After Hikaru finished explaining the school's class division system, Class D's classroom remained chaotic. The students couldn't accept that they had been placed in the lowest-ranked class. Those who had decent academic performance were especially vocal, loudly arguing that they should have been placed in Class A.
"Everyone, please settle down. Let's continue listening to Hikaru-kun. He probably has more important details to share."
Despite being shocked beyond words by the revelation, Hirata, as Class D's representative, had to step up and regain control of the classroom.
After hearing his firm directive, the Class D students begrudgingly quieted down, even though their emotions were far from settled.
Meanwhile, Kushida, standing beside Hirata, seemed visibly uneasy.
Hikaru knew exactly what was going through her mind.
After all, he had deliberately emphasized that the school evaluates students' past records. According to his Stock Analysis, Kushida had a hidden side—and that was likely why she had been placed in Class D.
"Yes, everyone, don't be so hasty. I still have one very important rule to explain."
Hikaru smiled faintly, letting his gaze sweep across the classroom before briefly pausing on Suzune, who was still radiating anger.
"The class rankings are not set in stone. Do you all remember the Class Points I mentioned earlier? This is the key to changing your class ranking."
"At the end of each month, the school will recalculate the rankings based on the Class Points of all four classes. If a lower-ranked class surpasses another in Class Points, then the rankings will be adjusted accordingly."
"For example, if Class D's Class Points surpass Class C's, then after the next monthly assessment, Class D will move up to Class C. Does that make sense?"
"…So that means…?"
"It's all about competition between classes? Everyone has to fight to move up?"
This rule was fairly easy to understand.
Hirata, who had been deep in thought, pondered the school's intent.
If the goal was simply to encourage competition, then why was this information worth 3,000,000 Private Points?
"Of course, that leads us to the most important rule of this school."
Hikaru's expression turned serious as he prepared to explain the single most crucial rule.
This rule mattered just as much to him and Class B as it did to Class D.
"Why does the school force classes to compete? The reason is simple—to maintain a 100% graduation and employment rate."
"Before enrolling, you all must have heard the school's most famous promise—that graduates will have their futures guaranteed."
"But…" Hikaru paused for effect, his tone playfully ominous, "not everyone can graduate from this school."
"Only Class A students are guaranteed full recommendations and job placements. The students from all other classes do not receive this privilege."
"This is the true reason behind the S-System and the constant class competition. Now do you understand?"
Shock, Disbelief, and Anger
"Hah?"
"What do you mean?! Are you saying we can't graduate?!"
"Wait, only Class A gets the guaranteed future? That's complete bullshit!"
The moment this critical rule was exposed, Class D erupted in fury.
No one had expected the school to function like this.
Did that mean students in lower-ranked classes were nothing more than stepping stones for Class A?
"This is just how the system works. You have no choice but to accept it."
Hikaru glanced at Kushida, then casually asked, "Kushida-san, what do you think? Now that you know the truth?"
"…It's quite shocking. I never expected the school to be this ruthless."
Kushida's smile was forced, her eyes betraying her astonishment.
The school was essentially forcing every class to fight to move up the ranks. Those who failed would be discarded.
"Right? We were just as shocked when we first found out," Hikaru said with a small smile.
"But now that we know how the system works, we have no choice but to keep fighting."
Hikaru turned slightly, his gaze meeting Ichinose's.
Their eyes locked for a moment—a silent understanding passed between them.
Both of them smiled.
Ichinose was remembering how she had reacted the first time she learned about these rules. Back then, she had worried for her classmates, unsure of what to do.
But thankfully, Hikaru had been by her side—guiding her, strategizing, and ensuring that Class B could move forward together.
Hikaru, on the other hand, felt fortunate to have been placed in Class B.
Unlike Class A, they weren't elite geniuses, but after spending this past week with them, he had come to understand Class B's greatest strength.
They could unite quickly and trust each other unconditionally—the most important foundation for success.
A Final Rule: The Power of Private Points
"Hikaru-kun, are there any other hidden rules?"
Suzune, who had been furiously scribbling notes, paused her pen and looked up at him.
"There's one last thing—about how Private Points can be used."
Hikaru nodded, then explained the special rule that Hoshinomiya had casually mentioned.
"Private Points aren't just used for daily expenses. They also have special applications—such as the ability to switch classes."
"Switch classes?"
Kushida's expression shifted dramatically as she snapped her gaze to Hikaru.
"Are you saying that by paying a certain amount of points, a student can transfer to another class?"
"Exactly. But it's extremely expensive."
Hikaru held up two fingers, his tone playful.
"For 20,000,000 Private Points, a student can freely transfer to any class they choose."
"WHAT?!"
"That much?!"
Once again, the class was shaken.
After learning that their monthly income wasn't stable, many students had already decided to be more frugal. But now, they learned that Private Points could be used to change their future.
"Yes. The school won't force anyone to do it—it's entirely up to personal choice. But if someone saves up that much, they'll have far more options."
Hikaru smiled faintly, wrapping up his explanation.
"And that concludes the hidden rules of this school."
"I'll be taking my leave now. Please remember the terms of our contract—violating it will result in expulsion."
With that, Hikaru glanced at Ichinose, signaling that they should go get dinner.
Meanwhile, Suzune sat in absolute silence, her mind racing.
Everything made sense now.
The surveillance she had noticed, the way Hikaru had been watching Class D's spending habits—it all pointed to one conclusion.
He had known about these rules from the start.
His goal was clear: to collect Private Points and—ultimately—transfer to Class A before graduation.
"…He's not a simple guy at all."
Suzune mentally added another note to her growing impression of Hikaru.
Just as Hikaru and Ichinose were about to leave, a soft voice called out behind them.
"Hikaru-kun, wait a moment."
"Oh? What's up, Kushida-san?"
Hikaru had been waiting for this moment—and internally, he was thrilled.
Had she taken the bait?
"Um… could we exchange contact information?"
Kushida smiled sweetly.
"You shared so much valuable information with our class today. I'd love to treat you to a meal sometime as thanks."
"?"
Before Hikaru could respond, Ichinose's expression changed instantly.
A sharp glare locked onto Kushida.
—What do you mean? Why can't you just talk to me?
—What exactly are you up to?
~~~
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