When those words left the Student Council President's mouth, Hikaru fell into silence.
He was analyzing their meaning—
And trying to figure out what Manabu's true goal was.
Now that the hidden rules of the school had been revealed, Hikaru fully understood—
As President of the Student Council, this man held influence far beyond ordinary students.
After a moment of contemplation, Hikaru asked seriously:
"Horikita-senpai… are you inviting me to join the Student Council?"
"This school has existed for over ten years."
"You are the first student in history to uncover the hidden rules on the very first day—"
"And the first to use the S-System to negotiate with a teacher."
Manabu's gaze pierced into Hikaru's eyes.
"Talent like yours warrants an invitation."
"By joining the Student Council, you will gain access to a perspective far beyond your peers—"
"Even in the upcoming class competition, you could leverage the Council's power."
Hikaru didn't waver.
Instead, he met Manabu's sharp gaze head-on.
Then, he asked, word by word:
"Was this invitation from you, Horikita-senpai?"
"Or was it the school's decision?"
Silence.
Manabu's expression flickered for the briefest moment.
He had underestimated this first-year.
Hikaru's perceptiveness was far beyond his expectations.
After a pause, Manabu responded calmly:
"Why do you ask? I'd like to hear your reasoning."
Hikaru smiled faintly and clarified:
"Simple."
"If this school truly operates on the principle of meritocracy, then the Student Council must wield significant power over student affairs."
"That power can influence day-to-day school life, even class competition."
Manabu crossed his arms, waiting for him to continue.
"But at the end of the day—"
"The Student Council's authority is not limitless."
"Its power comes from the school's rules, and above those rules—"
"Are the true authorities: the school board and administration."
"If I'm truly the first student in over a decade to uncover the hidden rules—"
"Then the moment my class transferred those points to the teacher, the school must have noticed."
Hikaru's gaze sharpened.
"If the school deliberately created this 'puzzle,' then it stands to reason—"
"They would reward whoever solved it."
"That would align with how a school operates."
Manabu nodded slightly, then countered:
"So you believe the school instructed me to invite you into the Student Council—"
"As your reward?"
"Correct."
Hikaru nodded.
It was the most logical conclusion.
After all—
Would a third-year Student Council President really go out of his way to recruit a first-year on his own?
If the school made the decision, then it made sense.
Hikaru tilted his head slightly.
"Did I guess correctly?"
Manabu's eyes glinted coldly.
Then, he answered:
"Your analysis is sound."
"But you're wrong."
Hikaru's expression remained unchanged.
"If I was wrong—"
"Then can you enlighten me, Horikita-senpai?"
Manabu adjusted his glasses.
Then, he dropped the bombshell:
"The Student Council's power does originate from the school."
"However—"
"The Student Council President's authority goes beyond that."
Hikaru's eyes narrowed slightly.
"The school did decide to reward you for your exceptional achievement."
"However, the decision to invite you into the Student Council—"
"Was mine alone."
Then, Manabu paused before revealing something even more shocking.
"Originally, the school intended to reward Class 1-B with +100 Class Points."
"Additionally, they planned to transfer a sum of Private Points to you."
"But I held that reward back."
His tone was unwavering.
"That is the answer you wanted."
Hikaru's eyes darkened for a moment.
He weighed the risks of outright rejecting the Student Council President.
Then, after making a decision—
He smiled politely.
"Then, Horikita-senpai—"
"Would you kindly return my original reward?"
Manabu's gaze turned icy.
"Are you declining my invitation?"
"Yes."
Hikaru answered decisively.
"If I have free time, I'd rather spend it on myself—"
"Rather than working for the sake of my fellow students."
Manabu studied him for a long moment.
Then, without hesitation, he turned and prepared to leave.
"Fine."
"I will arrange for your reward to be delivered today."
However—
Just as he was about to leave—
Hikaru suddenly called out to him.
"Horikita-senpai."
"If I did want to join the Student Council—"
"How would I apply?"
Manabu's steps halted for a brief moment.
He glanced back at Hikaru.
Then, he let out a low chuckle.
"You're greedier than I expected."
"But in this school—"
"That's not necessarily a bad thing."
Hikaru grinned slightly.
"Can't help it."
"There's too much I want."
"And I've never been good at resisting temptation."
Manabu turned fully to face him.
"If you want to join the Student Council—"
"Submit an application to the secretary's office."
With that, he left.
Hikaru remained standing there, lost in thought.
"The Student Council, huh…?"
Hikaru stroked his chin.
Something about Manabu's attitude felt off.
"If he truly wanted me in the Student Council—"
"Why did he test me?"
"And if I had agreed, would he really have withheld my reward?"
No matter how he looked at it, something didn't add up.
"I still don't understand this school enough."
"For now… I'll just keep this question in the back of my mind."
With that thought, Hikaru grabbed a bottle of water from the vending machine, took a few sips, then returned to the track.
He still had half an hour left to complete his training.
Meanwhile…
Back at the Student Council's office, Manabu stepped inside.
A girl with violet hair, tied into two round buns, immediately approached.
"President, you ended your morning training early?"
"Yes."
Manabu handed her his towel and grabbed his backpack.
The girl—Tachibana Akane, Student Council Secretary—tilted her head slightly.
"Did you meet the student from yesterday?"
"I did."
"And? How was he?"
"Can he compare to Nagumo?"
Manabu's lips curled into a faint smile.
"Tell me, Tachibana—"
"Do you think Nagumo could have uncovered the hidden rules on his first day?"
Tachibana's expression stiffened.
Manabu's gaze hardened.
"I only spoke with him briefly—"
"But I have already confirmed his potential."
"If he ever confronts Nagumo—"
"There is a real chance he could win."
Tachibana's eyes widened.
Manabu glanced toward the secretary's desk.
"Keep an eye on the application files."
"If you see his name—"
"Notify me immediately."
"Understood, President."