On the morning of April 29, it has been almost one full month since enrollment.

Two days remain until Class D’s death sentence. Judging by the situation, my classmates in Class D must have done an excellent job of shaving away our class points.

How much will be left? 50? 10? I even have to consider the possibility that it’s already zero.

“Well, it doesn’t concern me anymore.”

On my student ID terminal, the points displayed are a clean 500,000—five times the initial 100,000 I received. The total comes to 579,000.

This is the reward Shiina and I received for completing student council work over the entire previous weekend. In addition, through the student council materials, we were able to learn the overall system structure of this school and past cases of point increases and decreases.

First, as soon as the weekend ended and Shiina returned to school, she informed everyone in Class C of the truth about class points. They couldn’t hide their shock and some nearly went wild. However, the leader who controls Class C restrained them and strictly prohibited any chatter, tardiness, or similar behavior going forward.

More specifically, I heard that he even used violence against those who tried to act out in panic. Hm… whoever he is, he’s impressive in several ways.

Additionally, thanks to her contribution this time, Shiina’s standing and speaking authority within Class C increased greatly, allowing her to act as one of the class’s closest confidants. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a good thing that Shiina can now thrive.

Now then, about our class…

“Puhahaha! You idiot, that’s hilarious!”

“Wanna go to karaoke today?”

“Yeah, yeah!”

Led by the pitiful incompetents, the classroom was loud with laughter and after-school plans despite it being second-period math. Among them, the number of students diligently copying the board—including Hirata and Horikita—could be counted on one hand.

Just imagining how their expressions will change in two days makes me sigh.

For now, I also put on an act of studying diligently. Since I’ll have to face the ugly truth, I need to firmly stand on the side of the ‘victims’. After all, the truth is that those who study seriously are the ones who get the short end of the stick.

Second period, which felt no different from the end times, passed and third period Japanese history began—homeroom teacher Chabashira-sensei’s class. Even though the bell rang, the classroom remained noisy as she entered. The students’ loud voices didn’t change at all.

Seriously, isn’t it basic human decency to restrain yourselves during homeroom?

“Everyone, quiet down. Today we’ll be having a rather serious class.”

“What do you mean by that, Sae-sensei?!”

Some students were already calling the homeroom teacher by such nicknames. A free school atmosphere is one thing, but losing basic manners—this class really is hopeless.

“Since it’s the end of the month, we’ll be having a quiz. Pass these back.”

The teacher handed the papers to the front row and soon the test reached my desk. It was a small quiz with several questions from each of the five main subjects.

“Aw come on~ you didn’t tell us~ That’s unfair!”

“Don’t complain. This test is only for reference. It won’t be reflected on your report card. There’s no risk, so relax. However, cheating is absolutely forbidden.”

…Her wording is oddly suggestive. Saying it won’t be reflected on the report card ‘specifically’ implies it will be reflected somewhere else.

In any case, there’s no benefit to scoring poorly, so it’s best to do my best.

I immediately began reading the questions. Four questions per subject, twenty questions total, each worth five points, for a maximum of 100.

But seriously…

Isn’t this way too easy?

Reading through it drained my motivation. This is an even lower level than high school entrance exams. I felt stupid for taking it so seriously. Well, with this difficulty, 100 points is guaranteed.

That’s what I thought—until the final three questions.

‘Wait, is this really high school level?’

Of course, for someone who completed the White Room curriculum, they’re simple problems that take less than a minute. But normally, these are not first-year high school questions. Even decent students would only hope for partial credit here.

What exactly is the school trying to get out of this test?

Thinking that, I wrote down all the answers. Since Chabashira-sensei was patrolling the room, I deliberately filled time by writing out solutions I’d done mentally.

After all, finishing too early might raise suspicions of cheating.

More importantly… these quiz questions feel strange. I need to confirm whether my hunch is right.

* * *

During lunch, Shiina and I talked about the test while eating in the cafeteria.

“What did you think of the test? Aside from the last three questions, it was easy, right?”

“The last three were definitely harder than the others. I only barely solved the first of them.”

After grading, excluding the final two questions, Shiina scored 90 points—tied for first in Class C with a student named Kaneda Satoru. Given how excessively difficult the last three were, it’s natural that 90 would be first place.

“More importantly, Ayanokoji-san, the more I learn about you, the more amazed I am. How did you solve all three of those questions?”

“I just worked hard.”

That’s not a lie. If you diligently complete the White Room curriculum, those questions are trivial. My brother would’ve solved them even faster.

“Ayanokoji-san, you’re like someone from another world. Academics, athletics and even beauty—you have it all.”

“Don’t flatter me. And you’re prettier than I am.”

“Hehe, hearing that from you makes me happy. Even if it’s just a compliment, thank you.”

No, it’s not just a compliment. Even with my limited interaction with other classes, I know Shiina is above average in looks. If possible, I’d like her to marry my brother and become family.

“Yo, Shiina! Eating here?”

“Oh, Ishizaki-san. Fancy seeing you here.”

A rough-looking group approached Shiina familiarly. Judging by her friendly response, they must be Class C students.

“Oh? So you’re that Ayanokoji, Shiina’s close friend! Thanks for the help the other day.”

“Good thing we learned the truth before it was too late. If we hadn’t, it would’ve been dangerous.”

“We really appreciate it.”

“Thank you.”

It seems I’m known in Class C as Shiina’s close friend. They were openly friendly toward me.

That said, they’re quite something. I’d heard Class C had many delinquents, but this much? Judging by their looks, they’re more brawn than brains. And one of them—isn’t he Black? With that massive build and muscles, he might be the strongest fighter in this school.

“Still, for someone who earned so much from student council work, that’s a pretty poor meal.”

“It may not taste great, but it’s healthy.”

Class C knows that Shiina and I have over 500,000 points. We had to disclose it to explain the situation, after all. Their hushed whispers suggest the secret is being kept.

For the record, despite having plenty of money, I’m eating the free mountain-vegetable set meal. I plan to strictly limit spending for the next two days until the next month begins. In this meritocratic school, you never know when or how private points will be needed.

“Different classes or not, we’ll probably be enemies after this month, but we truly appreciate what you did.”

“If you’re grateful, then please ensure Shiina’s peaceful daily life. That’s enough.”

“Don’t worry. Ryūen-san officially declared Shiina as a central figure in the class and said he wouldn’t let anyone touch her.”

Ryūen? That’s the name of Class C’s leader who used violence on the first day?

“By the way, Ryūen-san is keeping a close eye on you and seems quite interested.”

“Is that so? Tell him to keep his interest reasonable—I know I’m pretty.”

“Hahaha! I’ll pass that on. Well then, Shiina, enjoy your time.”

The man called Ishizaki left a strong impression as he departed with his group. I don’t sense an aura of a true powerhouse from him, but judging by his build, he’s confident in a fight. Probably above average. Still no match for me.

“Our classmates were rude, weren’t they? I apologize.”

“No, it was quite an impressive meeting. More importantly… if I get the chance, I’d like to meet this Ryūen guy.”

“Oh my, you’ve taken an interest in Ryūen-kun?”

“Anyone who uses violence is usually trash, but… whatever.”

I would later regret this judgment deeply. If I could meet my past self now, I’d call her an idiot.

After all, the man named Ryūen Kakeru would leave an unforgettable impact on my life as a true ‘capable one’.

* * *

“And with that, we’ll end homeroom. Everyone head home early.”

Another day passed. One day remains until Class D’s death sentence. Seeing the Class D incompetents, blissfully unaware and excited to play again today, makes me feel pity beyond amusement.

‘Well, nothing else to do. I’ll head back early and sleep.’

Shiina has club activities, so I head home alone. It’s better than wandering around in groups like the Karuizawa clique. Besides, most of that group is made up of useless incompetents. I’ll pass.

Just as I was about to leave the school building—

“Ayanokoji Aoi, right?”

Turning toward the voice that called my name precisely, I saw two unfamiliar male students: one with slicked-back bangs and a relaxed expression and another with long hair to his shoulders and a fierce look. Both were strangers. Since they’re in the first-year building at this hour, they’re not upperclassmen. Not Class D either and probably not Class C.

More importantly… my instincts say these guys are dangerous. Not quite top-tier, but capable enough.

When I showed caution, the slick-haired one gestured reassuringly.

“No need to be so wary. We’re here to take you somewhere.”

“Inviting a woman you just met to an unknown place only makes me more cautious.”

“Hahaha, just like I heard—you’re interesting. I mean, you’re the only one besides Ryūen from Class C who picked fights with classmates on the first day.”

That tells me they’re not from Class C. Then A or B. If classes are ranked by ability, then they must be—

“You’re from Class A.”

“Wow, sharp. Let me formally introduce myself. I’m Hashimoto Masayoshi from Class A.”

“…I’m Kito Hayato. Same class.”

Kito is quiet, but his well-defined muscles and veins visible past his gloves clearly mark him as a fighter. Hashimoto isn’t quite at that level, but like Hirata, he has lean muscles and seems socially adept.

“So, why would Class A want to take a Class D student like me?”

“Strictly speaking, it’s not us who want something from you.”

“Then?”

“Our queen wants to meet you.”

Queen… calling a classmate that almost certainly refers to Class A’s leader. Ordering people around like this isn’t very polite. Still, it’s a chance to learn about Class A. I’ll go—if things go south, I can just knock them out.

“Where to?”

“Behind the school building, at the incinerator. We’ll guide you.”

Sounds like a delinquent hangout. Is Class A’s leader the same type as Ryūen? Whoever it is, they won’t beat a White Room graduate like me.

“By the way, do you know our queen?”

“What are you talking about? I don’t know anyone nicknamed ‘queen’.”

“That’s strange. She seemed very pleased when she heard your name.”

Impossible. If someone knew me, they’d have to be connected to the White Room—and the only failed escapee is me.

So is she just into my ‘character’? That’s annoying.