Ryo woke before dawn, his body attuned to the early morning silence that stretched over the campus. Light crept in through the cracks in the blinds, casting pale lines across the room's plain white walls. The Institute's sparse accommodations didn't surprise him. Even here, the lack of luxury had a purpose, a reminder that students were meant to focus on their growth, not on comfort.
Pulling himself out of bed, Ryo dressed and slipped out of the dormitory, his footsteps echoing faintly as he walked. He wasn't the only one with this habit, he knew; across the courtyard, he noticed another figure walking briskly, head down, moving with the same quiet purpose. But Ryo's gaze drifted away before he could be noticed.
The early hours were the only time he felt he could truly think without the background noise of other students' voices, the relentless competition that had already begun simmering in Class C. Although they hadn't been assigned any formal tasks yet, the tension from the points announcement lingered. Ryo had heard whispers of alliances and hushed complaints, along with murmurs about the "Class C disadvantage." It was all familiar to him—the early stages of power play, the thin veneer of civility before things got ruthless.
As he returned to the dorm building, he saw Mayu standing by the entrance, arms folded against the morning chill. She perked up when she saw him, her expression a mix of nervousness and determination. "Early morning strategy session?" she asked, her voice kept low.
"Just thinking," Ryo replied, falling into step beside her. "You seem to be up early yourself."
She shrugged, trying to hide her nerves behind a casual smile. "Couldn't sleep much. I keep running the principal's words over and over in my head. I thought I was ready for all this, but I didn't expect it to feel so… tense. Like everyone's out to prove something."
"That's because they are," Ryo said. "They know what's on the line. This isn't just about school rankings—this is a fight for survival. You're not wrong to feel the pressure."
They walked together for a few moments in silence. Then, after a pause, she asked, "So what's your plan, Ryo?"
He glanced at her, weighing his words carefully. Mayu was sharp and curious, but she wasn't jaded by this system yet. There was still a hint of idealism in her eyes, a part of her that believed in fairness. He wondered how long it would take for the Institute to break that.
"My plan," he began slowly, "is to stay quiet and observe for now. Everyone's jumping to make alliances, to declare their ambitions. But they're showing their hands too early. The Institute is watching us, and they're looking for weaknesses. The less they know about me, the better."
Mayu nodded, looking thoughtful. "So, you're saying it's better to keep a low profile until we know what we're dealing with?"
"Exactly," Ryo replied. "The more people know about your intentions, the more they can use them against you. It's easier to move in the shadows than under the spotlight."
She nodded again, this time with a faint frown. "But doesn't that make it hard to gain points? I mean, if we stay hidden, how will we rise in rank? The Institute's point system isn't going to wait for us to act."
Ryo considered her question carefully. "The Institute has built-in opportunities, ways for us to gain points in unconventional ways. From what I can tell, the students who fall in line and simply follow the rules aren't necessarily the ones who'll rise to the top. I'd bet that they're looking for people who know how to read between the lines."
"You're saying they're testing us on more than academics, right?"
"Exactly," he said. "And if we're smart about it, we can turn the tables."
Just then, a voice interrupted them. "Starting the day with some secret plans?"
Ryo and Mayu turned to see Kenji approaching them, his trademark smirk firmly in place. He strolled over, his hands in his pockets, looking far too pleased with himself. Ryo noted the self-satisfaction in Kenji's eyes, a confidence bordering on arrogance. Kenji liked being the center of attention, and it was clear he didn't think of Class C as a real threat.
"Discussing strategy?" Kenji asked, glancing between them. "Or are you still holding on to the idea that Class C can compete in this system?"
Ryo gave him a measured look. "Do you think we can't?"
Kenji chuckled, leaning back with an easy, careless posture. "Look, I'm not saying you don't have a chance. I'm just saying that Class C starts at the bottom for a reason. Everyone knows it, but some people are in denial. Thinking that you'll get somewhere just by keeping quiet… it's laughable."
Mayu folded her arms, her eyes narrowing. "And what exactly would you suggest we do, Kenji?"
Kenji shrugged, his smirk widening. "Look for people who have influence, obviously. Play the game right, and you'll get noticed by the right people. But if you're just waiting around for opportunities to fall into your lap, you'll stay right where you are—at the bottom."
Ryo met Kenji's gaze steadily. "That's one way to play the game, I suppose. But every strategy has risks, doesn't it?"
Kenji's smile faltered slightly. "Maybe. But I'd rather take risks that pay off. You're just gambling with shadows."
Mayu rolled her eyes, stepping forward as if she was done with the conversation. "Some of us would rather take calculated risks than blindly follow the first person who offers us a deal."
Kenji's smirk vanished, his expression hardening. "Careful, Mayu. That kind of attitude will get you isolated here. The Institute doesn't tolerate arrogance from people without any backing. If you're not careful, you might find yourself out of points and out of friends."
Mayu squared her shoulders, meeting Kenji's gaze defiantly. "And I'd rather have no friends than ones who'd throw me under the bus the first chance they get."
Ryo watched, his expression unreadable, noting the way Kenji's eyes flashed with irritation. For all his confidence, Kenji didn't seem to appreciate being dismissed. It was clear he thrived on being listened to, on having his influence recognized. Ryo knew people like Kenji—they enjoyed power, but their need for it often made them predictable.
"Suit yourselves," Kenji finally sneered, his voice tight. "But don't come begging for help when you realize you're in over your heads."
With that, he turned and walked away, his strides quick and forceful. Mayu exhaled, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she watched him go.
"Thanks for not letting him get to you," Ryo said quietly, glancing at her.
She smiled, though there was still a hint of tension in her eyes. "People like him… they think they're untouchable. That they know everything. But it's all just talk, isn't it?"
"Mostly," Ryo agreed. "But people like him can also be dangerous if they feel threatened. He's the type who doesn't like losing control."
She frowned. "Then maybe we should be careful. If he's as influential as he acts, he could cause trouble for us."
Ryo nodded, though he wasn't worried. Kenji might have influence, but his arrogance blinded him. The Institute might reward assertiveness, but it also respected subtlety, and Kenji's approach was anything but subtle.
As they returned to their respective routines for the day, Ryo found himself mulling over the Institute's system and how best to use it to his advantage. Classes had yet to start, and already the political games were underway. It was all part of the Institute's design—to set them against each other, to make them fight for every inch.
That afternoon, the students received notifications to report to their homerooms, where each class would be introduced to their respective faculty advisors. Ryo walked with Mayu to Class C's assigned room, where a group of students were already gathered. Kenji was there, of course, along with several other faces Ryo was starting to recognize.
Once everyone had settled, a man entered the room. He was tall, dressed sharply in a black suit, his hair slicked back neatly. He had a stern face with eyes that seemed to take in everything at once, missing nothing. He introduced himself with a short nod.
"My name is Mr. Sato, and I will be your class advisor for the duration of your time here. As you may have gathered, Class C is currently at the bottom of the Institute's hierarchy. My job is to ensure that you understand exactly what that means, and what is expected of you."
He glanced around the room, his gaze piercing. "The Institute has high expectations, even for those at the bottom. You may find that the privileges afforded to higher-ranking classes are not extended to you. This is not an error, nor is it a punishment. It is simply the nature of the system. If you wish to rise, you will have to prove yourselves worthy."
Kenji raised his hand with an arrogant smirk. "So what's the point of keeping us here at all if we're not given the same chances as the others?"
Mr. Sato's gaze sharpened, but he responded evenly. "You are given the chance to earn your way to those privileges. Think of it as a test of your resilience and determination. The Institute is not interested in students who expect rewards without effort. If you want what the other classes have, you will have to work for it."
Kenji scowled, but he fell silent, and Mr. Sato continued, his tone calm but unyielding. "You are expected to work as a unit, but you will also be individually responsible for your performance. Points will be awarded and deducted based on both your teamwork and your personal contributions."
Ryo noticed the faint glances exchanged between students at the mention of teamwork. The idea of collaboration within a system designed to pit them against each other was ironic, almost laughable. But Mr. Sato didn't seem to notice or care about the silent reactions. He only continued.
"I will not tolerate insubordination," he said, his voice growing colder. "Those who waste time or create disturbances will find themselves penalized swiftly. If you wish to survive here, you will listen, and you will learn."
The room fell silent, and Mr. Sato took one last glance around, as if challenging anyone to question him. When no one spoke, he gave a slight nod. "Very well. You are dismissed for now. Prepare yourselves for the first set of challenges tomorrow. You will be expected to perform, and I suggest you come ready."
As Mr. Sato left, the students exchanged wary looks. The weight of his words hung heavily in the air. Ryo felt a spark of curiosity mixed with anticipation. Mr. Sato's expectations were high, and the pressure was increasing. But Ryo knew he was ready.
Mayu glanced at him, her expression both wary and intrigued. "Do you think we're really ready for what's coming?"
He met her gaze, his voice calm but resolute. "Only one way to find out."