Week 3.
Sunday night had completely enveloped Advanced Nurturing High School. Only one night remained before the Midterm Exam.
In Dormitory 501, where Akiyama Shin lived, the lights were brighter than usual. Review notes were spread across the desk, alongside crumpled sheets of draft paper and an open laptop. The air was thick with an almost tangible solemnity, like a bowstring drawn tight before battle.
Yet beneath that solemnity lay a hint of barely contained excitement, quietly flowing through every inch of the room.
For the past two weeks, Akiyama Shin had devoted nearly all his free time to gathering and analyzing information. Now he leaned back in his chair, his thoughts already organized into a clear and comprehensive battle plan.
The first-years' rank divisions.
They were the foundation of his plan.
He had already confirmed the candidates for S-Rank (1st–3rd place) over and over in his mind.
Akiyama Shin (Class D)—he knew perfectly well that he was the plan's most reliable variable and safeguard.
During this time, he had gone through every past exam paper from the upper grades, breaking down the question types and identifying the key topics.
He had targeted his weak spots and worked to fill in the gaps.
There was no need to mention his already exceptional aptitude for science and math. He had also put tremendous effort into the humanities.
Through day after day of memorization, practice questions, and reading comprehension, he had raised his weak subjects to an outstanding level.
He was absolutely confident he could aim for full marks in every subject and secure first place. After all, he couldn't put all his hopes in other people.
Only by standing at the very top himself
could he maintain absolute control.
Sakayanagi Arisu (Class B), according to every detailed report Kamuro Masumi and