Seeing Ichinose's stock price rise after his maneuver, Hashima Hikaru felt quite satisfied. Without missing a beat, he continued explaining his plan to the rest of Class 1-B.
"Of course, this is just a preliminary idea. There's no guarantee that Class 1-A will accept our offer to purchase the rules. Negotiation will be key."
Hikaru stroked his chin, acknowledging the uncertain outcome. If Class 1-A refused to take the bait, the whole plan would fall flat.
At that moment, Ichinose raised her fair, delicate hand at just the right time.
After listening to Hikaru's explanation, she had fully grasped that future class competition would revolve around two key factors: Class Points and Private Points.
If Class 1-B could accumulate more Private Points, then even if they suffered deductions in Class Points, they would still have leverage to turn things around.
"Ichinose-san, if you have any suggestions, feel free to share them."
Hikaru smiled encouragingly. If Ichinose could establish herself as the visible leader of Class 1-B, it would be ideal—giving him more freedom to operate behind the scenes.
After all, he couldn't pin all his hopes on this "angel." The smart move was to develop multiple stocks.
"When we go to Class 1-A to sell the rules, we should first present a contract prohibiting resale," Ichinose suggested, glancing at Hoshinomiya, who was watching their discussion with amusement.
"A contract certified by the school would reinforce the legitimacy of our information. It would prove that we truly understand the hidden rules."
"This way, the students in Class 1-A will clearly understand our position."
"Hmm, that makes sense."
Hikaru nodded approvingly and continued.
"As I mentioned before, Class 1-A consists of the best students selected by the school. Today is only the first day, so it's possible that some of them have already noticed irregularities within the system. However, we don't know if anyone has actually taken the initiative to purchase information on the rules."
"That's why today is the best window of opportunity. I propose that once we finish picking up the textbooks, we head straight to Class 1-A and seize this chance to collect Private Points."
"Agreed. This really is the best timing."
"I trust Hikaru's judgment. You should handle it."
"Yes, I think Hikaru can make the best decision for us."
The students of Class 1-B quickly reached a consensus. Since someone had taken the lead, the best thing they could do was support him from behind.
"No, this isn't something I can handle alone. When we go to sell the rules, I want Ichinose-san to accompany me."
Hikaru made his request. After all, if he wanted to increase Ichinose's stock value, it would be best if they acted together.
"Of course. I want to contribute to the class as well."
Ichinose readily agreed.
"Alright, that settles the plan for Class 1-A," Hikaru said, shifting his gaze to the letter 'C' on the blackboard.
"Our next target is Class 1-C."
---
"Since Class 1-C is ranked below us, their students have lower overall evaluations. That means we can slightly adjust our approach when selling the rules to them."
"...What do you mean by that?"
Hikaru's words left some classmates confused, even Ichinose looked puzzled.
"Let's assume that none of the classes know the hidden rules of the school. What will happen a month from now?"
Hikaru glanced around the room before answering his own question.
"It's likely that every class will accumulate some violations of school regulations, resulting in deductions to their Class Points. Based on the way classes are ranked from A to D, the lower-ranked classes are more likely to suffer heavier losses."
"In other words, Class 1-C will lose more Class Points than us. So there's no need to rush to sell them the rules."
Hikaru's expression turned sly as he continued, "My idea is to wait a week or so—let them unknowingly accumulate deductions in their Class Points first. Then, once they start feeling the effects, we sell them the rules."
"That way, we maximize our profits."
"Not only will we gain Private Points from Class 1-C, but we will also widen the gap between our Class Points and theirs."
"What do you all think of this plan?"
After hearing his explanation, the entire class was left stunned.
They had never imagined such an exploitative strategy was possible.
If this worked, not only would they recover some of their Private Points, but they could also lower Class 1-C's standing, increasing the gap between them.
"In that case, should we use the same strategy for Class 1-D?"
The purple-haired boy from earlier had clearly caught on and proposed his own thoughts.
"Yes. For Class 1-D, we can delay selling the rules even further—by about two weeks. As long as we secure contracts with Class 1-A and Class 1-C, we can ensure that the rules won't leak."
"But what if the students in these classes realize something is wrong and start warning their classmates to avoid breaking school rules?"
Ichinose, taking this plan seriously, diligently recorded key points in her notebook. She wanted to identify and address any potential loopholes.
"That's precisely why I said this plan involves a gamble," Hikaru admitted.
"Another factor we can't predict is how each class will spend their Private Points. If we wait too long, it's possible that by the time we move in to collect, they'll have already spent everything and won't be able to pay us."
Hikaru paused for a moment before looking across the classroom.
"But our advantage lies in the information gap. That's why I suggest we mobilize the entire class."
"If we gather intel on the financial status of the other classes every day, we'll be able to gauge their awareness of the hidden rules. That way, we can adjust the timing and increase our chances of success."
"This—" Hikaru turned back to the blackboard and wrote down the entire Phased Points Harvesting Plan.
"This is my strategy. I hope you all will trust me."
"Class competition has already begun. If we want to graduate from Class 1-A together, we need to work as one."
"Well said! I support Hikaru!"
"Me too!"
"Let's give him a round of applause!"
The classroom erupted into thunderous applause. Hikaru glanced at Ichinose, who was also clapping along with the rest of the class.
Her smile was radiant, captivatingly so.
But…
Why isn't the system updating?
Hikaru instinctively opened his system panel.
Even after revealing the full strategy, and even after emphasizing their shared goal of graduating from Class 1-A, Ichinose's stock price hadn't increased.
Just talking about an ideal future isn't enough anymore?
Hikaru narrowed his eyes in thought.
It seems I need to actually execute the plan before her stock price will rise.
At that moment, the long-silent Hoshinomiya finally spoke up.
"Hikaru, I must say—you're quite impressive," she mused, smirking playfully. "To think you came up with such a detailed strategy in such a short amount of time."
"It was just a spontaneous idea, sensei. You're flattering me."
"Well then—" Hoshinomiya's smirk widened.
"You can use all that brainpower to help me move the textbooks now, can't you?"
"...Yes, sensei."
"And Ichinose-san, you're helping too!"
"Of course!" Ichinose giggled.