When Kushida Kikyō expressed her desire to exchange contact information with Hashi, the boy clearly felt a change in Ichinoise's aura beside him, and her expression became somewhat off.
So, without hesitation, he immediately started making polite conversation.
"It's fine, but I've been quite busy lately. Maybe Kushida-san could wait for now. How about we go out for a meal together when I'm free?"
"Okay, I'm always free!"
Hearing Hashima Hikaru 's agreement, Kushida's face lit up. Through today's transaction, she had completely understood that the boy in front of her was an exceptionally talented individual. Perhaps he could be useful in the future, so she naturally wanted to strengthen their relationship.
"I also want to exchange contact information with Hashima-kun, is that okay?"
Just as the two were exchanging phone numbers, Hirata suddenly stepped forward, indicating that he too wanted to add Hashima's phone number.
Hirata Yōsuke felt this was necessary. After learning the rules today, he understood that this Class B student was definitely aiming to reach Class A. Staying in touch with him might benefit Class D in the future.
"Sure, after all, both Hirata-kun and Kushida-kun are acting for the class, just like us."
Hashima Hikaru was very accommodating to Hirata's request. He glanced at Ichinoise Honami behind him. The girl's gloomy expression eased slightly when she saw Hirata also exchanging contact information.
Kushida's words had indeed stirred up different thoughts in Ichinoise Honami's mind, though she didn't realize why.
After exchanging phone numbers with the two, it was time for Class D to digest the information on their own. Hashima Hikaru didn't plan to stay any longer. The only Class D member he was concerned about was Kushida Kikyō, especially since he had just spent 50,000 system points, which he needed to earn back.
"Then we'll be leaving now."
Hashima Hikaru smiled and greeted them, then left the Class D classroom with Ichinoise Honami without a second thought.
After they left, Hirata turned to look at the others in the class. Everyone's expressions were complex after learning the school's deep rules.
"Listen up, everyone. Although the current situation is indeed unfavorable for us in Class D, now that we know the rules, it means we still have a chance to catch up."
Hirata wanted to call on everyone to unite and work together, but unfortunately, his words were met with a lukewarm response. The Class D students were confused, unsure of what the future held.
Many of those assigned to Class D had poor grades. If they were to face intense class competition in the future, could they really pass every special exam? Even regular exams were uncertain for them.
They were currently the worst class. To graduate successfully, they would have to surpass the other three classes, which was no simple task.
"Don't be like that, everyone. Now that we know the rules in advance, we can definitely climb up."
Kushida Kikyō's face showed a look of urgency. She knew this was the best opportunity to raise her status in Class D.
"If we unite, we'll definitely have a chance to move up in the future. Don't forget, class competition is based on class evaluation scores, which are tied to individual points. Everyone, don't give up!"
"Kushida-san is right, we can't give up."
The speaker was Yamauchi Haruki, who had been very uncooperative earlier. He wanted to show himself in front of everyone, but unfortunately, his classmates had no good impression of him, so no one followed up.
"Hirata-kun, if you have any plans, just say them. We're all waiting for you." Another student spoke up.
This statement immediately gained everyone's agreement. This was, in a sense, the consensus of Class D: if someone was willing to step up, then let them take the lead.
Whether they lead or not is another matter, but it's a good way to shift responsibility.
"...Well, I don't really have any plans yet. Can everyone wait a little longer?"
"Then let's leave it at that. We're going back."
"Yeah, Hirata, let's call it a day."
Seeing that Hirata couldn't come up with any plans and it was time for class to end, the Class D students quickly dispersed.
Looking at their attitude, Hirata could only sigh helplessly. He understood Class D's situation. Thinking about what Hashima Hikaru had said earlier—that Class D was considered the worst by the school—it was indeed true.
"Hirata-kun, it's okay. I believe in your abilities."
Kushida stepped forward to comfort the dejected Hirata, but her mind was already racing.
Hashima Hikaru had said that as long as they gathered 20 million individual points, they could switch classes at will, ensuring they could graduate from Class A. However, collecting points was a long process, and she needed to plan carefully.
Kushida didn't think Class D had the ability to reach Class A, so it was better to plan ahead.
Meanwhile, Horikita Suzune, who had been coldly observing the crowd, didn't hesitate. After packing up her things, she picked up her bag and left the classroom.
Although she was angry about being assigned to Class D, there was nothing she could do at this point. How she would proceed depended on the content of the upcoming special exams, which was what she needed to focus on.
Her classmate, Ayano Kiyotaka, also packed up his bag. His expression remained unchanged, even though he had just spent a large amount of individual points. He didn't feel any loss.
"Hashima Hikaru, what a showy person. I couldn't do something like that."
"But... learning about the school's deep rules has made things much easier."
The boy walked out of the classroom slowly. He had many reasons for coming to this school: seeking freedom, wanting to understand the true meaning of equality and strength, and accumulating social experience.
After all, in "that place," he had no contact with the outside world, so coming here to study was the best opportunity.
--
In the student council room on the fourth floor of the teaching building, Horikita Manabu was silently looking at the documents in front of him.
In front of him, Tachibana Akane looked at the man expectantly. Over the past few days, she had been trying to gather information about the first-year students, specifically about the first-year student named Hashima. This was Horikita Manabu's instruction.
"Obtaining individual points by selling rules?"
Horikita Manabu adjusted his glasses, his tone carrying a hint of approval: "Thinking of using contracts to restrict the behavior of other classes is a clever move."
"Yes, Hashima-kun's plan seems to be to collect 3 million individual points. He's already completed it with two classes."
"Which two classes?"
"Class A and Class D of the first year."
"Class D?"
Horikita Manabu's heart skipped a beat, and the next moment, he stood up from his chair. He wanted to see someone immediately.
"Does the president have something to do? Do you need me to accompany you?"
"No need, it's a personal matter."
Horikita Manabu didn't let Tachibana Akane follow him. After all, what he was about to do was a bit complicated, but he had to do it!