────First Year, Class Points────
Class A: 1004 (1019) Pt
Class B: 663 (853) Pt
Class C: 492 (542) Pt
Class D: 95 (450) Pt
Original VIP Exam Results
Class A: -200
Class B: No change
Class C: +150
Class D: +50
---------
The morning of the second day. Horikita and I went to the same cafe as yesterday to achieve two objectives.
"...Haah. Nothing ever goes as planned."
The first thing Horikita said was a sigh as she held her head in her hands. The way she wasn't blaming me showed that her old sharpness was gone.
"My bad. I wish I could've stopped Koenji's rampage."
"It can't be helped. Even Saito-kun, who has some connection to him, didn't get involved, so there's nothing we could do."
To explain the reason for her dejection, I had to go back to last night.
"I just hope Koenji-kun's answer was correct."
That's right. Last night, Koenji sent an email to the school revealing the VIP on the first day of the exam. With that, the exam for his group, the Monkey Group, was over. The result would either be Outcome 3 or 4.
"How's your group doing? The first discussion was pretty chaotic."
"Maybe he was satisfied with that, because Ryuuen-kun didn't pursue me. We just continued with idle chatter and that was it."
"I see... How was Sakayanagi?"
I thought she would have taken some kind of action, but it seemed she wasn't moving yet.
"...Nothing in particular. She was just chatting with Saito-kun as usual."
...She got a little cranky. I didn't ask in that sense, though.
Sakayanagi has the highest stats. Her actions are predictable to a certain extent, so Ryuuen is a greater threat, but she's not an opponent the current Horikita can beat in a head-on fight. Following Ryuuen yesterday, she seems to be a pretty troublesome opponent.
"We shouldn't be lagging behind since we've perfectly grasped who the VIPs are in our class. Let's not rush."
"Right."
We currently know who three of the VIPs are, but considering the fairness of the exam, it's safe to say that's all of them. The trust that Tsugumi and Horikita have built is leading Class D in a good direction.
...However, it's not impossible that there are people who don't find that interesting.
"What about Karuizawa-san? Has there been any progress?"
"Not very good. Tsugumi apparently made contact with her, but when he asked for the result, he got a crying emoji in response."
If I were to intervene, I'd have no choice but to use some nasty methods, so I want Tsugumi to do his best.
...Now, I think it's about time.
"Hey, you two. Did the gigolo get left out? How pathetic."
Just as I was thinking that, a man approached at the perfect timing.
It was Ryuuen. He wasn't with Ibuki today and had a fearless smile on his face.
"Haah... What do you want, Ryuuen-kun? I don't think you'll gain anything by bothering me."
"I'll be the judge of that. So, have you found a way to figure out who the VIPs are?"
He grabbed a nearby chair and sat down without permission again.
"Whatever I'm thinking, I have no intention of telling you."
"That's a shame. I wanted to hear your grand theories. But from the looks of it, your search for the VIPs hasn't made much progress."
"That's a funny way of putting it. It's as if you've already grasped who the VIPs are."
Making them believe that we're a step behind. It's a good strategy.
"That's right. Unfortunately for you, I've got my hands on the core of this exam. Depending on the situation, it's possible for Class C to win by a landslide."
"You don't mean...!"
Horikita's mouth stopped just as she was about to say that it's impossible. What Ryuuen was saying might be the truth.
The school's exams are generally based on some kind of rule or principle. It was the same for the midterms, final exams, and the deserted island exam. And what's needed for this exam is thinking ability. If it's just needed for a discussion, that leaves some questions.
"How did you figure out all the VIPs? Well, I wouldn't be surprised if you forced everyone to hand over their phones."
"You know me so well, don't you? I'm happy, Suzune."
"...That makes sense. But how long will that system last? Your methods will only work as long as you keep winning. Don't think it'll be as easy as the last exam."
She said that, but we're on equal footing with them since they've already grasped who the VIPs are. And they have the advantage in that they can force their VIPs to move as they wish.
Our only saving grace is that we've managed to make them believe that Tsugumi and Horikita aren't on the same page.
"Oh? I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of moves you'll make. I'll be moving on to the final stages now. See you later, Suzune."
With that, Ryuuen left. ...Is he planning to come back for a report regularly?
"We don't know how much of that is true. Even if he did figure out who the VIPs are, finding a pattern from that would be extremely difficult."
Horikita said that, but I put a finger to my lips. I looked at Horikita, who was staring at me suspiciously, and signaled to her with my eyes. I quietly led her and looked under the chair Ryuuen had left behind.
And when I was certain, I quietly guided Horikita and made her look under the chair as well. There was a cell phone left behind, in recording mode. He probably intended to listen to our conversation and, if he was lucky, find out who the VIPs were. He's a very thorough guy.
────However, this is also convenient. There's no reason not to use this.
"You're right. In comparison, we don't even have a full grasp of our class's VIPs. ...Hey, can you please make up with Tsugumi already?"
"...! We didn't even fight. I'm not angry."
Horikita was confused for a moment by my sudden words. However, she seemed to have understood my intention and gave a blunt reply.
"Don't be swayed by Ryuuen's words. In this exam, without Tsugumi's cooperation, we won't even be able to stand on the same ground. It's awkward for me too, and Tsugumi already apologized, right?"
"...I wonder if he's really sorry? He was talking with Sakayanagi-san the whole time during the group discussion."
...A little bit of her true feelings are showing. It can't be helped. We have to pretend to be on bad terms in front of Ryuuen.
"Well, I won't say anything more. I'll just continue to silently do your and Tsugumi's errands as usual."
"Right. It would be great if you could at least find the VIP in your group."
"I'll do what I can. Don't expect too much."
Acting like I'm a little bit capable is more believable than acting completely incompetent. It'll change my image from a useless hanger-on to a somewhat competent guy, but that might make it easier to manipulate them. It's a good move.
With those words, we disbanded, and I returned to my room to get some sleep for the exam.
"Nah, this exam is still hard. The kids in Class A are surprisingly participating, but I can't seem to find an opening..."
After the third discussion ended, I was waiting in front of the room prepared for the exam. It was Ichinose from the same group who spoke to me.
"You're right. But I think it's to be expected. It's easy to say 'find the VIPs through conversation,' but it's not something you can do in a few hours."
For this discussion, I focused on the objective of monitoring Karuizawa.
The result was so-so, I guess. I could tell that her behavior was clearly different from before, but I don't think it'll lead to a good outcome.
"Yeah. By the way, who are you waiting for, Ayanokoji-kun?"
"Oh, Horikita. She called me to come here after the exam ends. What about you?"
"I'm waiting for Katsuragi-kun... I think. Oh! It looks like it's over."
With that, Ichinose headed toward the Dragon Group room. After a few unfamiliar students came out, I saw Tsugumi, Horikita, Katsuragi, and Sakayanagi come out. I still couldn't see Hirata, Kushida, Ryuuen, or Kanzaki.
"Oh, Kiyotaka-kun. What are you doing here?"
"Horikita called for me."
When I said that, a shadow fell on Tsugumi's friendly smile. It's tough that my actions are being restricted behind the scenes, just like this morning. But if I act like nothing happened, I might prove the existence of a mastermind. It's a tricky situation.
"...I see. Okay. I'm going back first. See you later, Suzune-chan, Kiyotaka-kun."
"...Yeah."
"See you."
With that, Tsugumi left. Ichinose beside me gave a wry smile at his awkward retreating figure.
"Ah, wait, Tsugumi-kun."
As if to chase his back, Sakayanagi called out to him and started walking.
"W-Wait, that's dangerous."
"It's fine. More importantly, how about dinner later?"
"Seriously? Is it okay to do that during the exam?"
"It's fine. To begin with,────"
Sakayanagi audaciously latched onto Tsugumi's arm while some students were still around. A lukewarm atmosphere hung in the air until their figures were out of sight.
"...I'm going back inside. Come in when you're done with your business."
...I'll take it back. Horikita is absolutely furious.
It must be frustrating for her that she has to pretend to be on bad terms because of Ryuuen, while the other two are using that as an excuse to flirt.
"Haha... They're really close, aren't they?"
"...It's not a problem as long as it doesn't affect the exam. More importantly, what are you doing here, Ichinose?"
It was Katsuragi who replied to Ichinose's words. He's a student who, along with Sakayanagi, is leading Class A.
"I just wanted to talk to Katsuragi-kun for a bit. Do you have time?"
"The intervals in this exam are long. I have plenty of time, so it's not a problem."
He didn't ignore Ichinose, who was the leader of Class B, and was willing to talk.
I joined the conversation and stood beside Ichinose. Katsuragi seemed to only see me as a bystander and didn't question my presence.
"For this exam, Katsuragi-kun... What kind of strategy does Class A want to take?"
She was very direct. Whether it was a strategy or an unconscious move, Ichinose asked the question in the most effective way.
"...I can't tell you that. I can tell you my personal thoughts, if you'd like."
"That's fine. I was just a little curious about how the Class A students were approaching the exam."
"The Rabbit Group... consists of Takemoto, Morishige, and Machida. ...I understand what you're getting at, but let me tell you this: 'It's pointless to ask me.'"
The fact that he could remember the group members instantly shows Katsuragi's high stats. I can understand why Sakayanagi wants to keep him by her side.
"I see... Okay. Sorry for taking up your time. But it was good to talk to you."
"That's good. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Ichinose didn't move from her spot and watched Katsuragi leave.
"I heard there was some trouble, but it looks tough for Katsuragi-kun, too. He didn't look like he got much sleep."
In reality, his subordinate was the one who caused the problem, but Katsuragi, who looks extremely responsible, wouldn't just let that go. In fact, he's the type of person who would take on the responsibility himself.
"But still, Kanzaki-kun and the others haven't come out yet. Horikita-san also went back inside."
"She told me to come. I'm planning to go now, but what about you, Ichinose?"
"I think I'll go. I'm curious about what they're talking about."
With that, Ichinose opened the door and went inside.
Inside, three people were sitting with a bit of distance between them. It was like a three-way standoff.
It wasn't tense, but it wasn't a relaxed atmosphere either. With an outsider entering this unusual space, their gazes turned toward me.
"Hey. Did you come here to spy? Don't be shy; have a seat."
"What an interesting combination. I'm curious about what you were talking about outside of the allotted time."
As if he was waiting for those words, Ryuuen spread his arms with a pleasant look on his face.
"You came at the perfect time, Ichinose. I have an interesting proposal for you."
"A proposal? I'll listen, but what is it?"
"It's a foolish idea. It's a waste of time to listen to it."
Horikita, who seemed to have already heard the proposal, dismissed it.
"It's a proposal to crush Class A. I don't think it's a bad deal. Suzune and Kanzaki seem to be against it."
"What kind of deal?"
"I told Suzune a little while ago, but I've already grasped all of the Class C VIPs."
He brought it up. While everyone thought the only way was to steadily search for the VIPs, his proposal was very much like Ryuuen.
"────We'll share information with three classes, all the VIP information. And then we'll break the school's rules."
────The time goes back to a little after Ichinose and Katsuragi started talking.────
"Hey, Arisu-chan, that's not good. Suzune-chan was definitely furious!"
Hello. I'm Saito Tsugumi, who's scared that my act of being hated by Suzune-chan is going to become real.
"You don't have to worry about that now, Tsugumi-kun. I know it's an act."
Gasp, this girl is scary. That's not something you just say so casually. ...It's obvious that continuing this topic will lead to trouble, so I'll just casually change the subject.
"You said you wanted to get dinner, but where should we go? Honestly, I think it's not a good idea to be with a student from another class at this time."
"That's all part of the plan. Hmm... In that case, please come to the restaurant I'll send you in a chat at 7 PM. I heard from my class that the pasta there is exquisite."
She's acting like a high school girl, Arisu-chan. I'm a little impressed... though there's a 99% chance there's an ulterior motive.
Well, whatever. Whatever her intentions are, there's no way I'd turn down Arisu-chan's invitation for no reason.
────Advanced Nurturing High School Database, as of July 1st────
──Arisu Sakayanagi──
Class: 1-A
Student ID: S01T004737
Club Activities: None
Birthday: March 12
──Evaluation──
Academic Ability: A
Intelligence: A
Decision-making: A
Physical Ability: E-
Cooperativeness: B+
──Comment from Interviewer──
She achieved top grades nationwide alongside Saito of Class D, who was a classmate in middle school, and demonstrated her exceptional performance in the entrance exam without any restraint.
She has a congenital heart condition and is very physically weak, so all forms of exercise are prohibited. She is also permitted to carry a cane at all times due to a walking problem, so please be careful not to overexert her.
──Homeroom Teacher's Memo──
It is presumed that she possesses a high level of thinking ability that cannot be measured by the school's profile. She is calm and has the deep trust of her classmates. At one point, there was a clash between students who admired Katsuragi, her classmate, and those who admired Sakayanagi, but it has since subsided. We will continue to monitor the situation. However, there is no doubt that she is a person who will lead Class A.
—--------------------
Here is a breakdown of the key moments and an invitation for you to ask more questions if you need clarification.
VIP Exam TimelineStart of the Exam: The VIP exam explanation begins. Ryuuen makes his first contact with Horikita.First Discussion: The conflict between Karuizawa's group and Manabe's group begins. Machida helps Karuizawa.Second Discussion: No specific details are mentioned in your provided text. Koenji ends the exam for the Monkey group.Day Two: Ryuuen contacts Horikita.Third Discussion: Nothing specific happens. Afterward, Ichinose contacts Katsuragi. This is where the story currently is.Fourth Discussion: Manabe's group stops Karuizawa, but Yukimura and Ayanokoji help her.Late Night: Hirata and Ayanokoji talk with Karuizawa, and their fake relationship ends.
I understand that the timeline can get complicated, so here's the summary.
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