The student supermarket was bustling with activity.
Students moved through the aisles, carefully selecting products, their expressions filled with anticipation for their new lives.
The atmosphere was relaxed and leisurely—a rare moment of calm before the storm of class competition.
---
Hikaru stood before a black metal shelf, pretending to examine items.
However, his real focus was on the girl who had just walked past him.
Horikita Suzune.
The newest stock added to his system.
Her appearance was striking—an elegant beauty with waist-length black hair, a small braid tied with a white ribbon on the left side.
Her purple eyes were sharp and cold, exuding an aura of isolation.
Her expressionless face clearly sent a message:
"Don't talk to me."
Unlike the other girls, who shopped in groups, Horikita was alone, carefully selecting items without any interest in quality or branding.
Everything she placed in her basket was inexpensive.
Hikaru was intrigued.
Not just because she was another student from a different class, but because—
Her starting stock price was insane.
His system interface now displayed three stocks:
[Ichinose Honami Stock] – Current Price: 70
[Chabashira Sae Stock] – Initial Price: 50
[Horikita Suzune Stock] – Initial Price: 100
Hikaru clicked his tongue in disbelief.
Suzune's starting price was higher than the other two combined.
"That's absurd."
After purchasing Ichinose's stock, he had limited funds left.
He wanted to expand his portfolio, but he had no interest in dealing with Chabashira-sensei—the strict and troublesome homeroom teacher.
Now, a new stock had appeared, yet—
It was someone even harder to approach than Chabashira.
A cold and distant black-haired girl.
"Forget it. I'll focus on Ichinose for now."
Hikaru studied Suzune's back, but after some thought, he decided to delay investing in her.
She was from a different class, and her initial stock price was intimidatingly high.
It was too risky at the moment.
Besides—this school was a closed environment.
There would be plenty of chances to interact with her later.
---
After purchasing daily necessities, Hikaru quickly checked out and headed toward his dormitory.
He was curious to see what his living space looked like.
Upon arrival, he was not disappointed.
The room wasn't massive, but for a single occupant, it was more than enough.
His assigned room was 301, approximately 20 square meters—a classic studio apartment layout.
Right by the entrance, a row of cabinets stood against the right-hand wall, with a small kitchen area below.
A gas stove, sink, and countertop provided basic cooking facilities.
A washing machine and refrigerator were tucked neatly into the corner.
The bathroom was separated from the living space, ensuring privacy.
Beyond the entrance, the room opened up into the bedroom area.
A single bed was positioned against the wall, accompanied by a desk and a TV.
Everything was brand new.
Hikaru lay down on the bed, enjoying the softness of the mattress.
"This kind of apartment would be crazy expensive in Tokyo. The school is surprisingly generous…"
He muttered to himself, arms behind his head.
Three years.
He would be living here for three years.
It still didn't feel real.
Thinking back on the first day, Hikaru realized—
This school was far more intense than any other opening ceremony he had ever experienced.
Class competition, Private Points, Special Exams—these were the true priorities of the students here.
And yet—
Looking at his system panel, a smirk formed on his lips.
"Maybe this will be… interesting."
---
Currently, the only stock he held was Ichinose.
As his seatmate and class representative, she was easy to interact with.
Every correct decision he made increased her favorability.
The system notifications confirmed it.
[Ichinose Honami Stock]
Current Price: 70
Shares Owned: [CONFIDENTIAL]
Hikaru had already made up his mind.
Once Ichinose's stock hit 100, he would cash out a portion to purchase items.
First priority? Stamina boosters.
The sooner he increased his Physical Ability, the stronger his position in future class competitions.
"Wait… what time was the gathering again? 4 PM? 5 PM?"
Checking the time, Hikaru decided to head out early.
Being late to a social event as a guy wasn't a great look.
Better to arrive ahead of time.
---
Keyaki Mall – Family Restaurant
The dormitory complex was massive.
Male and female students were assigned to different floors, and the only shared area was the elevator lobby.
After navigating through the campus, Hikaru quickly found the family restaurant Ichinose had mentioned.
To support student dining, the school provided:
1. A massive cafeteria
2. Various restaurants in Keyaki Mall
Among them, the family restaurant was the most popular.
Designed for group dining, it featured long tables—perfect for social gatherings.
Many students had gathered at the entrance, chatting while waiting in line.
Hikaru glanced around, noting the crowds.
"No wonder they needed a reservation. This place is packed."
Then again—this school only had three grade levels.
Even at full capacity, there were only around 1,200 students.
Compared to public schools with thousands of students, it was manageable.
While waiting outside, Hikaru casually scrolled through his phone.
Just then, a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Hikaru! You're here already?"
He turned to see a group approaching.
At the front was Ichinose, leading the way.
Behind her were three unfamiliar girls—most likely the organizers of the gathering.
Accompanying them were two male students—both of whom Hikaru recognized.
Shibata Sō, the athletic short-haired guy.
And—
Kanzaki Ryūji, the cool-headed strategist with purple hair.
Both had spoken up during the strategy meeting earlier that day.
"Heh. Looks like Class 1-B's top players are all here. What an honor."
Hikaru chuckled internally.
He greeted them with a calm nod.
"I just got here. Didn't expect it to be this crowded."
"That's why Andō made reservations ahead of time!"
Ichinose giggled, stepping beside Hikaru.
She playfully patted his shoulder, flashing him a cheerful grin.
Then, with a leader's confidence, she took charge.
"Alright, everyone! Let's go in!"
"Class 1-B's first student gathering—let's make it a good one!"