The Sealed Island and the S System

Hoshinomiya-sensei's sweet smile receded like spring ice at the moment she introduced the school's core system, revealing a hint of businesslike focus. The massive electronic screen behind her lit up in response, displaying a clean and practical interface in soft tones, with a bird's-eye view as the background—a fully equipped artificial island completely surrounded by azure seawater, connected only by a slender underwater tunnel like a thin umbilical cord.

"Welcome to Tokyo Koudo Ikusei High School," Hoshinomiya-sensei said, her voice steady and clear, carrying a tone of proclamation. "Or more precisely, welcome to this 'Nurturing Island,' meticulously crafted for your next three years."

Her fingertip tapped the tablet, and the island map zoomed in, with clear boundary lines and the single tunnel exit highlighted.

"This school operates under a fully enclosed management system." Her gaze swept across the room, her tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable certainty. "This island will be your entire world for studying and living over the next three years. The only physical connection to the outside—that underwater tunnel—is subject to extremely strict access control."

"Under normal circumstances, students cannot leave the island during their enrollment, nor can they freely communicate with the outside world." Hoshinomiya-sensei emphasized clearly. "Daily phone and internet access is limited to the island's local network. This isn't isolation, but rather to allow you to focus wholeheartedly on your own growth and experience, deeply immersing yourselves in this unique environment." A smile of understanding appeared on her face. "It will take adjustment, but please believe that everything on this island is sufficient to support you through a fulfilling and meaningful three years."

The screen switched to another interface.

"And the core that helps you live smoothly in this closed yet complete 'small world' is the S System (Student System)." Hoshinomiya-sensei's voice returned to its earlier professional tone. "It's your intelligent life and study butler."

Her fingertip slid again, and information unfolded smoothly on the screen:

● Campus Navigation: Detailed markings of all facility locations and opening hours on the island. ● Facility Reservation: Resource reservations for study rooms, discussion rooms, music rooms, sports arena time slots, etc. ● Dormitory Management: Dormitory assignment inquiries, repair requests, laundry status, etc. ● Cafeteria Service: Daily menus, restaurant specialties, business hours, real-time queue times. ● Courses and Academics: Schedules, grades (personal only), course selection, etc. ● Life Services: School doctor appointments, psychological counseling, lost and found, activity announcements, etc. ● Information Center: School rules, handbooks, emergency contacts, island management regulations. ● Communication Management: Rules for using the island's communication rooms.

Hoshinomiya-sensei looked around the classroom, her sweet smile still in place: "The S System is your universal key and thoughtful assistant on Nurturing Island. Using it well will make your unique three-year closed-campus life more comfortable and efficient."

She clapped her hands lightly: "Alright, that concludes the overview of the S System. Now, please take out your student terminals, log in, and try it out for yourselves."

A faint rustling of movement and the startup sounds of electronic devices filled the classroom. The new students took out their brand-new devices, beginning to operate them with curiosity and a sense of exploration. Just then—

"Ding-dong~"

A crisp, pleasant notification tone sounded simultaneously on all logged-in student terminals. A concise notification window popped up:

＞ [Important Notice - Personal Points Distribution]

＞ Dear Student, Greetings!

＞ This month's Personal Points, 100,000 points, have been successfully credited to your account.

＞ Please go to [My Wallet] to check.

＞ Personal Points are the only universal electronic currency on the island.

＞ If you have any questions, please contact your Class Advisor or the Student Services Center.

＞ -- S System Management Center

The notification shrank after a few seconds. A light murmur of surprise and relaxed whispers spread through the classroom. The unease of first entering a closed island seemed slightly dispelled by this timely "ding-dong" and the clear six-digit number. One hundred thousand points—in this isolated little world, it was the startup capital for life.

"Wow, one hundred thousand!" a girl in the front row couldn't help but exclaim softly.

"Is it every month? That much?" The bespectacled boy next to her pushed up his glasses with a scholarly caution and directly raised his hand to ask: "Hoshinomiya-sensei, regarding these Personal Points... will they be distributed like this every month?"

Everyone's gaze focused on the teacher; this was clearly a concern for all.

Hoshinomiya-sensei's smile remained unchanged, her tone gentle and affirmative: "Yes. Every student's Personal Points will be distributed on the 1st of each month." She paused, her gaze sweeping across the room, and added clearly: "Moreover, the corresponding Personal Points will be distributed each month."

"Corresponding..." Shimiya Kuki, sitting by the window in the middle-back row, paused almost imperceptibly when he heard the teacher's words. He lifted his eyes slightly to look at the teacher with her perfect smile on the podium. That gentle, affirmative tone, that seemingly natural "monthly distribution"—all were impeccable. But those three words, "corresponding."

'Corresponding? Corresponding to what?' A flicker of doubt raced through the youth's mind. 'Just corresponding to time—the 1st of every month? Or... corresponding to something deeper we don't yet know? The school wouldn't give every student one hundred thousand points a month for no reason. What can this money do on the island? How is its value measured? The teacher emphasized "corresponding," so there must be a matching "object" or "standard"... Is it academics? Conduct norms? Or... something else?' This vigilance wasn't baseless. In such a closed, strictly managed environment, behind any seemingly generous gift, there might be hidden rules or costs. The teacher's casual "corresponding" sounded to him more like a veiled hint.

He withdrew his gaze without changing expression and looked back at the "100,000 PP" displayed on his terminal. That number, which originally represented a livelihood guarantee, now seemed to him to carry a layer of vague meaning that needed investigation. He decided to study the S System's explanations on point usage scope and rules more carefully.

Hoshinomiya-sensei seemed not to notice this momentary flow of thought. She looked at the students who had visibly relaxed and even become more excited after confirming the "monthly distribution," and her smile grew even softer.

"It seems everyone's new life has officially 'arrived,'" she said briskly. "Now, please focus on exploring your new world. The rules are clear, the tools are in hand. For the next three years, concentrate on your own growth." Her gaze swept vaguely past the window seat, then moved away. "This unique closed journey now officially begins."

"To all of you—"

"Good Luck in Battle."