The Military Faction and Finance Faction alliance took a hard-line stance, threatening to cut off all basic supplies to the resistance.
Just as the deadlock dragged on, Ryuen suddenly made his move. "I propose that the Military Faction stage a coup and take direct control of the Central Warehouse!"
It was a blatant violation of the rules. Sato hesitated, but the other group members were riled up by Ryuen and grew agitated.
Tang Yu immediately activated "Emotion Mirror," reflecting the fervent emotions Ryuen had spread back at him. Ryuen's face suddenly changed, as if his own fury had frightened him. He staggered back a few steps.
"I... I withdraw my proposal." He gave in uncharacteristically.
[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 an additional "Crisis Event"-a simulated natural disaster that required all factions to renegotiate under conditions of scarce resources.
The entire assembly hall fell into chaos. Tang Yu seized the opportunity and activated "Emotion Weaving." He planted "anxiety" in the Livelihood Faction's area, a "crisis of trust" in the Finance Faction's area, and strengthened the sense of unity in his own Military Faction.
The effect was immediate-the Livelihood Faction began arguing among themselves, Nagumo of the Finance Faction lost some of his supporters, while the Military Faction remained steady under Sato's leadership.
"An astonishing degree of control." A voice sounded behind Tang Yu. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka had appeared there at some point. Strange light flickered in his gray-white eyes. "You're practically rewriting their emotions directly."
Tang Yu's heart tightened-had Ayanokoji actually noticed him using his ability?
"Just basic psychology techniques." Tang Yu replied casually.
Ayanokoji shook his head slightly. "No, this goes far beyond the bounds of psychology." He paused. "Horikita Manabu noticed, too."
Sure enough, Horikita Manabu was scanning the assembly with a sharp gaze from the podium. At last, his eyes settled on Tang Yu. Their gazes met in the air, 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-to test this unusual Transfer Student's true abilities in front of everyone.
Tang Yu walked calmly to the podium, facing the elite students. He activated "Emotional Link" and briefly sensed Horikita Manabu's emotional state, only to be repelled by an invisible mental barrier. The man's will was as strong as steel.
"The Military Faction's position is simple." Tang Yu spoke evenly. "In a crisis, order matters more than democracy, and security is more urgent than freedom. This is no time for idealism."
"So you've chosen dictatorship?" Horikita Manabu asked sharply.
"No, we've chosen efficiency." Tang Yu countered, "When a flood comes, people don't need to vote on which way to run. They need clear instructions and decisive execution."
"That kind of thinking leads to the abuse of power."
"And indecision leads to collective destruction." Tang Yu looked Horikita Manabu straight in the eyes. "As Student Council President, you must understand that some decisions can't please everyone."
The entire hall fell silent. This was a debate about the nature of power, and, more than that, a direct clash between their worldviews.
[Shock from the entire 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 designated area]
The new ability had come at just the right time. Tang Yu immediately spread a small "Calm Field" around the podium, making the listeners more receptive to his argument.
In the end, the Military Faction received the second-highest rating, behind only the Livelihood Faction led by Ayanokoji. This result recognized Tang Yu's ability without drawing too much attention to him. It was just right.
At the summary meeting, Horikita Manabu made a rare personal comment. "Power is a double-edged sword. It can protect, but it can also 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 livid. Tang Yu noticed Horikita Suzune straighten her back slightly-the comment from her brother seemed to be a kind of affirmation for her, too.
After dinner, the students wandered around the courtyard in pairs and small groups. Tang Yu found Horikita Suzune alone. "Has the matter with Nagumo been settled?"
"Mm." Horikita nodded. "He won't dare try anything again. Thank you for your... strategy."
"No problem. Your brother's evaluation today was also an affirmation of you, really."
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 suddenly sensed an intense emotional fluctuation-from a second-floor window of the lodge. Horikita Manabu stood there, quietly watching them.
During the last night'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 for some time.
"Tomorrow's Final Assessment will be an individual contest." Ayanokoji got straight to the point. "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 carried a clear double meaning. Tang Yu activated Emotion Perception and was surprised to find that Ayanokoji's Emotion Cloud was more complex than ever before. On the surface, it was its usual calm, but deep down there was a trace of purple curiosity and... orange anticipation?
"You seem to know Horikita Manabu well." Tang Yu probed.
Ayanokoji's gaze flickered slightly. "Just observation. Like how I observe you."
The two stared at each other for a moment. Ayanokoji suddenly asked, "If you had the ability to change the emotions of the people around you, what would you use it for?"
The direct question made Tang Yu's heart race-how much had Ayanokoji guessed?
"A hypothetical question?"
"I'm 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 is high risk, high reward]
Outside the window, moonlight illuminated the silent lodge. Tomorrow would be the last day of the Special Training Class, and the ultimate showdown between him and Horikita Manabu.
Whatever the test involved, Tang Yu was ready-not only to use his own intelligence, but also the new abilities granted by the system, to leave an indelible mark on this school where strength reigned supreme.
[Mission updated: Pass the Final Assessment and collect key data]
[Reward: Unlock special permissions based on performance]
The system notification flashed in the darkness. Tang Yu closed his eyes and prepared to meet the challenge ahead.