The information Hoshida No sent soon got a response.
First came Chazhu Zuo Zhi, whose reply was concise: "The official rate is fixed at 100:1. But during the war, the value of all resources is determined by supply, demand, and strategy."
Hoshida narrowed his eyes and fell into thought.
Next came a message from Shiina Hiyori: "Ryuen has no interest in your gift of 500 points, but he thinks this might actually make it easier for him to provoke Class A or Class B tomorrow. He mentioned you, but didn't say anything specific.
"In exchange, I'd like to know what you really think of Class D's 250 CP, and... would you lend me that out-of-print book from your personal library after the war ends?"
Hoshida replied promptly: "The 250 points are both a disadvantage and a protective shell. They make it easy to create the illusion that we're harmless. You can borrow the book. Keep an eye out for any contact between Ryuen and Sakayanagi."
If Ryuen wanted to bring Sakayanagi down, Class C alone wouldn't be enough. He would inevitably seek an opening from within or outside assistance.
After dealing with the information, Hoshida didn't rest. Instead, he pulled up the school's digital map and began marking locations that might become resource points.
Taking AP consumption and personnel adjustments into account, he began constructing a preliminary model.
Monday morning.
At the appointed time, the "S" system sent all students the day's basic tasks and a guide to the information market.
As Hoshida had expected, the basic tasks were geared toward balance:
1. Map the resources: Submit a simple campus map marking at least five suspected resource points. Reward: 50 CP.
2. Make initial contact: Have a non-hostile conversation with at least one student from another class. Once the system records its completion, the reward is 30 CP per person, for up to two people.
3. Test the information market: Post or purchase one piece of information on the anonymous information market. Reward: 20 CP.
The screen also listed the commanders submitted by each class:
Class A: Commander: Katsuragi Kohei; Deputy Commanders: Yamamura Miki, Sakayanagi Arisu.
Class B: Commander: Ichinose Honami; Deputy Commanders: Kanzaki Ryuji, Shibata Sou.
Class C: Commander: Ryuen Kakeru; Deputy Commanders: Ibuki Mio, Shiina Hiyori.
Class D: Commander: Horikita Suzune; Deputy Commanders: Hirata Yousuke, Hoshida No.
The list sparked plenty of discussion.
In the Class D classroom, Horikita Suzune assigned tasks according to the plan they had agreed on the previous night.
"Action group: Sudo, Ike, Onodera. You're in charge of physical reconnaissance. Focus on marking open areas and large buildings like the gymnasium, sports field, and storage facilities."
"Information support group: Kushida, Sakura, Yukimura. Use breaks and social interactions to gather information about other classes' chatter and movements related to resource points, especially those of Class A and Class B.
"Kushida, be careful to distinguish fact from fiction. Your social skills are key, but don't dig too deep and make people suspicious." Hoshida added, his gaze calm as he looked at Kushida Kikyo.
Kushida smiled flawlessly. "Understood, Hoshida. I'll be careful."
"Hirata, you're in charge of coordination and submitting the basic tasks. Ayanokoji and Miyake, you're the free agents. Adapt as needed and fill in wherever we're short on people."
"As for me," Hoshida said, rising to his feet, "I'll observe the information market and try to make contact with one of Class B's key players."
Horikita nodded. "Hirata and I will attend this afternoon's class representatives' meeting. Hoshida, what information support do you need?"
"An analysis of Class B's commander's personality and weaknesses, as well as details of how Katsuragi and Sakayanagi interact during the meeting," Hoshida said. "Also, keep an eye out for anyone in Class C who's absent or unusually active."
The anonymous information market was set up in a remote corner of the old library. From the outside, it looked like an ordinary computer area.
Hoshida logged in with the temporary anonymous ID assigned by the system. The interface offered much more than it had the previous night.
"Class A's main reconnaissance targets on the first day" (Price: 30 CP; Credibility: Low)
"Partial record of Ryuen's violent threats in Class C" (Price: 50 CP; Credibility: Medium)
"Ichinose Honami of Class B: personal habits and schedule" (Price: 80 CP; Credibility: Unknown)
"Latest developments in Class D's internal conflicts" (Price: 20 CP; Credibility: Extremely Low)
Hoshida skimmed through them without buying anything.
After a moment's silence, he composed an entry of his own and put it up for sale:
"Special intelligence: A hint about hidden rules in the resource point occupation system." Price: 150 CP. Credibility option: payment upon successful verification.
The listing immediately drew the attention of numerous anonymous users. Hidden rules? That struck a nerve with every competitor.
The high price and payment-upon-verification option made it seem more credible while weeding out those who wanted something for nothing.
Soon, an anonymous message request came in: "How can you prove your tip is valuable?"
Hoshida replied: "I can share one detail. Some resource points have exclusive bonuses. If only one class holds full control for a certain amount of time, its CP production efficiency will increase in stages."
The other person went silent for a few seconds. "What kind of resource points? How long?"
"That's for the follow-up information. You'll have to buy or trade for it." Hoshida ended the conversation.
He wasn't expecting a deal to happen right away. This was only a test of the market's reaction and whether any potential buyers were in a hurry to get their hands on the information.
After leaving the information market, Hoshida headed for the classroom building.
In the connecting corridor, he happened upon 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 nodded politely as well.
Hoshida stopped and nodded. "Ichinose, Kanzaki."
"Class D has already started taking action, hasn't it? I saw how quickly you completed the map task." Ichinose stepped closer, concern in her voice. "About the initial points... don't let it get to you. I'm sure you'll find a way, Brother No."
"Mm. Is Class B still focusing on cooperation?" Hoshida asked directly.
Ichinose paused. "Yes. Shibata, Kanzaki, and I discussed it. Cutthroat competition could ultimately hurt every class. We want to find ways for everyone to benefit, within the limits of the rules."
She paused and looked at Hoshida. "Brother No, if possible... would Class D be willing to exchange resources with Class B in certain areas? Of course, it would have to be fair."
Hoshida didn't agree right away. "We'd need to assess the specifics. But Class B has earned enough trust for an initial discussion."
He shifted the topic slightly. "As a personal suggestion, be wary of any cooperation proposals from Class C. Ryuen isn't interested in mutual benefit."
Ichinose nodded earnestly. "I understand. Thanks for the warning, Brother No. Oh, and..."
She lowered her voice a little, her smile turning teasing. "Kei was saying just this morning that you've gotten thinner lately, and told me to remind you to get some rest if I got the chance."
At the mention of Karuizawa Kei, something changed in Hoshida's expression. "She's worrying too much." After a pause, he asked, "...Is Class B stable internally?"
"Everyone's united," Ichinose assured him, then added apologetically, "Oh, Kanzaki, shouldn't we go confirm the next location?"
Kanzaki nodded. "It's all right, Ichinose. Hoshida, I hope we'll have a chance to work together."
Hoshida nodded and watched them leave.
This encounter was no coincidence. He'd gotten Ichinose's confirmation of Class B's basic strategy, established an initial line of communication, and taken the opportunity to warn them about Class C.
As he turned, he noticed Karuizawa Kei around the corner, with a few girls from Class B. She seemed to have just looked his way.
Their eyes met briefly. Kei pursed her lips and mouthed, "Remember to eat," then casually turned her face away.
The corner of Hoshida's mouth twitched before he left, too.
The Student Council's acting president chaired the meeting, which was attended by each class's commander and one deputy commander. Class D was represented by Horikita Suzune and Hirata Yousuke.
The meeting mainly involved probing one another and expressing basic positions.
Katsuragi Kohei emphasized rules and fair competition, but took a forceful stance.
Ichinose Honami proposed establishing a basic conflict-avoidance mechanism and an information-sharing platform.
Ryuen Kakeru wore a mocking smile throughout. He didn't say much, but every remark was barbed, and he was clearly trying to stir things up, especially against Class A.
Horikita Suzune showed a composure unlike her usual self. She spoke little, but got straight to the point, questioning Class A's resource advantage under the guise of fairness. She also responded cautiously to Ichinose's cooperation proposal, saying Class D would consider it.
After the meeting, Hirata Yousuke privately told Hoshida, "Sakayanagi Arisu didn't attend in person, but Katsuragi clearly hesitated when certain strategies came up. There may be disagreements within their class."
"After the meeting, Ryuen went out of his way to approach Horikita and said, 'That Hoshida No of yours is interesting. Tell him not to forget our agreement.'"
Hoshida's expression remained unchanged as he heard Ryuen's message. "Got it."
That evening, Class D held a strategy meeting.
Each group reported its progress.
The action group had marked seven suspected resource points and estimated how many people might be needed to occupy each one.
The information support group had gathered details on the current state of each class: Class A was organized and disciplined, Class B was harmonious, and Class C was extremely excited.
Kushida Kikyo added, "I... heard from a girl in Class C I knew before that Ryuen Kakeru seems particularly interested in some expensive piece of information on the information market."
She didn't specify which one, but Hoshida immediately thought of his own listing.
"Also," Kushida said, glancing cautiously at Hoshida and Horikita, "Tozuka Yahiko from Class A seems to be quietly asking around for information about you, Hoshida."
Hoshida nodded. "All right. Keep watching."
He briefly explained his test of the market and his encounter with Ichinose, then analyzed the situation:
"From what we can see, Katsuragi is leading Class A in the early stages and playing it safe, while Sakayanagi is waiting for an opportunity.
"Class B is our most likely short-term partner, but we need to keep our distance and avoid being held back by its cooperation.
"Ryuen Kakeru of Class C is targeting Sakayanagi Arisu. Everything else is about creating chaos."
Hoshida didn't specifically mention that he had an agreement with Ryuen Kakeru.
He then brought up his preliminary model. "Based on what we know, I recommend the following strategy for tomorrow:
"1. Avoid the conspicuous resource points that Class A is likely to contest. Choose one or two moderately valuable resource points in relatively hidden locations.
"Try to negotiate with Class B for a joint occupation or take turns occupying them, building up our initial CP and experience in cooperating.
"2. I'll list an inexpensive but practical tip about using AP efficiently to further establish myself as a reliable source of information and draw more people into contact.
"At the same time, I'll try to buy information about a specific point of disagreement between Katsuragi and Sakayanagi within Class A and verify whether it's genuine.
"3. Hirata, you should use your own name to establish a regular line of communication with Shibata Sou or Kanzaki Ryuji of Class B, then discuss specific plans for cooperating over resource points tomorrow.
"Horikita, prepare for possible direct provocation from Class C. Keep your cool, don't take the bait, and don't waste AP on pointless conflicts.
"4. Set up a three-person rapid-response team, led by Ayanokoji and including Miyake and Sudo, to handle unexpected tasks or opportunities."
After thinking it over, Horikita Suzune agreed. "That works. But we need to set clear limits on our cooperation with Class B. We can't reveal our core strategy or personnel assignments."
Hirata Yousuke accepted seriously. "I'll be careful."
"Hoshida No," Horikita said, looking at him, "how are you allocating your AP? Also, has your special... channel made any progress?" She was referring to Chazhu's hint.
"I spent five AP today, leaving four in reserve," Hoshida said. "As for the special channel... I have a lead, but it'll take time. We still have too little CP."
Late that night, in his dorm room, Hoshida contacted Shiina Hiyori again.
"How did Ryuen react to the information about exclusive bonuses?"
Shiina replied quickly: "He's very interested. He suspects Class A or Class D put it out as bait.
"He's ordered Ishizaki and the others to compete for several small resource points that look easy to defend tomorrow and test the rule.
"He also tried to make contact with a student from Class A named Hashimoto Masayoshi. He seems to be on the fringes of Sakayanagi's circle."
Hashimoto Masayoshi... Hoshida noted down the name.
"Class D will try to cooperate with Class B to occupy a medium-sized resource point tomorrow. If Class C plans to target Class A, perhaps we can draw Class A's attention to certain areas," Hoshida hinted.
"I understand what you mean. I'll take that possibility into account when planning Class C's specific routes. In return, could you extend the book loan by a week?"
"Sure."
After ending the conversation, Hoshida checked the recent public comments and notices posted on the "S" system by Chazhu Zuo Zhi and the other teachers.
At last, his gaze fell on the Personal Points displayed in his own balance.
"Tomorrow," he murmured, "it's time to make some people see Class D in a new light."