Classroom Of The Elite: A Battle Of Ideals

As Honami and Ryota continued their discussion about the S system, Ryota leaned back slightly, his gaze sharp yet contemplative. "Yesterday, while walking around the campus," he began, "I came upon an argument between some second-year senpais and a new first-year student. During that argument, I overheard the senpais mockingly state that if he was in Class D, then it was game over for him until the end of his third year."

Honami's eyes narrowed at that revelation. "That kind of statement is abnormal," she noted. "It suggests there's something deeper behind the system."

Ryota nodded. "Exactly. With what Hoshinomiya-sensei told us, it was already obvious that the school's S system had more to it than what was publicly stated. After the altercation ended, I pursued the senpais, determined to uncover the truth."

Honami tilted her head slightly, intrigued. "You confronted them directly?"

Ryota smirked. "Not exactly. I threatened them."

Honami's brows raised. "Threatened them? Why?"

"Because if I had approached them like a curious first-year, they would have brushed me off. I needed leverage." He tapped his temple lightly. "I made sure they knew I had recorded their words during the altercation. That way, they had no choice but to take me seriously."

Honami considered his words before nodding. "I see the logic. So, what did they reveal?"

Ryota's voice lowered slightly. "They finally admitted that the four classes of each year represent a strict hierarchy. Class A symbolizes the best students, while Class D is reserved for those deemed the worst. This categorization isn't random—it was determined even before the entrance exams. In other words, those exams were just formalities."

Honami's expression darkened. "That means our placement was predetermined?"

"Exactly. And here's the next critical point: evaluations aren't based on individual performance alone. A class is assessed as a whole, meaning its overall standing can fluctuate every month based on various criteria—discipline, academic performance, reputation, and more. If a class wants to rise, it must be exceptional in all aspects. Conversely, even Class A can fall if outperformed by others."

Ryota's tone turned sharp. "It's an arms race. The class that prepares itself the fastest for the inevitable battles ahead will be the one that succeeds."

Honami opened her mouth to respond, but Ryota raised a hand to stop her. "I'm not done yet."

She let out a small chuckle. "Alright, continue."

"Final term exams and, more importantly, special exams hold immense weight in this system. The final term exams are crucial because failing to meet the class's average can result in expulsion—a major blow to any class. However, special exams are on another level. They introduce brand-new problems, designed to test adaptability and strategic thinking under pressure. The points earned or lost in these exams can shift the balance of power among the classes significantly."

Ryota exhaled, his gaze locking onto Honami's. "And only Class A students are guaranteed scholarships for college. That's the ultimate prize."

Honami was silent for a moment, digesting all the information. Then, she looked directly at Ryota. "With everything you've figured out… why are you in Class B?"

Ryota's expression darkened slightly. "Maybe something happened that caused this. Despite my accomplishments, I'm not infallible. I've made mistakes."

Honami realized that beneath Ryota's genius and charisma, he carried his own burdens. He wasn't the untouchable prodigy people thought he was. He had failed before.

Changing the subject, she asked, "Did you tell me all of this because you believe I should be the one uniting the class?"

Ryota nodded. "You've already gained influence from the first day. It's only a matter of time before you become the leader of Class B. That's why I need you to take the reins."

Honami folded her arms. "And why not you? You're charismatic, intelligent, and easy to talk to."

"Because my name attracts too much attention," Ryota replied smoothly. "If I take the lead, everything becomes predictable. If I work from the shadows, I can manipulate the situation in our favor."

Honami studied him for a moment before sighing. "Fine. I'll do it. But that makes us allies from now on."

Ryota smirked. "That's the plan."

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Time skipped to the end of classes. After Hoshinomiya-sensei left the room, Honami stood at the front of the class. "I have something important to discuss."

With everyone's attention now on her, she began to explain everything Ryota had uncovered about the S system. Using logical inferences and carefully crafted explanations, she painted a clear picture of the class competition. By the time she was done, the entire class was in silent agreement—cooperation was the only way to reach Class A.

As the class murmured among themselves, the school's speakers suddenly blared: "At 5 PM, Gymnasium Number 1 will host a club fair. All students interested in joining a club are invited."

As the announcement ended, Honami turned back to Ryota. "Come with us to check out the clubs."

Ryota glanced at her group—Shibata So, Amikura Mako, Shiranami Chihiro, and Kanzaki Ryuji—before replying, "I'll come if I can bring a friend."

Honami smiled. "Of course."

A few minutes later, the classroom door opened, and a girl entered. Every pair of eyes in the room—except Ryota's—was immediately drawn to her. She exuded an aura of effortless beauty, her features striking, her posture elegant. Even Honami, who was known for her own exceptional beauty, found herself momentarily speechless.

The girl gave a polite yet confident smile. "I'm Kyoko Amane. It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm Ryota's closest friend—we've known each other since childhood."

The class was stunned. While many had been trying to gauge Ryota's social circle, they hadn't expected him to have such a stunning and mysterious childhood friend. Honami, regaining her composure, observed the dynamic between Ryota and Amane with newfound curiosity.