[Writing Speed Synchronization Simulation. Muscle Memory Engraving.]
Generating the symbols was only the first step. He still had to "write" them down at top speed!
In the virtual space, his will guided an invisible pen as it flew across an invisible sheet of paper.
At first, there was a delay between generating and "writing" the symbols. The strokes were crooked, and some symbols even got mixed up.
But as he piled on simulation after simulation, he generated the symbols faster and more accurately, and his "writing" grew smoother and smoother, until it was almost a conditioned reflex!
Gradually, he found the rhythm of "a symbol appearing the moment he thought of it." The fingers of his mind seemed to have developed a memory of their own.
[Simulation Count: 300/300.] [Skill: Shorthand (Grade C) mastery 100%.] [Simulation Points Gained: 5 (Grade C Skill Reward).]
His consciousness returned to the real world. To everyone else, the whole process had looked like he'd simply stared intently at Kobashi's notebook for a few seconds.
"How is it? Is it a mess?"
When he didn't say anything, Kobashi thought her "chicken scratch" had stumped him. She stuck out her tongue, a little embarrassed.
Toudou Shizuka came to his senses, his face showing just the right amount of admiration and a hint of "I think I get it." "No, it's really creative!
"Especially the way you use shapes to express logical relationships directly. It's very efficient.
"I tried to understand it just now, and I think it's really helpful for quickly picking out the key points."
He pointed to a few symbols in Kobashi's notebook. "Like this transition, and this 'important' marker. They're clear at a glance."
Kobashi's eyes lit up, as though she'd found a kindred spirit. "Right? Right? You catch on so quickly, Toudou!
"I told you this method was useful! Want me to teach you a few basic symbols?
"They're super handy for taking notes!" Her enthusiasm was instantly ignited.
[Kobashi Honami Affinity +5 (Current: 25/100 – Friendly)] [Simulation Point Gained: 1 (Reward for raising a non-primary character Kobashi Honami's affinity above 20 for the first time).]
A double blessing! Toudou Shizuka was thrilled. Five skill points plus one affinity reward made six in all! Added to his previous 115 points, that brought his total to 121!
"Then I'd appreciate your help, Kobashi. I'd really like to learn."
Toudou Shizuka readily agreed. It would both strengthen their rapport and pave the way for him to "learn" shorthand in an instant.
"Sure! Leave it to me!"
Kobashi immediately pulled over a chair and eagerly began explaining the basic symbols she was proudest of.
As Toudou Shizuka "listened" attentively, he brought up the system panel in the back of his mind.
[Current Simulation Points: 121.] [Talent Shop:] [- Dynamic Vision (Fine-Tuned) Lv. 1: 120 points (Available)] [- Energy Recovery (Basic): 80 points (Available)] [- Basic Physical Fitness Enhancement: 50 points (Available)]
Without the slightest hesitation, he focused his thoughts on the enticing, glowing option. "Purchase Talent: Dynamic Vision (Fine-Tuned) Lv. 1!"
[120 Simulation Points spent.] [Talent: Dynamic Vision (Fine-Tuned) Lv. 1 purchased successfully! Now active.] [Effect: Slightly improves the ability to track moving objects, slightly increases the accuracy of predicting the trajectories of fast-moving objects, and marginally speeds up visual information processing.]
An indescribable cool sensation spread from deep within his eyes, as if a faint veil had quietly lifted from his vision.
Everything around him—the already sharply defined scenery, thanks to his Photography Skill—seemed a little clearer and smoother.
He could make out Kobashi's rapidly changing mouth movements more clearly as she spoke. The subtle movements of her fingers as she twirled her pen seemed to slow by a barely perceptible frame, making them easier to see. (Seeing the world frame by frame.)
The speed at which the world's information flowed into his optic nerves seemed to have improved by the tiniest bit.
It worked! A tremendous sense of satisfaction and confidence welled up inside Toudou Shizuka.
He'd acquired yet another key talent! It would be crucial to what lay ahead, whether he was studying, fighting (if he had to), or observing the finer details of other people's skills!
Just then, Kanzaki seemed to have finished his initial explanation of the physics material.
He came over, looking thoughtful. He glanced at the few students bent over their books in the seminar room, then looked toward Ichinose and Kobashi Honami.
"Everyone, our peer study sessions are working well, but we're students, after all.
"When it comes to understanding what will be on the exams—especially the teachers' 'styles' and 'preferences' when setting questions—upperclassmen probably have more experience than we do."
Ichinose immediately caught his meaning, her eyes brightening. "You mean we should ask the upperclassmen for help, Kanzaki?"
"Exactly." Kanzaki nodded and spoke calmly. "Especially if we can get hold of past Midterm Exam questions or representative practice tests.
"If we can find some, they'll be an enormous help in guiding our revision. We can avoid wasting precious time on material that isn't a priority and get twice the results with half the effort."
Toudou Shizuka's heart stirred. Past exam questions? Those were an incredibly valuable strategic resource!
Kōdo Ikusei High kept a tight rein on old exam papers, and very few ever circulated.
But if they could get their hands on some, it would be a huge boon for the study group, and invaluable for planning his own revision.
"That's a great idea!" Kobashi Honami said excitedly. "But... who should we ask? We don't know any of the upperclassmen very well."
Kanzaki turned to Toudou Shizuka, a questioning look in his eyes. "Toudou, I remember you mentioned before that you joined the Sanda Club.
"The seniors in the club seem to think very highly of you." He chose his words carefully, without spelling out the implication. It was clear enough: clubs, especially sports clubs, were often hubs where Information Flow traveled fast.
Their members came from different grades and different classes, and they talked among themselves far more often than ordinary students did.
Toudou Shizuka immediately understood what Kanzaki was getting at.
He could use his status as a club member, along with his current standing as a newcomer the club president valued highly, to sound out the upperclassmen—especially influential, well-connected seniors in the club—and see whether he could find any information or leads about past exam questions.
There were risks, of course, but the potential rewards were enormous.
He quickly weighed his options. The Sanda Club... Its president was Kirihara Takeshi, a third-year, and its vice president was Miyazaki, a second-year. Both were active members.
Miyazaki, in particular, was outgoing and popular in the club.
If he could find a way in through her... And club activities were, in themselves, a great opportunity to meet upperclassmen and scan their skills!
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