The classroom buzzed with nervous energy as the students prepared for the exam. Everyone knew the stakes—anyone scoring below 40 would be expelled. But amidst the tension, Waskuruni sat at his desk, appearing calm and uninterested. While others panicked, he remained composed, as if this exam was just another routine task.
Miss Matsuba walked in, her authoritative presence instantly quieting the room. She held a stack of papers, and with a sharp look at the class, she began distributing them. "This exam will test your strategy and intelligence, not just your knowledge," she said coldly. "Carelessness will be punished, and remember, a score below 40 means expulsion."
A Calculated Approach
As Waskuruni received his exam paper, his mind was already working. He scanned the questions, identifying the traps hidden within. He knew he could easily get a top score, but that wasn't his goal. Like Ayanokoji, he understood the power of remaining unnoticed. He would deliberately answer just enough to stay within the average range.
Sayuri, sitting to his left, noticed how calm Waskuruni was. She had seen glimpses of his true brilliance before. She watched him for a moment, wondering why someone so skilled would choose to hide. But she understood—Waskuruni was different, always thinking several steps ahead.
The Exam Tension
As the exam began, the students dove into their papers. Some rushed through, while others hesitated, trying to avoid the hidden pitfalls. Nina, known for her charm and influence, was focused, trying to balance speed and accuracy. Haruka, sitting in the back, was already sweating, unsure if he could make it.
Waskuruni, however, approached the exam with precision. He answered the most critical questions, ensuring he would score just enough to avoid attention. His strategy was clear: remain average, stay hidden, and let others fight for the top. He could've been the best, but he knew that being the best painted a target on your back.
Sayuri, on the other hand, debated internally. She wanted to perform well, but something told her to follow Waskuruni's approach. She trusted her instincts and answered cautiously, focusing on not making mistakes rather than chasing perfection.
After the Exam
When the time was up, Miss Matsuba collected the papers, her expression unreadable. The students began to leave, exchanging nervous glances. Sayuri caught up with Waskuruni in the hallway.
"You stayed calm the whole time," she remarked. "You don't seem worried about the results."
Waskuruni shrugged, keeping his usual calm facade. "It's just an exam. Worrying won't change anything."
Sayuri smiled, though she felt there was more to him than he let on. "I know you held back. You could've aced it, couldn't you?"
Waskuruni said nothing, but his eyes revealed the truth. She was right, and they both knew it. He didn't need to prove anything to anyone. His goal was to navigate the system, not to stand out.
The Results Await
As the students headed back to their rooms, whispers spread about who might get expelled. Some were confident, while others, like Haruka, were anxious. The results would be revealed soon, and everyone was on edge.
Later that evening, Sayuri invited Waskuruni to her room. They discussed the exam and the strange point system at the school. "We need to work together if we want to survive here," Sayuri said, handing him a cup of tea.
Waskuruni remained silent for a moment before nodding slightly. "I know," he replied, his voice calm but distant.
Sayuri studied him, realizing that Waskuruni was more than just a skilled student. He was a strategist, always thinking ahead, always calculating. But why hide it? That question lingered in her mind as they talked.
As the night went on, Sayuri couldn't help but feel that Waskuruni was deliberately keeping everyone in the dark. But she knew one thing for sure—he was someone she could rely on, someone who understood the complexities of this school better than anyone.