| The school operates on a merit-based system. The ABCD class divisions represent students' ability levels, with Class D essentially labeled as "trash". However, these class rankings are fluid and fluctuate based on Class Points. |
The 11 remaining Class D students listened in a daze to Tr. Mashima's recording explaining the rules. They were shocked — and how could they not be? Being called trash immediately after enrolling? What kind of school does that?
"This can't be—" Suzune, who had just paid 100,000 Points, nearly jumped to her feet.
"You're probably wondering why you're in Class D, given your good grades or athletic abilities." Houtarou said, seemingly in high spirits as he neared task completion. He offered an explanation, "I believe the school's fluid rankings prevent sorting students from the start, as it would kill competitiveness. They likely placed a few 'seed players' in different classes."
"Oh—" x3
Several students visibly relaxed after his explanation. Take Kikyō, for instance — the golden-haired girl who resembled a little angel. With her good academics, athletics, and interpersonal skills, why would she be in the "trash heap"? Perhaps she was placed here as a seed player.
However, even seed players wouldn't be directly placed in Class D. At the very least, they would be in Class B.
Consider this: with so many underperforming students in Class D, would the school allow one exceptional student to elevate an entire group of struggling classmates to Class A, potentially tarnishing the school's reputation?
It seems implausible, doesn't it? While excellence should be recognized, presenting a mixed group as the school's best would be detrimental to its image.
From the school's perspective, true competition exists primarily in Classes A and B. Class C lacks consistency, while Class D serves merely as a baseline.
Thus, Houtarou's earlier statement about seed players in Class D was a well-intentioned fabrication. Rather than labeling everyone as "trash" — which would provoke anger — he suggested that there were still exceptional students among them, without specifying who.
The Art of Communication.
His reasoning was supported by evidence: Masumi, despite her academic struggles, was placed in Class A. This indicates that the school isn't overly harsh on isolated weaknesses.
So why are there students in Class D with strong academic, athletic, and social skills?
There's only one explanation: these students have significant flaws that overshadow their strengths, be they academic prowess, interpersonal skills, or athletic talent.
Take Suzune, for example. Her recent refusal to let Kikyō help with the Points reveals she's likely the type who acts alone and doesn't cooperate with others. In other words, she lacks coordination skills.
This deficiency is critical in society. While an individual's efficiency might surpass others', it can't compare to that of a group. Thus, appropriate compromise is crucial. The school deemed this shortcoming severe enough to place Suzune in Class D.
Similarly, Kikyō, who excels in many aspects, being placed in Class D indicates she's potentially dangerous. Despite her numerous positive traits, they ultimately can't overshadow her dark history.
'What kind of destructive power did her dark history cause?' Houtarou pondered.
The same applies to Yōsuke. He possesses strong academic ability, physical fitness, and interpersonal skills. Yet, his placement in Class D suggests his dark history must be quite significant.
From this perspective, Class D is indeed… quite remarkable. This information-selling and class visit has proven quite enlightening.
After the recording finished, Houtarou began collecting Points from everyone. No student defaulted on payment — rather, having just learned about the rules that made them question their lives, everyone was still in a daze.
They also understood why Houtarou mentioned Haruki and the others causing a loss of 7 million Private Points for the class.
The first month serves as a behavioral standards test, and they were ranking girls' bust sizes under the school's cameras. This likely resulted in an immediate deduction of 50 Class Points.
However, everyone felt the deduction might be even more severe. Even students in regular schools wouldn't conduct such rankings in class. Their behavior was exceptionally poor.
The origin of the millionaire Point lose is now clear: 50 Points × 40 Students × 35 Months = 7 million Private Points.
With 50 Class Points deducted, doesn't that amount to a total loss of 7 million Private Points over three years?
The silver lining is that it's only the first day of school. With their class allocated 1000 Class Points, even if they've lost some today, they can still accumulate living expenses by working hard from now on.
True, being labeled as "trash" is uncomfortable. However, this school offers free tuition and living expenses — benefits far beyond what regular schools provide.
Moreover, if one manages to secure a position in Class A, the opportunities are boundless. Consequently, the Class D students felt more fortunate than desperate.
『100,000 Points have been credited to your account!』
Houtarou's money collection reached Suzune. She lightly bit her lip before transferring all her Points to him.
Eleven people had paid a total of 200,000 Points.
〖 Beep! 〗
The system's prompt sound rang out.
〖 Congratulations on completing the Main Quest! 〗
〖 Congratulations, host has obtained a special reward: Teleportation! 〗
〖 Teleportation: Can go to places you've been three times a day 〗
〖 Congratulations, host has obtained an Additional Reward: Set home as a Base Point, can use Teleportation to return home unlimited times per day 〗
Hmm~ Task completed? Superpowers acquired? It's rather... thrilling.
Indeed, even Houtarou had indulged in chuunibyou fantasies when younger. Now, it seemed those fantasies might have become reality.
However, still in Class D and under surveillance, he didn't want to risk severe consequences. So, standing next to Suzune, who had just paid the final 100,000 Points, he shared a new piece of information.
"Don't worry about being out of money now. The school, understanding this is an ability-based classroom, has likely prepared for students who spend all their points. For instance, the third-year Class D has only 90 Class Points now — certainly not enough to live on. So, the school probably offers free living supplies in the shopping district. The cafeteria should also provide free meals, though they might not taste as good."
Suzune, seemingly having classified herself as a seed player in Class D, didn't appear particularly upset.
"...The school has considered even these things?" She rested her chin on one hand.
"Well, this school has existed for over a decade. What haven't they seen?" Houtarou replied.
'No no no…' Masumi thought, following behind him, 'You've mastered the school rules in less than two hours, then turned around and sold the information. This must be unprecedented. Plus, the teacher never mentioned those free meals and living supplies. And that bit about the third-year Class D's 90 points? You dug that up yourself.'
Having completed his task, Houtarou naturally left Class D.
"By the way—" Masumi began, thinking she could now ask for his help with tutoring, since she'd assisted him in selling information.
However, at that moment, two girls came running up the stairs.
One had short black hair, while the other was strikingly cute — long golden hair in a ponytail, bubble socks, the classic gyaru style.
Among the school's prettiest girls, Arisu from Class A might take first place, but this girl could easily claim second.
"Karuizawa, wait for me! I wonder if our classmates have left—" The black-haired girl struggled to keep up.
They appeared to be Class D students who hadn't made it back in time after Yōsuke's earlier notification. The golden-haired girl in front was Kei Karuizawa.
Masumi followed Houtarou as they were about to descend the stairs, crossing paths with the newcomers.
Kei paused for a moment. Then, with a mix of surprise and delight, she exclaimed.
"I've finally seen you again! Houtarou!"
Without hesitation, she rushed forward and embraced a confused Houtarou.
Oh. Eh eh eh? What kind of unexpected development is this?
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