Storm in Math Class

Suzune Horikita's question was like a pebble cast into a calm pond, yet under the cherry blossoms that night, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka did not provide a definitive answer.

He merely left behind the words, "That depends on what kind of cooperation it is," before turning to leave. This vague response left Horikita pondering all night long—

Pondering Ayanokoji's true intentions, pondering her own situation, and pondering how to unite the scattered sand that was Class D.

She had to admit that Ayanokoji was right. Going it alone was ultimately unfeasible in this school that emphasized collective competition.

The next morning, during math class.

When Sae Chabashira walked into the classroom clutching the graded test papers, the atmosphere in Class D grew visibly tense. Many students sat up straight, their eyes fixed on the stack of papers that would determine their "fate."

"The results are out." Chabashira's voice remained flat, but she did not hand out the papers immediately. Instead, she placed them on the podium, rested her hands on the desk, and let her gaze sweep slowly across the class.

"First, I must say... the results of this quiz were somewhat beyond my expectations."

Her gaze lingered on a few students—Suzune Horikita, Yosuke Hirata, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, and Ken Sudo.

"There are three failing grades." Chabashira opened the roll book. "Haruki Yamauchi, 43 points; Kanji Ike, 51 points; Satsuki Shinohara, 55 points. These three are to stay after school for remedial lessons."

The faces of the three named students turned pale instantly. Yamauchi wanted to protest, but under Chabashira's icy stare, the words died in his throat.

"And then..." Chabashira paused, picking up the top test paper. "The highest score for this quiz."

Everyone held their breath.

"A perfect score, 100."

"What?!"

A low murmur of astonishment rippled through the classroom. A perfect score on a math quiz? That was almost unimaginable in Class D. Everyone's eyes subconsciously turned toward Suzune Horikita—she was the class's recognized ace in academics.

But Horikita herself frowned slightly. She knew she had made a small error on the final geometry problem; a perfect score was impossible.

Chabashira's gaze moved slowly, finally settling on the seat by the window in the back row.

"Ayanokoji Kiyotaka."

Dead silence.

Then, an even louder commotion erupted.

"Ayanokoji? A perfect score? You've got to be kidding!"

"Isn't he just an average student?"

"Could he have been hiding his true strength all along?"

Various gazes shot toward Ayanokoji like arrows—shock, suspicion, jealousy, and curiosity. Yet he sat there calmly, as if none of this had anything to do with him.

Chabashira stepped down from the podium and placed the perfect-score paper on his desk. "Your problem-solving approach is quite unique; you skipped the conventional steps and used some... advanced mathematical techniques directly."

Her voice was not loud, but every word was clearly audible: "Could you explain, Ayanokoji-kun? These techniques are not something a first-year high school student should have mastered."

This was a public challenge, and also a probe.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on Ayanokoji, waiting for his reply.

A flash of keen light crossed Kikyo Kushida's eyes; Kei Karuizawa rested her chin on her hand, looking thoughtful, while Yosuke Hirata wore a look of concern.

And Suzune Horikita... her pupils contracted slightly. Last night's conversation was now being corroborated—this person was indeed hiding something.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka picked up the test paper, glanced at it, then looked up and replied in his usual flat tone: "I self-studied some university preparatory materials during summer break, and they just happened to come in handy."

The explanation was reasonable, yet not quite reasonable enough. Could self-study reach this level? And just happen to be applicable to the test?

Chabashira stared at him for a few seconds before finally nodding. "Is that so. Then, keep it up."

She did not press further, but everyone could sense that this matter would not end here.

Chabashira returned to the podium and began distributing the papers while explaining the problems. During the explanation, she specifically pointed out multiple ways to solve certain questions—including the "advanced techniques" Ayanokoji had used.

"While this method is concise, it requires extremely strong spatial imagination and logical reasoning skills," Chabashira said, her gaze sweeping over Ayanokoji once more. "I do not recommend other students imitate it, unless you possess the same... talent."

There was more to her words than met the ear.

During the break, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka immediately became the center of attention.

"Hey, Ayanokoji, did you really self-study that much over the summer?" a male student asked, leaning in.

"Yeah."

"That's amazing! Can you teach me? I always get stuck on the functions part..."

"If I have time."

His reply was brief and polite, yet carried a sense of detachment. Seeing this, the few students who wanted to dig deeper had no choice but to back away awkwardly.

But those truly interested would not be dismissed so easily.

"Ayanokoji-kun." Kikyo Kushida walked over with a sweet smile on her face, though a hint of imperceptible sharpness hid in her eyes. "Congratulations on getting a perfect score! That's really impressive!"

"Thanks."

"Um... actually, there are a few problems I don't quite understand. Could I ask you for help after school?" Her tone was natural and her expression sincere, as if she were truly just a diligent student seeking help.

But Ayanokoji Kiyotaka noticed through [Insight (Basic)]: her fingers were unconsciously rubbing the hem of her skirt, and her gaze drifted briefly toward the classroom door while she spoke... or rather, she was waiting for something.

"I have something to take care of after school today," Ayanokoji declined politely.

"I see..." Kushida wore a look of regret, but she quickly smiled again. "Then how about tomorrow? Or during the lunch break?"

Her persistence was somewhat abnormal. According to her usual style, she should have politely backed away after being rejected once, rather than continuing to press the issue.

Unless... she had a reason she absolutely had to get close to him.

"Lunch break is fine," Ayanokoji finally agreed. He wanted to see exactly what this "angel" was planning.

"Great! It's a deal then!" Kushida clapped her hands happily and turned to leave, her ponytail tracing a light arc in the air.

But the moment she turned, the smile on her face vanished, replaced by a cold expression.

As expected, there's a secret... she thought to herself. A perfect score... hidden strength... and that performance during gym class... This Ayanokoji Kiyotaka is definitely not simple.

She needed to figure out his background. Not for the sake of the class, nor out of curiosity, but for the sake of—control.

In the worldview of Kushida Kikyo, everything unknown meant a threat. And threats were either to be eliminated or brought under control.

Lunch break, the courtyard behind the school building.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka arrived as promised, but it wasn't just Kushida Kikyo waiting for him.

There were also three boys—none of them students from Class D.

They were wearing casual clothes, but judging by their temperament and stance, they were clearly intentionally hiding their class affiliations.

"Ayanokoji-kun, you're here!" Kushida stood between the three of them, her smile still sweet, but her eyes had completely changed. "Let me introduce you; these are... my friends."

The three boys stepped forward, forming a semi-circle.

The leader was a stocky boy with a buzz cut; he grinned, revealing slightly crooked teeth. "So you're that Ayanokoji who got a perfect score? I heard you're pretty arrogant."

"Arrogant?" Ayanokoji Kiyotaka looked at them calmly. "I don't recall that being the case."

"Playing dumb, huh?" another tall, thin boy sneered. "Kushida-san told us everything. Not only did you cheat on the test, but you also threatened classmates and even intentionally humiliated Sudo during gym class."

What a load of black-and-white reversal.

Ayanokoji looked at Kushida, who was gazing back at him with an expression of innocence mixed with a hint of fear, as if she were truly the victim being bullied.

"So?" Ayanokoji asked.

"So..." the buzz-cut boy cracked his knuckles. "We're going to get justice for Kushida-san. If you're smart, you'll admit your mistakes honestly and promise to stay away from her from now on. Otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?"

"Otherwise, we don't mind using a bit of 'physical persuasion'." The three of them stepped forward simultaneously, radiating a heavy sense of pressure.

[Ding! Host detected being surrounded by malicious intent. Emergency mission triggered: Counter-measure.]

[Mission Requirements: Repel the threats without causing serious injury, and establish effective Intimidation against the mastermind.]

[Mission Reward: Depending on the method of resolution, gain an increase in 'Tactical Thinking' or 'Intimidation'.]

[Special Note: There may be observers on-site; please exercise discretion.]

The system's prompt arrived just in time.