The moment Kushida asked to exchange contact information with Hikaru, he immediately sensed a shift in Ichinose's aura beside him. Her expression subtly darkened.
Without hesitation, Hikaru swiftly delivered a diplomatic response.
"Of course, that's fine. But I've been pretty busy lately—how about we wait for a better time? Once I have some free time, we can grab a meal together."
"Mm-hmm! I'm free anytime!"
Hearing Hikaru's agreement, Kushida's face lit up with excitement. Through today's rule transaction, she had fully realized that this boy was someone incredibly capable. If she could establish a good relationship with him, it might prove useful in the future—so naturally, she wanted to build rapport as soon as possible.
"I'd like to exchange contact information with Hikaru-kun as well. Would that be alright?"
Just as Hikaru and Kushida were about to exchange phone numbers, Hirata suddenly stepped in, expressing his desire to do the same.
Hirata had found today's revelations eye-opening. Now that he understood the school's system, he was certain that this B-Class student was aiming for Class A. Keeping in touch with him might benefit Class D in the long run.
"No problem at all. Since both Hirata-kun and Kushida-san are acting in your class's best interest, we're technically on the same path."
Hikaru generously agreed to exchange numbers with Hirata as well.
At the same time, he subtly glanced at Ichinose, who had been visibly displeased just moments ago.
Upon seeing that Hirata had also joined in, Ichinose's gloomy expression finally eased slightly.
Kushida's previous remark had indeed stirred something within her, though she herself wasn't sure why.
After exchanging contacts, Hikaru no longer saw a reason to stay.
At this point, the only Class D student he was truly interested in was Kushida Kikyo.
After all, he had just invested 50,000 system funds into her stocks—he needed to make a return on that investment.
"Well then, we'll be heading out."
With a bright smile, Hikaru bid them farewell, then left the classroom without any hesitation, walking alongside Ichinose.
---
Once Hikaru and Ichinose left, Hirata turned back to address the remaining Class D students.
Having just learned about the school's hidden rules, their expressions were a mix of confusion and unease.
"Everyone, please listen to me."
Hirata took a deep breath before continuing.
"I know that the current situation seems unfavorable to Class D. But now that we understand the rules, that means we still have a chance to catch up."
He wanted to rally the class—to unite them toward a common goal.
However, his encouraging words were met with lukewarm reactions.
Class D's students were lost—uncertain about what the future held.
Most of them had poor academic performance to begin with.
Now, with the immense pressure of class competition looming ahead, could they even pass regular exams, let alone survive the Special Exams?
To graduate successfully, they needed to defeat three other classes—an overwhelmingly difficult challenge.
"Come on, everyone! Now that we know the rules, we have a real chance of moving up!"
Kushida's face showed urgency as she spoke up.
She recognized that this was the perfect opportunity to solidify her influence within Class D.
"If we work together, we can move up! Don't forget, class rankings are based on Class Points, which are tied directly to our Private Points. We can't afford to give up!"
"Kushida-san is right! We shouldn't give up!"
The one who chimed in next was Yamauchi—who had been one of the most uncooperative students earlier.
He was clearly trying to act like a leader—but unfortunately, no one took him seriously.
The rest of the class simply ignored him.
"Hirata, if you have a plan, just tell us. We're waiting on you."
Another student suggested this, and it quickly gained support from others.
This was, in a way, the true nature of Class D.
If someone was willing to step up and take responsibility, they'd simply leave everything to them.
If it worked out, great—if not, they wouldn't take the blame.
"Uh… I don't have a specific plan just yet. Can you all give me some time to think?"
"In that case, let's call it a day."
"Yeah, Hirata, let's just stop here for now."
Seeing that Hirata didn't have an immediate solution, and given that school was already over, the Class D students quickly dispersed.
Watching them leave so casually, Hirata could only force a bitter smile.
Deep down, he understood Class D's reality.
And hearing Hikaru's blunt assessment that Class D was seen as the worst class, Hirata couldn't deny the truth of it.
"Hirata-kun, don't worry. I believe in your abilities."
Kushida approached to offer words of comfort, though internally, her mind was already spinning with schemes.
Hikaru had just revealed that with 20,000,000 Private Points, a student could freely switch classes.
That meant that as long as she collected enough points, she could ensure her graduation from Class A.
But gathering that many points would be a long and difficult process—she needed a solid plan.
Frankly, Kushida didn't believe Class D had any real chance of reaching Class A.
Rather than wasting time, she would start planning her escape route.
---
Meanwhile, Horikita Suzune—who had been silently observing—packed up her things and left the classroom without hesitation.
She was still angry about being placed in Class D, but at this point, there was no use dwelling on it.
What mattered now was how she would handle the upcoming Special Exams—that was where she needed to focus.
Her desk neighbor, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, also finished packing up.
His expression remained calm as ever.
Even after just paying a large sum of Private Points, he didn't seem to care at all.
"Hashima Hikaru… quite the flashy guy."
"That kind of thing… is really not for me."
Still, now that he had learned the school's deeper rules, things would be much easier for him.
Slowly, he walked out of the classroom.
His reasons for coming to this school were many.
One was to pursue personal freedom.
Another was to explore the true meaning of equality and strength.
And lastly—to gain firsthand experience of the outside world.
After all, in that place, he had never been allowed to experience it for himself.
This school was the perfect opportunity.
---
Inside the Student Council room, located on the fourth floor of the school building, Horikita Manabu sat in silence, carefully analyzing the information before him.
Across from him, Tachibana Akane watched expectantly.
For the past few days, she had been gathering intel—specifically, information on one first-year student: Hashima Hikaru.
This was a direct order from Manabu himself.
"So, he's accumulating Private Points through contract-based transactions?"
Manabu adjusted his glasses, his tone carrying a hint of admiration.
"The idea of using contracts to restrict other classes' actions… an impressive strategy."
"Yes. It seems Hikaru-kun is aiming to collect 3,000,000 Private Points—and he's already secured deals with two classes."
"Which ones?"
"First-Year Class A and Class D."
"…Class D?"
At that moment, Manabu's eyes sharpened.
The next instant, he rose from his seat.
He had someone he needed to see—immediately.
"President, is there something urgent? Would you like me to accompany you?"
"No need. This is a personal matter."
He refused Tachibana's offer.
After all, the task ahead was troublesome—but he had no choice.
~~~
Read 30 Chapters Ahead!
> patreon.com/HudaLin