Kanzaki Ryuji read quickly, his expression turning grim. His Class B Rational Analysis Ability allowed him to instantly grasp the potential implications and severity of the information.
"'Causing significant losses to the class'... 'Serious consequences'... The implication is quite clear." He took a deep breath. "Toudou, this discovery is extremely important! We must inform the class representative immediately!"
[Kanzaki Ryuji Affection +3 (Highly recognizes his ability to discover key information and share it promptly). Current: 22 (Neutral) -> Target 45 (Recognized).]
"Yes, I think so too," Toudou Shizuka nodded, his attitude serious. He revealed some key clues (results-oriented and expulsion risk) but omitted the more shocking deduction of "class demotion" (source unclear and too alarming), while also preserving the manual's characteristic vagueness.
This way, he showcased his value, provided substantial information to capture the attention of the core members, without appearing too abrupt or omniscient.
"Kobashi, let's go, we've made an important discovery!" Kanzaki called out to Kobashi Yume, who was still looking at a magazine. Although Kobashi Yume didn't understand, seeing their serious expressions, she quickly put down her magazine and followed.
The three quickly returned to the Class B classroom. Ichinose Honami and Shiranami Chihiro were organizing the class contact list and preliminary interest survey forms.
"Class Representative, Vice Representative, we have important news!" Kanzaki Ryuji stated concisely, quickly recounting Toudou Shizuka's discovery and his own analysis, emphasizing the risks of "results-oriented first exam" and "serious personal mistakes potentially leading to severe punishment or even expulsion."
The atmosphere in the classroom instantly became heavy. Even the usually lively Kobashi Yume covered her mouth, her eyes wide. Amakura Asako's hands paused over her tablet, and Morita Ken's action of pushing up his glasses froze mid-air.
"Ex... expulsion?" a girl (Bystander C) voice trembled slightly.
The gentle smile on Ichinose Honami's face vanished, replaced by an unprecedented seriousness and sense of responsibility. Her Class A Charisma transformed into a steady power at this moment. She stood up, her voice clear and firm: "Everyone, don't panic! The information brought by Kanzaki and Toudou is very important, but we need to analyze it calmly!"
She looked at Toudou Shizuka, her eyes filled with sincere gratitude and importance. "Toudou, thank you very much for your careful discovery! This serves as a wake-up call for us." Her gaze then swept across the entire class. "This precisely shows that the Chairman's words about 'supremacy of strength' and 'resource allocation' are not empty talk! The challenges we face in the future may be more severe than imagined, with even less room for error!"
[Ichinose Honami Affection +3 (Highly recognizes his key discovery and contribution to the class). Current: 25 (Friendly) -> Target 50 (Friendly).]
"The Class Representative is right!" Kanzaki Ryuji interjected, his tone calm. "Panic is useless.
The immediate priorities are: First, for the first exam and all future 'Special Exams,' treat them with the utmost importance, viewing them as crucial battles for the class's survival and individual futures, discarding any wishful thinking.
Second, strengthen internal class collaboration and synergy to improve overall strength and reduce the risk of individual errors.
Third, continue to gather all information about past exam formats and rules to prepare thoroughly."
Shiranami Chihiro silently handed over a notebook. It already contained Kanzaki's key points quickly recorded in neat handwriting, with annotations on the information source (Management Regulations Appendix discovered by Toudou Shizuka) and areas needing further confirmation (specific penalty details, past cases).
[Target: Shiranami Chihiro (Refresh)]
[Affection: 12 (Neutral) -> 14 (Neutral)] - Recognition for providing the key information source.
Information Synthesis: Class B (Active) - Unlocks when Affection ≥ 40 (Close).
Toudou Shizuka watched Shiranami Chihiro's efficient work and silently praised him. This Class B information synthesis ability was exactly what he needed! If he could master it, combined with [Thought Acceleration], his efficiency in processing massive amounts of information would increase exponentially. Moreover, the 40 affection threshold was relatively easy to achieve.
"Toudou," Ichinose Honami looked at Toudou Shizuka again, her tone solemn. "We really owe this to you. In the future, we'll need your diligence in information gathering. Please be sure to tell us immediately if you discover anything." Her words carried trust and reliance.
"I will, Class Representative. This is also my way of contributing to the class," Toudou Shizuka replied sincerely. This was exactly what he wanted—to establish his value as an "Information Discoverer" within the class's core group, continuously and steadily increasing the affection of key individuals.
"Alright!" Ichinose Honami clapped her hands, re-energizing the atmosphere. Her Class A Charisma came into play again. "Although the road ahead has challenges, as long as Class B unites, trusts each other, and supports each other, we will definitely overcome them!
Now, let's first focus on the foundational work. Kanzaki, Shiranami, please continue organizing the contact list and interest forms to prepare for potential future teamwork. Everyone else, please familiarize yourselves with the campus environment and adjust your state as soon as possible!"
Ichinose's determination and optimism dispelled much of the heavy atmosphere. Everyone responded and returned to their tasks.
Toudou Shizuka returned to his seat, seemingly helping to organize forms, but his consciousness had already locked onto a practical skill in Shiranami Chihiro's skill tree—[Information Synthesis: Class B].
[Enter Virtual Training Ground to simulate learning target skill?]
[Warning: Target (Shiranami Chihiro) Affection insufficient! Current Affection: 14 (Neutral). Unlocking simulation permission for this skill requires target Affection ≥ 40 (Close).]
As expected. Toudou Shizuka was not surprised. He looked at the illuminated icon in his field of vision, then at the system interface:
[Simulation Points: 50] - Still half away from purchasing [Deep Sleep (Basic) for 100 points].
[Shiranami Chihiro Affection: 14 (Neutral)] - Target 40 (Close).
[Ichinose Affection: 25 (Friendly)] - Target 50 (Friendly).
[Kanzaki Affection: 22 (Neutral)] - Target 45 (Recognized).
Increasing Shiranami's affection became the top priority. How to do it? She was quiet and introverted, with a low presence, but extremely diligent and responsible in her work.
Directly approaching her might be counterproductive. Perhaps... providing some efficient tools to support her work when she was focused? Or, offering timely help when she occasionally needed it? For example, the next time she needed to search for a large amount of information, could he proactively take on a portion of it?
While mechanically organizing the forms, he rapidly planned under [Thought Acceleration] how to naturally and unobtrusively approach Shiranami Chihiro, like a patient gardener preparing to water the seedling called "Affection."
The clues from the library were just the beginning. Cultivating relationships within Class B was the foundation for him to establish himself and gain more power. Both points and keys needed to be carefully nurtured in this soil, in "Toudou Shizuka's" way.
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