The classroom door opened quietly, and a sweet-looking teacher with long, soft hair walked in. A relaxed smile played on her face, making her seem both approachable and easygoing.
"Hello, everyone~ It's nice to meet you. I'm Hoshinomiya Chie, and starting today, I'll be your homeroom teacher in Class B. I'll also be teaching you English."
Hoshinomiya Chie gently set her textbooks on the lectern and warmly surveyed the still-nervous new students. Her words were brisk and lively, a subtle contrast to her sweet appearance.
"Opening ceremony will be held in the auditorium in an hour. Before then, I'll go over a few important things."
She paused, then continued in a clear, serious tone:
"Our school has a fixed-class system. From today on, everyone here will be members of Class B, and you'll spend the next three years together."
The classroom fell quiet, and everyone instinctively focused on her.
Hoshinomiya Chie picked up the enrollment guide from the desk and lightly tapped an important section with her fingertip.
"Our school is fully boarding. Leaving campus without permission and a valid reason is strictly forbidden. You also can't contact the outside world. The school has everything you need, from the cafeteria and convenience store to all kinds of facilities, so you won't have to worry about daily necessities."
As she spoke, her smile deepened slightly, and her eyes took on an inscrutable glint.
"Also—from today on, you'll be using our school's unique S Points system."
At the word "system," many students looked curious.
Hoshinomiya Chie gestured for everyone to take out the student phones they'd just received.
"Just open the dedicated app on your phone and scan the QR code on your student ID to log in."
At her instruction, the classroom filled with the faint sounds of students tapping at their devices.
Kira took out his phone calmly, scanned the code, and logged in without hesitation.
The next moment, the number that appeared on the screen made many students hold their breath.
100,000
The six-digit balance was displayed in clear, unmistakable figures.
"That's right," Hoshinomiya Chie explained cheerfully, watching the students' astonished expressions.
"S Points are automatically deposited on the first of every month. One point is equivalent to one yen, and you can use them at any of the school's facilities. They have exactly the same purchasing power as yen. You can buy anything you need at school with points."
The moment she finished speaking, barely contained commotion rippled through the classroom.
A monthly allowance of one hundred thousand yen was an enormous sum for high school students.
Surprise, excitement, and disbelief quietly spread through the room.
Some had already started calculating how to spend it, while others couldn't hide their delight. Yoshikage Kira looked at the number on his screen, his expression still utterly calm.
The terms were too good.
So good that he couldn't help suspecting there was a price to pay.
He showed no sign of anything amiss. He simply put his phone away without drawing attention and continued listening to his homeroom teacher, silently committing the rule to memory.
Advanced Nurturing High School.
One hundred percent advancement to higher education and employment.
One hundred thousand points per month.
Full boarding.
Fixed classes.
He sorted the information in his mind, arranging and combining each piece.
Kira lowered his eyes slightly, resting his fingertips against the edge of his notebook.
This school was definitely not as simple as it looked.
All he needed to do was observe calmly, keep himself hidden, maintain order, and spend the next three years in peace, unnoticed.
At the lectern, Hoshinomiya Chie continued smiling sweetly, as if she were talking about something perfectly ordinary.
But Kira Yoshikage had precisely caught the deeper meaning that had flashed in her eyes.
The game had only just begun.
The homeroom teacher's announcement sent ripples through the class like a depth charge in deep water. Just as the atmosphere began to settle, Honami Ichinose turned to him and spoke softly, careful not to disturb the others.
"Kira, do you think this school is... what we imagined it would be?"
Kira glanced at her. Her gaze was clear and sincere, without a hint of probing or calculation.
His tone was even, without much emotion. "There's a strong sense of order, but the rules aren't clear yet. It's too early to make any firm judgments."
"I think so too." Ichinose nodded lightly, a trace of curiosity in her eyes. "They call it the freest top-tier high school, but ever since we arrived, everything—from the security and the buildings to the atmosphere—has felt very strict."
She paused, then continued quietly, as if she'd just thought of something. "Like giving students 100,000 points a month for living expenses, and claiming a 100% employment rate. It just seems..." Ichinose hesitated, searching for the right word.
"Unreasonable." Kira finished her thought, giving a slight nod to show he agreed. He turned his notes about the class toward Ichinose.
One hundred percent advancement to higher education and employment.
One hundred thousand points per month.
Full boarding.
Fixed classes.
He had sorted the information in his mind, arranging and combining each piece.
Kira lowered his eyes slightly, resting his fingertips against the edge of his notebook.
"This school is definitely not as simple as it looks. There are rules we still don't know about."
His answer was concise and rational, without unnecessary commentary, yet it struck on exactly what Ichinose had been thinking. A flicker of surprise crossed the girl's eyes. She hadn't expected the quiet boy before her to have such a clear understanding of things. She'd assumed Kira was simply reserved, but now she realized he was far more composed than he appeared.
"You seem like a very analytical person, Kira." Ichinose smiled warmly. "If there's anything I'm unsure about later, could we discuss it together? I'm always worried I might accidentally do something wrong."
"Sure." Kira didn't refuse, his tone still even. "Until the rules are clear, checking information with each other is the most efficient approach."
He didn't dislike this kind of moderate interaction.
There was no conflict of interest and no dispute involved. It was just an exchange of information, and it wouldn't disrupt the peaceful daily life he wanted.
What's more, Ichinose wasn't aggressive, nor did she make him feel pressured. Keeping things friendly and simple with her was the safest choice. Yoshikage Kira liked talking to intelligent people.
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