What Is That Thing That Looks Like a Crowbar?

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 sign. 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 must not leave out dx."

The advanced mathematics teacher added as he pointed at the writing on the blackboard.

"The point where boys and girls most easily lose marks is forgetting to add the constant C to an indefinite integral. That's a classic mistake and an automatic zero."

The students below the podium were drowsy with sleep. For students who were not interested, advanced mathematics was no different from a lullaby.

The advanced mathematics teacher really could not stand watching any longer. He was lecturing dryly from the podium, while the students below showed almost no reaction.

So he decided to give them a few questions, to see whether anyone had understood and to check how well they had grasped the material.

"I'll write a few questions for everyone. Think about them, and I'll call on a few students to answer in a moment."

The advanced mathematics teacher intended to use this method to lighten the classroom atmosphere, writing two indefinite integral problems on the blackboard.

They were ∫cosx dx and ∫(2x + cosx) dx.

A few minutes passed.

"That student—your name is Yamauchi Haruki, right? Come answer this question."

The advanced mathematics teacher saw Yamauchi Haruki sleeping and deliberately called on him.

When he heard Yamauchi's name, Ike immediately slapped Yamauchi awake.

"Huh? What? I'm not full yet."

Yamauchi Haruki had just woken from his dream and was mumbling nonsense.

"Yamauchi Haruki, come answer this question."

The advanced mathematics teacher pointed at the problem on the blackboard again.

"Teacher, what's that thing you're pointing at that looks like a crowbar?"

Yamauchi Haruki babbled incoherently, practically drooling from sleep.

When they heard Yamauchi Haruki call it a crowbar, the students of Class 1-D began laughing.

What crowbar? I want to beat you to death with that crowbar.

Why did the school accept every kind of freak? Was this supposed to be a joke?

This was an elite school, for crying out loud.

The advanced mathematics teacher truly had not expected Class 1-D to contain such a talent, but he still did his best to keep a straight face. At least Yamauchi had livened up the classroom atmosphere.

Advanced Mathematics Teacher: "It seems this student isn't very good at advanced mathematics. Are there any other volunteers? I'll call on another student to give it a try."

The advanced mathematics teacher pointed at Tatsuya Sakuya, thinking to himself.

Please don't let him be like the last one.

At the very least, don't mention crowbars again.

Even a tiny bit of an answer would do.

"The student by the window in the back row, could you answer this question?"

Tatsuya Sakuya briefly looked over the problems on the blackboard before answering:

"The first question is sinx + C."

"The second question is x² + sinx + C."

"Mm, very good, 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 through the classroom.

During the break.

"No, you actually knew how to do it? I saw you spacing out during class."

Horikita Suzune spoke up to ask Tatsuya Sakuya.

"You were secretly watching me?"

Tatsuya Sakuya admitted it a little 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 a great 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 questionnaire earlier."

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 come to the teachers' office immediately."

Chabashira Sae's voice suddenly sounded from the classroom speaker.

Tatsuya Sakuya said to Kushida Kikyou,

"Sorry, Kushida. Please excuse me for now."

Tatsuya Sakuya and Horikita Suzune walked out of the classroom.

The teachers' office was located at the far end of the first floor of the school building.

Chabashira Sae was standing in front of her desk.

Her brown high ponytail was tied with a purple hair tie, and a silver hairpin rested at her temple.

A white shirt with its collar slightly open lay beneath her dark suit jacket. 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 stilettos rested beneath her feet. Her expression was cool, and her professional attire fully displayed the mature aura of a commanding older woman.

"Chabashira-sensei, we're here."

Horikita Suzune stopped walking.

Chabashira Sae looked at the two of them with an indifferent gaze.

"Come, find a seat wherever you like."

She pointed to the two chairs opposite her desk and casually handed them two cards printed with QR codes.

"There's nothing major I called you here for."

"As the homeroom teacher who will be with you for the next three years, I have both the obligation and responsibility to care about the mental health of the students in my class."

"This is my duty, and it is also a school regulation. Every academic year requires at least one psychological assessment."

"It is also a good opportunity for teachers and students to understand one another."

"Use your phones to scan the QR codes and complete the psychological test inside. There are fifty questions in total, with a ten-minute time limit."

A psychological test?

Horikita Suzune accepted the card, a trace of doubt 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 test questions.

Question One: [When you see a stranger drop their wallet on the street and there are no surveillance cameras nearby, what is your first choice?]

A. Return the lost money and hand it to the police.

B. Keep it for yourself.

C. Pretend not to see it and leave directly.

D. Remind the stranger.

Question Two: [When class interests and personal interests come into serious conflict, what do you tend to do?]

A. Sacrifice personal interests, prioritize the class's interests, 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 test?

This was clearly a comprehensive assessment by Advanced Nurturing University of one's personal values and social adaptability.