War: Day One

The messages sent by Hoshida No received responses quickly.

First was Chazhu Zuo Zhi, whose reply was concise: "The official exchange rate is locked at 100:1. However, in war, the value of all resources is determined by supply, demand, and strategy."

Hoshida No narrowed his eyes, falling into deep thought.

Immediately after, a message from Shiina Hiyori arrived: "Ryuen Kakeru is dismissive of the 500-point handout, but he believes this actually benefits his plans to provoke Class A or Class B tomorrow. He mentioned you, though he didn't specify how.

In exchange, I want to know your true opinion on Class D's 250 CP, and... that out-of-print book in your personal library—could I borrow it after the war ends?"

Hoshida No replied swiftly: "250 points is both a disadvantage and a protective shell; it makes it easy to cultivate an image of being harmless. The book can be borrowed. Keep an eye on whether there is any contact between Ryuen and Sakayanagi."

If Ryuen wanted to bring down Sakayanagi, Class C alone would not be enough; he would inevitably seek an internal breakthrough or external assistance.

After processing the intelligence, Hoshida No did not rest. Instead, he pulled up the school's electronic map and began marking locations that could potentially serve as resource points.

He began constructing a preliminary model, factoring in AP consumption and personnel adjustments.

Monday, early morning.

The "S" system released the day's basic tasks and the intelligence market guide to all students right on time.

As Hoshida No had anticipated, the basic tasks leaned toward balance:

1. Draw a resource map: Submit a rough campus map marking at least 5 suspected resource points. Reward: 50 CP.

2. First contact: Engage in a non-conflict interaction with at least one student from another class, recorded by the system upon completion. Reward: 30 CP/person (limit 2 people).

3. Intelligence testing: Post or purchase one piece of intelligence on the anonymous intelligence market. Reward: 20 CP.

Additionally, the screen listed the commander rosters submitted by each class:

Class A: Commander-in-Chief: Katsuragi Kohei; Vice Commanders: Yamamura Miki, Sakayanagi Arisu.

Class B: Commander-in-Chief: Ichinose Honami; Vice Commanders: Kanzaki Ryuji, Shibata Sou.

Class C: Commander-in-Chief: Ryuen Kakeru; Vice Commanders: Ibuki Mio, Shiina Hiyori.

Class D: Commander-in-Chief: Horikita Suzune; Vice Commanders: Hirata Yousuke, Hoshida No.

The list sparked quite a bit of discussion once it was revealed.

Inside the Class D classroom, Horikita Suzune assigned tasks according to the plan agreed upon last night.

"Action team, Sudo, Ike, Onodera, you are responsible for physical surveys. Focus on marking open or large buildings like the gymnasium, the playground, and the warehouses."

"Intelligence support team, Kushida, Sakura, Yukimura, use the breaks and social interactions to collect gossip and movements from students in other classes regarding resource points, especially Class A and Class B.

Kushida-san, be careful to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Your social skills are the key, but don't go too deep and raise suspicion," Hoshida No added, his gaze calm as he looked at Kushida Kikyo.

Kushida offered a perfect smile: "I understand, Hoshida-kun. I will be careful."

"Hirata, you are responsible for coordination and submitting basic tasks. Free agent team, Ayanokoji, Miyake, you adapt to the situation and supplement areas where manpower is lacking."

"As for me," Hoshida No stood up, "I will go to the intelligence market to observe and attempt to make contact with the core of Class B."

Horikita nodded: "Hirata and I will attend the class representative meeting this afternoon. Hoshida, what intelligence support do you need?"

"An analysis of the personality weaknesses of Class B's commander, and details on the interactions between Katsuragi and Sakayanagi during the meeting," Hoshida No said. "Also, keep an eye on whether anyone from Class C is absent or acting unusually active."

The anonymous intelligence market was set up in a temporary corner of the old library, appearing to be nothing more than a regular computer nook.

Hoshida No logged in using the temporary anonymous ID assigned by the system; the interface was much richer than it had been the previous night.

"Class A's primary reconnaissance direction for day one" (Price: 30 CP, Credibility: Low)

"Records of Ryuen Kakeru's violent threats in Class C (partial)" (Price: 50 CP, Credibility: Medium)

"Personal habits and schedule of Ichinose Honami from Class B" (Price: 80 CP, Credibility: Unknown)

"Latest developments on internal conflicts within Class D" (Price: 20 CP, Credibility: Extremely Low)

Hoshida No scanned through them quickly, purchasing none.

After a moment of silence, he edited a piece of intelligence and listed it:

"Special Intelligence: A hint regarding the hidden rules of the resource point occupation mechanism." Price: 150 CP. Credibility addendum: Payment accepted after success.

This piece of intelligence immediately attracted the attention of several anonymous users. Hidden rules? This touched a nerve for every competitor.

The high price, combined with the "pay after success" model, increased its credibility and filtered out those just looking for a free ride.

Soon, an anonymous communication request arrived: "How can you prove your hint has value?"

Hoshida No replied: "I can tell you one thing: some resource points have exclusive buffs. When only one class fully occupies them for a certain period, the CP production efficiency increases in stages."

The other party was silent for a few seconds: "Which type of resource point? How long?"

"That is follow-up intelligence, requiring purchase or exchange," Hoshida No cut the connection.

He did not expect an immediate sale; this was merely to test the market's reaction and see if potential buyers were desperate to get their hands on it.

Leaving the intelligence market, Hoshida No headed toward the school building.

In the connecting corridor, he happened to run into Ichinose Honami, who was discussing something with Kanzaki Ryuji.

"Brother No!" Ichinose's eyes lit up when she saw him, and she greeted him naturally. Kanzaki also nodded politely.

Hoshida No stopped in his tracks and nodded: "Ichinose, Kanzaki-kun."

"Your Class D has already started, haven't they? I saw you submitted your map mission very quickly." Ichinose stepped closer, concerned. "About the initial points... don't worry too much. Brother No will surely find a way."

"Mhm. Class B's strategy is still mainly cooperation?" Hoshida No asked directly.

Ichinose paused for a moment. "Yes. Shibata-kun, Kanzaki-kun, and I discussed it. Malicious competition could ultimately harm all classes. We hope to find points of mutual benefit within the rules."

She paused, looking at Hoshida No. "Brother No, if possible... would Class D be willing to exchange information with Class B in certain areas? Of course, on a fair basis."

Hoshida No didn't immediately agree. "We need to evaluate the specific items. However, Class B's reputation is worth an initial contact."

His tone shifted slightly. "Personal advice: remain vigilant about Class C's cooperation proposal. Ryuen's goal is not mutual benefit."

Ichinose nodded seriously. "I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Brother No. Oh, right..."

She lowered her voice slightly, a hint of mischief in her smile. "Kei was saying this morning that you've lost weight recently, Brother No, and asked me to urge you to rest more if I had the chance."

Hearing Karuizawa Kei's name, Hoshida No's expression changed. "She worries too much." He paused. "...Is Class B stable internally?"

"Everyone is very united," Ichinose affirmed, then apologized. "Ah, Kanzaki-kun, shouldn't we go confirm the next location?"

Kanzaki nodded. "It's fine, Ichinose. Hoshida-san, I hope we have opportunities to cooperate in the future."

Hoshida No nodded, watching them leave.

This encounter was by no means accidental. He had not only obtained confirmation of Class B's basic strategy directly from Ichinose and established initial communication channels, but also taken the opportunity to warn her about Class C.

As he turned, he noticed Karuizawa Kei with a few Class B girls around the corner not far away, seemingly looking this way just now.

Their gazes met briefly in the air. Kei pursed her lips slightly, mouthed "Remember to eat," and then turned her face away as if nothing had happened.

Hoshida No's lips twitched, and he also left.

The meeting was presided over by the acting student council president, with the overall commanders and one deputy commander from each of the four classes in attendance. Class D's representatives were Horikita Suzune and Hirata Yousuke.

The meeting's content mainly consisted of mutual probing and the expression of basic stances.

Katsuragi Kohei emphasized rules and fair competition, but his demeanor was assertive.

Ichinose Honami proposed establishing basic conflict avoidance mechanisms and an information sharing platform.

Ryuen Kakeru, meanwhile, wore a sarcastic smile throughout, speaking little but with every word laced with barbs, clearly trying to stir up the atmosphere, especially targeting Class A.

Horikita Suzune displayed an unusual composure, speaking little but getting straight to the point. She questioned Class A's resource advantage under the guise of fairness and cautiously responded to Ichinose's cooperation proposal, stating that Class D would consider cooperation.

After the meeting, Hirata Yousuke privately conveyed to Hoshida No: "Sakayanagi Arisu did not attend personally, but Katsuragi hesitated when mentioning certain strategies, suggesting there might be internal disagreements."

"After the meeting, Ryuen specifically walked up to Horikita-san and said, 'That Hoshida No of yours is quite interesting. Tell him not to forget our agreement.'"

Hoshida No heard Ryuen's message, his eyes unwavering. "Understood."

In the evening, Class D held a strategy meeting.

Each group reported their progress.

The action group marked 7 suspected resource points and estimated the number of people required to capture them.

The intelligence support group collected information on the current status of each class: Class A was disciplined and orderly, Class B was harmonious and friendly, and Class C was extremely excited.

Kushida Kikyo added: "I... heard from a girl I used to know in Class C that Ryuen Kakeru seems to be paying special attention to a certain high-priced piece of information in the information market."

She didn't specify which one, but Hoshida No immediately thought of the one he had posted.

"Also," Kushida glanced cautiously at Hoshida No and Horikita, "Class A's Tozuka Yahiko seems to be quietly inquiring about information regarding you, No... Hoshida-kun."

Hoshida No nodded. "Understood. Continue observing."

He briefly explained his market probing and his contact with Ichinose, then analyzed:

"Currently, Class A's Katsuragi is leading the early stages, seeking stability, but Sakayanagi is waiting for an opportunity.

Class B is our most likely short-term partner, but we need to maintain distance to avoid being constrained by their cooperation.

Class C's Ryuen Kakeru's target is Sakayanagi Arisu; everything else is to create chaos.

Hoshida No did not specifically mention any agreement he had with Ryuen Kakeru.

He then brought up the preliminary simulation model: "Based on the current information, I suggest the following strategy for tomorrow:

1. Avoid the obvious resource points that Class A might focus on, and choose 1-2 medium-value, relatively hidden resource points.

Attempt to negotiate with Class B for joint occupation or staggered occupation to accumulate initial CP and cooperation experience.

2. I will post a cheap but practical piece of information about efficient AP utilization techniques to further establish my image as an information provider and attract more contacts.

At the same time, I will attempt to purchase information regarding the specific points of divergence between Katsuragi and Sakayanagi within Class A to verify its authenticity.

3. Hirata, on your personal behalf, establish a fixed communication channel with Shibata Sou or Kanzaki Ryuji from Class B to discuss specific cooperation plans for tomorrow's resource points.

Horikita, you need to prepare to deal with potential direct provocations from Class C, remain indifferent, do not take the bait, and do not waste AP on pointless conflicts.

4. Establish a 3-person rapid response team, led by Ayanokoji, with Miyake and Sudo as members, specifically to handle unexpected tasks or opportunities.

Horikita Suzune agreed after thinking. "Agreed. However, regarding cooperation with Class B, the bottom line must be clear; we cannot leak our core strategy or personnel configuration."

Hirata Yousuke solemnly accepted. "I will maintain the proper balance."

"Hoshida No," Horikita looked at him, "your personal AP allocation? And, has there been any progress with your special... channel?" She was referring to Chabashira's hint.

"I consumed 5 AP today, with 4 points remaining in reserve," Hoshida No said. "Special channel... there's a direction, but it requires time. Currently, our CP is still too low."

Late at night, in Hoshida No's dormitory.

He contacted Shiina Hiyori once again.

"How did Ryuen react to the exclusive intel on the buffs?"

Shiina replied quickly: "He is very interested, though he suspects it might be bait released by Class A or Class D.

He has ordered Ishizaki and the others to compete for several small, seemingly difficult-to-defend resource points tomorrow to test the rules.

Additionally, he attempted to make contact with a Class A student named Hashimoto Masayoshi, who seems to be a peripheral figure on Sakayanagi's side."

Hashimoto Masayoshi... Hoshida No noted the name.

"Class D will attempt to cooperate with Class B tomorrow to occupy a medium-sized resource point. If Class C intends to target Class A, perhaps Class A's attention can be diverted to certain areas," Hoshida No hinted.

"I understand what you mean. I will consider the possibility when mapping out Class C's specific route of action. In return, could the loan period for the books be extended by one week?"

"Agreed."

Ending the communication, Hoshida No checked the recent public messages and notices posted by Chazhu Zuo Zhi and other teachers on the "S" system.

Finally, his gaze fell upon the personal points displayed in his personal balance.

"Tomorrow," he whispered to himself, "it is time for some people to get to know Class D all over again."