I Was Stranded on a Deserted Island with a Beautiful Classmate - Chapter 70

Looking back, there were several unnatural things.

Marcus, that soldier—could he have planned this from the start?

A private jet, even without a runway?

That’s strange. Normally, it would be a helicopter…or at least we’d have parachutes.

Now that I think of it, there weren’t even parachutes. They weren’t on the equipment list.

Could it be…?

“This smoke’s getting bad; let’s go back to the base we used before.”

“Good idea, Hayasaka. If we linger, there might be an explosion.”

Amane’s guess was spot-on. Nearby, crackling sounds and small explosions began going off. Fuel might have leaked…this is bad.

We grabbed all the equipment we could carry and hurried out of the forest.

We made our way toward the old cave base.

After walking for nearly twenty minutes, it finally came into view.

“The drum bath…it’s still here.”

“It’s practically a landmark now.”

“Yeah, Kitakami.”

With memories of a month ago, we entered the cave.

Kitakami’s handmade bed had decayed. It must have been broken down by nature after all this time.

The reservoir and bath I made were also caked with mud.

“What are we going to do now?”

Kotobuki asked anxiously.

“I didn’t see Marcus anywhere. Kitakami, what does this mean?”

“He might have…betrayed us.”

“What!?”

Not just me; everyone was shocked.

“I’m sorry. I thought I could trust him. But apparently, I was wrong. He stranded us with that rough landing…he might be trying to steal the treasure.”

“You’re kidding. If that’s his plan, then he’s likely backed by someone too.”

“Yes, Marcus was probably hired by someone. And for a large sum, no doubt.”

Kitakami looked dizzy and sat down. This must be a shock for her; they seemed to know each other, after all.

Amane checked on her.

We need to contact Riko and the others on the mainland.

“The Stargazer system should still work. Even Marcus wouldn’t want to cut off all means of outside communication.”

I took my phone from my pocket and checked for a signal.

The signal was good.

…At least we’re lucky to have contact.

“Seems okay.”

“Alright, Amane. I’m going to reach out to Riko and the others.”

I started a call and waited for them to connect.

Soon enough, it connected.

“…This is Riko. Is that you, Tetsu?”

“Yeah, Riko. We’ve got a problem.”

“A problem? What happened?”

“Actually, we took a plane to an uninhabited island.”

“Huh? By plane? Wasn’t it supposed to be by boat?”

“It was a sudden change. And, although I’m not fully sure yet, we may have been betrayed.”

“No way! What’s going on!?”

I explained everything that happened over the past few hours to Riko and the others.

“So that’s the situation. We’ll need a rescue boat, just in case.”

“I-I understand, but I’ve never arranged for a boat before. What should I do?”

Amane spoke for me.

“Riko, this is Amane.”

“Amane? Do you have an idea?”

“Yes. I’ll arrange for the boat, but please come with a small group, if possible.”

“A small group? Wouldn’t a larger group be better?”

“It’s to spread the risk. I’d like two or three people to remain at the apartment.”

It’s a precaution, apparently. Typical of Amane, thinking it through so thoroughly.

“Understood. Riko and Hokkii will go for the rescue. The others will stay on standby.”

“Alright. I’ll contact you again.”

“Understood.”

With that, the call ended.

…Whew, it’s a relief to be able to stay in touch.

“Let’s have a meal for now. We haven’t eaten anything.”

“I’m all for it. I’m starving.”

Kasuno’s stomach rumbled, and her face turned red.

It’s about evening now anyway.

A good time to eat.

I pulled out some canned food from my backpack.

It’s a big help to have food this time. No need for hunting, and I can start a fire with just a lighter.

I made a simple fire and lit it with the lighter.

“…Not even a second to ignite.”

“True. Last time, we had to use a fire starter.”

I still carry that fire starter as a good luck charm. Thanks to it, we could cook meat and fish.

Fire is amazing.

With fire, we can do anything.

I opened the canned food and started to heat it.

That way, the mackerel inside would cook nicely.

Once it started sizzling, it was ready.

“There, it’s done. Hot mackerel in a can.”

I passed the food around.

We also had water, plus a portable water purifier. With this, even muddy water becomes clean and drinkable. It’s a lifesaver.

Once everyone had food, I began to poke at the mackerel with a fork.

Cooked to a nice warmth, it was perfectly soft.

“This mackerel is delicious.”

“Right? I got the good stuff, Kotobuki.”

“Oh, nice one, Hayasaka.”

“I might be a bit particular about food.”

“Impressive!”

We ate our meal in a lively, friendly atmosphere—and before we knew it, Amane, Kotobuki, and Ooi had dozed off. I felt a bit drowsy myself.

“Hayasaka, I’ll keep watch.”

“Oh, that brings back memories. A month ago, we’d often take turns watching here.”

“Yes, taking shifts to protect each other.”

Remembering that, we shared a laugh.

But…

Kitakami looked down, feeling responsible.

“It’s not your fault, Kitakami. And no one was hurt.”

“…Even so, it’s my responsibility. I’m sorry.”

“Why did Marcus betray us…? I don’t know, but he disappeared, along with all his equipment.”

“He’s probably after the treasure. Depending on the timing, he might even try to take it all.”

Yeah, he’s probably planning to show up at just the right moment and take everything. If he’s really betrayed us, that is.

But now it’s hard to think of it as anything else.

“So, what do we do? Keep looking for the treasure?”

“There’s no other choice. Staying here would be dangerous.”

“Alright. We’ll head toward the coordinates I remember. Tomorrow.”

“Yes. Let’s rest tonight and take turns keeping watch.”

“Agreed, we’ll take turns.”

After a thumbs-up exchange, Kitakami moved closer.

“It’s a bit chilly tonight…Tetsu.”

“Yeah. Come here.”

I held Kitakami, nestling her between my legs.

Amane and the others are asleep…it should be fine.

Kitakami nestled into my chest with a relieved look. It’s moments like this when she lets her guard down that make me feel weak.