The most dangerous creation of any society is the man who has nothing to lose."
-James Baldwin
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Ferroce: The second system of the school is the "Sovereign System," which has a few titles that will give students the opportunity to have control over the campus. The Ranks are the Emperor/Empress, the Ace, and the King/Queen.
Nashimi's voice was filled with curiosity as she questioned her teacher, Ferroce, about the peculiar system known as the "Sovereign System," or "SS" for short. She couldn't help but wonder why such a system existed when there was already the well-established Z-system in place. With genuine intrigue, she sought an explanation from her Teacher.
Ferroce, with a hint of conviction in her voice, pondered for a moment before responding. She carefully chose her words, understanding the importance of conveying her thoughts clearly. "You see, my dear Nashimi," she began, "the sovereign system is not just all about titles and rankings. It represents something much deeper—authority."
Her words hung in the air, leaving Nashimi intrigued yet even more perplexed. She yearned to unravel the mysteries concealed within this enigmatic system. As her mind raced with questions, she eagerly awaited Ferroce's further elucidation, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate workings of the sovereign system.
Ferroce: "Authority is a very interesting concept, is it not? The power to control the inner workings of this establishment, does not affect your ego? Does it not give you a sense of superiority to have control? To be better than the others? Power, as it is, is a fundamental thing that drives individuals to their utmost limits, even shattering said limits."
She paused for a moment, looking at Nashimi directly in her eyes—no, to her soul, to her very being of conscience—and said, "That is authority.".
Nashimi responded, "I get what you're trying to say, but I won't associate with it. It's not something I fully agree with. Only few could handle that amount of responsibility. "
Ferroce: "The school doesn't force anyone to join; it is very encouraged to have their own way of thinking, their own collective perspectives."
Ferroce: "Considering you understand the gist of the SS and not be part of it, we should move forward to the third system. Ferroce, with an air of anticipation, introduced the third system known as the 'X-system' or 'XS'. This system, unlike the previous ones, which attributes to ranks, hierarchy, power, and all that. Instead, it was a unique, mandatory event that unfolded every weekend, from Saturday to Sunday.
"You could think of it as a thrilling game of deduction, akin to a detective mystery or a cat-and-mouse chase," she explained. "Every week, two students are chosen to be 'X', one male and one female. Their task is to keep their identities a secret until the end of the week, while the rest of the students become detectives, trying to unmask them."
She further elaborated that the chosen 'X' students would be notified via email at 8:50 pm on Friday. If they managed to keep their identities hidden until the end of the week, they would be rewarded with the following: {extra Rank points, higher rank placement in the Z-system}. However, students who cast their votes for the wrong person would lose a certain percentage of their points. Also, the students who are falsely voted on will gain the certain percentage of points as compensation.
Nashimi, intrigued by this unique system, posed a question to her Teacher. "And what about the students who correctly identify 'X'? And what happens to the assigned students if they are successfully unmasked?"
Ferroce, again with anticipation, answered Nashimi's question: "The ones who correctly vote them out will receive an equivalent amount of points from the 'X' student they voted out. The 'X' student who was identified—is expelled."
Nashimi thought, "What is with this institution and expulsion?"
Nashimi couldn't help but ponder the recurring theme of expulsion at the institute. As she sat in silence, she meticulously analyzed the various future threats from fellow students, the unexpected endeavors that had come her way, and now this latest predicament. With a sharp mind and quick thinking, she swiftly devised countermeasures for countless possibilities, estimating around nine hundred thousand options in just a mere three seconds of contemplation. Her ability to strategize and adapt was truly and utterly remarkable.
Nashimi: "hmm...
I see, this school is quite interesting. I might actually try."
Ferroce was intrigued by this revelation that the new student had not even given much effort till now. She said, "I definitely see why Sir Dianoia personally gave you that rank in the Z-system now.".
As the day drifted, Nashimi found herself walking with Adam after school at one of the school shops that sells pastries, coffee, and tea. They then both sat at the same table, parallel to each other. The atmosphere was peaceful, with only a few other students within the shop. Nashimi ordered a simple cappuccino with some chocolate chip cookies; Adam, however, ordered Macha milk tea with no pastries.
Adam paid for everything, and Nashimi was thankful for his generosity that he insisted on.
Since the atmosphere was getting cold and quite silent again, Adam decided to start a conversation.
Adam: "So Nashimi, what's your type?"
Nashimi's eyes glinted at him, internally bewildered but externally stoic. She didn't really know how to assess this question but decided to speak in a calm manner.
Nashimi: "That's quite fast to talk about, considering our level of relationship currently."
Adam: "I mean, if you want to or not, it's just a question to spark a conversation."
Nashimi: "And your conversation starter is, 'What's your type?' Won't some people get the wrong ideas, Adam?"
Adam: "Well, probably—but it's interesting to talk about relationships and the bonds between them. It can dive into a philosophical conversation with the right understanding, and I was always a child of philosophy."
Nashimi: "I suppose if you meet the right people who can read between the lines, that is..."
Adam: "I'm meeting her now."
Nashimi's calm exterior suddenly took a hit, ever so slightly revealing a blush, but Adam had not noticed it. She composed herself and tried to act logically and rationally through her words.
Nashimi: "You're referring to me, no?"
Adam: "Of course it's you; who else would it be?"
Adam chuckled at the dryness of their conversation; Nashimi, on the other hand, looked a little embarrassed by the fact that they looked like mismatched couples from everyone else's perspective.
After eating, they headed out of the shop and walked to the main gate. "It's time to go home, it seems; I'll see you tomorrow then, Nashimi," Adam said.
"It seems so," Nashimi replied.
They parted ways after saying their goodbyes.
Nashimi walked back to the condo. It was almost 6:10 when she arrived at the door.
Nashimi: "Brother, are you home?"
She entered, and the first thing she saw was her brother and Nine playing video games in the living room. Nine turned his back to greet her and immediately went back to playing. Shiki did the same as well.
Shiki: "Oh right, I cooked some dinner for you in the kitchen. Go eat now."
Shiki said to Nashimi twbo was still fixited at the screenplaying video games.
Nashimi: "okay."
[The next morning, 4:20 AM]
Shiki awoke due to ruffling sounds in the direction of Nashimi's bedroom. He aims to check it out as he heads to her door and knocks a few times.
Shiki: "Nashimi? What's with the noises?"
He was met with an open door and Nashimi behind it, already in her uniform.
Shiki: "Why are you already changing in your uniform at this hour? It's really early."
Nashimi: "An email from the school notified me that all students will have a special exam at 5:00 AM, and I was about to tell you this. Don't bother cooking, I already eat."
Shiki: "A special exam, huh? I guess that will be early. By the way, how many rank points do you have?"
Nashimi: "a little over 2 million; that is due to my early high ranking."
Shiki: "I guess you are quite set. The price to negate an expulsion is only 2 hundred thousand rank points."
Nashimi: "When you said you checked about the school, you really looked at every minute detail."
Shiki: "Of course, I wouldn't want my sister to be bored. There are a handful of students who are somewhat 'comparable' to you in overall ability, but there is only one that surpasses you in intellect, maybe."
Nashimi: "really?"
She said it with curiosity and a questioning aura.
Shiki: "Yep, wait, what was his name again?"
Shiki thought for a few moments and said, "C'mon memories, don't fail me now." He continued with, "Well, I did check every student's background" as he laughed nervously.
Nashimi: "You have terrible memories, brother..."
Shiki: "Wait, I got it—he's name is Adam Yagami."