The alliance between the Military Faction and the Finance Faction took a hard line, threatening to cut off all basic supplies to the rebels.
Just as the standoff reached an impasse, Ryuen suddenly made his move. "I propose the Military Faction launch a coup and take direct control of the Central Warehouse!"
This was a blatant violation of the rules. Sato hesitated, but Ryuen had whipped the other group members into a frenzy.
Tang Yu immediately activated Emotion Mirror, reflecting the fervor Ryuen had spread back onto him. Ryuen's face suddenly changed. It was as if his own fury had frightened him; he staggered back several steps.
"I... I withdraw my proposal." He made an uncharacteristic concession.
[Advanced application of Emotion Mirror successful]
[Confusion from Ryuen Kakeru +400]
[Current Emotion Points: 46500/50000]
In the final stage of the simulation, Horikita Manabu suddenly announced a Crisis Event—a simulated natural disaster. With resources running low, every faction would have to renegotiate.
The entire venue descended into chaos. Tang Yu seized the opportunity and activated Emotion Weaving. He instilled anxiety in the Livelihood Faction's area, a crisis of trust in the Finance Faction's area, and strengthened the sense of unity within his own Military Faction.
The effect was immediate. Arguments broke out within the Livelihood Faction, Nagumo lost some of his supporters in the Finance Faction, while the Military Faction remained steady under Sato's leadership.
"Remarkable control." A voice sounded behind Tang Yu. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka had appeared there at some point, his gray-white eyes glinting with an unusual light. "You're practically rewriting their emotions."
Tang Yu's heart tightened. Had Ayanokoji really noticed him using his ability?
"It's just a basic psychological technique," Tang Yu replied casually.
Ayanokoji shook his head slightly. "No, this goes far beyond psychology." He paused. "Horikita Manabu noticed, too."
Sure enough, Horikita Manabu was sweeping the room with a sharp gaze from the podium. At last, his eyes settled on Tang Yu. Their gazes met, and a silent contest began.
During the final defense, Horikita Manabu called on Tang Yu to speak on behalf of the Military Faction. It was an obvious challenge—a test of the anomalous transfer student's true abilities in front of everyone.
Tang Yu strode calmly to the podium and faced the elite students. He activated Emotional Link, briefly sensing Horikita Manabu's emotional state, only for an invisible mental barrier to repel him. The man's will was as strong as steel.
"The Military Faction's position is simple," Tang Yu began steadily. "In a crisis, order matters more than democracy, and security is more urgent than freedom. This isn't the time for idealism."
"So you've chosen dictatorship?" Horikita Manabu asked sharply.
"No. We've chosen efficiency," Tang Yu shot back. "When a flood comes, people don't need to vote on which way to run. They need clear orders and decisive action."
"That kind of thinking leads to an abuse of power."
"And hesitation can lead to everyone's destruction." Tang Yu met Horikita Manabu's gaze. "As Student Council President, you must understand that some decisions can't satisfy everyone."
The room fell silent. This was a debate about the nature of power—and a direct clash between their worldviews.
[Shock from everyone present +800]
[Interest from Horikita Manabu +500]
[Emotion Points exceeded 50000!]
[Ability unlocked: Emotion Field]
[Can continuously influence the emotional state of everyone entering a designated area]
The new ability had come at just the right time. Tang Yu immediately spread a small Calm Field around the podium, making it easier for the audience to accept his argument.
In the end, the Military Faction placed second, just behind the Livelihood Faction led by Ayanokoji. The result recognized Tang Yu's ability without letting him stand out too much—a perfect balance.
At the debriefing, Horikita Manabu made a rare personal remark. "Power is a double-edged sword. It can protect as easily as it can harm. Today's simulation showed that some people are born to wield the sword, while others..." His gaze swept over Miyabi Nagumo. "...are better suited to having it pointed at them."
The biting remark left Nagumo's face ashen. Tang Yu noticed Horikita Suzune subtly straighten her back. Her brother's words seemed to be a way of affirming her, too.
After dinner, the students wandered around the courtyard in small groups. Tang Yu found Horikita Suzune alone. "Is the Nagumo situation settled?"
"Yeah." Horikita nodded. "He won't dare pull anything again. Thanks for your... strategy."
"Don't mention it. Your brother's evaluation today was also a way of affirming you."
A glimmer appeared in Horikita's eyes. "Maybe. But..." She hesitated. "He's more interested in you. I've never seen him pay so much attention to a first-year student."
Tang Yu was about to answer when he sensed a powerful emotional fluctuation—from a second-floor window in the lodge. Horikita Manabu stood there, silently watching them.
During the final evening's free time, Tang Yu ran into Ayanokoji Kiyotaka in the library. Ayanokoji was reading a book on Group Psychology and seemed to have been waiting for him.
"Tomorrow's Final Assessment will be an individual contest," Ayanokoji said without preamble. "A special test designed by Horikita Manabu."
"Do you know what it involves?"
"No, but I can guess." Ayanokoji closed the book. "He'll test everyone's limits. Especially... the anomalies."
The word was clearly meant in more than one sense. Tang Yu activated Emotion Perception and was surprised to find that Ayanokoji's Emotion Cloud was more complex than ever. On the surface, he was as calm as usual, but deep down, there was a hint of purple curiosity and... orange anticipation?
"You seem to know Horikita Manabu well," Tang Yu ventured.
Ayanokoji's gaze flickered slightly. "I simply observe him. Just as I observe you."
They looked at each other for a moment before Ayanokoji suddenly asked, "If you had the ability to change the emotions of the people around you, what would you do with it?"
The direct question made Tang Yu's heart race. How much had Ayanokoji figured out?
"Hypothetical question?"
"Just curious." Ayanokoji stood up. "Good night, Tang Yu. We'll find out tomorrow."
Back in his dorm, Tang Yu checked the system status:
[Current Emotion Points: 51200/60000] [New ability, Emotion Field, awaiting testing] [Special reminder: Final Assessment—high risk, high reward]
Outside the window, moonlight illuminated the quiet lodge. Tomorrow would be the last day of the Special Training Class—and his ultimate showdown with Horikita Manabu.
Whatever the test involved, Tang Yu was ready. He would use not only his own wits but also the new ability granted by the system to leave an indelible mark in this school, where strength reigned supreme.
[Quest updated: Pass the Final Assessment and collect key data]
[Reward: Unlock special privileges based on performance]
The system prompt flickered in the darkness. Tang Yu closed his eyes and prepared to face the challenge ahead.
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