Complicated

That was Hoshino Kanade's own terminal. Its screen glowed with a bright, piercing blue-white light in the dim surroundings, clearly displaying the points she had.

Kanade casually turned it around and held it before Matsushita Chiaki. The light instantly filled one corner of Chiaki's vision.

Drawn by the glow, Chiaki's gaze shifted to the most conspicuous information in the center.

The next instant, her pupils contracted sharply. The clear number beside "Points Balance" on the cold screen seemed to burn as it was reflected in her blue irises, widened by shock.

3,021,300

The seven-digit number hovered before her eyes like a brand.

Three million points!

The enormous figure combined with the terminal's glaring light made such a vivid impression that her mind went blank with a ringing buzz.

For a split second, she thought her vision had somehow distorted and that the number before her was nothing more than an illusion created by the light.

But its reflection in her eyes was unmistakably clear, every digit distinct, as if it had shattered everything she had believed until now.

With Class D's points at zero and everyone pinching pennies, this astronomical figure exploded in her mind like a bomb! How had she done it? What lay behind it?

She jerked her head up to look at Hoshino Kanade, her eyes filled with disbelief and shock.

Her beautiful blue eyes were wide, clearly reflecting that terrifying number and Kanade's utterly calm face.

Three million points! What did that mean? Absolute freedom. In this closed world where everything was measured in "points," she had resources and room to maneuver beyond the imagination of ordinary people!

She was entirely capable of changing many situations in an instant!

Yet she had chosen to stay in Class D, like an ordinary student—aside from her bizarre interactions with Kiyona, and now sitting across from Chiaki, watching her with a gaze so calm it was almost frightening.

The tremendous shock left Chiaki's mouth slightly open, tearing away her graceful facade and revealing her genuine astonishment.

"Why... how did you..." Her voice trembled despite her efforts to control it. The shock of being overwhelmed by Kanade's sheer power swept away her earlier shyness and wild imaginings.

Faced with this woman revealing just the tip of an enormous iceberg, those girlish thoughts seemed utterly insignificant.

Kanade calmly put her terminal away.

"How I got them doesn't matter," she said coolly, clearly with no intention of answering. Her tone held the composure of someone in a position of power.

"What matters is that this number proves two things. First, I'm capable of keeping my promise and giving you tangible support in the troubled waters of Class D;

"Second, I have no interest in Class A's superficial glory. I'm staying here for my own reasons."

Watching Chiaki's shaken face, Kanade added, her gaze penetrating, "Those reasons have nothing to do with you, for now. What you need to worry about is whether the 'mutually beneficial' arrangement we just made can work."

Chiaki's mind raced.

The impact of that enormous sum of points was immense. It completely overturned her understanding of Kanade.

She had unfathomable power, yet had chosen to lie low in Class D.

Her terms for the "deal" did not seriously threaten Chiaki's interests. In fact, they might give her a powerful, if invisible, backer.

The risk of her disguise being exposed was enormous, but what if she refused Kanade? Her instincts told her that might lead to even greater, unknown dangers.

More importantly, Kanade's words—"the ones in the middle are easiest to tear apart"—had struck at the fear deep in her heart.

Ever since Class D's points had hit zero, the sense that disaster could strike at any moment had never left her.

Kanade had offered her a way forward: a path to security through her own abilities. And with someone so powerful and mysterious laying that path, it seemed... exceptionally reliable?

Chiaki took a deep breath, forcing down the last trace of discomfort stirred up by her earlier assumptions.

Now, faced with overwhelming strength and a clear assessment of the pros and cons, those emotions had to take a back seat.

She looked at Kanade. The panic faded from her eyes, replaced by a glimmer of resolve, calculation, and the possibility that she had found someone she could rely on.

That glimmer made her blue eyes bright and deep, like the sea after a storm, shining with intelligence and determination.

She nodded solemnly, her movement graceful and firm. Her confidence in having regained control of the situation reached its peak.

"I understand. What do you need me to see? And where do you need my hand... to reach?" Her voice no longer trembled. It was clear and task-focused, yet cautious in accepting the partnership.

By proactively agreeing to let her "hand" be involved, she signaled that she accepted the deal and confirmed her role in their new partnership.

Kanade watched the focus in her eyes and her cooperative attitude, then gave an almost imperceptible nod.

The goal had been achieved.

She had applied both pressure and reassurance: revealed her strength so Chiaki could understand the situation, then demonstrated her value by offering protection and room to act independently.

When Chiaki had feared her "disguise" would be exposed, Kanade had shown her a new path—one that would preserve the disguise while giving her security.

Chiaki was perceptive and clearheaded. Once she weighed the pros and cons, she would understand that this was the best choice.

Was it willing loyalty? Perhaps not complete loyalty, but at least a rational decision.

Her ability to observe and analyze would make her a reliable pair of eyes in the complex ecosystem of Class D.

Kanade had no need for her admiration or affection. She needed only her efficiency and obedience.

Deep in those dark eyes, a trace of satisfaction flickered at having brought her plan to fruition.

The girl before her now possessed a distinctive beauty—a blend of elegance, intelligence, resilience, and good judgment—that was unquestionably more valuable than mere prettiness.