Earning Points

The chill of the night had not yet fully faded from the hallway when Kazama In pushed open the door to the Class D dormitory. The room was dim, and only the faint light filtering through the window could just make out the outlines of the furniture. He closed the door behind him and leaned against its cold surface. In the brief silence, his conversation with Sakayanagi Arisu at the café, along with the heavy fragments of memory buried even deeper, remained lodged in his heart like stubborn reefs exposed after the tide had gone out.

He shook his head, as if trying to cast off those invisible burdens for a while. He took out his phone, its screen glowing faintly as it displayed his personal point balance: 82,360 points. With Class D's points wiped out for the month and everyone nearly penniless, that number was astronomical. He had accumulated it through certain "special means" and his initial allocation. But when Kazama In's gaze passed over the figure, there was not a trace of pride in his eyes, only cool assessment.

The student council president, Horikita Manabu, had declared in a stern voice, while their homeroom teacher, Chabashira Sae, had explained the point system with near-cruel indifference. Their words echoed in his mind like the cold hum of machinery: "Points are everything. They determine your quality of life, whether your class survives, and ultimately whether you can survive at this school." Survive... A faint trace of mockery flickered deep in Kazama In's dark eyes. To him, survival meant far more than what points could measure. Still, there was no denying that inside this carefully constructed "cage" known as Advanced Nurturing High School, points were the central cog that kept the rules turning—and one of the most important "resources" he needed to accumulate for now.

Using the loophole in his modified phone to contact the outside world and obtain resources? That was certainly a trump card, but the risk was enormous. If it were exposed, expulsion would be all but certain. Kazama In would not use that card lightly. He needed a more "legitimate" way to accumulate points quickly within the rules.

After classes ended yesterday afternoon, he had not gone straight back to the dormitory. Instead, with a clear purpose in mind, he had headed to the club recruitment area. It was bustling with people, each club doing everything it could to recruit new members. Kazama In's sharp gaze swept over them before finally settling on the area that exuded the smell of sweat and an air of deadly seriousness: the Kendo Club.

The clubroom was spacious and bright, the air filled with a distinctive mix of camellia oil, sweat, and leather. The wooden floor gleamed like a mirror, reflecting the overhead lights. Members in blue-and-white kendo uniforms were practicing basic swings, their synchronized shouts and the whistle of bamboo swords cutting through the air full of vigor. Kazama In's arrival immediately drew everyone's attention.

His black hair, parted three-seven, stood out under the bright lights of the dojo. A few nearly silver-white strands at his left temple, streaked with several dark red highlights like dried blood, gave him an almost eerily mysterious air against his school uniform. His deep-set features looked as if they had been carefully carved, and his skin was pale and cool. Simply standing there, he made a striking impression: undeniably handsome, yet possessed of an unreal, austere quality. His delicate, androgynous beauty was edged with the sharpness of a blade.

The Kendo Club's captain, Takahashi Kengo, was a broad-shouldered third-year with a resolute face and sharp, hawklike eyes. He set down his bamboo sword and strode over, his voice booming. "You're a first-year? Interested in kendo?" His gaze lingered for a moment on Kazama In's unusual appearance, appraising him.

Kazama In gave a slight nod, neither arrogant nor deferential, as calm as a still pool. "Kazama In, Class D." He gave his name in a low, clear voice, then got straight to the point. "I'm not very interested in joining a club. But I am interested in points."

Takahashi Kengo and the members who had gathered around him were stunned. It was the first time anyone had come to the Kendo Club so bluntly seeking points. The club valued martial spirit, after all.

"Points?" Takahashi Kengo furrowed his thick brows. "The Kendo Club is about skill and a love of kendo, not a way to earn points!"

"Skill?" Kazama In's lips curved in the faintest hint of a challenging smile. "Then this works out perfectly. Captain Takahashi, how about a match?" He looked Takahashi Kengo straight in the eye and clearly laid out his wager. "If I win, you'll personally pay me 50,000 points."

"What?!" The crowd erupted. Fifty thousand points! To an ordinary student, that was an astronomical sum.

Takahashi Kengo's expression darkened. He felt insulted. "Arrogant! Who do you think you are? And what if you lose?"

"If I lose," Kazama In replied, his voice still steady but carrying an undeniable gravity, "I'll make a formal apology to every member of the Kendo Club in front of the entire school for offending you today, and..." He paused, then stated clearly, "I'll transfer every point in my account to the Kendo Club."

"Every point in your account?!" Even Takahashi Kengo drew a sharp breath. 82,360 points! It was an enormous wager!

"Captain! Take him on!"

"Teach that Class D brat not to get ahead of himself!"

"Show him kendo isn't a game!"

"Yeah! Make him apologize! Make him cough up all those points!"

The crowd was fired up. Kazama In's calm demeanor and the massive wager instantly ignited the Kendo Club members' pride and competitive spirit. Fifty thousand points was a lot, but split among them—or partially covered by the club's funds—it was not entirely unaffordable. And if they won, they would not only put this arrogant first-year firmly in his place, but also gain a huge sum of points that could greatly benefit the club! Besides, Captain Takahashi Kengo was one of the best in the entire school!

Takahashi Kengo looked at the anger and anticipation in his members' eyes, then at Kazama In's unfathomably dark eyes, which seemed to hold a storm within them. He could feel the quiet but oppressive aura surrounding his opponent. It was no empty boast. A long-dormant fighting spirit began to stir within him.

"Fine!" Takahashi Kengo accepted in a deep voice that rang through the dojo. "I, Takahashi Kengo, accept your challenge on behalf of the Kendo Club! But 50,000 points isn't enough!" He looked around and announced, "Every official member here will voluntarily pay Kazama 50,000 personal points if he really manages to beat me. What do you say?" He wanted the larger collective wager to crush his opponent psychologically.

"Agreed!"

"Captain, you've got this!"

"Let's do it!"

The members cheered in unison, brimming with confidence. Nearly twenty official members, each staking 50,000 points—that came to close to a million! It was enough to drive anyone mad!

A glimmer flickered deep in Kazama In's eyes, too faint for anyone to notice. His provocation had worked, even better than expected. "It's a deal." He nodded calmly.

The center of the dojo was quickly cleared. Following the members' instructions, Kazama In changed into the spare protective gear and kendo uniform provided by the club. Once he had suited up and taken his place at the starting line with a bamboo sword in hand, his cold, keen aura seemed to condense further, as if he himself were a blade just drawn from its sheath. The dark eyes visible through the gap in his face guard were as still as an abyss.

Takahashi Kengo was also fully armored. His broad frame seemed even more imposing beneath the protective gear. He stood across from Kazama In, his gaze burning.

An experienced third-year member acted as referee. Standing at the side, he announced the rules in a loud voice: "Best of three points! Valid target areas: head, wrists, torso, and throat! Bow!"

The two straightened at the same time, holding their swords in front of them with the tips angled toward the ground.

"Crouch!"

Kazama In and Takahashi Kengo lowered themselves in perfect unison, bending their knees and laying their bamboo swords across their thighs. It was a kendo ritual showing respect for one's opponent and the dojo. Their movements were steady and forceful, not the least bit perfunctory.

"Rise!"

They stood up together, slowly raising their bamboo swords until the tips pointed toward one another.

"Begin!"

As soon as the referee gave the signal, the air in the dojo seemed to freeze.

Takahashi Kengo lived up to his reputation as captain: he was experienced and his presence was overwhelming. He let out a low growl and surged forward like a tiger pouncing down a mountain, his steps swift and solid as he closed the distance in an instant. A powerful overhead strike shot straight for Kazama In's face! His bamboo sword tore through the air with a sharp whistle!

Faced with this thunderous attack, Kazama In's response was unexpectedly... simple. He did not choose the usual block or dodge. His body was like a drawn bowstring, and just as the bamboo sword was about to reach him, he pushed off the ground and surged forward instead of retreating! With an almost imperceptible turn of his body, he narrowly avoided the brunt of the frontal strike. At the same time, his bamboo sword darted forward like a striking snake, moving with astonishing speed and precision toward Takahashi Kengo's right wrist guard!

"Smack—!"

The crisp, clear sound of a hit rang out!

"Right wrist! Ippon!" The referee's call was crisp and decisive.

The entire dojo fell silent. Everyone stared in disbelief, their eyes wide. The captain's head-on attack had been countered with such precision and speed by a first-year? And with a single effective strike!

Takahashi Kengo was stunned too. He could feel the distinct jolt where his arm had been hit. Too fast! The angle, speed, and precision of the counterattack were almost beyond a student's ability—as if he were a battle-hardened swordsman! His disdain vanished in an instant, replaced by intense caution.

"Zanshin!" the referee reminded them. After landing his strike, Kazama In did not linger. He quickly retreated to open the distance, his bamboo sword still pointing steadily at his opponent. His form was flawless, and his gaze remained cold and composed, as if that lightning-fast strike had been nothing more than an idle gesture.

"Begin!"

The second round began. Takahashi Kengo changed his strategy and stopped rushing in. He moved cautiously, keeping his bamboo sword steady in the middle guard, its tip aimed directly at Kazama In's throat. His powerful presence was like a boulder, trying to pressure his opponent into making a mistake.

Kazama In held the same middle guard, standing straight as a pine tree, his breathing steady. The two faced off in the center of the dojo, the air seeming to grow thick and heavy. The tips of their bamboo swords quivered slightly, and every breath kept the onlookers on edge.

Suddenly, Takahashi Kengo spotted an almost imperceptible slackening in the wrist of Kazama In's sword hand! An opening! Without hesitation, he exploded into motion, sweeping his bamboo sword swiftly toward Kazama In's left ribs in a strike aimed at the torso! It was a sure hit!

But the instant his sword swung out, Kazama In moved! That tiny lapse had been bait! Rather than block or retreat from the incoming sweep, he once again chose the most dangerous and unexpected response. He dipped low and spun inward, slipping past the sweeping sword like a fish and entering Takahashi Kengo's inner guard! At the same time, his bamboo sword rose from below in a fierce arc!

"Smack—!"

"Head! Ippon!" The referee's voice carried a note of excitement.

Another decisive strike! He had slipped perfectly into the opening as his opponent launched a powerful attack, defeating him with a single hit! Kazama In's movements were fluid, simple, and ruthlessly efficient. There was no unnecessary flash—only the cold precision of someone accustomed to real combat.

Takahashi Kengo's face guard took a heavy blow, leaving his head ringing. He stared at Kazama In, who stood close enough to touch, his eyes behind the mask filled with shock and frustration. Too fast! Too accurate! His grasp of timing and almost instinctive battle reflexes were completely beyond Takahashi's understanding!

"Zanshin!" After landing the strike, Kazama In quickly stepped back and opened the distance again, his form still perfect and his expression as calm as an undisturbed well.

Two points! Kazama In had already scored twice. One more point would decide the match! The entire Kendo Club was silent, everyone too stunned by the overwhelming difference in skill to speak. The members who had been waiting to laugh at him and collect his points now wore only shock and bewilderment.

Takahashi Kengo took a deep breath, forcing down the turmoil within him. He understood that he had encountered a true master. He slowly steadied his breathing and raised his bamboo sword again, his expression now utterly serious. The third round would be a battle for his dignity!

"Begin!"

In the final round, Takahashi Kengo abandoned offense altogether and focused on an extreme defense. He stood firm, his footwork precise, his bamboo sword an impenetrable wall that gave Kazama In no obvious opening. He intended to wear down his opponent with his experience and strong defense, then look for a chance to counterattack.

Kazama In remained composed. He circled Takahashi Kengo slowly, his bamboo sword like a snake's tongue, constantly probing for a fleeting gap. His steps were light and strange, almost rhythmic. Each time he moved, Takahashi Kengo's nerves tightened another notch.

The seconds passed. Only the faint scrape of bamboo swords and the two men's heavy breathing could be heard in the dojo. The tension became unbearable.

Suddenly, Kazama In's bamboo sword feinted downward! Takahashi Kengo was intensely focused. He instinctively shifted his defense downward, ready to block a possible strike to the torso! In the split second that he shifted his weight—

Kazama In moved! His body exploded forward like a fully compressed spring! He did not swing down. Instead, he charged at Takahashi Kengo like an arrow loosed from a bow! At the same time, his right wrist flicked sharply upward at an exceptionally tricky angle!

"Smack—!"

"Head! Valid!" the referee practically shouted.

The third point! The decisive strike!

At the moment of impact, Kazama In cleverly used his body to catch Takahashi Kengo off balance. His upward flick struck Takahashi Kengo squarely on the jaw with perfect precision. The timing and force were just right!

Takahashi Kengo staggered from the collision. The blow struck his face guard, and he stumbled backward several steps before regaining his balance. Leaning on his bamboo sword, he gasped for breath. Behind his face guard, his eyes were full of unwillingness—but even more of shock and... a trace of respect. His opponent had not only outclassed him technically, but had also completely dominated him in combat strategy and psychological warfare.

"The match is decided! Kazama In wins, three points to none!" the referee announced loudly.

The dojo fell completely silent. Everyone stared blankly at the slender figure in the center of the floor as he slowly lowered his sword. The silvery-white and dark red strands at his temple were slightly damp with sweat, making them look even more uncanny under the lights. His handsome, cold features showed no joy in victory, only quiet indifference. It was as if that crushing win had been no more than brushing away a speck of dust.

Kazama In lowered his bamboo sword and walked over to Takahashi Kengo. Following kendo etiquette, he slowly crouched and bowed. Takahashi Kengo took a deep breath, suppressing his roiling emotions, and returned the bow solemnly.

They stood. Kazama In removed his face guard, revealing his refined yet cold features. He looked at Takahashi Kengo and the Kendo Club members, whose expressions were complicated, then spoke in a clear, calm voice. His tone was entirely different from the sharpness he had shown during the match, almost stiffly polite.

"Captain Takahashi, everyone, I sincerely apologize for any offense I caused earlier." He bowed slightly. "It was unworthy of a gentleman to use a match as a pretext for a wager, and it went against kendo's purpose of cultivating the mind. I was in the wrong. Please forgive me."

His apology came unexpectedly, yet sounded sincere. The members, who had been simmering with anger, were suddenly at a loss for what to do.

Kazama In straightened and looked calmly across the group. "As for the wager, it was indeed about points. I'm in Class D, where points are scarce. That's the reality, and I had no choice but to seek another way." He paused. Something seemed to flicker deep in his dark eyes, so quickly that no one could catch it. "Of course, points weren't my only purpose. Seeing the skill and bearing of the Kendo Club's seniors, and experiencing the spirit of kendo, were also valuable. My approach was improper, and I apologize again."

His words were impeccable. He acknowledged the mercenary nature of the wager, expressed respect for the Kendo Club, and deftly avoided revealing his deeper motives. His humility contrasted sharply with his overwhelming skill, leaving the club members unable to find fault with him. After all, a wager was a wager, and they had simply been outmatched.

Takahashi Kengo also removed his face guard. He wore a complicated, wry smile, but more than anything, he looked at Kazama In with respect. "Kazama... Your skills are extraordinary. I, Takahashi Kengo, accept my defeat wholeheartedly. A wager is a wager, and the Kendo Club keeps its word!" He turned and addressed the members in a loud voice. "Everyone! Transfer 50,000 personal points to Kazama right now! No exceptions!"

It hurt to part with the points, but their captain had spoken, and Kazama In's skill and apologetic attitude left them no choice but to accept their loss. Soon, the dojo filled with the successive notification sounds of phones.

Kazama In's phone screen began flashing rapidly as point transfer notifications streamed across it:

[Transfer from Takahashi Kengo: 50,000 points]

[Transfer from Sato Ichiro: 50,000 points]

[Transfer from Suzuki Hanako: 50,000 points]...

In just a few minutes, Kazama In's personal point balance skyrocketed, finally settling at a staggering 1,022,360 points! He had passed the one-million mark!

Even with such enormous wealth in hand, Kazama In showed no trace of wild excitement. He calmly put his phone away and nodded slightly to Takahashi Kengo and the others. "Thank you for your generosity. I'll take my leave."

Just as he turned to leave, a clear female voice called out, "Wait a moment, Kazama!"

Kazama In stopped and looked back. The speaker was a tall, capable-looking third-year girl. She was not wearing a kendo uniform, and stood at the edge of the crowd as if she were some sort of Kendo Club manager. She hurried forward, looking Kazama In up and down with bright eyes full of admiration and... the excitement of someone who had discovered a new continent.

"Hello, Kazama. I'm the Kendo Club manager, Hayakawa Mai." The senior extended her hand in a friendly manner. "That match was incredible! But it seems like you're in a real hurry to earn points?" She gave him a sly smile. "Betting on matches... I mean, earning points through sparring is efficient, but it's also risky, and you might make enemies."

Kazama In looked at her outstretched hand and hesitated for a moment before reaching out to give it a light shake. He let go at once. "Hayakawa-senpai. What can I do for you?" His tone remained calm.

Hayakawa Mai pulled her hand back, unbothered by his coolness. If anything, she seemed even more interested. "I wouldn't call it that. It's just that your... appearance is truly outstanding." Her gaze lingered on Kazama In's handsome, cold face, especially his distinctive silver-white hair and dark red streaks. "Have you ever considered modeling? Our school has a Modeling Club. They often take on commercial shoots outside school or promotional work on campus, and the pay is in points. It's quite generous, too! With your looks, you'd definitely become a star!"

Modeling? Kazama In's brow twitched almost imperceptibly. Standing in front of cameras and becoming the center of attention went entirely against his usual low-profile approach. But... the points were generous.

Hayakawa Mai was quick to read people's expressions and immediately added, "You don't have to decide right away! Here's my contact information." She swiftly took out her phone and opened her QR code. "If you're interested, contact me anytime. I can introduce you to the Modeling Club president. It's just taking pictures—easy points, and much safer than fighting. Think it over?"

Kazama In looked at the phone screen she held out, then at Hayakawa Mai's earnest expression—or, perhaps, her enthusiasm for discovering a talent. He was silent for a few seconds before taking out his own phone and scanning her QR code.

A soft beep sounded, and they were connected.

"Thank you, senpai." Kazama In put his phone away and nodded politely.

"You're welcome! I hope to hear good news from you!" Hayakawa Mai waved at him with a bright smile.

Kazama In did not linger. He turned and left the Kendo Club dojo. Behind him, he could feel the Kendo Club members' complicated stares and hear Hayakawa Mai excitedly muttering to herself.

Outside the dojo, the afternoon sun was a little harsh. Kazama In narrowed his eyes slightly, feeling the heavy weight of his phone in his pocket—the weight of the million points he had just received. This fortune was enough to give him immense freedom of action and access to resources at a school where points ruled everything.

And yet, there was not the slightest sense of relief deep in his dark eyes. Sakayanagi Arisu's meaningful probing, his father's solemn charge beneath a gentle expression, and the bloody shadow that lingered behind his mother's warm smile... They were invisible chains wrapped around him. Points were merely a tool, a brick on the ladder. What truly mattered were the secrets hidden beneath the academy's polished exterior, and the venomous snakes that might be lurking in the shadows, tied to tragedies of the past.

He raised a hand and unconsciously brushed his fingertips over the silver-white and dark red strands at his temple. Their cold touch seemed to remind him of something. The Modeling Club's invitation might offer a new path, but he knew all too well that the peaceful days probably would not last much longer. He set off, his figure blending into the flow of people on campus like a stone sinking into the deep sea. Beneath the ripples on the surface, unseen currents surged.