Chapter 26 – Celebration banquet

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The Shopping Center, specially built by the school to maintain the mental well-being of students isolated for three years, houses various shopping and entertainment facilities like internet cafes, karaoke, and billiards.

Naturally, it also includes indispensable dining options. Today, the largest restaurant's third floor is reserved by C-class for a celebratory banquet, marking their high scores in the midterms and the extra monthly income of 200,000 points from D-class.

"Ha ha ha! Did you see D-class's faces? Hilarious!" a student laughed.

"Totally! They freaked out when Yukio-san said he'd buy their points," another chimed in.

"Now we'll get an extra 200,000 points every month. I wonder how Yukio-san will use it," pondered one student.

"Just be grateful. Without Yukio-san, where would this bonus come from?" someone else remarked.

"Ah, look! Sakagami-sensei is here!"

At this, many boys eagerly rushed to greet their teacher, leaving Sakagami bemused by their sudden warmth.

"Sakagami-sensei, finally! We were dying waiting."

"Waiter, see? Our teacher's here! Bring the ten cases of beer we ordered!"

"Right! And it's all for Sakagami-sensei! He drinks like a fish, doesn't he?"

Sakagami realized they were waiting not for him, but for the beer, due to a rule a prohibiting alcohol sales to those under twenty.

Sakagami, willing to bend rules for his class's ascent, couldn't dampen their spirits today. So, he gamely played along, "Yes, I do love a drink. Ten cases are just appetizers."

The staff, bewildered by his claim, still dutifully delivered the beer.

With drinks served, everyone settled down, boys with beer and girls with juice, toasting to their success, filling the hall with lively chatter and laughter.

Yukio, enjoying the scene, felt this was what school life should be like.

"Hey, Yukio-kun," Sakagami inquired, curious, "why did you let those D-class kids off today? Is the 200,000 points a month more important?"

Surrounding students, eager to hear Yukio's rationale, awaited his response.

Ryuen, Shiina, Ibuki, Kaneda, Ishizaki, and Albert were all present at the same table, curiously tuning into Sakagami-sensei's question to Yukio.

Yukio nonchalantly explained, "This is just the beginning. We're not even two months into the term. In our three-year competition with the other classes, the real fear isn't a strong enemy, but a foolish ally."

"Keeping those three idiots in D-class, letting them drag the class down, causing division and ultimately breaking their unity is our goal. Without cohesion and potential, they'll never be a threat to us."

As he picked up another dish, Yukio continued, "Originally, the school gave each class 1,000 points. I bet they'd deduct points for expulsions, too. And there's no way negative points exist in this system. Otherwise, why would the school bother with free meals instead of allowing debt?"

"Thus, expelling those three benefits D-class more than it harms them. But forcing D-class into a contract with us for their remaining points serves our interests even more."

Ryuen, shocked, realized the obvious logic he'd overlooked.

The others were equally astonished by Yukio's foresight.

As they all listened intently, other C-class students gathered around, intrigued by Yukio's strategy. "No wonder he let them go. D-class is already at zero points. Better to keep them and earn 200,000 monthly."

Amidst the praises, Yukio remained grounded, reminding everyone, "This is just a small scheme against D-class. Let's not forget about B and A classes. Keep challenging them and gather information."

Energized by the drinks and Yukio's encouragement to provoke the higher classes, the C-class delinquents were more than ready. "Challenge? We're experts at that!"

"Watch us, Yukio! We'll dig out all their secrets!"

This event solidified Yukio's authority in C-class, his words now holding significant weight. For him, this recognition and influence were the true rewards, even more valuable than the monthly 200,000 points.

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