Chapter 18: The Unexpected Cruise Exam

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After surviving the grueling island exam, the atmosphere on the cruise ship was more relaxed. The students were laughing, chatting, and enjoying the luxurious amenities of the ship. Everyone thought we could finally breathe easy and take a break after that intense week on the island.

I stood on the deck, enjoying the fresh sea breeze as I watched the sunset over the horizon. The ship was cutting through the water smoothly, and it almost felt like we were on a vacation. The island test was behind us, and now, I could finally relax a bit.

But, just as I began to let my guard down, an announcement echoed across the ship.

“Attention all students, please gather in the main hall immediately. A new special exam will begin shortly.”

The announcement caught everyone off guard. Whispers of confusion quickly filled the deck as students looked at each other in disbelief.

“A special exam? Again?” Sudo groaned. “We just finished the survival test!”

Kei looked just as stunned. “What could they possibly throw at us now?”

I sighed inwardly, knowing this was coming. This is it, I thought to myself. The next exam… just like in the anime.

As we made our way to the main hall, the tension in the air grew thicker. Once everyone had gathered, the teachers began to explain the rules of the new special exam.

“This next test will be known as the ‘Class Vote Exam,’” the instructor announced. “It will take place entirely on this cruise ship over the course of several days.”

The hall filled with murmurs. Another test, right after the survival exam? Most of the students couldn’t believe it. But I knew exactly what this exam entailed, and how dangerous it could be if mishandled.

The instructor continued, “The rules are simple. Each class will participate in a series of votes. Every student must vote anonymously on specific questions, and your choices will determine the outcome of the exam. Points will be awarded or deducted based on your decisions. However, the twist is that your choices can affect both your own class and the other classes.”

The hall fell silent as the weight of the rules sank in.

“You will also have to elect a ‘Class Leader’ through the vote. The outcome of these votes can drastically shift the power dynamics between classes.”

Just like in the anime. This test was all about manipulation, deception, and strategy. It wasn’t just about survival anymore. It was about who could outwit and outplay the others while maintaining trust within their own class.

I turned to Ayanokoji, knowing he had already seen through this test. He had a way of manipulating situations from the shadows, and in the anime, he had handled this exam flawlessly.

“We’ll have to be careful,” I whispered to him.

Ayanokoji simply nodded, his face calm as always. “We’ll manage.”

As the exam began, each class was given their first vote. The questions varied, from selecting who would be the class leader to decisions that could affect the other classes’ points. The anonymity of the vote was what made it dangerous. No one knew who was voting for what, and it became a game of trust—or rather, distrust.

Inside Class D, tensions ran high as we discussed our choices. Some students began to question each other’s motives, wondering if anyone was secretly sabotaging our chances of winning. I stayed quiet, observing the others, just like Ayanokoji had taught me.

Throughout the exam, Ayanokoji played a crucial role. He manipulated the votes subtly, ensuring that the results would play out in our favor while keeping himself out of the spotlight. His strategies were brilliant—no one ever suspected him, and yet, he controlled the entire flow of the exam.

I trusted him completely. After all, in the anime, Ayanokoji had managed to pass this exam flawlessly, and I knew he could do the same here. We worked together silently, guiding the class without making it obvious.

In the final round of voting, we faced a critical decision: one that could either solidify our victory or destroy us completely. I looked at Ayanokoji, and he gave me a subtle nod. We both knew what needed to be done.

The votes were cast, and the tension in the room was unbearable as we waited for the results.

Finally, the instructor announced, “The results are in. Class D has successfully passed the special exam!”

A wave of relief washed over the room. Sudo cheered loudly, while the others sighed in relief.

I turned to Ayanokoji, smiling. “We did it. Just like you planned.”

He gave me a faint smile, his usual calm demeanor intact. “It was a group effort.”

I couldn’t help but laugh lightly. “Sure, if that’s what you want to call it.”

As we walked out of the main hall, the weight of the exam lifted off our shoulders. We had passed, thanks to Ayanokoji’s brilliant strategies and the trust we had built within our class. It wasn’t easy, but we had come out on top once again.

The cruise continued, but this time, the atmosphere was lighter. With the special exam behind us, we could finally relax for real. I stood on the deck with Ayanokoji, watching the sunset again.

“Another exam passed,” I said, feeling a sense of satisfaction. “And it’s only going to get harder from here.”

Ayanokoji glanced at me. “We’ll be ready.”

I nodded, confident in our partnership. With Ayanokoji by my side, I knew we could face any challenge that came our way.

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This chapter captures the tension and strategic nature of the "Class Vote Exam" from Classroom of the Elite Season 2, highlighting the complex dynamics of trust and manipulation, and the ever-present challenge of outsmarting the competition.

--Chapter 18 ends--

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