"Everyone, pay attention!" Teacher Hoshinomiya stood at the front, her voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible excitement. "Now, open your Personal Devices and log in with your initial accounts! You'll receive a 'big gift' from the school!"
The New Students eagerly switched on their devices.
Toudou Shizuka's fingertips slid across the cool, smooth screen as she followed the prompts and entered her student ID and initial password. The System Interface was clean and fluid, and loaded almost instantly. Thanks to her [Accelerated Thinking (Basic)] talent, she grasped the logic behind every operation at once. The moment she logged in, a prominent pop-up filled the center of the screen:
[Student Personal Account Activation Successful — Kōdo Ikusei High School!]
[Welcome, Toudou Shizuka (Class B).]
[In accordance with the new student enrollment agreement, your Private Points account has been activated, and you have received Initial Points: 100,000.]
[Please keep your points safe. They will accompany you through an exciting school life!]
One hundred thousand points!
Though she'd expected it, Toudou Shizuka's heartbeat still quickened when the number appeared clearly before her eyes.
The System Light Spot in the upper-right corner of her vision flickered faintly, as if recording the deposit of this "fortune." All around her, exclamations immediately rang out.
"Whoa! A hundred thousand! That's so much!"
"Seriously? That many points?"
"We can buy so many things now!"
"The school's so generous!"
Kobashi Yume excitedly leaned over beside Toudou Shizuka, waving her own tablet. "Toudou! Toudou! Look! A hundred thousand points! We can buy that new game console, right? Or that super cute limited-edition handbag?"
Her eyes sparkled.
[Kobashi Yume's Favorability +1 (Sharing Joy). Current: 27 (Friendly).]
Toudou Shizuka smiled, her tone carrying a note of cautious anticipation. "Yeah, it's quite a lot. But Teacher Hoshinomiya said points are important, so we should probably see what we can use them for first."
Her response showed agreement while also conveying a rational restraint, in keeping with her "quiet but dependable" persona.
"Toudou is right."
Kanzaki Ryuji's voice came from nearby. He adjusted his glasses, their lenses reflecting the cold glow of the screen, and spoke with a serious expression. "A hundred thousand points sounds like a lot, but according to the spending levels mentioned in the handbook, this is probably just meant to help us get used to the idea of points.
"The real test is how to earn points and maintain their growth. In particular..." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the Class B Students. "Our class's overall evaluation will directly affect the number of base points we receive each month. That's our source of long-term stability."
[Target: Kanzaki Ryuji (Refreshed)]
[Favorability: 15 (Neutral) → 16 (Neutral)] - His approval of rational thought brought a slight increase.
[Skill Tree Refresh: Rational Analysis and Decision Making B-Rank (Active)... Financial Planning and Management B-Rank (Active)...]
Kanzaki's words poured cold water on some of the shopping enthusiasm that had just started to take hold.
Ichinose Honami also spoke up at just the right moment, her voice gentle but firm. "Kanzaki's reminder came at the perfect time. These hundred thousand points are both a gift from the school and a responsibility. I hope everyone will plan rationally and spend them on things we truly need.
"Of course, it's fine to treat ourselves now and then, but please remember that we in Class B are all in this together. We'll need to work hard together if we want to earn more points in the future!" Her Rank A leadership skills gave her words a persuasive, unifying force.
"Yes, Class Leader!" everyone replied in unison.
As she listened, Toudou Shizuka quickly browsed the apps built into her Personal Device.
Sure enough, an eye-catching [Campus Store] icon caught her attention. She tapped it, and a dazzling array of product categories unfolded: study supplies, household goods, clothing and accessories, electronics, food and drinks... There were even tutoring courses, club activity reservations, and rentals for special facilities. The prices varied enormously, ranging from ordinary stationery costing a few dozen points to high-end electronics and special services that cost tens of thousands.
Her gaze quickly scanned the "Household Goods" category. As expected, the school provided only the basics. Anyone who wanted more comfort would have to buy it themselves.
"Next, everyone can head to the dormitory supplies counter next door to pick up your Basic Dormitory Supplies Pack!" Teacher Hoshinomiya pointed to the adjacent room. "Then you can go back to your dorms and get settled!
"The Dormitory Building is behind the Teaching Building. You can find it marked on the maps on your devices. Remember, everyone gets a single room, so you're guaranteed privacy and a good night's rest!"
"Single rooms? That's awesome!"
The news prompted another round of cheers. For students used to living in groups, having their own private space was an undeniable luxury.
Toudou Shizuka joined the crowd and collected a fairly heavy package bearing the school crest.
Inside were basic bedding, a toiletry bag, towels, hangers, and other necessities. The quality was decent, but they were far from fancy.
On the way to the Dormitory Building, the atmosphere grew much more relaxed. Students chatted in small groups, discussed how to spend their hundred thousand points, and looked forward to their single rooms. Toudou Shizuka walked quietly, her gaze seemingly drifting over the students passing by.
[Scanning Target: Class D Bystander A]
Video Game (Action): C-Rank
[Scanning Target: Class C Bystander B]
Basketball Enthusiast: D-Rank
[Scanning Target: Horikita Suzune (Passing by)]
Learning Ability (Theoretical Absorption and Logical Deduction): A-Rank (Core Skill)
Self-Discipline and Focus: A-Rank (Core Skill)
Athletic Ability (Basic Physical Fitness): C-Rank
Social Skills (Proactive): D-Rank (Isn't this a negative effect?)
[Favorability: 5 (Cold) → 4 (Cold)] - Her dislike of the noisy surroundings caused a slight decrease.
Toudou Shizuka's thoughts stirred. A-Rank learning ability! If she could master it... Combined with the [Thought Acceleration] talent she'd just bought... The idea was as tempting as a spell.
She immediately focused her thoughts on the brightest skill in Horikita's skill tree—[Learning Ability (Theoretical Absorption and Logical Deduction): A-Rank].
[Enter the Virtual Training Ground to simulate learning the Target Skill?]
[Warning: Target (Horikita Suzune) favorability is far too low! Current favorability: 4 (Cold). To unlock Simulation Privilege for this skill, target favorability must be ≥70 (Highly Respected).]
[Hint: The target has an aloof personality and strongly dislikes meaningless social interaction. Increasing her favorability will be extremely difficult and will require a targeted strategy.]
Seventy points! Highly Respected! Toudou Shizuka stared at the glaring "4 (Cold)" and felt a headache coming on.
Horikita Suzune was a tough nut to crack—tougher than she'd expected. Going straight up and trying to get close to her? That would probably backfire and only make her dislike Toudou even more.
Before you continue