Strength Above All?

He meant Yuefeng's way of dealing with Ishizaki and that salesman: citing the rules and exploiting loopholes.

Yuefeng understood.

Ryuen had taken a liking to his little "cleverness" and his ability to walk the edge of the rules. He wanted to use him as a more discreet pawn and spy, one who could infiltrate the "elite" circle.

Compared to the simple role of a violent thug he had anticipated, this seemed a little more "high-level"—but it was also infinitely more dangerous.

"Why me?" Yuefeng asked. "Class C should have other candidates."

"Ishizaki?" Ryuen sneered. "With that brain of his, he'd screw things up on the first day.

The others? Either they don't have the guts, or they don't have the brains." He stared at Yuefeng. "You're different. You're calm enough, and you know how to... adapt to circumstances.

Besides, your 'good little brother' is in Class D, isn't he? That connection might come in handy sometimes."

Even Kiyotaka had been factored into his calculations. A chill ran through Yuefeng's heart.

Ryuen's information network and his use of "resources" ran deeper than Yuefeng had imagined.

"What if I refuse?" Yuefeng met Ryuen's gaze. He needed to know the other man's bottom line.

Ryuen's eyes instantly turned cold, like a venomous snake locking onto its prey.

The air in the Equipment Room seemed to freeze. He stubbed out his cigarette and casually flicked the butt into the shadows in the corner.

"Refuse?" He slowly straightened up. Though he did not make a move, an oppressive force immediately bore down on Yuefeng. "Ayanokoji Yuefeng, you need to understand something. In Class C, what I give you, you may choose how to accept.

What I don't give you, you cannot take. What I tell you to do, you do not have the right to refuse."

He stepped closer. Yuefeng could practically smell the sharper scent of tobacco and danger clinging to him.

"You think dodging a few of Ishizaki's little tricks and suffering a few harmless injuries means you actually have the right to bargain with me?

I'm sending you because you're 'useful' right now. If you become 'useless,' or if you disobey..." Ryuen's voice lowered, but it carried a bone-chilling coldness.

He did not finish, but the meaning could not have been clearer. In Class C, being judged "useless" or "disobedient" by Ryuen would lead to an end far more miserable than getting beaten up by Ishizaki.

It meant total isolation, endless trouble, and perhaps even being set up to violate school rules and expelled.

Yuefeng clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. The old injury in his left arm seemed to throb faintly again.

He knew Ryuen was right. Before the other man's absolute power and control, he simply had no leverage to refuse.

"What's the mission? What exactly do you want me to do?" Yuefeng finally loosened his fists. His voice returned to calm, even carrying a trace of resigned indifference. This was the wisest response for now.

Ryuen seemed fairly satisfied with his willingness to see sense, and the pressure around him eased slightly.

"The Recommendation Selection starts next week. It'll consist of a written application and an interview.

I'll have someone prepare your application materials. They'll highlight your 'logical thinking ability' and your 'understanding of the school's special systems.'"

Ryuen resumed his lazy, controlling posture. "You handle the interview yourself.

I trust that with your 'cleverness,' you'll know what to say and what not to say."

"Once you're in, report regularly. Focus on observing Katsuragi Kohei and Sakayanagi Arisu from Class A, Ichinose Honami from Class B, and those people in the Student Council.

As for Class D... handle that yourself. If you discover anything valuable, or find an opportunity to cause trouble, tell me promptly."

He paused, then added, "Remember, you represent Class C.

Your performance directly determines how much benefit Class C can squeeze out of this 'group,' and it also determines your future... position in Class C. Understand?"

"Understood." Yuefeng nodded.

"Fine, you can go now." Ryuen waved him off as though dismissing a used tool. "Someone will bring you the application materials tomorrow. Prepare well."

Without saying another word, Yuefeng turned, pushed open the heavy metal door, and walked out.

Outside, the sun had already sunk more than halfway below the horizon, leaving only dark red embers in the sky.

A cold wind swept past, making him shiver.

He slowly walked back along the way he had come, his steps far heavier than before.

Ryuen's "tea party" had involved no violence and no direct threats, yet it was more suffocating than any barrage of fists and kicks.

It was the icy feeling of being thoroughly absorbed into someone else's system of control, turned into an extension of their reach, unable to break free.

Special Project Research Group... infiltrating the elite circle... gathering intelligence... causing trouble...

These waters were deeper and murkier than he had imagined.

And Ryuen had personally shoved him in. There was no turning back.

He raised his head and looked toward the sky, where dusk was gathering. A few early stars flickered with cold light.

Strength above all?

No. Here, strength often also meant being valuable enough to be exploited and controlled by something stronger.

He touched the old wound on his left arm, healed now, yet seemingly destined to leave behind a lingering ache forever.

Then he straightened his back, and his gaze became calm and sharp once more.

Since he could not refuse, then he could only move forward.

Even as he became a pawn, a spy, and a "troublemaker."

Perhaps... he could also use this opportunity to see a broader chessboard and acquire more "strength" for himself.

Ryuen wanted to use him as a blade.

Then Yuefeng would see who that "blade" would ultimately cut.

Night completely swallowed the campus.

Yet the light in Yuefeng's eyes was deeper and more resolute than the streetlamps in the distance.

The selection for the Special Project Research Group unfolded quietly, yet efficiently.

Just as Ryuen had said, an application packet that could only be called "perfect" appeared in Yuefeng's desk drawer right on schedule the next morning.

The materials detailed his "qualities" in logic, understanding of school systems, and "potential leadership." The writing was polished, the data thorough, and it was nearly flawless.

Yuefeng only gave it a cursory glance before signing his name—he knew it was merely a formality. Ryuen had already pulled all the necessary strings.

The interview was scheduled for a week later, in a small dedicated conference room with thick carpeting.

The interviewers were a vice president from the Student Council and a teacher in charge of academic affairs.

Most of the questions revolved around his application materials, mixed with a few situational simulations and assessments of values.

Yuefeng kept Ryuen's "instructions" firmly in mind and played the role of an outstanding Class C student who was "promising, eager to contribute to his class and the school, rigorous in thought but somewhat reserved."

His answers were proper and measured. He was neither so outstanding that he drew suspicion nor so mediocre that he would be eliminated.

He could feel the interviewers' scrutinizing gazes, but in the end, they merely nodded and stamped his application as approved.

The day the list was announced, it caused a small stir. This group was highly prestigious, and every selected student was either among the best in their class or someone who had drawn considerable attention.

On the final list, Class A had Katsuragi Kohei and Sakayanagi Arisu, Class B had Ichinose Honami, Class C had Hiyori Shiina and Ayanokoji Yuefeng, while Class D had Horikita Suzune and Hirata Yosuke.

The seven of them happened to encompass the most representative students from all four classes at present.

Yuefeng was not surprised that Hiyori Shiina had been selected. Her academic ability and her performance in logic class were plain for all to see.

It was only that when the two saw their names listed side by side on the bulletin board, Hiyori Shiina's cheeks uncontrollably flushed again. Beyond surprise, there was also a faint glimmer in her eyes as she looked at Yuefeng, one that mingled nervousness with anticipation.