Opening Ceremony (2)

Toudou Shizuka sat in the middle-rear rows of the Class B section, a spot with a wide view. He quietly adjusted his posture, his gaze sweeping across the entire auditorium with a seemingly calm air. A faint light blue dot flickered in the upper right corner of his vision; the [Accelerated Thinking] talent sharpened his senses to an extraordinary degree.

He could clearly catch the straight backs of the Class A students in the front rows and the occasional, scrutinizing glances they exchanged.

He could hear the faint commotion and a few suppressed complaints drifting from the Class D area behind him.

And he could feel, even more keenly, the complex emotions of his Class B classmates around him—a mix of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation.

[Target scan in progress...]

[Scanning target: Class A, Sakayanagi Arisu (diagonal front)]

Strategic Layout and Game Theory: S-Rank (Human theoretical peak)

Psychological Analysis and Manipulation: A-Rank (Approaching S-Rank)

Information Gathering (Efficient and covert, my dad is on the board): A-Rank

Leadership (Dominant type): A-Rank

Basic Physical Fitness: D-Rank (Negative effect worse than a stray dog)

[Affection: 0 (No interest)] - Unlocking any skill requires affection ≥ ??? (System note: Target is special, requirements extremely high)

Toudou Shizuka felt a chill in his heart. S-Rank Strategic Layout! The "School Queen" of Class A truly lived up to her reputation. The value of this skill probably surpassed even Ayanokouji's fighting style!

(MC's inner thought: A strong dragon can't crush a local snake. With a dad on the board, you could turn things upside down if you wanted, as long as you don't go too far.)

But the question-mark affection requirement and the nearly impossible threshold meant he could only sigh and admire from afar for now.

[Scanning target: Class C, Ryūen Kaku]

Fighting Style (Comprehensive combat): B-Rank

Intimidation and Oppressive Aura Usage: B-Rank (Active state, currently scanning Class D)

Insight (Perception of malice and weaknesses): C-Rank

Team Violence Domination: C-Rank

[Affection: -10 (Potential hostility)] - Unlocking any skill requires affection ≥ ??? (System note: Target's danger level is high, contact not recommended)

(Not gonna lie, I'd just slide in with a tackle ⌓‿⌓)

The undisguised aggression radiating from Ryūen made Toudou Shizuka instinctively tense his nerves. The combat instincts from S-Rank Fighting Style let him clearly sense the danger in the other person. Someone like that—better to keep a respectful distance. After all, I'm just a nobody right now; it's best not to draw too much attention.

[Scanning target: Class D, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka]

...(Skill tree omitted)...

[Affection: 0 (No interest)] - Unlocking any skill requires affection ≥ ??? (Complex)

[Scanning target: Class D, Horikita Suzune]

Learning Ability (Theoretical Absorption and Logical Deduction): A-Rank

Self-Discipline and Focus: A-Rank (Active state, ignoring surrounding noise)

Social Skills (Active): D-Rank (Notable)

[Affection: 4 (Cold)] - Unlocking Learning Ability A-Rank requires ≥ 70 (High recognition)

Horikita Suzune sat alone at the edge of the Class D section, her back straight as a rod, her gaze fixed intently on the empty podium ahead, as if the chaos around her had nothing to do with her.

That focus made Toudou Shizuka's heart stir again. A-Rank Learning Ability... combined with [Accelerated Thinking], the efficiency would be absolutely stunning. But the 70-point "High recognition" requirement was like an unbridgeable chasm. He needed an opportunity—a chance to make her see his value, not through pointless social pestering.

"Hey, Toudou, are you nervous?"

Kobashi Yume next to him nudged him lightly with her elbow and asked in a low voice, a hint of excitement on her face. "I heard the Chairman himself is going to speak!"

Toudou Shizuka snapped back to reality and gave a gentle, slightly shy smile. "Not really, I'm looking forward to it." [Social Affinity A-Rank] made his subtle expressions and tone feel incredibly natural and sincere.

[Kobashi Yume affection +1 (Shared feelings). Current: 30 (Friendly) -> Target 40 (Close) to unlock Infectious Vitality B-Rank.]

"Hehe, I'm a little nervous, but more excited!" Kobashi Yume clenched her little fist, full of energy.

"Quiet! It's starting!" A low but clear reminder came from the front row from Kanzaki Ryuji. He adjusted his glasses, his sharp gaze sweeping over the Class B area, instantly silencing a few classmates who were whispering. His B-Rank Rational Analysis and Decision Making gave him an instinctive knack for maintaining order.

[Kanzaki Ryuji affection +1 (Recognized maintenance of class order). Current: 17 (Neutral) -> Target 45 (Recognition) to unlock Rational Analysis and Decision Making B-Rank.]

Toudou Shizuka's heart stirred slightly. It seemed that with Kanzaki, showing attention and cooperation toward class affairs was an effective way to raise affection.

Just then, a side door at the front of the auditorium opened. A line of people in dark formal wear filed in and walked toward the podium. Leading them was a tall, sharp-looking female teacher with short, ear-length hair. Her expression was stern, her eyes sharp as an eagle's, her steps calm and steady, and she exuded a cold, unapproachable aura. Her gaze swept across the crowd like a frigid blade; wherever it passed, even the faintest sounds from the Class A area vanished instantly.

[Scanning target: Chabashira Sae (Class D Homeroom Teacher)]

Aura Intimidation (Teacher-oriented): A-Rank (Active state)

Insight (Student-facing state): B-Rank (Core skill)

Information Conveyance (Oppressive): B-Rank

Rule Enforcement (Cold): A-Rank

Toudou Shizuka felt a chill in his heart. This homeroom teacher of Class D had an aura far more imposing than Teacher Hoshinomiya's, carrying a clear sense of pressure and coldness. But when it came to teaching, she was utterly terrible—from the clips he'd seen in his past life, she seemed to take a hands-off approach with Class D. And with Rule Enforcement rated A-rank... it looked like Class D's days wouldn't be easy.

Chabashira Sae stood at one side of the podium like a silent sentinel, flanked by a row of other homeroom teachers for the First Year classes. Then, an elderly man with graying hair, a dignified face, and a sharp suit walked to the microphone at the center of the podium. He was Yanagi Naruyuki, the Chairman of Kōdo Ikusei High School.

"Good morning, everyone, New Students." Chairman Yanagi's voice boomed, carried through every corner of the auditorium by the high-quality speakers, with the calm and steady authority of one long accustomed to power. "Welcome to Kōdo Ikusei High School, the premier institution founded on the creed of Survival of the Fittest."

He swept his gaze across the hall, his eyes like a tangible force brushing over every young face, filled with scrutiny and assessment.

"Here, all hollow titles and past backgrounds mean nothing!" His voice suddenly rose, sharp and resolute. "Your worth is determined solely by the abilities you display now and the heights you can reach in the future! The school pours vast resources into cultivating elites truly capable of bearing tomorrow's burdens. But these resources are not a free gift!"