

"...You should come too... They would like it."

"Too bad someone has to keep an eye on these fuckers."

"I---guess. Well, later!"

"Hm."

With a head-nod, I saw Rayazaki off as he went in the opposite direction as well; near to the concentration of bonfires closeby---illuminating the nearest spots and creating a grandious luminosity.

Yet, Kuzan still remained close as he was with his head down.

"What's wrong?"

To myself I thought that he would be more than happy with the opportunity of talking to his friends, but for some reason, Kuzan was looking down on the ground. Nonetheless, I could picture a reason for his sadness.

"Aniki died like that... I didn't want to sound dramatic at the moment, but... I don't think that in the end I understood him at all. We had a few talks and shared a few moments, but I'm sad that he didn't rely on us in the end..."

Sad about Daniel's death; Kuzan began to lament the loss. Even though deep down I wanted to tell Kuzan far crueler words, I settled with some gentle ones.

"Unfortunately, Kuzan... There will be people that we will never understand deep down. We should be happy with the ones we can understand and try not to think about those that we struggle to understand instead."

A little less helpless, Kuzan looked up and met my eyes.

"I think you're right... Master."

"Kuzan---I know this might be sudden, but I've been thinking and we should disband the hideout."

"Phew."

Unnecessarily, Sagasuga whislted in my direction, but I didn't let that affect me and I continued with my speech.

"We have met several wonderful people in this island that have been placed here unfairly. By disbanding the hideout, we are allowing ourselves to understand them better instead of limiting ourselves to those in our class. This doesn't mean that we won't see each other, because we will still be friends, but---this is a great chance, don't you think?"

"...I---I also think you are right... I joined the hideout because I was afraid of the exams and saught your help, but... I think I found the inner strength in me after befriending these people. I think that I, as a person, developed here on this island just fine."

"See? It all works out in the end just fine. Now, go along with Rayazaki. You got people waiting for you, don't you?"

He blushed a bit in an embarrassing way and brushed it off as he felt awkward suddenly.

"I do, don't I?! You should join us! I'm sure everyone would like it, Kawahara!"

For the first time in a while, Kuzan stopped addressing me by the severely narcissistic nickname of "Master" and called me by my name. That alone made me happy deep down as I saw him head in Rayazaki's direction.

Taking ahold of Hyunda's chain, I grabbed Sagasuga's chain, along with Tatsu's and Tsudo's to ultimately combine them all. Just like that, underneath a tree, they all stood closely, though slightly separated from each other since the chains did give them some space to breathe.

As for me, I mirrored them by seating in a nearby tree while in addition upholding the collection of chains onto my hands.

The moment I adjoined my back to the tree, I felt immensely relaxed as I thought to myself that it's been a while since I've slept as well. I also reminded myself that I wouldn't be sleeping tonight just in the case that any of them tried something funny.

"Can we get food?"

"No... You people will eat once you get back to Japan."

"I know that, Kawahara, but I am hungry. I don't recall doing any particular evil action to earn your distrust, seriously. It's also extremely unbalanced and---"

"I don't care, Sagasuga. You're not eating tonight, that's the gist of it."

He sighed and briefly accepted it.

"Undoubtedly unreasonable. My state of being should not be unbalanced, be aware."

I didn't close my eyes but felt like breathing more than usual and as such, I rested while keeping my vision on them.

Hyunda didn't speak a word as he kept his head down. Sagasuga looked to be bored but he didn't bother me anymore as he perhaps recognized that he wouldn't get anything out of me. Should anyone else come close to him, I'll make sure he can't reason his way in. Plus, it's just a day. He won't die or anything like that. Sagasuga's just being overly dramatic due to his stupid philosophy. Furthermore, Tatsu and Tsudo are knocked out of action.

In conclusion, there is nothing for me to do except wait here for a few hours until the sun rises. Because then I will be able to lead these people out of this island.

Tomorrow will come and it will be great. I'll enjoy many laughters with everyone as they rejoice their victory.

Yes, it's going to happen. I know it will. I can feel it in my heart, that sentiment that it will all work out in the end. I've done everything I could and just like that, I'll get rewarded.

".................."

Admittedly, my eyes began to feel tired and heavy as I had those thoughts to myself. Slowly, my eyelids started to fall down as I thought of sleeping for a while. Nevertheless, I quickly snapped out of it in the heat of the moment as I realized my duty.

Call it what you may---but as long as I am awake, I'll make sure that these four don't do anything out of the usual.

Everyone is enjoying themselves---having dinner and sharing laughs, creating memories that will last a lifetime---it feels like, even though I made this possible that a part of me doesn't feel welcome here. Maybe the fact that I am currently all alone means...

"What are you doing?"

"Huh?"

Briefly, I looked up and with my tired vision, I captured the sight of Shiori close to my face, alongside many other particular figures that I had become familiar with, who are also walking up in my direction.

"You're the leading man, Kawahara! We thought you were coming along but you here you are rotting like a dead plant!"

Damian spoke as well, disappointed at the fact that I wasn't anywhere at sight for the last minutes to come.

"Kawahara-dono, it's unfair for you to lead such a peculiar life like this when everyone's having fun!"

Rokoro, emotional as always, remarked that fairly quickly, alongside Youjo, who would speak subsequently.

"We can't even have fun without you there. Christ, indecisive men are the worst."

Usually, Youjo would look at Rokoro and me with disgust because we are quite the geeks, if I'm honest, but this time around, she looked fairly honest and more earnest.

"You're not a bad person anymore... So you should join us---no, you have to!"

Rena, out of all the people, the one group leader that doubts criminals the most in general, decided to put her emotional trust on me by saying those words.

"Come on, it will be fun!! Maybe you could tell us some horror stories to stir up the night a little bit?!"

"That would be fun, Musi! Come on, get up already! What are you waiting for, Kawahara?!"

Yasuda backed up Musi's statement with the same length of happiness in their expressions as they grabbed both of my hands, very softly.

".....Don't worry... My hawkeye vision will tell you if they try something...."

"...Though, I think you are overreacting a little bit, Kawahara... They won't go anywhere with these many people here."

Agreeing with Yoh and Zwette's take, Sagasuga made a side comment.

"You heard them, king. Stop playing the white-knight role and have a blast."

"It's as he says, Master! Many of my followers are dying to see you fight with them! But go easy on them and don't break their shoulders..."

As Karlos finished his sentence abruptly, many of them started to laugh out loud as they noticed Karlos' crooked shoulder from the impact before.

"Hahaha! What happened to you?!"

"Oh shut it, Damian! We had a friendly fight, that's all!"

"Friendly?! Your body anatomy is falling apart, Karlos-dono!"

"Shut up! Shut up!"

Blushing from all the embarrassment, Karlos was bombarded with several mocking sentences from left to right, but none of them were offensive as everyone was having a blast.

Yet I had to get up from the ground, as I looked indecisive as to whether or not I deserved this.

However, at the same time, Shiori kneeled down and met my eyes. She didn't say a word but I knew what she meant to say.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Aren't you committed to us? Let's go then!"

Her bright smile and trusting embrace allowed me to gain the confidence to stand where I now belong----not because I deserve it---but because others deem me as worthy. Perhaps that was what I was searching for all along. A place to be where I don't feel constantly chained down by thoughts of the word "deserve". Instead, I became "worthy".

That alone made me get up from the cold ground, as I let go of the chains and went with the people who I want to be with.

On that night before the sunrise, we formed a gigantic bonfire close enough for all the students present as we had the time of our lives. A concentration that contained laughs and smiles from all around the classes yet in this island, we are all the same; separated from our differences.

This island itself is a blessing because we are stripped away from how we view each other in school and instead, we are forced to acknowledge what each person has to offer. If I were to for once prioritize the exam before all these people that I love, then I would be no different from someone who only cares about himself.

Countless hours to come were followed by a variety of events----Karlos and his followers would have friendly matches with me in an non-offensive way and surprisingly, I believe everyone present was able to enjoy themselves. In the end, they were so tired from losing that they all went to sleep and I laughed as hard as I could to sound like a total villain yet everybody knew that I was joking deep down.

Yoh slowly but surely opened himself to the others around him to the point where his speech became more and more collected instead of being scattered like before. I think that even though not many know him personally besides Zwette, that a single difference can mean a lot. Likewise, Zwette is no longer overshadowed by her constant skepticism that she revealed she had from being unable to trust anyone around her due to her poor background.

She's apparently a foreigner who comes from Slovenia and doesn't have a good understanding of the Japanese language, so----she always struggled to connect.

On the other hand, Damian spoke about his ambitions as he aims to become the next student council president. In addition, he mentioned how hard it would initially be, but upon collecting all the trust of everyone present, he knew he would make it and I would do anything to support him in his endeavor.

Keeping his eccentric attitude high at all times, Rokoro unraveled how he believes that the world will be a better place once massive scientific minds who are acknowledged by society find out about this island and its contents. Certaintly, I started to wonder about how the world would change once that happens too.

Musi plans on becoming an idol, which was by far one of the wildest things that happened that night yet with many supports, we all believed that she could do it. As a matter of fact, some of us already acknowledged her as our own idol and we would become sad if the world find out about our one and only idol.

Youjo didn't reveal anything about herself but if I had to take a guess, she will most likely be around Rokoro, at all times probably. I think that deep down Youjo likes how Rokoro behaves like himself despite his authentic eccentrics. No doubt about it, but they would make one interesting couple. It made me wonder just how many years it would take the two to be together yet I knew for a fact that it would eventually happen.

Unsure of whether or not anyone would be the same as her, Rena told everyone that she is a Christian. A loyal follower of Jesus Christ. Around that time, I felt a high level of shame as I realized that maybe I should follow religion since I always remained on the more negative side. Am I what another would call an atheist? My lack of faith made me this way, but seeing Rena so confident and eager to go out of her way to explain why everybody should follow her religion made me want to try it out, along with Shiori, for sure.

Although Yasuda had revealed that she had a crush on me and that she planned on not telling me about it, she ended up doing anyhow. I had to reject her as I am fully committed to Shiori. However, I know that Yasuda is a kind and beautiful girl and that in her life, she will meet the right person eventually.

Around 3 am, we all started to sleep in whatever we found comfort in. Many wouldn't mind sleeping on the ground, but some did and they would adjoined the back of their bodies to the trees. As for me, I did exactly that as on my right side, Shiori laid her head onto my right shoulder as she feel asleep without saying a word.

I took one last glance at the moon towering all of us; constantly blessing us with its brilliant light and I quietly murmered my overall thoughts out loud as I made the decision to not sleep that night in their honor.

"......You guys----are simply the best..."

Part 2.

The new day would be decisive as everyone already knew. There wouldn't be any more room to delay; it was all happening today, in this exact morning, where the sun rises to its peak, so will I.

With all the numbers gathered in lines of ten, the group leaders would remain on the front of their respective lines. Behind them would stand their correspondent numbers, but today, they are more than just numbers. We are all a collective unity with the same goal in our minds.

On this bright morning of hope, I began to climb on the first degree of the many to come as the top of the temple clashed with my brutal eyesight.

Their silence as I continued to climb with the radiant sunlight permanently coming into contact with my body only reinforced the necessity of raising their spirits.

Because, at the end of it all...

Behind me stands all the hopes of those who have become endorsed in the exam and those who are stuck without a way out.

To answer to their respective expectations, I will climb onto the top of this mine's entrance as I announce the ultimate path to victory.

With each step I took, I allowed myself to only view that which is in front of me. The color of black swims in terror deep within that temple of death, but now, the conditions are clear! There is NOTHING to fear!

I can get these people out of the island! I can, and I will!

Solely based on that, as I reached the top, I focused my undivided attention on the multitude of people below, who are awaiting the answers.

Summoning all the strength in my lungs, I spoke with high mighty vocal force.

"Attention, all of you! Here we stand, in front of the last remaining obstacle! All the conditions have been cleared!"

They already started to chant it.

I can hear it.

"KAWAHARA! KAWAHARA! KAWAHARA!!"

Their numerous cries. Numbers beyond the initial expectations; this absurd contrasting force which had not the chance to be saved is now looking towards a brighter future only because I MADE IT POSSIBLE!

"ONWARDS! We will all get out of here alive! I PROMISE!"

Without traces of hesitation, I lead the way in which they would all follow me; as they believed me.

Part 3.

Inside the last floor, on the very bottom of the temple, we all stood inside. This triangle-shaped area is wide to the point where a multitude of 500 students could very well fit in.

In front of the open door we now stand in, brimming a end with a spark of light near its peak.

"This is it... We are finally out..."

I murmured that to myself as the group leaders along with my classmates stood by my side.

As such, slowly and slowly, we walked the 25 meter path until we were completely consumed by the overpowering light. Shielding our eyesight was our only option as no one could engulf that entire light with their eyes.

Henceforth, as the light met its end, we could all come across the new area which would be our last one.

Instead of being exactly like the previous area, this area is an inverted triangle and so---we are at the very top of the usual triangle only to be followed by two corners at our northeast and northwest direction. However, the main thing we immediately took notice of was that there are ten elevators, for some reason.

Aside from that, the area is practically identical in terms of dimension as we all are able to fit in perfectly. The ceiling, on the other hand, is entirely black and does not represent any sort of color outside of that one. There are also ten waves of seats scattered all over the room in our direction; surprisingly. In other words, we are currently in front of those many seats, who are there for some reason.

That reason, nevertheless, would be soon revealed as we would glance upon the entrance from where we came from.

"Be aware retards, this is a recorded transmission as you slowpokes are not worthy of my time and I wouldn't wait until any of you got here, so let's just get that out of the way."

Out of nowhere, a gigantic transmission began to be dispersed all over the entrance from the ground all the way to the ceiling. Therefore, there was not a single person present who could not capture the man in a black tie with a short spiky hair alongside his debonair style.

"Who is that?"

Many were already questioning who he was, but to the rest of my classmates, we sure as hell knew who he was. I am beyond surprised we did not encounter him even once in our exam.

"That's my teacher, Shiori."

Youjo made a side comment that didn't contribute much to the conversation, but I happened to overhear it.

"He's hot."

Regardless, we would stand in silence the moment Basara-sensei would speak again, after adjusting his tie.

"I'll get to the point. The exam is not over; as a matter of fact, it's far from over!"

I could not help but feel tremendously stressed about this. But nevertheless, he continued as some of us started to murmur their respective discontents.

"Good job getting here, but you are only 75% done. For those who made it, which is at minimum at least five of you, you'll have to put the components BACK to where they were from. In other words, you retards will take those elevators and put them back in their place. Be aware of something, tiny creatures: You'll have the timespawn of thirty minutes to get each of the components in their place!"

Once again, this was not good news for us.

"I shouldn't have to say the obvious but I'll say it anyways: If ten of you passed, then this is a piece of cake. If ten of you DIDN'T, then... Good luck!"

With a devilish grin on his face, the transmission was over and this could not have been the worse for us because the students quickly began to have an emotional meltdown. They were having a meltdown because the transmission switched from Basara-sensei to a countdown timer already displaying "29:55" and it would only continue the more we didn't do anything.

But... This is bad! If only the students from the exam can put the components back then I will have to work with Sagasuga, Hyunda, Tatsu, Tsudo, Rayazaki, and Kuzan! And that's only seven people! There's no telling whether or not they won't just lose on purpose!

No, it can't be! I can't lose like this--there has to be----

"Can I have all of your attention? If it isn't too much to ask? We are losing too much time in this petty situation and I have come with a solution. Naturally, this involves the current situation, so I will just say my solution without waiting around for any of you to come to your senses."

Midst all the panic, Sagasuga noticed that I wasn't functioning at my best and went to the center of the transmission, with a calm and collective attitude; a stance far too contrasting to my current one.

He didn't wait until everyone gave their confirmation and instead, at the very moment he had all the eyesight on him, he explained his solution.

"That man specified that the transmission is prerecorded, in other words, he has no idea that there are all of you in this island. I reason that we must take advantage of that factor in other to win here. He said that it would be a piece of cake if the ten of us---the criminals---all cooperated, but that is simply not possible; henceforth, it's not us criminals that should ride the elevators and complete the exam---but the ten groups, that should all respectively utilize their best resources to place the components back in their respective place. We will win like that."

Sagasuga was quickly argued against, however.

"But we never went inside the sections! How can we know?!"

Calmly, he gave the brief answer.

"It's been proven throughout human history that collective minds work better than one mind alone. As such---the odds of success are unbelievably high, if you all cooperate. Each group leader should unite their group and take the elevator into the section. Unfortunately for you, we---criminals---are useless here because we are outnumbered. It appears that it the end, we must rely on all of you. Wouldn't you agree, Kawahara?"

As Sagasuga placed the entire attention of everyone to me, I had to quickly gave a run down as we are closely running out of time. Panicking for me is not an option because I am the leader and if the leader panics then EVERYBODY will panic.

I took a massive deep breath and administered the truth.

"The inside of the sections are not hard at all! The only reason as to why we didn't go inside is because I thought that we were being ambushed! However, that's no longer a problem because I have all the criminals here in my possession while three of them are dead... In other words, there is no reason to be afraid. It's as Sagasuga says---we are entirely dependant on all of you..."

Flustered at my current inability to help, I clenched my fists.

Shiori then, gave everyone a quick speech as well.

"Everyone! Place your faith in your leader!"

She turned around and with faith, she looked at me as I absorbed that entire faith onto my next speech. Sweat droplets ran through my face as I witnessed the nervosity of the ones awaiting for my upcoming order.

Right now, they cannot be allowed to overthink; they have to be given orders that will contribute to success and as such, there is only one clear path of action to follow.

"Rokoro, you and your group will go to the first section and place the component in its place!"

"U-Understood, Kawahara-dono! Everyone, we musn't lose time!"

Rokoro and his group, nervously headed towards the elevator on the right side of the area that had a large number "1" on top of it.

There's a very clear reasoning about the picks here. First of all, I have to send the group leader towards the area where the component was located within. I know for a fact that Rokoro's component, the password decipher is a component correspondent of the first section.

Since I've been in the second section, I know for a fact who to give orders next. I swung my right arm rapidly as I pointed in her direction.

"Zwette! Take the second elevator along with your group and do the same!"

"...I will do my best! Everyone, please, help me!"

Successful with her plead, her entire group demonstrated a level of willingness to help far better than I expected.

As such, I continued; this time attributing the order to a different individual.

"Karlos, you must place the glider along with the remote in the location within the section! I know you can do it! As a matter of fact, you will be successful along with your companions!"

"I won't let you down!"

With a pump on his chest, his entire crew erupted in a howling resonance; overthrowing their previous mental defeat as they went to the third elevator.

But, now, the problems would begin. This is where it gets extremely confusing and I will have to gamble. The truth is that I don't know where the rest of the components belong from. I only know where two of them belong to and the first one is also a gamble.

Yet if I demonstrate nervosity here, then it's all over. It just can't happen.

"Shiori, take the cloud reactor with the flasks into the fourth section, please!"

"Yes! I will be back soon! I promise---"

Shiori attempted to finish her sentence, but Damian quickly intervened.

"I beg to differ with the decision here. The cloud reactor is simply too heavy for a girl to carry it and it will only slow down their movements and overall progression. I insist you let me take her place with my group, leader!"

As Damian pled with a bow, I immediately recognized that he was absolutely right. There is no way possible for Shiori to not struggle alongside her group with something that heavy and I am sure Shiori recognizes it too.

"Damian, give your component to Shiori then and make the swap."

"You have my utmost thanks, leader!"

Quickly, the swap was made and Damian along with his group moved to the fourth elevator on the northeast right.

Next up, I made another gamble and directed my attention to Yasuda and her group.

"Yasuda, take the component and go straight into the fifth elevator! Everyone, help her out as much as you can!"

Along with Yasuda, they resonated a meek yet brave positive answer.

"Yes!"

In a rush, their large number entered the wide elevator as it wasn't necessarily small.

Slowly but surely, the numbers were decreasing and that was good sign. I took a quick note of the time which is currently "27:43" and didn't hesitate to give the next order to the respective individual.

"Youjo! Sixth section! Go!"

"Way ahead of you! Come on, maggots! We have to be the first ones to win this!"

Youjo hurried the rest of her crew into the elevator while putting herself in last place. It occurred to me that it was great that she was taking a competitive approach because this would make her perform better.

However, without a trace of reluctance, I went forward.

"Yoh, the seventh section is all yours!"

"....Roger...! Everyone, let's make it count..."

Although his voice tone is still a bit meek, unlike before, traces of confidence were all over it.

Thus, without losing any more time, I spoke to my next target.

"Musi!! Show everyone you are the best and conquer the eight section in no time! All of you, support her with your entire might!"

"You got it, boss!"

"She's in good hands, don't you worry!"

"Ok!! Ok!! What are we waiting for!? This is fun, after all! Let's be the first ones to get here!"

Jumping around from left and right, Musi was encountered with a supportive force among her group members as they made their way to the eight elevator, now on my left side.

With only two more to go, I looked in her direction and I could tell that she was feeling immensely nervous.

"Rena... No, everyone from her group---stand as one unity and it will all work out well."

I then said something that I would never say before, but it just happened.

"I'll be praying for your victory."

Those words were said without a lingering sentiment of mockery and I meant what I just said. As such, Rena and her group were able to successful capture the positive intent behind my words.

"...That's all I needed to hear, I think...! Alright! Everyone, God is on our side! We will be victorious!"

"Of course we will!"

"It's already written!"

Many collective agreements came forth and Rena went to the ninth elevator with her group.

Once again, I took a note of the time which was now "25:00". At last, only one person remained and she spoke before I did, as her group remained close-by.

"Well, that leaves me, huh? Don't worry, Ryousuke. I'll show you why I am a block A student---so you just sit back and relax. I'll be back in noooo time!"

"Hey, don't leave us out!"

Akari, someone who had befriended Shiori recently, came forth as she was fairly confident as well.

"That's right, we are all equally capable!"

Ringo spoke to all of us as well and then, it would be my turn, but---Kuzan and Rayazaki came forward.

"I want to go with all of you too! I feel like I haven't done enough!"

"It's as Kuzan says and---well--Ringo, you might be in trouble, so..."

Seeing Rayazaki's embarrassed reaction made me reach out to him and give him a hit on the back while saying the right specific words with a positive attitude to back it up.

"Confess already, idiot!"

"Wh--- Wh-Where did that come from!?"

He further beat it around the bush but Ringo heard what I just said, so now Rayazaki was on his own, but instead of confronting her, he began to ran in the direction of the tenth elevator.

This caused me to sigh, however, it was therefore decided that Kuzan and Rayazaki would accompany Shiori's group.

Shiori's group, along with the two of them, went into the elevator respectively leaving Shiori and me alone for a couple of seconds.

"He said all we had to do was place the component in its place and that the exam was already 75% complete. Also, remember earlier when we agreed that the exam was split into three different parts?"

"Yeah."

"Well, this is the last one! After this is done, we are all going back to where we belong!"

"Yeah..."

"...? What's wrong, Ryousuke? You sound sad."

Trembling, I spoke my honest thoughts to Shiori with a very frail voice, capturing the very essence of my being.

"I---wanted to be the one who ensured you were all going home, but in the end----I..."

Against my expectations, she slapped me across the face with a brutal force. And then, she grabbed my right cheek and performed a kiss so deep that we could feel each other's saliva. Only afterwards, did she speak to me again.

"That's very disrespectful, but I suppose you wouldn't know why---after all, you and I are only getting started when it comes to knowing human interactions, so listen. This event allows everyone to play a collective role instead of one person playing that entire roll. After this; we can tell you that we made it. Not you made it. Remember, Ryousuke, the world doesn't spin around you. I love you."

As she said that, her group took the last remaining elevator and thus, we were left here, all alone.

I, along with Sagasuga, Hyunda, Tsudo and Tatsu remain here, in this wide open hollow area in the shape of a triangle with perfect illumination.

Furthermore, as I took a seat next to Sagasuga, something on the screen of the countdown started to appear. Ten progression bars would be scattered as they indicated the progress of the task in each of the sections.

So far, each bar contained 0% in terms of overall progress and that was normal.

There wasn't any reason for me to be stressed out but I wondered what would happen should the exam fail. No, what exactly qualifies as winning in this exam?

"I think..."

Sagasuga, in deep thought, started to talk in my direction.

"...That the exam takes into account the amount of people that were recognized in those finger-prints. Five of us were recognized and as such---I believe we only need five components to be in their place. I could be wrong though."

"But wait... We didn't get our finger-prints in... That stupid Kawahara didn't let us!"

"Tsudo's right. Come on, just let us go there so we can put our finger-prints in."

Tsudo and Tatsu made their complaints but I acknowledged something in Sagasuga's reasoning.

If what he said is true, then we should keep the minimum of finger-prints recognized as it will lower the necessity of components placed within the time of the countdown. So, I began to explain that to the two of them, who are on the right side of Sagasuga.

"No and here is why: If seven finger-prints are recognized, then they will need to be successful in putting seven components in their respective places. We are lowering our success rate like that."

"What the fuck, bro?! You do realize that if we don't put our finger-prints that we won't pass the exam, right?!"

I know that I've vowed to never be evil again to Shiori, but I had to give Tsudo the truth.

"I don't care about your situation, Tsudo. Neither about yours, Tatsu. They are my top priority, not you two. Plus, as far as I'm concerned, you two don't deserve to win."

"Fuck you..."

Spiteful, Tsudo cast me his death glare but I remained stoic. Likewise, Tatsu cursed against me in his mind, most likely.

"Now, now, everyone, let's not---"

Sagasuga attempted to make his way in, but something happened that caught our attention, Hyunda included.

"That was fast."

"Way too fast!"

Tatsu and Tsudo remarked that as they saw the progression bar of the first section completely green; therefore indicating a full 100% in the completion bar. In addition to that, near the first elevator, to the right side of it, a door emerged within, fully open.

However, that wasn't all. The current screen of the countdown mixed with the progression bars were overtaken with yet another prerecorded footage from Basara-sensei.

"Not bad, plebs! You have made your first progress and as such, you get to go home! An helicopter is waiting for you outside of that door! You finally won something in life besides the sperm race; pat yourself on the back!"

That would be how one would know whether or not they would be truly done with the exam and it appeared that was the case.

As such, Tsudo didn't hesitate when it came to being greedy.

"Tatsu, let's go!"

"Yeah, we are fucking out here! Get me out!"

They struggled to move and then, Sagasuga spoke in their direction as he noticed a flaw in their action.

"I am almost positive that the helicopter will only allow one person to go in. Kawahara, can't you just release them?"

I do have the keys with me as I am in charge of watching over them. Nonetheless, as I was about to deny them from this, something extremely surprising happened.

"Woah. Not even I expected this."

Sagasuga's surprised reaction almost had the same timing as mine, but in just a matter of seconds the second section's progression bar went green like the first one. Naturally, yet another different prerecorded footage emerged.

"Would you look at that?! Not one, but two! That's almost the number of your brain cells!"

Aside from the obnoxious congratulations-type of speech that would come every time a section was cleared, Tsudo and Tatsu came in my direction very quickly.

"We can now go! Come on, man! You gotta let us! They are nailing this!"

"Tsudo's got a point! Please, I'm begging you! We don't care about the exam, just let us go home!"

"Kawahara, come on, man!"

"..........."

I remained skeptical, but their presences were wearing me out, so I took the keys out and unlocked them from their shackles.

Without thanking me, they went back, inserted their finger-prints and then returned to go into the respective doors on the right side of the first and second elevator.

All in all, I didn't care about them one bit because my mind was focused on something more alerting.

"...What the hell is going on... Why aren't they coming up..."

It's not only the fact that they aren't emerging from within the elevator that's worrying me, it's...

"How strange, Kawahara. Their speed is something else, isn't it? In just a matter of seconds, they were successful."

"What do you think happened, Sagasuga?"

I wanted to know his thoughts on this, so I asked.

"I wouldn't know. Why don't you go and check it for yourself? All you have to do is go to the elevator. This way, you can clear your doubts out."

"...You're right, actually."

Since the first elevator was the closest to me, I went in its direction and approached it; however, unlike before, it didn't react and the door didn't automatically open. Furthermore, there isn't any sort of manipulator switch to open the elevator.

In the end, I went back to my seat and Sagasuga made another suggestion.

"I think they are playing a prank on you. They know you are stressed out and so, they are making you think that---"

"Shut up, Sagasuga, they wouldn't do that. That doesn't explain why they were able to clear it that fast."

The third bar then became green and another one of the prerecorded footages appeared.

"Three already? Maybe you're not the failure the world constantly reminds you of!"

After that, a door emerged again in the third elevator; on its right side.

Quietly, Hyunda began to get up.

"Already going?"

Not I, but Sagasuga spoke that to him and he gave his answer, in a very hollow way while walking towards the third elevator.

"...This isn't my stage."

Sagasuga agreed with him.

"Neither is mine, so I'll go next. Kawahara, are you not going to free him?"

"He didn't ask, so he doesn't mind."

Hyunda aside, as he disappeared in the scene, I began to further wonder what was actually happening down there. I know for a fact that it can't be one of us because the remaining ones are dead. Rayazaki and Kuzan are with Shiori's group. Tsudo and Tatsu are no longer present. Sagasuga is here with me. Therefore, this isn't the work of someone else.

"I have a weird suggestion, if you are willing to listen."

Midst that, the fourth completion bar was green-lighted as the timer officially hit 20 minutes. As such, Sagasuga would be inclined to go to the helicopter, but I heard him out after the footage from Basara-sensei.

"Four? FOUR?! Hold on just a second could it be that---Oh wait, you're still shit."

"Go for it."

With our eyes on one another, Sagasuga got up and told me his theory.

"We have witnessed too many abnormal things in this island and I believe the only logical explanation as to why they are not here at the moment is----time in the sections works differently than our time here. Or rather, our perception is entirely not equal to our perception in the sections."

"....."

"Think about it. Well, I'll see you later. But, could you uncuff me first?"

As I released him from his shackles on his wrists and ankles, I gave some thought about what Sagasuga had just said.

"Ahhh... I needed this."

Feeling much better, Sagasuga relaxed his muscles now that he was physically more free. Ultimately, he left me there all alone in this gigantic area with too many seats for a single person to seat in.

Quickly, however, I saw the flaw in Sagasuga's theory.

"That can't be true. Because, if time there was different, then..."

For example, let's suppose that time there is actually different. What does this mean? It would mean that the time inside those sections goes on for a timespawn far longer than the time here. For the first section to be successfully cleared, it took less than five minutes and that's just unlikely. It's probable that 5 minutes here is the equivalent of fifty minutes there.

No, hold on, that also doesn't make sense...

"Why would that be the case when the exam is purposely setting a 30 minute timer? That would go against the exam and it doesn't make sense."

So, not only is Sagasuga's theory extremely off, but the fact that they aren't emerging from within the elevators means that something has happened.

"Fifth, huh? Don't get cocky now just because you managed to not utterly fail at literally everything for once!"

It can't be another person, as I've already concluded.

"Does something change within the sections now that we are in the final stage? For example, they get less difficult to access or something?"

I started to grasp my face as I began to have a continuous thought to each of my questions out loud.

"Could it be that they were allocated somewhere else? Maybe their exit leads somewhere else besides this place?"

I don't know.

"They will come back here, eventually, then, right?"

I don't know...

"Not bad, not bad. Even a failure can do it."

The fifth and sixth doors are already open and nobody is still emerging within the elevators. That is not normal and as such, I can only conclude that...

"There's no mistake here. They took another exit which means that they are somewhere else for sure."

Unconsciously, I started to tap my foot far too much onto the stern ground as the seventh bar was successfully green-lighted the moment the 15:00 minute mark was reached.

"You should see me in my prime. I would've done this from back to back all day long. But, a victory is a victory."

I inhaled the air rapidly and reunited my thoughts once again, with my the tip of all my fingers united.

"They will have to come here because they can only leave the same way we can leave---through an helicopter."

It then occurred to me the most terrifying thought of them all. A thought so terrifying that it gave me a new level of anxiety I didn't even know I was capable of feeling.

"Wh-What if... No, that can't be--- But, what if the helicopters only take us...?"

That thought was off, however, because I realized something as soon as the next prerecorded footage came forth on the screen.

"Eight?! Look at you! No, serious, congrats."

If eight sections are already cleared, then that means since there are four open doors, there is undoubtedly a chance that after I, Rayazaki, and Kuzan go inside one of the three doors of our choices amongst the four of the doors already open that if Shiori goes inside the other one, she can explain the situation to the staff inside the helicopter and get everyone out of this island.

"That is highly possible."

Then, all I have to do is to relax here as they will make their way over here. I know for a fact that they wouldn't leave me here; especially Shiori.

.....................

"I miss her so badly... I hope she's doing fine. Well, Rayazaki and Kuzan are with her, so she has to be. Plus, she's smart and cunning. In addition to that, she is getting better and better and interacting with others."

She would kill me if she knew that I am this worried about her. Yet, as of lately, a feeling of anxiety has been spreading all over me.

As if I am being watched in everything I do. It feels like each of my action, even though is according to my will, is somehow under a completely partial influence. It's hard to explain this feeling as I can't even grasp a fundamental logical understanding of it.

In order to dispel my anxiety, I placed my back onto my seat entirely and took another deep breath as the upcoming footage appeared on the screen.

"Well---only one more left. Oh, I am not expecting even half of these recording footages to go in because realistically, only half of them will go through since you all suck at cooperating with one another. But, if by some chance, this actually goes through, congratulations on working as a unit."

Needless to say, but none of that actually happened. I had to build everything on my own. I, along with the rest of them deserve to win. And no, I'm not talking about my classmates.

Shiori. Damian. Rokoro. Yasuda. Karlos. Youjo. Yoh. Zwette. Rena. Musi. Brionac. Akari. Ringo. Maya----

"Huh, now that I think about it, we never found that Shurit guy and that girl named Ann."

I actually wonder what happened to them? Maybe they accidentally walked into one of the sections? If so, they are bound to find them, aren't they?

Yet, nine doors are open and none of them are emerging from within.

"It's confirmed, really. They aren't emerging from the elevators because they CAN'T."

My voice resonated quite deeply in this hollow area.

"The only reason as to why I am here is because I want to wait for them. Otherwise I would've already gone into one of those doors but that would be the equivalent of betraying their trust. And besides, Shiori will be here soon. Hah, I wonder what sort of face I will make?!"

Out loud, I laughed and laughed while crying tears of joy at the thought of seeing Shiori again. All the talks from yesterday came right into my mind; especially the one where I indirectly proposed to her. I know that I can act confidently the majority of the time, but when it comes to serious stuff, I always try and run away a bit. That's why I'm glad I did say that to her.

In addition to all that, I allowed my posture to sink back into the entire seat as I calmly enjoyed thinking about Shiori.

Then, however, came the decisive moment, so I looked into the screen while still being lax.

"I know the chance is almost negative, but just in case---WE HAVE A WINNER!! THROW THE FIREWORKS AND ROCKETS!! WOOOHOOOO!"

In my completely opposite direction, the tenth and last door emerged from within the elevator's right side.

And for the record, no fireworks nor rockets were heard as the footage stopped being transmitted.

This is it. The exam is over----but, that would only apply to my classmates that already followed through and are most likely travelling back to Japan for now.

Deep down, I hoped that in the last elevator that a light would emerge with all of them coming in my direction; rushing to give me the good news. However, that didn't happen.

I looked at the countdown timer and it was fully stopped at the time of "3:57".

"What am I gonna do now?"

I pondered and pondered with my posture crooked and came to the reasonable conclusion that not leaving this place is the best decision as leaving without them is something unthinkable to me.

Therefore, I placed my body in the middle of the three seats that have a solid structure to them without any highs and lows and relaxed.

"I'll sleep, I think..."

Towards the dark ceiling above, I looked, but in the end, I decided to not sleep while laying down horizontally and sat back on my own seat.

Like before, I submerged my entire back onto the supporting part of the seat and started to fall asleep, as I murmured something with my eyes barely closed.

"I'm tired..."

My entire consciousness then faded into black and an unknown time went by as I feel asleep. For almost two days or maybe more than two days, I hadn't slept, so my physical endurance wasn't at its peak whatsoever.

Most of the lights in the area began to shut themselves down only allowing the general ones on, which were about five of them. Arguably speaking, they weren't directed towards me, so they didn't interfere with my vision.

".............."

..............................................

....................................

........................

"-----------Ah....... So........."

Unknown to me how many hours had went by, my consciousness immediately returned to me and my bare open eyes were able to capture the dark ground in front of me.

However, what made me awake from my slumber was the very fact that I heard a voice, coming from my right.

No----that voice is coming from exactly my right, but from also a person. Not from a recorded footage.

My first thought was that the existence would be Shiori or Rayazaki and Kuzan. They would be the individuals who would rush here the fastest, I believe. I had no doubt in my mind.

Yet, maybe instead of them, a staff member from the exam to pick me up while delivering me the good news? That the remaining students had been successfully transported to Japan via-helicopter? I wished.

Worst case scenario, one of my classmates had faked going into the helicopter and had came back to have revenge on me for how I treated them and so, while I am asleep, they would sneak in?

To all those thoughts, the answer remained negative.

As I inspected the elements in the existence's clothing, I could find several trails of blood rushing through the hands as well. Even on the face of the individual, as he finally spoke with his eyes transiently closed.

"I'm tired..."

My body began to tremble as a rush of mixed emotions came forth as I attempted to think of how this exact moment was possible, but the thought of what he had done reigned priority.

"What..... the..... hell-----"

With a breathing so ragged and my eye veins so exposed, I found myself unable to move suddenly as I realized that I was in fact paralyzed.

"Da---niel.... What the hellllll---did yoouuuu--dooo!?"

No matter how much I attempted to move I couldn't muster the strength to do so regardless my thoughts as I saw Daniel's face covered in blood. Furthermore, to reflect his previous sentence, he is tired but just from thinking of what he could be tired from, my entirety gained a sensation of horror and despair, as I refused to believe in that possibility.

Then, he stopped for a while and placed his eyes on me as he spoke.

"Let's talk. It's been a while."