The Best Student Council President

The three walked side by side. Horikita Suzune took the middle.

Yeyue and Ayanokoji fell half a step behind without meaning to, making them look like Horikita's lackeys.

Beyond the Teaching Building lay a broad asphalt road, with lush flower beds planted along both sides.

"Suzune, you really don't mince words," Yeyue said helplessly. "What now? You know perfectly well that D Class won't go along with your plan."

"I'm giving up," Horikita Suzune replied coolly. "Telling them the information was a mistake. People who have no value should drop out as soon as possible. That should make it easier to promote to A Class."

"Is that so?"

Yeyue said evenly, "I think they're all talented in their own ways. For example, Sudo seems to have excellent physical abilities."

With Ayanokoji there, Yeyue's way of speaking had become more tactful, but there was no need to hide everything.

Because of Horikita, Ayanokoji could probably see quite a lot, too.

"Don't joke around," Horikita scoffed. "What value does someone like Sudo have? With a temper that impulsive, he'll only cause trouble for others once he enters society."

"Maybe," Yeyue agreed with a nod, then countered, "but Sudo's physical abilities are a fact. Not many people have abilities that impressive."

Sudo's grades were poor, and he was easily provoked, often causing trouble. But in the Original Work, his physical abilities were an A+, among the best in the entire school.

He could be considered one of the top students at this school.

"What good is that?" Horikita Suzune dismissed the argument. "We're high school students. The only time physical ability is something to show off is in elementary school."

As if to strengthen her argument, Horikita Suzune added, "Besides, this school is meant to train talented people for society. Once you enter the workforce, physical ability offers little advantage unless you're a professional athlete. So the school must care more about students' academic performance."

"Horikita, are you sure about that information?"

Ayanokoji abruptly cut in, his tone firm.

"Isn't that common sense?"

At Ayanokoji's words, Horikita Suzune stopped walking. She pondered for a moment, then shook her head.

"Actually, I haven't confirmed it. Even so, setting Sudo aside, most of the other students in D Class are worthless. They'd be difficult to change in a short time, so it would be better for them to drop out as soon as possible."

"Change them..."

Yeyue and Ayanokoji exchanged a glance.

What exactly did Horikita think of her classmates in D Class?

Although the two of them had been probing her and trying to steer her, neither intended to contradict her.

Horikita Suzune still hadn't changed her mind. When she started walking again, Ayanokoji took the opportunity to remark, "Come to think of it, that's what you meant at lunchtime when you said, 'You'll find out soon enough.' Thanks for telling me about the S System, Horikita."

"Don't mention it."

Horikita Suzune replied indifferently, "I just don't want to be held back by anyone."

She scoffed and added coolly, "I just didn't expect D Class to be this hopeless. How did they even get into this high school?"

"I see."

Ignoring the latter part of Horikita's remark, Ayanokoji nodded. "Still, I have to say, I'm not surprised it was you, Horikita. You managed so easily what I couldn't, and discovered such important information so quickly."

"That's not..."

Horikita was about to deny it, but remembered her agreement with Yeyue and quickly changed her words. "It's not important information. I'm sure the other classes will figure it out after a while, too."

As she finished, Horikita glanced at Yeyue. The person before her did have a keen eye.

Still,

Horikita was just as confident that she could reach A Class through her own abilities.

"Even so, it's impressive. At least, I couldn't have done it."

Ayanokoji sounded somewhat envious of Horikita's ability. As he spoke, he glanced at Yeyue, seemingly without thinking.

So Yeyue was the source of the information.

There was probably some kind of deal between Horikita and Yeyue.

Thinking back to yesterday's introductions and everything Yeyue had done today, Horikita's actions now made sense.

"Yeyue might be the one spreading rumors about Kushida."

Ayanokoji reached the same conclusion.

There was no solid evidence, and the odds weren't high.

But at the beginning of the school year, the pool of possible culprits was actually quite small.

Someone in D Class was the most likely suspect!

Even Hirata understood that.

Someone in D Class might know Kushida, and the rumors could very well be true. That was why Hirata hadn't readily declared Kushida a victim.

He was merely helping her maintain her standing in the class to keep things stable.

Then,

was Yeyue's target Horikita or Kushida?

What was this guy's motive? What was guiding his actions?

Most importantly,

was Yeyue

really harmless to him?

Ayanokoji sank into deep thought, then noticed Yeyue watching him with an amused smile.

"Ayanokoji, don't sell yourself short. You're quite capable, too."

"If only my classmates saw me the way you do, Yeyue," Ayanokoji said with a touch of regret.

Had Yeyue figured out that he knew?

Or was that just a kind remark?

No.

He had definitely figured it out.

Ayanokoji made the judgment swiftly.

Yeyue wasn't particularly warm toward him, and they had no real connection. It was best to assume that everything Yeyue said had some purpose behind it.

He'd clearly underestimated Yeyue's abilities!

So was Yeyue's remark an attempt to be friendly?

Could he relax a little, then?

As soon as Ayanokoji thought that, boundless darkness closed in around him.

The mindset shaped by the White Room compelled Ayanokoji to investigate Yeyue's true nature.

Even if Yeyue meant him no harm, Ayanokoji had to eliminate the possibility before it could take root.

Making an enemy of Yeyue rashly would be foolish.

Since the other party hadn't exposed his past, he could take his time and test him.

Ayanokoji reassured himself, and the shadow inside him slowly faded.

"All right, if we don't hurry, we'll miss the Sports Briefing," Yeyue said with a smile.

After this, Ayanokoji would probably come looking for him on his own. Wanting to do everything perfectly and ensure absolute safety was one of Ayanokoji's weaknesses.