"The s system continuously evaluates every student across multiple dimensions, including academics, intelligence, judgment, athletic ability, and even teamwork. Its external manifestation is the 'class points' and 'personal points' that we talk about every day."
"You should now understand that the so-called '100% employment and university admission' is not actually for everyone; the prerequisite is to graduate from Class A." Natsukawa emphasized, "All the benefits promised by the school are only for Class A graduates. Other classes are merely participants, or rather, stepping stones on Class A's path to promotion."
Ichinose and Kanzaki held their breath. Although they had suspected as much, being exposed so directly still sent a chill down their spines.
"And now, the first month of school is the 'first' special exam under the s system." Natsukawa continued, "All four classes initially have 1000 class points. The school's assessment is to let each class 'grow freely' for a month, with no one allowed to actively reveal the existence of this exam. During this period, any violation of school rules or hidden assessment standards will result in corresponding class point deductions."
He took out an ordinary notebook and pushed it towards Ichinose: "I've recorded here the general assessment content I've deduced through observation and reasoning. This includes classroom discipline, tardiness and early departures, public conduct, and even forum posts, which might all be monitored. While it's impossible to cover everything, eighty to ninety percent of the deduction points should be in here."
Ichinose eagerly flipped open the notebook. It clearly listed various behaviors that could lead to point deductions. The more she read, the more shocked she became. Many small things they took for granted or even ignored in their daily lives could actually be grounds for deductions!
"Then... how do we get into Class A?" Kanzaki asked the most crucial question.
"There are two ways." Natsukawa held up two fingers, "First, achieve excellent results in major exams, and the school will reward a small number of class points. Second, and most importantly, is through'special exams' like this one. In each special exam, class points will fluctuate dramatically based on each class's performance, potentially granting huge class point rewards. As long as your accumulated class points exceed those of the current Class A, you will become the new Class A."
At this point, Natsukawa pulled out his laptop from his canvas bag and opened it. The screen lit up, displaying a complex code interface and some data charts.
"Words alone are not enough; this is part of the evidence for my conclusions." His finger slid across the touchpad, bringing up a data analysis interface. "I've captured and analyzed the posting data and frequency of numerous second-year seniors' accounts on the school forum."
He first displayed data for several accounts marked as "2nd Year Class A (Suspected)": "Look, these accounts maintain a low and stable posting frequency, both on weekdays and weekends, showing extremely strong self-discipline."
Next, he brought up another set of data: a line graph of the posting records of several "2nd Year Class D (Suspected)" accounts during their first year.
"The key is here." Natsukawa pointed to a significant change node on the chart. "This is their data from the first month of their first year. You can see that during class hours, which I've highlighted in red, there are clear peaks in forum posting frequency, indicating someone was using their terminals in class. But—"
His finger swept across the chart, pointing to the data area after one month: "From the second month onward, the posting frequency of these accounts during the red-marked class hours sharply decreased, almost approaching zero."
Natsukawa looked up, his gaze sweeping over the astonished Ichinose and Kanzaki: "Data doesn't lie. This collective, regular shift in behavior patterns has only one reasonable explanation—they were punished for illegally using terminals in class, and thus learned to follow the rules. This is one of the irrefutable proofs of the s system's invisible hand. As for other, more in-depth evidence, it involves my personal matters and is inconvenient to display."
For a moment, the room fell into a deathly silence.
Ichinose Honami's heart was in turmoil. She looked at the cold but highly persuasive data on the screen, then at the calm, unperturbed boy in front of her, and an indescribable shock surged through her. This was more than just a million-point piece of information; it was practically a chance for Class B to be reborn! If Natsukawa hadn't approached her, Class B's class points would have been heavily deducted a month later, potentially creating a huge gap with Class A! The value of this information simply could not be measured by one million personal points!
Kanzaki Ryuji's shock was even deeper. He stared intently at the data charts on the screen, then at Natsukawa, his eyes filled with disbelief. This ability to infer the operating rules of a vast system from small clues, like looking through a tube, was simply monstrous insight! He considered himself to have keen observational skills, but in front of Natsukawa's ability to turn information into a sharp blade, striking directly at the core, he felt like a primitive man holding a wooden stick. This Class D student's terrifying nature far exceeded his imagination.
And Teacher Majima, who had been standing silently by, was also far from calm. His gaze, sharp behind his glasses, scrutinized Natsukawa. To have figured out the truth of the s system and the first month of school in just one week after the start of school—if even the Chairman hadn't revealed it to his own daughter, Arisu, he would have suspected that someone had already told him the answers. Such meticulous thinking, such advanced information technology skills, such shrewd negotiation tactics... How could a student with such capabilities be in Class D? Was there a mistake in the class placement system, or did this student named Natsukawa Sosuke hide an even deeper secret? Regardless, he realized that Class A, which he managed, would likely face an extremely formidable opponent in the future. However, his professional ethics as Class teacher of Class A made him suppress all distracting thoughts—reveal it to Class A? Absolutely not. This game had to be played fairly.
Teacher Majima cleared his throat softly, breaking the silence: "The contract has been fulfilled. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
His departure seemed to take away the last trace of tension in the room. The sun was still bright, but in Ichinose and Kanzaki's eyes, the school's sky had transformed from a false azure to a real color, full of opportunities and challenges.
Natsukawa closed his laptop and gently pushed the paper notebook towards Ichinose.
"The transaction is complete. I wish you... good fortune in battle."
"Oh, by the way, since our transaction went so smoothly, here's a bonus piece of information: remember to prepare your swimsuits for summer, and watch more Bear Grylls."
Ichinose was momentarily stunned by this nonsensical information. The first part was understandable, but what did the latter mean? Could they possibly be doing island survival at school? Nevertheless, she firmly remembered Natsukawa's words. After giving Natsukawa a sweet smile, she picked up the notebook from the table and quietly left with Kanzaki Ryuji.
At this moment, only Natsukawa, still with his calm expression, remained in the meeting room.