-237- The ultimate winner

There is no doubt that Ichinose Honami aims to lead Class B to the top of Class A.

Even though she is a generous person, she has never shied away from competition, which speaks volumes.

Advanced Nurturing High School is a world where strength reigns supreme.

Without a competitive mindset, one is bound to be eliminated, wasting three years in this school.

Such a fate would never befall Ichinose Honami.

"After the special exam on the uninhabited island, our class has closed the gap with Class A by over 150 class points. If Nanaya-kun finds the three VIPs in Class A, then Class A will lose another 150 class points. This summer, our Class B will have narrowed the gap with Class A by over 300 class points, a result I never dared to imagine before."

Ichinose Honami sighed.

Indeed, before the summer started, Ichinose Honami knew there would be special exams during the break that could significantly reduce the gap between classes.

But no matter what, she never expected that in just one summer, Class B could close the gap with Class A by over 300 class points.

Previously, Class B was over 300 class points behind Class A.

These two special exams during the summer reduced this gap to only a few dozen class points, which is truly astonishing.

"Of course, this is assuming Nanaya-kun decides to answer the VIP identities of Class A and Class C."

Ichinose Honami gave Hori a deep, certain look.

"But looking at you now, it seems you don't plan to answer, do you?"

Ichinose Honami accurately saw through Hori's intentions.

As she said, although she doesn't fully understand Hori, she does understand him to some extent.

So she can see through things like this.

Hori could only nod inwardly.

In the world of the Nanaya Clan, where he was trained, everyone here might seem immature, but undeniably, these students are quite outstanding.

Katsuragi Kouhei aims for a steady victory by focusing all his efforts on defense.

Ryuen Kakeru targets personal points, attempting to use them to rise to Class A and win.

Although it's only the first semester of the first year, these people have already set their goals and laid the foundation to achieve victory at the graduation ceremony three years later.

Classes A and C are advancing, either visibly or invisibly.

Naturally, Ichinose Honami won't fall behind.

At least Hori believes Ichinose Honami has her own plans, steadily accumulating results for the ultimate victory.

Even Class D, which seems disorganized, is gradually taking action under the guidance of Chabashira Sae and the most exceptional talent from the White Room, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

It's remarkable that these high school students can confirm their goals, set their strategies, and steadily progress in their first year.

In this aspect, Hori has to acknowledge them.

(As expected, this school is quite interesting…)

While it doesn't match the intensity and talent of the Nanaya Clan, this school is more comfortable due to its respect for human rights and freedom.

(Meeting and cooperating with various people is a refreshing experience…)

Because this is something that would never happen in the Nanaya Clan.

In that clan, everyone can only rely on themselves.

Relying on others is a path to self-destruction.

Advanced Nurturing High School is still a campus.

Even if the cultivation method is not as stringent as the Nanaya Clan, the potential for mutual reliance and cooperation here is something the clan cannot match.

These thoughts quickly flashed through Hori's mind.

Seeing Ichinose Honami still waiting for his response, Hori smiled slightly and finally answered her question.

"I haven't decided how to end this exam yet. I might answer, or I might let the list rot in my hands. If it's the latter, you might be disappointed."

If Hori keeps the VIP list to himself, Class A won't lose 150 class points, and Class B won't benefit.

Of course, Ichinose Honami would never ask Hori to share the list.

Class B and Class D have a cooperative relationship where each protects the other's VIP identities and whoever finds the VIPs first gets the answering rights.

Since Hori found all the VIPs, the answering rights are naturally his. There's no reason for him to answer just because of the cooperation between Classes B and D.

In fact, Hori has the freedom to answer the VIPs from Class B if he wants.

The cooperation between Class B and Class D has little to do with Hori.

But if Hori doesn't answer, it doesn't mean the exam will end in a stalemate.

"Ryuen is still searching for a strategy, and Katsuragi is still defending. The final outcome is still uncertain."

Hori pointed this out.

"And what about you?"

Ichinose Honami didn't take her eyes off Hori, asking directly.

"Do you want to see Class A's defense succeed or Class C's strategy succeed?"

This was an obvious question.

Even if he's not interested in class competition, Hori has no reason to want Class A or Class C to succeed.

But if Hori doesn't act, in the end, it will be the success of one of these two classes.

Besides Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, who is still acting in secret, Hori is the only one who can stop Class A and Class C.

With this in mind, it might be better for him to act directly.

Thinking this, Hori fell into contemplation.

Should he reveal the list?

Or keep it hidden?

Are these the only options for Hori?

No.

There's actually another option.

If executed, Hori would become the ultimate winner.

Therefore...

"I have an idea."

Hori suddenly said to Ichinose Honami.

Ichinose Honami was taken aback, then became serious.

What Hori and Ichinose Honami discussed next, no one knows.

Only Ichinose Honami knows.

"For this special exam, Nanaya-kun's opponent might be the entire first-year students."