[Light and Shadow Capture Deepening - Highlight Spill Suppression - Dark Area Detail Analysis]
His consciousness seemed to have gained a subtle "adjustment dial."
Was the Streetlight Core's halo too glaring?
With a mere shift of thought, his perception automatically "turned down" the brightness in that area, as if he were adjusting the exposure settings in his mind, softening the glow.
Yet it still retained its presence as the visual focal point.
Meanwhile, the deep shadows beyond the streetlight's reach were no longer pitch-black.
His "vision" pierced the surface, making out the texture of the steps in the shadows, the blurred outlines of the bushes, and even the faint glimmer reflected in the windows of another Dormitory Building in the distance.
The dim areas held rich details and a peaceful atmosphere.
[Dynamic Scene Capture: Predicting the Trajectory of Falling Leaves.]
A virtual breeze swept by, and several ginkgo leaves spiraled down.
As if he were looking through a photographer's eyes, their trajectories were no longer random.
He instantly predicted where they might be a second later, as well as the subtle translucent effect the light might create as it passed through the leaves at different angles.
The perfect "decisive moment"—a leaf drifting right to the edge of the streetlight's widest halo, its veins sharply defined in the bright light while its edges merged with the shadows, forming a perfect half-silhouette—was precisely pinpointed by his perception.
[Simulations: 1000/1000.] [Skill: Photography (Composition and Light Capture) Rank A — Mastery 100%.] [Simulation Points Gained: 50 (Rank A Skill Reward).]
As his consciousness returned to reality, Toudou Shizuka let out a long breath, tiny beads of sweat forming at his temples.
Although the system said he had "mastered it instantly," he had experienced a thousand rounds of perceptual adjustments, composition refinements, and light-and-shadow capture practice in the Virtual Training Ground.
The resulting mental exhaustion was real. He walked to the window and looked once more at the real Twilight Campus.
The world looked brand-new.
Without even trying, everything before his eyes was automatically analyzed, rearranged, and optimized in his mind.
The Teaching Building was no longer just a building, but a stage for light and shadow;
The streetlights were no longer just tools for illumination, but the soul of the scene;
The falling leaves became poetic footnotes to the passage of time.
Sakura Airi's eyes, which had observed the world through a lens, had now become part of the way he perceived the world.
This ability far exceeded his initial expectations. It was not merely a technique, but a way of thinking that allowed him to deeply understand the beauty of the world.
[Current Simulation Points: 115] [Talent Shop:] [- Dynamic Vision (Fine-Tuning) Lv. 1: 120 points (Available)] [- Energy Recovery (Beginner): 80 points (Available)] [- Basic Physical Fitness Enhancement: 50 points (Available)]
He had 115 points—just five short of buying the long-coveted [Dynamic Vision (Fine-Tuning)]!
A powerful urge welled up inside him, almost making him plunge his consciousness into the system at once to scan his next target.
Kanzaki Ryuji, with his dazzling "Efficient Learning Method," was like a little cake giving off an irresistible aroma!
If he could get it, studying for the upcoming Midterm Exam would be twice as effective with half the effort!
Just as the thought burned brightest, and his fingertips were almost touching the invisible screen—
Ring-ring-ring!
The landline on the dormitory desk suddenly burst into a series of urgent rings, like a bucket of ice water ruthlessly dousing all his excitement!
"Ugh!" Toudou Shizuka frowned sharply and snatched up the receiver, almost irritated at having been interrupted in the middle of an important ritual.
"Hello, who is this?" His voice carried a hint of irritation he couldn't quite hide.
"Good evening, Toudou. This is Kanzaki Ryuji."
The voice on the other end was as steady and clear as ever, with the dependable air of Class B's second-in-command and a hint of seriousness.
Kanzaki? Toudou Shizuka paused. He'd just been thinking about scanning his skills, and now the man himself was calling?
The coincidence instantly replaced his irritation with a peculiar curiosity.
"Kanzaki? Good evening." He quickly adjusted his tone, returning to his usual composure. "What's up?"
"Sorry to bother you at this hour."
Kanzaki's voice came through the receiver. "It's about the upcoming Midterm Exam.
I've discussed it with the class representatives and consulted the Homeroom Teacher.
This Midterm Exam may be quite difficult, especially in some of the foundational subjects. A few students in our class... well, they've fallen a little behind.
If we leave things as they are, it'll hurt the class's overall Average Score, and it won't be good for them personally, either."
Toudou Shizuka listened quietly, unconsciously tapping his fingers lightly on the desk.
Class B had a positive overall atmosphere, but there were indeed some gaps in its academic performance.
As a Core Member, it was only natural that Kanzaki would consider the class's interests as a whole.
"So," Kanzaki continued, his tone growing more earnest, "we're planning to organize a temporary 'study group.'
We'll use time after school and on weekends to help these students review key points and strengthen their foundations.
We're hoping to bring together a few classmates who are good at different subjects.
Toudou, your math and logical analysis skills are among the best in the class, and everyone saw your score on the last quiz.
I was wondering... would you be willing to spare some time to join the group? You'd mainly be helping with the science subjects."
Here it was! Toudou Shizuka's thoughts stirred.
This was exactly the chance he had been waiting for—to build closer ties with Class B's Core Members!
A personal invitation from Kanzaki Ryuji carried real weight. Build rapport, raise their favorability, unlock scanning access!
Kanzaki's Rank A learning method, his Team Coordination ability, and even the skills of any other Class B standouts who might be there... were all targets for him! For example, Kobashi Honami, who had a noticeable presence—her skills could be targets, too!
"Of course, Kanzaki."
Toudou Shizuka answered without hesitation, his voice carrying just the right amount of enthusiasm. "Helping my classmates is also a way to improve myself.
I'd be happy to do my part for the class. Have you decided on a time and place yet?"
As he replied, he instinctively drew on the keen powers of observation he had just gained from [Composition and Light Capture, Rank A]. Even over the phone, he could almost "hear" the sense of responsibility in Kanzaki's words as he worked for the class.
And the recognition of his abilities. That recognition was the foundation of favorability.
"That's great! Thanks, Toudou!"
Kanzaki's voice sounded noticeably lighter, his gratitude sincere.
"We're tentatively planning to start at four thirty tomorrow after school, in the A3 Seminar Room on the second floor of the library.
It's quiet there, and there's enough room. A few of us Core Members will get there half an hour early to meet, then briefly divide up the tasks and the list of students who need Key Support.
If it's convenient for you, could you come a little early, too?"
"No problem. I'll be there on time." Toudou Shizuka agreed readily.
"Great. We can go over the exact list and which subjects to focus on when we meet tomorrow," Kanzaki said, then paused before adding,
"Oh, Kobashi Honami will be handling the humanities subjects, especially English and shorthand techniques. You can talk things over with her beforehand." (Kobashi Honami is a non-original character.
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