Classroom Of The Elite: A Battle Of Ideals

As Amane introduces herself to the class, a brief silence fills the room. The students seem too captivated to respond at first, until Honami, regaining her composure, welcomes Amane with a warm smile and introduces herself in return. The rest of the class follows suit, each taking turns presenting themselves.

With the introductions complete, the group—consisting of Honami, Ryuji, So, Mako, Chihiro, Amane, and Ryota—sets off toward the gymnasium for the club fair. As they walk, Ryota listens to two separate conversations unfolding around him.

On one side, Amane, Mako, and Chihiro are engaged in a lively discussion about the boys at the school. They casually critique their appearances, with Amane scoffing about how, aside from a select few, most weren't particularly attractive—especially the ones with perverted tendencies. They exchange opinions on their ideal types, playfully teasing each other.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Honami, Ryuji, and So are deep in discussion about life's adversities. Ryuji, despite having lived a privileged life, shares how certain harsh experiences reshaped his perspective on the world. His voice carries a weight that suggests he has seen things most others haven't. The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as Amane joins in, recounting defining moments in her own life that altered her outlook. Soon, Mako and Chihiro are drawn in as well.

Ryota trails slightly behind, absorbed in thought. Life, he muses, is a path that gradually reveals its truths through experience. It is only through living, struggling, and learning that answers begin to appear before one's eyes.

His contemplation is interrupted when Amane turns toward him, her eyes expectant. "What about you, Ryota? What's one piece of advice you'd give to everyone here?"

Realizing that all attention is now focused on him, Ryota takes a brief moment to compose himself, as if carefully selecting his words. Then, with a composed yet firm voice, he speaks.

"Life is a challenge that began the moment we took our first breath. Many believe it's only about winning, but true success comes from learning through failure. We can't expect to reach the top without the struggle that precedes it. The moments of helplessness, the hardships—those are what shape who we become. The ones who accept their failures, who rise up despite them, are the ones who will stand at the peak."

A silence follows his words, as if the weight of them needs a moment to settle. His statement resonates deeply, leaving the group in quiet contemplation.

By the time they reach the gymnasium, the atmosphere has shifted slightly, a sense of thoughtfulness lingering among them.

At the front of the room, a petite third-year girl steps up. "Welcome, first-years," she announces. "I am Tachibana Akane. The club fair will now begin."

The first to speak is the captain of the Archery Club, a girl named Hashigaki. She steps onto the podium, exuding quiet confidence. "Many of you might think archery is outdated or simple," she begins, "but in reality, it requires immense focus, precision, and dedication. Our club is open to anyone willing to put in the effort."

Amane, unimpressed, scoffs under her breath. "Obviously, they're just trying to recruit more members for funding. I doubt they actually care about the people joining."

Ryuji nods in agreement. "It does seem like most of these clubs are more concerned with their budgets than the students themselves. Even if the activity sounds interesting, I'd rather not be treated as just another financial asset."

More clubs take turns presenting, each making their case in an attempt to attract new members. Most follow the same pattern, emphasizing prestige and benefits rather than genuine passion for their respective fields.

Then, the final presenter steps forward.

The moment Ryota lays eyes on him, he feels a shift in the air. Unlike the previous speakers, this person exudes an undeniable presence.

Standing at approximately 178 cm—Ryota's own height—the young man strides onto the stage. But instead of speaking immediately, he remains silent.

A tense stillness spreads through the room as seconds tick by. The murmurs start small at first, then grow into mocking comments.

"Did he forget his speech?"

"Come on, do your best~"

"Maybe he left his notes behind?"

Laughter ripples through the crowd, but the young man remains unfazed. He scans the room slowly, his piercing gaze sweeping across the first-years, as if memorizing each of their faces.

Then, for the briefest moment, his eyes lock onto Ryota's.

There is something unsettling about the way he looks at him—not in a hostile way, but in a manner that suggests he is assessing him. Testing him. The corner of his lips lifts slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Finally, he speaks.

"My name is Horikita Manabu, president of the student council."

His voice is steady, authoritative. Immediately, the room falls silent.

"The student council is currently seeking first-years who will eventually replace the graduating third-years. There are no specific requirements to apply—however, applicants must not be affiliated with any other clubs."

Ryota notes something intriguing. Despite speaking at length, Manabu shows no signs of breathlessness. His voice remains unwavering, his posture composed. Subtle signs, but clear indicators of impressive cardiovascular control. He glances at Amane, who meets his gaze with a knowing nod. She noticed it too. This man, despite his unassuming appearance, is undoubtedly athletic.

Manabu continues. "We are not looking for individuals with naive ambitions. Those who fail to meet expectations will only tarnish the reputation of this school. The student council's responsibilities extend beyond merely enforcing rules. Only those who understand this will be considered."

With that, he steps down from the podium and exits the building without another word.

A heavy silence lingers in his wake. No one dares to speak at first, still feeling the weight of his presence. Then, Tachibana Akane clears her throat, snapping them back to reality.

"The club fair has officially ended. The reception area for club applications will remain open until the end of April. Anyone interested is free to apply until then."

As the students begin dispersing, discussions erupt among Ryota's group about which clubs caught their interest. Honami expresses interest in the student council, recognizing the influence it could provide. Ryuji and Amane, on the other hand, show little enthusiasm for joining any clubs.

Just as everyone starts making their own plans, Ryota's phone vibrates.

A message from an unknown number appears on his screen.

"Come to this location. There's something I need to talk about with you."

Attached are a set of coordinates.

Ryota's eyes narrow. Who sent this?

He pockets his phone and turns to the group. "I need to take care of something. I'll be heading out."

Ryuji, who was already planning to return to his dorm, decides to leave with him.

As they step outside, Honami watches them go, a flicker of unease in her expression.

Silently, without a word, Amane follows them.