Chapter 122

A lot of time has passed since the special exam was announced. It seems that my classmates use group chat to discuss their favorite subjects.

It seems like it's because I didn't participate. The reason is simple: it would be troublesome if someone accused me of betrayal when I lost.

I don't think Koenji or Hirata are participating either.

Meanwhile, the HR on the way home is over. There may be some light discussion this time as well...

"H-Hirata-kun!"

As expected, Hirata goes home first. At that time, a girl calls out to him, but he ignores her.

It's been like that ever since that such a piece of trash disappeared.

When Kushida was expelled, he was still working but now Hirata's just a dead man walking.

"Then I'll excuse myself as well."

Koenji hummed as he stood up and left the classroom. With that said, I also finished getting ready to go home and left the classroom.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Albert and Ishizaki approaching the C class students with guns attached.

When it comes to messing around first thing after school, Ryuen is very thorough.

With that in mind, I leave school and head to the hospital in the shopping mall.

I have a test today, but I don't have any pain in my arm anymore, so I'm sure this test or the next test will show that I'm completely healed.

I went straight to the hospital and was examined by the doctor, but...

"...Yeah. It's okay now. Let's take off the bandage."

Apparently it's OK, so I just have the bandage removed.

When I moved my arm after all of it was removed, there was no pain, but it felt strange, probably because I hadn't moved it. I need to do some rehabilitation for a while.

(Well, it's possible to hug Hiyori and the others, so let's just say it's fine.)

As expected, it is still impossible to get close to each other, but if we can hug each other, we will be able to spend more fulfilling days than yesterday.

Even though I thought so, I talked with the doctor about my future plans before leaving the hospital.

And as I was walking down the road leading to the dormitory...

"What's that Demon doing...?"

When I was watching online news, I heard that Hiratsuka-sensei who was arrested for trying to break into this school punched a correctional officer inside the prison, causing the correctional officer's nose to break.

She's a Demon who will hit you if there's something she doesn't like, but it's too stupid to think she's being violent even in prison.

Even so, I have doubts about whether Sobu Junior High School is really a prestigious local school.

I don't know about the past, but when I was there, there were a lot of Rokudenashi.

Or rather, will Sobu Junior High School students be enrolled next year? I only knew one person in the grade one year below me, but her classmates pushed her to become the student council president, and there are probably few talented people in that generation.

I am talking about Iroha Isshiki, my only acquaintance, because of my circumstances, but if she were to enroll, I would be able to connect with the new first year students...

At the same time...

"Hmph, hmph."

Isshiki Iroha is humming in her room as she operates her computer. On her monitor is a video of a girl with a mosaic on her face... Iroha being assaulted by three girls.

"I'm glad the editing went well. Anyway, I've finished half of the editing so I guess I'll take a break."

Iroha stretches and then takes a bite of the cookie on the table.

"I wonder if there will be a graduation ceremony soon. I can't wait to talk about everything then, and I'm also looking forward to uploading videos online like my senior."

What I remember is Hachiman, who is one year older than me. Like Iroha, Hachiman was being bullied at Sobu Junior High School, and the bullied children had a deep relationship with each other, but before he entered the High School for Advanced Training, he exposed the photos and videos that could serve as evidence of the bullying.

He spread the secrets of the Hayama group, which is popular among Hachiman's peers, on the Internet, and thoroughly undermined the social status of the students who bullied him and the violent Hiratsuka-sensei.

I learned the ABCs from that.

I learned that the only people who are allowed to hurt others are those who are prepared to be hurt themselves, that oppressed people can seek revenge without giving in, and that winning is everything.

After Hachiman enrolled in Advanced Training High School, she trained her brain at home where no one other than her family could see, and thoroughly trained her body at boxing gyms and sports gyms located far away from Sobu Junior High School.

However, at school she pretended to be weak and was bullied, but she continued to collect evidence.

She can afford to kill someone half to death if she feels like it, but simply using violence will also damage herself, so she endures until the damage stops happening to herself.

And when she was ready, she planned to destroy their minds and bodies.

And also ruining the places they go to college.

Iroha sends bullying information and bad reviews to all the high schools where the girls who are violent towards her take entrance exams, and as a result, the bullied girls fail all of their entrance exams.

Of course, it is impossible for Iroha to know the school where the bullied child will take entrance exams by herself, but she uses the video of the bullying as a shield to find out from the principal where the bullied child will take entrance exams.

The principal's actions were unbelievable for an educator, but because of the bomb dropped by Hachiman last year, the school board and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology repeatedly yelled at him and told him there would be no next time, so he gave in to Iroha's threats.

Oops.

And since it's already March, it's certain that she will be a bullied middle school ronin.

"Aha. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of expressions they will see at the graduation ceremony♡"

Iroha's latest goal is to clean up the dust that will be exposed and come back on the graduation day.

I have carefully prepared countermeasures, and I plan to upload all the videos of the bullying to the internet the morning I enter the Advanced Training High School.

Iroha doesn't feel guilty.

She doesn't doubt that since she has been treated badly, it is okay for her to be treated badly.

I had endured all this time to ensure that those students would not be able to live a happy life.

"I'm looking forward to seeing you, Senpai ♡"

Iroha muttered while smiling evilly.

That smile was the kind of smile that would frighten an active person, but it was a smile that would make a non-active person feel happy.

The Iroha that was simply a taunt has already died, and the current Iroha is an Iroha that likes violence and hates trash.

"Kushun!"

I suddenly start sneezing. It's not cold today and the wind isn't blowing...but is someone talking about her?

There is a possibility. Because I'm spreading hostility in all directions.

Maybe the weak C-class is dissing me.

While thinking this, I returned to the dormitory and when I entered my room, there were three people in the living room, and when they saw my arm, they smiled happily and hugged me.

"I'm glad your arm has healed."

"Now you can hug me again..."

"I like being hugged by Hachiman, so hurry up..."

I can't refuse when someone asks me for something like that, so I spread my arms and hug the three of them together.

"""Ah..."""

The three of them were panting slightly as they slithered towards me.

It's been a while since I've hugged the three of them like this, but the feeling hasn't diminished at all and I feel a lot of happiness.

The most important thing is to be loved by three people like this, but if possible, I would like to avoid running into any big problems.

Even as I hugged the three of them, I dreamed of a dream that would never come true.

____________

It's Monday, and today is the day when the 10 events of the opponents will be announced.

Well, I can predict it even before it's announced.

My class will be competing with students who specialize in one point, and the A class will be competing with assignments that emphasize academic ability.

While I was thinking that, as I was changing into my uniform, my cell phone on the table began to vibrate.

When I checked, it was an email that seemed to be a free address...

"I will accept your invitation and sell information about the C-class from now on. First of all, I'll list the events selected by Class C that will be announced on HR this morning, so please hand it over to Hiyori Shiina for her to scrutinize the information. However, I don't want to end up with a lizard's tail cut off, so I would like to only communicate by email from now on.

As for the reward, instead of the right to be promoted to A class, I will request points for each piece of information. As for the compensation, I would like you to split it into an advance payment and a later payment.''

After that sentence, the 10 events, their rules, and how the control tower would be involved were written in great detail.

And finally...

"These are the 10 events decided in C class.

The favorite event and participants have already been decided, but the price is 30,000 upfront and 100,000 after.

I will give you the information as soon as the points are transferred.''

There is a sentence written like that.

This guy is quite cautious. It will be difficult to spot this guy.

The only way to find out is to trade for a while and then look at C-class phones.

Class C used the relief measure in the class vote, which completely eroded everyone's wallets, so if there is someone with a lot of points, that person is a spy.

However, since I'm from another class, it's too risky for me to check their phone to find a spy, so I have no intention of doing so.

On the other hand, Ichinose will eventually become aware of the existence of a spy, but due to her personality, it will be impossible to expose him.

Even if the spy were able to bring it out, if the spy got angry and said, "It's your fault that you saved the small fry and forced us to live a hard life!'', the middle-ranking members could sympathize with the spy and reject the small fry in the class.

Ichinose has to avoid that at all costs, so she probably won't be able to check her classmates' phones.

If this were Arisu or Ryuen, they would do it with ease. Or rather, when it comes to Ryuen, it seems like he checks their cell phone when he's taking a test to find out who's on a special offer or when he's trying to expose a spy.

The text of the email sounds masculine, but it might be a fake to make you think he's a man, so I don't think it's a good thing.

"Hachiman-kun. Breakfast is ready."

Hiyori brings breakfast, so I stand up and carry the food from the kitchen.

At the same time, Arisu and Masumi also came out of the changing room after taking a shower.

"I'm back"

"Thank you for the breakfast."

"No, no. Shall we eat then?"

Hiyori says so and sits down, so I sit across from her, Arisu sits on my right, and Masumi sits on my left.

""""I'll enjoy having this""""

We said hello and started eating. After all, Hiyori's breakfast is the best, because I don't feel like my day has started unless I eat it.

Honestly, the desert island exam and the forest school were hell, and it's depressing to think that there will come a time when I won't be able to eat Hiyori's breakfast again.

"Hiyori. I just received information about the selection event from a class C student. I'll send you a screenshot later, so please check with HR in the morning."

"Hey, I knew that Hachiman was trying to contact the C class students in a betrayal way, but it all worked out."

"Well, actually, there are quite a few complaints from C class students."

Even if the spy doesn't come out, an explosion will probably occur eventually.

To be honest, Ichinose's method is fine in a normal school, but it's not suitable for this school.

"Okay. Once you tell me, I'll check with HR in the morning and if it's correct, I'll talk to Ryuen-kun."

"Please do that. By the way, for your favorite event and participants, the advance payment is 30,000 yen and the after payment is 100,000 yen, so please prepare accordingly."

I may pay it for Hiyori personally, but I have no intention of paying it for the B class.

Well, the B class guys wouldn't make the stupid choice not to pay either.

"Yes. And once I know the favorite event, I'll look into the events I'm likely to win and go for the win in that event."

If they can defeat their opponent fairly and squarely without resorting to cowardice, the damage they will inflict on Class C will be immeasurable.

If that happens, I can't wait to see what happens.

On the other hand, I wonder how the showdown between us and A-class will turn out... To be honest, I have a plan in mind to stir things up, but since Arisu wants to fight Ayanokoji, I have no intention of making any moves.

Most likely, it will be decided in a relatively close battle.

One hour later...

"Now, let's start the morning HR. First, class A will announce the event they chose, so please go to the back."

Chabashira-sensei hands the printout to the first student, who passes it to the back.

I haven't heard any event announcements from Arisu either, so I'm looking forward to seeing what choices she'll make.

I also received a print, so I checked it...

・A class list-up 10 events "Chess" Required number of people: 1 person, time allowed: 1 hour (out of stock)

Rules: Follow normal chess rules. However, the time available does not increase after the 41st move.

Command tower: You can give instructions at any time and for up to 30 minutes using the time you have.

"Flash Mental Calculation"

Number of people required: 2 people Time: 30 minutes

Rules: The class that takes first place in a competition for accuracy and speed using mental arithmetic calculations wins.

Control Tower: You can change the answer to just one question. ''Go'' Required number of people: 3 people, playing time: 1 hour (losing and losing)

Rules: Play three 1-on-1 games at the same time. Follows normal Go rules.

Control tower: You may give advice at any time. "Shogi" Required number of people: 5 people, time: 1 hour (lose out)

Rules: Play 5 1-on-1 games at the same time. Follows normal shogi rules.

Control tower: You may give advice at any time. "Volleyball" required a number of people 6 people time limit 10 points first 3 sets

Rules…Same as normal volleyball rules

Command tower: You can replace 3 members at any time. "Chemistry test" Required number of people: 7 people Time: 50 minutes

Rules: Solve a set of problems within the scope of chemistry study in the first year and compete for the total score.

Control Tower...You can answer one question instead. "Physics Test" Required number of people: 8 people Time: 50 minutes

Rules: Solve a set of problems within the scope of mathematics learning in the first year and compete for the total score.

Control Tower...You can answer one question instead. ''Math Test'' Required number of people: 9 people Time: 50 minutes

Rules: Solve a set of problems within the scope of mathematics learning in the first year and compete for the total score.

Control Tower...You can answer one question instead. "Soccer" Required number of people: 11 people Time: 50 minutes

Rules: The first class to score three points wins. If both teams fail to score 3 points within the time limit, the class with the higher score wins. In case of a tie, a penalty shootout will decide the winner.

Command tower: You can replace up to two members at any time. "Dodgeball" Required number of people: 18 people Time limit: 2 sets of 10 minutes

Rules: Follow normal dodgeball rules. If it's 1 win and 1 loss, it's sudden death.

Playmaker: Can return one player who is out to the court at any time.

There are more sports than I expected. Moreover, in most cases, the control tower's involvement is small, so it has little effect on the outcome.

Moreover, all of the academic achievement tests involve a large number of participants, which puts us at a considerable disadvantage.

On regular exams, the average for A class is in the low 70s, and our class's average is in the low 60s.

It's a very well-balanced choice, combining academic ability tests, sports, and entertainment such as chess, Go, and shogi.

The exception is chess.

Chess is the only game in which the control tower is heavily involved, but this is probably a declaration of war against Ayanokoji as a game of chess.

"Do any of you have experience playing chess or Go?"

Since Horikita told me that, I don't want to ignore it, so I raised my hand just in case.

The only other guys I mentioned are Ayanokoji and Miyamoto.

"I've played Go before, but I've never played it with my family, so I'm not that good."

Miyamoto answered yes.

"I know the rules of Go and Shogi, and I'm at least intermediate in chess, but it would be reckless to play against Arisu."

"Now that I think about it, the control tower has a lot of involvement in chess, but how good is Sakayanagi-san at chess?"

"She's at a monster order of magnitude. The rate is also high."

"Rate? It's probably a chess rate, but what does it look like?"

Karuizawa asks a question here...

"Right now it's around 2,900. This number is at a level where you can earn a living among the top in the world."

Those words cause an uproar in the class, but Arisu's ability is seriously high.

Arisu, as expected, has a few losses against top-ranked players, but she hasn't lost against opponents below 2000, so she probably has enough skill to pass even as a professional.

"How old are you?"

"I think it was around 1650. In terms of ability, it's somewhere between intermediate and advanced."

By the way, I'm doing it at the recommendation of Arisu rather than Masumi and Hiyori, but it's a little over 1000.

My ability is about that of an intermediate level player.

"Does that mean I should give up chess?"

"It's going to be a tough battle because the control tower's involvement is so big. It all depends on Ayanokoji, the control tower."

"I've been playing chess and shogi for a long time. But I've never played Go."

I think Arisu started playing chess after seeing Ayanokoji playing chess in the White Room, but if that happens, he might be able to fight her.

But there's no guarantee that Ayanokoji, who hates standing out the most, will do his best.

"Maybe just having someone with experience will save us? But I can't ignore everything."

Horikita says so, but it actually doesn't go well with our class.

There are roughly three types of students in my class.

Students in the class like Ayanokoji, Koenji, and Matsushita are highly capable but have problems.

Students with clear strengths and weaknesses like Sudo, Yukimura.

Students like Sakura, Sato, and Shinohara who don't have any special weapons and have low potential.

That's what it feels like.

And although the events chosen by Class A are all genres, there are few students who can handle them.

In that case, regarding the events that Class A has chosen, they will have no choice but to narrow down the events that will help them win, and throw away students who are useless in the remaining events.

"I see... By the way, Hikigaya-kun, have you heard about the favorite event?"

"No. I haven't heard anything about this time. And I... no, it's nothing."

"What? Why did you stop? Answer me!"

I was about to answer Karuizawa's question that I was focused on bashing C-Class, but it would be troublesome if the others leaked the information to C-Class, so I cut it short and Horikita gave me a sharp look.

"It's not a big deal."

"Then there's no problem in talking!"

"Shut up Horikita-san, there's no point in shouting. Didn't you learn common sense to ask politely if you want to know something?!" Karuizawa retorted to Horikita, glaring at her.

Horikita looked displeased, and narrowed her eyes at Ayanokoji, silently asking him to shut his girlfriend up.

Ayanakoji ignored her gaze, and looked out at the window instead, trying to be innocent.

Cough.

"Getting back to the topic, I haven't asked Arisu about the favorite event, but I can make some guesses. Do you want to hear it?"

It's already a hassle, so I ignore her, avert my eyes from Horikita, and reply to Karuizawa.

"Yes, I'm interested, please explain Hikigaya-kun."

"Bastard, don't ignore Suzune!" Sudo, yelled.

"I'm not under anyone's control, so there's no reason for me to be told what to do unlike someone else.

So, regarding the favourite, I'm going to put almost 100% in the chess, math, physics, and chemistry tests. The other one is... Dunno"

"Wait?! It's too sudden!"

People around me are panicking, but they don't know what I'm thinking.

"There's no need to panic. Chess has a big role in the control tower, so she'll definitely include it, and most of the students in my class are idiots, and many of the smart students are liberal arts types. As long as we're going to win, we're going to play this game."

Dodgeball and soccer would be fake.

There is no doubt that there are many students in A class with high potential, but there are many students in D class who specialize in sports like Sudo and Onodera, so there is a risk when choosing.

Regarding Go and Shogi, the control tower's involvement is small, and there is a possibility that there is a hidden warrior in the D class, and Arisu will not attack that.

If that happens, she will be able to improve her performance in the remaining academic ability-related items.

And there are a lot of liberal arts types in my class, including me.

"I don't know about the other one, but if you want to beat Class A, you have to win in their academic ability category.''

Well, I don't think it will go that well.

From the other side's perspective, it's a subject they chose and they should never fail, so they'll probably come with all their might.

"Well, that's all for my thoughts on the A-class favorite event. I'll leave it up to you whether you believe it or not."

Well, if you don't believe it, that's fine.

I only said this because there will be a penalty if you cut corners.

Thinking so, I was about to go to the vending machine to buy a drink, but Horikita cut in.

"Wait. We're not done talking yet."

"In my mind, it's over. In the first place, are you in a position to say things to me from above?"

I have a better track record at this school, and at least I'm better than Horikita, who has little value outside of Ayanokoji's hideout.

"Well, there's no damage to the D-class, so don't worry. I'm not going to say anything more."

If I tell Horikita, who is in contact with Ichinose, the C-class leader I'm trying to criticize, it might leak out.

Horikita was glaring at me, but I snorted and laughed as I left the classroom.

She's getting more annoying lately, maybe I should target her in the next special exam?