Grouping

Horikita Manabu fell silent for a moment, then suddenly shifted the topic: "Do you believe this strategic thinking is applicable in a modern campus setting? For instance... class competition?"

This was a trap question. Tang Yu smiled slightly: "The principles of strategy remain the same throughout history, but specific applications must adapt to the times. The Taira Clan ultimately fell precisely because they relied too heavily on past success models and ignored the changes in the new landscape."

This answer demonstrated both breadth of knowledge and skillfully avoided discussing school competition directly. Horikita Manabu seemed satisfied, nodding to signal Tang Yu to sit down.

"A decent analysis," he said, pushing up his glasses, "but remember, in true confrontation, theory is only the foundation."

The first class ended in a tense atmosphere. During the break, several third-year students surrounded Tang Yu.

"You've got quite a mouth on you, freshman," the lead boy said, looking down at Tang Yu from a height. "I wonder how you'll perform in actual combat?"

Tang Yu activated Emotion Perception, discovering that deep red Emotion Clouds were floating above this group—it wasn't simple bullying, but rather a probe directed by someone else.

Nagumo Miyabi stood not far away, pretending not to see, but the curve of his mouth betrayed his true attitude.

"Actual combat?" Tang Yu feigned innocence. "Are you referring to the final exams or the Sports Festival?"

"Stop playing dumb!" The boy slammed his hand onto Tang Yu's shoulder, attempting to intimidate him.

At that very moment, Tang Yu's Emotion Points surpassed 40,000.

[Emotion Points exceeded 40,000!]

[Unlocked "Emotion Mirror" ability]

[Can briefly reflect received emotions back to the source]

Tang Yu immediately activated the new ability. As the boy's hand landed on his shoulder, the malicious emotion hit a mirror-like surface and rebounded. The boy's expression changed drastically, and he stumbled back a few steps, as if frightened by his own anger.

"You... what did you do?" he asked in terror.

"I didn't do anything," Tang Yu said, spreading his hands innocently. "Perhaps it's too hot; you might need a rest."

[Confusion from third-year student +300]

[Vigilance from Nagumo Miyabi +200]

[Current Emotion Points: 40,200/50,000]

This small disturbance quickly subsided, but the effect was significant—for the next few classes, no one dared to provoke Tang Yu easily. During lunch, Horikita Suzune took the initiative to sit next to him.

"You did that on purpose," she said in a low voice. "Challenging my brother during the classical literature class."

Tang Yu took a bite of his sandwich: "I was merely answering a question."

"No, you were testing his bottom line," Horikita's eyes sparkled. "I often do the same."

This was the first time Horikita had spoken so frankly about her relationship with her brother. Tang Yu activated "Emotional Link," sensing her complex emotions—reverence and rebellion toward her brother, uncertainty about her own abilities, and... a hint of expectation toward Tang Yu?

"There's a group activity this afternoon," Horikita shifted the topic. "Supposedly, we have to complete a special project."

"How are the groups formed?"

"Random draw," Horikita's voice sounded somewhat unnatural. "I hope I don't end up in a bad group."

Fate seemed to be playing a joke. At the afternoon assembly, when Horikita Manabu announced the group lists, Tang Yu, Horikita Suzune, and Ayanokoji Kiyotaka were assigned to the same group.

"Group Three," Horikita Manabu read out. "The topic is 'Optimization Plan for Campus Power Structure,' with a three-day deadline."

Tang Yu looked at Ayanokoji, who remained expressionless, though a flicker of barely perceptible fluctuation crossed his eyes—this was an unplanned variable.

"What an... interesting combination," Nagumo Miyabi appeared beside them out of nowhere, his smile blindingly bright. "A gathering of freshman problem children? Do you need a senior's guidance?"

"Not necessary," Horikita Suzune refused coldly.

Nagumo didn't mind, leaning close to Tang Yu's ear: "Be careful of President Horikita. He is... very interested in you." He then walked away with a laugh.

After the group meeting ended, the three found a quiet corner to discuss the project. Ayanokoji spoke up, contrary to his usual behavior: "The real purpose of the 'Campus Power Structure' project is to test teamwork. The School Administration wants to see how we handle internal conflict."

"How do you know?" Horikita frowned.

"Observation," Ayanokoji replied calmly. "The topics for the other groups also contain similar tests."

Tang Yu secretly agreed. This project was indeed Horikita Manabu's style—academic on the surface, but a psychological test in reality.

"I suggest we research separately and consolidate tomorrow," Ayanokoji proposed.

Horikita Suzune nodded in agreement, but Tang Yu noticed her gaze drifting toward the second-floor window from time to time—Horikita Manabu was standing there, looking down at the entire courtyard.

During the free time in the evening, Tang Yu explored the villa alone. While passing a Japanese-style room, he heard a familiar voice—Chabashira Sae was speaking with someone.

"...The abnormal performance has already caught the attention of the School Board," Chabashira's voice drifted through the paper door. "Especially that transfer student from China."

"I know," Horikita Manabu responded. "His test data doesn't fit the standard curve. It's too perfect—unnaturally perfect."

"Does he require special attention?"

"It's already been arranged." Horikita Manabu's footsteps approached the door. Tang Yu quickly ducked behind a corner. "This training session is the best opportunity for observation."

After the two left, Tang Yu let out a long breath. The situation was more complex than he had imagined—not only did Nagumo Miyabi hold hostility toward him, but even Horikita Manabu and the School Board were keeping an eye on him.

Returning to his dorm room (fortunately a single room), Tang Yu checked the system status:

[Current Emotion Points: 40,700/50,000]

[New ability "Emotion Mirror" test successful]

[Special Alert: Multiple surveillance detected]

[Horikita Manabu Attention: 70%]

[Nagumo Miyabi Attention: 60%]

[School Board Attention: 50%]

Outside the window, moonlight illuminated the villa's courtyard. Tang Yu saw a figure standing beneath the cherry blossom tree—Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, gazing up at the starry sky as if lost in thought. In the shadows further away, another blurred figure was monitoring everything.

Tang Yu drew the curtains and began to plan his next strategy. This Special Training Class was far more complex than it appeared on the surface, and he had unknowingly become the focal point of attention for multiple parties.

Tomorrow's group project discussion would be his first real collaboration with Ayanokoji and Horikita Suzune, as well as an excellent opportunity to test one another. Within the delicate web of relationships between the three, who would be an ally, and who would be a potential threat?

[Mission Update: Complete the group project and collect key intelligence]

[Reward: Unlock special abilities based on performance]

The system prompt flickered in the darkness. Tang Yu lay on the bed and closed his eyes. In this villa filled with schemes, sleep might be the only moment he could temporarily lower his guard.

And tomorrow, the real game would just be beginning.