In January, the third semester began. When Chabashira entered the classroom, she carried no attendance sheet, only her ever-present black coffee cup. She stepped up to the podium, swept her gaze across every face in the class, and announced three things. First: the final special exam of the third semester would take place this term, with its format and rules to be released the following week. Second: after the semester ended, the final class rankings would be determined according to each class's total points for the year, and those rankings would directly affect the initial class points for the next academic year. Third: the second review of the Old System's Reverse Evaluation Clause amendment would be completed within the month, after which all clauses would officially be incorporated into the school's permanent institutional framework. Having said that, she raised her coffee cup for a sip and added in her usual flat tone, "This is your final semester as Class D first-years. That is all. Homeroom is over."
The classroom did not erupt like it had last semester. Sudo Ken merely sat up straighter and set the sports drink in his hand at the corner of his desk. Beside him, Ishizaki Daichi opened his notebook and wrote the words "final special exam" on a blank page. Karuizawa Kei turned to look at Sakura Airi, who was lowering her head to adjust the lens cap on her newly replaced snow cover. Her fingers brushed lightly over it before she looked up and gave Karuizawa a small nod.
Horikita Suzune rose and walked to the podium, opening the materials she had compiled over winter break for the second review of the Reverse Evaluation Clause amendment. She did not use a microphone. Instead, she spoke with her usual clarity. "The second review will be