Chapter 114: While Sakayanagi is Away, Let's Make Class A Lose 1000 Points Together as B, C, and D!
An official notification from the school arrived, its title particularly eye-catching: [Notification Regarding the Addition of a Special Exam to be Conducted on the Cruise Ship].
Hachiman quickly scanned the content.
The gist was that the school had made a temporary decision to add a special exam on the ship, scheduled for three days from now. The specific rules would be announced the day before the exam. All first-year students were required to participate. The results would be directly factored into the Class Evaluation Points, and rewards in Private Points were also designed, with the hope that students would compete vigorously when the time came.
After finishing the notification, Hachiman casually stuffed his phone back into his pocket.
His face remained expressionless, but his mind was racing with calculations. This situation involving a temporary extra notification did not appear in the original story. In the original, it was a surprise attack—a mass message sent to students requiring an immediate exam.
Now, they had gone out of their way to highlight it. It seemed the school truly had expectations based on the results of the previous uninhabited island exam and wanted to reshuffle the first-year class landscape by increasing the difficulty and point values.
"You are strong; we have seen your fighting spirit, so we will give you more opportunities and more stages."
Hachiman felt this was the underlying message the school was conveying. However, since the school chose to grant them more resources, those resources didn't appear out of thin air; the total budget was fixed. Perhaps, if the school continued to favor the first-years, they might cut the budgets of other grades.
While the resources stay within the school, Nagumo-senpai's rule would likely crumble naturally as a result. After all, if he couldn't obtain more points from the school, Nagumo's plan of "whole-year prosperity" to protect his Class A would fall apart.
But what did that have to do with him?
In the gap of his quiet contemplation, Hachiman caught a glimpse out of the corner of his eye. Not far away at a desk, Shiina Hiyori was also holding her phone, her fingertips sliding quickly across the screen.
She had clearly seen the notification.
What made him feel a bit helpless was that after Hiyori finished reading, she didn't look away. Instead, she raised her head and stared straight at him. Her gaze became fixed—a state Hachiman knew well. Sometimes Horikita was like this, and now Hiyori was doing it too. She couldn't be waiting for him to speak first, could she?
Hachiman's lip twitched as he felt internally speechless. This was a mass notification sent by the school; every first-year student received it. It wasn't some secret message sent only to him. Hiyori's way of staring at him without letting go was a bit too cautious. But on second thought, he felt it was only natural.
Because Shiina was someone even Ayanokouji considered to have a similar aura to himself—a female version of Ayanokouji's way of thinking.
Hiyori was meticulous and had exceptional observation skills, as seen from their previous interactions.
She had long deduced that the school had a second exam planned; there just hadn't been clear news until now. After all, if there was only going to be one uninhabited island exam, the school wouldn't have needed to spend so much money arranging a luxury cruise ship to transport students; a regular ship would have sufficed.
This extravagant arrangement was itself suspicious. It was reasonable for Hiyori to sense something was off. She just hadn't expected the school to announce the second exam so quickly, and as a "temporarily added" special exam at that.
A "temporary addition" meant the school had made significant changes based on the results of the just-concluded island exam. It also indicated that the school had increased the difficulty. She likely felt the challenge.
Thinking this, Hachiman slowly walked toward Hiyori's table. He knew that since she was staring at him, she definitely had something to say. Rather than letting her keep staring, it was better to go over proactively to avoid feeling uncomfortable.
Reaching the table, Hachiman didn't stand on ceremony and pulled out a chair to sit down. "Just finished the notification?"
Hiyori nodded gently and placed her phone on the table, folding her hands in front of her. Her posture remained elegant, though her brow held a hint of gravity. She looked at Hachiman, her tone soft but carrying a trace of deliberately crafted grievance.
"Yes, just finished. Hikigaya-kun, you saw it too, right? The school is adding a special exam, three days from now."
Hachiman gave a grunt of affirmation and didn't say more, waiting for her to continue.
After a week of spending time together, he understood Hiyori's character somewhat. She seemed gentle and harmless, always speaking politely, but every word hid a purpose. She never engaged in idle chat for no reason. Of course, there was one exception: when the two of them discussed books, Hiyori definitely didn't consider Class C. But right now, she was hoping to talk for the sake of Class C.
Sure enough, Hiyori paused and continued, "As you know, although our Class C got 350 points in the island exam, all of those points need to be used to pay off the debt. Everyone's living
expenses haven't increased, and on top of that, Ryuen-kun will be collecting points. So, everyone's life will be very difficult moving forward. I didn't expect the school to suddenly add an exam and include the results in the class evaluation. In that case... is there also a possibility of points being deducted?"
As she spoke, she lowered her eyelids slightly, the grievance in her tone deepening, as if she were playing the pity card. "Class C's overall strength is already inferior to Class A and Class B, and I can already see the sparks flying even before this exam has begun. If Class C loses more points in this special exam, I'm afraid we won't have enough to pay back your debt."
Hachiman picked up his self-brought Max Coffee and took a sip. Although he looked at the weak-seeming Shiina Hiyori, his mind was as clear as a mirror.
Hiyori's words sounded dignified, seemingly complaining about the suddenness of the exam and worrying about Class C's situation, but in reality, she was playing the emotional card. She wanted to give him a "preventative shot" in advance so that in the upcoming exam, he wouldn't let Class B target Class C. Ideally, he would provide some covert support to let Class C keep their existing points and successfully clear their debt.
Because he was Class C's creditor. Class C's evaluation points were only 450, and all the private points obtained from 350 of those were used for debt repayment. Therefore, he had to ensure Class C didn't lose more than 100 points, otherwise his own interests would be damaged. This was Hiyori putting in effort before the exam.
However, Hiyori probably didn't know that although he was a transmigrator who knew some of the original plot, this special exam had been modified by the school. Both the point values and the difficulty would increase.
Under the weight of these plot changes, he was essentially a "newbie" too. It was useless for Hiyori to beg him now.
And besides... Hiyori was Class C, and he was Class B. How could there be a reason to keep propping up Class C? Please don't confuse the concepts.
So, Hachiman spoke to reject her after she finished.
"Shiina-san, I understand what you mean. But I am a member of Class B. My primary task is to ensure the interests of Class B. It's impossible for me to keep acting as a bodyguard for Class C. After all, in this school, every class is a rival. I have no obligation to sacrifice Class B's interests for Class C."
Upon hearing this, Hiyori raised her head. A flash of disappointment crossed her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. She looked at Hachiman and asked softly, "Then... if our Class C loses points because of this exam and we really can't pay the debt in the end, what happens?"
Hachiman raised an eyebrow. "Not being able to pay the debt is simple; Ryuen just needs to drop out. If Ryuen drops out, then your debt can be settled at a 50% discount."
Settling at a 50% discount meant they would still have to pay the costs owed to Class D, but Hachiman would directly give up the portion he was supposed to receive. In other words, he wanted Ryuen to drop out! If he could make Ryuen drop out, he was willing to discard those ten-plus million—nearly 20 million—points.
One Ryuen was worth 20 million. He could save the class 20 million. If it were any other Class C student, they might be tempted.
However, hearing this, Hiyori's expression changed instantly.
A flash of panic appeared in her eyes, and she said hurriedly, "No! Absolutely not! If Ryuen-kun drops out, then Class C is truly finished!"
Her tone was much more urgent than before, losing some of her usual elegance. It was clear she was speaking from the heart. Although Ryuen was hot-tempered, acted ruthlessly, and sometimes did impulsive things, it was undeniable that he was the backbone of Class C and the only one capable of contending with the other classes. If Ryuen dropped out, Class C would be like a group of dragons without a leader.
The students were already scattered in spirit; it would only become more chaotic. Never mind rising in rank—whether they could even maintain their current class level would be a question.
And that was a mess she couldn't possibly take over.
Class C required someone to suppress it with violence. Other methods would fail. Because the students of Class C were all sorts of gyarus, delinquents, and street-fighters. Although some had good physical stamina, their personalities were very similar to Class D: selfish, short-sighted, and so on. Only Ryuen could whip them into shape.
"Our Class C cannot be without Ryuen-kun," Hiyori took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. She looked at Hachiman and said with a firm tone, "So, please rest assured, our Class C will definitely pay off the debt."
Looking at her like this, Hachiman snorted inwardly.
'Hmph!!'
He had said that on purpose. Doing so directly blocked Class C's plan to play the victim. Although a debtor is usually the one in power (the "big boss"), he wasn't going to let himself actually have a "big boss" over him.
As Hiyori looked at Hachiman's calmed eyes, she suddenly realized her previous words had been seen through long ago. She had intended to use pity to get him to proactively help Class C, but she hadn't expected to be checkmated in the end, leaving her with no room to even argue.
'Hikigaya-kun is indeed a formidable person.'
But because of that, it felt very helpless.
'Is there really hope for our Class C?'
As long as Hikigaya-kun was around, things for Class C would be incredibly difficult. They simply couldn't beat him.
"However, I can still provide you with a special piece of information, although you likely know it already," Hachiman added.
"Eh?" Hiyori was still in a daze.
Hachiman handed her a small slip of paper.
"This is—" Hiyori looked at the content on the slip; it was a string of numbers. Specifically: 50 x 3 (guessing leaders of ABC) + 6 x 17 + 50 (base points) = 302 points.
"This is the final result of Ayanokouji's plan for Class D during the island exam," Hachiman said.
"Which means—" Hiyori understood.
For this exam, although Hachiman didn't say he would continue to assist Class C, his meaning was clear.
Class D would definitely continue to attack, wanting to climb up.
After all, Ayanokouji-kun was too ambitious.
"If Sakayanagi doesn't participate in the exam, then this time it will be a free-for-all between A, B, C, and D. It's entirely possible for B, C, and D to attack Class A together," Hachiman said. "To completely defeat Class A. This should be our common ambition."
"But," Hachiman paused.
"Meaning... Sakayanagi-san might come?" Hiyori understood the "but" in his words.
"I don't know. But if she doesn't come, then let's make Class A lose 1000 points," Hachiman said.
Is that so? But hearing you say that is still quite terrifying.
Hiyori instantly felt she had been reckless just now. How did she dare? The Hikigaya-kun in front of her was the person who, in the first month, used an open scheme to leave Class C with 0 points. She feared that after defeating Class A, the next person he would go after would be Class C as they gradually gained points.
"Shall we continue reading together?" Hiyori suddenly suggested.
Clearly, she felt that continuing to discuss the special exam now would only lead to a sad answer. It was better to do something that felt happy.
Ahhhhhhh.
"Yeah. I only read two pages just now." Hachiman pulled out the book The Egyptian Cross Mystery again.
So, the two of them continued reading.
The school's exam notification wasn't just sent to Hachiman and Hiyori; it was pushed to all first-year students' phones simultaneously. Students from every class on the ship saw the message at nearly the same time. The cruise ship, which had been relatively calm, was instantly filled with various discussions.
The active rest area for Class B students was no exception.
A girl was the first to run to Ichinose Honami with her phone, her tone filled with urgency and panic. "Ichinose-san! Did you see the school's notification? They're adding a special exam, three days from now!"
Ichinose was sitting on a sofa, also holding her phone with the exam notification on the screen. She looked up, a gentle smile on her face, and responded calmly, "Yes, I've seen it. I noticed it as soon as the notification was pushed."
But this excessive calmness made the surrounding Class B students even more uneasy. Someone couldn't help but speak up, their tone filled with anxiety, "Ichinose-san, this is a temporarily added exam! We don't know the specific rules or anything yet. What should we do now? Should we quickly discuss a strategy?"
Ichinose put down her phone, her gaze slowly sweeping over every student around her. Her tone remained gentle but carried a sense of reassurance. "Everyone, don't worry too much. Regarding this exam, Hikigaya-kun will handle it. He already helped Class B get good results during the island exam. He will surely make the arrangements this time too; we just need to follow his instructions."
As soon as she said this, the surrounding chatter died down by more than half, but some students still showed hesitation.
A girl frowned, her tone conflicted. "But Ichinose-san, relying on Hikigaya-kun for every exam and only following instructions... is that really okay? If this continues long-term, won't we be completely useless, unable to handle exams independently?"
Her words voiced the thoughts of many students.
People around her nodded in agreement, their faces showing worry.
"Yeah, we can't just rely on Hikigaya-kun like this forever. We also want to contribute to the class. But if we never grow, maybe we really won't be of any use in the future and will only become a burden to Hikigaya-kun."
Looking at the conflicted expressions on her classmates' faces, Ichinose understood. Because Class B's funds had surged after the island exam, they even had enough to prevent any student from being expelled, so no one would be leaving the class.
Everyone's sense of security had skyrocketed. But because of this, the desire to work hard, improve, and lighten Hachiman's load had been born.
However, Ichinose's smile faded slightly, and her eyes showed deeper contemplation. Because at this moment, some incredibly cruel thoughts were surfacing in her mind—truths she had captured from Hachiman's inner thoughts combined with her own deductions. The initial class placement at Advanced Nurturing High School was never random.
The school's philosophy was likely to cultivate students according to different traits and then push them into various positions in society in the future.
Class A students were elites with strong self-discipline and outstanding talent; they would become high-level leaders in society in the future.
Her Class B was essentially being trained to be management—those who follow instructions and work together in unity.
They didn't need exceptionally brilliant decision-making skills, but they had to possess enough cohesion and execution power.
As for Class C, they were mostly students with average talent and a lack of self-discipline; they would most likely become ordinary members of society.
And the final Class D—the school's evaluation of them was even lower. They were mostly students with personality flaws who were difficult to manage; if they didn't change in time, it would be hard for them to find a place in society.
This was the hidden, cruelest rule of the school. It was also why it was so difficult for lower classes to rise in rank over many years.
But...
Ichinose's gaze fell back onto her classmates, her tone gradually becoming firm.
"I understand everyone's thoughts. I also know that you aren't seeking individual, flashy growth, but simply want to contribute to the class and help share Hikigaya-kun's burden so all the pressure isn't on him alone."
"Exactly." As the person in the original story who was the first to "rebel" purely for the sake of Class B, Kanzaki spoke up quickly.
"I also want to do something for the class, no matter what it is. But I'm also worried that if things continue like this, I won't be able to do anything well and will eventually become a drag. And Hikigaya-kun is one of us after all; it's too unfair to make him carry the responsibility alone every time."
His words instantly resonated strongly with the other students.
Admittedly, while Ichinose was pondering the cruel truth of the school's class divisions, for the ordinary students of Class B, they never craved individual peak growth.
They just hoped they could slowly improve to truly help Hachiman and make Class B better together with him.
But Ichinose's earlier phrase "leave everything to Hikigaya-kun" seemed to push all the pressure onto Hachiman again, which was too harsh and went against everyone's wish to lighten his load.
Looking at her classmates' serious faces, Ichinose understood their desire to improve.
She also hoped everyone in Class B could grow and not be limited by the "follower" label given by the school at the start. But she knew even better that following instructions and responding steadily was the safest way to ensure everyone graduated and obtained points.
If they blindly pursued personal growth and acted on their own, a loss of points would not only affect the class ranking but also delay everyone's promotion and graduation, ultimately causing Hachiman even more trouble.
She bit her lower lip slightly, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes. At this moment, she suddenly felt that if only Hikigaya-kun were here. Hikigaya-kun could always make the most correct decision at the critical moment and clearly guide everyone forward.
He wasn't like her, always hesitating over such dilemmas, unsure if her own choice was correct.
She had to admit she lacked the talent to be a qualified class representative. She was gentle and kind, and could unify the hearts of the class, but she lacked decisiveness in decision-making and a sense of the "big picture." She was prone to hesitation when facing issues and couldn't see through to the essence of a problem to make the most advantageous choice like Hachiman could.
But the students were still waiting for her response. Ichinose steadied herself and said, "Hikigaya-kun's pressure is indeed very high. Right now, what we can do is not act on our own and not cause trouble. That is the greatest contribution to the class and is also helping him share the load. When the exam is over, we will slowly discuss how to improve ourselves while ensuring the class's interests, so we can truly help him in the future and not let him fight alone anymore, okay?"
Seeing Ichinose's sincere eyes, the unease and guilt in the students' hearts gradually dissipated, and the atmosphere in Class B returned to its usual harmony.
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Unlike the slightly heavy atmosphere of Class B, the atmosphere in Class C was much more casual.
On the cruise ship's deck, the tyrant of Class C, Ryuen Kakeru, was leaning lazily on a sun lounger, wearing a pair of sunglasses and exuding an aura of defiance. The warm sunlight bathed him, casting a long shadow. With one hand on the armrest and the other holding a drink, he looked relaxed, completely unfazed by the sudden exam notification.
Several Class C students hurried onto the deck, phones in hand, their faces showing panic and restraint. Seeing Ryuen's leisurely appearance, they couldn't help but stop and look at each other; no one dared to approach first.
Finally, one male student gritted his teeth and stepped forward, keeping his voice extremely low and cautious. "Ryuen-kun, did you see the school's notification? They're adding a special exam in three days, and the results will be included in the class evaluation points."
Ryuen slowly took off his sunglasses and glanced at them, his eyes filled with disdain. The corner of his mouth curled into a playful arc, and his tone was casual yet remarkably calm.
"I saw it. Just finished."
His calmness made the students even more uneasy. After a long hesitation, someone dared to whisper a follow-up, "But Ryuen-kun, this is a temporarily added exam, and we don't know the rules yet. How should we prepare? After all, Class C still owes Hikigaya-kun a debt. If we lose more points in this exam, we really won't be able to pay it back, and then..."
"And then what?" Ryuen interrupted the student before he could finish. He put his sunglasses back on and leaned back into the sun lounger, his tone lazy.
"Relax, the sky isn't falling. Shiina told me before that she deduced the school would definitely have a second exam. Now it's just confirming her thoughts. What's there to panic about?"
The students were stunned for a moment before realizing Ryuen had been mentally prepared all along. Their panic subsided slightly, but it was replaced by an unspoken anxiety. Someone peeked at Ryuen and then quickly lowered their head, muttering quietly, "But Ryuen-kun, even if we expected it, now that the exam is suddenly here, we still need to prepare in advance. Never mind losing points; if it involves expulsion... then we..."
The student's tone was full of worry, yet he didn't dare show even half a bit of dissatisfaction.
But Ryuen already understood what these "trash" were thinking. They were thinking about how in the previous island exam, Ryuen had managed everything, but the result was only class points and no private points, making them feel there was no profit. And if this exam involved expulsion, they certainly didn't want to be expelled and wanted Ryuen to take the hit?
Truly trash.
"Prepare? Prepare what?" Ryuen sneered, his tone defiant. "The rules haven't even been announced; what's the use of preparing blindly? It's just a waste of effort."
He shook the drink in his hand and continued, "Since the exam is set for three days from now, that means we still have three days to rest. What's the rush?
You don't need to worry blindly, nor are you worthy of worrying blindly.
For these three days, do whatever you usually do. Anyone who dares to disobey will face the consequences.
Also—" He paused. "I'm resting right now. Don't bother me!"
His words carried an unmasked threat. The students didn't dare hesitate for a second; they nodded repeatedly and left quickly. In front of Ryuen, resistance only brought harsher punishment. Feeling angry but not daring to speak was their only choice.
Ryuen comfortably closed his eyes again, leaning against the lounger, continuing to enjoy the sunlight and leisure time. The sun shone on him, looking exceptionally pleasant, but only he knew that beneath the leisurely surface, he was already calculating in his mind.
In this exam, not only did he have to protect Class C's points, but he also had to find an opportunity to pay back the debt!
And of course, there was Ayanokouji from Class D—that guy who made all of Class C's base points invalid and even caused a 50-point deduction! He had marked this grudge!
He might not be able to attack Hikigaya, but could he not attack Ayanokouji?
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