CHAPTER 2
Last Exam of the First Year
March 8.
Now in Class C, Chabashira-sensei as the homeroom teacher will announce the final special exam for class one.
There are 39 sets of tables and chairs for Class C.
Not long ago, there was 40, but now one less.
This was because Haruki Yamauchi had dropped out.
Not only from Class C, Manabe from Class D and Yahiko from Class A as well.
This change, has had a big impact on all the students in year 1.
The idea of 'must have rescue steps' that have been in their hearts has completely vanished.
While they had not yet recovered from the shock and sadness caused by the incident, the days continued to pass by.
Chabashira-sensei appeared after the bell that signaled the beginning of class.
There is not any extra chat in the class.
"—Then, the final special exam for the first class will be announced."
Chabashira-sensei began her explanation of the last special exam.
Even though they already knew that they could no longer hear Yamauchi's voice.
His friends Ike and Sudou tried to accept this reality.
"For today's final special exam, you will be asked to show us the comprehensive results that you have learned so far, including academics, physical abilities, teamwork, and maybe luck. In short, you need to play with your various potentials."
In general, Ike would usually immediately ask Chabashira-sensei blurt out a question.
However, he silently listened.
He had a feeling that 'the next person to drop out of school might be him.'
"This special exam, is based on the comprehensive ability of each class to compete in the 'event selection' special exam. It will be carried out according to the rules to determine the type of confrontation between classes, similar to the Paper Shuffle."
Special event selection exam, the final special exam theme for the year 1s. What is it about?
"First of all, to make it easier for you to understand when I explain it, I will use 10 white cards and 38 yellow cards that match the number of class students who will follow."
With that said, Chabashira-sensei arranged a blank card and stuck it on the blackboard.
Each card is approximately the same size as a playing card.
Although there is nothing written on the 10 white cards, on the other hand, the yellow card seems to have the name of the student on each card.
There are a total of 48 cards installed on the board.
Compared to the number of students in the class, the yellow card should be one less. Are there any reasons?
"First, let me explain the use of these 10 white cards. You must discuss with each other first, then set 10 'events' according to your preferences, and write the events on the cards."
After hearing this, Ike showed a confused face.
However, seeing him trying to hold back from interrupting, Chabashira-sensei showed an amused expression.
"If you have any questions, don't hesitate."
"N-no, but ... Wouldn't Sae-chan-sensei be angry if I interrupted in the middle of an explanation?"
Ike's worries were obvious.
"Without your extreme jokes, how can I be calm?"
So far, Chabashira-sensei only accepts questions at the end of the explanation, but in some cases she still let someone ask in the middle.
Most of his classmates focused their attention on Ike.
Even though he felt a little confused, he still said a few things where he felt doubtful.
"Well, that ... Event? What does it mean?"
"Written exams, chess, playing cards, baseball, and choosing anything you think will win according to your expertise. Then it's up to you to consider and make rules of each event."
"Hmm, can we decide freely?"
Although they were free to decide, he and several other students did not seem to understand.
"Although you can decide freely, there are some rules in determining events. At the extreme point, if competition and games are not known by many people, they will not be approved as events, so unless everyone knows, it can only be proposed. As a result, the rules of the event must be fair and easy to understand. For this purpose, after the event is proposed, the school will assess whether the event is appropriate and decide whether it is allowed. "
Of course, if someone chooses a special sport or game such as a personal hobby with certain rules, which are not known by most people. Then it would be unfair for the competitors.
However ... Even though it's like that, the rules are for us to decide.
"In addition, to avoid a draw, it is necessary to adjust the event. For example, in the Go rule, the same amount of land occupied by both parties is a draw. But to avoid this situation. In the placement of land half of the additional points, determined by white. Another example, in a Chess game, although it is difficult to get a draw, but if there is a situation where Remis occurs, it will result in a draw. Though this is very rare, the winner must be decided in this situation, and then we can decide the winner according to the number of chess pieces held. Please specify in advance detailed rules like this. In selecting this event, if you do not decide the rules of winning and losing, then the event cannot be used. "
(T / N: Remis is a situation where the king is not discrete, and cannot move at all and the other pieces cannot move besides the king. If there are still other pieces that can move, the mussels do not apply, because the player has another step besides the king. )
But, accompanying the event with win and lose rules, is too little.
Although there are countless types of events to some extent, events that can be chosen within the scope of all the students appear to be limited.
"So, let me set an example and practice what I just said. Ike, what are you good at? Anything is fine, don't hesitate."
"Hmm ... what can I do ..."
He didn't immediately answer the program he was good at, but he thought about it first.
"In that case, I think I am quite good at Rock–paper–scissors."
Hearing it like a joke, his classmates laughed.
However, Chabashira-sensei took the answer seriously and wrote 'Rock–paper–scissors' on the white card.
"In that case, let's assume that Rock–paper–scissors is the chosen event."
The class did not think that it would be taken seriously and Ike and his friends immediately became confused.
"How do you want the rules?"
"Then ... Win in three sets of games to win?"
Chabashira-sensei followed Ike's instruction and added the rules to the white card.
"Most people already know about this event, and the rules are simple and clear. As a result, the school would not mind using this event."
"That really can be adopted."
Although this event originated from spontaneous response, there were no problems with the school.
"Next, do this 9 more times, and 10 events have been selected."
Chabashira-sensei took the chalk and wrote it on the blackboard.
"The exam schedule is also very important. This special exam is roughly divided into three stages:"
Special Exams
March 8, the day of the announcement of the special exam. On the same day, determine the class' opponent.
March 15, determine 10 events. Announce 10 events and their respective rules.
March 22, the 'election day' special exam day.
"B-but sensei. If there are more than 20 events, wouldn't it be very time consuming?"
"Each class must re-select 5 out of 10 events on the day of the 'event selection' special exam and submit it after the 'wish'. In short, the battle program will be reduced to 10, not 20."
Hearing this, Horikita asked.
"That is, out of 10 shows, 5 of them are a hoax ... Does that mean that false information is being transmitted to the opponent?"
"It can also a role like that. 10 events that have been determined will automatically select 7 events randomly by the school mechanism that has been prepared. The process is like this."
Chabashira-sensei explained what was on her mind.
Compared to the previous special exams, the time for this particular exam takes seems to much longer.
The reason why in the end they chose 7 events, was because they had to guarantee a winner and loser.
Because the number of events is odd so there will be no draw, the winner will be determined by four wins of seven events.
"Even if a class wins before the completion of all 7 events, the game will continue until the final event. However, this is related to changes in class points. That is, even if the result is determined, they still have to compete with each other. The deadline for the submission of the 10 events is on the 14th of Sunday. However, it is mandatory for the school to check whether the program can be adopted. It is safer to make the schools review the events one by one as soon as possible."
"What if, until the 14th, we are unable to choose 10 events?"
"In this case, the school will set a pre-prepared event for you. But don't expect it to be suitable for your class. This will only be a disadvantage for you."
It seems that it would be better to assign 10 events directly.
"There is another point. The same class cannot register two identical events. If you have registered a football event with a winning rule with a difference of 2 goals, and you choose a football event by determining the winning result using the penalty kick as another event. The school will consider it invalid. I hope you keep this in mind. "
"Can I cancel a program that was decided?"
"This is not permitted."
"Then ... I want to ask about students who will be participating in the day of the exam. No matter who, or how many times someone participates, is that okay?"
"Regarding the rules about this program, if explained verbally, it might be difficult to understand in some places. For this reason, the school has prepared a sheet of paper containing detailed
notes about the rules. Furthermore, whether you will copy or do something with it, you are free to do as you wish. Horikita, the answer you are looking for is also well written in it. "
Although schools can also prepare paper for the appropriate number of people, perhaps this is a form of consideration.
If there is only one piece of paper, classmates will have to gather and read the contents together.
This makes it easy to guide everyone to talk and discuss it as class partners.
"The 10 events decided by each class will also be announced on the 15th. I have written them on the board. After all, if you did not know what event your opponent has chosen and what rules there are, it would be very difficult. "
This means we can study and practice for one week and take action.
There seems to be a battle to predict what the other party will choose on the day of the exam.
"Then, after the exam ends on the 22nd, there will be a day off on the 23rd. After that, the graduation ceremony on the 24th and closing ceremony on the 25th, then you will be able to enter spring break without worrying."
Enthusiasm can be very different depending on whether we end up winning or losing.
In short, I generally understood the explanation of the special exams chosen for this event.
However, from Chabashira-sensei's expression, it was vaguely seen that she still had something important to explain.
"In addition to event decision making, there are other things that are also very important. That is, to lead the class, one person must be a 'Commander' in this special exam. Students who become Commanders cannot directly participate in the event. I hope you all remember this. "
"Commander ..."
So, is that why there are 38 yellow cards?
"This is an important position that needs to be addressed in a responsive way. You must understand that the Commander is allowed to interfere in all events and help, such as changing players, working on problems that the participant cannot solve, and not just sports, even if it is Go and Chess, the Commander is given room to interfere. "
Is not that just to test the basic skills of students. But the Commander's involvement?
"The way for Commanders to intervene is also decided in the rules. I think, if you use Rock–paper–scissors as an example ... You can set it as 'when the Commander can participate, and can only do it once' or 'the Commander can replace players' You can set the method of participation. "
The same interventions in general will be allowed for the events.
In the case of baseball or soccer, if we make a commitment to a change of players, the Commander will play the role of a coach.
Even though there are 7 events, the 'intervention' factor will be a very important part.
"The Commander will receive personal points individually when he wins, but will also be responsible for defeat. Then, when the class is defeated, they will assume responsibility and be expelled from school."
Is this a mechanism to force the losers out of school?
"In this special exam, the Commander is very important. If you don't have a Commander, the test will not begin. If you cannot come to a decision about the Commander, come and talk to me, I will appoint it for you."
The form of this test is to ask for an individual.
As a result, the 'protection points' I obtained in the voting exam the previous day would be a large factor.
It is very clear that there are many eyes and emotional feelings directed at me now.
Because I am the only person who holds 'protection point' which can cancel an expulsion.
If I hold this 'protection point', I can avoid being kicked out of school even if I am defeated as a Commander.
But ---
Is it really the best choice to ask me to take the role of the Commander so that no one leaves school?
Or is it better to ask talented students like Horikita to become Commanders and increase the chances of winning even if it's only 1%? For students, they must choose which is better.
If there are students besides myself who voluntarily serve as Commanders, I'm afraid that most students won't object.
On the other hand, everyone will hang on to me if no one wants to be a Commander.
"How do we decide which class to face?"
"Students who are Commanders in each class will gather in the multipurpose room after school today. That is to determine someone by a lottery and let them choose their desired opponent. You have to discuss which class will be chosen before the draw."
The class that wins in the lottery has the right to determine which class to fight, and then the remaining two classes will automatically face each other.
"It's best to choose Class D, because we have a high chance of winning."
"Of course, if you choose a class D opponent who has poor overall abilities, the winning percentage will increase. However, it is not always the best to fight the lower classes."
If this is the case, then the chances of the other three classes choosing Class D is also very high - Chabashira-sensei said so. After the fall of Ryuuen, it was very easy to deal with Class D.
"The most important thing in this exam is not working together, but to take advantage of the strengths of each class."
Whether we fight with class A or class B, we don't need to worry.
In other words, as long as we choose a good event for our class, we have a higher chance to win.
However, the higher the difficulty, on the contrary the more advantages the class has.
When we heard Chabashira-sensei's comments, no one smiled.
At present, Horikita is constantly imagining in her mind - now Class C has the opportunity to challenge Class A and B with a chance to defeat them.
"However, this statement won't make you better. That means, if you lose this test and class D wins ... You will fall back down."
Chabashira-sensei took the chalk and wrote the current class points on the board.
Class points on March 1
Class A · 1001 points.
Class B · 640 points
Class C · 377 points
Class D · 318 points
Class C and Class D's points only slightly differ. In other words, even though we have been promoted to Class C within a year, we will return to Class D if we lose this last special exam.
That means, in the eyes of the students, they must obtain victory.
"Next, let's talk about changes related to class points ... Each event will raise or decrease class points by 30 points. If it is 7 consecutive wins, the class will get 210 points. If you win 5 times and 2 times losing, you will get 90 points from the opposing class. And the school will give 100 class points as the prize. "
That means, we can gain up to 310 class points.
According to the results of this event, we can get points from enemy classes. This rule is also quite desirable. The number of points in the upper class that cannot be reduced so far can now be reduced as much as possible. Depending on the settings and results of the event, it is possible to move up to Class B and possibly down to Class D.
"If the opposing class points are insufficient, the school will fill in the insufficient points. That is, the class points will become negative but will be 0 on the surface. However, the class must pay back the points in debt to the school."
In a form that cannot be seen, it means that the class points will be 0 or negative.
However, this time all classes have more than 210 points, so it seems we don't need to worry about this problem.