Classroom of the Elite, A Hypocritical Gray Life

"...Are you alright? You look like a teenager suffering from a heart attack after pulling an all-nighter."

"It hasn't reached that point yet... Leaving you here might be a form of relief for me, too."

"That's so heartless..."

"Or perhaps you actually helped with something while I was making the notices?"

"...You should have told me earlier that there was a penalty."

"Did that even need to be said?!"

Ahaha, don't look at me with such a fierce glare; that whole thing wasn't exactly something I volunteered for, anyway.

Under Kanzaki's menacing gaze, I awkwardly put away my phone and completely relaxed my body, sitting down on the stone steps.

"It's over, they're coming out."

Ahhh, I just sat down to rest; did it have to be such a coincidence?

Damn this fate! I better not find out you have a physical form; if you do, you'd better stay hidden well so I never find you!

I sighed, stood up, and rushed forward alongside Ichinose and Kanzaki. As it turned out, our movements seemed to startle another witness from Class D, Sakura, who turned and ran in a panic.

"...Did we interrupt you?"

"No, that's not it, it's just..." Ayanokoji didn't say anything more. "Are you here to ask about the results of the meeting?"

"Yeah, wasn't today the final verdict?"

"That's what was said, but there will actually be another meeting tomorrow."

"What's going on?"

Ayanokoji then briefly explained the results of the meeting to us.

Sudo had not been able to clear his name, yet the Class D decision-maker, Horikita, insisted on asserting Sudo's innocence. Because of her firm stance, the student council president, who was chairing the meeting, decided to reopen the case tomorrow at four in the afternoon.

Class D originally could have chosen the compromise proposed by the Class C homeroom teacher, Sakagami: determine that both sides were at fault and issue punishments to both. Although the penalty would be heavier than Class C's, at the very least, it would avoid expulsion by the school.

"So she wants to completely assert his innocence? But if things aren't handled well, won't Sudo be expelled? Looking at it that way, the compromise is clearly the better option."

"I think so too, but our boss is insistent on this course of action. I think she probably has her own considerations. In her mind, as long as Sudo receives even a single day of punishment, it counts as her defeat."

"But this is too reckless. Making such a selfish choice without any absolute certainty... isn't she just playing with someone else's 'life'?"

"Perhaps she doesn't want Sudo to lose his spot as a regular player; that's the only reason that could replace her stubbornness."

"Even if he loses the spot, as long as he's still there, there's still a chance, right? This is just..."

"Sorry, even if you say that, I can't change the option she chose... I think if Horikita really has no countermeasure, then tomorrow's negotiation will surely be our defeat. Proving complete innocence... is just too difficult."

Chapter 33: The Only Way Out

"However, since Horikita is so insistent, she must have a corresponding strategy." I followed behind them and offered a kind word of comfort; it was the only place I could get a word in.

"I'm not sure either; she didn't go into detail with me."

"It can't be helped, then we'll just have to re-collect the relevant information."

"Are you still going to help even after hearing that?"

"Of course, at the very least, a victory built on lies is absolutely unforgivable." Even in such a disadvantageous situation, Kanzaki and Ichinose chose to extend a helping hand.

Just as we were feeling troubled by the reckless option Horikita had made, the protagonist appeared at that very moment.

"I also believe that the other side's lying is an unforgivable act. So, for the sake of victory, I would like to ask you, Class B, to help us prepare something."

"You didn't go back?" Ayanokoji asked, puzzled by Horikita's sudden appearance.

"I just went to confirm the feasibility of the plan."

"In other words, Horikita, you insisted on asserting innocence because you were confident?"

"More or less. I only thought of it toward the end of the meeting."

"Then can you tell us your plan?"

After hearing Ichinose's request, Horikita hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded.

"Of course, that's no problem. If I want your help, I have to tell you these things. However, first I need to ensure that this plan won't be leaked."

"Don't worry, Raku and Kanzaki are completely trustworthy partners. Besides, we've already joined forces with Class D to oppose Class C."

"That's right."

Since Kanzaki had already agreed, there was no need for me to hold back.

Seeing the firm attitudes of Ichinose and Kanzaki, Horikita nodded, then revealed her only remaining plan to us and explained the reasons behind her various actions.

After she finished the explanation, we all fell into silence.

How should I put it? In truth, it was too incredible. So incredible that it made me start to doubt the other party's identity.

"Fighting lies with lies... this method is just too..." Whether out of shock or an inability to accept it, Ichinose's words trailed off there.

"I know this plan is very dangerous, but the rewards are also extremely high. Currently, this is the only way we have... or are you unable to accept it?"

"Although it touches on my bottom line a bit, I suppose it really can only end in this form. This method is brilliant... or rather, it's already beyond the scope of my thinking..."

"Then, would you be willing to help us?"

That's right, this plan requires our assistance. The amount of points needed for the operation is a sum that Class D cannot afford on its own. If Class D had enough unity, they might have been able to pull it off. But at the very least, as things stand now, it's impossible for them.

"...Do you have any thoughts on this, Raku?"

"I haven't researched this area... so I can't offer any constructive advice..."

I've already said it before: I'm just a good-for-nothing.

"Kanzaki..."

"I think this might be our only way out, at least... there is a possibility of success."

Fighting lies with lies—it's a pretty good plan.

Timing, location, and people; these three elements are all indispensable.

This is a psychological game in the truest sense. Whoever can collapse the other side's mental pillar first will win this match.

For a beautiful girl who could survive on her looks alone, how is she so knowledgeable about psychological warfare? Then again, such conflicts are unavoidable in life, and it is only natural for us to understand the weaknesses of human nature and manipulate them.

"I never imagined there would be someone like you in Class D... We agree." After struggling with the decision for a long time, Ichinose finally expressed her view with a wry smile, while taking out her phone to transfer the massive amount of points to Horikita.

"I will return the points to you later, please rest assured."

"Since we have chosen to cooperate, I will place a certain amount of trust in you."

Horikita nodded at us with a look of gratitude, then looked firmly at Ayanokoji beside her.

"Then, Ayanokoji, let's go. There are many things I'll need your help with next."

"Help... may I ask if I can refuse?"

"Are you choosing to back down now?"

"Back down or whatever... I'll do it, alright?" Under Horikita's threatening gaze, Ayanokoji finally agreed.

"Pfft—in this regard, you really are similar to Raku."

"I wouldn't call it similar; it's more like you're exactly the same." Kanzaki chimed in, agreeing.

Hey! That mocking laugh at the beginning was way too much.

And how are we the same!? As a man, I will not fear female authority!

Damn it, you guys just wait! (Clenches fists)

"Let's go—whoa—"

Unexpected events are always unexpected; it was very sudden. I was still calculating my decision to never bow my head again, and Ayanokoji hadn't even finished speaking a single syllable, when Horikita moved with lightning speed, delivering a side-hand strike to Ayanokoji's waist.

Ayanokoji immediately collapsed, unable to get back up, letting out faint groans of pain.

See, that's how violent incidents happen. (Loosens fists, swallows nervously)

"With this, the rude behavior you showed me in the conference room is settled. Remember, there won't be a next time." Horikita explained unhurriedly, then turned and left the scene.

"Hey, uh, ah...!"

"..."

Horikita had already left, leaving behind only the pained Ayanokoji and us, who were at a loss.

Ichinose watched the bizarre scene in a daze, then cast her gaze toward me.

Wait, I just made my resolution. Do you have to refute it so quickly?

"Raku, why did you retreat behind Kanzaki?"

"...If I said I was scared, would you believe me, Ichinose?"

"But you are clearly looking at me with a very fearful expression."

"Horikita is scary, yeah, that's just how it is."

Damn it, why did I ever forget the conclusion that women are terrifying creatures? It must be the comfort zone of indulgence that Ichinose provided me.

"It seems the classification of students in the class isn't as simple as it looks on the surface."

After sending off the pained Ayanokoji, the three of us arrived at the school cafeteria.

"It's truly unreasonable that such an impressive person would be assigned to Class D."

"If it were really a case of extreme polarization, I don't think anyone from Class D would ever be able to climb up."

"That's true, but how exactly does the school rank the classes?"

At the dining table, Kanzaki and Ichinose continued to discuss the question that had remained unanswered for over two months, and I continued to play the role of a listener, learning from their thoughts.

I don't care how the students are assigned; compared to that, I want to know who the person in Class D who actually came up with this plan is.

Is it Horikita, or is it—Ayanokoji.

Chapter 34: Foolish Schemes

In the eyes of a politician, everything in the world has room for maneuvering and negotiation.

Just like the chemical equations we learn in chemistry class.

Even if the reactants are the same, the products can still change depending on the environment. Continuing this line of thought, everything has the power of choice.

As for the existence of truth, what matters is the occurrence of the process.

Particle Collision, as the first step in a chemical reaction, has rules that cannot be ignored.

Only when activated molecules collide with each other in the correct relative orientation can it be called an Effective Collision, and only then can a chemical reaction occur.

This rule is also very applicable in real life. We can replace molecules with independent individuals; under normal circumstances, the independent actions of individuals do not interfere with each other. Only in cases of danger, goodwill, or irresistible accidents do the actions between people become subject to interference and entanglement—in other words, a chemical reaction.

Daily shopping, trivial disputes like fights, regional competition, wars at the national level, and so on, can all be deconstructed and categorized using this rule.

Since only activated molecules can react, we naturally have ways to avoid activation.

In human sociology, there is a common and easy way to avoid activation—disguise.

In real society, everyone has two sides, you and I are no exception, merely seeking the final sanctuary deep within our hearts.

This disguise is not limited to appearance; it is also the concealment of one's attitude and state of mind.

"One face in front of others, another behind their backs" is the foundation of mental concealment.

As for appearance, there are not so many nuances.

Common examples include wearing non-prescription glasses to pretend one is nearsighted, hunching one's back to display weakness, or walking with cautious steps to make others feel that one is acting with great prudence...

I am not telling you these things to teach you how to hide your true self from the public; in fact, what I really want to say is that no matter how you disguise yourself, you cannot escape your true self.

So, give it your all.

To protect your final self.

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Time moved to the next day. Thanks to Horikita's support yesterday, we obtained permission from the Student Council President to reopen this hearing at four o'clock this afternoon after school. By then, we need to produce evidence that can prove Sudo is absolutely innocent; otherwise, the defendant may face the severe punishment of expulsion.