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Unlike the NPC Shiina Hiyori, who respawns regularly in the library, Ichinose Honami couldn't be found at a fixed time or place outside of her dorm and classroom.

Normally, she went out with her classmates.

The best way to avoid attracting attention was to arrange a meeting with her for a trade. This allowed for flexibility in choosing the time and place, minimizing the chance of being discovered.

Hoshino Kanade's terminal only had two contacts: Kiyona and, naturally, the class D popular girl, Kushida.

"Kushida-san, do you have Ichinose Honami from Class B's contact information?" (Read)

As expected of the popular girl, messages were read instantly. She probably monitored her terminal messages twenty-four hours a day. Was this the price of being popular?

"I do, but why do you need Ichinose's contact information, Hoshino-kun?"

"A few days ago in the library, Ichinose helped me, and I wanted to express my gratitude."

The reason was, of course, a lie. Given Kushida's persona, she wouldn't pry.

"I understand. Please don't tell anyone I told you this. Ichinose's contact information is: ..."

"You've been a great help, thank you."

As a result, Kushida easily handed over Ichinose's contact information.

Even though Kushida wasn't a real angel, it was enough that she acted like one towards him.

Afterward, he added Ichinose's contact information, and his request was quickly approved.

The common traits of popular people were probably spending most of their time on socializing, having high emotional intelligence, constantly monitoring their friends' messages, and being good-looking.

"Hello, I am Hoshino Kanade from Class D, first year. I have something important I'd like to discuss with you privately. Is that okay?" (Read)

Although the message sounded a bit robotic, it clearly stated the purpose, making it a good approach.

"Okay."

Looking at Hoshino Kanade's message, Ichinose knew that nothing could be gleaned from an online conversation, so she didn't ask anything further.

She had also vaguely sensed that something was amiss with the school, and perhaps Hoshino Kanade would provide her with answers.

Trusting in her angelic nature, Ichinose believed no one at the school would harm her. Of course, she wouldn't go to the meeting unprepared.

"Tomorrow night at 8 PM, KTV Room 206."

There was no other choice. If she chose to meet after school tomorrow, she might get stuck with Kiyona, and that would be a disaster. Only after dinner, when they parted ways in the elevator, would she have her own private time.

Before then, Hoshino Kanade needed to prepare the contract.

The effectiveness of a contract depended on the ability of both parties to maintain the balance autonomously, so a teacher's witnessing wasn't always necessary.

However, when point transfers were involved, having a teacher present was safer. If Ichinose required it, they could discuss the terms first and then find Hoshinomiya to witness it.

Hoshinomiya had a grudge against Chabashira Sae, so the chance of her exposing him was practically zero. With someone like him, who would help from the inside, why worry about Class D not being at the bottom?

This was the fourth day of school, and Class D remained undisciplined.

The zero score next month was truly deserved. Although Hoshino Kanade felt that their absence from the opening ceremony on the first day had already cost the class a significant number of points.

Since they were going to get a zero anyway, they might as well spend lavishly and make that zero create more value. He had never felt so wealthy before.

The day passed uneventfully.

"See you later~"

He bid farewell to Kiyona at the elevator entrance on the fourth floor as usual.

Now, it was time to put his plan into action.

He returned to his dorm to retrieve the book containing the prepared contract, then took the elevator downstairs. Since the KTV room had already been booked, Hoshino Kanade only needed to wait outside the KTV in disguise.

At 7:40 PM, Ichinose arrived alone at the KTV entrance, twenty minutes earlier than the scheduled time.

After observing for a few minutes from outside and ensuring she wasn't being followed, Hoshino Kanade also entered Room 206.

As expected, the room's arrangement had a few subtle differences from Hoshino Kanade's memory. Ichinose must have checked it.

After ensuring the door was closed, Hoshino Kanade turned around to face the Archangel.

Her smooth, honey-blonde hair cascaded naturally over her shoulders, its strands shimmering with a warm luster that highlighted her fair, translucent skin.

Her gradient golden-purple eyes were clear and bright, with the corners slightly downturned. Although her expression appeared somewhat wary at the moment, she still exuded an incredibly infectious amiability.

As expected of an Archangel, she was indeed grand. Of course, even a little angel wasn't small.

"Allow me to formally introduce myself. Hoshino Kanade, Class D, first year."

"Ichinose Honami, Class B, first year. You can just call me Ichinose."

It seemed she genuinely had something to discuss, and Ichinose breathed a sigh of relief.

"I've heard your name mentioned by people in my class."

Hoshino Kanade already knew what she wanted to say.

"The legend of the fastest newcomer, acquiring a beautiful girl in the same class within two days of school starting, and then flaunting your affection in various situations."

Ichinose Honami smiled faintly, her voice soft as she recounted a campus legend.

"Hoshino-kun is amazing."

Seeing Ichinose's sincere expression, she genuinely seemed to think Hoshino Kanade was amazing.

Hoshino Kanade really wanted to know who spread the news. It was so absurd; she and Kiyona were just ordinary friends... at most, more than friends.

"I don't know what's so amazing about it, but let's talk about the important stuff first."

Ichinose sat up straight.

"Sign this first, and then we can proceed with the rest."

Hoshino Kanade produced a contract.

"...Party B shall strictly maintain confidentiality regarding Party A's identification information... Violators shall pay Party A ten million points."

Ichinose took the contract and, after initially just glancing at it, couldn't help but frown as she read it aloud.

This contract only bound Party B, meaning Ichinose.

"Of course, if you're afraid I'll cheat you, you can record our conversation. But be sure to keep it safe and don't let anyone find it."

If Ichinose signed the contract and Hoshino Kanade immediately used it to falsely accuse Ichinose of exposing her to the school, the school likely wouldn't acknowledge the contract's validity.

The points involved were too significant for a false accusation to succeed.

However, if a recording was made and the information later leaked to the entire class, using the recording as evidence might actually make the contract effective.

Ultimately, the contract's validity depended entirely on whether the school acknowledged it. Moreover, the terms were vaguely defined, making it even harder to enforce.

Ichinose hesitated. It was clear she understood this, but she didn't know if Hoshino Kanade possessed valuable information, or if the contract contained any hidden traps she hadn't noticed.

For Hoshino Kanade, the contract's core value lay in verifying the other party's attitude towards cooperation. The potential collaborators had already been strictly screened by Hoshino Kanade, and the risk of identity exposure was already manageable.

It seemed it was time to add some fuel to the fire.

"Only Class A students can enjoy all the preferential resources provided by the school upon graduation, such as guaranteed admission to top domestic and international universities or their dream companies."

The first half of that sentence had already stunned Ichinose. While she couldn't verify the truth of Hoshino Kanade's words, Ichinose already believed the news.

This school's conditions were too good, almost too good to be true. Where would such a huge windfall come from?

It felt as illusory as when she was in middle school and thought she could give her sister the hair clip she wanted for her birthday.

But the price was being caught stealing—even after exchanging forgiveness through the most humble dogeza, the hair clip never reached her sister.

So, what was the price for a wish worth countless times more than that?

"I understand."

Ichinose decisively signed her name.