Endgame (Part II)

The alliance between the Military Faction and the Finance Faction adopted a hardline stance, threatening to cut off all basic supplies to those who resisted.

Just as the stalemate reached its peak, Ryuen Kakeru suddenly made his move: "I propose that the Military Faction stages a coup and takes direct control of the central warehouse!"

This was an open violation of the rules. Sato hesitated, but the other members were incited by Ryuen, their emotions running high.

Tang Yu immediately activated Emotion Mirror, reflecting the fanatical emotions spread by Ryuen back onto him. Ryuen's expression changed drastically; looking as if he had been frightened by his own rage, he stumbled back a few steps.

"I... I withdraw the proposal." He compromised in an uncharacteristic manner.

[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 the addition of a Crisis Event—a simulated natural disaster—requiring all factions to renegotiate under conditions of severe resource shortages.

The entire venue fell into chaos. Tang Yu seized the opportunity and activated Emotion Weaving, planting "anxiety" in the Livelihood Faction's area, a "crisis of trust" in the Finance Faction's area, and strengthening the sense of unity within his own Military Faction.

The effect was immediate—the Livelihood Faction began to bicker internally, Nagumo Miyabi of the Finance Faction lost some of his supporters, while the Military Faction remained stable under Sato's leadership.

"Astonishing control." A voice sounded behind Tang Yu. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka had appeared there at some point, his greyish-white eyes flickering with a strange luster. "You are almost directly rewriting their emotions."

Tang Yu's heart tightened—had Ayanokoji actually detected the use of his ability?

"Just basic psychological techniques." Tang Yu responded nonchalantly.

Ayanokoji shook his head slightly: "No, this goes far beyond the scope of psychology." He paused. "Horikita Manabu has noticed it too."

Sure enough, Horikita Manabu on the podium was scanning the room with a sharp gaze, finally resting it on Tang Yu. Their gazes met in mid-air, and a silent contest began.

During the final defense segment, Horikita Manabu called on Tang Yu to speak on behalf of the Military Faction. This was a clear challenge—to test the true level of this anomalous transfer student in front of everyone.

Tang Yu walked to the podium calmly, facing all the elite students. He activated Emotional Link to briefly sense Horikita Manabu's emotional state, only to be repelled by an invisible mental barrier. This man's willpower was as hard as steel.

"The Military Faction's stance is simple." Tang Yu spoke steadily. "In a crisis, order is more important than democracy, and safety is more urgent than freedom. This is not the time for idealism."

"So you choose dictatorship?" Horikita Manabu asked sharply.

"No, I choose efficiency." Tang Yu countered. "When a flood comes, people don't need to vote on where to run; they need clear instructions and powerful execution."

"This kind of thinking leads to the abuse of power."

"And indecisiveness leads to collective extinction." Tang Yu looked directly into Horikita Manabu's eyes. "As the Student Council president, you must know this well—some decisions can never satisfy everyone."

The room went silent. This was a debate about the essence of power, and even more, a direct collision of their worldviews.

[Shock from the audience +800]

[Interest from Horikita Manabu +500]

[Emotion Points exceeded 50000!]

[Unlocked "Emotion Field" ability]

[Can continuously influence the emotional state of everyone who enters a specific area]

This new ability came at the perfect time. Tang Yu immediately deployed a small Calm Field around the podium, making the audience more receptive to his views.

In the end, the Military Faction was rated second, just behind the Livelihood Faction where Ayanokoji was located. This result affirmed Tang Yu's ability without making him stand out too much—it was just right.

At the summary meeting, Horikita Manabu gave his personal opinion, a rarity: "Power is like a double-edged sword; it can both protect and harm. Today's simulation shows that some people are born to wield the sword, while others..." His gaze swept over Nagumo Miyabi, "...are better suited to being pointed at by it."

This biting comment left Nagumo's face ashen. Tang Yu noticed Horikita Suzune straighten her back slightly—her brother's words seemed to be a form of affirmation for her as well.

After dinner, students strolled through the courtyard in small groups. Tang Yu found Horikita Suzune alone: "Is the matter with Nagumo resolved?"

"Yes." Horikita nodded. "He won't dare to play any more tricks. Thank you for your... strategy."

"You're welcome. Your brother's comment today was actually an affirmation of you as well."

A glimmer of light flashed in Horikita's eyes: "Perhaps. But..." She hesitated. "He cares more about you. I have never seen him pay this much attention to a first-year student."

Tang Yu was about to respond when he suddenly sensed a strong emotional fluctuation—coming from a window on the second floor of the villa. Horikita Manabu was standing there, quietly watching them.

On the last night of free time, Tang Yu ran into Ayanokoji Kiyotaka in the library. The other boy was flipping through a book on Group Psychology and looked as if he had been waiting for a long time.

"Tomorrow's Final Assessment will be an individual battle." Ayanokoji got straight to the point. "A special test designed by Horikita Manabu."

"Do you know the content?"

"I don't, but I can guess." Ayanokoji closed the book. "He will test everyone's limits. Especially... the anomalies."

The word carried a clear double meaning. Tang Yu activated Emotion Perception and was surprised to find that Ayanokoji's Emotion Cloud presented an unprecedentedly complex state—calm on the surface, but with a hint of purple curiosity and... orange anticipation deep within?

"You seem to know Horikita Manabu very well." Tang Yu probed.

Ayanokoji's eyes flickered slightly: "Just observation. Just like how I observe you."

The two stared at each other for a moment, then Ayanokoji suddenly asked: "If you had the ability to change the emotions of those around you, what would you use it for?"

This direct question made Tang Yu's heart race—how much had Ayanokoji actually guessed?

"A hypothetical question?"

"Just curious." Ayanokoji stood up. "Goodnight, Tang Yu. See you tomorrow for the results."

Back in his dormitory, Tang Yu checked the system status:

[Current Emotion Points: 51200/60000]

[New ability "Emotion Field" pending testing]

[Special reminder: Final Assessment carries high risk and high reward]

Outside the window, moonlight illuminated the silent villa. Tomorrow would be the final day of the Special Training Class, as well as his ultimate showdown with Horikita Manabu.

Regardless of what the test content might be, Tang Yu was already prepared—not only to use his own intelligence, but also the brand-new ability bestowed by the system, to leave an indelible mark on this school where ability was everything.

[Task updated: Pass the Final Assessment and collect key data]

[Reward: Unlock special permissions based on performance]

The system prompts flickered in the darkness, and Tang Yu closed his eyes, welcoming the challenge to come.