While Ayano was discussing the details of the First Beginner's Test with his classmates and consulting with the teacher Takamine about what they needed to prepare for it, Principal Koreishi and Captain Saga were speaking with the top students of this class who had awakened abilities equal to or exceeding a C-Grade
" You all represent the elite of the school for this year and its future "
" You must prepare for the beginner's test seriously and strive to achieve the highest possible scores, as these will be the first criteria used in your future recruitment, after your ability grade and skils "
" Look here ! "
After Principal Koreishi pointed, several student workers stepped forward and handed each of them a special card
" This is an initial investment for the school and Thunder Fox City in you "
" Students who have awakened a C-Grade ability will receive $10,000 "
" Students who have awakened a B-Grade ability will receive $20,000 "
" And the students who have awakened an A-Grade ability will receive $50,000 "
" Use this money wisely and prepare for the upcoming exam "
" Only after we see your results will we offer you opportunities that may even surpass those offered by prestigious universities and guilds "
" You must understand that from this moment on, you are no longer like your other classmates "
" You and they will live in two different worlds, and what you achieve, what you learn, and what you encounter will be far beyond their imagination "
" As for your relationships with each other, the competition will be fiercer, and you must consider those around you as enemies who may steal your opportunities, positions, and potential wealth that may have originally been meant for you "
After seeing the serious, even fierce, expressions on some of the students' faces, Principal Koreshi smiled inwardly. Realizing his work was complete, he decided to shorten the rest of his speech
" As I said before, for the others, the beginner's test will be just a slightly different exam, but for you, this is your first real battleground, one that will reveal your true worth to the school and the city "
" You may leave now "
From the students' side:
While listening to Principal Korishi's speech, Shibari Soma clutched the $10,000 card he'd been given and grinned fiercely
' Hehehe ! My future will be something Amamiya can't even imagine ! '
Beside him, Ahomaki Aida's expression turned slightly hysterical, and his body trembled a little
' Hehe, I can't wait to see Yukiha's face begging me in the future '
On the other hand, Kakashi Katayama listened to Principal Kureishi's words and pondered them more seriously than anyone else
' Perhaps I should steer clear of Megumi and choose someone on my level ? '
With this thought forming in his mind, Katayama scrutinized the girls in the group
Amamiya Aoi from Class 1, Hatsufuji Shizuku, the Class 3 President, and Ichigo Rika, also from Class 3
' One is hesitant, and the other is above my level '
' Mm, then I'll choose her ! '
In the middle of this group of students, Azuma Yuto stood haughtily, arms folded, listening to Principal Kureishi with his eyes closed
' Hmm ! It seems our already different situations have widened even further ! '
' well, it doesn't matter '
' I'll just offer her the concubine option '
' I'm confident that it's more than she deserves, considering her background and abilities '
Finally, as Principal Koreshi finished speaking, this group of students also left the central courtyard
As they approached the high school entrance, these students, who had been eager to demonstrate their superiority and boast about their newfound abilities, noticed that the courtyard was relatively empty. Their attention was immediately drawn to Ayano, Ms. Takamine, and the other girls
Many people saw Ayano chatting happily with the girls and Ms. Takamine, and their expressions turned angry
' That bastard ! '
' How dare he ? '
Ayano, for his side, noticed the group of students approaching, followed by some teachers and staff, and sighed quietly
" ...Huh~~ "
Teacher Takamine noticed Ayano's sigh, and while the other students were busy staring at the approaching group, she approached him and asked in a low voice
" What's wrong, Ayano ? "
" Oh ! "
" Thank you for asking, Teacher Takamine "
" I'm not suffering from anything, I just feel like troubles has arrived ! "
" Troubles !? What do you mean ? "
" Hehe ! Just watch and see ! "
After gesturing to Teacher Takamine, whose previously smiling expression had turned stern again, to wait, the two watched Soma walk quickly toward the group, then he gestured to Amamiya to come closer to him and spoke to her in a slightly excited tone
" Amamiya ! I've thought about it a lot and realized that your problem isn't as serious as you imagine ! "
' Huh ? My problem ! '
Ignoring Amamiya's confusion, Soma continued
" Don't worry about your abilities. I'll help you, and no one will dare try to take the position of department head from you "
" I can even help you take the position so you won't have to suffer harassment "
" Pfft ! "
As the listeners processed what Soma was saying, Ayano couldn't contain himself and chuckled softly after trying to stifle it, causing everyone who had been paying attention to turn to him, including Soma
" Huh ! What's wrong with you all ? "
Ayano stared at those looking at him and at Soma with a puzzled expression
" Is there something on my face ? "
Soma couldn't find an excuse to start trouble with Ayano, especially after noticing Teacher Takamine next to him. He refocused on Amamiya, who smiled inwardly after seeing Ayano point and wink at her
Amamiya also noticed Teacher Takamine next to Ayano and saw how she smiled encouragingly at her, which immediately caused her previously hesitant expression to disappear and her usual focus to return
' I can't believe that this coward is now eyeing my things, and i almost considered handing them over to him '
For his side, after noticing Amamiya regaining her usual confident expression, Ayano sighed with relief
' One problem solved '
Ayano had extended an invitation to Amamiya, and her position as head of the First Classe would benefit him and his guild. So he certainly wouldn't allow a mere vacillator who had opened his eyes a few minutes earlier to interfere with his plans
Ayano then glanced away and noticed Aida approaching Yukiha
Both were his colleagues in the division, and being a keen observer, Ayano knew perfectly well that Aida harbored feelings for Yukiha and had done everything he could to get closer to her over the past two and a half years
" Come with me, Yukiha ! "
" I know you've awakened a nasty talent "
" This may have been unexpected for you, but don't worry, I'll help you with the test so you can get a good score "
Yukiha's confidence plummeted after hearing Aida's words. She was about to accept his offer, but when she glanced in Ayano's direction, she remembered his earlier conversation, and seeing him gazing at her with confidence and anticipation for what she might achieve, her eyes sparkled with a strange light
Yukiha firmly touched the Card Ayano had given them in her pocket, regaining her composure and quickly shaking off the frustration and negative feelings that had almost overwhelmed her
' Why am I overthinking this matter when it's so simple ? '
" Sorry, Aida ! "
" I've already made arrangements with my friends "
After seeing the group Yukiha was referring to, Aida's eyes lit up, but Yukiha interrupted him before he could speak
" You might want to help them too, but we won't accept your offer "
" You have good potential and a chance to compete for the top spots in the test "
" I won't allow myself or them to hinder you ! "
' Good ! Yukiha handled him well '
' Now for the bigger problem '
Ayano saw Tazaki from his classroom arrive with the Second-Classe Teacher, Mitsuru Fukama
They stood in front of Ms. Takamine and spoke to her while gesturing towards Izumi, their class president
Izumi and her friends noticed what was happening and guessed the topic of conversation. Izumi was disappointed, while Sai and Sanada tried to comfort her
" I'm sorry, Ms. Takamine ! "
" I'll leave now and let you get on with your work ! "
" Thank you for your advices "
Ayano said goodbye to Ms. Takamine, who nodded and gave him a look that couldn't be interpreted by others, but its meaning was clear to him, so he smiled at her
Tazaki and Mitsuru continued their conversation with her, paying no attention to someone they considered a minor character
After Ayano left, he passed Izumi's group and spoke to her directly
" Hey ! Why did you lose motivation so quickly ? "
Izumi was slightly annoyed by Ayano's comment, but knowing he was speaking for her own good, she didn't respond and just stared at him with a slightly cold expression
Ayano understood Izumi's problems and how she was feeling, so he smiled at her
" It's not that I want to provoke you, but you're really thinking the wrong way ! "
" Ms. Takamine supports you and will never force you to give up the position as long as you haven't broken any rules or as long as you still want it. After all, she's the one who nominated you and helped you get it because she believed that you deserved i "
" Look ! "
The girls stared where Ayano had pointed and noticed Tazaki and Teacher Mitsuru leaving angrily
" Teacher Takamine trusts you, so have even more confidence in yourself "
" You deserve this position "
Seeing Izumi's expression improve, Ayano said goodbye to her and her group and quickly left
" See you at the test "
" Goodbye "
On his way out, Ayano noticed that the girls weren't having any trouble and smiled slightly
' Finally, my work for today is over '
Many girls, including Teacher Takamine, watched Ayano's back as he left the school, their minds racing with thoughts
Many students who had nothing to do with any of this watched the scene unfold with astonishment
Meanwhile, Principal Korishi and some of the men and students observed the entire events with mockery and disdain, exchanging glances among themselves
' Stupid fools '
' Hehehe ! '