Chapter 189: The Unachievable Consensus Topic
[In the chat room, even Ike couldn't help but complain: "Compared to the previous exams, this one seems way too easy…"]
[Shinohara: "Based on the current situation, that's true. There doesn't seem to be any threat."]
[Yukimura adjusted his glasses: "Don't underestimate this exam. Although there are only five questions, there's a full five hours of discussion time. What exactly is the school planning…?"]
[Sudo: "The key point is that they even set a penalty of 300 class points. Would anyone really be that stupid? Even if they suffered a loss, no one would go over the time limit."]
[Karuizawa: "I think this exam is just a benefit the school is giving us!"]
[Ichinose: "Even though there doesn't seem to be any threat right now, I have a vague feeling that something isn't right."]
[Sakura frowned and nodded. "I feel it too. This exam feels too sudden… like it has some ulterior motive."]
[Kushida: "But no matter what kind of exam it is, we can overcome it, just like before. Hachiman will definitely be able to end this farce."]
After the second question was resolved so easily, a pleasant atmosphere spread through the class. Compared to the exams they had faced throughout the year, this one felt far too simple. Some students even started feeling sleepy, thinking about how much effort they had put into preparing the day before, only for the exam to present no real challenge at all.
"Third question. Please listen carefully."
"Assuming a duration of six months:
– The individual points distributed monthly through class points will be reduced to zero, and three students will be randomly given immunity points; or
– The monthly points distributed will be halved, and one student will be designated to receive immunity points; or
– In the next test, the students at the bottom of the ranking will have their individual points reduced to zero."
At last, the question was directly tied to the class's own interests, and the voting results were quickly determined.
Third Question, First Round of Voting
Randomly select three students: 12 votes
Choose one designated student: 6 votes
Punish the five bottom-ranked students: 22 votes
This outcome was not particularly surprising. Even after being promoted to Class B, Horikita's class still had the largest disparity between students in the entire grade.
There were many excellent students, but also many at the bottom of the rankings. That was why Hondo spoke up immediately once the discussion began.
"That's not right. It's too strange to place all the punishment on the bottom five students!"
After nearly a year of working together, everyone more or less knew who would likely rank at the bottom. However, as Hondo pointed out, every class inevitably has students at the bottom. If only those students were punished, it would be unfair and would severely damage class unity.
Horikita responded calmly: "First of all, choosing three people at random is out of the question. The randomness alone makes it far too unstable. The protection points we have now could become meaningless in the next exam. More importantly, we've climbed from Class D to Class B, and we will continue to move forward. The points we would lose wouldn't be insignificant. If the entire class ends up starved of points, we'll lose a powerful weapon in future special exams. I can't agree with that option."
To prevent the discussion from dragging on, Hirata immediately shared his thoughts.
"However, protection points are also extremely valuable. They can safeguard a student during critical moments. Although it may not be ideal to mention this now, if we had protection points during the last expulsion exam, the outcome might have been very different. Furthermore… with protection points, our class can maintain a certain degree of control and even make use of self-sacrificing tactics."
Yukimura nodded, clearly agreeing with Hirata's assessment.
Ichinose, deep down, still wanted to choose the first option. However, perhaps due to her growth over time, she did her best to avoid indecision and instead focus on moving forward together with Class B.
Under these circumstances, most people had already expressed their opinions. Yet even after ten minutes of discussion, no satisfactory solution had emerged. So…
Third Question, Second Round of Voting
Randomly select three people: 3 votes
Choose one designated person: 30 votes
Punish five people: 7 votes
The second round of mandatory discussion began. Horikita did not waste any time and immediately focused her attention on Hikigaya.
"What do you think?" she asked.
Hikigaya did not remain silent. He followed up on Horikita's question at once.
"First, I don't recommend randomly selecting three people. Horikita is absolutely right, this option can be ruled out entirely. As for punishing five people, I can offer a viable suggestion. The points that would normally be distributed can instead be evenly divided among those five students. That way, everyone can maintain a normal standard of living. As for choosing one person… I don't have a specific candidate in mind yet."
Since the cultural festival, Hikigaya had gradually gained the majority of the class's influence, and everyone listened carefully to his words.
Ike nodded. "That's true… I think what Hikigaya said makes a lot of sense. This approach is fairer. So how about we choose the option of punishing five people?"
Matsushita suddenly spoke up. "No. I just came up with a new idea. How about we choose the second option instead?"
Horikita turned to her. "Why do you say that?"
Matsushita continued, "Hirata-kun already explained it very clearly. As long as we have protection points, we might gain an advantage in the next exam, and we could even use a self-sacrificing tactic. Think about it. If we win the next special exam, our class points will increase, and our individual points will increase as well. So is losing half of our points over the next six months really that important?"
She paused briefly, then added, "And… even though I didn't have a candidate in mind earlier, I just remembered something. Hikigaya-kun, aren't you the most suitable person for a self-sacrificing role? Just like during the cultural festival."
At Matsushita's words, everyone suddenly came to their senses. Even Horikita may have overlooked this possibility. Her logic was flawless.
If that was the case…
Almost instantly, there was no opposition left in the class regarding the second option.
Hikigaya himself was stunned. He had merely offered a suggestion, yet somehow, he had suddenly become the designated person.
Even so, at that moment, he became even more certain of something. Although he was no longer the reclusive person he once was, as long as he didn't deliberately draw attention to himself, unlike Karuizawa or Kushida, and as long as he remained silent, his presence was still relatively faint.
And perhaps… that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
---
Third Question, Third Round of Voting
Randomly select three people: 0 votes
Choose one designated person: 40 votes
Bottom-ranked penalty: 0 votes
---
Second Exam, Designated Protection Point Candidate
Voting Results:
Hachiman Hikigaya: 39 votes
Without any further discussion, the second round of voting concluded. The first three questions were completed, and only one hour had passed.
With four hours remaining and only two topics left, everyone's tension gradually eased. After all, with two hours allotted per topic, there would still be five discussion opportunities. That should be more than enough time to resolve most issues.
---
Fourth Question, Please Listen to the Question
"For this semester's final written exam, please choose one option:
Increased difficulty
Increased penalties
Reduced rewards"
When this question appeared, many students widened their eyes. It had to be said, the school truly knew how to be irritating. The previous question had already involved the written exam, and now this one directly targeted it again. Moreover, unlike earlier questions, all three options were purely negative.
---
Fourth Topic, First Round of Voting
Increased difficulty: 7 votes
Increased penalties: 18 votes
Reduced rewards: 15 votes
After discussion, most students felt that increased penalties were the most reasonable option. As long as they didn't reach the penalty threshold, there would be no real consequences. Besides, Class B's academic performance had been steadily improving. It was unlikely that anyone would come close to failing the way Sudo once had.
After ten minutes of discussion, the fourth topic quickly reached a consensus. The second round of voting concluded with "increased penalties."
Fourth Question, Second Round of Voting
Increased difficulty: 0 votes
Increased penalties: 40 votes
Reduced rewards: 0 votes
At this point, almost everyone felt that this exam was merely transitional. The voting mainly concerned the rewards and penalties of future exams and the class's long-term development. While important, it didn't seem likely that anyone would be expelled because of it.
Not only the ordinary students felt this way, even Horikita, who always treated exams with utmost seriousness, shared the same thought.
Only Hikigaya remained completely focused.
If he was usually withdrawn, then now he was utterly silent. From the moment the exam began, Chabashira had seemed as though she was praying for something. Meanwhile, the male and female sensei behind him occasionally cast sharp, scrutinizing glances in his direction, as if they were waiting to confirm something that was about to happen.
If this exam really were that simple, then perhaps he was overthinking things. However, the sensation of being watched was unmistakable. He had encountered too many strange gazes in the past, and he could immediately recognize them whenever they were directed at him.
And now, that feeling was only growing stronger.
When the fourth Question ended, Hikigaya seized the opportunity to glance behind him. At that very moment, the male sensei let out a sinister chuckle.
Hikigaya was certain, this unsettling feeling was not merely his imagination.
---
The exam continued, and the class entered a relaxed state. Nearly all the questions were completed within an hour and a half, and they finally arrived at the last question.
When the fifth question appeared, Chabashira's trembling figure and the shocked expressions of the students converged, eventually transforming into anger.
Chabashira couldn't understand it.
Why? Why would a question appear that was even more impossible than anything from ten years ago?
Still, everyone tried their best to suppress their anger. Speaking freely would result in point deductions. They had no choice but to wait for the discussion period.
Or perhaps… they could simply put an end to this absurd farce.
---
Final Question, Please Listen Carefully
"Expel Hikigaya Hachiman and gain 300 class points.
Do you agree or disagree?"
The wording was simple and direct, yet it instantly ignited the class's fury.
If they couldn't truly be called classmates before, then after a year of working together, even if they weren't close friends, something like this was unacceptable. Even if Class B could leapfrog straight into Class A, this would still never be allowed to happen.
Hachiman's importance was undeniable. Through one exam after another, he had already come to possess a unique presence.
Therefore…
Fifth Question, First Round of Voting
Agree: 3 votes
Disagree: 37 votes
How was this possible?!
Chabashira's body trembled uncontrollably as memories of the past surged back like a tide.
She knew exactly what would happen next. A test like this, one that preyed on human nature and self-interest, could only plunge the entire class into chaos.
Even though this was the most unimaginable outcome, three people still voted in favor.
How could this be?!
She struggled to suppress her helplessness and announced the start of the first round of discussion.
Sudo immediately leapt to his feet in a furious rage. It had been a long time since anyone had seen him like this. He couldn't even control the veins bulging across his body; his emotions were clearly spiraling out of control.
"What kind of international joke is this?! How could a topic like this even come up?! The school is obviously targeting us! And those three little people who voted in favor, don't let me find you! You want to make my brother drop out?! I'm telling you, even if it costs me these 300 points, I won't back down an inch!"
Hirata also looked anxious, but he still tried his best to restrain his emotions: "Everyone, I hope you don't fixate on these mere 300 points. This time, Hachiman-kun already shone brilliantly during the cultural festival and earned 30 million personal points for our class. We're only in our first year, and we'll have plenty of opportunities to earn points in the future. Even 1,000 points wouldn't be worth doing something like this. Please think carefully before you act."
Kushida's expression was cold, her tone icy: "While there's still time, I hope the three people who voted in favor will immediately change their votes in the next round. Otherwise, anonymity might protect you, but it won't protect this class."
Ichinose looked somewhat flustered, yet she still tried her best to calm everyone down.: "Yes, yes, I believe some students may have simply clicked the wrong option. Let's talk this through properly. This exam must be testing our unity. And besides, don't you all think Hachiman-kun is capable of handling responsibility…"
"Are you just trying to protect the points? Right, everyone?!"
Karuizawa cut in sharply: "I don't care what you think. Today, just like Sudo, you won't get my approval."
Yukimura spoke next: "I've personally witnessed Hikigaya's abilities. And although I consider myself a fairly realistic person, it's only 300 points. We still have two years left. Please, everyone, think carefully before acting."
"..."
In the final minute of the discussion, Horikita turned to Hikigaya, concern evident on her face.
"Hikigaya, is there anything else you want to say?"
Hikigaya scratched his head awkwardly.
"Uh… well… actually… one of the votes was mine."
"…Huh?"
"Didn't you say we should split the votes? I was thinking…"
Horikita froze, completely dumbfounded.
"You don't need to be so considerate with a topic like this! Are you an idiot?! I wouldn't give up on you for just 300 class points!"
The rest of the class was left speechless. One of the three votes had actually been cast by Hikigaya himself, and his intention was simply to encourage discussion. It was far too kind, far too gentle. Under normal circumstances, anyone would immediately vote against their own expulsion.
Even so, the situation remained grim. With less than four hours left, there were still two votes in favor. Now, all they could do was hope that those two students had accidentally selected the wrong option.
---
Fifth Question, Second Round of Voting
Votes in favor: 2
Votes against: 38
Horikita immediately asked, "I need to confirm, Hikigaya, you voted against it this time, right?"
"Yes," Hachiman replied. "I voted against."
Koenji chuckled lightly.
"Hikigaya boy. Looks like the situation is quite serious."
Ike frowned.:"Was it you, Koenji? You always like going against the majority! Was this your doing?"
Koenji replied leisurely, as if teasing Ike: "Although this exam is anonymous and you're free to vote however you want, I'm not that bored. I can clearly distinguish between 300 class points and something far more valuable than that. Please don't treat me like an idiot."
Ike was momentarily stunned: "Huh? If it's not Koenji… then who is it? And there are still two votes."
Koenji continued with a grin.
"Hachiman boy, how fascinating. This class actually contains people who dislike you. I thought you'd be loved by everyone."
Hikigaya glanced at Koenji, as if trying to glean something from his eyes.
Horikita and the others maintained their persuasive stance, while Karuizawa and Sudo remained unwavering. As for Akira and several others, they had already begun speculating about possible culprits.
Akito spoke up.
"Sotomura, it wouldn't be you, would it? I remember you had a small conflict with Hikigaya, and you always seemed to dislike him. You wouldn't be trying to get revenge, would you?"
Sotomura panicked.
"H-how could that be?! Don't make baseless accusations! From the beginning until now, I haven't gone against the class's decisions."
Indeed, Sotomura was extremely timid. If he was lying, it would have been obvious by now. This only deepened the unease of Ichinose and Horikita, who were always transparent in their actions.
Karuizawa Kei spoke sharply.
"I know this might sound harsh, but I really want to hear the reasons from those who voted in favor. They should at least give a reasonable explanation. They can't be hurting Hachiman like this for their own selfish reasons!"
Her yellow ponytail swayed as she spoke, but the classroom remained silent.
"How… how could this happen…?" Karuizawa murmured.
Sakura then turned to face the class, speaking with the composure she had gained during her year in the student council.
"I know everyone is feeling anxious and conflicted right now. Please don't feel pressured. Just tell us what you're thinking. As long as we communicate properly, there's no problem that can't be solved."
---
Fifth Topic, Third Round of Voting
Votes in favor: 2
Votes against: 38
Hikigaya remained silent.
On the podium, Chabashira's mood plunged to rock bottom. For a brief moment, her vision went dark. Because she had forgotten to announce the discussion period, the two sensei behind her had to call out to her.
"Chabashira-sensei!"
Pulled back to reality, Chabashira forced herself to steady her emotions and turned to the man and woman behind her.
"Zhi-Sensei, Michael-sensei, as the homeroom sensei of Class B, I have the right to give my students a reminder, don't I?"
Michael made a casual gesture, then replied calmly: "As long as it doesn't exceed the authority of the examiner, do as you wish."
Chabashira took a deep breath and recalled the exam from ten years ago, the questions, the choices, the betrayals, and her eventual fall into despair.
"I hope that no matter what choice you make, you remain true to yourselves. Please… don't make a decision that goes against your conscience."
"Chabashira-sensei…" Ye Zhi murmured.
"That's all I have to say," Chabashira replied.
Michael added casually, "Oh, and by the way, a reminder for your students: the protection points from question 3 will have no effect on the expulsion in question 5."
The announcement sent another wave of anxiety through the class.
Even so, Horikita continued trying her best to persuade everyone. She gradually revealed her initial disdain for Hikigaya when they first met, how her opinion changed after witnessing his true abilities, and even the fact that her brother had acknowledged him.
In the end, she openly admitted that she herself had long since accepted him.
Even the stubborn Horikita had acknowledged his abilities, and she had gone this far…
Horikita spoke firmly.
"Now, please raise your hands if you voted in favor."
Every student looked resolute. Not a single hand was raised.
"Then please raise your hands if you voted against."
With a whoosh, almost everyone raised their right hands without hesitation.
Unable to glean any answers from their expressions or words, even Horikita began to waver, unsure of what was really happening.
At that moment, Matsushita, who had remained silent the entire time, finally spoke."If this continues, I'll have no choice but to reveal their names. I remember very clearly who complained about Hikigaya in front of me."
Suddenly, the atmosphere became tense.
Horikita did not react. Kushida did not react. Ichinose and Sakura did not react either, and Karuizawa was completely stunned. However, Hasebe, who had been lingering outside the classroom, reacted immediately. She stepped forward and teamed up with Matsushita.
"That's right," Hasebe said. "Matsushita-san told me. I remember it very clearly. The reason I haven't said anything until now is because I wanted to give everyone more opportunities. But if it reaches the next round… I'll have to say it. After all, I can't just stand by and watch someone abandon their classmates."
Hirata, still seemingly unable to grasp the situation, hurriedly interjected: "Wait… wait a moment. We still have time. I don't agree with this approach. This will only make the atmosphere more tense. It will only escalate the conflict, you understand what I mean, right?" He turned toward the class. "Everyone, please. Those who haven't voted against yet, either share your opinions, or… please cast your dissenting votes!"
---
Fifth Question, Fourth Round of Voting
For: 2 votes
Against: 38 votes
(End of this chapter)