The Truth Behind the Rules and a "Gentle" Stranger

Meanwhile, Horikita Suzune was also taking action.

She began making frequent trips to the library, searching for all kinds of information about the school's rules and regulations. Her expression was more serious than ever.

She recalled Chabashira-sensei's earlier remarks. Every word, every sentence, echoed through her mind again and again.

"Meritocracy."

"Class D is the class for underachievers."

"Your value will determine your points."

She vaguely felt that there was some sort of loophole hidden in those words.

Natsume Yu observed her from the shadows.

He knew that Horikita Suzune was heading in the right direction.

Her thirst for knowledge and logical analytical ability made her a decent pawn.

He surmised.

She would discover it.

It was only a matter of time.

A few more days passed.

Evening.

Sakura Airi walked uneasily through the dormitory corridor with a book in her arms. The matter of their points being reset to zero had hit her hard. She was already introverted, and now she felt an invisible pressure weighing down on her even more.

She kept her head lowered, her steps hurried.

"Sakura."

A gentle voice sounded beside her.

Sakura Airi jumped and abruptly looked up.

It was Natsume Yu.

He stood before her, wearing his usual gentle smile.

"You seem to have something on your mind?" Natsume Yu asked softly. His voice carried a soothing quality that made people relax.

Sakura Airi bit her lip and hesitated for a moment.

"I... I'm just a little worried," she said quietly.

"About the points?" Natsume Yu's tone held a trace of understanding.

Sakura Airi nodded, her eyes full of confusion.

"Don't worry." Natsume Yu's smile grew even gentler. He raised a hand and lightly patted her shoulder, as though comforting a startled little animal.

"Since the school has set rules like these, there must be a reason for them. Besides, I'm sure there'll always be a way."

His words were simple, yet filled with strength.

Sakura Airi looked at him, and the tension in her heart seemed to truly ease.

In this environment that made her uneasy, Natsume Yu's presence was like a ray of light.

Warmth.

Her sense of dependence on him quietly took root, winding around her heart like vines.

"Mm..." she replied softly, a faint blush appearing on her face.

"All right, don't overthink it. Get some rest early." Natsume Yu smiled at her, then turned and left.

Sakura Airi stood where she was, watching his retreating figure.

The strings of her heart had indeed relaxed.

As Natsume Yu recalled Sakura Airi's expression, amusement flashed through his eyes.

Little hamster, your shelter will be here soon.

Natsume Yu walked down the corridor, a barely noticeable smile at the corner of his lips.

Setting the board.

He assessed Ayanokoji and Horikita's initial reactions.

They were capable.

Capable of solving the points problem on their own.

And he only needed to make a few minor adjustments at critical moments, or provide a few "perfectly timed" clues.

The real test still lay ahead.

The points crisis was merely the school's appetizer.

Anticipation.

He looked forward to seeing how Ayanokoji and Horikita would make their first move on the chessboard.

Late at night.

In Natsume Yu's dorm room, only the desk lamp gave off a faint glow.

He took out a black notebook and opened it.

On a blank page, he wrote a sentence with his fountain pen:

"The game begins. The pieces enter the board."