The next morning, Ryo stood in the courtyard outside the main building, observing his surroundings in the early sunlight. It had rained last night, and the grass was still slick, glistening in the light, making the grounds seem peaceful. But there was nothing peaceful about the Institute's real intentions. The memory of the principal's words echoed in his mind. This place doesn't tolerate mediocrity.
He watched other students gathering in small clusters, heads close together as they whispered among themselves. Though Ryo could hear only fragments of their conversations, it was clear that the tension from the previous day hadn't faded. Some were already nervous, clearly aware of how high the stakes were. Others looked quietly defiant, like they were already strategizing ways to climb to the top. The social games had started even before the first day of classes.
Ryo's quiet observation was interrupted by a familiar voice. "You look like you're scheming already," Mayu said, coming to stand beside him.
He glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Just watching. Besides, it seems like everyone else is already on edge. It's only natural to keep an eye out."
Mayu smiled slightly, though there was tension in her eyes. "Seems that way. I saw some of the Class A students chatting earlier. They already have that smug look, like they know they're going to make it to the top."
"And maybe they will," Ryo replied, his tone indifferent. "But I don't see why that should matter to us."
Before Mayu could respond, a loud, authoritative voice called out. "Attention, students!" It was a tall woman with sharp features and piercing eyes, standing near the main doors. She wore a severe black uniform, and her gaze swept over the crowd with an air of impatience. "Report to the Hall of Potentials. Your orientation will continue there. You're late if you're not already moving."
The students exchanged glances and began moving toward the hall. Ryo fell into step beside Mayu, who looked around anxiously. "I wonder what they're planning to tell us this time. It's odd, isn't it? They're holding back so much information. Most schools would at least let us see a schedule by now."
"Maybe that's part of their method," Ryo replied, his voice calm. "Keeping us in suspense, seeing who adapts and who falls apart. They want to know how we react when things are uncertain."
Mayu's frown deepened. "So, they're testing us even before the classes start?"
Ryo nodded, a faint smile touching his lips. "Probably. Everything here feels like a test, doesn't it?"
They reached the hall, where the other students were already filing into their seats. Ryo spotted Kenji in the middle row, lounging with a smug expression on his face, his arms crossed. The boy looked like he owned the place, and he shot a cool glance at Ryo and Mayu before turning his gaze away with a faint smirk.
As they took their seats, the same principal from yesterday, Moriyama, entered the hall. He strode up to the podium, adjusting his silver-framed glasses as he glanced over the gathered students.
"Good morning," he began, his voice clear and controlled. "Today marks the beginning of your journey here at the Institute. But before you embark on that journey, there are things you must understand—rules you must know if you intend to succeed here."
The students murmured softly, some leaning forward in their seats. Ryo kept his expression neutral, but he focused intently, knowing that Moriyama's next words could reveal a lot about how this place truly worked.
"Let me introduce you to the point system," Moriyama said, his eyes glinting. "Here at the Institute, you will be judged not only on your academic performance but on your conduct, adaptability, and the influence you exert over others. Points will be awarded and deducted based on your choices, your actions, and your effectiveness in various tasks. These points determine your class ranking and your privileges within the Institute."
The murmurs grew louder. Ryo heard someone a few rows ahead mutter, "A points system? What is this, some kind of game?"
Moriyama's gaze flickered to the source of the voice, his expression hardening. "This is no game, Mr. Ishikawa. Think of it as a reflection of the real world. Your worth, your influence, and your ability to make the right choices are what matter here. Fail to accumulate enough points, and you will find your privileges restricted. Accumulate enough, however, and you may find doors open to you that were previously closed."
Mayu shifted uncomfortably beside Ryo. She whispered, barely loud enough for him to hear, "Sounds like they're trying to turn us against each other."
He kept his gaze forward, replying quietly, "That's the point, isn't it? They want to see who's willing to do whatever it takes."
Moriyama continued, "Points are not distributed equally among the classes. Class A students receive the highest base points each month, followed by Class B, and lastly, Class C. However, there are opportunities for all students to earn additional points through tasks and challenges. Success in these tasks will be handsomely rewarded. Failure, however…" He let the word hang in the air, its meaning unmistakable.
Ryo could sense the tension in the room thickening, students exchanging anxious glances. They weren't just competing for academic scores here. They were fighting for their survival in a way most of them had never imagined.
Kenji's hand shot up, and Moriyama nodded at him to speak. "So, if a Class C student outperforms a Class A student in these tasks, they can potentially rise above them in the rankings?"
Moriyama's lips curled into a faint smile, like he was amused by the question. "In theory, yes. However, understand that moving between classes is not easy. Simply outperforming others will not guarantee your ascent. There are… other factors."
Kenji nodded, though his smirk faded slightly as he realized he'd gotten only a partial answer. Ryo noted the frustration in his eyes. For all Kenji's confidence, it was clear he wanted more control over his position in the hierarchy, just as most others did.
Moriyama's gaze swept over the students once more. "In addition, I should warn you about the penalties. If you fall below a certain point threshold, you will lose privileges. Fail repeatedly, and you may find yourself dismissed from the Institute. Only those who prove themselves valuable to this place are allowed to stay. Remember that."
The principal's words cast a heavy silence over the room. It was one thing to compete for points, but knowing that their place here was constantly on the line changed the stakes entirely. This wasn't a school; it was a battlefield, one where every misstep could be punished.
Ryo leaned back in his chair, watching the other students as they absorbed the information. He could see the worry on some faces, the cold determination on others. Mayu looked pale, her gaze fixed on the floor.
After a few minutes, Moriyama dismissed them, and the students filed out of the hall, their expressions tense and uncertain. As they exited, Mayu turned to Ryo, her face tight with worry. "How are we supposed to handle this? They're pitting us against each other, and we're already at a disadvantage in Class C."
Ryo shrugged, his expression calm. "Maybe it's better that way."
"Better?" she echoed, clearly incredulous. "How can being at the bottom possibly be an advantage?"
"Think about it," he said, his voice low so only she could hear. "They expect less from us. They're not watching us as closely as the others. That means we can move without drawing attention."
Mayu considered his words, nodding slowly. "I hadn't thought of it like that. But… it still feels like we're walking a tightrope. One wrong move, and…"
"We fall," Ryo finished, his tone pragmatic. "That's the point. They want to see who's strong enough to keep their balance. So, we play along. We figure out the rules, make them work for us."
Mayu's eyes narrowed, her voice a mix of curiosity and frustration. "You sound like you're used to this. Like you've played this kind of game before."
Ryo didn't answer right away. He simply looked at her, a faint smile playing at the edges of his lips. "Let's just say I know how to keep my balance."
She looked like she wanted to ask more, but just then, Kenji approached, his usual smirk in place. "So, Class C plotting its first big move?" he asked, his tone mocking.
Ryo glanced at him with a mild expression. "Something like that."
Kenji let out a short laugh. "You two really think you can change anything from the bottom? This isn't some fairy tale where the underdogs rise to the top."
Ryo shrugged, not taking the bait. "Maybe. But we won't know until we try, will we?"
Kenji's smirk wavered, irritation flickering in his eyes. He leaned in, his voice low. "Look, I'm only going to say this once. If you two want to survive here, you'll need allies who actually have some leverage. Class C is just… fodder. You'll be lucky if you're even remembered by the end of the year."
Mayu opened her mouth to retort, but Ryo cut her off, his tone light but firm. "Maybe we don't need to be remembered. Sometimes, it's better to be underestimated."
Kenji sneered. "Suit yourself. But when you're out of points and out of chances, don't come crying to me."
With that, he strode away, his posture stiff with barely concealed frustration. Ryo watched him go, his face impassive. He could tell that Kenji wasn't used to being dismissed. People like him thrived on control, on the illusion of superiority. But Ryo knew better than to let someone like that get under his skin.
Mayu sighed, glancing at Ryo. "Thanks for stepping in. I was ready to say something I'd probably regret."
Ryo gave a slight nod. "No need to waste your breath. People like him… they'll reveal their weaknesses soon enough."
She raised an eyebrow. "You really think so?"
"Everyone has a weak spot. We just have to be patient enough to find it."
She nodded, her expression thoughtful. "You're right. I guess I just need to get used to this place. It's not what I expected, but… maybe that's a good thing."
Ryo didn't respond, but he could see a quiet resolve in her eyes. Whatever fears she might have, Mayu was adapting, learning how to navigate this new environment. He felt a sense of satisfaction, a faint glimmer of trust growing between them. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
As they headed back to their dorms, Ryo felt a strange sense of anticipation. The Institute was full of secrets, layers of manipulation and control that would take time to unravel. But he was ready for it. He'd played this kind of game before, and he knew how to stay in the shadows, watching, waiting. And when the time came, he'd be ready to make his move.
Because here, in the Institute of Potential, survival wasn't just about strength. It was about knowing when to strike—and when to stay hidden in plain sight.