Chapter 19 : Paper Shuffle

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After the sports festival ended and with the chilly October upon us, we students were gathered in the gym to witness the student council general election.

"Now, I would like to invite the student council president, Horikita, to give him final remarks."

As the host announced this, Horikita Manabu walked slowly to the podium.

"I am proud and grateful for having led the student council for about two years. Thank you very much."

With that brief farewell, which seemed too short for a final address from the student council president, Horikita Manabu slowly returned to his original position.

"Thank you, President Horikita, for all your hard work up until now. Next, we will hear from the new student council president, Nagumo Miyabi from Class 2-A."

When the host mentioned Nagumo's name, he stood before the microphone with a slight smile. After expressing his respect and appreciation to Horikita, he proceeded to explain the new goals he intended to set for the school.

"I promise that a major revolution will soon take place. Students with abilities will rise to the top, while those without will fall further down. I will transform this school into a true meritocracy, so I ask for your support."

For a moment, the gym fell silent at this bold declaration. But that silence was fleeting, as almost all of the second-year students erupted in cheers, rallying behind Nagumo's announcement.

In contrast, many of the third-year students looked skeptical, and even Horikita, who was on stage, seemed troubled. This led one to wonder if there were circumstances unknown to the first-year students or if Nagumo's ideas were simply not being accepted... 

It was an event that left one unable to avoid such thoughts.

….

The class points after the sports festival are as follows:

- **Class A**: 924 cp

- **Class B**: 768 cp

- **Class C**: 763 cp

- **Class D**: 92 cp

Currently, our Class B has managed to close the gap with Class C due to the sports festival. If things continue as they are, we might be overtaken by Class C in the next exam, but that's where Ryuen's skills should come into play. 

Class D is the furthest behind, but despite their loss in the recent sports festival, they seem to have found some unity. They might show their strength in upcoming special exams with their newfound cohesion.

As for Class A, they have mostly been at a disadvantage so far. I don't know the details of their current situation, but it's possible that a leadership change might be on the horizon.

There have also been some changes within our Class B. We've never lost a special exam until now, whether for better or worse. We won the deserted island exam with Ryuen and a few others, and the shipboard exam went well by following Ryuen's instructions. However, this wasn't due to class unity, so our relationships within the class had been somewhat shallow. The sports festival seems to have improved that, as we've started to bond more.

Recently, I've noticed that conversations within the class are more frequent, and I get approached more often. Although it's hard to believe this is entirely Ryuen's strategy, it's clear that the atmosphere in the class has improved.

There will likely be exams where we'll need to fight as a class going forward. It might be wise to keep fostering this positive atmosphere in preparation for those.

…

Unlike usual, the classroom was filled with a tense atmosphere. The reason for this was the announcement of the midterm test. At this school, failing a test results in expulsion, so it's only natural to feel nervous.

The door to the classroom opened, and our homeroom teacher, Sakagami, entered. Sensing our anxiety, he simply displayed the test results without saying a word.

The class let out sighs of relief upon seeing that no one had failed the test. Looking at the results, I had around 70 points. The top scorers hadn't changed, but the three students who had been competing for the lowest score—Ishizaki, Komiya, and Kondo—had all significantly improved their ranks. While their scores weren't outstanding, it was clear they had made considerable progress compared to their previous results.

"Alright! You did it, everyone!!"

"Yeah! This is thanks to Kaneda teaching us!"

"Thanks, Kaneda!!"

It seems they had been getting help from Kaneda. This might be a ripple effect of expanding friendships from the sports festival.

"There are no expulsions this time. I'm glad we've all managed to get through the exam safely."

The mood in the classroom had started to return to normal, but Sakagami then announced that starting next week, there would be eight subject quizzes. Naturally, this caused the class to sink back into gloom.

"The quizzes will be out of 100 points each, with all questions at a 9th-grade level. In other words, they will test basic knowledge. You can score anywhere from 0 to 100."

"Oh! Then we might manage somehow!"

"But of course, these quizzes have their own significance. The results will greatly impact the exams."

"And what kind of impact are we talking about?"

In response to Ryuen's question, Sakagami paused for a moment before starting to explain.

"Based on the results of the upcoming quizzes, pairs will be formed within the class."

"What do you mean by pairs…"

Kaneda asked, puzzled by this term which seemed unrelated to the test.

Here's what was explained:

There will be a 100-point test for each of the eight subjects, totaling 400 questions with 50 questions per subject. A failing score is set at below 60 points. If either member of a pair scores below 60, both will be expelled due to joint responsibility.

Regarding penalties, any form of cheating will result in immediate disqualification and expulsion of both members of the pair.

"And there's one more thing. This test will also involve a challenge from another aspect."

The additional details were as follows:

For the final exam, you will need to create your own questions, which will be assigned to one of three classes other than your own.

The outcome will be determined by comparing the total scores of your class and the opposing class. The winning class will earn points from the losing class, with each class moving 50 CP (class points).

"What!? But what if the questions cover material we haven't studied?"

"We teachers will conduct a strict and fair evaluation, so you need not worry."

This must be to ensure fairness. If no one can answer any questions, the test would not serve its purpose.

"This is commonly known as 'Paper Shuffle.' This test has resulted in expulsions from classes 1 and 2 in previous years."

The mention of expulsion heightened the class's anxiety even more.

…It sounds like a harsh test from the way it's described, but even if pairs are chosen randomly, the number of expulsions might not be limited to just classes 1 and 2, depending on the combinations.

In other words…

As Sakagami finished explaining the test and left the classroom, a murmur spread among the students. Amidst this commotion, Ryuen, with a faint smile, caught my eye.

"Quiet down."

With Ryuen standing in front of the teacher's desk, the class's murmur subsided.

"This time, unlike before, the test will be heavily dependent on academic ability. Kaneda, do you think we have a chance to win with our current level?"

"…It's impossible with the current situation. The reason we've been able to win before is that the tests were not heavily reliant on academic ability."

Kaneda, who plays a strategic role in the class, voiced this concern, and anxious murmurs arose from the class.

"Ha, that's true. Listen up, everyone. Sure, some of you have improved your scores on today's test. But our overall average is still low. At this rate, we'll end up back in class C, rather than moving up to class A."

It's true that scores like those of Ishizaki and others have improved. But that alone won't change our situation. If we rely solely on Ryuen, we'll soon fall behind.

"From now on, we need to put more effort into our studies. There's a chance we might lose due to lack of academic ability in future tests. Recognize that first."

Ryuen's words were undeniably accurate. The class seemed to understand the situation.

"Ryuen! What should we do about this test?"

Though the question was somewhat disruptive to the mood, Ishizaki's words seemed to help restore the class's atmosphere to its usual state.

"This test will determine pairs based on the results of the quizzes. In the next quizzes, aim for over 90 points if you're a top scorer, and below 0 if you're at the bottom. That way, the pairs will be evenly distributed."

It seems Ryuen had anticipated this. The reason there are fewer expulsions in this test is likely due to the predictable way pairs are determined. The purpose of the quizzes seems to be to hint at how pairs will be assigned.

"Huh? What does that mean?"

It appears some still don't understand Ryuen's explanation, so Kaneda is now clarifying.

"In other words, the reason there are fewer expulsions in class 1 each year is that the way pairs are determined is based on quiz scores."

"But this is the most dangerous approach for those with average scores around the middle. Kaneda, you teach the studying. I'll assign question creation to those I select."

"Understood."

Ryuen's forceful statement had his supporters' eyes shining, but even aside from that, Ryuen's charisma was evident. It seems likely that further growth for the class is just around the corner.

…

After the discussion about the exam, Hiyori and I were left alone in the now-empty classroom, as per Ryuen's instructions.

"You two were kept behind because of the exam."

"The exam?"

Hiyori and I turned our attention to Ryuen, who was seated at the teacher's desk.

"I'm assigning you two the task of creating the exam questions."

That seemed reasonable. It's only natural to assign question creation to either Hiyori, the top scorer in the class, or Kaneda. But…

"Why me? I don't think my grades are that good…"

"I've known all along that you're slacking off. Do you think no one notices when you consistently score around 70 points?"

Ryuen's comment, delivered with a scoff, made me sigh. I should vary my scores a bit more from now on…

"For this exam, it's essential to utilize Kaneda and Hiyori. Kaneda will be in charge of tutoring the class, and Hiyori will handle question creation. Since it would be tough for one person alone, I'll include Hikigaya for support."

That's a good strategy. Creating the question papers would be too much for just one person.

"Ah, finally, a test where I can shine!"

"Heh, you're quite motivated. Quite different from that other person."

"I haven't been able to contribute much to the class until now. Hachiman, let's do our best together!"

Hiyori really does seem like an angel. There's something about her that makes me feel at ease. Seeing her energetically raising her arms made me feel motivated, so I matched her gesture and cheered, "Yeah!"

"Heh, it's good to see you getting along. Don't worry about the others. Just focus on creating the questions."

Ryuen, looking somewhat exasperated, said that and seemed ready to leave. The outside was beginning to get dark. As I checked the time through the window, a sudden hunger pang hit me. This time of day always makes me extremely hungry.

…That's it.

I grabbed Ryuen's shoulder as he was about to leave the classroom.

"Huh? What's up? We've finished talking, right?"

"Hiyori and I need to make some important questions. Take us to one of those good restaurants you know."

Having eaten out with Ryuen a few times before, I knew that the places he recommended were always hidden gems with great food. I hadn't thought about dinner for today, so this was perfect timing.

"Huh? What are you talking about…"

"Wow! Is it a place Ryuen-kun knows? I'd love to go!"

"…"

It seems Ryuen is also weak to Hiyori. With her eyes shining and looking forward to it, he didn't have the courage to refuse. Hiyori is amazing…

"Tch, fine. Let's go quickly."

"Yeah."

"Yes!"

Until now, I had gone out for meals with Ryuen alone, but this was the first time we headed to a restaurant with Hiyori joining us.

=================================

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