As darkness completely engulfed the sky, the entire Advanced Nurturing High School fell into a deep silence.
All students had returned to their dormitories before curfew, and the commercial district had long since closed for the night.
The artificial island was now shrouded in darkness.
Except for one place—
The Student Council's room on the upper floors of the main building remained illuminated.
---
Seated at his desk, the most outstanding Student Council President in the school's history, Horikita Manabu, adjusted his glasses.
A printed student file lay before him.
"Hashima Hikaru. First-year, Class 1-B?"
Manabu had just received a highly unusual report through his information network.
On the very first day of school, a new first-year student had cracked the school's hidden enrollment exam, then purchased all of the school's hidden rules from a teacher using the S-System.
This was unprecedented in the decade-long history of the school.
As a result, the faculty immediately took notice, and within hours, a report had been delivered to the Student Council.
As Student Council President, Manabu understood what this meant.
His authority far exceeded that of ordinary students.
Beyond overseeing clubs and school events, he had direct access to the Chairman.
He could even bypass teachers and obtain first-hand intelligence.
Now that this file had been placed before him, it was his duty to assess the student's potential, verify the report, and—if warranted—authorize a reward on behalf of the Council.
A rare flicker of curiosity crossed his normally unreadable expression.
"I hope he doesn't disappoint me."
"If he's truly a hidden ace, that would be ideal."
After committing the details of Hikaru's profile to memory, he methodically shut off the lights, left the Council room, and stepped into the moonlit night.
His posture was straight, his steps unwavering.
Just as he had been on his first day here—
Time had not changed him.
He was the one changing this school.
---
The Next Morning
As the sky began to brighten, Hikaru was already awake.
His plan was simple:
Morning workout at the track
Return to dorm for a shower
Head to class
After washing up, he threw on his sportswear and stepped out of the dormitory.
The time?
6:50 AM.
More than enough for a solid workout.
His destination—
Track Field No. 1, near the gymnasium.
The school's largest track, wide enough for twenty students to sprint side by side.
It was primarily used for sports clubs—except for events like the Sports Festival.
He Wasn't Alone
When Hikaru arrived, he quickly realized—
He wasn't the first one here.
"Tch. I thought I was early."
Seeing several students already jogging or stretching, he sighed.
"Even after reincarnation, I still can't escape the grind…"
He shook his head.
"Whatever. Let's just focus on myself."
After a quick warm-up, he mentally reviewed the Athletic Booster's instructions.
The system had only specified running.
It had not set a minimum pace.
So…
Light jogging should work too, right?
"Alright. Let's start"
Hikaru kicked off his first run.
Within minutes—
His face turned pale.
"Ugh… this again?"
Every single time, it was the same.
He checked the timer on his system interface—
Despite his labored breathing, he forced himself to keep going.
He adjusted his stride, slowed his pace, and tried to stabilize his breathing.
His weak constitution had plagued him since childhood.
That's why he had always prioritized studying.
His teachers had told him:
"As long as your grades are good, you can get into the best universities—even if you fail P.E."
And now?
Karma had come full circle.
He had to suffer through it.
Jogging along the 400-meter rubber track, he was easily overtaken by students who weren't even trying.
Even some of the weaker girls could probably outrun him.
Still—
Stopping is not an option.
Gradually, as he endured the initial discomfort, he found a rhythm.
By adjusting his breathing, the burning sensation in his chest lessened.
"Hahh… this is hell."
After three laps, he was worn out.
Gasping, he decided to head for the vending machines to grab some water.
[System Update]
[Athletic Booster Active]
[0/30 Days Completed]
[Current Workout Time: 22 Minutes]
"Still over 30 minutes to go? Damn…"
As he reached the vending machine, he noticed—
Someone standing nearby.
And staring directly at him.
The Student Council President
Hikaru wiped the sweat off his forehead and turned to look.
His breath hitched.
A tall, composed figure stood before him—
Holding a black thermos.
Dressed in sportswear.
Someone immediately recognizable.
Horikita Manabu.
Student Council President.
His mind immediately went on high alert.
Hikaru greeted him first.
After all, the guy was a third-year senior—and the most powerful student in school.
"Good morning, Horikita-senpai. What a coincidence—are you here for a morning run too?"
Manabu's response was calm and direct.
"No coincidence. I was waiting for you."
"…???"
Hikaru's entire body tensed up.
What the hell?
He carefully probed.
"…Horikita-senpai, I believe this is the first time we've spoken?"
"Indeed."
Manabu adjusted his glasses, his expression unwavering.
"But I was waiting for you, Hashima Hikaru."
Then, he got straight to the point.
"You were the one who discovered the school's hidden mechanics."
"You were the one who used Private Points to purchase the full ruleset from your teacher."
"Or…"
"Were you acting under someone else's orders?"
Silence.
Hikaru clenched his sweat-drenched shirt, his expression darkening.
"And if I say yes?"
"What do you intend to do, Horikita-senpai?"
Horikita's reply was unshaken.
"If that's the case—"
"Then I will offer you an opportunity."
"An opportunity to stand beside me."