131 -130- Find something

"Exploration..."

Upon hearing Hori's instructions, many students present showed a hesitant expression.

Facing the unknown forest, it's normal for teenagers who have always lived in the city to feel hesitant.

Fear of nature is human instinct.

Moreover, these people here are just a group of students, so it's even more understandable.

Of course, there are also those who won't hesitate.

"I'll go!" Ike Kanji was the first to raise his hand, eager to try. "I want to see if there are any rivers or streams, maybe we can catch some fish there!"

This unexpectedly mature suggestion was quite rare for Ike Kanji, who often speaks without thinking.

"I'll go too!" Yamauchi Haruki stood up proudly, as if to show off. "I was once the top elite in wilderness survival training camp, so leave this little matter to me!"

Obviously, this bragging was just for show.

"Count me in too!" Sudou Ken couldn't be outdone, showing an impatient expression. "I'm curious about what those jerks in Class A are up to, so I'll go check it out!"

Although this exploration wasn't for that purpose, it wouldn't hurt to check on Class A or other classes.

And the three acknowledged fools of the class also raised their hands eagerly, prompting many boys present to do the same.

Among them was Hirata Yousuke.

"I usually participate in clubs, so I have decent stamina. Let me join in on this exploration, which tends to consume stamina."

Hirata Yousuke said in his usual gentle manner.

If Hirata Yousuke's volunteering was considered normal, then the next person's volunteering was absolutely unexpected.

"Although this level of forest won't offer any exciting adventures, precisely because of that, I'm a little interested."

Kouenji Rokusuke flicked his hair, dripping with water, and said cheerfully, surprising many people.

It seems no one could have imagined that the unorthodox Kouenji Rokusuke would voluntarily raise his hand and be willing to participate in class activities?

Unfortunately, Kouenji Rokusuke wasn't doing it for the class, but for himself.

As he said, it was just because he had some interest in exploring this forest. Besides that, there was no other reason to motivate him.

Then, there was one more person who raised their hand, unnoticed by the others, but it made Hori furrow his brows slightly.

"Count me in."

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka unexpectedly raised his hand too.

For this man who was a recluse, to voluntarily request to participate in an activity was simply unimaginable.

However, only Hori and perhaps Horikita Suzune could perceive this.

Therefore, Horikita Suzune looked at Ayanokouji Kiyotaka with a slightly furrowed brow, but said nothing.

This strongly opinionated girl was unexpectedly quiet today.

With each boy raising their hand, there were also a few girls who had completed their handicrafts and volunteered.

Hori nodded, not discouraging the enthusiasm of these students who volunteered to participate.

Even though Hori had already stated that he would make all the arrangements and wouldn't ask for anyone's opinion, since others were volunteering to explore, Hori had no reason not to let them go.

So, Hori looked to Kushida Kikyou.

"Kushida, is the map ready?"

At this, Kushida Kikyou showed a somewhat uneasy expression.

"I've tried my best to draw it, I don't know if it will help everyone."

After saying that, Kushida Kikyou handed the drawn map to Hori.

Hori glanced briefly and found that Kushida Kikyou was just being modest.

This map, Kushida Kikyou had drawn it very detailed.

Not only did she mark several places that were likely strongholds or orchards, but she also carefully depicted the paths visible from this side of the cliff. If they followed this map, the likelihood of getting lost was very low.

After all, this forest wasn't too difficult.

"As long as it's not in the pitch dark of night, there shouldn't be any danger of getting lost, right?"

"Then let's form five teams and explore from different directions."

After looking at the map, Hori immediately made arrangements.

"The group on the east will be responsible for searching for strongholds, as the map suggests that's where they're most likely to appear."

"The group on the west will be responsible for finding food, for the same reason."

"The group on the south will be responsible for gathering branches, as that area is closer to the depths of the forest, where plenty of dry firewood can be found."

"The group on the north will be responsible for checking on the movements of other classes, as the cruise ship is to the north, near the beach, and there's still a chance that other classes are wandering nearby."

"And there's one more group that will explore randomly, covering the four directions. Their task includes the above four, so they need to be flexible."

Hori distributed Kushida Kikyou's map and also took out the paper he had been drawing on since earlier.

"In addition, while each group is exploring, I also hope you can try to find these things depicted in these drawings."

With these words, Hori distributed the drawings.

Except for Kouenji Rokusuke, everyone else took the drawings and saw the images on them.

"This is..."

The next moment, everyone present looked at each other in confusion, showing expressions of puzzlement.

"Why do we need to find these things?"

Even those who weren't participating in the exploration gathered around those who were holding the drawings, looking at the contents of the drawings, feeling perplexed.

Even Horikita Suzune, Kushida Kikyou, Sakura Airi, and Hirata Yousuke couldn't help but be confused, showing extremely puzzled expressions.

Only Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, looking at the drawing in his hand, seemed to be contemplating something.

Hori didn't explain.

Because...

"Whether we can find them is still unknown. Even if we can find them, whether we can gather the parts I want is also uncertain. So, even if I tell you now, it won't make any difference."

Hori said so.

"I can only tell you, if you can find these things, it will have a great impact on our upcoming wilderness life. If you don't want your points deducted or don't want to have a hard time, then work hard to find them. If you don't care at all, then consider my words unsaid."

Hearing this, everyone, despite their confusion, made a unanimously determined decision.

They must work hard to find these things.

"Then form your respective teams."

Hori threw out the last sentence.

"I'll also join the random exploration team. After you've decided on your teams, set off separately. Remember, you must all come back before dusk. Those in the camp can continue with their work."

And so, everyone started bustling about, forming teams and assigning tasks, then setting off on their own.

Naturally, in the end, neither Ayanokouji Kiyotaka nor Kouenji Rokusuke had anyone to team up with and became solo members.

The two of them naturally joined Hori's random exploration team.

The three most capable members of Class D formed a group and began their exploration.