Chapter 36

"It's your fault for constantly donating class points..." Ibuki countered. "Dummy, I genuinely want to help everyone... Otherwise, wouldn't it be faster and better for me to just save up enough points to transfer classes on my own? I just don't want to do that. The school's original intention is for us to learn how to utilize collective strength through competition." Turning around without a hint of fear, I easily persuaded her. "I suppose that's true..." "So everyone, please give Ryuen-san your full cooperation and let's work hard together! By striking at Class D, we are reducing our competition; it's even possible to control Class D and use them for our own ends. Don't sigh just because class points have decreased, or get overly excited when they increase. This three-year journey is still long. We have tallied and recorded everyone's scores from the last exam. Whether you scored high or simply did better than your usual performance, you are contributing to the class. Your efforts will always be rewarded." Hearing my words, everyone nodded one after another, expressing their approval of this system of rewards and punishments. "The recorders for the Class Merit Ledger will rotate. Last time it was Komiya and Yajima. Starting next week, we will randomly select from those who haven't served yet—one boy and one girl to record together, changing every two weeks... Of course, busy people like Ryuen-san and myself will voluntarily abstain. Does anyone have any objections?" The class immediately erupted into discussion, but no one raised their hand. "If there are no objections, the meeting is adjourned! Oh, right! Please keep all class systems confidential from outsiders. It's best not to betray the class! If anyone is found betraying the class, they will definitely be the primary target for expulsion. Hmm... though if it's Ryuen-san, he might not let you be expelled so easily... If by any chance someone tries to bribe or threaten you into betraying the class, you can pretend to agree to stabilize the situation, then immediately come to find Ryuen or me. That would be a great contribution! Of course, if you encounter difficulties you can't solve, please report them to the class. Falling into another class's trap alone is a very foolish thing." Seeing no opposition, I sat down with satisfaction. "Kitazawa-kun is really insidious..." Shiina turned around and whispered. "Thank you for the compliment! Shall we have lunch together?" "No." "What a blunt refusal..." What about Ibuki? Lunch together?" I turned to invite the other beauty. "(＾ｖ＾) Sure! You're paying! Shiina-san, want to have lunch together?" Ibuki agreed readily, catching me off guard. "Okay." This time, Shiina nodded. "...I feel like I've been played. Since when did you two get so close?" "We aren't close. The only thing we have in common is that we both dislike someone." "Who? So annoying?" "You!" "..." I covered my face, "I'm going out to cool off." I arrived at a quiet corner and sent an email to Senior Nagumo. Respected Senior Nagumo, hello! I am truly sorry to disturb you. Your beloved Honami Ichinose has, as you expected, moved to the opposite side of me. She has allied with that group of underachievers in Class D and started bailing them out. We will continue to strike at Class D's financial chain, and this is also a good opportunity to weaken Ichinose. Please, Senior Nagumo, do not let your second-year students lend money to the BD Alliance. Thank you! With that, everything is set. The first-year Class A looks down on Class D and wouldn't lend money to Class B to nurture a future threat. The third-year students are the most desperate for points and certainly wouldn't interfere in first-year affairs. The only uncertain factor is Horikita's brother. But on second thought, as the student council president, he surely cannot act rashly. Otherwise, the negative public opinion would be overwhelming, right?

Haha! That being said, I can just sit at home and wait for the traitors from Class D to come and borrow points.

Two days later, the traitor came just as expected, but I didn't expect it to be him. "Long time no see, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji-kun. How have you been lately?" With that same dead-fish gaze, Ayanokoji seemed unable to muster interest in anything. "Thanks to you, not great. My points are all gone, and they aren't issuing new ones this month." Ayanokoji opened his phone and waved it in front of me; there were only about 2300 points left. "Hahahaha! Don't blame me! It's the world that's at fault." "I know. Can I borrow some points for an emergency? About 100,000 points..." Ayanokoji said, looking a bit embarrassed. "Are you borrowing on behalf of others too? Let me guess? Sudo needs them too, right?" "Of course, I won't tell him I borrowed them from you. Please understand, I'm begging you." "No problem, but the interest... you know how it is, right?" I said, pulling out a contract. "Over 30% monthly interest... this is just..." Ayanokoji was speechless; this interest rate was essentially leaving no way out. "No room for negotiation, we are enemies after all... unless..." "Unless? I won't betray the class." Ayanokoji seemed to see through my thoughts. "It's not betraying the class, you're just doing me a favor. Providing some harmless information won't require you to betray the class." "I don't have a choice, do I..." Ayanokoji hesitated for a moment, then nodded. I smiled and took out a special contract, offering Ayanokoji 10,000 points per month. Now, at least there would be someone keeping an eye on Koenji at all times. "Then, the interest will return to normal. No, a special discount—I'll waive the interest for this time." "Why do I feel like I've made a deal with the devil... Koenji? I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. He hasn't shown any intention of integrating into the class at all. Are you very familiar with him?" "You could say that. Given his personality, it's not surprising he hasn't integrated... But you can trust me, I'm a good partner. Are you really not considering joining our Class C? We have collected a massive amount of personal points. If you sincerely join Class C, we can provide you with plenty of points—completing a 20-million-point transfer isn't impossible." "...I