Cote: Elite in Action

Facing the Unknown: Strategies for the Island

—So, how have you found the cruise so far? —Nazuna asked, her voice reflecting the calm that the sea breeze brought with it.

—I'm quite excited. It's my first time on a cruise, and there are so many things to do here that I don't think I'll get bored at all —I replied, feeling the excitement in every word.

—I thought the same when I was in my first year! I was just as excited —Nazuna commented, with a hint of nostalgia in her voice.

—So, you also went on this trip last year? —I asked, surprised.

—Yes, it was an incredible experience. On a cruise like this, it's impossible to get bored —Nazuna confirmed, suggesting there were more stories to tell.

—And did you also go to the famous private island of the school? —I inquired, intrigued.

—That's right, we went there too —she said, with a tone that hinted there was much more to discover.

—And what did you do on the island? —I asked, eager to know more.

—Well... um... —Nazuna hesitated, but her response was interrupted by Fuuka's voice, which had been silent until now.

—Nazuna, don't say anything —Fuuka warned firmly, as if about to reveal a big secret.

—Why are you stopping her, Fuuka? She was just answering a curious kohai —I said, trying to persuade her.

—We don't want to ruin the surprise, Kayden. No spoilers —Fuuka said, keeping me in the dark.

—Oh, so that means something big is going to happen on the island? Maybe a special exam? —I insisted, looking for a hint.

—That's something you'll find out for yourself when you get there —Fuuka replied with a light laugh.

—Well, I guess I'll have to be patient until tomorrow —I said, resigned but excited about what was to come.

—Just one thing: I hope that when you come back, you'll have a really interesting story to tell —Fuuka said with a challenging tone.

—Then it seems I'll have to do my best to meet your expectations —I replied, accepting the challenge.

—Of course, and if you don't, I'll have to punish you —Fuuka joked with a mischievous tone.

—And how do you plan to punish me? —I continued playfully.

—That, dear Kayden, is a secret you'll only discover if you fail —Fuuka said, keeping the mystery.

—Hey, stop flirting in front of me! —Nazuna interrupted, a bit impatient—. Fuuka-chan, we're running out of time, we have to go now!

—Go? So soon? —I asked, surprised.

—Yes, sorry, Kayden. Fuuka-chan and I have some matters to attend to. But I promise that when you come back, we'll tell you everything —Nazuna said with a mysterious tone that only heightened my curiosity.

—Alright, I hope everything goes well. Have fun! —I said, although something told me that fun might not be exactly what I expected.

—Fun isn't the word I'd use... —Fuuka murmured, almost to herself.

—Good night, Kayden. We'll talk later —Nazuna said goodbye, her smile almost palpable through the phone.

—Sure, good night —I replied before hanging up, left with a tangle of questions and expectations for the next day.

As I headed back to my room, I couldn't help but dwell on the "surprise" awaiting me on the island the next day. From the way Fuuka spoke, it all pointed to a special exam.