He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink into every new student's heart.
"The points in your hands are the measure of your worth!
"Your class's evaluation rank directly determines how many base points you receive each month! Your individual performance will affect your access to additional resources and opportunities! Here, falling behind means being eliminated! Resources favor only those capable of obtaining and holding on to them!"
"Competition and cooperation are the eternal themes here!" His tone softened slightly, but his words remained cold. "You can climb to the top through your own abilities, or rely on your team to cut through every obstacle.
"But remember, in the end, only your standing matters! The school will not show favoritism, but neither will it let genuine talent go to waste!"
"Over the next three years, the school will test and temper you through various 'Special Exams,' daily evaluations, and challenges beyond your imagination!"
Chairman Sakayanagi's gaze grew profound and sharp. "I hope you'll come to deeply understand the meaning of the words 'Survival of the Fittest,' make good use of the resources at your disposal, and prove you deserve this school's investment in you!"
His speech was concise and forceful, devoid of flowery language. It contained nothing but the naked rules of reality and the cold pressure they brought. Like a basin of ice water, it extinguished the romantic fantasies still lingering in many of the new students' hearts. The auditorium fell silent, with only the sound of heavy breathing remaining.
[Accelerated Thinking (Basic)] went into overdrive! Toudou Shizuka's mind worked like a precision computer, rapidly analyzing every key point in the chairman's speech:
"Resources favor the capable": This confirmed the central importance of points; class and individual performance were key.
"Competition and cooperation": This implied that individual heroics and teamwork coexisted, but both ultimately came down to results.
"Special Exams": An unknown form of assessment, possibly high-risk and high-reward. She needed to remain on High Alert.
"Challenges beyond your imagination": These were full of uncertainty; improving her abilities was the only way to respond.
"No favoritism, no wasted talent": The rules appeared fair on the surface, but were there loopholes in how they were applied? She needed to watch and see.
He instinctively looked toward the heart of Class B. Ichinose Honami sat upright, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, her expression grave but resolute. She was clearly absorbing the rules and thinking about how to lead Class B forward. Her A-class leadership qualities seemed all the steadier under pressure. Kanzaki Ryuji, meanwhile, was quickly recording something in the notes on his Personal Device. His gaze behind his glasses was cool and focused as Class B's Rational Analysis Ability processed the information at high speed.
The atmosphere in Class D's section was oppressive. Horikita Suzune still wore an expressionless face, but Toudou Shizuka keenly noticed that the hand resting on her knee had clenched slightly, betraying her inner turmoil and fierce determination. Ayanokouji Kiyotaka... His seat was too far away to make out his expression, but that same "transparency" remained, as if the chairman's speech had nothing to do with him.
In Class A's section, Sakayanagi Arisu seemed to have the faintest hint of a smile on her lips. She lightly tapped the armrest of her wheelchair with her fingers, as if enjoying an intriguing play. Katsuragi Kouhei, meanwhile, wore a grave expression, his gaze sharp.
In Class C's section, Ryuen Kakeru grinned, his smile cruel and excited. His gaze swept over the other classes like a hungry wolf, lingering especially on Class D.
The opening ceremony ended in a solemn, tense atmosphere. The new students filed out, speaking to one another in lowered voices, weighed down by thoughts of the future and a hint of unease.
"Wow... This feels like so much pressure." Kobashi Yume stuck out her tongue and leaned toward Toudou Shizuka. "That chairman was really scary. Toudou-kun, do you think our Class B will get lots of points?" Her words carried a dependence on her classmates and a touch of worry about the future.
Toudou Shizuka gave her a reassuring smile, her tone gentle but confident. "With our Class Leader and Vice Class Leader around, as long as we all work together, I'm sure we can do it." He skillfully expressed his trust in the class leadership while passing along an encouraging message.
[Kobashi Yume's Affinity +1 (comforted and reassured). Current: 31 (Friendly) -> Target: 40 (Close).]
[Ichinose Honami's Affinity +1 (recognizes his trust in the class). Current: 22 (Friendly) -> Target: 50 (Amicable).]
"Yeah! You're right!" Kobashi Yume nodded vigorously, her fighting spirit reignited.
"Toudou-kun." Kanzaki Ryuji walked over, his expression still serious. "Regarding the 'Special Exams' and class evaluations the chairman mentioned, I think we need to gather more information as soon as possible and prepare in advance. Do you have any ideas for gathering information?" He had taken the initiative to ask, clearly considering Toudou Shizuka someone he could talk things over with.
Toudou Shizuka's heart stirred. Here was a chance to prove her worth! She thought for a moment before answering cautiously. "The school forum on our devices might be a good starting point.
"Upperclassmen's accounts of their experiences might be limited, but official announcements and Student Council updates could offer some clues. The library might also have publicly available materials from previous years." The suggestions were all practical, fitting the image of a clear-headed new student.
A flicker of approval appeared in Kanzaki's eyes. "That's close to what I was thinking. Shiranami has already gone to check the forum. The library is definitely worth looking into.
"If you have time, Toudou-kun, we could split up and work separately. That would be more efficient." He was proposing that they work together.
[Kanzaki Ryuji's Affinity +2 (recognizes his clear thinking and potential as a collaborator). Current: 19 (Neutral) -> Target: 45 (Approval).]
"Sure, no problem," Toudou Shizuka readily agreed. This was the perfect opportunity to become part of the class's inner circle and improve her affinity with them.
As the few Class B students discussed things in low voices, a voice as sweet as honey rang out beside them, brimming with just the right amount of warmth and a barely perceptible hint of curiosity.
"Oh my, aren't you all from Class B? What did you think of the opening ceremony?"
Kushida Kikyo had approached at some point, wearing an impeccable smile. Her gaze moved among Toudou Shizuka, Kanzaki, and Kobashi Yume. "I'm Kushida Kikyo from Class D. Nice to meet you!" She gave a slight bow, her posture graceful and natural.
[Target: Kushida Kikyo (refreshed)]
Social Affinity (Broad): A-rank (active)
Expression Management and Emotional Camouflage: A-rank (active)
Topic Guidance and Listening Skills: A-rank (active)
[Affinity: 15 (Neutral)] - Unlock her "Expression Management and Emotional Camouflage A-rank" at Affinity ≥60 (Trust).
A faint alarm bell rang in Toudou Shizuka's mind. Why was Kushida approaching Class B? Was it simple sociability, or did she have another motive? A warm, friendly smile immediately appeared on her face. "Hello, Kushida-san. The ceremony... gave me a lot to think about." She chose a fairly neutral phrase.
"Yeah, yeah, it makes me feel like I'll have to work even harder from now on!" Kobashi Yume chimed in without a care. Kanzaki merely gave a slight nod, keeping a polite distance.
Kushida Kikyo's smile didn't waver, but her gaze lingered on Toudou Shizuka's face for half a second longer than it had on the others. Her A-rank Insight let Toudou Shizuka sense that Kushida seemed to have developed a faint curiosity about her, this "quiet" Class B student, but the feeling was soon masked by her perfect smile.
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