Volume 1 - Ch. 2 Speculation

Suddenly, I have one question to ask.

Even as someone called the Super High School-Level Hope, it's difficult for me to answer this question.

Since time is precious, I'll throw the question right away.

Question: How should a conversation be initiated when walking home in pairs, one male and one female, from school?

I don't have any romantic feelings or experiences, so even though I can make predictions, I can't be certain. And in this case, it's a bit troublesome to think about how to continue the conversation.

If it's a typical boy and girl, they would gradually open up and become more comfortable with each other while feeling a bit nervous. For example, if they talk about the weather or the classes of the day, the conversation would naturally continue, and their distance from each other would gradually shorten.

But is that really enough? If both of them have feelings for each other, maybe it's fine. But if it's a relationship where they haven't spent much time together, wouldn't that way of initiating a conversation be strange?

So, should a high school boy, in order to deepen the relationship, suddenly start sweet-talking and flirting with the opposite sex while walking home?

Absolutely not. That would be unthinkable. Moreover, if I were to say something like that, it would shatter the image. ...I've been thinking too much and the conversation has gone off track.

Now, why am I so troubled?

The answer: Ibuki-san is walking parallel to me.

Let me say it once again, it's true that I have all sorts of talents, so it's possible for me to speak in a way that makes the other person feel comfortable.

However, what if a guy who was silent and didn't talk at all suddenly displayed an overwhelming ability to talk like a seasoned con artist? What would you think?

It would be creepy, wouldn't it?

And what if a person with facial muscles that don't show any movement suddenly wore an incredibly refreshing smile? What would you think?

It would be creepy, wouldn't it?

And especially if sweet words were uttered?

It would be the worst-case scenario, leading to being reported.

Being reported and immediately expelled on the first day of high school is truly despairing. Even if I'm called the Super High School-Level Hope (laughs), I can't complain about that.

So, Ibuki-san, you can talk to me soon.

It's rare for me to be in a difficult situation like this.

***

"(My class is... Class C.)"

I am Mio Ibuki. I am a female student who is starting today at this Advanced Development High School.

This school boasts a staggering 100% rate of college enrollment and job placement, and it is known for its high academic achievements as well as its various extracurricular activities. Moreover, it is an exceptionally extraordinary school operated by the government.

If you were to investigate the graduates of this school, most of them would be people whose names you have heard at least once on TV.

So, with a school as amazing as this, my future should also become brighter, right? That's why I chose this school for my career path, as I can live on my own, and I passed the entrance exam. I've come this far with a somewhat airy feeling. But still, I feel uneasy being alone.

I think it's best to quickly go and put away my belongings.

If I go to the classroom, there should be some people of the same gender, and even though I'm not good at socializing, I should be able to make a few friends, right? With an optimistic mindset, I began to take action.

Well, it's not like me to be so lost in thought for so long, so I should just head to the classroom as soon as possible.

"I think you dropped this."

A voice came from behind me.

I reflexively turned around and almost kicked in response.

I do have some knowledge of martial arts. I'm confident in my physical abilities, and I believe I can win against an average guy in a fight.

And yet, I didn't notice the presence of the person behind me?

It sounds arrogant, but normally you would notice if someone was behind you.

Wait, isn't that my handkerchief that he's holding? Why does he have it?

I forcefully took back the handkerchief from the long-haired guy in front of me and immediately remembered. Didn't he say, "You dropped this"?

I was a bit flustered and not composed.

...If I continue like this, I'll come off as a rude girl. It's a bit late, but I should say thank you.

"...Thank you."

The long-haired guy didn't say anything and just slightly lowered his head.

Even though I'm saying this, isn't this guy too unsociable? He doesn't change his expression at all, and why is his hair like that? In a high school debut, it's normal to cut it!

And also, the fact that he's standing in this direction means...

"...Hey, are you in Class C?"

"Yes."

"I thought so."

To be in the same class as this guy... It's starting to make me feel uneasy. Well, it's just my inner thoughts, so I'm free to say whatever I want.

If he lets his hair grow that long, it's bound to attract attention, so I'm shifting the blame onto him.

But it would be weird if I didn't feel bothered by it.

Should I ask him? I have a feeling it would be rude not to ask since his hair is so long...

"Is there something on my face?"

Noticing my blatant attitude, the black-haired guy questioned.

For a moment, I flinched and then carefully responded so as not to turn it into an insult.

"...Aren't you a guy? That's why I was a little surprised by your unusually long hair."

Did I say it too straightforwardly? I inwardly flinch and wait for his response.

I'm not good at dealing with people... I can't handle situations where I have to be a bit more considerate.

"If I leave it alone, it ends up like this."

Ah, thank goodness he doesn't seem to mind. Wait, what do you mean by "leave it alone"? Cut it! At least for your high school debut! If I were in your position, I would have cut it immediately!

His nonchalant answer changed my mood to a strange tension.

"...Leaving it alone... It's annoying, isn't it? That hair."

"If you get used to it, it's not a problem."

...This guy is definitely strange. But he doesn't seem like a bad person.

At first, it's easier to be with someone, so I casually think about asking his name and decide to execute the plan.

"What's your name?"

"Name?"

"We'll be together for a year, so it's better to introduce ourselves now, don't you think?"

"Introducing myself seems pointless... Well, whatever."

An emotionless voice. It's as if I'm talking to a robot, with no emotions present in his voice.

This encounter with the long-haired guy marked the beginning.

This connection with him would have a significant impact on my high school life for the next three years.

"I am Kamukura Izuru. I have no intention of getting along with you."

***

The entrance ceremony and the explanation from the homeroom teacher were over. The system here was different, but I never expected to receive 100,000 points.

And I'm curious about what that Ryuen guy was talking about.

Well, I guess I'll have to ask the long-haired guy when I talk to him. He's probably smarter than me (just a hunch).

With those haphazard thoughts, I was currently walking home.

I wasn't alone. Of all people, I was walking home alongside that eccentric long-haired guy.

I thought it might be interesting to talk to him, but honestly, it was a mistake.

This guy isn't just eccentric, he's super eccentric.

His expression doesn't change, and he only speaks the bare minimum. Plus, he has a high probability of reading my thoughts.

But it can't be helped if we need to confirm the rules of this school with each other, and I'll endure the trivial things.

There's a bit of distance from the school gate to the dormitory. But if I follow the map, it should only take a few minutes.

And yet... I have something to say right now.

It's been about two minutes since we started walking, but why isn't he saying a single word?!

He said something like, "Let's talk a bit," earlier, didn't he?

I'm not good at conversations either, you know.

While resenting my lack of communication skills, I was silently complaining in my mind, but I finally decided to take action because I was getting impatient.

"Hey, weren't we supposed to talk a bit?"

The long-haired guy directed his gaze towards me without changing his expression.

He's still as unsociable as ever. I immediately receive a response from him.

"Yes... Ibuki-san, do you think it's possible for one class with 40 students in four classes to send 100,000 yen per month for three years?"

"...It's impossible. Even if it's the government, spending over 16 million yen per month and continuing it for three years would make over 500 million yen disappear. And if we consider other grades as well..."

"Exactly. Even though this school is operated by the government, this amount is too much. It might be understandable for universities or graduate schools, but it's too much for high school students. So it's reasonable to assume that the 100,000 points are only for April."

As I expected, it went just as I predicted.

And I'm fortunate. I couldn't have thought from such a broad perspective on my own, and his explanation is quite convincing. But...

"Why couldn't Mr. Sakagami answer Ryuen's question?"

"...You're unexpectedly sharp."

"...What's with that surprised look... Well, it doesn't matter. You had no expression on your face."

Is this guy's facial muscles dead...?

"I keep my facial muscles still. There's no point in being mistaken for a dead person, right?"

"Can you stop reading my mind? It's creepy."

"...Well, let's get back to the topic. The reason why he couldn't answer is simply because there's not enough information."

Naturally. If he could come to a conclusion based on just that, it would be questionable if he's human.

"But even with the information we have now, we can make assumptions."

I immediately look at Kamukura's face. His expression remains the same as before, but that doesn't matter.

This guy clearly stated that he can make accurate assumptions.

Whether this assumption is right or wrong, it doesn't matter.

His answer is worth listening to.

"This school has too many surveillance cameras. They monitor every corner of the school, as if it's a prison."

"Indeed, I've seen them even on the way back home."

"So, why the need for surveillance? It's to quickly address any problems that may arise. With this many surveillance cameras, it will be clear at a glance when, where, who, what, how, and why something happened."

Kamukura's words continue.

"And that applies to the classes as well. In other words, the school is monitoring the students with surveillance cameras and evaluating them strictly based on certain criteria."

"Evaluation?"

"Yes. It could be things like classroom behavior or daily conduct. Well, I don't know the details, but the school won't directly teach us about such strict evaluations. Instead, they're giving us hints, expecting us to figure it out."

Indeed, Mr. Sakagami's way of speaking felt off. When you feel something is off, everything starts to look suspicious. What was that phenomenon called again...

"Besides, if they revealed it, even if there are many fools in the class, they would only receive an 'excellent' evaluation within those rules. If that's what they seek, there's no need for this many surveillance cameras. ...I got a bit off track, but to summarize the reason why they couldn't answer, it's because they want to evaluate students as they are and quantify it. And I assume that quantified value is what determines the monthly points."

If what he's saying is correct, this school is truly meritocratic. ...I should take that as a lesson. So, is this guy's speculation somewhat accurate?

I'm trying to understand the situation using my mediocre brain.

"...So, what are the evaluation criteria?"

"I don't know. We'll have to figure that out as we go."

Well, I guess so. But his words were worth listening to after all. Until I get used to this peculiar school, it seems convenient to be with him.

In that case...

"...Hey, shall we exchange contact information?"

Oh? Come to think of it, it might be my first time directly exchanging contact information with a guy...

After saying it, I remembered that fact and felt a slight embarrassment.

"Sure."

"...This time, you're not reading my mind."

"Do you want me to?"

"...Gross."

And that's how he became my first male friend.

***

While talking to Ibuki-san, we had unknowingly arrived at the dormitory. This school has an unusual structure where the boys' and girls' dormitories are together, with the boys' dormitory on the lower floor and the girls' dormitory on the upper floor.

I think it would be better to separate the dorms for boys and girls at this age, but honestly, I don't really care. From my perspective, gender is just a trivial difference.

After bidding farewell to her, I immediately headed to my room in the dormitory.

The room wasn't particularly spacious, but it was more than enough for a high school student to live in comfortably.

It had the essential items for daily life, such as a bed, refrigerator, desk, and chair, but there were no additional things like cooking utensils.

"I never expected even the water and electricity bills to be free... I thought they would deduct it from the 100,000 points, to cover the expenses for necessary tools, electricity, water, and procuring equipment for club activities, and so on. But when I think about it more carefully and compare it with the amount of surveillance cameras and Mr. Sakagami's statements, various strange things come to light."

"It seems like we should abandon the notion that it's just digitized cash."

It's past 1 o'clock now. Come to think of it, I haven't had lunch yet. The timing seems just right, so why not explore a bit while getting lunch and the necessary items for daily life?

After finishing up the minimal check of my room and gathering a list of things to buy, I head outside.

Now, shall we go?

I'm back.

Isn't it too early? What are you talking about? I've been out for about three hours.

Can't you see that I have bags in both hands?

Well then, let me introduce my spoils first. I bought some essential items from the home center and convenience store.

It wasn't particularly meaningful, but shopping is still enjoyable when you're alone.

I made a reasonable purchase, but I still have plenty of points left.

Indeed, 100,000 points is quite a lot. Maybe that's why I ended up buying instant ramen.

Some people might say that I have the talent of a cook or chef and could make it myself, but they're right.

However, I've never had this kind of meal before.

So I have some expectations. That's why I decided on having it for dinner tonight.

"By the way, a section for free items...?"

Almost unconsciously, I mutter to myself.

Both the convenience store and home center had sections for free items. Moreover, even the food court where I had lunch offered free meals.

To be frank, it's too generous.

Perhaps these free items are a relief measure for people who don't have points. It would make sense for those who can't use their points due to some kind of accident. In that case, it's understandable that the number of users would be limited.

But it was clearly abundant. It was particularly evident in the free meal section. It's unlikely that everyone there had the motive of dieting or saving money, judging by their expressions.

Every one of them had a face on the verge of despair. It can't be explained by mere coincidence unless it's an astronomical probability.

In other words, it's highly likely that something will happen in the future that will cause a decrease in points and have a significant impact on our lives.

"...Considering everything that happened today, maybe I should go to bed early."

It's exhausting to start something new.

So, let's have this cup of ramen and go to sleep quickly.

We'll talk about it another day.

I lie down on my brand-new bed and promptly close my eyes.

***

The classroom was lively and bustling with noise. Since the entrance ceremony, students had formed groups, and within these groups, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, engaging in lively conversations.

As for me, I was alone. I was what they call a "loner."

Of course, in a class setting, there are always individuals like me. Some students may want to join those groups but hesitate if it's too late, while others prefer being alone without even needing friends. It's somewhat unusual that there are more of the latter type in this class. What's even more peculiar is that there are already students who seem to have a senpai-kohai relationship.

As I pondered over these thoughts, the next teacher for the class had arrived without me realizing. This is an advanced school operated by the government.

Naturally, I thought the classes would be of a very high level, but it seems that's not the case.

The classes are just ordinary ones that you would find in any school. After teaching the students a certain educational policy, the lessons progress at a moderate pace. The only difference might be the quality of the teachers? So far, I've attended three classes, and all the teachers are skilled at teaching.

And all the teachers are friendly. Even if you're not particularly academically inclined, if you ask questions, they will kindly provide answers.

If you pay attention in class and review the material, you can achieve high scores on tests with the knowledge gained.

However, there are some peculiar aspects.

For instance, the lack of attention given to students who display inappropriate behavior during class. Some students were using their phones or sleeping, behaving in a manner unfit for a class, yet the teachers didn't reprimand them.

But the peculiar thing is this.

Instead of giving them warnings for their inappropriate behavior during class, the teachers write something in their notes or clipboards.

I've started to understand. What this school values...

"Today's class ends here. Make sure to review what you learned today."

As the chime rang, the female teacher who had been teaching Japanese history until now calmly delivered those words and swiftly left the classroom.

As she left, the classroom immediately became restless.

The class had temporarily ended, and it was now lunch break.

As I mentioned earlier, I'm a loner. I don't have any friends to have lunch with.

My plan for today is to go to the school cafeteria.

I initially planned to bring a homemade lunch for the sake of saving money, but I wanted to see what the cafeteria was like, so I decided to go just for today.

Come to think of it, yesterday's cup ramen wasn't particularly delicious.

But it wasn't bad either. It's understandable why it's popular considering it's convenient to make and the price. The only downside is that it contains a slightly unhealthy amount of ingredients.

So, it should be limited to once or twice a month. If I get the chance to try it again, I might go for the ramen rice option.

And there are other varieties...

"Hey, why don't we have lunch together?"

I heard a female voice inviting someone to have lunch nearby.

Instinctively, I turned my gaze towards the voice, thinking I was being called.

But it was a misunderstanding. It wasn't me who was invited, but Ibuki-san sitting in front of me.

I guess I was a bit self-conscious. If I had reacted more strongly, I might have received some strange looks.

"I'll pass. I brought my own lunch."

"Is that so? But isn't it more enjoyable to eat with everyone?"

"...I'm sorry, but I prefer to have my meals in peace. Please ask someone else."

She firmly declined. She has quite a tomboyish personality.

If I were to compare her to an animal, what would she be?

Well, it's difficult to liken her to a herbivorous animal.

Small animals wouldn't work either. It might be more fitting to compare her to a meat-eating animal like a wolf with a slightly unruly appearance, sporting blond hair slicked back.

But considering that she prepares her own lunch, there's also a domestic side to her. When I think about it, this comparison becomes quite challenging.

After being turned down, the girl who invited Ibuki-san went to join another group, muttering something under her breath.

Now then, let's head to the cafeteria quickly.

We've arrived at the convenience store.

The school cafeteria was too crowded, so I gave up on it. It was so packed that I would have ended up late for class if I had lined up honestly.

Therefore, today, I'll satisfy myself with bread and free drinks. I firmly resolved within myself that I'll challenge the school cafeteria tomorrow.

Since I'm a bit pressed for time, let's hurry back to the classroom.

I started walking at a faster pace than usual.

"That was really crowded, wasn't it, Sakayanagi-san?"

"Yes, it was. I'm sorry for causing trouble for everyone. I feel bad that you couldn't eat at the cafeteria because you had to match my walking pace."

"N-No! It's not your fault, Sakayanagi-san!"

"Yeah, that's right! It was just bad luck!"

As a group of 4.5 people approached, among them was a white girl who stood out from the rest.

Her hair and skin were so pale that she seemed to emit a white glow all over.

The people around her seemed unremarkable, lacking any particular physical features or evident talents. There was one student with blond slicked-back hair, wearing a partially unbuttoned dress shirt and casual pants, giving off a delinquent vibe. He might be one of the more interesting ones among the group.

However, the white girl walking towards them was different.

Though her physique was more like that of a girl than a woman, her perfectly balanced facial features exuded an overwhelmingly charming smile and graceful posture.

Her blue eyes, reminiscent of sapphires, were not only beautiful but also cold. Most of all, they were eyes filled with self-assurance.

The girl was using a cane while walking, suggesting that she had some sort of physical impairment.

Despite that, her presence didn't give off the fragility typical of a sickly girl; instead, it was reminiscent of a fierce predatory animal.

She continued to walk calmly, about to pass by them.

The group was engrossed in their conversation and seemed not to notice them.

In that moment of passing, their eyes met. It was a fleeting moment, but it left a strong impression on the protagonist.

Whatever she thought in that moment didn't matter.

This girl was strong. The specifics of what made her strong were irrelevant. But still, it wasn't enough...

"Boring."

It was an involuntary utterance, spoken in a very soft voice. It probably went unheard by the other members of the group, but the white girl likely heard it.

Without looking back, the protagonist walked towards the classroom.

As I felt the gaze from behind, lunch was more important than worrying about that.

***

"I have something to convey during today's homeroom. Once you hear it, we'll dismiss. Don't worry, even though I said 'convey,' it's just one thing. I'll keep it brief so it won't take away your after-school time."

All the classes were over, and it was time for the homeroom before leaving.

As Sakagami-sensei stood at the podium, the students fell silent.

Immediately, the teacher began speaking.

"What I'm going to talk about today is an additional explanation regarding points. Yesterday, I received some questions from several students, so I'll take this opportunity to explain.

The question was whether it's possible to increase points. The answer is yes. Club activities and student council are good examples. If you achieve good results in the club you join, your points will increase. The same goes for the student council.

We will have an orientation for new students in the future, so I recommend those who are interested in club activities or the student council to participate there."

In short, it's a reward. This will lead to students without talent joining clubs for the sake of points.

Boring.

"It seems like you all haven't had any trouble with using points these past two days. Use them wisely since there's nothing you can't buy with points.

Now, I'll conclude the explanation. Be careful not to forget anything and head home. Dismissed."

That was truly brief.

But still, there's nothing you can't buy with points... Is that so?

We really need to remove the perception that points are simply cash in numerical form.

Now that everyone has started leaving, it's time for me to---

"Hey, Kamukura, are you free after this?"

Ibuki-san approached me.

I wonder what she wants... Most likely, it's about the discussion on points. Unfortunately, I have plans after school today.

"I'm sorry, Ibuki-san. I have somewhere to go after this. I'm not free."

"I see. Then maybe next time."

"Yes. Once I've gathered my thoughts and formed a certain opinion, I'll talk to you."

"...I understand."

Ibuki-san had a somewhat embarrassed expression. It seems she's frustrated that I could guess what she was thinking.

She has quite a high pride. Very human, indeed.

Time is limited, so let's head to the intended place right away.

"What should I do with my time after this?"

Ignoring Ibuki-san's sigh-filled words, I proceeded towards my destination.