Chapter 23 - Assumptions

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"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change." ~Charles Darwin

"If you were to join Class C, while I wouldn't give you full control, it wouldn't be a bad deal for you. Just being able to use my name here would give you some power. It would surely be better than being in a class of fools, right?" Ryuen proposes.

"Ryuen, what are you planning?" Horikita questions Ryuen.

"Quiet, Horikita. Let the adults talk," Ryuen retorts, smirking.

"I've grown attached to Class D. But while I would've told you at the start of the school year that I wasn't interested in Class C, I must admit that both Classes B and C have their own interesting aspects. So, I wouldn't be opposed to joining, even though my main interest lies in Class D," I respond.

Kikyo looks surprised by my words and says, "But didn't you say earlier in the school year that if you hadn't been placed in Class D, you would've done everything in your power to get into Class D?"

Ryuen's abrupt question leaves both Kikyo and Horikita stunned.

"I had a hunch that Eru would be the type to chase after his interests and challenges. Let's be honest: Eru doesn't seem like the type of person who is deeply interested in being a top student. I had a gut feeling the moment he stepped into Class C that he was there because, for some reason, he wanted to be there. Our class had piqued his interest. But if Eru is really the type of guy I think he is, he still wouldn't willingly join Class C. All Eru said is that he isn't opposed to the idea, meaning he's not inclined to it. He still sees Class D as the class for him. But Eru, you know what kind of man I am," Ryuen says, looking up at me.

And he was right. While I don't go out of my way to hide my characteristics, so Ryuen could easily read me, I could easily read Ryuen. He was someone who hated being passive and who looked for trouble everywhere they turned. He was essentially saying if I joined Class C, it wouldn't be because it has the more significant challenges to resolve or because I found it more interesting, but because if I joined Class C, he could promise I would never be bored, not a single day in my school life. Because simply reaching Class A isn't Ryuen's endgame. No, he is the kind who would want to dominate this whole school, something I can never dream of in Class D simply because of the characteristics of its members. What he could provide me with could truly be described as the ultimate challenge with the aim of the ultimate victory where Ryuen and Class A rule the school as kings, suppressing all other classes.

"I think I have an idea. But if you're serious about inviting me to Class C, it's something I'd need to give more thought to, of course," I respond.

"Yes, of course, but I recommend you decide quickly. As I said, I'm quite dissatisfied with your performance so far in this exam. If that continues, my interest in you may be lost," Ryuen says. As he does, Ishizaki returns with a spoon in his hand.

"Here, Ryuen, I got your spoon!" Ishizaki exclaims loudly. So Ryuen took the spoon and ice cream and handed them to me. I quickly opened the ice cream and began to eat it, as it would melt on this island otherwise.

"Well, I'll let you know if I'm ever wholly interested," I respond while taking a spoonful of ice cream.

"Now that's all. If you are done with your little investigation, you three can leave or not. You're more than welcome to stay and enjoy our supplies here. We have plenty to go around, or like I was telling you two ladies before, we can have another type of fun."

"Enjoy your little party, Ryuen. I hope you'll realize, in the end, none of this will be worth it," Horikita retorts before turning away from Ryuen.

But before she walks away, she turns back to Ryuen, "There's one more thing I wanted to ask. Kaneda, who hit him? And why?"

Ryuen responds quickly, "I don't know, Horikita. You're smart. Figure it out on your own. All I'll say is that a ruler's subjects should do as he commands, no matter what."

"Let's head back to our base, Horikita, Eru. We've been out for a while," Kikyo interjects, trying to defuse the tension.

And with that, we begin to walk away.

"That guy…" Horikita grumbles, "Everything about him irritates me." She turns to me, "And you, you'd be willing to collaborate with someone like him?"

"I'd consider the idea. At the very least, it would be entertaining," I reply to Horikita, not giving her question much thought.

"Eru-chan, where are we going? This isn't the way to our camp," Kikyo asks, sounding a bit confused.

"We're heading to Class B. We promised to visit, after all. Might as well do it now that we're out," I respond. Kikyo nods in understanding.

"We should also visit Class A," Horikita suggests. After a few minutes of silent walking, she speaks up again, "Your conversation with Ryuen… it made me curious. Is it true that you're working with Kushida to gain social power in the class?"

"I'd say most of what he said is accurate, yes," I respond casually.

Horikita stays silent momentarily before responding, "So that means you're working with Kushida to gain a larger share of the class's approval. While many people in the class wouldn't listen to just you, with Kushida also backing you, it would be 2 against 1 if Hirata ever disagreed with you, and most of the class would probably back you, too. So you intervened every time I tried to do something to help the class? When I made a study group for the midterms, it was you who made sure Kushida outdid me? When Sakura's situation occurred, was it you who put Kushida in an optimal position over anyone else in the class? Even during the exams, when I got a 50 in English to compensate for Sudo, Kushida got just around 45 in every subject. Was that your doing too? All these instances could be coincidence, but I think we're far past coincidence."

"Yes, it's true. I ensured Kikyo would have an easy time gaining influence in Class D. While I'm sure she would've gained social power by herself from observation, that wasn't enough, so I helped her. And I made sure you wouldn't gain much recognition for your actions," I admit.

"But why? It's not like allowing me to help the class would've greatly impacted Kushida's influence in the class," Horikita asks.

"That's true. Even if you did become a respectable character in Class D, you aren't very likable, Horikita. But that's not where my problem with you gaining power came from. My problem came from the fact that there would be four leaders in the class - two of high popularity and two of low. So if you ever conspired with Hirata against me, it would be an annoyance," I explain.

"But right now, you don't seem worried about that. Why change your mind?"

"Worried? I never said I was worried. I said you would be an annoyance in the same way a fly is annoying. But a fly would never worry me. I could easily swat it away if I wanted to, but that doesn't mean I will just leave my window open for them to enter my room," I respond.

"Such arrogance, you're no different from Ryuen. I didn't expect you to be as dictatorial as him," Horikita retorts.

"I'm not a dictator," I respond promptly.

"If you're not a dictator, then what are you? In my view, you're no different from Ryuen," Horikita counters.

"Is that so? I've mentioned before that dictatorships are a simple form of governance, but a thriving one is rare, especially in a modern context. They're volatile and require a special kind of person to manage effectively. I couldn't rule over a class in the way Ryuen does. Horikita, a dictator, wields total power acquired through force. But I haven't seized power forcefully. Everything I've done to gain power has been accepted by Class D," I explain.

"So, your argument is that the governance of Class D isn't a dictatorship but a corrupt oligarchy masquerading as a democracy?" Horikita asks, her tone mocking.

"That's precisely what I'm saying. Horikita, if dictatorships tend to fail because they require a specific type of ruler to be effective and are volatile in a way that can sow dissent among people, and republics fail because the average person isn't capable of making decisions on a global level, what do you do? You must take the strengths of both these systems and somehow do away with their weaknesses. You must give people the illusion of choice and power while placing those capable of leading in positions of power," I elaborate.

Kikyo breaks the ensuing silence, "Eru's words may sound a bit sinister, but if you really think about it, Horikita, it isn't so different from how most modern governments operate, is it?"

"We're here," I announce to Kikyo and Horikita, pulling them out of their thoughts as we arrive at the Class B camp.

The ambiance of Class B was, as one might anticipate, always possessing an unusual quality that felt slightly askew, yet in a positive, almost miraculous manner.

"Is that Eru, Kushida, and Horikita?" Ichinose, a girl with cherry-colored hair, inquired as she walked towards us, her face glistening with sweat from physical exertion.

"Class B appears to be faring well. It's only natural, considering their unparalleled ability to collaborate as a class," I, Eru, responded after briefly observing Class B.

"You're too kind, Eru. We've had our share of difficulties here in Class B. There's always room for improvement," Ichinose replied, her face lighting up with a proud smile.

Horikita chimed in, "Despite that, I found Class D's social and communication skills quite impressive compared to other classes. But Class B seems to surpass us."

Ichinose simply giggled and blushed, a mix of pride for her class and embarrassment at openly admitting it.

"I suppose we should stop interrupting Class B's activities," Horikita then suggested.

"Are you leaving already? It's okay to chat for a bit. We've all been working hard; everyone deserves a break," Ichinose responded.

"Horikita, Ichinose is correct. Plus, I have some matters I need to discuss with Ichinose," I said, causing a look of concern to cross Ichinose's face. She seemed worried about my potential expulsion due to the implications of our contract.

By this time, a few people had gathered around to converse and relax, perhaps to make us feel more at ease. Currently, Horikita, Kikyo, and I are engaged in conversation with Ichinose and Kanzaki.

"I was wondering, do you think Class B and D are still maintaining a cooperative relationship?" Ichinose asked.

Horikita replied, "As of now, that's how I perceive it."

Kikyo quickly added, "I agree. I consider Class B as my second class, and I regard everyone in Class B as a friend."

Kanzaki, noticing my silence, inquires, "Eru, what are your thoughts?"

"Ah, I suppose I could show you what I think. Ichinose, we have a matter to discuss, don't we? We can include Kanzaki as well and waive the confidentiality clause of our contract in Hoshinomiya's presence if that's acceptable to you."

"Really? You were so insistent before… but alright. Are you joining us, Kanzaki?" Ichinose asks.

Kanzaki simply nods, looking somewhat puzzled, and the three of us head towards a tent while Kikyo and Horikita wait outside.

"What's this all about?" Kanzaki asks.

"I believe it would be best to refrain from discussing the details until Hoshinomiya arrives so we can dispense with the confidentiality," I respond to Kanzaki.

Ichinose then speaks up, "Eru, it's okay. If you don't want to proceed with this contract, we can nullify it without any repercussions."

"No, that isn't necessary. I have confidence in my abilities and intelligence."

Soon thereafter, Hoshinomiya arrives, "What kind of strange gathering do you three have here?" she jokes.

Ignoring her joke, I say, "Hoshinomiya, recall our contract. I want you to witness from this point forward that I agree to waive the confidentiality clause." I say and look at Ichinose, who still has to do the same.

"I also agree to waive the confidentiality clause of our contract," Ichinose says, and Hoshinomiya simply nods, likely intrigued by what is transpiring.

"So, can someone now explain the situation to me?" Kanzaki asks.

"Yes, I'll explain it to you, Kanzaki. Essentially, Eru and I have a contract. In this contract, it's stated that Eru can profit with points for directly assisting Class B with information," Ichinose explains.

"I see, but is there a way to verify this information?" Kanzaki asks, then turns to me, "I'm not implying that I don't trust you or that you're a dubious figure, but this involves the entire class, so it's only natural that we ensure the accuracy of whatever information you provide so that this contract isn't based on one-sided expectations."

"Of course, I'm holding myself as collateral for this contract. So, if I provide incorrect or no information capable of directly assisting you, then I will have to pay 200k points a month to Class B until graduation, and if I fail to do that, then, of course, there will be consequences."

"I see. Hoshinomiya-sensei, is it possible for me to see a copy of this contract?" Kanzaki asks.

"Certainly, Kanzaki kun," Hoshinomiya responds playfully but stays in the tent. "If what you say is true, then I'm sure you're confident that whatever information you provide is accurate," he says, his hand on his chin.

"It's okay, Kanzaki. What Eru says is true. I made sure to double-check the contract; there were no hidden tricks," Ichinose says.

"It seems like it. Providing incorrect or no information is detrimental to him, but he profits off of accurate information. Then I guess, given the nature of this test, you've come to provide the name of a class leader?" Kanzaki asks.

"Yes, specifically, the leader of Class A. It's Yahiko Totsuka."

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