Classroom of the Elite, I Can Add Points Infinitely Chapter 46

"The honest man of Class B?"

Ryuen Kakeru pondered the title Aragaki Shun had used, then glanced at the four students from Class D who had been watching the spectacle from the sidelines. A strange smile suddenly appeared on his face. "Interesting. It seems you intend to forcibly dictate the outcome of this Midterm Exam before it even begins."

And to think he could label someone an "honest man" and suggest an introduction—was it because the other party was wealthy and naive, and he wanted to divert his attention toward Class B?

That was fine, too. Class A was a tough nut to crack, and with Aragaki Shun, their leader, holding a massive amount of funds, this strongest opponent was not something the destitute Class C could bite into for the time being. Suppressing Class D first, then overtaking Class B, was the breakthrough path they should choose.

"I don't particularly like variables that are hard to control. Since I've already invited Class C and Class D, I might as well call over Class B and settle this matter of the Midterm Exam today."

Aragaki Shun explained with a smile while organizing the three contracts—one for Class D and two for Ryuen—amidst the envious gazes of the others.

As for the copy for Sakagami Kazuma, it would only take effect once he signed it and sent it back later.

"Speaking of which, it seems there was no contribution from the rest of the class this time either. It was just you two, Ichinose and Kanzaki, who helped me build some momentum."

"...Your efficiency is simply too high. It's hard for normal people like us in Class A to keep up."

Kanzaki Ryuji felt a bit speechless. He didn't really care about these Private Points, but he wished he could at least contribute something to the special exams; otherwise, he felt his position in Class A was nothing more than a beast of burden handling chores for Aragaki Shun.

"Ever since school started, it's all been Aragaki-kun's hard work. We reached the position of Class A with ease, and we don't have to worry about things like expulsion."

Ichinose Honami wore an exceptionally gentle smile. "It's truly wonderful to be a companion of Aragaki-kun. I believe everyone in Class A feels the same way."

"Tsk tsk, look at how sincere Ichinose is. Kanzaki, you should learn from her in the future."

Aragaki Shun completely ignored the dead-fish eyes Kanzaki Ryuji suddenly developed. He operated his phone on his own, and soon, both Ichinose and Kanzaki received a transfer notification.

"One hundred thousand for each of you. Consider it a bonus for your hard work this time. Remember to treat the class to a meal to celebrate later."

"Ah? Isn't this a bit..."

Seeing the Private Points added to her phone, Ichinose Honami was about to say something, but she was bluntly interrupted by Kanzaki Ryuji beside her.

"Ichinose, just accept the points. With those four contracts of his, he's getting 800,000 a month. You don't need to save money for him. If you really feel bad about it, just spend the money on the students in the class."

After a pause, Kanzaki couldn't help but add a jab, "In fact, you already do that every day—treating people to meals and hosting gatherings. I don't understand why, even though you spend so much time making friends every day, your grades are still only ranked behind Aragaki."

"Talent is something that doesn't follow logic, you know."

Aragaki Shun teased Kanzaki, who was feeling a bit indignant. After all, in Class A, his grades had always been stuck at third place.

However, just after saying this, a sudden feeling of suspicion arose in Aragaki Shun's heart.

Hm? This subtle malice...

The boy glanced casually toward the four students from Class D and, sure enough, spotted the sweet and lovely-looking Kushida Kikyo.

So, this "little angel" on the surface was actually the type to be jealous of others possessing great talent?

Or was she simply hostile because Ichinose Honami was more popular than her?

Then, was the malice she suddenly showed toward him last time also due to one of these two reasons?

After noting this discovery in his heart, Aragaki Shun chatted a bit more with the people from Class D, and time slowly passed.

He didn't make the three classes wait too long. About four or five minutes later, a bald student with his lackeys appeared outside the door of the Class A classroom.

"Sorry to disturb you, everyone in Class A. I heard from student Aragaki that he has important information regarding this Midterm Exam to discuss with me?"

"It really is you, Katsuragi Kohei!"

Looking at the leader of the moderate faction of Class B who had arrived with Totsuka Yahiko, a flash of sharp light crossed Ryuen Kakeru's sinister eyes. If the "honest man" in Aragaki Shun's words was Katsuragi Kohei, then he really might be able to squeeze a large amount of Private Points out of him.

Having clashed with Aragaki Shun several times and lost due to the vast wealth the other had accumulated, Ryuen Kakeru just wanted to get his hands on some money now.

If he had millions or tens of millions of Private Points in his hands right now, he wouldn't have to worry about the Transfer Ticket Aragaki Shun used last month or the bribery threats of this month.

Ultimately, in this school where meritocracy reigned supreme, Private Points might not be omnipotent, but lacking them was absolutely fatal.

95. Leveraging the Momentum, Pressuring Katsuragi Kohei

"Ryuen Kakeru of Class C, and the few from Class D?"

Katsuragi Kohei looked with a grave expression at the representatives of the four first-year classes gathered before him.

"That's right. I've already finished talking with Class C and Class D. Now, all that's left is for you, Class B, to go through the motions."

Aragaki Shun smiled and beckoned to the leader of the Class B moderate faction. "Katsuragi, please sign your name on this agreement. As for the Private Points, I won't be taking yours."

"You still want to fleece the Private Points of our Class B?"

Before Katsuragi could speak, Totsuka Yahiko, who had come with him, could no longer endure it. "I'm telling you, no way! Last month, it was just that Boss Katsuragi hadn't shown his true strength yet, and you used despicable means to threaten us."

"Now that Boss Katsuragi has gotten serious, what you are about to face is a united Class B, giving it their all. Then you will understand why the school determined from the very beginning that we are the strongest!"

"Noisy!"

Aragaki Shun looked at this guy who had jumped out to chatter incessantly. His cold gaze, carrying an oppressive force, made the boy instinctively take two steps back.

Seeing the other party shut his mouth in defiance, the boy ignored this Class A student who seemed to have smuggled himself over from Class D, and instead looked at Katsuragi Kohei with some dissatisfaction. "Why did you bring an irrelevant person who lacks self-awareness, Katsuragi?"

"Even if you want to bring someone to bolster your presence, you should at least learn from Ryuen and bring along some sensible people."

"Is this the comprehensive quality of the original Class A students?" Kanzaki Ryuji joined the attack in perfect sync. "Even Ishizaki-kun and Yamada-kun from Class C understand that when the leaders of two classes are discussing special exam matters, they just need to wait quietly for the result."

"Also, ever since the Behavioral Standards Exam ended, the school has already acknowledged that the initial class assignments were wrong. We are the ones in Class A now. It's been so many days, has student Totsuka still not accepted the facts?"

"It seems the school's mistake during the class assignments was quite serious. Student Totsuka should go sit at a table with Horikita-san from Class D, rather than staying in Class B and holding student Katsuragi back."

At these words, not only was Totsuka Yahiko fuming, but Horikita Suzune, who had been caught in the crossfire, also furrowed her delicate brows. Had she not been held back by Kushida Kikyo, who was stifling a laugh, she would have certainly stepped forward to argue the point.

Of course, while others might have held back their laughter, Ryuen Kakeru certainly would not.

"Hahaha~ So this is what the students of Class B are like? Katsuragi, your eye for picking lackeys is terrible. Do you want me to teach you how it's done?"

Katsuragi Kohei's expression remained solemn, completely unmoved by Ryuen's provocation. He simply tightened his face and emphasized, "Yahiko is my friend, not a lackey as you put it, Ryuen. Please show some respect for my friend!"

After receiving a look of adoration from Totsuka Yahiko, he then reprimanded him without mercy, "Yahiko, you need to change your reckless temperament in the future. When we are out in public, we represent the entirety of Class B. Do not tarnish the class's overall image."

"I, I understand, Katsuragi-boss. I'm sorry."

Once Totsuka Yahiko had barely acknowledged his mistake under Katsuragi's gaze, Aragaki Shun didn't want to waste any more time. He handed the agreement in his hand directly over. "Katsuragi, if you want to lecture your underling, you'll have plenty of opportunities after you return to Class B. Now, it's time to sign this agreement."

Katsuragi Kohei took a long, deep look at Aragaki Shun, his greatest rival in Class B. He said nothing, but under the watchful eyes of everyone from Class A, Class C, and Class D, he steadily took the agreement and read it from beginning to end.

After finishing, he stared at Aragaki Shun in disbelief. "This school actually has something like Past Exam Papers?"

"Who knows what the higher-ups at Advanced Nurturing are thinking? You just need to sign the agreement, and I'll give you the papers. As for whether they are real or fake, won't we know on the day of the Midterm Exam?"

Aragaki Shun shrugged. He also felt the existence of the Past Exam Papers was absurd, and could only view them as a benefit the school had intentionally left for Class C and Class D.

After all, this was only the second month of the school year. If too many people from Class C and Class D were to be expelled for failing, how would the class competition continue in the future?

"It seems they are indeed real." Katsuragi Kohei nodded, then changed the subject. "But since you are willing to give these Past Exam Papers to Class B for free, doing such a thankless task, it must mean you have already reaped enough benefits from Class C and Class D?"

"Are you worried that we might sabotage your deal with Class C and Class D, so you're making us sign this agreement, requiring that once we receive the papers, we cannot disclose their existence to anyone else?"

Reporting the Past Exam Papers would render Aragaki Shun's deal with Class C and Class D void.

Katsuragi Kohei immediately realized this.

Therefore, Aragaki Shun giving the papers to Class B for free could, in a sense, be considered sharing the spoils.

After all, even if Class B didn't need to worry about people being expelled for failing, it didn't mean that everyone in Class B was a top-tier academic genius.

Under normal circumstances, if the maximum class points one could gain from the Midterm Exam was 100, Class B could probably secure about seventy.

With the Past Exam Papers, however, Katsuragi Kohei could guarantee that Class B would secure at least ninety points on this exam.

"These Past Exam Papers are indeed a gesture of sincerity from me to Class B."

Aragaki Shun sat in his chair, composed, and said in a tone that suggested he had Katsuragi figured out, "Of course, you can choose not to accept this sincerity and insist on a head-to-head academic battle with our Class A."

"But if that happens, what Class B will face is a joint siege from the remaining three classes of the first year!"

The boy gestured for Katsuragi to look at the people from Class C and Class D.

If the exam papers were scrapped, Aragaki Shun would only lose a portion of his gains, but Class C and Class D would truly see students expelled. Would Class B be able to withstand the backlash from three classes?

"Katsuragi-kun, I think it would be best if everyone kept things amicable for this exam. There's no need to create extra trouble."

Hirata Yosuke stepped forward. He was undoubtedly corroborating the truth of Aragaki Shun's words.

If anyone from Class D were to be expelled because of this, regardless of what others thought, he would definitely retaliate against Katsuragi Kohei at any cost!

"Hmph! That would actually be a pretty good development. If the original Class A were to drop directly to the bottom-tier Class D under the pressure of three classes, the school's expression would surely be interesting, wouldn't it?"

Ryuen Kakeru crossed his arms. Although he was filled with annoyance, he had to stand on Aragaki Shun's side this time.

However, this move by Aragaki Shun also taught him a thing or two.

Coercing the situation to pressure Class B—it seems Katsuragi really is a more honest man than he imagined.

96. The Aragaki Faction Hidden Within the Original Class A

In the end, Katsuragi signed the agreement as a matter of course.

After all, this time, Class B hadn't suffered a loss.

Aragaki Shun ate the meat, but they at least got to drink some soup. Compared to Class C and Class D, who had to cut off their own flesh, they had already gained too much.

However, this was also because Sakayanagi Arisu was not in charge of Class B during the Midterm Exam.

Otherwise, given Sakayanagi's aggressiveness, she would likely have had no hesitation in having all of Class B report the exam papers, then watched with a smile as the underachievers of Class C and Class D struggled under the threat of expulsion for failing.

Now, there was no problem. After signing the agreement, even if the Sakayanagi Faction wanted to backstab them, they couldn't come forward openly, and the school would never accept reports made secretly by a few individuals.

"By the way, after the Midterm Exam ends, it will be Sakayanagi Arisu's turn to take the stage and lead Class B, right?"

After Katsuragi finished signing, Aragaki Shun handed the agreement to Kanzaki to organize, while he himself asked about Class B's intelligence with some interest.

Katsuragi's brows furrowed slightly, and he looked at Aragaki Shun with some caution. "Aragaki-kun even knows this? It seems you are indeed very well-informed about the situation in our Class B."

"That's simple enough, isn't it? After all, your Class B students are the most realistic of the four classes. They only want to graduate from Class A; they don't care which of the four first-year classes is the one that makes it."

Katsuragi Kohei felt a jolt in his heart. It was clear he understood the implication in Aragaki Shun's words.

Is there a mole in Class B?

As soon as this suspicion crossed his mind, Katsuragi quickly reacted and pushed the baseless speculation to the back of his mind.

Regardless of whether this suspicion was true or not, he should not maliciously speculate on the stance of his classmates.

The internal and external environment of Class B was already difficult enough. If even he couldn't trust his classmates in Class B, then who else could step up to unite everyone's strength?

"I respect Aragaki-kun's ability, but that is no reason for Aragaki-kun to wantonly slander the students of our Class B. Even if this is for the sake of class competition, I can understand Aragaki-kun's position, but isn't this method a bit too despicable?"

"Oh, Katsuragi, do you think I'm deceiving you, intentionally using lies to sow discord within the unity of your Class B?"

Aragaki Shun looked with a hint of amusement at the serious-faced leader of the moderate faction in Class B, who returned the look with a confident gaze that anyone could interpret as: "Isn't that right?"

"If that's how you want to think, there's nothing I can do; time will prove whether what I said is true or false."

Although he did intend to sow discord within Class B, strictly speaking, he hadn't lied; most people in the Sakayanagi Faction did indeed think that way, so they could believe it or not as they pleased.

Regardless, as the overall situation became clearer, the few idle pieces he had placed would eventually take root, and he hoped Katsuragi and Sakayanagi wouldn't find it too stimulating when that time came.

Since Class B had already openly split into three major factions—the Sakayanagi Faction, the Katsuragi Faction, and the Neutral Faction—it wouldn't hurt to add an underground Aragaki Faction, would it?

Unifying Class B, who else but me!

"I have things to do, so I'll take my leave." Since Katsuragi had decided to trust his classmates, he wouldn't be easily swayed, so he gestured directly to the green-haired boy beside him, "Yahiko, it's time to go."

"Yes."

Totsuka Yahiko replied and hurriedly followed behind Katsuragi, his chin held high with such arrogance along the way that it seemed as if being able to follow behind Katsuragi was something particularly worth being proud of.

One could only say that among the original Class A identified by the school at the start, there were weirdos no less eccentric than those in Class D.

"Hmph! Ishizaki, Yamada, let's go too."

Ryuen walked with an exceptionally arrogant gait and was about to step out of the Class A classroom when he was caught off guard by Aragaki Shun, who suddenly said, "The 200,000 for the Past Exam Papers can wait until after the Midterm Exam, but remember to transfer the compensation for both you and Sagami Kazuma by tomorrow morning."

The walking posture of the tyrant of Class C suddenly became incredibly awkward. He turned back to glare fiercely at Aragaki Shun, leaving behind only a "Just you wait," before immediately disappearing with his two lackeys.

"Aragaki-kun, the Past Exam Papers were a huge help this time. I wonder when you'll be free? How about I treat you to a meal?"

Seeing that Kushida and the others from Class D were also intending to leave, Karuizawa Kei hesitated for a moment before stepping forward to invite Aragaki Shun.

Then, as expected, she was instantly the center of attention for everyone from Class A and Class D.

But there was no helping it; she had considered sending a love letter directly to invite Aragaki Shun to a secluded, empty place before making her request.

The problem was, he wouldn't even look at the love letters he received and would toss them straight into the trash, which left her feeling quite desperate!

Now that the competition between classes was becoming increasingly intense, and Ryuen Kakeru of Class C had even started ordering his classmates to actively provoke students from other classes, if she couldn't find a protective umbrella strong enough to shield her, it might be too late.

She couldn't wait any longer; she had to take the initiative!