"That's good. I'm Hirata Yousuke, from Class D. Nice to meet you." Hirata extended his hand in a friendly manner.
"Toudou Shizuka, Class B. Nice to meet you." Toudou Shizuka took his hand and gave it a light shake, a shy smile on his face. He could clearly feel the moderate strength of Hirata's grip, carrying a sincere warmth—the B-rank Emotional Soothing and Mediation ability flowing naturally. This was a born lubricant and adhesive.
"Class B, huh? I hear Ichinose is really impressive, and the class atmosphere is great too." A slightly envious female voice cut in from the side. Toudou Shizuka looked over to see Karuizawa Kei, also reading the Notice Board. Her gaze lingered for a moment on the name Ichinose Honami in the Class B roster.
[Scan Target: Karuizawa Kei]
Reading People (Cliques): B-rank (Active)
Attachment to the Strong and Seeking Protection: C-rank (Tendency Revealed)
Basic Fashion Coordination: C-rank
Self-Positioning (Within a Group): C-rank (Seeking Advantageous Position)
"Yeah, I hope so." Toudou Shizuka replied vaguely, his tone carrying a new student's mix of bewilderment and anticipation.
Karuizawa Kei glanced at him, seeming to find this Class B boy unremarkable and not worth special attention. She quickly turned her focus back to the Notice Board, searching for familiar names.
Toudou Shizuka didn't linger. He turned and squeezed out of the crowd. Class B... He silently savored the label. On the surface, The Neutral Zone—perhaps it was the perfect hunting ground for a "Skill Hunter" like him. Far from the sharp edge of Class A and the intense conflicts of Classes C and D, under a relatively calm facade, it was easier to hide, and more convenient to observe and approach targets with high-value skills.
His gaze cut through the bobbing heads and precisely locked onto a solitary figure on the periphery of the crowd. Horikita Suzune stood with her arms crossed, her Cold Eyes fixed on the Class D roster. Her face was expressionless, carrying only a chilling aloofness that kept others at a distance and a faint trace of... disdain? For the Class D label, or for the fate of being grouped with those on that list?
[Target: Horikita Suzune]
[Skill Tree Refreshed: Learning Ability (Theoretical Absorption and Logical Deduction) A-rank... Self-Discipline and Focus A-rank... Social Skills (Active) D-rank (Significant)...]
A-rank Learning Ability... Toudou Shizuka's heartbeat quickened slightly. To a soul who had grinded relentlessly in his past life, this was a dream skill! Far more attractive than Fighting Style! If he could master this, combined with the system, his speed of absorbing knowledge would completely break human limits!
He suppressed the craving in his heart and merged like a ghost into the stream of new students heading toward the Teaching Building. At the upper right of his vision, the light blue System Light Spot flickered faintly, like a hunter's opening eye.
[Current Simulation Points: 150 Points.]
[Talent Shop: Locked (Unlock Requirement: Simulation Points 200 Points).]
Still 50 points short. Toudou Shizuke's Calm Gaze swept over every classmate passing by him. Kushida Kikyo's other two A-rank skills? Kouenji Rokketsuke's aristocratic bearing and language abilities? Or... Horikita Suzune's A-rank Learning Ability?
There were many targets, and points were precious. Who should be the next prey?
The Class B Classroom was spacious and bright. Through the huge Floor-to-Ceiling Window, carefully trimmed lawns and the outline of the distant sports field were visible. Sunlight poured in unhindered, coating the Brand New desks and chairs in a warm gold. The air was thick with the smell of ink from new textbooks and the vibrant energy of Youth. Compared to the potential chaos of Class D or the invisible pressure of Class A, the atmosphere here was indeed more relaxed and harmonious, as rumored.
Toudou Shizuka chose a seat by the window, slightly toward the back. This position offered a good view, allowing him to clearly observe the entire class without drawing too much attention. He stuffed his shoulder bag into the desk, his Calm Gaze sweeping over the New Students filing into the classroom one by one.
[Target Scan and Analysis Zone] silently unfolded, like an invisible radar wave covering the entire space.
[Scan Target: Ichinose Honami]
Leadership Charisma (Affinity Type): A-rank (Core Skill)
Team Cohesion Building: A-rank (Core Skill)
Empathy and Compassion: A-rank (Core Skill)
Communication and Coordination (Conflict Resolution): B-rank
Basic Academics (Theory): B-rank
Athletic Ability: C-rank
[Scan Target: Kanzaki Ryuji]
Rational Analysis and Decision Making: B-rank (Core Skill)
Financial Planning and Management: B-rank
Logical Deduction: B-rank
Communication and Expression (Precision): C-rank (Written-Leaning)
Emotional Management (Reserved): B-rank
[Scan Target: Shiranami Chihiro]
Attentiveness and Observational Skill: B-rank (Core Skill)
Document Processing (Efficient): B-rank
Information Synthesis: B-rank
Affinity (Gentle): C-rank
Presence: D-rank (Low)
[Scan Target: Amakura Asako]
Computer Skills (Basic Applications): B-rank (Core Skill)
Logical Thinking: C-rank
Socializing (Passive): C-rank
Concentration: B-Rank
Toudou Shizuka understood. Class B's core structure was clear: Ichinose Honami was unquestionably the cohesive force and spiritual leader; Kanzaki Ryuji, the calm strategist and executor; Shiranami Chihiro, the reliable support and information processing hub; Amakura Asako, the technical backup. It was indeed a well-structured team with immense potential. The three A-Rank core skills on Ichinose, combined like a warm sun, naturally drew people in.
"Wow, the lighting here is amazing!" A lively voice rang out. A petite girl with twin-tails and a smile as bright as a little sun bounced in—her name was Kobashi Yume (original character). She quickly started chatting with a few nearby girls, topics jumping from classroom layout to favorite idols, instantly livening up the atmosphere even more.
[Scan Target: Kobashi Yume]
Infectious Vitality: B-Rank (Core Skill)
Topic Creation (Lighthearted): C-Rank
Athletic Ability (Coordination): C-Rank
"I hope seats are assigned by student number, so I can sit with someone I know." Another boy with a scholarly air adjusted his glasses and muttered to his neighbor (original character, tentative name Morita), looking a bit reserved.
[Scan Target: Morita Ken]
Basic Academics (Theory): B-Rank (Core Skill)
Memory Techniques: C-Rank
Social Anxiety: D-Rank (Negative Trait)
Toudou Shizuka quietly observed it all, like a detached recorder. His gaze lingered on Ichinose Honami for a few extra seconds. A-Rank Leadership Charisma... if he could master that, combined with Kushida's A-Rank Affinity, his weakness in interpersonal skills would see a qualitative leap. But points were limited—priorities needed consideration.
Just then, the classroom door slid open. A young female teacher in an off-white professional skirt suit, with shoulder-length hair and a smile so sweet it was almost excessive, walked in. She stepped briskly to the podium, set down her folder, placed her hands on the edge of the desk, and leaned forward slightly, scanning the class with an infectiously energetic gaze.
"Good morning, everyone! I'm your homeroom teacher, Hoshimiya Chie!" Her voice was crisp and pleasant, her smile incredibly approachable, instantly capturing the attention of all the new students. "Welcome to Kōdo Ikusei High School, and welcome to the warm family that is Class B! Please take care of me over the next three years!"
[Scan Target: Hoshimiya Chie]
Affinity (Teacher Profession): A-Rank (Active)
Emotional Mobilization (Classroom Atmosphere): B-Rank (Active)
Information Conveyance (Vague): B-Rank (Core Skill?)
Observational Skill (Student Status): B-Rank
Toudou Shizuka raised an eyebrow slightly.
Vague information conveyance? That core skill was interesting. (╮( •́ω•̀ )╭
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