Chapter 026: Miss Centurion is Surprisingly Proactive / Mashima: Coach, I Want a Harem!
"By the way, one more thing: random designations will not happen twice in a row. Furthermore, if a group is already inside a designated area when it is announced, each member will receive one point, but the group will be ineligible for the Arrival Order Reward."
This rule was clearly designed to prevent groups from scattering and camping out in advance. In other words, you could only realistically stay overnight in the area of the last instruction from the previous day. It wasn't hard to imagine how many people would be eyeing that same spot.
As with last year, all students participating in the uninhabited island exam were required to wear a safety watch. Mashima-sensei demonstrated it on stage, while the screen behind him listed its functions:
Health Monitoring: The school manages students' health 24/7. Malfunction Check: If damage or anomalies are detected, points cannot be earned; students must verify the status themselves. Alerts: Abnormal health status triggers an alarm. Warnings can be ignored, but if the full siren sounds, the student must return to the starting point. Failure to arrive within 24 hours may lead to expulsion depending on circumstances. Route Variations: The watches contain twelve different itineraries. The order of designated areas differs for each; groups are randomly assigned one. Emergency Response: If the alarm rings for five minutes without stopping, a medical team is deployed immediately. Rescue teams are dispatched instantly for cardiac arrest or dangerously low blood pressure.
Simply put, the school was using the watches for real-time safety monitoring. But the real key was the fourth point. Every group's movement route was pre-determined by the watch from the very beginning. With only twelve fixed routes from start to finish, knowing your watch's itinerary in advance would grant a massive advantage.
Shimizu Akira stared at the device he was about to put on, feeling a strange urge to take it apart and see how it ticked. However, messing with such precision electronics probably wouldn't be easy.
"Next, I will explain the second way to score: completing 'Tasks' set up at various locations on the island."
The screen switched to show the detailed rules for Tasks.
Task Example: [Math Test] Category: Academic Ability Registration: Within 60 minutes of the Task appearing. Participation: One person (only one entry per group). Limit: Registration closes once 10 people sign up. Winning Condition: Ranked by score within the time limit. (Content varies by grade, but difficulty is adjusted to equal levels.) Reward: 1st Place: 5
points; 2nd Place: 3 points; 3rd Place: 1 point. Additionally, winners receive one day's worth of food.
Mashima Tomonari added further details:
Tasks appear randomly starting at 7:00 AM and ending at 5:00 PM. On the first day, they start at 10:00 AM; on the last day, they end at 3:00 PM. Tasks fall into three categories: Academic (40%), Physical (30%), and Others (30%). The same content may appear multiple times. Appearance times are unpredictable. You must be physically present at the site to see the status. Top performers earn points or food. Starting from the fourth day, certain Tasks offer a "Group Expansion" reward: 1st place adds 3 slots, 2nd adds 2, and 3rd adds 1. Only the top 20–30% of groups can obtain expansion rewards. Groups already at the 6-person limit cannot challenge these Tasks. If a merger occurs, the points held by both parties are averaged, and scoring restarts. To merge, the group wishing to join uses the 'Master Link' on their watch, while the other group uses 'Pairing Link.' Touching the watches completes the merger in about ten seconds.
"So we can't expand the team until the fourth day..."
"And only the top ranks get it? That's too hard."
"The food rewards are practical, at least we won't starve."
The 4-3-3 split between Academic, Physical, and Misc tasks meant teams needed a balanced talent pool. A purely academic or purely athletic team would suffer in the long run.
"Any questions?" Mashima scanned the room.
Hashimoto Masayoshi raised his hand. "Is Task registration real-time competition? What if multiple groups arrive at the same time?"
"You register via your watch and tablet," Mashima answered. "Staff will notify you of the status in real-time. Once full, the Task disappears from the tablet map, so don't worry about that."
Ichinose Honami also raised her hand. "If someone is doing the movement check-in, can others complete Tasks?"
"Yes. Tasks and movement can be done in parallel," Mashima said. "In fact, that is the method recommended by the school."
Ryuen Kakeru waved a hand lazily. "Wait, if a Task is limited to ten people and only one person shows up by the deadline, does that person still have to compete?"
"If there is truly only one person, they must still follow the rules. However, to improve efficiency, a student can apply to finish early; the school will judge them the sole winner and award first place," Mashima added. "But the probability of that is extremely low."
Shimizu knew exactly what Ryuen was thinking: he was likely planning how to sabotage other participants. If only Class C members were left at a Task, they'd be the guaranteed winners. But he wondered if Ryuen had factored in Nagumo Miyabi yet.
Hirata Yousuke raised his hand. "Besides the one-person-per-group rule, is there a limit to how many Tasks we can join per day?"
"No, the school places no limits," Mashima said slowly. "We encourage students to participate as much as possible. If you are capable enough, you can join as many as you like. However, each Task consumes time and energy. Generally, a person can manage about 3 to 5 a day."
Shimizu mused. It seemed movement points were the baseline, but Tasks were the primary channel for accumulating points. Holding a tablet and watching for Tasks felt a bit like playing a game.
"While the school won't place excessive restrictions on this exam, we will monitor safety and order to protect students," Mashima continued. "If sexual harassment or disputes occur, we will not hesitate to issue severe punishments, including expulsion. Egregious cases will be reported to the police. Additionally, disputes and fights are inevitable the longer you stay on the island, but the school will intervene in 'malicious' conflicts. Looting or using others' possessions without consent is strictly prohibited."
While the school banned certain violations, they didn't seem interested in meddling in "general" disputes. This was likely Tsukishiro Tokinari's personal directive.
"Finally, I will explain the uninhabited island shopping points."
Mashima pointed to the screen. Every student received a base of 5,000 points. Those with a Lead Card received an extra 2,500, totaling 7,500. A catalog of purchasable goods was listed in the handbook being passed around. Purchases would be accepted until 6:00 AM tomorrow; points could also be saved for later.
During the exam, the shop at the starting port would allow additional purchases, but on-site prices would be double. The starting point also offered free toilets and showers. From the second day, hydration stations would be set up along the routes; water had to be consumed on-the-spot and couldn't be carried away. Toiletries like toothbrushes and underwear would be provided for free if students returned to the start.
After a few minutes, the thick guidebook reached Shiraishi Asuka. To be efficient, most students were sharing one book between two people. Perhaps considering this, Shiraishi proactively opened the manual and placed it between her and Shimizu.
"Which page would you like to see, Shimizu-kun?"
"Wherever. You look first."
"How about we look together?" She leaned in slightly, bringing the manual closer to him. "There are a lot of rules; we can remind each other of things if we look together."
Shimizu nodded and looked at the manual. The catalog was categorized: tents, sleeping bags, cookware, food, water, lighting, even first-aid kits and insect repellent.
"A single-person tent is 1,000 points," Shiraishi whispered. "A six-person tent is 2,500... so expensive."
"Makes sense," Shimizu said. "You're on the island for fourteen days; these are necessities."
"But I only have 5,000 points..." Shiraishi said. "If I buy a tent, a flashlight, and water, I won't have enough for food."
"You can win food in Tasks, or fish and pick wild fruit," Shimizu flipped the page. "Don't worry too much about water; the school mentioned hydration stations. You can drink while doing Tasks or moving."
Shiraishi nodded thoughtfully. When they reached the 'Misc' page, she let out a small "Oh."
"What is it?"
"I see a voice recorder."
Shimizu followed her gaze. The recorder was priced at 1,000 points—rather expensive.
"Shimizu-kun won a great victory last year using a recorder, didn't he?" Shiraishi turned to him. "Are you going to buy one again?"
Shimizu wasn't sure if she was testing him or just asking. He shook his head. "This time doesn't involve leader check-ins; you just need to do more Tasks. I won't buy a recorder."
"I see..." Shiraishi nodded gently. "By the way," she spoke up again out of the blue, "Your voice has a very nice timber, Shimizu-kun. Are you interested in joining the Voice Acting Club?"
"Sorry, I've already joined the Boxing Club," Shimizu politely declined.
"That's a shame," Shiraishi whispered. "Would you like to exchange contact info?"
"Sure."
They exchanged info. Shimizu realized that up close, Shiraishi Asuka was different from what he expected.
Quiet on the surface, but actually quite proactive. He got the feeling she was a "voice fetishist."
On stage, Mashima continued. "Like the watches, everyone gets a tablet. They must be carried at all times and can be charged at the starting point or Task areas. Here are the functions:"
Map: View the island map, check designated areas, and your own location in real-time. Tasks: View Task locations and rewards. Rankings: From Day 4 to Day 12, you can see the scores of the top ten groups, the bottom ten groups, and your own group's detailed score. GPS Search: From Day 6, you can search the current location of all students. (Cost: 1 point per search). Notifications: Receive school-wide alerts. Battery: Lasts about 8 hours with continuous map use.
While they could charge the tablets, they wouldn't be able to move during the process. Carrying spare batteries seemed like a smart move. The most striking rule was the GPS search—from the sixth day, everyone's location would be public.
A student asked, "Why make everyone's GPS public? Isn't that exposing information?"
"It helps lost groups reunite, and since teams can expand from Day 4, it facilitates negotiation between groups," Mashima replied.
Shimizu suspected this function was primarily aimed at him and Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.
"Alright, one final point of emphasis. It is strictly forbidden for males and females to share a tent to avoid sexual disputes. However, the school acknowledges that after one year—or two for the seniors—many couples have formed. Some couples are even in the same group. Staying together saves resources and is part of a point-saving strategy. The school does not oppose romance. Japan is a nation with a declining birthrate, and there are many government incentives. This is a national high school funded by the central government. After strict discussion, we consider this an advantage. If a couple signs the relevant documents in advance, sharing a tent is permitted. However, mixing genders in a tent without signed documents is strictly prohibited."
"Eh?! That works?! Awesome! I thought I couldn't stay with my girlfriend!"
"Great! We can save on a tent!"
"Wait! What about us single dogs?!"
"Dammit! Unfair!"
The protests were quickly drowned out by cheers. There were plenty of couples in the school.
The briefing ended. Mashima turned off the mic. In the corner, the school had set up samples of goods so students could check backpack sizes. On the other side, Mashima set up a small table to handle couple cohabitation applications. He flipped through the Year 1 submissions—only three pairs, as they were still new.
The Year 2 line was much longer, with twenty or thirty people. After a year, quite a few had paired up. Mashima processed them one by one, reminding them of the rules. After half an hour, the line was almost gone.
Then, a few more people walked up. "Mashima-sensei, we're here to sign the papers."
He looked up. It was a familiar face: Shimizu Akira from Year 2 Class B. Next to him was a cute girl—Karuizawa Kei. They had all met during last year's VIP special exam.
"Alright," Mashima nodded. "So you two are dating?"
He opened the documents and explained professionally, "This file outlines the principles you must follow. The most important rule is that if a sexual incident occurs, the school bears no responsibility and will turn the matter over to the police. Honestly, unless a couple has been together for a long time, I don't usually suggest signing this."
He looked at them closely and nodded. "But since it's you two, there shouldn't be a problem."
Shimizu took the contract and read it. Aside from the police clause, it explicitly stated that both parties confirmed a voluntary relationship and took full legal and moral responsibility for their actions. It also noted the document was only valid for this exam and didn't represent a legal partnership.
It was thorough. Shimizu signed. Kei, naturally, followed suit.
"By the way," Mashima added, "Once registered as a couple, you can use points to buy safety products."
"Ah? I see..." Kei's face turned slightly red. "The school is very well-prepared."
"Good," Shimizu said. He didn't mind. For couples staying together for fourteen days, it was normal for the school to provide protection to ensure safety. They were high schoolers after all.
"Akira-kun, I'll head back to the dorms first," Kei said, turning to leave.
"Sure."
Shimizu watched her go, then turned to Mashima. Seeing no one around, he whispered, "Chairman Sakayanagi mentioned that I could ask you for help if necessary. Is that true?"
"Of course," Mashima nodded. "The Chairman explained everything. If you encounter any unfair treatment during the exam, contact me. Actually, since last year's class poll, I've had many issues with Tsukishiro. I will cooperate fully." He suggested, "You might want to buy a voice recorder for 1,000 points. Keep it as evidence. If Tsukishiro's people move against you, you'll have leverage. While it can't be given to the police, it's powerful evidence to the school board to remove Tsukishiro."
"Fine... then." Shimizu was speechless. In the end, it always came back to the voice recorder. You couldn't survive in this school without one.
"One more thing, Mashima-sensei," Shimizu said.
"What is it?"
"This is my other girlfriend, Suzune." He pointed to Horikita Suzune, who had appeared beside him at some point. "I'll be staying with her too. Can we sign another contract?"
Mashima froze, only now noticing Horikita. "Wait... Shimizu-kun, you have another girlfriend?"
"Mhm. Will the school agree?"
"Well..." Mashima recovered. "According to the rules, as long as the parties involved sign, there is no issue. But I need to ask a few questions." He looked at the calm Horikita. "Uh... Horikita-san, you are aware that Akira has other girlfriends, right?"
"Yes, I know," Horikita nodded simply.
"And you agree to stay with him and Karuizawa Kei together? Are you sure there won't be any 'accidents'? Like... you two girls getting into a fight?"
"No," Horikita said confidently. "I've already divided the schedule. And this time it's just the two of us staying with him; there won't be any issues."
Mashima was stunned. The massive gap between reality and his expectations left him speechless.
'Wait... what does she mean 'just the two of us' this time?'
It sounded like Shimizu Akira had more than two girlfriends.
What was going on? Had Shimizu Akira actually started a harem?
Now that he thought about it, when he was drinking with Hoshinomiya and Chabashira a while back, Hoshinomiya had mentioned something like this.
Chabashira had denied it, so he thought it was a joke.
It was actually real?
"Shimizu-kun, can we speak privately?"
As Shimizu was about to leave with Horikita, Mashima called him back. Once they were in a private spot, the usually reliable teacher spoke with a hint of admiration.
"Shimizu-kun, please tell me... how do you manage a harem? Can I take a leaf out of your book? To tell you the truth, I also want to..."
Shimizu's lip twitched.
Seriously? You're Mashima Tomonari! The most reliable teacher in the school! You're asking this?
But considering Mashima would be helping him during the exam, he thought about it seriously. "Well... since you asked, I don't really know how to put it. I'll just say this: the attitude of the first girlfriend is very important. You must get her to agree to the harem; then everything follows smoothly. She might even introduce her female friends to you."
He remembered that was how Kikyo had agreed, and later she really did help bring Haruka and Airi into the fold.
"Really? That's how it works?" Mashima felt Shimizu was lying to him. Where on earth would a girlfriend introduce her best friends to her boyfriend? But Shimizu didn't look like he was lying.
Maybe after this exam, he'd give it a shot? Even if the probability was low... what if it worked?
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