Lately, I've been waking up in especially good spirits.
As I ate breakfast, I thought back on the recent mornings.
The moment my consciousness fully awakens, there's a part of me that's genuinely glad a new day has arrived. There's a version of myself whose heart actually races at the rhythm of daily life.
Of course, it's not because I'm hanging out with friends. And it's definitely not because I got a new girlfriend.
X.
That's the symbol I assigned to the hidden mastermind in Class D.
The one who kept me entertained during the cruise exam and the sports festival.
The reason my mornings feel so refreshing—and the one existence intriguing enough that I'm tempted to ignore countermeasures for the newly announced special examination altogether.
These days, I've been pouring serious effort into tracking down this X. I've had classmates tail the likely candidates and report back on their movements.
For the most promising ones, I went in person to observe their behavior up close. It's as primitive and inefficient as groping around in the dark to catch a specific fish.
Yet that very inefficiency, that wasteful process, has been delighting me.
"Guess it's about time to make my move."
I mentally sorted through the information I'd gathered and formulated a plan to expose X's true identity.
This special examination isn't like the previous ones, with direct individual confrontations.
It's a straightforward academic showdown to compare overall class scores. The only thing required is studying.
But X never steps into the spotlight. I don't know the reason, but he commits completely to operating from the shadows.
Avoiding attention and staying behind the scenes—that's X's defining trait.
The countermeasures we'll take this time include holding study sessions and creating test questions. The ones who will naturally take center stage and lead are the high performers like Suzune, Hirata, and Yukimura.
If X were to actively participate and voice opinions, he'd stand out far too much.
Even if X possesses superior academic ability and joins the leadership group, he'd simply blend into the crowd. Standing out would only expose the existence he's worked so hard to conceal.
So this is an exam with very few opportunities for X to make a move.
"But there are still a few places where he can operate."
I popped the store-bought bread into my mouth and kept thinking.
There are still shadows he can exploit in this exam. Namely: the test questions we're creating, stealing the answers, and ultimately defense.
No matter how much effort we put into studying and crafting questions, if the other classes learn the questions or answers ahead of time, the entire test becomes nothing more than busywork.
That's why I've been focusing my efforts on these shadow tactics for this special examination. I judged it the method that would secure victory with the least wasted effort.
But once I actually ran simulations, the risks became clear.
First: Suzune's presence. After a traitor emerged during the sports festival, she'll pour resources into defense to avoid repeating the same mistake.
Surveillance on Kikyō in particular will intensify. She won't overlook the girl who's easiest to negotiate with and most likely to cooperate in bringing about Class C's victory—or rather, Class D's defeat.
Second: X, who thinks along lines similar to mine, couldn't possibly have overlooked this approach. I predict—no, I'm counting on—him preparing some kind of countermeasure.
"Then I'll draw him out, accounting for that as well."
I accelerated my thinking and outlined the plan.
Once finished, I set it aside for the moment.
It was time to head to school.
I had plenty of desire to skip like I did in middle school, but this school doesn't permit unexcused absences and docks class points for them.
An utterly infuriating system.
I grabbed my bag and left the room. I moved quickly through the needlessly sprawling dormitory and started down the path to school.
As I walked, I spotted a familiar girl.
A short-cut girl with light blue hair, wearing no tights despite the biting cold. No mistake—it was Ibuki.
"Yo, Ibuki."
I greeted her, and she pulled an openly displeased face. Rude as ever.
"What do you want?"
"Yeah, I wanted to check how your studying's going."
Ibuki and I are paired for this special examination. Unless we cooperate and rack up points, we'll be cheerfully expelling each other.
"Going great. The guy in the pair who doesn't even grasp the point of studying ought to be thanking me."
"Fine, I'll thank you this time. The more time you spend hitting the books, the more time I get for my shadow work."
If Ibuki studies hard and earns the points, I can redirect my own study time toward covert operations.
Stealing the other classes' questions would be ideal and worry-free, but I've built my plan assuming even the possibility of my own failure.
That's why I've had Kamukura, Shiina, and Kaneda set up a study environment and babysit the idiots. Even if I fail to steal questions and we're forced to study legitimately, no one gets expelled.
By leveraging the trust Kamukura earned during the sports festival, success is virtually guaranteed. I won't let any chance of victory slip away. Everything is in place to crush Class D even through straightforward methods.
Of course, this isn't coming from some soft-hearted notion like Ichinose's—that no one should have to disappear.
The reason is simple: fewer people means fewer points to collect. Right now I'm only taking 30,000 private points each, but higher class points would let me demand more.
Having the headcount shrink at that stage would be a serious loss.
Besides, if I provide expulsion prevention as a bonus while earning the idiots' trust, their objections will vanish and they'll hand over points without complaint.
"...That's disgusting. You actually thanking anyone sincerely is impossible."
"What, you want me to insult you instead?"
"As if. Your brain is completely scr—screwed up."
"Yeah, you're right."
I don't mind obedient girls, but the feisty ones who bite back like this are far more my type.
"Ibuki, I'm about to start moving against X. When I do, you're coming with me."
"...I don't get a veto, do I?"
She sighed but still showed her resolve.
"Exactly."
I flashed a grin, and she sighed again.
Judging the conversation over, Ibuki quickened her pace.
I could have kept up, but unlike with Kamukura, I'm not constantly glued to Ibuki's side.
I continued toward school at my own pace.
...
The scene shifts back to the time when the special examination's details were first explained.
Every class was confirming the rules and strategizing for the upcoming final exams.
Amid that, one person acted swiftly.
"Fufu... He said I would fail, but I wonder how that will turn out."
The smiling girl was a female student from Class A.
A delicate girl who supported her body with a cane in one hand—Sakayanagi Arisu.
Sakayanagi stood in the hallway, accompanied by several classmates who served as her pawns.
Her objective was negotiation with a Class D student. To that end, she was already putting her plan into motion.
It was after-school hours, and many students were heading toward the entrance.
By waiting in the corridor just before the shoe lockers, no one passing through could escape her notice. Sakayanagi elegantly bided her time, sparing herself the effort of searching.
And exactly as planned, a certain Class D student proceeded down the hall without any caution.
Several girls clustered around him, but to Sakayanagi that was a trivial detail.
"Hello, Hirata-kun."
She deliberately stepped forward, tapping her cane to draw attention with the sound.
"Hello, Sakayanagi-san. Do you need something from me?"
Hirata Yōsuke.
The figure who could be called Class D's unifier. A likable young man who gets along with everyone, distinguished by his gentle aura.
True to the rumors, Hirata responded to Sakayanagi with a smile.
"Yes. Would you care to join me at a café after school today?"
Sakayanagi offered the invitation half in jest.
Naturally, her true goal was negotiation; she harbored not the slightest romantic interest in Hirata as a man.
But later, when Class A's leader Katsuragi questioned her about today, she wanted a convenient excuse ready.
"...Sorry. I already have plans to hang out with the girls today."
Hirata apologized while glancing at the female students around him.
Sakayanagi wasn't angered by the refusal itself, but she disliked having her schedule disrupted.
She immediately pressed on.
"Is that so? I had hoped to speak with you, given your popularity with the ladies. What a shame."
"I was truly happy to receive the invitation. Another day, I'll arrange my schedule to suit your convenience, Sakayanagi-san."
Sakayanagi spoke words she didn't mean; Hirata offered sincere words that avoided displeasing others.
Both were leader figures in their classes, yet their personalities couldn't be more different.
"No, there's no need. I dislike imposing on others as well.
So it really is regrettable. Because I wanted to speak with you about... the special examination."
Sakayanagi wore an enchanting smile, but the words carried an edge close to a threat. Hirata was not the type to miss such nuance; his expression turned serious as he considered them.
He quickly reached a decision.
"Karuizawa-san, Satō-san, Shinohara-san—sorry, could we postpone today's plans to another day?"
A discussion about the special examination, coming as a half-veiled threat from a leader of Class A.
Refusing would be simple, but considering potential harm to his class, Hirata couldn't decline. Sakayanagi had anticipated exactly this.
"Sure But next time we eat out, it's on you, Yōsuke-kun"
Reading Hirata's serious expression, Karuizawa agreed immediately.
With his girlfriend Karuizawa accepting, the other two couldn't push back forcefully.
Sakayanagi appreciated their ability to read the room.
"Since you're his girlfriend, you're welcome to join us, Karuizawa-san."
"Really? Then I'll come too~"
In the relaxed exchange, Karuizawa's participation was settled.
"Sakayanagi-san, I'd like to invite one more person—is that all right?"
"Of course."
With that decided, the group began moving. They entered a café in Keyaki Mall, secured seats, and resumed the conversation.
"Who did you invite, Yōsuke-kun?"
After sitting down and naturally claiming the seat beside Hirata, Karuizawa asked.
"Horikita-san. If we're discussing the special examination, things will go more smoothly with her present."
Hearing the name, Karuizawa nodded in understanding.
"Yeah, for sure~ Without Horikita-san, the conversation might not even get started."
"I've heard much about you for some time. Since we've never spoken, I'd love to have a proper conversation."
Sakayanagi offered polite pleasantries while inwardly noting a touch of boredom at how everything was proceeding exactly as she had orchestrated.
She had fully expected Hirata to call Horikita if the topic was the special examination.
Yet Sakayanagi quickly shifted her mindset.
After all, in a recent conversation with the Kamukura she deeply respected, he had said that Horikita might exceed her expectations.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Speak of the devil.
Sakayanagi's heart stirred slightly at Horikita's arrival.
Of course, she didn't believe anyone could surpass her own projections.
Her confidence in that was absolute. Yet combined with the warning, the thought that Horikita might become a worthy playmate sparked a quiet anticipation within her.
"Nice to meet you, Horikita-san. I am Sakayanagi Arisu of Class A."
"I am Horikita Suzune."
After the introductions, the two women sized each other up.
Both possessed doll-like, flawless features; even this ordinary moment of locking eyes felt almost picturesque.
"I understand you wish to discuss the special examination today. Could you please get to the point?"
Responding to Horikita's direct approach, Sakayanagi matched her pace.
She had one of her pawns hand over a sheet of paper.
"This document outlines the terms of the proposed transaction.... Everything pertinent to today's matter is written there.
Since this is not something others should overhear, please be discreet."
Sakayanagi cautioned Horikita, who had begun reading silently.
The paper detailed the selection of opposing classes for the upcoming special examination.
It naturally included the benefits Class D would gain by agreeing.
"This is..."
Horikita swallowed her initial reaction instead of voicing it. She then passed the paper to Hirata and Karuizawa.
The contents were not a means to gain advantage in the special examination—but a trap designed to bring down Class A.
To put it bluntly, the deal this time was that if Class D faced Class A in the special examination, she would let them win.
Sakayanagi's sole objective was to drag down the current Class A leader, Katsuragi, from his position, so the contract offered Class D enormous benefits.
It was undeniable that their monthly private points would decrease, but she viewed it as a necessary expense to reach the top herself.
She had already begun eroding Class A from the inside. The process of gradually pulling members of the Katsuragi faction into her own was going smoothly.
All that remained was for him to suffer one major failure, and internal conflict would erupt in Class A. She had already advanced her pawns to that stage.
"What do you think? Will you consider it?"
Sakayanagi spoke again one minute after Horikita finished reading.
As a test, she pierced Horikita with her super-analytical gaze—sapphire-blue eyes that seemed to see through everything—and Horikita countered with sharp, narrow eyes honed like a polished blade.
Seeing that Horikita showed no sign of flinching, Sakayanagi judged her a true opponent and felt pure joy at the realization.
Horikita carried a dignified air and radiated a strength distinct from the other class leaders.
"I believe there's room to consider it. There are no downsides for our Class D.
I don't understand why you'd try to sabotage your own class, but having Class A self-destruct and close the gap between us is exactly what we could hope for."
Hirata and Karuizawa, checking the terms from their seats beside her, nodded in agreement.
Taking that as consensus, Sakayanagi moved to the next step.
"That means we may proceed assuming the deal will be accepted.
Then let's set the decision deadline for 8:00 PM today. Please take your time to think it over until then.
Also, if the deadline passes, I intend to offer the same deal to Class B, so even if you decline, I'd appreciate it if you kept this information confidential."
Sakayanagi moistened her throat with the coffee she had ordered.
Adding a time limit would serve as a gentle push to move things along more smoothly.
For Class D, who desperately wanted to face Class A, this was an offer they couldn't refuse—they should accept immediately.
That was what Sakayanagi expected.
"No, that won't be necessary."
Yet Horikita refused. Hirata and Karuizawa looked puzzled, but Horikita glanced at them, silently asking them to trust her.
A faint smile appeared on Sakayanagi's face. Brimming with anticipation, she once again directed her super-analytical gaze toward Horikita.
"Sakayanagi-san, let me confirm something. This paper is simply a document outlining the terms of the transaction... correct?"
"Yes. There is no mistake."
"Let me ask one more thing. This paper is not a contract... is it?"
That question greatly heightened her expectations.
At the same time, she realized that Kamukura had been right—she had underestimated Horikita.
"Why do you think so? The paper clearly stated both the terms and the rewards."
"It did state the terms and rewards. But that is all this paper does.
There is no space for signatures like on a contract, nor any written guarantee against betrayal."
"Fufu, you're exactly right. That paper contains no such guarantees."
Impressed by Horikita's analytical skill and attention to detail, Sakayanagi answered honestly.
"You've admitted it. So you intended to betray us from the start—perhaps by swapping the test questions at the end?"
"That's quite specific... I suppose you noticed because you yourself assumed the possibility of betrayal.
That's unexpected. Has someone in Class D tried to betray you before?"
"In the upcoming special examination, the greatest danger is clearly the leaking of questions.
So it's only natural to anticipate what a traitor might do. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Fufu, I see. That's certainly one way to look at it."
Wanting to see how Horikita would respond to her expectations, Sakayanagi decided to play dumb.
"Sakayanagi-san, could you please stop saying things at random to test me?"
"What ever do you mean?"
But that pretense was immediately seen through.
Sakayanagi became certain. Horikita was indeed a worthy opponent, yet she was similar to Katsuragi in type and still not a significant obstacle.
That was why Sakayanagi had assumed Horikita would mistake the paper for a contract and be easily manipulated.
But Horikita had grown through the special examinations. Sakayanagi's misjudgment came from not witnessing that growth with her own eyes.
She had only heard reports from her pawns and had concluded that Class D's victories were largely due to Ayanokōji's covert operations.
That assessment wasn't wrong.
Ayanokōji had indeed been working in the shadows. Without him, Class D would not have grown this far.
Yet the one who had seized the opportunity for growth was Horikita.
The qualities needed to become Class D's leader were beginning to blossom. She was already functioning well enough as a cloak to conceal Ayanokōji—the masterpiece of the White Room.
"That way you speak reminds me of someone I know, and it's irritating. It's how someone who believes they're superior talks."
Horikita said it on instinct.
The manner of speech had reminded her of Kamukura.
"Fufu, my apologies. This is simply the only way I've ever been able to speak."
"Insincere politeness. I think I understand a little why you and Katsuragi-kun don't get along."
Horikita's personality didn't mesh with Kamukura's, but it wasn't particularly incompatible with Katsuragi's.
In fact, she could view Katsuragi—who valued order and cherished his comrades—quite favorably.
Sakayanagi, on the other hand, was incompatible with Katsuragi; their personalities were practically opposites.
And Sakayanagi meshed well with Kamukura.
It was a moment that proved people have natural compatibilities.
"Now, we've strayed from the topic, so let's return to it. Horikita-san, will Class D accept this deal?"
"No. It offers many advantages, but there are too many things left unsaid, and the possibility of betrayal looms too large."
"Then the negotiation breaks down. How regrettable. Still, realizing that the rumors about you were true is reward enough."
Even being implicitly looked down upon, Horikita showed no agitation.
Her pride remained as high as it had been at enrollment, yet she brushed the slight aside without biting back.
"Just so you know, Class D and Class B are on friendly terms. There's a chance we'll kindly report this to them."
"You're welcome to report it. If the difficulty is too low, the game won't be exciting."
Sakayanagi stood with those words. Holding the bill, she left the table.
"That was Class A's Sakayanagi-san. What a troublesome person."
"But Horikita-san didn't lose at all. As expected from Class D's leader!"
"It only worked because she underestimated me."
Karuizawa praised her, but Horikita responded without so much as a smile.
Horikita refused to let herself get carried away simply because she had shaken off Sakayanagi's demonic grasp.
She judged Sakayanagi Arisu as an opponent who could not be taken lightly and firmly committed today's events to memory.
She watched Sakayanagi's back as the girl spoke with her companions. The moment she could seize that back would be the moment Class D rose to Class A.
"Hirata-kun, may I have a word? Could you leave the matter we've been discussing to me?"
Horikita asked Hirata.
Understanding immediately what she meant, Hirata replied calmly.
"I don't mind. But these points are class property. I'd like you to explain to everyone how we'll use them."
"Of course. But in case of emergency, please grant me sole authority to use them.
Naturally, if it fails, I'll take full responsibility."
"...Understood. Let's settle the details. It's an important matter, after all."
Horikita and Hirata ordered another round of drinks and delved deeper into the complicated discussion.
Karuizawa seemed unaware of the topic but somehow remained at the table.
"In the end, it was exactly as Izuru-kun said.
Still, let's proceed as planned. This time we'll negotiate with Class B and say goodbye to this position."
Sakayanagi, fully aware of the passionate gaze piercing her back, continued walking without pause as she left the café.
The pursuer and the pursued—both female leaders.
Small sparks had already scattered between them.
...
After the final class of the day ended and an hour had passed into the after-school period, Kushida Kikyo was waiting for someone on the landing of the special building.
She walked the corridor at her own pace, heading toward her destination.
Until moments ago, she had been in the middle of a study session, but she had told her classmates she wasn't feeling well and slipped away to come here.
The special building. Unusually for this school, it had few surveillance cameras and little foot traffic—making it the perfect place for secret conversations.
Upon arriving and reaching the designated spot, she found the person she was waiting for standing there with a brown envelope in hand.
"So it really is you."
The usual cheerful aura was nowhere to be seen; instead, Kushida was desperately trying to hide a frightened expression.
Yet her face twisted as though recalling the memory of a girl who had once been violated.
"You wouldn't want Kaneda-kun to see that expression, would you?"
"Because of who…!"
The waiting person's name was Kamukura Izuru—the monster known as the Ultimate Hope.
Kamukura looked down at Kushida as she bit her lip in frustration, regarding her as one might an insect, before moving on to the main topic.
"Here are the questions and answers you requested. Please check them.
It shouldn't happen, but… if the school makes any revisions upon submission, let me know."
Kamukura handed the brown envelope to Kushida.
Inside were the questions and answers planned for submission in the upcoming special examination.
These were not Class C's questions. They were the ones Class D intended to submit.
Why was a Class C student providing questions that Class D planned to submit?
The reason lay in the deal between Kushida and Ryūen.
First, Kushida was engaged in a certain bet to force Horikita out of school.
It was a math score showdown on the final exams.
If Kushida won, Horikita would voluntarily withdraw; if Horikita won, Kushida would become cooperative with the class—a heavily disadvantageous wager for Horikita.
This special examination required students to create the test questions themselves. In other words, if one knew the questions in advance, passing became trivially easy.
Kushida was exploiting that fact, and the current transaction was her attempt to obtain the math questions and answers from their paired opponent, Class C.
That was precisely why she had Class C create the questions. If she already knew the answers to the questions that would appear on the actual test, scoring a perfect 100 would be simple.
"...Pretty ordinary questions. Not very like you."
After checking the contents of the envelope, Kushida evaluated them that way.
Since questions might arise during this verification, Kamukura—not Ryūen—was handling the negotiation this time.
Ryūen could hardly be called academically gifted; he lacked the skill to create test questions, and naturally, he couldn't revise them either.
"There's a message from Ryūen-kun."
Kamukura showed no reaction to Kushida's comment and continued.
"'If you really want to win, use private points.' He says he can lend up to 500,000 private points if needed."
"...Does that mean using them on the submitted questions?"
"Yes. Use private points to lock in the submitted questions. Considering it creates the undeniable fact that those questions were successfully submitted, it's a small price to pay."
Ryūen planned for every possibility.
This countermeasure was one of them—something more solid than a verbal promise.
He was taking steps to prevent any flaws in the plan.
"But wouldn't that be pointless? If Horikita does the same thing, it just cancels out. A waste of money."
"Yes. If Horikita-san could prepare 500,000 private points, both sides would throw in the same amount and neutralize each other. The damage would be equal."
The only way to break through private points was with more private points.
Yet no one wanted to waste them. Everyone thought that way.
"Still, that's fine by him. His goal this time is ultimately X. If it lures X out, he considers it a minor expense."
"Hah? How does canceling out private points connect to X at all?"
"Do I need to explain that to you?"
Kamukura's emotionless voice sent a shiver through Kushida's body.
Kushida Kikyo's mental fortitude was impressive.
She could retain her sanity even under the aura of despair that Kamukura Izuru exuded.
Yet she wasn't completely unscathed. The damage she took was severe; she had no real resistance to it.
"On the cruise exam, Horikita-san's hopes grew larger in the end, so we'll call it acceptable. But you truly made a boring choice.
I still hold a sliver of expectation for you, but you're one step away from being written off entirely."
"...So what? I don't care about your expectations. I'm acting for my own goals."
"That's fine. Whether you charge forward as you are or change your path, the choice is yours. But it's a bit of a waste."
"...Disgusting. What exactly are you trying to say?"
Kushida raised her voice.
Kamukura brushed aside the words laden with hatred and replied.
────If you don't change here, you'll end up withdrawing voluntarily.
Kamukura Izuru possessed every talent imaginable.
Ultimate Analyst, Ultimate Detective, scholar in every existing field—these were merely the tip of the iceberg.
A death sentence from such a genius.
Kushida could only fall silent.
"This is your last chance. I hope you don't come crying to me."
With those words, Kamukura turned away and returned to the study session in his own class.
He naturally possessed the talent to teach others. Though not thorough, he was using that talent to instruct his classmates in academics.
In a pure battle of academic ability, Class D stood no chance. He had reached that level.
To prevent that outcome, everyone took action.
But Kushida could not stop.
Even if it was boring, Kushida Kikyo's obsession could not be contained.
***
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