In Room 303 of the dormitory, Kushida's face betrayed contemplation as she processed Hikaru's proposal.
"Well? Fair deal, no?" Smiling faintly, he slid the previously rejected drink toward her. "Think it over. Everything I've said is genuine."
"Tch."
The short-haired girl took a sip, the coolness soothing her mind—a flicker of relief crossing her face before vanishing.
After a minute, her fingers traced the rim of the glass as she met his gaze. Though her tone remained cold, it had softened.
"You're certain this is all you want?"
"Naturally. Equal exchange—I probe Horikita's movements; you leak Class C's strategies. Sounds straightforward, no?"
"Your real motive?" While indifferent to Class C's welfare, she still wanted his endgame.
"Long story. I'll only share fragments."
Of course, he wouldn't reveal everything—but misdirection was fair game.
"Everything I do is for Class A's advantage. An insider in your class helps maintain our lead."
"For example—who devised the buy-the-exam strategy? Care to share?"
"Hah. You've done nothing yet, and already demand intel? How greedy."
Studying his calm expression, Kushida sensed no deceit—just a pragmatist bolstering his class. Her stance shifted subtly, seeking dominance.
"Don't misunderstand. I'm not asking now—just outlining future intel targets." His lips curled as he noted her smirk. "Cooperation requires reciprocity."
"You're serious?"
The deal appealed to her. Horikita had long been wary, avoiding solo interactions.
But this guy? Horikita had voluntarily borrowed points from him—proof of at least some trust.
"Deadly serious. With your social prowess, gathering intel should be trivial."
He knew she couldn't care less about Class C—her probing was purely self-serving.
"...Fine."
After a pause, she nodded. "But if you want intel, you'll pay fair value."
Taking another sip, her voice dripped venom. "You'll monitor Horikita's private contacts—ensure my secret stays buried."
Hikaru outlined his plan: "Two-pronged. You observe her in class; I'll arrange meetings to probe her connections. Minimize surprises."
"...Acceptable."
Kushida approved. She could only watch Horikita in class—lingering would raise eyebrows.
External surveillance fell to Hikaru. This way, Horikita remained contained.
"I accept this deal."
Her eyes gleamed with resolve—as if betraying her class was some noble duty.
"Pleasure doing business."
His smile hid ulterior motives—stock manipulation aside, part of him did strategize for Class A.
Since his first foray into Class C, he'd kept tabs on this "bottom-ranked" group.
Three observations stood out:
1. Kushida Kikyō – Dual-faced, yet her social prowess and competence were undeniable.
2. Horikita Suzune – Academically gifted, athletic, stubbornly ascetic. Admirable, if abrasive.
3. Hirata Yousuke – A capable leader with charisma and intellect.
Their presence hinted at a crucial truth: Class C wasn't inherently incompetent.
Their exam strategy alone proved they could adapt—perhaps even threaten in future tests.
Hikaru needed to identify their mastermind.
"With our deal sealed, anything else?"
"Nothing."
Finishing her drink, Kushida stood, smoothing her skirt.
"After I sound out Horikita, you'll name your strategist. Understood?"
"Understood."
As she turned to leave, she suddenly whirled back, closing the distance between them.
"One final warning." Her eyes glinted dangerously. "Betray me, and you'll regret it."
"I've no interest in your secret—only Class C's maneuvers." His tone was soothing. "Why poke a hornet's nest?"
"What if you use the secret to force intel from me?"
"Hah."
Doing so would crash her stock. Given her extremism, she'd likely add him to her expulsion hit list.
Her profile was clear: Horikita's disappearance would boost her stock. Permanently.
"Antagonizing you defeats the purpose." He shook his head. "I seek long-term collaboration—not mutual destruction."
"Three years is too long for enemies."
Meeting her gaze, he delivered the final blow:
"Or must I threaten you to earn your trust?"
"..."
Silence. Then—
"Fine. Keep your word."
"Always. I don't lie."
"Liar."
With that parting shot, she vanished into the hallway.
["The deal satisfies Kushida. Your reassurances ease her anxiety. Kushida Kikyō stock +10. Current price: 20.]
As the notification flashed, Hikaru mouthed the name she'd divulged:
"Ayanokōji Kiyotaka... Ayanokōji Kiyotaka..."
"Who?"
---
It took Hikaru ages to match the name to a face.
Ayanokōji sat in Class C's back row. During the point collection, he'd contributed generously. He'd also assisted in the Sudou incident.
"Why don't I remember him?"
Was he that forgettable—or had Hikaru simply overlooked him?
"He devised the exam strategy?"
If so, his intellect was formidable—a potential future rival.
"Class C's more intriguing than I thought."
Committing the name to memory, Hikaru checked his Stock Portfolio:
[Honami Ichinose]
[Price: 150 | Shares: 3000]
[Airi Sakura]
[Price: 150 | Shares: 4000]
[Hiyori Shiina]
[Price: 40 | Shares: 3000]
[Kushida Kikyō]
[Price: 20 | Shares: 5000]
Aside from Ichinose's class-tied value, the others thrived on personal bonds: a recluse, a bookworm, and a two-faced idol.
"Airi might leak intel too."
With Kushida (visible) and Airi (invisible), Class C was covered.
D-Class had Shiina—adviser to leader Ibuki. Useful, but extracting intel required finesse.
B-Class remained untouched—their collective strength posed the greatest threat.
"Work ahead..."
---
May 31st, 9:30 PM
Post-swim, Hikaru bid farewell to senpai Kiryūin Fūka. Though they'd met often, he'd kept interactions strictly professional—no stock plays yet.
As a second-year, opportunities were scarce. Patience.
"Your pool access expires today, right?"
"Yes, Kiryūin-senpai."
"Returning next month?"
"Depends on my schedule." Bowing politely, he added, "Thank you for your guidance. I'll cherish it."
"I see."
Kiryūin studied him. Despite her sporadic attendance, his progress was undeniable.
"Till next time."
As he left, she watched his retreating form, inexplicably certain their paths would cross again.
"Grow stronger, Hashima. Surprise me once more."
---
[Daily Exercise: 60 mins]
[Monthly Goal: 30/30]
[Stamina: 4 → 5]
[Exercise Booster (30d) expired.]
Two months of training had transformed his once-weak body. Stamina 5 surpassed the average—a far cry from his former self.
But his focus now was the midnight shop refresh.
[June Shop Update]
[Stock Analyzer: 1,000]
[Extracurricular Book: 3,000]
[30% Discount Coupon (Single Use): 20,000]
[Soccer (Proficiency): 200,000]
[Violin (Beginner): 120,000]
[Intelligence: 500,000]
"!"
His eyes locked onto the Discount Coupon.
[30% Discount Coupon]
[One-time use on any item. Strategize wisely.]
This changes everything.
The shop's priciest items—stats like Intelligence—cost 500,000. Prohibitively expensive.
But with this coupon? 350,000—a 150,000 discount!
If Stamina appeared next month? Absolute steal.
No grueling workouts—just instant gains.
Sold.
The coupon was this month's top priority.