Second period in the afternoon: Advanced Mathematics.
The advanced mathematics teacher was explaining indefinite integrals from the podium, chalk in hand as he wrote an "∫" symbol on the blackboard.
"Students, remember this integral symbol. It represents infinite summation."
"It is the addition of infinitely many infinitesimal quantities."
He wrote the integral symbol ∫ and the full expression on the blackboard: ∫f(x)dx.
"This ∫ symbol is a variation of the summation symbol, sum. f(x) is the integrand, and you absolutely must not leave out dx."
The advanced mathematics teacher added, pointing to the writing on the board.
"The most common point boys and girls lose marks on is forgetting to add the constant C to an indefinite integral. That's a classic mistake—a standard zero."
The students beneath the podium were listening drowsily. To those uninterested in it, advanced mathematics was no different from a lullaby.
The advanced mathematics teacher truly could not stand watching anymore. He was lecturing dryly from the podium, yet there was barely any reaction below.
So he decided to give them a few problems, see whether anyone had understood, and check how well everyone had grasped the material.
"I'll write a few questions for everyone. Think them over, and later I'll call on a few students to answer."
The advanced mathematics teacher planned to ease the classroom atmosphere this way, writing two indefinite integral problems on the blackboard.
They were ∫cosx dx and ∫(2x + cosx) dx.
A few minutes passed.
"That student—is your name Yamauchi Haruki? Come answer this question."
The advanced mathematics teacher saw Yamauchi Haruki sleeping and deliberately called on him.
When Ike heard Yamauchi's name, he immediately slapped him awake.
"Huh? What? I'm not full yet?"
Yamauchi Haruki had just woken from his dream, babbling nonsense.
"Yamauchi Haruki, answer this question."
The advanced mathematics teacher pointed at the question on the blackboard again.
"Teacher, what's that thing you're pointing at that looks like a crowbar?"
Yamauchi Haruki mumbled incoherently, drool from his nap practically about to spill out.
When they heard Yamauchi Haruki call it a crowbar, the students of Class 1-D started laughing.
What crowbar? I want to beat you to death with that crowbar.
What kind of freaks did this school admit? Was this a joke?
This was supposed to be an elite school, at least.
The advanced mathematics teacher truly had not expected Class 1-D to have such a talent, but he still did his best to keep a straight face. At least Yamauchi had livened up the class.
Advanced Mathematics Teacher: "It seems this student isn't very good at advanced mathematics. Any other volunteers? Let me call on another student to try."
The advanced mathematics teacher pointed at Tatsuya Sakuya, thinking to himself.
Please don't let this one be like the last student.
At least don't bring up crowbars again.
Even a little answer would be fine.
"That student by the window in the back row, can you answer this question?"
Tatsuya Sakuya briefly looked over the problems on the board and answered:
"The first question is sinx + C."
"The second question is x² + sinx + C."
"Mm, very good. Correct answer. Everyone, give this student a round of applause."
There were still normal people in Class 1-D.
The advanced mathematics teacher gave Tatsuya Sakuya a satisfied look and was the first to applaud him.
Soon, enthusiastic applause rang out across the classroom.
Break time.
"No way, you actually knew that? I thought you were spacing out during class."
Horikita Suzune spoke up and asked Tatsuya Sakuya.
"You were secretly watching me?"
Tatsuya Sakuya admitted it somewhat guiltily.
"Not really. I just wanted to see whether you would say something like 'crowbar,' like that idiot."
Horikita Suzune replied coldly.
Tatsuya Sakuya: "..."
"You two really do have such a good relationship."
Kushida Kikyou, who had just entered from outside the classroom, headed straight over.
Horikita Suzune: "Kushida, that is an incorrect judgment."
"Tatsuya, do you like making friends?"
Kushida Kikyou suddenly asked.
"Why did Kushida suddenly ask that?"
Tatsuya Sakuya looked at her in confusion.
Kushida Kikyou: "Because that question appeared on the psychological survey just now."
Tatsuya Sakuya: "I suppose I'm about the same as Kushida. I like making friends, but I also don't like making friends."
Kushida Kikyou: "..."
"Tatsuya Sakuya. Horikita Suzune."
"Upon hearing this announcement, please report to the faculty office immediately."
Chabashira Sae's voice suddenly came from the classroom loudspeaker.
Tatsuya Sakuya said to Kushida Kikyou,
"Sorry, Kushida. I'll have to excuse myself first."
Tatsuya Sakuya and Horikita Suzune walked out of the classroom.
The faculty office was located at the end of the first floor of the academic building.
Chabashira Sae was standing in front of her desk.
Her brownish high ponytail was tied with a purple hair tie, with a silver hairpin clipped at her temple.
Beneath her dark blazer, she wore a white blouse with its collar slightly open. Her turned-up cuffs revealed white trim, matched with a suit skirt of the same color. Semi-sheer purple-toned stockings wrapped her legs, and black stiletto heels rested beneath her feet. Her expression was cool, and her professional attire exuded the mature aura of an elegant older woman.
"Chabashira-sensei, we're here."
Horikita Suzune stopped.
Chabashira Sae looked at the two of them with an even gaze.
"Come, find a seat wherever you like."
She pointed to the two chairs opposite her desk, then casually handed them two cards printed with QR codes.
"I didn't call you here for anything major."
"As the homeroom teacher who will be with you for the next three years, I have the obligation and responsibility to care about my students' mental health."
"This is both my duty and a school regulation. Every academic year, at least one psychological assessment must be conducted."
"It is also a good opportunity for teachers and students to get to know one another."
"Use your phones to scan the QR code and complete the psychological assessment inside. There are fifty questions in total, with a time limit of ten minutes."
A psychological assessment?
Horikita Suzune took the card, a trace of confusion flashing through her eyes, but she immediately took out her phone and scanned the QR code.
Tatsuya Sakuya, seated beside her, also scanned the QR code and began answering the psychological assessment.
Question One: [When you see a stranger drop their wallet on the street and there are no cameras around, what is your first choice?]
A. Return the lost property and hand it over to the police.
B. Keep it for yourself.
C. Pretend not to see it and leave directly.
D. Remind the stranger.
Question Two: [When the interests of the class and your personal interests come into serious conflict, what do you tend to do?]
A. Sacrifice personal interests, prioritize the interests of the class, obey the collective, and accept the value you must bear.
B. Prioritize personal interests. Do not actively harm the class's interests, but never sacrifice your own important rights.
C. Choose a compromise, negotiate as much as possible, try to find a way out for both sides, and otherwise weigh the losses.
How was this any kind of ordinary psychological assessment?
This was clearly Advanced Nurturing University's comprehensive evaluation of personal values and social adaptability.
Before you continue