The Battle of Minds

The room was bathed in the sterile glow of fluorescent lights as we sat at our desks, quietly awaiting the beginning of the session. Typically in such a case, students would fidget, chat, or even engage in playful banter in the absence of a teacher. However, that was not the case in the White Room. These students had been disciplined to an inhumane degree to remain orderly, even when left alone. Every one of us knew the consequences of acting out on our own desires—swift and severe punishment, and in some cases, immediate expulsion. The rules had been etched into our minds through countless hours of rigorous training and relentless enforcement. To deviate from them, even slightly, was unthinkable. It was not merely about obedience; it was about survival. As the minutes ticked by, I observed the other students from the corner of my eye. Each one sat upright, hands folded neatly in their laps, eyes forward; there was no hint of restlessness or impatience. At precisely 2:00 PM, the door to the classroom opened, and a figure stepped inside. Dr. Kuronuma was a man of average height with an almost unremarkable appearance. His hair was neatly combed, and his glasses sat perfectly on the bridge of his nose. Despite his calm demeanor, there was an underlying intensity in his eyes that made him stand out. His presence commanded attention, not through loud or boisterous actions, but through the subtle and deliberate nature of his movements. He had been introduced in the 2nd term of the curriculum, which was around the start of May, and was assigned to teach us Psychology.

"Good afternoon, children," he said with a slight, eerie smile. Unlike the other instructors who commanded us without a word of acknowledgement, Dr. Kuronuma always began his lessons with a greeting. Was acknowledging our existences the method he chose to maximize our efficiency in the lessons?

"Good morning, sir," we replied in unison.

"Today," he began, "We delve even further into the realm of psychological influence and its application in the political world." Dr. Kuronuma's voice was steady and controlled, with a hint of excitement that only emerged when he spoke about his subject.

"Understanding human behavior and thought processes is crucial for any leader who wishes to wield power effectively." He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "Let's start with the concept of framing. Framing is about how information is presented. The same piece of information can lead to different interpretations depending on how it's framed. For example, consider a political candidate presenting their economic plan. If they frame it as 'creating opportunities for all,' it evokes a positive response. But if they frame the same plan as 'reallocating resources,' it might be met with resistance."

Politics was a topic we had been introduced to when we reached five years old. It, along with other subjects, was a product of the increase in difficulty in curriculum as we got older. Dr. Kuronuma's eyes scanned the room, looking at each of us individually, ensuring we were absorbing his lesson.

"Another key concept is the power of priming. Priming involves subtly preparing the mind to perceive information in a certain way. For instance, if a leader repeatedly emphasizes the importance of security, the public becomes more receptive to policies that increase surveillance, even if those policies infringe on personal freedoms."

He picked up a remote from his desk and aimed at the monitor at the front of the class. Several images appeared on screen, depicting a timeline which seemed to be the Cold War. Dr. Kuronoma continued, "Let's consider an example from history. During the Cold War, leaders on both sides used propaganda to manipulate public perception. By framing their actions as necessary for national security and priming their citizens with a constant threat of the 'enemy,' they justified extensive military expenditures and surveillance programs."

"Any questions?" Dr. Kuronuma asked curiously, gazing at us row by row. The students remained silent, processing the information intently in anticipation of the upcoming examinations.

"Now let's move on to the final topic." Dr. Kuronuma moved the monitor to the side and approached the whiteboard. "Let us discuss social proof. People tend to follow the actions of others, especially in uncertain situations. Leaders can leverage this by showcasing popular support for their policies, thereby influencing others to conform. During election campaigns, candidates often highlight endorsements from respected figures or high attendance at rallies to create a bandwagon effect." He turned back to us, his expression serious. " An informed populace is less susceptible to manipulation. Critical thinking and media literacy are essential tools for maintaining a healthy democracy." He then walked to his desk and took out a clipboard with a set of papers already attached to it. 

"Today's activity will be a practical application of the psychological techniques we've discussed. You will be paired with a partner, and together you will engage in a debate exercise." He held the clipboard in his hands, glancing down at it before calling out the names. 

"Shiro!"

"Yes, sir!" answered Shiro, rising promptly from his seat.

"You will be paired with Yuki."

"Y-yes, sir!" called Yuki from the right side of the room. She quickly stood up and clumsily pushed her desk forward.

Without sparing a glance at each other, the two immediately sat back in their seats. Group exercises weren't uncommon, but they were rarely utilized in the lessons since the curriculums in the White Room were primarily centered around the culmination of individual ability. 

"Next, are Takeshi and Hana."

"Yes, sir!" Both students answered in unison.

The next pair was Ryoichi, who was ranked eighteenth and Sora who ranked thirteenth. As the remaining pairs were announced, I wondered who I would be paired with. Though it wasn't particularly important. Regardless of who I was placed with, my objective remained the same, to win. 

I had familiarized myself with every student in the White Room by the 4th year and had a grasp of all their fundamental strengths and weaknesses. There were some students who excelled in certain subjects, even outclassing myself. However, that was only in the beginning. After careful observation and analysis of my losses, in time, I soon overtook them all and they have never been able to catch up to me since. 

There have been a few times however, where after overtaking a student, I've still lost to them again not too long after. I later discovered that the reason for this is because there were other students in the White Room who also possessed the ability to evolve after experiencing defeat. Though not refined as mine, their adaptive abilities allowed them to grow significantly and survive in the White Room. These students were those who occupied the top five positions along with myself—Shiro, ranked second; Yuki, ranked fourth; and Kohei, who held fifth place.The most noteworthy of these students was the one who was able to rise from ninth place to third place at the start of this year and has retained her position since. As a matter of fact, this subject happened to be within her skill set. Her name was-

"Aria!" Dr. Kuronuma called.

"Yes, sir," answered a soft, low voice.

"You will be paired with Kiyotaka."

"Yes, sir," I replied.

Once all the students were given their partners, we were sent to Room 5B, where we would conduct the exercise. We walked silently in pairs, the sounds of our footsteps echoing through the empty white corridor. Aria and I had competed 3 times in the past. The first two times were in Cultural Anthropology and Political Theory, which she won, and Advanced Econometrics, where I claimed victory. Aria was quiet and observant. While her physical skills were average, she excelled in theoretical subjects. From my battles with her, I discerned that she possessed commendable perceptive, intuitive, and cognitive skills. As I was contemplating the possible topics for our debate, my thoughts were interrupted by a voice calling my name.

"Kiyotaka."

It was Aria who had quietly been walking beside me.

"Yes, what is it?"

"I'm looking forward to our debate."

Though her words sounded enthusiastic, her expression was devoid of emotion, similar to mine. I've never heard a student say they were looking forward to something before. Although this could just be a formality or perhaps she is already trying to get in my head before the battle even starts. Personally, I've never felt joy in competing with the other students either. Only the best are able to remain in this facility. Those who fall behind are discarded immediately without mercy. Therefore, these students are neither my friends nor rivals. They are simply obstacles that I must crush in order to ensure my own survival.

"Yes, I look forward to it as well," I replied. 

We soon reached the lab where our exercise would take place. The desks had already been pre-arranged with our names placed on the top-left corner of each table. There were two desks for each pair that faced each other and were joined together. Within the spacious room, each desk was roughly a meter apart and a timer sat on the bridge between the two desks.

"All right then," said Dr. Kuronuma as he stepped into the room.

"Now for your exercise, each pair will debate a topic, using methods such as framing, priming, and social proof to solidify their points. Pay attention to how these techniques are utilized, how they sway opinions and ensure your arguments are well oriented. Now, be seated and decide amongst yourselves what your topic will be."

Aria and I took our seats, our expressions neutral, and a brief silence followed before she eventually spoke up.

"Kiyotaka," Aria said in a small tone, "shall we discuss the ethics of influence in politics?"

I nodded, intrigued by her choice of topic. It was clear she aimed to control the flow of our conversation from the start.

"Umm, Shiro, let's discuss the importance of ethical governance."

I could briefly hear Yuki's voice as she and Shiro decided their topic for debate. But now was not the time for distractions. I drowned out the surrounding noise, emptied my mind, and cast my gaze on the person sitting in front of me. It was time for battle.

Once all the students had seemingly decided on their debate topics, Dr. Kuronuma revealed the remaining details of the exercise.

"If you've noticed, there is a timer in the middle of your desks. Each pair will have ten minutes. Once you start your debate, you must press the red button on the timer and all debates must end when the time is up. Now, you may begin!"

I extended my right hand and pressed the button, initiating the countdown. Aria watched as I did so and immediately began after the button was pushed.

"Influence in politics is inevitable. Leaders must guide their followers, and sometimes manipulation is necessary for the greater good."

Her argument was clear and well-structured. I countered, "But where do we draw the line? Ethical boundaries are crucial to prevent abuse of power." 

Aria's eyes narrowed slightly, "Ethics are subjective," she said smoothly. "What is considered unethical by one might be seen as necessary by another. The true measure is the outcome." Her ability to switch her demeanor was impressive. She leaned slightly forward, her posture inviting yet assertive. "Think about it, Kiyotaka. If a leader uses manipulation to prevent chaos and ensure stability, isn't that a justifiable means to an end?"

I observed her closely. She was employing mirroring and pacing techniques we had learned, syncing her gestures with mine. It was subtle but effective. I adapted, matching her rhythm and introducing my points gradually.

"Stability is important," I conceded, "but transparency is equally vital. Manipulation can erode trust, leading to long-term instability."

Aria's eyes flickered with a hint of challenge. "Consider this: in times of crisis, a leader might need to take decisive action that the public doesn't immediately understand. Manipulation, in such cases, can be a tool to maintain order and prevent chaos. If the long-term result is stability and prosperity, isn't that manipulation justifiable?"

I nodded, acknowledging her point. "That may be true in some cases, but if leaders constantly resort to manipulation, it undermines the democratic process. People need to feel that their leaders are transparent and trustworthy. Without that, even beneficial outcomes can breed resentment and rebellion."

Our timer had now approached the five-minute mark. Dr. Kuronuma walked around the room, his hands clasped behind his back, occasionally pausing to observe the children's interactions with a knowing look.

Aria continued, "In politics, influence and manipulation are tools. Like any tools, their ethical use depends on the hands wielding them. Leaders must be trained not just in governance but in ethical manipulation. Only then can they navigate the complex landscape of modern politics without crossing ethical lines."

This statement however, was followed by a gesture that intrigued me and halted my response for a moment. Aria had ended her counter argument with a thin smile, a gesture that was meant to instill kinship with one's opponent. This was the second time I had seen a smile in the White Room, the first being from Yuki. Yet there was a difference in both instances. I couldn't discern it fully but If I had to give a reason, I'd say that Yuki's smile had an air of innocence and sincerity behind it. Aria's smile, however, was different. It was calculated, a tool that she used at her disposal to achieve victory in our debate, that much was evident from the cold eyes that she failed to conceal while using this smile.

I pressed on, my tone unwavering. "Accountability is crucial, but it's also difficult to enforce in a system where manipulation is rampant. The very nature of manipulation is to obscure the truth. If leaders are constantly manipulating, how can we trust any form of accountability they put in place?"

Aria's response was swift. "True accountability comes from results. If a leader's actions, manipulative or not, consistently lead to positive outcomes, the public can hold them accountable through their continued support or dissent. The effectiveness of manipulation is inherently tied to the leader's ability to deliver on promises and improve the lives of their constituents."

The debate continued, each of us presenting nuanced arguments and counterarguments. Aria's natural talent for manipulation and wordplay was evident. She effortlessly adjusted her arguments, maintaining control of the conversation.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

"Time is up! Shake hands with your partner and prepare to leave the room." Dr. Kuronuma instructed.

Our debate had ended in a stalemate with neither of our arguments finding a common ground to reach a consensus. We did however, fulfill the criteria of the exercise, which was to utilize the techniques we had learned in prior classes in our debate. I promptly rose from my seat and extended my hand to Aria. She reciprocated the gesture, her fingers gently clasping around mine. But after taking my hand, she held it with an unexpected bit of force. I met her eyes. Her expression, like always, was still blank and unreadable. 

"I…enjoyed our debate," she said softly, her tone almost too casual for the sterile environment we were currently in. Unlike the plastic smile she had shown moments earlier, these words felt different in weight. They seemed to carry an air of sincerity more akin to what I sensed when I spoke with Yuki. I was slightly puzzled by her wording though. 

Enjoyment. It was a concept I hadn't associated with anything here...debating, competing, learning—it was all a matter of course within White Room. Of course, there were subjects within the curriculum that I had a greater affinity towards compared to others. However, regardless of which subject I was better in, I excelled in all of them. To accomplish any given task with perfection and to adapt to any unfamiliar circumstance or adversity—that was our duty as students in this facility. There was no space for enjoyment in the White Room. And yet, here she was, claiming to have enjoyed the debate.

For a moment, I didn't know how to respond. I was indifferent to the exercise and the subject in general. But I decided to acknowledge the one thought that recurred in my head throughout our debate.

"You are a formidable opponent."

Her fingers finally released mine, the brief connection fading as she took a step back. Her expression remained unchanged, unreadable, but there was a faint flicker in her eyes—something I couldn't quite place.

As the session drew to a close, Dr. Kuronuma addressed the class one last time. "Remember, the mind is malleable. Those who understand how to shape it hold true power. Continue to practice these techniques. They will serve you well in the future." 

This was something I never noticed in the White Room until years later. Among the plethora of students here, there were a handful of 'anomalies' that existed. These students were like fishes that swam against the current. I, of course, was one of those anomalies. Despite not having the genetic disposition of a 'genius' and not having a natural talent for sports or academics, my greatest talent was my unnatural adaptive abilities that helped me to constantly evolve and rise to the first place position in the White Room. Fear was the most prevalent emotion that was embedded into us students from the moment we were born. The fear of death, expulsion, and above all, failure. The White Room exploited this fear and used it as a means to make us grow in hopes of molding us into flawless machines. Machines that could fearlessly tackle any obstacles placed before them and would never bend to the will of their emotions or the emotions of others. The anomalies that were able to adapt to this environment did so by first understanding the curriculum and then themselves. By understanding their specialty, all that was left was continuous and relentless evolution. That is how the current students in the top ten secured their positions. What I hadn't noticed at the time was that there was another person with that nature. Aria, the person in front of me, was one of those anomalies as well. 

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As the children filed out, Kuronuma made his way to the lab, a space filled with monitoring equipment and concealed observation areas. The other instructors were already there, reviewing the recorded data from the day's sessions. Standing apart from them was Atsuomi Ayanokoji, his demeanor as cold and calculating as ever.

Kuronuma approached Atsuomi, his hands clasped behind his back. "What did you think of the performance today?" he asked, his voice calm yet tinged with curiosity.

Atsuomi turned to face him, his expression unreadable. "Kiyotaka's insight is commendable. He presents his arguments with clarity and a level of composure beyond his years. However, he is still no different from any other child raised by wealthy or influential parents."

Kuronuma raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Is that so? His analytical skills and ability to adapt seem exceptional."

Atsuomi nodded slightly. "Yes, but exceptional is not enough. What I seek to create here in the White Room is a child who is unbeatable in any field, one who can overcome any obstacle through sheer unbreakable willpower. Kiyotaka is promising, but he must be more than just promising."

Kuronuma's smile widened, a flicker of excitement in his eyes. "Indeed. The curriculum we have designed aims to mold them into such beings. Today's debate was just a small part of that."

Atsuomi's gaze shifted to the data screens, where Aria's performance was being analyzed. "Aria's conversational skills were impressive. Her ability to switch demeanor and use psychological techniques to her advantage is remarkable. She has the makings of a good politician."

Kuronuma nodded in agreement. "Her understanding of influence and manipulation is advanced, even among her peers. She excels in theoretical subjects and shows a natural talent for manipulation and wordplay."

Atsuomi's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind calculating the potential of each student. " Kiyotaka, Shiro, and Aria. These 3 have produced the highest results in each curriculum and represent the pinnacle of what the White Room can produce. Yet, they must be pushed further. Their potential must be fully realized."

Kuronuma's grin grew even wider, his excitement barely contained. "Of course. We will continue to challenge them, to test their limits and push them beyond. Only through such rigorous trials can we achieve the goal of creating individuals who can lead this country."