From Hoshinomiya’s statement, I had already arrived at what was likely one answer.

That answer was past exam questions.

In the quiz that took place at the end of April, the last three questions in each subject were of a difficulty that ordinary first-year high school students would not be able to solve.

Naturally, anticipating the phenomenon that the grading teacher would notice, I avoided answering them, but everyone else probably could not solve them either.

Then there is the sudden change in the exam scope this time.

If you combine these factors, the answer naturally appears.

Though it could also be inferred from Hoshinomiya, who seemed certain that we could 'definitely overcome it'.

"Four days left... huh..."

The same student cafeteria as before.

Kanzaki, sitting across from me as usual, muttered heavily.

"Yeah... but it'll be fine! We've been holding study sessions every day this week and besides, Class B has a lot of naturally smart people. I'm sure..."

Ichinose tried to encourage the members gathered here.

However, it was obvious that she herself was anxious.

Perhaps worried by her expression, even the usually carefree Shibata looked unusually serious.

"Yeah... I'm still worried..."

"We still haven't come up with the kind of loophole the teacher mentioned."

"I wonder if it even exists..."

Over the past several days, I had paid closer attention to their behavior than ever before.

When speaking with Shibata, when speaking with Ichinose, when speaking with Kanzaki and when speaking with Amikura.

I constantly observed the movements of their eyes and facial muscles.

Even when I was not directly with them, I focused on tracking their movements and I even devoted time after school.

The result I discovered was that they are, in a good sense, nothing but 'excellent'.

Just like with the study sessions, they can quickly think of things that anyone could understand with a little thought and immediately begin taking initiative.

That is their strength no, the strength of 'our Class B'.

In fact, no other class I observed was as united as ours.

That is how large Ichinose's presence is.

However, in the class wars that are expected to happen in the future, that could also become fatal.

No if another class contains someone who could be called a genius, then it will almost certainly be targeted.

That is how dangerous Ichinose's presence is.

Unable to use underhanded tactics, they would be conveniently used and discarded.

Or they would be abandoned early and mercilessly crushed.

Those are likely the only two outcomes.

"I wonder if there really is a way to save everyone... Even if I try to be confident, I'm still worried."

"I wanna do something too, but all we can really do now is hold another study session today, right?"

Shibata responded to Ichinose's words.

In terms of athletics, he produces extremely outstanding results.

However, academically he does not exceed the level of an ordinary student.

Perhaps he understands this himself, because he refrains from giving directives and instead focuses on agreement and encouragement.

"...Based on what the teacher said about 'being able to buy anything with Private Points', perhaps there is a possibility."

Kanzaki, who had been groaning quietly until now, suddenly spoke.

Amikura, who had apparently been treating him like a decorative object until now, jerked her shoulders in surprise.

"Kanzaki... could you explain?"

Even I was surprised by his words.

I remembered that on May 1 he openly opposed Ichinose, whom everyone had been blindly trusting, but otherwise he had not stood out.

"If 'anything can be bought' truly means exactly what it says."

I see... as expected, Kanzaki is intelligent.

He was the fastest among us to derive the value of Private Points.

"In other words, perhaps it might be possible to purchase the 'model answers for the midterm exam' from the teacher."

"Seriously?!"

"That seems impossible..."

"I guess it might be possible though..."

Everyone voiced their opinions regarding Kanzaki's proposal.

It would have been nice if this conversation were more like something typical students would have.

"I think it's worth asking. What do you think?"

"Yeah, why not?"

"I'll go too."

"If it's expensive, tell me. I'll contribute too."

As expected, their sense of cooperation is extremely high.

When someone speaks, supportive opinions quickly appear and the atmosphere improves.

Perhaps with people like them, I could live a proper life.

With Kanzaki's suggestion, the midterm exam strategy meeting was tentatively concluded.

From this point on, it became an ordinary tea gathering.

"So, Ayanokōji-kun, do you have someone you like?"

In a situation where many other students were also around, Amikura suddenly asked that question from across the table.

The shock was so great that Ichinose sitting beside me and Watanabe sitting diagonally across from me spat out the tea and juice they were drinking.

Seeing that, the others laughed and said things like "Hey, that's gross."

"So, what about it?"

"It's only been about a month since we enrolled. Feelings like that haven't really developed."

I responded with the obvious answer.

It would be far too fast to develop romantic feelings for someone when it has only been about a month since we met.

Of course, the fact that I personally lack strong emotions also plays a role.

But fundamentally, that is the premise.

So what I said should not be wrong.

"That's mature. Just like your appearance."

"I get it. Ayanokōji-kun feels very mature."

"You're always calm too."

Over the past month of interacting with them, I have come to understand their conversations much better.

Right now, they are praising me.

However, whether that situation is actually pleasant is another matter.

Ichinose is praising me too, but she is popular among boys regardless of class.

Which means the attention directed at her might spread to me and cause actual trouble.

Even I do not have a heart broad enough to simply laugh it off as 'this is youth too'.

So I would prefer if attention were not directed toward me…

* * *

The next day.

Apparently Kanzaki and Ichinose carried out what we discussed during lunch that day.

But the result was a complete defeat.

Hoshinomiya reportedly told them, "It's a good idea, but that's not allowed."

They announced that to the class, but the reactions were mostly positive.

"Don't worry about it."

"Thank you for trying for everyone."

"As expected of Ichinose."

"I'm glad Ichinose is our leader."

Many similar comments were made.

However, what stood out was that there were no negative opinions.

This class already contains many good people, but the main reason is probably Ichinose.

Have you heard of the 'Mehrabian Rule'?

It describes how people judge others during communication.

More specifically, it is said that people weigh 'content, voice and appearance' in the ratio of 7 : 38 : 55.

In this case, Ichinose is speaking to everyone while looking extremely apologetic.

Kanzaki is also bowing deeply beside her, even though neither of them committed any wrongdoing.

That attitude itself corresponds to the 'appearance' portion in this case, which accounts for more than half of the ratio.

Simply put, because the two of them can sincerely apologize, everyone else finds it easier to forgive them.

If someone like me with a sour expression said something like 'Yeah yeah, my bad. Sorry for not helping', it would only make things worse.

* * *

"Three days until the exam... maybe we really have no choice but to give up."

After school.

I had come to a small café together with Ichinose.

The reason was simple.

Apparently she wanted to consult me about something.

And the result was this.

I do not mind being relied upon a little, but being relied upon too much is troublesome.

"We still don't understand what Hoshinomiya meant. But with the academic ability of Class B, no one will probably get expelled."

I cannot say anything reckless, but at the very least that much is true.

Class B has relatively excellent students gathered together and we have continuously held study sessions led by Ichinose.

Because of that foundation, the difference in reach between us and the other classes in this midterm exam will be significant.

Class A is busy with factional disputes.

Class C is ruled by fear under a single tyrant.

And rumors say Class D is not even functioning properly as a class.

I am not very interested in closing the gap with Class A, but receiving more Private Points would honestly make me happy.

...I want a coffee maker.

I had never drunk coffee before coming here, but that unique bitterness is delicious.

I discovered it when I was trying every drink from the vending machines and was shocked.

That moment was probably the second time my heart leapt since coming here.

The first time?

That would obviously be when I met everyone in Class B!

...What? Stop that.

Quit looking at me like that with those pitiful eyes.

Even I would get hurt.

"But still... I'm worried. I want everyone to graduate together."

Ichinose lowered her eyes anxiously.

From the perspective of a typical male student, she might look attractive like that.

Even I felt something stir in my heart for a moment.

...Maybe.

"...You really are kind, Ichinose."

"Huh?"

"If I were the leader, even if I wanted to protect everyone, I wouldn't be able to say it out loud. It takes a great deal of resolve and courage."

"But... we don't even know if we can do it. We'll probably have to fight the other classes."

"I told you before to have confidence. But you don't need to think too deeply about it. I can't say you should do whatever you want, but walking the path you believe in might be fine."

"But will everyone really follow me..."

"Yes. In fact, I also want to follow you, Ichinose. And this isn't just my personal opinion, it's the will of the class."

"I see... thank you. I'll do my best! First comes the midterm exam."

"Yeah. Let's do our best together."

Ah, Ichinose.

Let me pray.

At the very least, I hope the path you walk will not be blocked by a wall called despair.

While sipping the coffee placed before me, I clasped my hands in prayer within my heart.