After stepping off the bus, Seki Ryota and his friends Kyoko Amane and Okamoto Daichi parted ways, heading to their respective classes. Ryota found himself in Class B, a room buzzing with chatter and lively interactions. It was immediately evident that this class was remarkably talkative. Students were already forming groups, laughing, and talking as though they had known each other for years. Ryota's sharp eyes scanned the room until they landed on a familiar face—Kanzaki Ryuji, a childhood acquaintance. Kanzaki was conversing with another boy, whose handsome appearance and confident posture stood out.
A few moments later, Kanzaki noticed Ryota and approached him, a warm smile on his face. "Ryota! It's been a while," he greeted. Unlike the overly sociable students around them, Kanzaki's demeanor was calm and measured—a sociable person but not overly talkative.
"It has," Ryota replied, his tone even.
Kanzaki's eyes lingered on Ryota for a moment. "You seem… different. Less carefree than before. Did something happen?"
Ryota's expression hardened briefly, then softened into an unreadable mask. "Life happened," he said simply.
Kanzaki didn't press further, respecting Ryota's boundaries, but his curiosity was evident. "Fair enough. So, what do you think about this school? Seems like a golden opportunity, doesn't it? High qualifications, a shot at prestigious colleges…"
Ryota nodded slightly. "It has its advantages, but I'm not here for qualifications. My reasons are… more complex."
Kanzaki tilted his head, intrigued but choosing not to pry further. "I see. By the way, what about your old group? Did anyone else get into this school?"
"Just Amane and Daichi," Ryota replied. "The others didn't make it."
Their conversation tapered off as they took their seats, with Ryota sitting directly in front of Kanzaki. As Ryota settled in, his gaze fell on a girl who caught his attention. She was at the center of a lively group, chatting effortlessly with several boys and girls. Her cheerful demeanor and natural charisma stood out. Ryota recognized her from the bus—Ichinose Honami.
Ichinose noticed Ryota's gaze and began walking toward him. Her movements were graceful, and as she approached, the chatter in the room shifted. Whispers began circulating about the genius Seki Ryota. By the time Ichinose was halfway to his desk, the homeroom teacher entered the classroom.
Hoshinomiya Chie introduced herself with an air of playful enthusiasm. "Good morning, Class B! I'm Hoshinomiya Chie, your homeroom teacher. I hope we'll have a great time together!"
Ryota's analytical mind immediately went to work. Hoshinomiya's demeanor seemed carefully crafted to resonate with the students' optimism and energy. Her playful attitude was likely a deliberate choice by the school, a way to align with the spirit of the class.
Hoshinomiya handed out the matriculation guide and a list of special rules, explaining the unique structure of the school. She mentioned the entrance ceremony in an hour and elaborated on the S system, introducing the ID cards that would act as a form of currency.
Ryota absorbed every detail like puzzle pieces falling into place. The restrictions on external contact, the campus's self-sufficient infrastructure, and the emphasis on independence painted a clear picture. This school was a social experiment designed to nurture self-reliance and test the students' ability to function as a cohesive unit. The monthly distribution of points, the apparent inequality in talent distribution among the classes, and the strategic vagueness of Hoshinomiya's explanations hinted at a deeper evaluation system.
Raising his hand, Ryota drew the attention of the entire class. Hoshinomiya smiled brightly. "Ah, Seki Ryota, our perfect scorer! What's on your mind?"
"I have a few questions," Ryota began, his voice steady. "Why are there cameras in the classroom? Why is there an unequal distribution of talent among the classes? Why wasn't it mentioned that we'd receive 100,000 points next month? And why does someone like me, with perfect marks, receive the same points as everyone else?"
Hoshinomiya's playful smile didn't waver, but her responses were evasive. "Those are excellent observations, Ryota-kun. But some answers are things you'll need to discover on your own. After all, this school is about fostering growth and understanding."
The class murmured in surprise, their respect for Ryota growing with every word he spoke. His logical deductions carried weight, and the students began to see the S system in a new light.
When Hoshinomiya left the room, the class buzzed with discussions about saving points and strategizing their spending. Groups began to form, planning how to make the most of their resources. Just as everyone prepared to leave, Ichinose Honami stepped forward.
"Before we go, let's introduce ourselves," she suggested warmly. "It'll make things less awkward."
Her suggestion was met with unanimous approval, and the introductions began. Among the standout introductions was Amikura Mako, who spoke with a teasing tone. "I like chatting about girl stuff and teasing my friends. I dislike perverts and rude people." Her confidence drew laughter and applause.
Shibata So followed. "I love soccer and video games, but I'm not a fan of trouble."
Kanzaki's introduction was more introspective. "I enjoy talking about past experiences and future goals, especially when it comes to sports."
Ichinose's introduction captivated the room. "I love flowers, nature, chatting, and girly games. There's not much I dislike," she said with a radiant smile.
Finally, it was Ryota's turn. The room quieted as he stood, all eyes on him. "I'm Seki Ryota," he began. "I have a goal, but I'd rather not share it for now. I enjoy strategic games like chess, poker, and mahjong. I also enjoy reading and sports. As for dislikes, I hate insincere flattery and prefer people who stay true to themselves."
The class erupted into applause, impressed by his calm and confident demeanor. As Ryota sat down, he noted the approving smiles from his peers, but his focus remained sharp. The pieces of the school's system were beginning to fit together, and he knew this was only the beginning of a much larger game.