4:00 PM — Special Annex Building
Aria stood with her arms crossed, looking serious.
"I get your plan, and I'll ask my brother about it," she said. "But just to clarify something—because I'm having doubts—have you really thought through all the possibilities?"
Kairon glanced at her calmly. "There's nothing to think about. All the conditions are necessary for the plan to work."
Aria frowned. "What if they figure out that the test is just a setup to catch the culprit? What if they pass or fail normally? After all, only you, me, Kei, and the three of them are taking the test."
"I thought of that," Kairon said. "Ivy and Caden will also take the test. It's to throw them off."
"Okay, that helps," Aria nodded. "But wouldn't it have been better if we used the whole of Year One?"
"That could work," Kairon admitted, "but that would defeat our purpose."
Aria looked confused. "And that is?"
"Getting the whole school involved," he replied. "That would complicate things. The focus would shift to Kei, Darian, Draven, and Daiki. And if they get expelled for scoring too high, what about the innocent students? No one knows the capabilities of the others."
"I get that," Aria said. "But if the three of them pass, wouldn't that prove they're just smart?"
Kairon shook his head. "No. I looked into them. They're average students—just like Kei. If they score too high, it'll be obvious they had the questions beforehand. Besides, Darian got into a lot of fights in middle school, and based on his report, he wasn't exactly a bright student."
Aria sighed. "That's well thought out… but still, you can't be sure your plan is foolproof."
Kairon remained calm. "Then we'll just have to take the risk. Even if it means putting our lives at stake in this academy."
Aria stared at him in shock.
He's taking a huge risk, and yet… I don't see any fear or hesitation in him. His expression is unreadable. No… he's just calm. Like always.
Kairon spoke again. "Anyway, that's everything. But I think someone in Class C is behind this whole thing."
Aria raised an eyebrow. "Why do you think that?"
"Just a hunch," Kairon said simply.
---
Present Day — The Mall
Akira walked through the busy mall, her eyes scanning her surroundings. Something felt off. She kept hearing footsteps behind her. She turned quickly—no one was there.
Her hands trembled as she stepped outside the mall. Her breathing was heavy.
Then the footsteps came again—closer, faster.
"Someone…!" she cried out, shutting her eyes in fear.
---
Somewhere in the Academy
Kairon approached a bench where Lizzy was sitting. He dropped a small brown box in front of her—it was filled with wires and cameras.
"I'll return the points I borrowed yesterday," he said. "Let me know when you want them back."
Lizzy looked at the box, then at him.
"So… you used lies to beat lies," she said. "I didn't expect Class D to have someone like you."
Kairon put his hands in his pockets, expression blank. "Aria came up with the plan. I just carried it out."
Lizzy scoffed. "Whatever. Doesn't matter."
Kairon let out a breath. Then his phone rang. It was Akira.
"Hello?" he answered.
Akira's voice came through, shaky and scared. "Kairon!" she cried—then the call cut off.
---
Abandoned Place
Kairon arrived to find Akira crouched on the ground, crying as she faced a wall. He rushed over.
"Akira!"
She looked up with teary eyes, then ran into his arms.
"I was so scared…" she sobbed.
Kairon held her without flinching. "Akira. What happened?"
"I was at the mall," she sniffed. "I felt like someone was following me. I turned around, but no one was there. It felt like I was being stalked."
"Do you know who it was?"
"No," she said. "But someone sent me a letter."
She handed him a small envelope. Inside were pictures—of her. Kairon's eyes narrowed. He looked ahead and noticed her phone lying nearby. He picked it up.
"The person didn't come close to you?" he asked.
"No."
"Where did this letter come from?"
"There's no name," Akira replied.
"Let me see them again," he said. She handed them over, and after scanning through them, he slipped them into his pocket.
"W-What are you doing?" she asked, surprised.
"I'll hold onto them for now."
Akira cried softly.
"I told you," Kairon said gently. "If you need help, call me."
She looked at him.
"I'll protect you," he said.
She hugged him tightly again—but he still didn't react.
---
Special Annex Complex — Rooftop
The wind blew across the rooftop. Miss Elira stood alone, watching the sunset.
Aria approached from behind. "Why did you call me here?"
"I'll be direct," Elira said. "How did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"Don't try to play dumb. Darian wouldn't drop the accusation for no reason. And that test—it wasn't just a normal test, was it?"
"I don't care what you think," Aria said.
"Then let me ask differently. Who came up with the plan to outsmart Class C?"
"Why do you even care?" Aria asked.
"If you really want to get into Class S like your brother—"
"Class S?" Aria cut in.
"You didn't know? The students in the Platinum Rank… they're all in Class S. I guess your brother never told you his class. You two must be distant."
Aria smirked slightly, but Elira continued.
"Let me give you some advice. Start learning everything you can about Kairon. Right now. If you don't, it'll be too late."
Aria frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"Why do you think he helped you?" Elira said. "Why is he hiding his true strength when it's obvious he's talented? Why is he stuck in Class D when he should be in Class S or A?"
Aria looked down. "That's because…"
"In this school, Class D is where the flawed students go," Elira said coldly. "The losers. The failures. And in my opinion… the most flawed person in Class D is Kairon."
---
Outside Class
Kairon stood outside, watching the sunset as the wind brushed through his bangs.
"Kairon!" Kei ran up to him.
"How did the hearing go?" Kairon asked.
"It went well," Kei grinned. "Who would've thought the test would be used to reveal the truth? I'm free!"
Kairon nodded, unfazed. "That's great."
"Aria must've done something," Kei said. "She's amazing. Alright, I'm off to club activities!"
Kei ran off, leaving Kairon alone again.
Kairon walked down the hallway, hands in his pockets. Then he saw Kael, with Juan standing beside him. They locked eyes.
"Class C dropped their accusation," Kael said.
"I heard," Kairon replied.
"So… this was your way of proving Akira wasn't lying," Kael added. "Nice work."
Kairon looked away. "Your sister did most of the work. I didn't do anything."
Kael turned to Juan. "There's still a vacant spot for secretary, right?"
Juan looked shocked. "Yes… there is."
Kael looked back at Kairon. "Kairon. If you want it, I'll make you a student council secretary."
Juan's eyes widened. "President, are you serious?"
Kael gave her a cold look. "Do you have a problem with that?"
Juan looked down. "No. If that's what you want, then I don't."
Kael nodded and looked at Kairon again.
"Kairon. Join the student council."