"The S-System continuously evaluates every student across multiple dimensions, from academics, intelligence, and judgment to physical ability and teamwork. Its most visible manifestations are the 'Class Points' and 'Personal Points' we talk about every day."
"You should understand by now that the so-called '100 percent employment and college placement' doesn't apply to everyone. The prerequisite is graduating from Class A." Natsukawa emphasized, "All the benefits promised by the school are reserved for Class A graduates. The other classes are just there to make up the numbers—or, you could say, to serve as stepping-stones on Class A's path to promotion."
Ichinose and Kanzaki held their breath. They had suspected as much, but having it laid out so bluntly still sent a chill through them.
"And now, the first month of the school year, is the first Special Exam under the S-System." Natsukawa continued, "All four classes start with 1,000 Class Points. The school's assessment is to let each class 'grow freely' for one month, without anyone being allowed to reveal that the exam exists. During that time, any violation of school rules or hidden assessment criteria will result in a corresponding deduction of Class Points."
He took out an ordinary notebook and slid it over to Ichinose. "I've recorded the assessment criteria I've pieced together through observation and deduction. Classroom discipline, tardiness and leaving early, conduct in public spaces, and even forum posts may all be monitored. It can't cover everything, of course, but it should include 80 to 90 percent of the things that could cost you points."
Ichinose eagerly opened the notebook. Inside, a clear list laid out all sorts of possible infractions that could cost them points. The more she read, the more astonished she looked. So many things they took for granted—or barely gave a second thought to—could actually be grounds for losing points!
"Then... how do we move up to Class A?" Kanzaki asked the most important question.
"There are two ways." Natsukawa held up two fingers. "First, get excellent results in major exams, and the school will award a small number of Class Points. Second, and this is the main way, is through Special Exams like the one happening now. During each Special Exam, the Class Points of all four classes fluctuate dramatically depending on their performance, and the school may award a huge number of points. Once your accumulated Class Points surpass those of the current Class A, you become the new Class A."
As he spoke, Natsukawa pulled the laptop he carried in his canvas bag and opened it. The screen lit up, displaying a complex code interface and several data charts.
"Talk is cheap. Here's part of the evidence behind my conclusions." He swiped across the trackpad, bringing up a data analysis interface. "I collected and analyzed a large amount of posting data and activity from second-year students' accounts on the school forum."
First, he showed several accounts marked "Second-Year Class A (suspected)." "Look. These accounts maintained a low, consistent posting frequency, both on weekdays and weekends. That suggests a very high level of self-discipline."
Next, he pulled up another set of data: line graphs of the first-year posting records of several accounts marked "Second-Year Class D (suspected)."
"Here's the key." Natsukawa pointed to a clear turning point on the chart. "This is the data from their first month as first-years. You can see that during class hours—these sections I've marked in red—the forum activity peaked noticeably, which suggests people were using their devices in class. But—"
His finger traced across the chart to the data from a month later. "Starting in the second month, those accounts' posting frequency during the red-marked class hours plummeted, dropping almost to zero."
Natsukawa looked up and glanced at Ichinose and Kanzaki, both of whom were visibly stunned. "The data doesn't lie. The only reasonable explanation for such a widespread and consistent change in behavior is that they were punished for using their devices in class, and learned to follow the rules. This is one undeniable piece of evidence that the S-System is an unseen force at work. As for other, more conclusive evidence, it involves personal matters of mine, so I can't show it."
For a moment, a deathly silence settled over the room.
A storm raged inside Ichinose Honami. She looked at the cold but utterly convincing data on the screen, then at the boy sitting calmly before her, and felt an indescribable shock wash over her. This was worth far more than a million points. It was a chance for Class B to be reborn! If Natsukawa hadn't approached her, they wouldn't have known how many Class Points Class B might lose in a month. By then, they could have fallen far behind Class A! There was no way to measure the value of this information in a million Personal Points!
Kanzaki Ryuji was even more deeply shaken. He stared intently at the charts, then looked at Natsukawa, his eyes filled with disbelief. The ability to infer how an enormous system operated from a mere glimpse, to work backward from the smallest clues, was monstrous insight! He considered himself observant, but faced with Natsukawa's ability to turn information into a blade and strike straight at the heart of the matter, he felt like a primitive man holding a stick. This boy from Class D was far more terrifying than he had ever imagined.
Mashima, who had stood silently to one side, was just as unsettled. His sharp gaze, peering through his glasses, scrutinized Natsukawa. He had figured out the S-System and the truth about the first month of school in barely a week. Since even the chairman hadn't told his own daughter Arisu, Mashima would have suspected someone had given Natsukawa the answers in advance. Such meticulous thinking, such advanced technical skills, such shrewdness in negotiation... How could a student with abilities like these be in Class D? Had the placement system made a mistake, or was there some deeper secret behind this student named Natsukawa Sosuke? Whatever the truth, he realized that the Class A he oversaw would soon be facing an exceptionally troublesome opponent. Still, his professional ethics as Class A's homeroom teacher pushed aside all other thoughts. Tell Class A? Absolutely not. This game had to be played fairly.
Mashima coughed softly, breaking the silence. "The terms of the agreement have been fulfilled. If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving."
His departure seemed to take the last trace of tension from the room with him. The sunlight was still bright, but in Ichinose and Kanzaki's eyes, the sky over the school had changed from a false blue to a real one, full of opportunity and challenge.
Natsukawa closed his laptop and gently pushed the paper notebook toward Ichinose.
"The deal is done. I wish you... good luck."
"Oh, and since our deal went so smoothly, I'll throw in one extra piece of information. Make sure you've got swimsuits ready for summer, and watch a few more Bear Grylls videos."
Ichinose was caught off guard by the cryptic remark. She understood the first part well enough, but what did the rest mean? Could they really end up stranded on a deserted island at school? Still, she took Natsukawa's words to heart. After giving him a sweet smile, she picked up the notebook and quietly left with Kanzaki Ryuji.
Now, only Natsukawa remained in the meeting room, his expression still calm.
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