Chapter 33: Dreams Are Always Beautiful
Feeling Chabashira-sensei's sharp gaze, Hikigaya simply lowered his head, choosing to avoid her eyes.
"This school judges students solely on ability. You lot… are worthless."
Her cold words once again plunged the classroom into silence.
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Class D's Reactions
Kushida Kikyo: "It seems that no matter how things change, Chabashira-sensei's view of us in Class D won't. But… at least it's different this time. We're no longer at zero."
Shinohara: "She's been teaching Class D all this time, so of course her expectations are low. Even now, we're not that different from the past classes she handled."
Sudou clenched his fists and said bluntly, "This result isn't thanks to anyone else. It's all because of Hikigaya. He single-handedly changed things. No wonder she targeted him with her words."
Ike stared at him. "Whoa, Sudou… you've changed."
"Really? I just don't want the class to sink any lower. Seeing him sacrifice himself for everyone… I can't just ignore it."
Yamauchi snorted. "Sudou, you're… kinda soft. But remember, this guy's just a video character. Don't take it too seriously."
Sudou gave a small nod, but didn't reply.
Class Points Breakdown
Chabashira turned to the blackboard and wrote with quick, precise strokes:
Class A: 940 CP
Class B: 650 CP
Class C: 490 CP
Class D: 97 CP
"Each class point translates to 100 personal points per student. You started with 1,000 points. Now you've dropped to ninety-seven."
Hikigaya silently calculated the difference. The gap between Class A and Class D was overwhelming. With monsters like Sakayanagi in Class A, it was impossible to catch up.
The points were distributed monthly. The gap would only grow. Just avoiding falling further behind would be a miracle. Promotion to Class C already seemed like a distant dream.
Not that Hikigaya ever cared about climbing ranks. As long as they maintained enough points to get by, he was content with living quietly for three years.
Only…
His deskmate, Horikita Suzune, clearly thought differently. With her eyes set on catching up to her brother, she wouldn't stop until Class A.
Kushida suddenly stood and asked, "Sensei, is there any way to increase class points?"
It was the question on everyone's minds. No one wanted to rely on handouts for three years.
Chabashira gave a faint smile. "Of course. If you surpass Class C in points, you'll be promoted, and they'll be demoted. The nearest chance is the upcoming midterms. Depending on your results, you can earn up to 100 class points."
While the others stirred, Horikita remained focused, scribbling down notes without pause.
Ike frowned. "Only 100 points…?"
Yamauchi shrugged. "Still better than nothing. If we grab those points, we'll close the gap with Class C."
Hikigaya wasn't moved. With Class D's current lineup, beating Class C academically was a pipe dream. Even if by some miracle they managed it, a full 100 points was unrealistic.
Overestimating themselves—that was Class D's specialty.
Just then, Chabashira unfurled a large sheet of paper and pinned it to the board. "Here are your last quiz scores. Pathetic."
The school didn't split subjects into arts and sciences—everything was combined into one overall grade. That was bad news for Hikigaya. He excelled in liberal arts but science… was a disaster. Even with effort, he only managed mid-tier. That alone was proof of Class D's incompetence.
Her cold voice rang out again:
"From now on, anyone who fails a midterm or final exam will be immediately expelled."
The words sent shockwaves through the class. Sudou, already at the bottom, looked pale. Even Hikigaya felt his stomach drop. If others started dropping out, his turn would eventually come too.
Damn science…
They couldn't afford to get expelled.
For the first time, Hikigaya felt his fighting spirit stir—though he had no idea what to actually do. He couldn't even improve his own grades, let alone help others.
The class meeting ended with tension lingering in the air.
After Class
As Hikigaya brooded, Sudou came over.
"Hey, Hikigaya, what about you? I remember your grades were… average, right?"
"Rather than worrying about me, you should worry about yourself. Even if I drop out, it'll be after you."
Sudou scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. He'd gotten used to Hikigaya's sharp tongue, immune to daily jabs. But this time, it wasn't a joke.
This school really meant to crush them.
Sudou muttered under his breath, "Man, if only sports counted toward regular grades…"
"Keep dreaming. Better to hit the books."
"I seriously can't study. You know that…"
"…Can't argue with that. But I'm not much better myself."