"How could I possibly know! When I was checking the key card, who kept urging me to give him the key card? Didn't you notice anything unusual when you punched in? Now you're pushing the blame on me. Since you suspect Miyako-san and I conspired, why didn't you kneel down to get the key card back then?"
Classmate Shibata's chest heaved violently.
The string of accusations made Classmate Kanzaki's face darken.
The reason was simple: everything Classmate Shibata said was true. When Classmate Shibata first got the key card, he paused, seemingly intending to check it. It was indeed Classmate Kanzaki who, fearing Amane-san would get ahead, urged Classmate Shibata to throw the key card to him. Later, because he was able to punch in successfully, he didn't have time to look closely, resulting in such an embarrassing blunder.
Seeing Classmate Kanzaki's silence, everyone could guess whose responsibility it was.
But just as Classmate Kanzaki was still trying to find a way to excuse himself, he suddenly remembered something: the key card could only be used by the key card holder of each class and the infiltrator. Members of other classes, no, even other members of the same class, shouldn't be able to use it. In that case, wasn't it the school's responsibility?
"Mashima-sensei, I want to challenge First Year Class B's results again."
Classmate Kanzaki climbed up from the ground, ignoring the bloodstain on the corner of his mouth, and shouted loudly in Mashima-sensei's direction.
"What are you challenging this time? I need to remind Classmate Kanzaki that your recent behavior has violated school regulations, and corresponding penalties will be issued shortly."
At this moment, Classmate Kanzaki's eyes were bloodshot, and he didn't care about any punishment.
"The last punch-in at First Year Class B's stronghold was completed by me. If I mistakenly used First Year Class D's key card, according to school regulations, no one other than the cardholder himself and the infiltrator should be able to use the key card to punch in. Yet I did. Although I bear some responsibility, isn't it true that the loophole in the school's punch-in system caused this blunder? If the punch-in system hadn't allowed me to punch in, First Year Class B wouldn't be in its current situation. Therefore, I request that the last punch-in record be invalidated."
Classmate Kanzaki's argument seemed very reasonable.
But those with keen minds had already noticed something.
Because both Mashima-sensei and Nagumo Miyabi were very calm, as if they had long known Classmate Kanzaki would make such a request.
"Classmate Kanzaki's argument is reasonable. I believe the last punch-in record can be cancelled, and First Year Class B's points will be updated to—"
Classmate Kanzaki's breathing became heavy. Even if only fifty or sixty points remained, as long as there were a few tens of points, First Year Class B could surpass First Year Class A's points and avoid being the bottom-dweller of this special exam.
Just as all First Year Class B students held their breath, waiting for the result.
Mashima-sensei's words plunged them back into the abyss.
"Zero points."
"Why? Why is this happening? If you don't give me a reasonable explanation, I cannot accept this result."
Classmate Kanzaki, disregarding his loss of composure, walked up to Mashima-sensei and confronted him.
"Those strongholds already had punch-in records from other classes last night, so even if the last punch-in is deemed invalid, your stronghold points are still cleared. Furthermore, your infiltrator was guessed by the other three classes simultaneously, deducting all exam points. The final result is zero points. Kanzaki, is there anything else you don't understand?"
Mashima-sensei looked directly at Classmate Kanzaki, and his authoritative gaze made Classmate Kanzaki involuntarily take a few steps back, maintaining a suitable distance.
He now completely understood Mashima-sensei's words. The stronghold had been occupied by someone unknown last night. Amane-san had been confronting everyone from First Year Class B there, her goal being to stall for time.
After the cooldown period ended, she would find an excuse to return the key card to First Year Class B, and even deliberately pretend to want to snatch the key card, making Classmate Kanzaki flustered and rush to punch in without checking the key card.
In other words… even without the last step, First Year Class B's failure was already destined. And the reason Amane-san did this was to make them receive a shameful score of zero points.
"Miyako, you're so ruthless… No, we still have those points from First Year Class A's stronghold."
Classmate Kanzaki suddenly remembered something and looked up at Mashima-sensei again.
"The last occupier of First Year Class A's stronghold was First Year Class C."
Mashima-sensei also didn't intend to continue entangled with Classmate Kanzaki, so he simply disclosed the specific situation.
Immediately, many people turned their gaze to Albert.
"Well done, Albert!"
Ishizaki heavily punched Albert, then looked puzzled.
"Although Albert's performance was excellent, I don't think this is a method you could have come up with, Albert."
Ishizaki's words made many First Year Class C students look at Albert with a hint of suspicion.
If Albert wanted to use this opportunity to gain something, with his combat power surpassing Ryuuen, he might not be unable to do so.
Some quick-witted individuals began to exchange glances privately.
Shiina naturally noticed the undercurrents in First Year Class C. Just as she was about to change the subject, Albert unexpectedly told everyone the reason frankly.
"Amane-san asked me to do it. She said she needed my help with something, and these stronghold points were her payment for the transaction."
Albert's voice was loud, not only Classmate Kanzaki but also Katsuragi heard Albert's statement.
He thought for a moment and finally realized that something was amiss.
Did Hashimoto and those people really dare to set fire to the camp? Even if he had ten times the courage, wouldn't he be afraid of burning people to death? Someone with such audacity... Damn it! He had been played for a fool by Amane!
"Miyako, you bastard!"
Katsuragi's sudden accusation provoked Horikita's displeasure.
"Classmate Katsuragi, I suggest you clean up your language. Amane is also a disciplinary committee member for the school. Being disrespectful to a disciplinary committee member shows you don't take the Student Council seriously. No wonder your application to join was rejected, ultimately benefiting Classmate Sakayanagi."
"You!!!"
Katsuragi was so enraged by Horikita that he pointed at her, speechless for a long time.
His accusation against Amane had merely been a slip of the tongue; he hadn't even thought of her identity as a disciplinary committee member. Now, Horikita was quick to label him, publicly revealing his rejected application to join, and not forgetting to mention Sakayanagi becoming the acting secretary.
Are the guys from Class D all that annoying?
Perhaps Horikita wasn't top-tier in terms of strategy, but when it came to verbal sparring, Horikita's combat power was formidable.
Amane had also experienced another mode, and at that time, she was utterly defeated and in a sorry state.
Amane looked at Katsuragi with some concern. If Katsuragi was hospitalized from anger, who would she ask for the money?
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