Conversation on the Rooftop and the Eavesdropping Incident

The door to the rooftop was left ajar, and a cool breeze poured in through the gap, carrying the faint sounds of the bustling school.

Chabashira Sae was likely trying to get some fresh air during the break.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji didn't hesitate for a second; he pushed the door open and walked out.

The iron door let out a soft, creaking sound.

Suzune Horikita immediately stopped in her tracks, signaling Lin Mu to do the same.

The two of them tacitly retreated behind the wall beside the door, pricking up their ears.

The wind was stronger on the rooftop, causing Chabashira Sae's voice to drift slightly, yet it remained clear:

"Is there something you need? Class is about to start."

Her tone sounded relaxed, even a bit lazy—a complete contrast to the icy, judgmental persona she had displayed in the classroom just moments ago.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji's voice was calm and ripple-free, devoid of any pleasantries, getting straight to the point:

"Teacher, may I ask you a question?"

"A question?" There was a hint of confusion in Chabashira's voice.

"Do you believe that modern society is equal?"

Ayanokoji's tone remained flat, as if he were merely discussing an inconsequential academic topic.

Chabashira Sae raised an eyebrow, her tone tinged with impatience: "That's a sudden question. What is the point of answering it?"

"It is of great significance. Could you please answer me?" Ayanokoji insisted.

Chabashira Sae pondered for a moment before giving her answer: "In my view, society is certainly not equal, not in the slightest. Equality is nothing more than a facade used to cover up the truth."

"However, we humans are creatures capable of thought; any rules or clauses must, at the very least, appear equal."

As he spoke, Ayanokoji took out his Student Terminal, swiped his fingertip across the screen, and handed it toward Chabashira.

"Regarding Sudo's English grade, please sell me one point for him."

Chabashira Sae was stunned for a moment, then let out a low chuckle, her eyes filled with amusement:

"You really are interesting. I never expected you to make such a request—buying points."

"Didn't you say on the first day of school, Teacher, that purchasing goods requires the use of the points in our Student Terminals?

Any rules or clauses must be equal, at least on the surface, and this exam is no exception."

Ayanokoji remained expressionless, his logic clear.

"However, with the points you currently have, I'm afraid you can't afford that one point."

Chabashira Sae held up a finger, her tone carrying a hint of deliberate obstruction.

"Let me think. If you can pay me 100,000 Private Points right now, I might make an exception and sell it to you."

Ayanokoji's expression remained indifferent as he spoke calmly: "You really are mean-spirited, Teacher."

At that moment, Suzune Horikita, who was eavesdropping, felt her eyes light up when she heard the words "buy points."

Her hand, resting at her side, tightened slightly, and her body leaned forward; she was clearly waiting for Chabashira's response with bated breath.

As for Lin Mu, he remained lazily leaning against the wall, the lollipop in his mouth making a faint "crunch" sound—he had bitten through the last bit of candy.

Although he had already seen this conversation in his precognitive visions, hearing Ayanokoji say "please sell me one point for him" in that flat, emotionless tone still felt...

At this moment, Suzune Horikita could no longer hold back.

She took a deep breath and pushed the door open, walking straight out.

The iron door slammed against the wall with a loud "bang," causing the two people on the rooftop to turn and look over simultaneously.

"Then, what if we add my Private Points to the total?"

Horikita's voice was firm, her gaze fixed directly on Chabashira Sae.

She analyzed the pros and cons calmly, her logic clear and her tone filled with an unquestionable seriousness:

"I don't know what kind of penalties a class receives when someone is expelled. But keeping Sudo is definitely more beneficial than harmful for Class D."

Lin Mu, who had been following behind Horikita, saw that their eavesdropping had been exposed and simply stepped out as well.

With his hands in his pockets and the bare plastic stick dangling from his mouth, he leaned lazily against the doorframe, looking for all the world like someone who was "just passing by."

Ayanokoji and Chabashira Sae looked at the two of them at the same time.

Ayanokoji's expression didn't change; he simply called their names calmly: "Horikita, Lin Mu." It was as if their appearance there was the most natural thing in the world.

Chabashira Sae raised an eyebrow, the smile at the corners of her mouth deepening. That smile held a hint of amusement, a hint of appreciation... perhaps?

"You two, you really are both quite interesting."

Her gaze swept over Horikita first, then turned toward Lin Mu, who was leaning against the doorframe, her tone carrying a hint of inquiry:

"Lin Mu, are you here to plead for Sudo as well?"

Everyone's gaze focused on him.

Lin Mu licked his lips, savoring the last trace of grape-flavored sweetness as it melted on his tongue.

He spoke slowly, his voice carrying his usual air of laziness and detachment:

"Teacher, I'm just here to watch the show."

He shrugged, the plastic stick bobbing at the corner of his mouth: "I have no interest in Sudo's business.

As far as I know, students have been expelled from various classes in both the second and third years. The survival of the fittest in this school is inevitable; it's just a matter of time."

His gaze swept over Suzune Horikita and Ayanokoji, his tone indifferent: "I won't interfere with or participate in whatever Suzune Horikita and Ayanokoji decide to do. Carry on."

The words were blunt and cold, even a bit cruel—but they fit his established persona perfectly:

A slacker who was indifferent to class affairs and only cared about his own comfort.

Chabashira Sae looked at him for two seconds, asked no further questions, and simply gave a faint smile before turning her attention back to the transaction at hand.

The subsequent events unfolded logically: Ayanokoji and Suzune Horikita pooled together 100,000 points, and Chabashira Sae accepted them, agreeing to "sell" that one point.

Ken Sudo's expulsion crisis was resolved with a mere wave of the hand, bought with a massive sum that would make any ordinary student who had just enrolled ache for a long time.

It was truly in line with the style of this school. Everything had a price tag.

Lin Mu scoffed inwardly, feeling that the show had reached its conclusion.

He gave a slight nod to the three people on the rooftop, his tone casual:

"The show is over, I'm heading back to the classroom."

With that, he turned around, hands still in his pockets, and sauntered back the way he came.

The conversation continued on the rooftop behind him, and he could vaguely hear Chabashira talking with Ayanokoji and Suzune Horikita, but that no longer had anything to do with him.

When he returned to the Class D classroom, the atmosphere inside had barely changed.

Ken Sudo was still slumped in his seat, his face ashen, while Hirata Yosuke was still trying to comfort him, though with little effect.

The other students were either silent or whispering to each other, their faces filled with helplessness.

At this moment, Kushida had her hands clasped tightly in front of her chest, her brow furrowed, clearly still anxiously thinking of a solution.

The moment she saw Lin Mu return, her eyes lit up, and she hurried over.

"Lin Mu! You..."

Lin Mu raised a hand, making a "keep it down" gesture, then signaled for her to lean in.

Though puzzled, Kushida complied and leaned closer.

Lin Mu lowered his head slightly, leaning toward her ear, and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear:

"Don't worry, Sudo is fine."

Kushida's body visibly stiffened.

"Ayanokoji and Suzune Horikita have already settled it with Chabashira-sensei."

(Event period: May 1st to May 5th)