"Go on."
On the other end of the phone, the low voice of Ayanokoji Atsuomi rang out.
"I've investigated the information left behind by Sakayanagi. That student named Saiki was also specially admitted into the school."
Tsukishiro Tokinari spoke with utmost seriousness, his gaze shifting to the stack of documents on the table in front of him.
The documents contained various details about Saiki, including photos, report cards, and more.
Earlier, Tsukishiro had even reviewed the school's surveillance footage to see if Saiki had exhibited any unusual behavior—but there was nothing.
After all, Saiki was aware of the cameras in the school, and he made sure never to use his powers in a way that could be caught on tape.
"Continue."
"In regular exams, Saiki's performance has always been average, except for the most recent final exam, where his grades have consistently been in the middle of the pack... similar to Ayanokoji's performance."
Tsukishiro immediately added,
"However, during the sports festival, that Saiki guy displayed physical abilities far beyond those of ordinary students, but that's about it. There's nothing particularly special about him otherwise... but he seems to be quite close to Ayanokoji. And as you know, Ayanokoji-sensei, their class rose to Class B within half a year and is now quite close to Class A in terms of performance..."
"Do you think this has something to do with Saiki?"
"I... I'm not sure... after all, Ayanokoji is also in that class."
Tsukishiro quickly responded.
At this moment, on the other end of the phone, Ayanokoji Atsuomi was deep in thought.
[Given Kiyotaka's personality, he wouldn't take any action unless it was in his interest. Did he orchestrate Class D's rise to Class B in such a short time?]
[Although I sensed a significant change in him after our last meeting, I don't believe he would take actions that would cause such a drastic shift in the class's standing so quickly.]
[Could it be that this Saiki guy is somehow connected to this? According to the information, he shares a striking similarity with Kiyotaka... Could my political rivals also be secretly running a program similar to the White Room?]
At this moment, Ayanokoji Atsuomi felt a sense of unease. Having spent a long time navigating the political landscape, he was well aware that his political enemies would stop at nothing, just like him.
But Ayanokoji Atsuomi also knew that Saiki and Ayanokoji Kiyotaka were very different in one key aspect: their backgrounds.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka had no background. Even if someone investigated him, they would find nothing.
Ayanokoji Atsuomi had investigated Saiki's family, and they were utterly ordinary—so ordinary that it was strange he had even been admitted to this school.
How peculiar.
Could it be... that this family was also a facade?
Ayanokoji Atsuomi fell into deep thought.
"...That's all the information for now, Ayanokoji-sensei. Additionally, I've prepared the list of new students for the next semester."
Tsukishiro reported all the information.
"Mm, continue with the plan. As for Saiki, let's keep an eye on him for now."
Ayanokoji Atsuomi issued the order and then hung up the phone.
As a politician, Ayanokoji Atsuomi used encrypted communication devices to prevent eavesdropping.
But he had no idea that his phone had already been remotely tampered with, equipped with hacking software—something even the most skilled professionals wouldn't be able to detect.
In a secret base unknown to most, a young boy was intently watching a series of large screens.
The screens displayed real-time footage of Advanced Nurturing High School, the White Room... and various other locations.
Even Ayanokoji Atsuomi would never have imagined that the White Room, which he had kept so secret, had always been under someone else's surveillance.
"Let's make some preparations. I think I'll visit your school soon! After all, it's the stage I specially chose for you, Kusuo. The next semester is going to be quite interesting! But... those who don't know their place and dare to challenge you—I'll deal with them first. They're not even worthy of standing on the same stage as you. They're just ants."
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
"After all, you're the only one who's ever beaten me."
...
Meanwhile, back in Class B's classroom, Chabashira Sae continued explaining the rules of the exam.
"However, even if you become the student who's supposed to be expelled, there's still a way out—as long as you use personal points."
Chabashira Sae said, having mentioned this during the previous special exam.
"Twenty million points. From our perspective, as long as you can prepare that amount, it should be possible to avoid expulsion."
[Twenty million points... There's no way I can save up that much...]
[This is bad, really bad...]
[They wouldn't vote for me, right...]
At this moment, the thoughts of each student in Class B varied. Some were anxious, while others were panicked.
Meanwhile, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka was rapidly analyzing the key points of this exam.
[The lack of restrictions on personal point transfers means that negotiations using points will be tacitly approved—in other words, it's acceptable to use money to secure praise votes. That would also be considered a form of strength. For example, the abilities you've demonstrated to those around you over the past year, the financial resources you've accumulated through exams, or the teamwork skills born from friendships. The school is essentially telling us to freely utilize these strengths.]
[In terms of ability, students like Horikita and Hirata are definitely safe. Financially, not many in the class can compare to Koenji. And in terms of teamwork, Kushida is also quite safe. Saiki shouldn't have any issues either.]
[In contrast, my situation might be more precarious.]
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka thought to himself.
'It does seem that way.'
Saiki shook his head slightly.
'But this exam shouldn't have anything to do with me... under normal circumstances, at least... For some reason, I have a bad feeling about this.'
"That's the full scope of this exam. From here on out, it's up to you to decide what to do."
After saying this, Chabashira Sae left the classroom, leaving the students to discuss among themselves.
"What do we do? This is the worst exam ever, and it's really about to start!"
"Guys, shut up!"
"Shut up? You're not planning to vote against me, are you?"
Even before the exam officially began, the class was already in disarray.
"How pathetic."
At that moment, Koenji Rokusuke, who had been sitting nearby, spoke up with a smile.
[How utterly disgraceful. I'll just redirect their focus onto me for a bit.]
Koenji Rokusuke thought to himself.
"And you? Do you think you're in a comfortable position? Are you even aware of how much trouble you've caused the class so far?"
Sudou Ken, sitting nearby, glared at Koenji Rokusuke, and the rest of the class also turned their attention to him.
After all, Koenji Rokusuke had indeed been a troublemaker in the class.
"You abandoned the uninhabited island exam and the sports festival, didn't you?"
Sudou Ken pressed further.
At this point, many students had already started to consider who the most suitable candidate for expulsion might be.
[Koenji is such an annoying person.]
[Yeah, if Koenji's here, we're safe, right?]
[Let's just vote for Koenji! I bet a lot of people are thinking the same thing.]
'Yare yare, good thing I didn't take the route of being disliked by the whole class.'
Saiki thought to himself.
However, perhaps only Saiki knew that Koenji Rokusuke often steered conversations toward himself to prevent conflicts within the class from escalating.
"What you don't understand, Red Hair-kun~"
Koenji Rokusuke casually propped his feet up on the desk.
"You seem to think that the abilities you've cultivated over the past year are the key to this special exam."
"Well, isn't that the case?"
"No, this exam is focused on the next two years."
"Huh? What are you talking about..."
Sudou Ken couldn't comprehend what Koenji was saying, likely dismissing it as one of his usual antics.
"Listen carefully. This exam, as the name suggests, is an exception. Normally, classes with expulsions would be severely punished, right? But this time, there are no penalties. In short, this is an opportunity to delete unnecessary students."
As he spoke, Koenji Rokusuke pulled out a mirror from somewhere and continued.
"I'm talking about you, you nuisance to the class!"
"No, that's impossible."
"Huh... Why can you say that?"
"Because I'm exceptional."
Koenji Rokusuke immediately stated his reasoning and then added,
"From now on, I'll also do my best to contribute to the class."
[He's not wrong. In terms of ability, Koenji is one of the top talents in the class. Even if many in the class dislike him, they can't deny this fact. If the class wants to rise to Class A, Koenji is a necessary presence.]
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka thought to himself.
As Ayanokoji Kiyotaka had guessed, many students' opinions had indeed shifted due to Koenji Rokusuke's words.
Saiki couldn't help but overhear their thoughts, and he soon noticed one name appearing frequently in their minds.
Yamauchi Haruki.
[Yamauchi, it's gotta be him.]
[Yamauchi is just gross.]
[Yamauchi's grades are bad, and his personality is worse!]
Unconsciously, many in the class had already begun to see him as the more suitable candidate for expulsion.
Among them, Kushida Kikyo was the most vehement. From start to finish, her target had been only one person.
[Yamauchi Haruki, I will definitely make sure you're expelled.]
Yamauchi Haruki seemed to sense the gazes on him and could only lower his head, pretending not to notice.
[They wouldn't vote for me, right? Even though my grades aren't great... but... no, no, no, there's still a chance, right? Yeah, I'll go ask Sakayanagi for help. She'll definitely help me!]
Yamauchi Haruki thought to himself.
...
Class A's classroom.
"For this exam, I'd like to ask Katsuragi-kun to step down."
"Now, let's take a vote. Those who don't mind Katsuragi-kun being the sacrificial expulsion candidate in this additional exam, please raise your hands."
At this moment, Sakayanagi Arisu, standing on the podium, spoke in her petite frame.
Almost simultaneously, all the students raised their hands.
Except for Katsuragi Kohei and Totsuka Yahiko, everyone else agreed.
"I intend to accept."
Katsuragi Kohei, sitting in his seat, lowered his head and responded simply.
He was a highly capable individual, but his opponent was Sakayanagi Arisu.
In truth, the battle between Katsuragi Kohei and Sakayanagi Arisu had already ended during the first semester.
Most of Class A had already joined Sakayanagi's faction. While some students were unhappy, they wouldn't rebel. To ensure their own safe and secure graduation, they would continue to support Sakayanagi Arisu.
Katsuragi Kohei's only supporter was Totsuka Yahiko.
"The contract I signed is still in effect. Because of this, personal points have been flowing from Class A to Class D's Ryuen without any benefit. I will take responsibility."
Katsuragi Kohei stood up and bowed to everyone.
"Rather than saying that, it's more like you don't have any room to object."
Sakayanagi Arisu smiled meaningfully as she looked at Katsuragi Kohei.
[However, the one I actually intend to expel isn't you, Katsuragi, but your most loyal follower, Totsuka Yahiko.]
[Also, before this exam, I received an anonymous letter. This additional exam is undoubtedly a stage prepared by someone to expel Ayanokoji. It must be someone from the school who forced my father to take a leave of absence.]
[But playing along with their wishes would be too boring. I don't plan to follow their script. There's only one person in Class B who should be expelled.]
Sakayanagi Arisu thought to herself.
[Yamauchi-kun, you bumped into me during the training camp and were quite rude. It's time for you to gracefully exit the stage in this exam.]
[But before that, let's make use of whatever little value you have left.]
[Let me learn a bit more about that Saiki guy.]
...
'Yare yare, why do I feel a sudden chill?'
Saiki, sitting in the classroom, suddenly felt a shiver run down his spine.