As the classroom discussion continued after school, Hikaru and Ichinose stood at the podium, waiting for Class D's decision.
"If the price is one million Private Points, that means each person will need to pay 25,000," Hirata began explaining, hoping to persuade his classmates.
"If this hidden rule is truly important, I hope we can all work together to gather the amount."
"But Sudo already left." Ike glanced at the empty seat in the back and asked, "Are we supposed to cover his share too?"
"Losing one person shouldn't make a huge difference, right? It won't raise the individual burden by much," Kushida said optimistically, trying to encourage the students who trusted her.
"Since Hikaru-kun's class spent three million to obtain this rule, that means it must hold significant value. Think about it—if we buy it, it'll definitely be useful."
"Yeah… if it really cost them three million, that means everyone in Class B had to pay quite a lot."
"But how do we know this guy isn't lying?" Yamauchi still maintained a deeply skeptical attitude, acting as if he were looking out for the class.
"What if we hand over our points, and the so-called 'hidden rule' turns out to be something dumb, like 'No being late to class' or 'No leaving early'? Wouldn't that mean we got scammed?"
"Yamauchi has a point. They're from another class. This is our first time meeting them, after all."
The students of Class D wavered once again. More than just distrust, their hesitation came from not wanting to part with their points.
Even though 25,000 was only a quarter of the 100,000 points they received at the start of the year, once points entered their account, few were willing to let go of them.
Watching the students murmur among themselves, Hikaru felt a twinge of annoyance.
At this moment, he finally understood why these people were placed in Class D.
Their selfishness was one thing, but some were actively sabotaging their own class just to be contrarian. They couldn't even grasp the importance of a crucial rule.
Calling them 'garbage' didn't seem too far off.
"Everyone, let's not be like this. If the school really has hidden rules, then we need to know about them," Hirata urged, his voice tinged with frustration.
"Didn't Hikaru-kun just say it earlier? The school offers free food options and zero-cost goods at the store—doesn't that clearly imply that some students will eventually run out of points?"
"Don't you want to know the truth behind that?"
"Ugh, this is boring. I'm not interested in wasting any more time on this," a deep, arrogant voice suddenly interrupted.
A tall, muscular young man with golden hair and striking red eyes stood up.
His face was marked with disdain, and he let out a mocking chuckle as he swung his bag over his shoulder.
"Kōenji-kun, what are you doing?" Hirata immediately called out to him.
"I have no intention of wasting my precious Private Points on something like this."
With a dramatic laugh, Kōenji Rokusuke strode toward the classroom door.
"After all, no 'rule' could ever hope to limit someone as perfect as me! Wahahaha!"
But just before he left, Kōenji paused and turned back toward Hikaru, his expression filled with intrigue.
"Boy, your name is Hashima Hikaru, correct?"
"Yes, Kōenji-kun. What can I do for you?"
Hikaru responded with his usual polite smile, already expecting some sort of bizarre remark.
"I find you somewhat interesting. Would you be willing to work for me?"
The golden-haired student smirked, exuding an air of superiority.
"I am the sole heir of the prestigious family, and I assure you—you will be well compensated."
"…"
…Wait, this guy was actually rich?
Hikaru was briefly taken aback. He hadn't expected someone with that kind of background to be at this school.
But he quickly shook off his surprise and maintained his smile.
"I appreciate the offer, Kōenji-kun, but unfortunately, I have no interest."
"Ah, what a shame."
Despite being rejected outright, Kōenji didn't seem particularly bothered.
"Well, I'm sure we shall meet again. Perhaps by then, you will change your mind."
And with that, he strode out of the classroom, his steps exuding confidence and grandeur.
"…"
Class D watched in silence, but no one tried to stop him.
Over the past week, they had already grown accustomed to his antics.
Hikaru let out a small sigh, then turned back toward Hirata.
"Hirata-kun, I think we've made our position very clear."
His gaze swept over the remaining students, who still had conflicted expressions.
"It seems your class isn't particularly interested in this deal."
Hikaru's words were deliberately provocative, hoping to push Hirata to act.
Would Class D's representative step up or fold under pressure?
Hirata clenched his fists.
"Hikaru-kun, please wait a little longer. I still believe our class will agree."
He understood the value of this hidden rule.
If it truly cost three million points, but they could buy it for just one million, then it was a bargain.
"Everyone, please trust me."
Hirata stepped into the center of the classroom, his eyes pleading with his classmates.
"I became this class's representative because I want to help everyone. I want us to have a great high school experience together."
"Hikaru-kun and Ichinose-san have provided clear evidence that the school has hidden rules. Why are we hesitating? Doesn't anyone want to know the truth?"
"We don't yet understand what these rules mean for us, but I trust Hikaru-kun. He's already offering us something his class spent three million to acquire."
"If we turn this down, doesn't that mean we're just throwing away an opportunity?"
Hirata's words carried weight—but he was careful not to pressure anyone.
A moment later, a female student stood up.
A stylish girl with long, high-tied ponytail and a confident demeanor.
She left the top buttons of her uniform undone, and her wrists were adorned with colorful bracelets.
"I trust Yosuke."
"I'll pay my share."
Karuizawa Kei.
As soon as she spoke, several other girls followed suit.
"I believe in Hirata-kun too. I'll pay."
"Me too!"
Hirata smiled in relief and turned toward Karuizawa.
"Thank you, Karuizawa-san."
Standing at the podium, Hikaru's eyes narrowed slightly.
So this was Hirata's girlfriend?
A good-looking, fashionable girl with a sharp tongue and strong presence.
She and Hirata actually made a pretty fitting pair.
"I trust Hikaru-kun too," Kushida interjected, seizing the moment.
"Since they spent three million on this rule, it must be important. Paying only 25,000 to learn it is worth it."
Her voice carried weight, and her followers immediately began reconsidering.
"I'm running low on points… Can I pay less?" Yamauchi muttered.
"No worries. I'll cover the difference."
A calm voice cut through the chatter.
Horikita Suzune.
All eyes snapped to her in surprise.
Even Hirata looked genuinely taken aback.
But Hikaru was watching someone else.
Kushida.
The moment Suzune spoke, a brief flash of disgust passed through Kushida's eyes.
Hikaru caught it instantly.
Looks like the system was right—these two had complicated history.
This was exactly what he had been waiting for.
~~~
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