"What's the agenda, John?"
Lily appraised cheerfully, raising her arms skyward like an enthusiastic child that is just about to receive their favourite toy.
Her two burly companions mirrored her gesture.
There were also several other young women who followed suit, aspiring to make a favourable magnificent on John.
They believed that by showing support, he would take an intimation of them.
The male students also seemed inclined to cultivate a positive rapport with him.
Only Jass and her roommates remained aloof, standing apart from the crowd.
'This scenario mirrors countless novels I have completed. It is similar to the arc. I have posed a query to the principal to dispel my uncertainties. It seems like everything aligns with typical plot structures.'
From the corner of eyes, Jass discreetly observed Cassie, then shifted her gaze to John.
'If that's the case... Cassie must feel some desirability towards him. But… Why isn't she showing preference? I didn't forget that Cassie mucked in with the protagonist. All because he intervened when Lily, that troublemaker, tried to assault her.'
"Why aren't you three participating? His family incorporates an amazing supremacy across North America."
Jass didn't directly trouble Cassie with Arrow type interaction.
Avora, Muskan, and the main character expressed their intention to remain impartial, reserving judgement and keeping their individual perspectives.
'Fascinating! I should focus on the critical details. Everyone has located their allocated tokens and there's a hidden traits which is something many of them had overlooked…'
'If someone relinquishes their coin to another and fails to reclaim it, they face demotion to a lower rank while the recipient ascends.'
'For example: Should my token be stolen by a Class D individual, and I'm unable to retrieve it before the deadline, I will be relegated to Class D while the taker would rise to Class S. This explains the principal's cryptic advice to 'live like a lion.''
Jass strangely scratched her nose.
'It's more akin to how a dominant creature in an ecosystem can be usurped. When the ruler of a territory falls to a challenger, be it another of its kind or a different predator, the victor overcomes and takes control of the domain.'
Jass condolence for her roommate. However, she had partially lied to them about collecting fifty coins.
Of course, the more coins you collect, the less likely you are to be eliminated from the competition if anything happens.
The actual requirement is that seven coins per person are enough to stay in the same class.
Additionally, there are special points awarded for demonstrating your worth as part of a team, given by the principal and other teachers' charts on performance.
"Listen up, everyone! From Class D to A, we are all in this together. It's just a trial. Have you pictured why our esteemed principal compels us to emulate lions?"
John gestured expansively, and his classmates shook their heads with a quest mark beside their heads.
"It's because we are a unit, and lions fiercely protect their gratification for the greater good with its family."
"This institution is renowned, but rather than obsessing over class promotion, we should collaborate to overcome this challenge. Let's unite and pass this test as one."
As he culminated, a genuinely concerned classmate looked at him as if he were nothing but an impeccable stupid.
Although the curriculum and activities leftover are consistent across levels, It amounts to a higher class furnished with many types of advantages.
The government contributes… top-tier students with exceptional opportunities after they hit the compulsory age.
This is mostly about joining the military without basic training or securing elevated positions — potentially even the presidency.
Their previous administration comprised alumni who had excelled at this institution.
In fact, one graduate nearly became Vice President of Asia, facing no opposition due to the school's comprehensive education, which garnered respect from all political factions.
"Alright, everyone. Those who are worried about their future prospects, please be positive. All the students enrolled this year are my associates, and as a same year student like you, I'll give them benefits. Simply because you are my people."
John aimed to dispel doubts and charm his peers. His family's wealth was sufficient to handle any potential backlash or gossip.
The group kept their tongue asleep but nodded subtly, saluted their positions and were unable to disagree.
John's tone conveyed sincerity, convincing them to place their trust in him.
"Awesome, it seems we are all in agreement. How about entrusting me with your tokens? This way, we can operate as a unified front, avoiding any potential controversy."
John proposed this idea, and Lily didn't hesitate before handing over her token, setting an example for the other girls who followed suit.
His charisma proved effective. The boys, though initially reluctant, eventually complied.
At last, only four individuals were holdouts - Jass's roommates.
'Hand over the fake stuff I allocated to you. We will examine everything else later.'
Jass, prophesying this circumstances, transmitted a message to her three companions.
The tokens weren't particularly unique; a skilled artisan could easily craft them.
She had purchased identical-looking tokens from the system's marketplace with $100 for four people after verifying the original design.
This digital bazaar offered a vast array of items, all available for purchase with real currency.
Prices were non-negotiable, but users could also sell certain goods through the platform.
Jass's three companions put their faith in her, refraining from questioning her strategy.
Thinking about if there is some dubiety in a few people's hearts, Jass utilises the role of an antagonist, at first showing her scepticism.
Her allies feigned to persuade her, creating a convincing performance to the world.
Eventually, Jass relented, handing her token to Cassie, who then passed it to John.
He flashed a self-satisfied grin at Jass, leaving her to wonder about his wrong intentions.
His smug expression suggested he might have plans to revenge for her earlier provocations.
'Let's see what mess is coming towards me. I need to investigate this myself.'
Jass said in mind and shortly after, the group entered the cavern, intending to make it their temporary shelter for the next few hours.
At this point, There were already up To hundred students. The students began dividing tasks among themselves as they walked in.
This was an unexpected development that caught them off guard.
As the last person stepped inside, an invisible barrier materialised, sealing the entrance.
Despite being able to see the outside world, no one could exit.
By this time, over 100 students had entered the cave. It didn't take long when panic and confusion disorganisation escalate.
"W-What's going on?"
"Why are we confined here? All of us can still view the outside from the inside..."
"Damn, what if there's something creepy in here with us?"
"Hey, you female student, watch where you are releasing shitty gas!"
"Oh my, this is unbelievable! This is like a rose flower smell since it was my crush."
"... What the fuck?"
"What's your next plan?"
Jass called John with arms folded across her chest, her tone icy and stood beside him and smiled derisively.
'I don't think there is a single camera. Wherever I go, Only troubles love me there…'
John's brow furrowed as he pondered the situation. He suspected surveillance equipment might be hidden in this dungeon-like environment.
With a poker face, he shouted loudly.
'Is there a way to escape? Why are events deviating from my real ideas?'
'Previously, before I sought a blessing from the eternal wishing tree, bandits ambushed me, and the tree withheld its gift. Could my fortune truly be this abysmal?'
The entire group turned to John for guidance. For a brief moment, he smiled ruefully, regretting his earlier display of heroism.
John quickly composed himself and addressed the crowd:
"Everyone, please calm down and Give me a moment to opine about our options."
Jass wantonly fure the angst among the students.
"Why? Do you think we have time? You recommended we should stay inside here for hours? What if someone attacks us? Imagine if a monster gradually devours us all and eats our inner organs when we are alive!"
"No! I don't want to die!"
"Waaah, I miss home!".
"Perhaps there's an attractive monster girl who might step on me."
"Seriously? Your fetish again?"
"This is John's fault. We should have stayed outside."
"Quiet! He might hear you."
"Dickh- Ahem, Please don't be childish and terrify them."
John silently cursed Jass, biting back his words and swallowing his anger. But…
"Why are there humans in my territory?"