Classroom Of The Elite: A Battle Of Ideals

After the class introductions concluded, Ryota found himself navigating the corridors toward the auditorium for the chairman's address. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, as students whispered about the potential revelations awaiting them. As he entered the expansive room and took a seat, his sharp eyes scanned the students around him, absorbing every detail like a sponge.

The chairman, Sakayanagi, began his speech with a warm congratulation. "Welcome to the Advanced Nurturing High School. By stepping through these gates, you have proven yourselves among the elite. This institution offers unparalleled opportunities to shape your future. Here, you will be challenged, tested, and prepared for a world that demands excellence. Remember, the foundation you build here will determine the heights you reach later."

While the chairman's words echoed in the auditorium, Ryota's mind worked tirelessly, analyzing the students. His gaze fell on a boy with magenta hair and a nonchalant posture. From his worn sneakers to the faint scars on his knuckles, Ryota pieced together his story: a former delinquent attempting to carve a new path, likely driven by a desire to prove himself beyond his troubled past.

Nearby, a blonde-haired girl sat with an almost imperceptible tension in her shoulders. Her confident demeanor and sharp gaze masked a deeper vulnerability. Ryota deduced that she had likely experienced a traumatic event, one that forced her to adopt a persona of strength to shield herself from further harm.

Then, his attention shifted to a seemingly flawless boy who exuded charisma. The boy subtly directed his classmates with discreet hand signals, urging them to focus on the chairman's speech. While his outward appearance radiated perfection, Ryota saw through the facade. This boy's excessive dedication to unity hinted at a past marked by guilt or regret, perhaps stemming from a failure to protect someone important to him.

The chairman concluded his speech with a note of encouragement. "Seize this opportunity to grow, to lead, and to excel. The world is watching."

After the address, Ryota decided to explore the campus. As he wandered, he noted the placement of security cameras. The school's meticulous surveillance contrasted with curious blind spots, like certain hallways and the annex. "These dead zones," he mused, "are intentional. They're testing our cunning and creativity."

His curiosity led him to a warehouse surrounded by warning signs. Despite its unassuming exterior, Ryota recognized the significance of its presence. The high-tech electric reactor nearby suggested that this facility housed critical systems, possibly related to the school's monitoring and S system. "A place like this isn't meant to be accessed by students. It's bait for the observant," he thought, filing the information away for future use.

Continuing his exploration, Ryota arrived at the convenience store. As he approached, he overheard a heated exchange. A group of second-year students cornered a red-haired first-year boy. "Class D?" one sneered. "Figures. You're the bottom of the barrel."

Observing from a distance, Ryota noticed Ayanokoji Kiyotaka stepping in to diffuse the situation. The seniors dismissed him with a warning not to associate with "trash." Ryota's sharp hearing caught every word, confirming his theory about the school's competitive structure.

Moments later, Daichi and Amane joined Ryota, revealing that they had recorded the confrontation. They followed the seniors and confronted them. Daichi played the recording, highlighting their bullying behavior. Cornered, the seniors offered to share information about the S system in exchange for the recording's deletion.

The seniors explained that class standings dictated point allocations, based on discipline, reputation, and academic and physical performance. Special exams added another layer of evaluation, challenging students' adaptability and intelligence. Satisfied with the information, Daichi ensured the recordings were deleted in front of the seniors before securing a hefty transfer of points—1 million each for him, Amane, and Ryota.

As the seniors departed, Daichi grinned. "Now that we understand the system, it's only a matter of time before we dominate."

Ryota and Amane headed into the convenience store. While browsing, Amane brought up the rivalry between Sakayanagi Arisu and Katsuragi Kohei. "One's all about risks; the other's cautious to a fault," she remarked.

"Their opposition will stagnate until the special exam," Ryota predicted. "Arisu will likely exploit Katsuragi's predictable nature to undermine his influence."

After purchasing their items, they returned to the dormitory building. Parting ways at the entrance, Ryota reflected on the day's events. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly falling into place, and he was ready to play the game with calculated precision.