Absolute Darkness
Darkness. Absolute silence. A chilling sensation, as if the whole world had come to a halt, engulfed Shirogane Akihiro. No light, no sound, only an infinite void. He couldn't feel his body, as his presence in this world had been stripped away. The only remaining thoughts floating the void: final memories, unanswered questions, and a simmering resentment.
The emptiness enveloping Akihiro was not born of fear, but of seething anger. Before him stood Kisaragi Ren once his closest comrade, now brandishing a gun. Ren's eyes were vacant, yet deep within them flickered a struggle between guilt and greed. He had forsaken their shared ideals for money, betraying the years of hardship they had endured together. He could no bear the weight of their past. The government's promise of a prosperous life—free from poverty and war—had lured him into temptation.
"…Why? Kisaragi? Why?"
A simple question, but this time, a feeble answer echoed amidst the groans. "I couldn't bear living a miserable life any longer... If it were just me, I would have continued fighting. But my family... they couldn't endure anymore." Kisaragi Ren, the once loyal vice chairman, someone Akihiro once trusted, was now whispering in his dying breath.
Betrayal—a stab deeper than any bullet. If ideals could be sold off for money, then ultimately, what beliefs were truly steadfast? In that moment, Akihiro not only felt the pain of the wound but also the shattering of the things he once believed in. The gunfire rang out, his body falling amidst the pool of blood.
At that very moment, the door behind him burst open, and hurried footsteps echoed. Revolutionary soldiers burst in with weapons drawn, firing at Kisaragi Ren, but it was all too late. Akihiro lay dying on the floor, but his mind was unusually clear. The pain gradually gave way to an indescribable coldness—not from blood loss but from the clear realization that everything was over. No more struggles, no more ideals, only betrayal and a meaningless end.
But death... was merely the beginning of an unfinished plan. A plan that would be executed with an iron fist, where absolute violence controlled everything.
Tatsuya Nakamura's Family
Akihiro was reborn into the body of a newborn child, retaining the memories of his previous life. From the moment of his birth, he was aware that he was not an ordinary child, and his parents gave him the prestigious name Tatsuya Nakamura. Despite being the offspring of Nakamura Seiji and Nakamura Rika, he never felt a sense of belonging to this family. From a young age, he had to be independent, learning about this new world on his own without any guidance from his parents. They provided only the necessities for survival and enrolled him in rigorous educational programs, expecting him to become an elite member of society. However, they never gave him a real reason to live in this strange world. Due to their ambitions and busy schedules, Nakamura Seiji and Nakamura Rika had Tatsuya Nakamura as their only child.
Tatsuya Nakamura's family belonged to the upper class, wealthy and powerful, thanks his parents, Nakamura Seiji and Nakamura Rika, who were distinguished scientists. However, they were not ordinary scientists; they were associated with the White Room—a cruel experimental program aimed at creating perfect humans by stripping away emotions and maximizing intellectual training. With memories and knowledge from his past life, Tatsuya soon revealed his talents and was proudly regarded by his parents as a successful experiment.
Tatsuya Nakamura accidentally learned about the White Room through conversations with his distant parents and documents they left at home. From that moment, Tatsuya knew he was reborn into the world of the novel "Classroom of the Elite." Although not directly involved in its management, his parents had significantly contributed to the scientific foundation of the White Room. They were truly Tatsuya's biological parents, but that didn't mean they loved or cared for him as ordinary parents would. To them, he was not just their child but a living testament to the scientific theories they pursued. They provided him with all the material conditions for development and necessary guidance but never displayed the affection or warmth that ordinary parents should.
A World He Once Read About
Memories surged through his mind in fragments—the name "Classroom of the Elite," Koudo Ikusei Academy, the score-based hierarchy, and various key characters. Faded images flickered like pieces of an incomplete puzzle. They floated in his consciousness, disconnected and incoherent, making him feel as if he was trying to assemble a puzzle with too many missing pieces. He recalled intense mental battles and intricately staged schemes, but everything was unclear. A sense of frustration crept into his thoughts—were these memories unreliable? Or was there something different about this world compared to what he had read? However, his busy previous life left him unable to remember all the details. What he had were just fragmented pieces.
Tatsuya sighed, brushing his neatly kept black hair. He understood clearly—the world operated under ruthless rules, only the strong, those who dared to use violence as a tool, had the right to change them. To survive, he couldn't rely on vague memories. had to adapt and on his own abilities. Tatsuya opened his eyes, feeling gentle light from the window shine in. He was no longer a politician, no longer someone who tried to change the world through political maneuvers. Instead, he was a 15-year-old boy living in a world that felt vaguely familiar.
From elementary school until now, he knew that his parents, through school reports and tests they set for him understood his personality, political inclinations, and ambitions. However, they did not suppress the socialist ideas that society in Japan feared within him. They said nothing but silently showed their with him. From what Tatsuya Nakamura knew, perhaps it was because those ideas had value and aligned with his parents' future plans. After all, they were scientists who cared more about the values achieved as long as they fit and did not conflict with them.
Tatsuya opened his eyes, feeling the faint morning light filtering through the curtains. He knew that a new day had begun. Tatsuya got out of bed, feeling the cold floor under his feet as he stepped down. Excitement bubbled within him as he anticipated the day's challenges and opportunities.
Tatsuya swiftly prepared for school, donning the uniform of Koudo Ikusei Academy that had been meticulously laid out in advance. The ensemble consisted of a light red blazer with a crisp white shirt inside and a dark red tie. His light green trousers were tailored to fit snugly, complemented by polished black leather shoes. The school's emblem adorned the chest of the blazer, representing the power, prestige, and rigor of Koudo Ikusei Academy. Though it seemed like a daily routine, every move Tatsuya made was imbued with clear determination and purpose. He was not just an ordinary student, but someone reborn with new memories and goals.
Before departing, Tatsuya paused at the door, casting a glance at his parents. Nakamura Seiji and Nakamura Rika stood there, their expressions as cold as ever. "Don't disappoint us," his father's voice echoed, tinged with sarcasm, as if the outcome was already predetermined. Without a word, Tatsuya bowed slightly, then turned and left.
Once ready, Tatsuya stepped out of his room, carrying his bag and a mindset prepared to face any challenges ahead. He knew that this school was not simple and that every action had to be meticulously calculated. Today was his first day of school!
On the Bus to School
The modern bus of Koudo Ikusei Academy rolled along the wide asphalt road, flanked by green trees, with a gentle breeze blowing through the windows, creating a peaceful atmosphere. But inside the bus, the atmosphere was completely different.
Tatsuya stepped onto the bus, his eyes quickly scanning the surroundings. He chose a seat near the window, where he had the best view but could also avoid unnecessary attention. With his tall stature and cold demeanor, he attracted some curious glances, but no one dared to approach him. Tatsuya thought, "If the class system still operates the way I remember, then these people are just pawns who have yet to realize their true position. But first, I need to verify to be sure."
Starting his observation, Tatsuya noticed that the students on the bus seemed to be divided into three main groups. One group eagerly discussed their new environment, their expectations, and their goals. Another group boasted about their past achievements. The remaining group, like Tatsuya, chose to remain silent, observing everything with cautious eyes.
Suddenly, a voice rang out from the front:
"Can anyone give up their seat for this old lady?" A female office worker spoke up, her tone full of frustration as she looked around the bus.
The atmosphere immediately tensed up. Some students avoided eye contact, pretending not to hear. Others frowned in annoyance.
"We got here first, why should we give up our seats? This isn't a public bus," a brown-haired boy said, crossing his arms.
"But it's clear she can't stand for long," a girl retorted.
Horikita Suzune, sitting nearby, coldly replied, "There's no rule that says we have to."
Kushida Kikyo, with a gentle smile, interjected, "Everyone, it's not that hard to help others a little, right?"
Tatsuya remained silent. This was not just a small situation but also a social test—a way to distinguish who was willing to help, who was selfish, and who were the ones just observing to assess the situation.
Finally, a tall boy with naturally chestnut hair stood up. Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.
Tatsuya glanced at Ayanokouji as he stood up to offer his seat. Without hesitation, he acted decisively, simply but effectively. A perfect reaction... but why did he do it?
Tatsuya suddenly smiled slightly, then turned to Horikita Suzune, who still had a cold expression.
"What do you think about giving up the seat? Could this be a small test from the school?" Tatsuya asked, his tone slightly mocking but still calm. His eyes glanced at Horikita, waiting for an interesting reaction from her.
Horikita glanced at him, her light purple eyes showing no emotion. "I don't care. It's just a meaningless situation."
Tatsuya chuckled softly. "Maybe you're right. But sometimes, meaningless situations can reveal a lot. How someone reacts to small things can reveal their true nature. Who is indifferent? Who is trying to curry favor? And who simply acts because it's the right thing to do?"
Horikita frowned slightly at his answer but did not continue the conversation. She didn't seem interested in meaningless dialogues.
Without saying a word, Ayanokouji quietly moved to the back, giving his seat to the old lady. She nodded her thanks and sat down.
"Thank you!" Kushida said cheerfully, but Ayanokouji only nodded slightly without responding.
Tatsuya narrowed his eyes. Ayanokouji Kiyotaka... A familiar name, but as vague as an old book page. I remember he's not ordinary, but the specifics are unclear. He doesn't stand out, and doesn't seek attention, but that makes him suspicious. Someone who chooses to hide among the crowd usually has a reason. Is he dangerous, or just someone who doesn't want to get involved in trouble? Either way, I can't underestimate him.
"You're quite interesting. I guess you're not an ordinary person either." Tatsuya suddenly spoke up, his eyes looking straight at Ayanokouji.
Ayanokouji tilted his head slightly, his expression still calm. "It's just giving up a seat." He paused for a moment, then continued, "I'm Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. And you?"
Tatsuya smiled slightly. "Is that so? I'm Nakamura Tatsuya. Looking forward to studying with you."
Ayanokouji glanced at Tatsuya briefly, then nodded slightly. "I see. Looking forward to studying together."
The conversation ended quickly, but Ayanokouji knew that both were silently observing each other. He felt that this person was not simple. The bus continued to roll, but in Ayanokouji's mind, important data about Tatsuya was recorded.
Kushida approached Ayanokouji first, with a bright smile. "You're also a new student at Koudo Ikusei Academy, right? I'm Kushida Kikyo, nice to meet you!"
Ayanokouji looked up at her, hesitated for a second before answering in a simple tone, not too enthusiastic but also not indifferent. "Yes, nice to meet you."
Kushida tilted her head, her excitement undiminished. "What's your name?"
"Ayanokouji Kiyotaka."
"Ayanokouji-kun! I hope we get along well!" She smiled radiantly before turning to Tatsuya.
"And you?" Kushida continued to ask with a friendly tone. A bright voice sounded beside him. "You're also a new student at Koudo Ikusei Academy, right? I'm Kushida Kikyo, nice to meet you!" A bright voice sounded beside him.
Tatsuya turned, facing a blonde girl with bright, kind brown eyes. Kushida Kikyo... A familiar name.
"Nice to meet you." Tatsuya shrugged, his gaze unchanged.
Kushida tilted her head, as if noticing something strange in his tone. "You don't seem like an easy person to talk to, huh?"
"I don't think we'll become friends." Tatsuya said bluntly, his sharp eyes looking straight at the girl in front of him.
Kushida was slightly taken aback, but immediately, the smile on her lips did not fade. "Oh... Why do you think so?"
Tatsuya quietly observed every expression of Kushida. "Because I don't trust fake smiles."
For a moment, Kushida's eyes flickered with an unidentifiable emotion, but she quickly regained her usual cheerful demeanor. "Is that so? That's too bad, I want to be friends with everyone in the class!" She smiled brightly, tilting her head gracefully. "But who knows, Nakamura-kun, maybe we'll become close in the future?"
Tatsuya replied, "Who knows? Maybe you're right, maybe not. But if you really want to be friends with everyone... good luck," but his voice lacked the usual warmth found in typical greetings.
Escaping the meaningless conversation, Tatsuya continued to think about what would happen next and about this school. Tatsuya knew well that the outside world had no idea about the ranking system and the harsh point calculation of Koudo Ikusei Academy. Students and teachers all had to sign confidentiality agreements about the school's information. This Koudo Ikusei system created a fiercely competitive environment similar to real society, aiming to train a large number of talents directly into the middle class and serve the higher upper class. It didn't care about humanity or compassion, only viewing students as tools to be refined and categorized. This went against Tatsuya's ideals. He didn't believe in a system that only served the interests of the strong, neglecting those who couldn't keep up. If this world operated by such ruthless rules, then he would be the one to rewrite the rules.
The new students on this bus, except Tatsuya, were unaware of the harsh reality awaiting them. As someone reborn, Tatsuya already knew that. But despite holding this advantage, he remained silent. Observing, analyzing, and adapting were still the top priorities. He didn't need to show off his knowledge—instead, he wanted to see who was smart enough to soon recognize the system's anomalies.
Someone else was also deliberately hiding their true self, just like him.
Entrance Ceremony at Koudo Ikusei Academy
When the bus stopped, the door slowly opened, revealing the vast expanse of Koudo Ikusei Academy. Modern buildings with sophisticated architecture stretched out before them, blending with green trees to create an elegant yet overwhelming space. The atmosphere here carried a sense of solemnity and power, as if it was not just a school but a symbol of absolute control.
Tatsuya stepped off the bus, lightly adjusting the strap of his backpack on his shoulder, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. After being guided, the students gathered in the large gymnasium where the entrance ceremony was held. The gymnasium was extremely spacious, with a high ceiling and decorated with expensive equipment and symbols of Koudo Ikusei Academy, clearly showcasing the prestige and power of this place.
In the middle of the stage, a middle-aged man stood at the podium. He was dressed in a neat suit, exuding an aura of authority. This was the principal, the head of Koudo Ikusei Academy. The atmosphere gradually quieted down as he began to speak:
"Welcome to Koudo Ikusei Academy. I am Principal Sakayanagi, the head of this school. This is a place for the most elite individuals, where your abilities will determine your future position. Throughout these three years, you will have to adhere to strict rules, and how you face them will determine your success or failure."
Those words echoed throughout the hall, but none of the new students truly understood the underlying meaning. Tatsuya knew well—this was not just an ordinary school; it was a true battleground.
Right after Principal Sakayanagi's speech, a student stepped onto the stage. He was tall, with neatly kept black hair, a calm face, and sharp eyes exuding authority. Dressed in a meticulously neat uniform, he was Manabu Horikita, the current student council president of Koudo Ikusei Academy.
Manabu Horikita scanned the entire assembly of new students before speaking in a steady but weighty voice:
"Welcome to Koudo Ikusei Academy. I am Manabu Horikita, the student council president. In this school, ability is the sole factor that determines your position. There is no favoritism, no privileges. Those who lack the capability will be left behind, while the stronger ones will rise to lead and dictate the order."
He paused briefly, allowing his words to sink into the minds of each new student.
"If you came here with the notion of a typical educational environment where fairness and kindness are a given, abandon that thought immediately. Koudo Ikusei Academy does not accept weakness. If you want to succeed, prove your worth. If not, those unworthy will be eliminated without hesitation."
Manabu Horikita's gaze swept across the hall, stopping momentarily when he saw faces that seemed indifferent or unconcerned, and finally settling on his sister, Horikita Suzune. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, but it was fleeting, replaced by his usual calm demeanor.
"The student council will be watching you. Do not disappoint us."
Finishing his speech, Manabu Horikita left the podium, leaving a tense atmosphere behind. Many students showed signs of anxiety, while others still did not fully grasp the deeper implications of his words.
Below, Horikita Suzune clenched her fists slightly. Her facial expression did not change much, but her cold eyes wavered slightly. No one noticed, but clearly, her brother's presence affected her in some way. She quickly regained her composure, turning away as if nothing had happened.
Tatsuya, standing silently observing, did not miss that moment. A very subtle change, but enough for him to realize that the relationship between the Horikita siblings was not just ordinary familial ties. "It seems even that cold girl cannot be completely indifferent to her brother," Tatsuya thought. This matched his vague memories of the novel Classroom of the Elite. If his memory was correct, the relationship between these two siblings would play a crucial role in the future. A small but valuable piece of information, because sometimes seemingly unimportant details can be unexpectedly useful.
After the speeches, the students were divided into their respective classes. Tatsuya glanced at the electronic boards displaying the class lists before blending into the stream of students heading to the class assignment area. Koudo Ikusei Academy did not have traditional bulletin boards; instead, there were modern electronic screens continuously updating information quickly.
The students around still did not realize the importance of the class assignment. For them, this was just part of the usual entrance process. Some students were excited, happily chatting about which class they were placed in, while others remained cautious, trying to analyze the situation.
Tatsuya quietly observed. He knew well the truth behind this process—a truth that others had yet to realize. However, he had no reason to speak out. Observing and adapting remained the top priorities.
When he reached Class D, he recognized several familiar faces from the bus ride. Horikita Suzune walked with a cold expression, while Kushida Kikyo maintained her friendly, approachable smile. A few other students were trying to assess their surroundings, but none truly understood the nature of the place they were about to enter.
Tatsuya took a deep breath before stepping through the door of Class D. This was only the beginning.
As soon as he entered the class, his eyes scanned each student. Some appeared confident, chatting cheerfully with new friends, while others remained silent, showing clear signs of caution. Horikita Suzune kept her cold demeanor, choosing a seat near the window without interacting with anyone. Kushida Kikyo was as radiant as usual, engaging in conversation with everyone around.
Tatsuya's gaze settled on a few notable faces. Yamauchi Haruki seemed to be a braggart, continuously talking about meaningless things. Ike Kanji appeared friendly but did not seem to be an outstanding student. Meanwhile, Koenji Rokusuke leaned back in his chair, exuding arrogance as if the world revolved around him.
All these people... were potential pawns or obstacles to be removed. Tatsuya assessed silently, already beginning to lay out long-term plans in his mind.
The pathway leading into the school was cleanly paved, each footstep echoing clearly in the vast space. The school gate stood tall, with the emblem of Koudo Ikusei Academy prominently carved, showcasing the prestige of this place.
"So, I have officially entered this game."
Tatsuya thought, a slight smirk appearing on his lips. He did not let the grandeur affect him. He knew well that behind this flashy exterior was a system designed to challenge and eliminate the weak. This academy was not a place for those naive enough to believe in justice and fairness.
"I am Chabashira Sae, the homeroom teacher of Class D."
Tatsuya looked up at the woman who had just entered Class D and spoke. She had long hair tied in a low ponytail, sharp eyes, and a face that almost never showed emotion. Her outfit was simple but well-suited to her shapely figure—a vest that fit the image of a strict teacher and fishnet stockings that highlighted her slender, alluring legs. The way she stood and her gaze assessed each student gave a cold impression, as if she was too accustomed to guiding students she held no expectations for. Chabashira Sae was unlike ordinary teachers. In her eyes, there was no hint of expectation for her students, as if she was used to failure and no longer believed in the progress of Class D.
Many students, especially the boys, unconsciously swallowed hard when they saw Chabashira Sae. Some even blushed at her alluring appearance and the captivating aura of a cold beauty. Despite her stern demeanor, Chabashira's maturity and charm left many new students feeling flustered.
Her voice was deep and serious, devoid of any concern or encouragement. Her attitude was clear: "I am not here to support my students or to push them to improve. I am merely an overseer, observing whether this class declines or rises without much intervention."
Chabashira Sae crossed her arms over her ample chest, her gaze sweeping across the class with a disturbing calmness. There was no sign that she intended to motivate or encourage the students. On the contrary, her tone was filled with practicality and coldness. She was responsible for guiding Class D, but from her eyes and gestures, Tatsuya understood that she had no expectations for this class.
"Class D..." Some students whispered to each other, but since no one knew about the school's hierarchy system, they didn't seem too concerned. To them, this was just an ordinary class.
She crossed her arms in front of her chest, her voice lacking the gentleness or responsibility of a typical teacher. Instead, it carried a dry tone, as if she was merely performing her job according to the protocol. Chabashira Sae did not try to create a friendly atmosphere; on the contrary, she made the students feel pressured from the very first moment.
Tatsuya recognized this immediately. She was not just a teacher but a part of the strict system that Koudo Ikusei Academy had established. She was neither an ally of the students nor an enemy—she was just a cog in the machinery of this school, someone who had accepted the fact that only the strong survived.
Her voice rang out clearly, not loudly but enough to create an invisible pressure on the new students. Many eyes turned towards her, but most remained indifferent. The new students had not been informed about the ranking system, and they did not know that Class D was where the problem students were placed. To them, being assigned to this class was simply part of the usual entrance process.
But Tatsuya was not concerned.
He didn't need the honor of Class A.
He didn't need the recognition of this system.
He only needed a foundation to start his plan.
"The first step... is complete."
Tatsuya observed Chabashira Sae with a calm and calculating demeanor. She was not like ordinary teachers—no encouragement, no expectations, just a person overseeing the class with a practical and cold gaze. This made him wonder: Was she truly just a part of the system, or did she hide something deeper?
Chabashira did not care about Class D. This was too obvious. But why did she still accept this position? What was her motive? Tatsuya did not believe in absolute indifference—everyone had their own purpose.
From her eyes, demeanor, and the way she spoke, she exuded the toughness of someone who had accepted a harsh reality. This reminded Tatsuya of people who had worked under him in his previous life—those who carried strong ideals and ambitions to change the world, just like himself. But not everyone could hold onto their beliefs. Was Chabashira Sae one of them? Was she secretly pursuing a goal that he had not yet seen? Tatsuya made a mental note: Chabashira Sae was not just an indifferent teacher. One day, he would uncover her true motives.
For now? She was just another piece on the chessboard he was arranging. But only those who held absolute power could stand at the top. The strong were not those with superior physical strength or intellect, but those who controlled everything within their reach—people, systems, and even history.
Tatsuya understood that this world was not simply about strength and weakness. A strong individual meant nothing if they could not lay the foundation for a new order, where everything operated according to their will. The truly strong did not just exist in the shadows but manipulated even those who thought they were at the top. He did not need recognition from this system, nor did he need anyone to acknowledge his value—he would create his own rules, where he was the one who held the power of life and death.
And to achieve that, he would not hesitate to use any means necessary—whether it was manipulation, control, or even violence. A world with no place for the weak, where there was only one order: absolute power.
Because in this world, there were only rulers and the ruled.
The real game had begun.
P/s: This is my first work, I am not a professional writer but just a person who loves novels. The original is written in Vietnamese, the English translation is done entirely with Microsoft Copilot so if there are any mistakes please let me know.