April 11th.

From a cold and stable temperature to a stern thick hazy weather; the morning curtain rose.

A distant shrunken blinding ball of light illuminates our skin fervently.

Tin-roofed and unable to sustain protection in order to shield its sheltered individuals, with fragile rays coming from the god-crusted radiant sun, the cabana's flat leaves were easily penetrated and scattered mildly due to the merciless solar particles that were additionally placed upon.

"..."

Unquestionably, the combination of the tropical atmosphere, containing a high temperature already early at the young dawn, and receiving ethereal if not mystic aimed rays at my skin gave me a reasonable alert that the tawny and impertinent sun had risen itself once again; ready to take on the eternal cycle.

For the most part, reddish unequal rays of lights can be interpreted as routine regardless of different takes. Phosphorescent solar energy is essentially a routine signal. A world-wide known mechanism to alert anyone that the night eventually ends.

To most; this is common knowledge. Even to myself, it's impractical to attempt to resist this natural cycle.

Beneath these light leaves covering the cabana's walls, each shaped quadratically along with a roof rich of long sized palm tree leaves. Noticeably, a roof that isn't stacked with a couple of branches will lack weight. Yesterday, as a secondary measure to equilibrate the overall weight of the cabana, it was necessary to stack a couple of rough branches on top of the heavy palm tree leaves.

Regardless of all that, all it took was a dim sinister step from the scouring sun to rain down on all the defenses that I had come up with last night, before heading to bed.

"..."

Unprocessed heat far too reactive upon this haze led me with no choice but to leave the cabana. Before departing to the outside of it, which was roughly a few centimeters away from my current position, in which I was previously lying down on my uncomfortable jaded leaf used for the simple reason of comfortability; I placed my vision on the two carefree individuals who were, despite the obnoxious temperature and the hellish radiation, sleeping safe and sound.

Far too unbothered, Kuzan and Rayazaki remained.

"It's a good thing though."

Checking my phone that still had a large amount of battery left, swiftly, the hours and minutes became primal knowledge.

Regarding why it's a good thing, it's fairly simple, all in all. The more their bodies rest, the more their brains and vessels will be able to perform in terms of physical and mental prowess. Neglecting rest in this situation is beyond counterproductive.

Today marks April 11th. Newly-born dawn, inexperienced and uncultivated, ready to be shaped drastically.

"No one took the bait yet. These holes remain intact. Though, it's not as if I wasn't paying any attention either way. This means that this island might be longer than what my imagination has already unconsciously assumed."

To be more precise with my saying, as I check the holes that I had purposely dug yesterday on the quest to obtain more clues regarding the all-important words I'm supposed to collect, I decided to set up a few traps around the jungle's end.

Excavating holes around the entrance and then shrouding it with large palm tree leaves could easily be something that someone with minimal intelligence could spot. That is; under the daylight.

A completely different story in the middle of the night. However, that would be a flawed tactic. A phone's torch could decipher this fairly easily.

Which is why, I set additional traps, such as cartridge traps and bamboo whips.

"...By... --- If, hypothetically speaking, someone were to approach this oasis out of sheer curiosity, then, before noticing the huge leaves on top of the deep excavated trap holes... surely, that certain someone would fall prey to the unnoticeable cartridge traps first. Although, I don't have a bullet. So, the cartridge traps don't actually serve a lethal purpose. Same with the bamboo whips. They are all made out of bamboo. Therefore, the ultimate purpose would be to create sound; thus alerting me."

Admittedly, cartridge traps work well regardless.

In the occasional case that an animal would walk in instead, then I profit simultaneously. It's a win-win situation.

But, it didn't happen. No one has discovered this place yet. Something that might not be far too much of a stretch to already notice is that the map's size is obviously fake. Of course, the size that is on the map isn't the one in the actuality. That's common knowledge.

Yet, just how far and wide is this island? Are we in a small portion of the island? Is the island just that big? If so, then how far are we all from each other? Is our time until the end of the month a mere illusion? Which method of observation will they choose?

Mere questions that I bothered to pounder as I was on my way to the fountain.

"7 am. After I'm done bathing, I'm waking the princesses up."

Approaching the cold virginal water, my ears were filled with a harmonic sensation after hearing the cunningly intricate hymn produced by the toucans on the top of the wet rocks aside the scattering raging waterfall.

From this collateral side, the extravagant luminous shine brought forth witnessed previously fell victim to the continuous shade born out of the contrast between the position of the sun and the elevating waterfall.

A matter of hours before the sun sits on top and lays down solar judgment.

"Might as well take this off."

Untying the sharp piece of light cloth that was around my waist since yesterday and randomly placing it on the soft sand's surface, my feet embraced a chilling sensation transiently.

Nevertheless, that thought came as wrong; as it was no transience. Perhaps only short-lived, ephemerally, a teaspoon cold descended its own warm yet limpid temperature to a judicious cold.

Granted, my body felt a glacial sensation creeping in; until the movement of a flat decisive dive onto the particularly good and pure water was made.

Beneath excessively crystal clear liquid midst an undifferentiated almost translucent blue; fishes began to reign rampant over the abundant depth, refusing to approach the transparent surface.

Ignoring them and allowing them to naturally venture their common ground; I performed a steady swim to the distant water lying a few meters away from my initial position.

Resurfacing, brackish but otherwise drinkable water had made its entrance inside my mouth, as my eyes blinked not once, but ultimately twice.

"...Knowing those retards, they probably think that they can just survive out of seawater. Frankly, the ideology for survival here is almost as if it's planned. Taking into consideration that the human being can survive just based on water for about three weeks, which is roughly the time when the exam started and the time when we will eventually finish it."

However...

Drinking seawater is a fatal decision to make. Human cells retain everything that has been drunk. To put it in retrospect, drinking water plus salt doesn't necessarily spell the death out of you.

Seawater salt, on the other hand, is far more powerful than ---- No, it's not about the potency. It's about the quantity. The quantity of the salt in seawater is absurdly high.

Allowing your own cells to process that much salt will only make you thirstier and thirstier. As time passes, you will die from dehydration.

Normally, preoccupying about this matter wouldn't even make sense. However, however...

This rich flavor. A sweet nurturing calm aroma that contains not a stagnant nor revolting sensation to it.

Frequently sufficient; this water is.

"It's drinkable and it's pure. Perfect for drinking. Speaking of it... The water's origin comes from all the way down from the stream. Lying above, that stream holds the answer. Our next stop should be a place where we can sustain our basic needs."

While it is extremely important to make research; the priority is obviously our wellbeing.

Strictly speaking, managing our resources such as water and food and strengthening our shelter could very well give us a powerful edge on this island.

Yet we are not staying here. That was why I didn't bother to, for example, build water collection items. The ultimate purpose of items to collect water would be in case of a thunderstorm.

Though, with an oasis nearby, there's barely any point to it.

Or, so an average mind would think.

An oasis, full of water, perfect for hygiene and whatnot. Anyone in their right mind would desire to bask themselves on this heavenly atmosphere without having to pay any price for it.

Not, unless, of course, a price for it is attributed.

Occasionally speaking, should anyone want to take their time to drink pure and clean water, they would have to pay the price for it. Or, simply put, alternatively, the option of a small water portion being given is also open.

In exchange for something, for example.

Naturally, I don't need to even think about what that something is.

"...For how long are you gonna stare at me, you prick?"

"Oh..."

Surprised with my sudden movement, which was to turn around and face his gaze's direction, Rayazaki let out that small word.

It gets easy to narrow down who enters the water, even if you are facing the opposite direction of the bay just by noticing the small movements made within the broad briny surface.

Markedly, this option would only apply if the distance was close, which was not the case.

What gave it away was the noises of his feet clashing with the shells in the wet sand before clashing with the stingingly cold water.

"Good morning, Kawahara."

"Yeah, morning. You couldn't sleep for a little more, Rayazaki?"

Perhaps I made way too much noise yet it was irrelevant. Both Rayazaki and Kuzan were bound to wake up regardless and here is why.

"It's impossible to sleep with this much heat, man."

"Fair point. But that still doesn't explain why you didn't even say a word, Rayazaki. Do you want to kill me or something?"

"What if I do?"

Our serious gazes remained locked onto each other without blinking, as our distance became prevalent over the second.

"Ha, relax, leader! Why the long face?"

"What happened to your polite stance? You coming out or something?"

A mocking smile started to unravel in the corner of his lips very quickly.

Unwavering, I didn't panic, as I waited for his answer.

"Not quite... More like, I wanted to test your power. Precisely speaking; I seek to see if you are able to revert a situation in where you are at a disadvantage."

"I see."

"However, Kawahara, if we're honest right now, it's because I do look forward to testing your ability as a leader. So, should you fail this test, I will become the leader of the Hideout an----"

"Not happening."

"Yeah, I thought you'd say that. But, let's suppose that I do attempt to kill you right now, in a physical fight. Wouldn't you say you are at a disadvantage?"

"..."

Without saying anything, I simply took his opinion in.

...This is troublesome. His intention automatically implies that if he commits, then I will have to meet his physical force to some degree and perhaps I'll have to also apply a certain number of techniques on him, but the main problem here is that his physical power, in the case that this fight does happen, will decrease.

In his mind, this is not what I am thinking right now.

I'm already aware of what he's thinking about, as his firm glare to my position quite literally places a lot of emphasis on his current thought process.

"Surely you might've noticed but there is a big difference in our positions, Kawahara."

"You're calling me Master after this, Rayazaki. Also, lower your fucking voice tone already."

"Mhm? But, that aside, it's quite advantageous to me. My movements are less sluggish than yours. You are located in an abyssal plain in comparison to where I am currently standing. My movements are far freer than yours. Give it up."

He's feeling so absurdly confident that he's already flashing a smirk.

Subliminally, I did the same, for completely different reasons.

Furthermore, a laugh came forth, as my abdominal cavity began to harden due to the constant string of laughter.

"Hahaha!! Look at you, getting all confident and shit! Pretty low blow, Rayazaki. Do you really think this gives you the upper edge? If that's the case, then why haven't you approached me yet?"

"..."

He then, after receiving those words, started to venture the water from left to right, as the water kept hitting his solar plexus area.

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

How would Rayazaki react if he had knowledge about what happened to him a few weeks ago?

Daniel surely thought that no one else knew but, there is a more proper process.

"I understand. You think that if I approach you that we will be in the same position. But that's not correct. Should I, for example, extend a kick to your head from a position that isn't deeper than yours, or simply outside of the abysmal plain, then the difference will become unveiled, don't you think?"

What a flawed argument.

"If that's really true then step up already, pussy. What's taking you so long?"

"You're really confident. Maybe the position doesn't matter at all?"

Rayazaki started to ponder whether or not the position was the relevant remark to take into consideration here.

While it is good to inflict a certain amount of order onto your lackeys... I will never mistake fear for respect.

In an instance, I could drop the floor with him.

In a fight, you use words instead of physical movements?

You fight with words in arguments; not in a physical fight.

Instead, I'll reinforce his sense of confidence with a sense of rationality that isn't based on his own superstition of strength.

"Rayazaki, in a fight, what is more important; to argue and reason with your opponent or to bring him down physically?"

"Oh, I see your point, I really do. It's just... You got me thinking now. Did I overrate the depth? Look, my top isn't flooded with water thus not slowing my upper movements. The same can't be said to you for sure. If I---"

"The position isn't relevant... I get what you are trying to do, Rayazaki. You are trying to bait me into coming closer because you think that I would think that would bring advantage to me."

"Ah, as expected. I'm imp---"

"However, that line of thought is extremely weak."

"...I'm not sure if I'll let that slide, Kawahara. I don't like it when people contradict my arguments."

"That wouldn't happen if you made decent arguments in the first place."

Although I said that, his point has a bit of truth in it.

My movements are relatively sluggish in comparison.

Which is why, just as he was ready to crack his knuckles, I took a backward dive and went full speed ahead to the waterfall.

Then, once I resurfaced, I quickly climbed the wet rock boulder and stood on top of it.

"..."

A sharp kick came forth from my left.

That quick transience allowed me to firmly dodge it simply by leaning my torso backward and sternly adjusting my posture afterward while remaining balanced throughout the entirety of the boulder.

Regarding Rayazaki, he managed to safely land on the rocky structure that was below the waterfall.

A huge, moss-covered surface that was filled with rich shells and big sun-warmed reflection was the place he used to regain his position after his swift land.

However, my current position, in comparison, towers his.

"Eh, you dodged that! Ah, but can you do something about that? I mean, come on, I know it's just you and me, but that should be all the more reason to---"

"I am free. Therefore, so is my wood."

"It's distracting me, man... That's why I didn't land my kick."

"False, you didn't land your kick due to my keen senses."

This is true.

"No, I beg to differ here... It's definitely distracting me. Cover it up, man..."

Rayazaki doesn't realize that this is actually a good tactic.

It sounds incredibly stupid at first but once you realize its utility, you'll feel less and less stupid.

That's how the majority of ideologies work at first. Their level of stupidity severely seemingly decreases if they uphold a large scale of utility.

"So, you're not gonna come down from that boulder, Kawahara?"

"Eventually."

Foamy and unbroken, this infinitely tall waterfall towers me. Unknown meters set our distance.

The stream itself enhances anyone's audition with a screaming sensation of impact as soon as the massive portion of water is poured and delivered onto the oasis all the way from above.

On and on, never stopping its rhythm. 

Hey.

I know you can't hear me, but I'm better, right? My thoughts have improved, haven't they?

I'm not the same person that I was back then. 

Will you notice that I look at things from a different perspective now?

Will you notice that instead of fully acknowledging myself; that I'm able to see things from an outside perspective that isn't myself?

Will you-------

...

Useless effort to think about that now. Therefore, with a solid jump, I jumped into the same platform that Rayazaki was in.

After correcting my posture, my eyes met up with an ax kick aimed straight at my spine.

However, instead of dodging it, I took a hold of it with my right hand and followed that movement up with a right kick to his left calf.

This caused him to be able to take damage and ultimately fall flat onto the wet surface with his entire body.

Certainly, using this opportunity to finish him off would be plausible and logical.

Yet as I readied myself to speak, on my way back to his body, slowly, he started to speak with a rad smile on his face.

"Ahh... Nice counterattack. Props to you. So, how about this?"

"Hm!?"

Suddenly, with a quick repercussion, Rayazaki elevated himself from the wet surface and threw a couple of shells at my face, thus forcing me to shield myself with my right forearm.

Utilizing the fact that my right forearm was busy with shielding my vision, he attempted to inflict a left hook through my right forearm.

"W-Woah, you don't exactly play fair..."

Frail, upon noticing that I had used my unrestrained and free left hand to take ahold of his rigid left wrist and connecting with my right knee's edge in a subsequent sequence of movements, Rayazaki started showing a bit of fear in response.

Despite that, as my hold was intentionally not strong and somewhat lackluster, with a simple retreat, Rayazaki repositioned himself.

He then took a quick glance at his shaking wrist before speaking.

"You're undermining me, aren't you?"

"So you noticed?"

"It's frankly impossible not to notice. I believe that you could've already gained the upper edge plenty of times already yet you are opting not to."

With a deep breath, I finally spoke the truth to him.

"Back when you attempted to enter the water, I could've simply gained distance yet I opted not to. Purposedly, I allowed you to come into contact with me. If I suddenly turned around without showing any signs of being surprised, then that should tell you that much yet you didn't do anything regarding that."

"Oh, I see! I should've capitalized on your lackluster reaction! You know, you place a lot of emphasis on psychological games in a supposed physical fight, Kawahara."

At least he capitalized on the important part.

That reactions and psychological patterns are to be followed and studied in order to determine the outcome.

"Let me guess, you could've also done way more but you are opting not to say it? Yeah, that's true! You are always impulsive with your words so your rather silent manner should be taken into consideration. Are you holding back because I'm your lackey?"

"You're not my lackey, Rayazaki."

"Technically, I am, right?"

Right.

But, you can't be allowed to think like that.

"Technically, yes. But, it's my duty to at least teach you some common sense."

"Such as?"

"...Who you should fight and who should you not. And why you should fight and not fight. Right? Extreme common sense."

Deep down, it's not as if I don't enjoy fighting, but if there are internal arguments and disorder within my group, then my image will go down as a leader.

Hypothetically speaking, cases of disorder and lack of harmony within a group will only show how incompetent the leader is. 

"Rayazaki, I won't hold back now. However, if I win, then it's the last time you have ever revolted against me."

"Woah, what if I don't accept that? What then, boss?"

"I'll feast on your corpse as if no tomorrow will come. No doubt here, but you'd suffice as dinner way better than fish--"

"Okay, okay, I get it..."

No way that would actually happen, but I would go as far as illustrating and demonstrating a serious image to the point where he'd be forced to believe that I was utterly serious.

And so, our fight resumed.

With only a few minutes to it, it came to a swift end.

Relatively relevant to the fight, we never went into the deep water in order to not enter the mortal range and opening up the possibility of fatal drowning.

In the end, a simple well-timed punch to the solar plexus did the trick.

If my intention was to cause harm and injure him to a serious level, then my path of action would've been far different.

You used to idolize that path of action, didn't you? But, maybe I was wrong about that assumption. Who did you idolize, really? The me that was a slave to that idea or the me that could argue and get away with anything he so decided to do?

"You won the fight... Y-Yet you are looking like you're in a daze. How unlike you, Kawahara."

With his body fully stretched, in pain, and with his hands on his solar plexus, Rayazaki spoke out to me, while letting his bottom feet receive small watery waves back and forth with nonetheless a lackluster intensity to them.

It's so calm. It's not raging nor turbulent, unlike a disturbed tidal wave that forms out of small unripped strides of water. No, this feeling, it's reassuring.

Contrast.

Heat. Cold.

You and me.

And now...

Me and you.

"It's nothing."

"Really, man? I mean, for someone who has no qualms about punching someone so hard in the gut I would like to know what's on your mind."

......

I'm thinking too much about it and relating too many things to it. This needs to stop.

"Again, it's nothing. More importantly, let's wake the princess up. We wasted enough time already."

We both then got up from the silky sand that was neither too wet nor too soft and started to walk to the cabana, slowly.

Until Rayazaki noticed something and stopped walking.

"Wait a second."

"Hm? What's up?"

"Kawahara... The water, it was somewhat cold."

"Somewhat? It was chilling. If it wasn't for this hellish temperature, then I wouldn't have---- I mean, no, I would still have done it."

It's an oasis. Only a fool would miss out on such a golden opportunity. 

"Yeah, exactly. So, I was thinking..."

"About what?"

"It would be staggering and shocking to wake up to a freezing sensation of water all over your senses, wouldn't it be?"

The cracks on my smile started to show maniacally as I recited Rayazaki's idea into my mind.

"Yeah, it would just be such a shame to receive a wake-up call with a dreadful surprising feeling upon your body like that, all over the sudden."

"Indeed, Kawahara. It would be oddly unfortunate."

"Yup. I'll grab the arms, Rayazaki."

"Got it, I'll take on the legs."

"Nice, don't make too much noise and if he wakes up, apply maximum force so that he doesn't try to run away."

"Of course."

On the cabana, in a lazy position that resembled a sloth, which perhaps is his inner sleeping spirit, Kuzan happily enjoyed the sleep despite being basked upon penetrating light rays.

Unbothered he remained, thus, Rayazaki and I, with a light touch on his legs and with my barely noticeable grab on both of Kuzan's arms, started to carry him slowly to the charming yellow sands lying outside of the cabana.

Rayazaki's glance traded with mine to indicate our silence's importance yet Kuzan was starting to blink his eyes.

For a good set of seconds, everything he could see was an impertinent light clouding his vision.

Until he finally came to his senses and decided to mumble a few words to me, who was above him due to the fact that I'm carrying his arms right now while additionally carrying his body along with Rayazaki, horizontally.

"....Wuuuaaahhh.... M-Master....?"

"Heeeeeyyyyy!! How's it going, champ? You feelin' alright?"

He attempted to tap his mouth yet he didn't realize why that couldn't happen in the first place.

Instead, he simply limited himself furthermore.

"Yeah... Yeah... I'm feeling good.... That was some good sleep...! Um, by the way, what are we eating for breakfast, Master?"

"...We...? I don't know about Rayazaki and me, but as for you, how about some fish?"

"Eh... Again, fish... Ew, how about some meat instead?"

"Well, well, aren't you just greedy as fuck, Kuzan. How about you chop off your own leg and eat it for breakfast? Share a bit with us though. We're equally hungry."

Almost there.

Just one or two meters away.

No, not yet, Rayazaki. Hold it. Hold it.

Only when he figures out. And when he does, it will be too late regardless. Therefore, hold your impulse back!

Don't laugh! Don't say anything, just carry the damn body!

"Ehhh... That's rude as hell, Master. I can't chop myself. But, we will eat, right?"

".....Eventually......"

Not giving any false hopes, the familiar water greeted our feet again.

"...By the way, why does my body feel like it's in motion?"

"I wonder."

Sharply, I made eye contact with Rayazaki, twisting my eyes to my left, in the direction of the deep water.

Kuzan's body was still up high and therefore not feeling the freezing water that both Rayazaki and I were experiencing once again.

It didn't bother me and probably not Rayazaki as well as it hadn't been long since we were on it.

And then, at last, Kuzan decided to tilt his head to the left a little bit.

His eyes went spastic fastly.

"...U-Um.... W-Where... the hell am I?!"

He's confused.

So, I went ahead and cleared his confusion straight up.

"Hygiene is really important. While some opt not to take baths daily, I really, but really, dislike that option. It's your body, so you have to take extreme care of i---"

"Heeeeeeeeeelppp!!! I'm being kidnapped on a deserted island!! I'm innocent!"

Disturbed, Kuzan started to twitch his body parts turbulently. His displeased demoniac behavior made it hard for Rayazaki and me to hold him tightly.

To the point of Rayazaki starting to complain about it.

 "S-Stay still, you...!! Kawahara, hold him down!"

"Don't worry, he's not getting away!"

"What the fuck?! What's wrong with you people?! You interrupt someone's beauty sleep for this?! You guys need medical assistance for fuck sake!!"

Alright, time is up.

"Rayazaki, swing his body from the right to the left but don't let it go!"

"Yosh! Let me know when to drop him!"

"Alright, alright, start swinging it with high speed!"

"W-W-W-Wait, what the hell are you guys planning on doing with me?! Let go of meeeee!!!!"

One swing to the right. Low intensity.

Another swing to the left, mildly intense yet not powerful.

However, we allowed Kuzan's body to reach a crucial point of impulse which made the subsequent swing to the right slightly powerful in comparison.

Kuzan's animalistic screams were starting to tear my eardrums apart melancholically. 

"On the next swing."

"Understood."

With Rayazaki's confirmation, Kuzan began to further increase his despair by adding terrifying words to his speech.

All of this while the transition of a right swing would instantly transform into a beyond brutal left swing.

"D-Did I do something to deserve this!? If this about the watch, Master, I can explain!! Also, Rayazaki, if this is about that one time I stole---"

Wait a fucking second.

Watch?

"Rayazaki, on second thought, keep on swinging and don't let go."

"Yeah..."

It seems Rayazaki is skeptical about this as well. But I'm even more.

"Kuzan, what the hell were you just talking about now?"

"U-Ugghhhh, I'm feeling dizzy... Pwease staaapphhhh..."

"It's only gonna get worse, Kuzan! Spill it and I might reconsider my current action!"

"O-Okay...! Ugh... Um, so... I really like jewelry. Golden watches are..."

"Kuzaaaaaaaaaaannn!!! When the hell did you do it?!"

Man, I fucking knew it. There's no way that my golden watch could've just vanished like that without a trace.

But the fucking gal from this guy, to steal my watch without my knowledge.

Assumably, it was without a doubt in a time where I wasn't with it. Given that I don't really care about the watch; I noticeably don't place a lot of priority on it.

Still...

"No answer is it? Alright, Rayazaki, spin him until he throws up!"

"Certainly!"

"You'll regret this Kuzan! By throwing up, you can say goodbye to your physical strength! Lying bastard, so it was you who stole it!!"

"M-Master! Anything but that! Don't make me throw up! I can't!"

"Then fucking confess and I will change my mind!"

Not quite though.

Nonetheless, that was enough to get him to speak, as he continued to endure rounds of spinning dizziness.

"E-Errrr, okay, okay, you had to take the watch off when you entered the volleyball match, remember?!"

"So you thought that it was alright for you to steal the fucking watch regardless, Kuzan?!"

"Hell yeah! I mean, no, no, God, nooooo! I am soooo sorry about it!"

"No one gave you permission to be sarcastic, Kuzan!"

"It's not sarcasm, Master! I swear on my life! I'm deeply sorry and I'm ready to repent on my sin!"

Fucking lying rat, I know sarcasm far too well to know that he's not actually sorry.

So, I'll make him be.

"Rayazaki, do a full angle spin with his body!"

"Wait... Is that even possible?"

"Just try it, it will work. If it doesn't..."

If it doesn't, then...

"Oh well."

"Oh well!? But I already confessed! Let go of meeee!!"

"Yeah, sure thing, Kuzan. You said it."

Thus, with heavy swings, Kuzan's body went sky-high and hit the deepest spot of the oasis while feeling the creeping sensation of the chilly liquid water freeze his spine.

Furiously, he resurfaced right back up.

"I seriously hate you guy--- Oh, it actually feels good."

"Of course it does. You are only scared of entering it and ultimately experiencing it. Once you do that, the water will feel good."

Contrary to my indicative words, I started to make my way right back to the cabana.

Once there, I checked what time it was.

"8 am. Alright, let's move on. Dress up."

"Wait, Kawahara, shouldn't we eat first?"

"Do you see any food around here, Rayazaki?"

On this empty cabana, there are three leaves used for the sake of bringing comfort to our previous sleep.

Furthermore, our bags. The ones we brought with us from school and the ones that were placed under us on our arrival.

Which makes it six bags in total. Inside them, are our uniform clothes, and several other pieces of clothing.

Outside of that, we have nothing else. Except for the already previously mentioned elements. However, the important pieces such as the envelopes are being kept within my primary bag.

This will serve as a good purpose later on.

"Not to worry, Rayazaki. Hey, Kuzan! You like climbing, right?"

"Well yeah."

Fully drenched and with only his light wood cloth covering his intimate parts, Kuzan got what I wanted him to get.

Specifically speaking, with my eyes on the top of the palm tree and more concretely speaking, on the pair of coconuts, Kuzan went for it, climbing the tree like a monkey.

In light of this, Rayazaki spoke out to me again.

"Are you sure we should move on? We have plenty of resources here... And... If we move on, we might not have them."

"Certainly, I agree with you, Rayazaki. However, we have to find the rest. Without a doubt, we were placed under different locations of this island. There is no way that we came from the same place on this island. But nonetheless, we have to move forward."

"If you say so. Is it because of the words? Are you that curious?"

So he noticed.

"I can't help myself. Aren't you too?"

"Most surely, yeah."

"See? That's why we must find the rest. However, will it be that easy?"

"Are you reluctant, Kawahara?"

"Not quite, Rayazaki. Doubtful about the current circumstance, rather. Isn't my thought way too common and mediocre?"

This is the doubt that I'm facing right now.

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is... the thought of gathering the words and therefore hope that they will connect to anything might be something that was intentional. But, will it be that easy?"

"Why shouldn't it be easy? All we have to do is to extract the other words and eventually, with research we should--- Ah..."

"Finally realized, huh? So, what exactly tells us that we will have all the time in the world to gather all the words and then connect those words to whatever we can connect them with? We have to be fast. This time, this length, it's only an illusion."

"...Probably..."

Rayazaki's doubts aren't extraterrestrial for me.

Why wouldn't you assume that it will be easy? After all, all we have to do is gather the remaining words yet, yet...

That's assuming we are all under the same situation. I get this thought from the fact that Rayazaki, Kuzan and I, are ultimately under the same situation.

We each have different words and we didn't hesitate in revealing them. Therefore, we are equal in terms of circumstances.

What about them?

Are they in the same circumstance? 

We don't know shit about our situation and we can only know more and more by exploring the contents of the island.

"I got them! I got them!"

"Good job, Kuzan! Let's crack them up!"

"With our knees...? That sounds hurtful, Rayazaki."

"Idiot... I obviously didn't mean it like that..."

Kuzan and Rayazaki started to have their usual arguments on the edge of the palm tree, as Kuzan carried his two coconuts back to the cabana.

After this, the expedition continues.