Chapter 16: Four Days Remaining

The morning sun slowly rose above Kisaragi University.
Unlike yesterday...
The entire campus buzzed with excitement.
Students filled every corner of the university.
Some discussed survival equipment.
Others searched the internet for information about Seiryu Island.
Many couldn't stop talking about the Island Examination.
...
Shadow walked through the front gate.
One hand rested inside his jacket pocket.
His pace remained steady.
He quietly observed the unusually energetic campus before continuing toward the classroom.
...
"Shadow!"
A familiar voice echoed behind him.
He stopped.
Aiko hurried over, nearly bumping into him.
Behind her walked Reina and Kenji.
Aiko's eyes sparkled.
Aiko:"I couldn't sleep last night!"
Kenji sighed.
"I believe you."
"You kept sending messages until two in the morning."
"I was researching."
"You were watching survival videos."
"They count!"
Reina covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
She looked toward Shadow.
Reina:"Did you sleep well?"
Shadow gave a small nod.
Shadow:"...Yeah."
That was all.
The group continued walking together.
...
Inside the classroom...
Conversations never stopped.
One student spoke excitedly.
"My cousin participated three years ago."
"They said the island is huge."
Another student replied.
"I heard there are abandoned buildings there."
"No way..."
"I heard that too."
Aiko immediately joined the conversation.
"Really?!"
Kenji leaned back in his chair.
"I already know you'll be the first person exploring them."
"Obviously."
Shadow quietly sat near the window.
Instead of joining the conversation...
He watched.
Listening.
Observing.
The classroom door opened.
Their homeroom teacher entered carrying several large boxes.
The room became silent.
Teacher:"Good morning."
"As you already know..."
"The Island Examination begins in four days."
"I'll now distribute your preparation materials."
Students immediately sat up.
The teacher opened one of the boxes.
Inside...
Neatly folded uniforms.
Teacher:"This is your official examination uniform."
One by one...
Students walked forward to receive theirs.
Aiko unfolded hers immediately.
"Cyan!"
"It actually looks cool!"
The lightweight jacket was primarily white with cyan accents across the shoulders and sleeves.
The matching trousers were simple but durable.
On the left side of the jacket...
The university emblem was stitched neatly.
Kenji examined the material.
"This is surprisingly comfortable."
Reina smiled.
"I like it."
She looked toward Shadow.
"What do you think?"
Shadow briefly looked at the jacket.
"...Practical."
Aiko laughed.
"Only you would describe clothes like that."
Shadow simply folded the uniform and placed it back inside the bag.
...
The teacher distributed another document.
"Equipment Checklist."
Teacher:"Everything on this list must be prepared before departure."
The classroom quickly filled with turning pages.
Compass.
Flashlight.
Notebook.
Water bottle.
Basic first-aid kit.
Sleeping bag.
Extra clothing.
Emergency whistle.
Students immediately began whispering.
"I don't even own half of these..."
"This is going to be expensive."
Aiko looked at Kenji.
"You have money, right?"
Kenji immediately answered.
"No."
"You didn't even let me finish."
"No."
Reina laughed quietly.
Shadow silently read every line.
He folded the paper carefully.
Then placed it inside his notebook.
...
The bell rang.
Lunch break.
The four friends sat beneath their usual tree.
Aiko excitedly spread the checklist across the table.
"We should all go shopping tomorrow!"
Kenji nodded.
"That's actually a good idea."
Reina agreed.
"It'll be easier if we buy everything together."
She looked toward Shadow.
"You'll come too... right?"
Shadow took a sip of his drink.
"...Sure."
Aiko pumped her fist.
"Great!"
"We're making a whole day out of it."
Kenji sighed.
"I have a feeling we're going to buy more snacks than survival gear."
Aiko looked away innocently.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
...
Not far away...

A girl stood quietly on the second-floor balcony.

Her long dark hair swayed gently in the afternoon breeze.

Her eyes remained fixed on only one person.

Shadow.

She watched him silently for several seconds before turning away and 

disappearing into the hallway.

None of them noticed....
As the afternoon classes ended...
Students slowly left the campus.
The excitement surrounding the Island Examination only continued to grow.
Shadow walked home alone.
The folded equipment list rested inside his bag.
Four days remained.
Soon...
Everything would begin.