Class A

First Grade, Class A.

The classroom doorplate bore concise metallic lettering, marking this identifier of "beginning" and "pinnacle."

Mazumi Mami's gaze lingered on it for a moment, his heart calm and undisturbed.

For an imperial prince who had weathered true storms, a school's class number stirred little emotion.

The cane in his hand kept rhythm with his steps, tapping out measured syllables.

On the corridor, they passed first-grade Classes B, C, and D.

Through open doors or gaps in windows came the characteristic noise of new students—a blend of excitement, anxiety, and curiosity: chatter, conversation, the scraping of desks and chairs.

It all felt lively, even somewhat chaotic.

But when Class A's door swung open, a different atmosphere reached their ears.

The classroom was already filled with many students, surprisingly quiet.

Most sat with proper posture; some flipped through newly issued materials or pristine textbooks, while others quietly observed the classroom environment and their future classmates.

Even low conversations were kept to a minimum, restrained and polite.

When eyes met, they exchanged reserved nods, and the air carried an unspoken, subtle understanding—the mark of "top students" or "the self-aware."

The entrance of Mazumi Mami's group—himself, followed closely by Chisato Nishikigi, Runa Inoue, and Walnut—caused no major stir.

Class A's students seemed accustomed to maintaining this quiet order.

Yet invisible gazes inevitably focused on them.

A handsome black-haired youth with a hint of inaccessibility, flanked by three strikingly beautiful girls of varied but equally outstanding appearances—such a combination would draw attention anywhere.

Curious, appraising, slightly surprised looks lingered on them, then politely shifted away, as if merely acknowledging the new classmates' arrival before retreating into their own worlds.

The four took their pre-assigned seats—Mazumi Mami's position by the window toward the back, with a good view; Chisato, Runa, and Walnut sat diagonally behind him in a semicircular arc, allowing them to observe him at all times while covering other directions in the classroom.

Their movements were light and practiced, as if rehearsed countless times.

A few minutes later, the bell signaling the official start of the semester rang melodiously, neither early nor late, precise as some kind of signal.

Almost before the bell's echo faded, the front door opened, and a man in a crisp dark suit strode in with brisk steps.

He was tall, with an upright posture; his gray-green hair was immaculately styled, and his green eyes were sharp as a hawk's, swiftly scanning the entire classroom.

His features were angular, exuding an efficient demeanor—the type who disliked idle talk and preferred cutting straight to the point.

Aged between youth and middle age, he carried a subtle sense of worldly experience paired with abundant energy.

"New students, I am Majima Tomoya, your homeroom teacher for Class A."

His voice was steady and firm, with no unnecessary preamble.

"I normally teach history. One thing to clarify: this school does not, in principle, reassign class members each academic year. Therefore, for the next three years, I will serve as your homeroom teacher and study alongside you. Pleased to meet you."

After this brief introduction, he immediately got to the point.

"The entrance ceremony is in one hour at the gymnasium. Before that, I need to redistribute and emphasize some of this school's special rules and regulations."

He gestured to the stack of materials in his hand.

"Though they were mentioned in the admission guide, it's necessary to formally explain them here."

The materials were distributed in an orderly fashion from the front row.

When they reached Mazumi Mami, he quickly flipped through them.

The content was largely the same as the version Walnut had gathered and drilled them on, only more official and formatted.

Chisato Nishikigi, Runa Inoue, and Walnut each received theirs, their expressions calm, clearly already familiar.

"Some of you may have read this more than once."

Majima Tomoya's voice rang out again, his tone more serious than before.

"But I must reiterate the following: all students are required to board on campus. During the school term, without special circumstances recognized by the school administration, any form of contact with the outside world is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized departure from campus grounds is forbidden."

"All on-campus spending must use the 'personal points' provided by the school. Cash is prohibited. Possessing or using external electronic devices without permission is forbidden. The school's specially issued and monitored smartphone is the only permitted communication tool."

He spoke each word clearly, ensuring every student could hear these absolutely binding rules.

"The student ID you now hold has a built-in chip and also serves as your points card."

Majima Tomiya held up a sample card for demonstration.

"With it, you can use all campus facilities and make purchases at any affiliated store. It functions like a credit card, but it consumes 'personal points.' Be mindful of your balance when using it."

Then, in an almost formulaic tone, he continued.

"In theory, within the school's boundaries, there is nothing that cannot be purchased with points. As long as it is an item or service provided or permitted by the school, it can be traded with points."

However, Mazumi Mami keenly noticed.

When Majima Tomiya spoke that last sentence, his tone carried an extremely subtle emphasis, as if stressing a key word, or perhaps... hinting at something covertly.

"Nothing that cannot be bought with points?"

Mazumi Mami lowered his gaze to the seemingly ordinary student ID and points card in his hand—an object that might conceal special rules.

Integrating identity verification and currency functions into one system could indeed reduce cash disputes, and perhaps even allow analysis of student behavior patterns through consumption data.

But regardless, the final authority over point distribution, pricing, and circulation rules remains firmly in the school's hands.

"The usage is simple—just swipe your card or present it on the sensor. I trust that with your comprehension, no further operational guidance is necessary."

Majima Tomoya continued, "Points are distributed on the first of each month. As a starting point for enrollment, the school has fairly deposited one hundred thousand points into each new student's account."

He paused briefly, adding a remark in a flat tone that carried a hint of warning.

"Note that the theoretical exchange rate between school points and Shenzhou Currency is ten points to one yuan. Therefore, the pricing system for school goods and services is independent of the external market. Do not judge by outside prices. Spend wisely."

"That concludes the rule explanation."

As his voice trailed off, the previously quiet classroom atmosphere shifted noticeably.

Low murmurs began to rise, and expressions of surprise, confusion, and excitement flickered across the students' faces.

"One hundred thousand points? That's equivalent to ten thousand Shenzhou Currency? They give this much pocket money just for enrolling? No wonder this is a special school with deep government ties..."

"Is this really okay? Even for a special school, why start with so much? Don't they usually award scholarships based on grades or activities?"

"I'm not sure... Maybe it's some kind of school tradition or special system?"

For most high school students, this was undoubtedly a massive starting fund, enough to spark all sorts of speculation.

Majima Tomoya stood quietly at the podium, observing the students' reactions without immediately intervening.

Only when the murmurs subsided slightly did he speak calmly.

"Surprised by the amount of points the school has issued?"

His gaze slowly swept across the classroom. "This school measures students by 'strength.' All of you sitting here are deemed to possess corresponding 'value' and 'potential.' In a sense, points are a quantitative reflection of your current 'value' in the school's eyes."

"Don't worry—feel free to use them."

His tone seemed quite lenient.

But then, he shifted gears. "However, it must be made clear that these points will be reclaimed by the school upon graduation. Since points cannot be exchanged for cash or taken off campus, hoarding them is pointless. Once credited, how you use them is your freedom. Spend them as you wish."

"Additionally, if anyone feels they don't need to use their points, they are free to transfer them to others."

His voice suddenly turned cold, his green eyes radiating an undeniable authority. "However, any form of intimidation, coercion, or bullying to obtain points is strictly prohibited. The school has a zero-tolerance policy toward such behavior."

An invisible pressure spread with his words, instantly stifling all whispers.

The classroom fell into dead silence. Students involuntarily straightened their backs, some even holding their breath, their eyes fixed on the imposing homeroom teacher at the podium.

Majima Tomoya's gaze slowly passed over each young, slightly tense face, pausing for a few seconds as if waiting for something or confirming something.

Finally, he said calmly, "That concludes the explanation. I wish you all a fulfilling and enjoyable campus life."

"Classes officially begin tomorrow. For the rest of today, you are free to move about—familiarize yourselves with the campus, confirm your dormitory locations, greet your upperclassmen, or use your points for an initial experience."

With that, he neatly gathered his materials, gave the class a slight nod, and turned to leave the room.

The door clicked softly shut, yet the classroom remained in a brief silence.

Many students exchanged glances, uneasily wondering if their earlier murmurs had angered their seemingly strict homeroom teacher.

Mazumi Mami leaned back in his seat, fingers tapping absently on the desk, lost in thought.

"That silence just now..."

He recalled Majima's final sweeping gaze and those few seconds of pause.

"Rather than a deterrent after a warning... it felt more like a subtle encouragement? Was he expecting someone to ask a question?"

"But he already explained the rules clearly enough. Points, the system, precautions... So what did he want us to ask about—something beyond the rules?"

"Or was it about the specific definitions of abstract concepts like 'strength,' 'value,' and 'potential'? Or perhaps... the unspoken subtext behind the phrase 'there is nothing that cannot be purchased with points'?"

Too few clues to draw a definite conclusion.

But Mazumi Mami was certain that beneath the surface rules of this school and this teacher Majima, a far more complex and intricate operational logic lay hidden.

And this was likely a manifestation of the S System's influence—one of the veils they would need to gradually peel back.

He tilted his head slightly, exchanging a silent glance with the three maids behind him.

Chisato Nishikigi blinked, Runa Inoue gave a slight nod, and Walnut adjusted her headband, her fingers rapidly tapping on her portable device, already beginning to record and analyze everything observed.

Class A's first lesson—beneath a calm surface, undercurrents had already begun to stir.