"Wouldn't it be difficult to figure out those details in this stage? Besides, I don't think you can resolve this simply by investigating. Everyone in our class arrived late and talked too often." Amanda said.
As she said, it was difficult to conclude anything based on the current information. Also, her usually cool, composed attitude was nowhere to be seen. She appeared to be impatient.
"Are you also trying to get into college?" I wondered.
"Why do you ask?"
"When we learned about the differences between A and D, you looked shocked."
"But, so was almost everyone in the class, more or less. If they had told us at the start, that would have been one thing, but to explain it at this stage. It's just ridiculous."
Well, she was definitely right about that. There was probably a lot of discontented grumbling coming from Class C and B students as well. After all, the school treated every class except for A, like leftovers. Trying to get to the top was probably the only option any class had.
"I think, before we start talking about A or D or whatever, we should devise a plan about securing points."
"Points are just a byproduct of our performance, though. Not having points won't hinder our lives here at school. We have free options at almost every corner." Amanda said.
If you put it that way, it would be a relief for the students who had used all of their points.
"Won't hinder our lives at school, huh?"
If you just wanted simply to get by, this wouldn't cause a problem. However, there were so many things you could only obtain with points. For example entertainment, clothing, etc. If those things won't pose any issues, then it would be fine, but…
"So, how many points did you use?"
"Me. I think probably 2000."
This was a tragic situation for students who had used all of their points. Like John, who was ranting and raving at his desk. Leo also spent almost all of his. Noticing their behavior Amanda spoke.
"While how unfortunate it may seem, they have simply reaped what they have sown."
It was certainly true that spending 10,000 points or rather $10,000 dollars, in just a month was an issue in itself.
"They baited us into spending all our points over the course of one month, and we feel for it. No matter how anyone says, we are indeed pathetic."
Ten thousand points per month. Even though everyone thought it was too good to be true, nobody cared about it in the slightest.
'Cough, cough'
"Attention, everyone. Before class begins please listen to me for a moment. Especially you, Donald." The class was still in a chaotic situation, but Alex claimed everyone's attention when he stood at the teacher's podium.
"Tch, what is it?" Donald grumbled.
"We didn't get any points this month. This is a serious problem and one that will have a huge impact on our daily lives moving forward. It's impossible for us to make it to the graduation with zero points, right?"
"You are absolutely right!" shouted one of the female students, with a voice full of despair, and yes Alex was famous among female students so…
"Of course. Therefore, we must earn points next month. To do that, we all need to cooperate with each other. So please don't be late to class or talk during the lecture. Also, the use of cell phones during class is strictly prohibited from now on."
"Huh? And who the hell are you telling us what to do? Besides if the points don't increase after doing all that, then what."
"As long as we continue talking during class & being late, our points won't increase, I am sure of that. Although we cannot go below zero, disruption will, without a doubt, count as a strike against us."
"I am still not convinced. Besides, even if we get serious and work hard in class, our points won't necessarily go up." Donald snorted and crossed his arms in defiance.
Noticing Donald's behavior, Kate commented.
"The teacher did say that being late & talking in class were obviously not good things, right?"
"Yeah, I agree with Kate. It's only natural to avoid doing those things."
"That's just your selfish interpretation. Besides, do you have any idea how to increase our points? No, right. Then first figure that out & try talking me."
"Yes, you are absolutely right that I have no idea how to increase our points. I am really sorry for wasting your valuable time." Alex said politely with bowing his head towards Donald. "However, Donald if you just cooperate…-"
"You know what, Do whatever you want, I don't care anymore. Just don't involve me in it or you will very much regret it. Understand?" Donald snapped.
As if being in the room made him feel comfortable, he left immediately.
"Donald can't even read the room. He is the one who was late to class the most. Could not we still get some points without him?"
"Yeah. He really is the worst. Why he has to be in our class?"
Until now, everyone had been enjoying their luxurious lives to the absolute fullest. No one had any complaints against Donald. But when things started getting sideways, everyone started having problems with him.
There was a saying that, 'When humans were faced with truly terrifying circumstances, they didn't think about other people around them. They were even willing to sacrifice those around them. By exposing that unsightly part of them, they could no longer get along.'
This was the basic human tendency; just blame someone else for your own sins. What a twisted mentality this society had?
Alex stepped down from the podium and, strangely, stopped right in front of my desk.
"Philip, Amanda, do you guys have a moment? I want to talk to you about the point issue. I would like you to join me."
"Why do you want us?" I asked.
"I want to hear everyone's response. However, if I ask for everyone to weigh in, I think more than half of the class probably won't take it seriously."
So, he wanted to ask us individually. I doubted I would be able to come up with any useful ideas, but I supposed it could not hurt to talk. Just as I was about to say something…
"I am sorry can you ask someone else? I am not particularly good at discussing things with others," said Amanda.
"We would not force you to talk or anything. If you could help us think of something, that would be good. Simply being there would be enough." Alex said.
"I am sorry, but I have no interest in something meaningless."
"This is the first trial we are facing together as a united class D. So the----"
"I said. I don't want to participate." Her words came out really cold and harsh. While she had considered Alex's position she refused him once again.
"I…I see. I am really sorry for disturbing you. But if you change your mind, I would love for you to join us."
Amanda had already stopped looking at Alex, who withdrew dejectedly.
"What about you, Philip?" he asked.
Honestly, I would be glad to participate. However, if Amanda was the only one absent, then she might be treated the same as Donald.
"Ah…I will pass. I am sorry."
"No, I am sorry for bothering you. If you change your mind please let me know."
Alex probably understood what I was thinking. I had not rejected him strongly.
After the discussion ended, Amanda began preparing for the next class.
"Alex is a great guy. He is able to get everyone to take action just like that. People can easily get depressed in these situations."
"That's one perspective, yes. If we could easily solve this by talking, that would be fine. However, if an unintelligent student tries to lead the discussion, the group will fall into further chaos, to the point where there is no hope of salvaging anything. Besides, I can't meekly accept my current situation."
"You can't accept what now? What do you mean?"
Amanda did not answer my question. She just fell silent.
.
.
.
.
The class had ended for the day. Alex stood at the podium, using the tablet to prepare for our big discussion. Because of Alex's powerful charisma, almost everyone in the class had shown, with the exception of a few like Amanda & Donald. When I looked around, I noticed that they had already left the room.
I decided to leave before the discussion got into full swing, as well.
As I was about to leave, the loudspeaker came alive with a soothing sound effect, and a robotic voice issued an announcement.
"Philip Garrix, from first-year Class D. Please come see Miss Elena in the faculty office."
'Great. Now, what have I done to be called to the faculty office?' I muttered to myself with a sigh.
My life here was getting more & more tedious with each passing day.
So much for a peaceful life, huh.