CHAPTER 22 - A… Special Exam? Part 2
We brought our desks together, and the five of us gathered to discuss what we'd do to win, at least second place.
It's important that we get to know each other and at least learn our names. After all, for at least a week, we'll be working as a team to earn points. Communication is vital in teamwork, so I need to set aside my loner self for at least a week. To remain the best in the class, I have to earn those positive points, which is why I'm putting in so much effort. I wish I could earn points more easily… Easily, huh?
Betting is the shortcut. First-years don't have the number of points I need, and with this test, I highly doubt they'd risk being considered the worst in their classes. Speaking of other classes, the first year is divided into five classes: A, B, C, D, and E. A school with this point system, where they expel the one with the fewest points, should reward the classes with the most points somehow… Yes, that sounds plausible. I need to get information from second- or third-years… And… Maybe… I think I'm coming up with an idea. I think my parents' genes are kicking in; I just came up with something brilliant.
"S-Saik, are you thinking of a plan?" Sylphie said, somewhat worried about me.
"This is what a genius looks like when planning, huh? Gives me chills," said the burly idiot whose name I forgot.
Sylphie looks much more nervous and shy than before, surrounded by guys. She'll have trouble at first, but she needs to get used to talking to people. I'll make sure none of them try to flirt with her to avoid making her uncomfortable.
For now, I won't allow anything that wastes our time. The priority is figuring out how we'll earn those positive points.
I'll save the plan for the first break.
"First things first, let's introduce ourselves. My name is Saik."
"Mine's Ludius, nice to meet you all."
Of the three unknowns, he seems the most polite and calm. I don't think he'll cause me any trouble or inconvenience.
"My name's Naok!"
I definitely need to keep Sylphie away from him; he seems like the type of guy who doesn't respect personal space.
"I'm Bell."
He's the worst; he seems desperate for female attention. I've caught him staring at Sylphie's chest multiple times. I don't blame him—according to my research, it's normal for teenage boys to be attracted to large breasts—but it makes Sylphie uncomfortable. I'll have a serious talk with him; maybe a beating could… No, I can't use violence anymore… I'll think of something later.
… I got lost in my thoughts for about 10 seconds, but I didn't miss anything important. Sylphie panicked and hasn't spoken; she's just drinking water to calm herself.
Yes, I'm definitely regretting the deal I made with Noel.
She wiped her mouth, took a deep breath, and finally spoke.
"M-My name is… Sylphie."
I knew she was very nervous about being surrounded by guys, but isn't this a bit exaggerated? No, I shouldn't underestimate the control anxiety has over people. It's been a long time since Sylphie spoke to anyone like this; she's not used to it. It'll take her time to overcome her fears.
Don't worry, Sylphie, nothing bad will happen to you; you have my protection. And trust me, my protection is top-notch. Even presidents and millionaires would be jealous of your protection… Literally, if they knew, they would be.
Bell was about to talk to Sylphie, but I spoke first to cut him off.
"Now, let's get started. Since we're likely the worst team, we can't afford to waste time."
Yuki is spying on Ram's team, the best team, at least academically. That information might be useful later.
"So… Do you have any ideas on how to earn points, Saik?" Ludius said.
"Ah… Hmm…"
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. A way to earn points… First-years are novices, while third-years are experts. Betting is allowed… Games of chance and my power… Yes, that could work very well. I just need to find a student with the perfect profile to minimize the risk of failure.
But if that plan fails, I need to think of another way to earn points.
Hmm… Ah… Naok is useful. Sylphie… Ah… No… Hmm… A cute first-year girl… Yes, that could work for an alternative plan to the main one.
Bell and Ludius can help me with the trash.
Plus the points I earn… Yes… It can work.
Two betting plans. The main one, tricking a third-year idiot, and the alternative, using Sylphie's physical charms to catch a student's attention and force him to bet for two prizes: positive points and a kiss from Sylphie. A student like Bell, an idiot. I don't think she'd be comfortable doing that, but I only need her body, not her mind… No… I won't use ghosts on her. I'm a normal student, I'm normal. Ugh, I'll think of a better strategy. I'm still too used to old tactics.
I understand Naok is on the basketball team; he could earn us positive points if he wins. Helping him with that will guarantee points.
… Alright… I think, yes, it's possible that this could work. It'll all depend on the results I get today; I'll make adjustments once I have the information.
"Yes…"
I opened my eyes.
"I have an idea or plan in mind. Naok, you're on the basketball team, right?"
"Yes, in a week we'll have our first official game."
"How many positive points do you think you can earn if you win? Haven't you heard anything about that?"
"I think it depends on the points we score and the points the opponent has."
"And if you win by a large point difference?"
"I heard the most we can earn in positive points is 200 per player."
200 points.
Each correct answer on an exam gives us one point. The entrance exam had 100 questions, divided into: 10 history questions, 10 language and literature, 40 biology, physics, and chemistry, and 40 math. Assuming there'll be an exam for each subject and not combined, and considering there are eight subjects, is it possible to earn up to 800 points in a single partial, out of the three in the semester? That sounds too good to be true, so I doubt it.
But considering the difficulty of the exams and that a correct answer only gives one point, earning 200 points just for winning a basketball game sounds very advantageous. No wonder clubs are so popular at this school.
Yes, it's a good start. It was a good idea to have him on the team.
Ram, you relied too much on grades and didn't consider that there are other qualities, like being good at a sport… And honestly, I didn't consider it either. I just wanted to be with Sylphie and used the others as fillers.
I'll keep this in mind for the future.
"If you get them, that'll give us an advantage."
"But…"
But? Oh, are you a bad player?
"My team isn't that good. We've won training games, but the point difference was very small. I think I could only earn 50 positive points if we win."
If I help them, that number could increase, but helping too much would raise suspicions. I'll need to investigate their performance first.
"Don't worry, as long as you give your all."
Bell, Sylphie, and Naok are the worst in the class, but each can contribute in their own way… Well, not Bell. I still don't know anything about him. And I don't know anything about Ludius. He seems intelligent, but judging by appearances is useless.
"Ludius, how many positive points do you have right now?"
"64 points."
Wow… Better than I thought.
He's not one of the smartest, but he's passable. A completely average guy… I like him. I wish I could be like him.
Putting depressing thoughts aside, how could I use Ludius?
"Ah, I see… Are any of you in a club?"
"I'm in the soccer club," Ludius said.
"I'm not in any club," Bell said.
"N-Nor am I."
I see… Things are coming together… The basketball and soccer teams have games coming up soon.
"Ludius, can you also earn a maximum of 200 points?"
"Yes, though it'd be extremely difficult, almost impossible. I can only promise to earn 50 points, like Naok."
"As long as you try your best, that's fine."
Demanding too much would be counterproductive. A calm person performs better than a stressed one, or so my father used to say.
250 points… No. 400 points if everything goes well.
Ah… Hmm… Wait… The points of the team members added up… Yes… I see… It makes sense.
"Ludius, Naok, we need you to win your games. You focus on training; you won't help with the other tasks."
"Seriously?!"
Naok seems thrilled with that idea, but Ludius looks at me, confused.
While we work hard to gather points, they'll do what they enjoy most. Naok got very excited about it, but I guess Ludius thinks it's unfair to us, which is why he's not smiling; he feels bad.
"Is that really okay? We don't know if we'll actually win."
"It's a risky bet, but I'm very confident everything will turn out fine. I'm so confident that if we don't at least get second place, I'll personally distribute my own points among you."
At my unexpected words, everyone reacted differently. Bell was overjoyed, as I'm basically guaranteeing he'll get points no matter what, lifting a weight off his shoulders. Naok is surprised; I think he didn't expect me to be capable of something like that. Surprised because I'm so confident we'll get second place or because I'm willing to give up my positive points? Probably a bit of both. Ludius looks at me with… distrust? I think he finds it hard to believe I'm so sure we'll get second place with such an inferior team. And Sylphie is worried about me, because giving away almost all my points would put me at risk of expulsion (I'd keep one to avoid being expelled).
"Second place?! You're that confident?!" Bell said loudly.
Ugh, I feel eyes on us. You're jeopardangering my plan. If they follow me, they'll figure out what I'm planning and copy it.
"Ow, ow!"
"Speak quieter, idiot!" Naok said after hitting him on the arm.
"Do you really think we can get second place?" Ludius said.
"I-If Saik says it, it means it's true," Sylphie said.
I didn't expect that from her. Did she set aside her worry and choose to trust me? I admit, that makes me feel good; it shows I project the image of someone worthy of the top student title. One step closer to my goal.
"L-Let's trust him. If we follow his plan, second place isn't impossible," Sylphie said.
Thanks for the support; it saves me a lot of trouble explaining.
"Saik's a genius; I don't doubt he's already planned complicated strategies full of math," Naok said.
Not really; they're full of cheating, taking advantage of human naivety. Ghosts make the job easier, so I can't consider myself a genius for doing something so predictable with my power.
"I can't guarantee first place. Ram has the strongest team, but only academically. I trust your skills. Naok, Ludius, you just train. The rest of us will earn points through community contributions."
"That's right, Saik knows how to win…!"
"No."
I cut him off before he finished that sentence to avoid others bothering me with questions.
"I don't know. If you're referring to the positive points I earned, I'll tell you I don't know, Bell. We'll earn points with the tasks available on the board the teacher mentioned."
"Seriously, you don't know?" Naok said.
"I don't remember doing anything specific."
"… Do you really think we can win, Saik?" Ludius said, still doubting my ability.
And I don't blame him. Without my ghosts, we'd definitely be last no matter what we did.
"Yes, I'm sure. Trust me."
"… Alright… I trust you."
"Me too," Bell said.
"Who wouldn't trust the best first-year?!" Naok said, giving me hard slaps on the back.
"Y-YI trust you, Saik!" Sylphie said, nodding quickly.
Good, I've earned their trust; that'll save me a lot of trouble.
Now, who would be the perfect victim?
•
•
Lunchtime started, and everyone rushed out to the board like wild animals. I wonder if anyone else came up with a plan similar to mine.
Lots of students are running past our classroom. Probably first-years. I don't think second- or third-years have the same test.
Everyone left except my team, who approached me as I was getting ready to leave, but to a different place.
"Saik, let's go!"
"They'll beat us!"
They're worried about getting tasks that guarantee a lot of points, but it's not necessary.
I have two plans. If the main plan fails, I'll use plan 2.
"Bell, Sylphie, don't worry. We don't need to go right now."
"But the best tasks will be taken. What if there are only limited tasks?"
Everyone's gone, and only my team remains. The competition will be tough if everyone's striving for points, but hard work isn't always enough. If they're not willing to take risks to get what they want, they won't survive long in this school.
I'll show them that my methods, though cruel, are effective.
The teacher's still here. I need to take the lead.
"The teacher never mentioned the tasks were limited, did she?"
I turned to her, and she nodded.
"Exactly, I never mentioned it because they're not limited. There are always tasks available, but that doesn't mean we'll always have tasks that guarantee a lot of points."
I see.
We don't need tasks like those; simple ones like picking up trash are enough. It'll distract others from my real plan.
"Thank you for confirming, teacher."
I grabbed my lunches.
"I'm going to check something. Eat something and don't panic."
"Can we come with you?" Ludius said.
"No, I need to go alone."
"Where?" Naok said.
"I'll tell you later."
I won't risk someone outside my team overhearing.
I left the classroom, and Yuki started floating beside me.
The information she gathered was predictable. Ram's team wants to earn points through exams and tasks, and I don't blame her; it's a good idea. It'll depend on the points the board tasks give. Spending an hour of life to earn 10 or 20 points sounds good, but considering 100 positive points can buy a correct answer, I don't think the tasks will give that many points. I think they'll give between 1 and 10, depending on difficulty.
"It's a competition, Saik. They'll take the best tasks. Are you sure about this?"
"Don't worry, Yuki, I have a plan."
•
•
Alright, I'm here. These are the third-year classrooms. My superiors, the ones with more experience. Spending three years in a school that forces you to compete to avoid expulsion must have affected them somehow. An expert against a novice. They'll see me as a herbivore among carnivores, and that's exactly what I want.
I just need to find one who looks lonely, fat, ugly, or with some disability—something that makes them feel inferior to their peers.
Hmm… Everyone's with their friends… Hmm… There's no loner outside or anyone with the characteristics I'm looking for. Outgoing fat or ugly people won't do. Someone without friends, who doesn't enjoy school.
It was so easy in my previous schools to find students being bullied. I don't see anyone here. Is that the biggest difference between a public and a private school?
Ugh, I think I need to dig deeper.
I started looking inside the classrooms.
No… No… No… Nothing… Yes, here's one. Class 3-E.
Third-year class E… If my theory is correct, I'll walk away with first place in my hands. Perfect.
I entered the classroom, and the students inside turned to look at me. Are they annoyed that I came in? They seem irritated by my presence.
"S-Saik, entering without permission is a bit…"
"Don't worry, Yuki."
I stood in front of a student eating alone. Fat, a bit ugly, and reading a book while eating.
He looks lonely… Time for the final test.
"Hey, my name's Saik."
"Hi?"
A lifeless voice, and he looks at me with slight displeasure. I think he's annoyed that I'm interrupting him. Yes, he's not outgoing. He's the person I'm looking for.
I grabbed a chair and sat across from him.
"What are you reading?"
"Leave me alone."
Ignoring me, he kept reading his book. So bitter.
"How cold. I want you to answer some questions. Here, it's a way to pay for your answers."
I handed him one of the lunches.
"First off, I don't know you. I didn't bring you cake just because you're fat; it was a coincidence. I just want some answers."
He put his book down for a moment and looked at me.
"Answers? About what?"
"About the school."
He closed his book. Did I get your attention? If I'm right, you think you can take advantage of me somehow, and that's exactly what I'm looking for.
How can a third-year take advantage of a first-year? What benefits would they get? I'm about to find out.
"You're a first-year?"
"Yes."
He let out a long sigh and crossed his arms.
"Ugh… I guess I can't ask you for points… Fine, I'll take the cake."
He opened the lunch and started eating.
"What do you want to know?" he said with food in his mouth.
"That was too easy, wasn't it, Saik?" Yuki said, suspicious of him.
He didn't play hard to get and accepted quickly. I didn't expect that part. But oh well, let's continue.
"First question…"
Huh? What's this? Someone put their hand on my head.
"Saik, watch out!"
That smile on his face… I see. That's why he accepted so quickly. You think you got a cake for free? You're really pathetic.
"Hey, kids aren't allowed here…"
I stood up and covered his mouth with my hand.
"Shut up."
"Uwaaah!"
I grabbed his arm, pulled hard, kicked his legs, and he fell face-first to the floor. I put my foot on his back. A simple move to take him down, but I don't think it's enough to make him give up. Well, if I stay calm, it'll scare him more.
"I'm not talking to you."
I sat back down.
"Sorry about that. First question…"
"Saik!"
Ah, thanks for the warning, Yuki.
The idiot got up and tried to hit me without warning, but I stopped his fist with my right hand without even turning.
"W-What?" the fat guy said, surprised.
"Incredible, Saik!"
This isn't something normal people do, but if I let these two take advantage of me, my plan will go to waste. Plus, thanks to this guy's interference, a plan C just emerged. Feeding his resentment toward me will be useful if this fat guy doesn't work out.
"This is the second time you've annoyed me."
I started squeezing his fist, digging my fingertips in, and he fell to his knees, starting to cry.
His pained complaints came quickly, but he covered his mouth so no one would hear. Someone who cares about their reputation, huh? Another useful piece of info.
"Will you keep bothering me?"
"N-No…"
I let go and sat back down.
"Well done, Saik! Hahahahaha! Look at him, rubbing his hand! Hahahahaha!"
I sighed as the guy swallowed hard and avoided looking at me directly, out of fear.
"Did you think he'd beat me out of the classroom and you'd get a dessert for free?"
"O-Of course not!"
A coward who tries to take advantage of the situation. Yes, I didn't misjudge you; you're perfect.
The ideal victim.
"Ugh… I'll be brief. Does the class ranking matter? Is class A the best?"
"Yes… I guess you've figured it out. Class A is the best, and E is the worst. There are different benefits for students in each class. Those in A get a scholarship to instantly enter any university they choose without an entrance exam and a guaranteed job. Those in B only get the university scholarship. Those in C get almost the same, just without the scholarship; they get to enter any university. Those in D get a recommendation, but it's not guaranteed they'll get into the university they want. And those in E get nothing."
As I suspected, they're forced to compete for those benefits. This school just got more interesting.
But do millionaires' kids need a scholarship? They must be universities normal people don't know about or something. Secret universities? If secret countries exist, that's possible. Or is it the guaranteed job they're after?
Well, I don't care about the benefits; I'm going to kill myself in the end. I just find it curious that an elite school, so expensive only millionaires can afford it, rewards its best students with a scholarship. There must be something more behind that scholarship.
Though it would also support one of my theories: that millionaires send their kids here to learn humility, or the one I just came up with, that they send them here to learn to be independent, to earn things on their own without relying on their parents.
… Yes, this school is weird, but I'm too lazy to investigate.
"A scholarship for a millionaire? I understand this school less and less," Yuki said, scratching her head.
Ah, I get you.
"Last question. How can you move up to other classes?"
"Of course, it depends on the students' performance. The total positive points of everyone are added up and… Well, I guess you know how they're ranked."
I see. The more points we have, the better our class will be. Sounds too simple but hard to achieve, or so I hope. It'd be disappointing if it were easy.
"Ask how many in his class have survived," Yuki said.
Great question. Let's see how tough it is.
"Sorry, but I have one more question. How many students are in your class?"
"… 9."
"Less than half. Are the special exams that hard?" Yuki said.
Four expelled at the end of the semester. That means five were expelled due to special exams. Only five, and considering there's a special exam every month of the semester except December, that'd give us nine special exams, covering the semesters including September, October, and November. If there's the same number from January to June, that'd be a minimum of 18 special exams, and only five expelled. Interesting.
The fewer students, the fewer points they can earn, since everyone's points are added up, which is why they're in class E.
A class that can keep all its students will have a huge advantage… What a hassle.
Is there a way to move up classes individually? It'd be a pain to have to collaborate with others to move up; that'd force me to socialize, and just thinking about it makes me so lazy.
"Fufu. This school's getting fun," Yuki said, hugging my neck, or at least pretending to.
No, Saik, I know you want to activate her body, but the risk is too high. Resist the urge.
"I see."
"By the way, I should tell you something else. You can also move up a class individually with 25,000 points."
… That's a lot, but it makes sense. A single correct answer gives one point, changing an answer costs 100, but moving up a class costs 250 times more.
That'd be the easiest and most boring path, but I'll save up in case I need it. Maybe my classmates will be useful. Ram's a genius, but she only knows how to work individually, as she showed again with her plan to earn points mainly through exams, tasks, and class participation. She didn't focus on the board tasks because she knows her performance there would be mediocre.
I hope Saoto knows what he's doing; the most popular guy in class should know how to work in a team.
Putting that aside, it's time to take action.
The guy keeps rubbing his hand from the lingering pain, and his gaze is full of resentment and frustration. The fat guy's scared of me but is someone who takes advantage of situations without thinking too much.
The stage is set; it's time to do it.
"Thanks for the info… By the way…"
I took out my phone and opened the points app.
"I have 198 points."
"Hmmph! Cough, cough!"
He choked on the cake he was chewing. Are that many points for a first-year a big deal? Is it uncommon to do what I'm about to do? Or does no one dare risk their stay at this school? I need to take note of that.
… Gross. He spat the piece of cake onto the table.
"You should chew better."
"A-Are you really a first-year?"
"Don't change the subject. If I bet all my points and lose, I'll be expelled. I have a question. If you beat me, do you get extra points for expelling me?"
Yes, it's working. I can feel everyone's eyes on me, full of interest and ambition. The carnivores are about to pounce on the herbivore.
The setting is perfect for what I've planned. Not bad for an idiot who only knows how to fight.
"The class… We'll all get 1,000 points if we manage to expel someone from another class."
That many? Wow. They're tempting students to take risks to expel others.
This just keeps getting better. Earning 9,000 points for expelling a first-year student. They definitely won't want to miss this opportunity.
"If that's true, first-years will be in danger if second- and third-years want to bet with them," Yuki said.
They can't force us to bet, but I don't doubt there'll be some idiot who wants to get ahead of their classmates and bet. And that idiot is me.
"I see… I'll bet 198 points on a simple game of rock, paper, scissors."
"Uwaaah! What?!" Yuki shouted, trying to shake me to snap me out of it.
And as I predicted, the four students in the classroom surrounded us.
The pressure from his peers, plus the chance to earn 9,000 points and become a hero for his class—maybe even move up to class D—will make him unable to refuse. And if he does, subject B can take his place; he's the most excited about expelling me because he hates me the most.
Third-years should have thousands of points, so betting against a student with so few points in a game where luck decides everything is almost impossible to refuse.
They see it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I see it as the perfect chance to take advantage of the situation.
"Accept the bet!"
"Come on, do it!"
"We don't get chances like this every day!"
Wow, I even guessed what they'd say, though it was obvious.
"Idiot, don't do it! At least start with half, not everything!"
Half wouldn't have the same impact as betting everything, with the risk of losing and being expelled. Expelling someone is far more exciting and appealing than just winning a few points, which are almost insignificant to them. Don't worry, Yuki, everything will be fine because I have him. Luck is on my side… Literally.
Surrounded, with his peers' hopes and support resting on him, he stood up and smiled. It's your moment to shine, and you don't want to waste it. I didn't misjudge you.
"Alright, I accept!"
"Wait."
I won't let them trick me.
I started recording an audio on my phone.
"I, Saik, first-year student of class B, agree to bet all my points on a game of rock, paper, scissors."
"I, Rob, third-year student of class E, agree to bet 198 points on the game of rock, paper, scissors."
I stopped the recording. That should be enough.
"Let's start."
We both put our right hands behind our backs.
"The rules are the same, no changes."
"Yes."
Everyone was watching us intensely, expecting a show, while Yuki kept panicking, messing up her hair and stomping.
"All that for nothing! I can't help you in a game of luck, you idiot!"
It won't be necessary; everything's already set.
"Ready?"
"Ready."
"Let someone count."
"One, two… Three!" a girl said.
"I don't want to see!" Yuki said, covering her eyes.
"Rock, paper, scissors."
"Rock, paper, scissors!"
Though we both said the same thing, he shouted it loudly. That wasn't necessary; it annoyed me. Did he do that to distract me? His strategy failed.
But well, the result was what I expected.
My rock beats his scissors, and the number 83 I have drawn on my hand makes my victory over scissors stand out even more.
"Rock beats scissors. I win."
"Damn it!"
"Pay me."
"Yes, don't rush me."
"I almost had a heart attack in my already still, pure maiden heart! Stop betting and let's go!"
But, Yuki, this is just the beginning.
I receive my points. Perfect, I managed to earn the points that would've taken Naok an hour-long game and a lot of effort, and I got them in seconds.
This betting thing will make my stay at this school much easier.
"Thanks. I want to bet all my points again."
"Idiooooot!"
Is Yuki trying to bite my cheek? A cheek bite, huh? Sounds cute. And she looks adorable when she's angry. Parents, seriously, why didn't you give me a younger sibling?
"You'll waste so much money for nothing!"
Is that what bothers you the most?
"And most importantly, my dignity! I cheated for you! I'm no longer a pure girl because of you!"
Don't worry, luck is on my side.
The guy stayed silent, thinking. Is he wondering if the risk is worth it, or did losing scare him?
Since subject A took so long to decide, subject B kicked him, taking his place. How savage. Wasn't it enough to ask him to let you bet?
"I'll bet all your points!"
I took out my phone and started recording a video.
"I accept."
"Ahhhhh! Fine, do whatever you want! I give up!"
It hurts that you don't trust me, Yuki. But it's understandable, considering I'm an idiot who can't answer a single exam question on my own and I'm betting all my points on a game of luck… Yeah, you definitely have plenty of reasons not to trust me.
"Ready?"
"Ready!"
I wonder how many points I'll have by the end.
•
•
Wow, that was easier than I thought. I was lucky to find two students with the perfect profiles. And I already erased the number; I don't need it anymore.
"I always trusted you, Saik! Let's go to the most expensive restaurant in the city to celebrate our victory!"
Only when it suits you, huh? Don't worry, I'm not mad.
As for celebrating… I'll think about it.
"You did great! How did you guess their moves? Did you read their eyes or something?"
"Just luck, I didn't do anything else."
"L-Luck? Just luck?! Don't take such risks! Next time, bet on something where I can help you!"
I made Yuki mad… I feel bad.
I'll buy cards for betting.
"Sorry for worrying you; it won't happen again. I guess I got carried away by the excitement."
"You risked the promise you made to your mother, and I don't want you to fail her. Don't worry, the beautiful Yuki will always help you cheat! Muahahahaha!"
She crossed her arms and started laughing with an evil laugh. So cute. I can't wait to get home and pat her head. Would it sound weird to ask her to bite my cheek? I'm curious to know what it feels like.
"What happened to being pure?"
"Oh, I'm so worried about you that I'm willing to let my evil side consume me to make you happy. I know, I know, I'm awesome; you don't need to kiss my feet. But take responsibility for my sacrifice!"
"Foreign or local feast?"
"A mix of both, please! Thanks!"
It's so easy to please a glutton like Yuki, and since she's a ghost, I can modify her body so an entire feast fits inside her without changing her appearance or making her feel full, with the only downside being that it'll all have to come out eventually.
… A chubby Yuki, eating my food with a smile, asking for seconds… So adorable.
"What are you thinking about?"
"I'm imagining you chubby. You'd look cute."
"Noooooo! Never! I'll always be beautiful and perfect!"
"Do you think chubby women are ugly?"
"N-No, that's not what I meant!"
"I read online that all bodies should be considered beautiful because criticism lowers people's self-esteem, causing anxiety and even depression. Your way of thinking is very rude."
"No, that's not what I was trying to say! I-I'm a good person!"
"And I'm just teasing you. You look adorable when you're worried."
"Ahhhhh! You made me feel bad, you evil jerk! I'll never help you again!"
"What if I buy you whatever you want after school?"
"Do you think I'm easy to please?!"
"With 'whatever you want,' I mean 'whatever you want,' no price limit."
"Well, yes, I'm easy to please! Yuki will always help you, Saik! Oh, what a good person I am, I know, I know."
She hugged my arm, in her own way.
She looks happy, smiling. So cute.
It feels so good to have a little sister. I don't know why people say siblings always fight, or at least that's what I read online. My relationship with Yuki is full of peace and fun. Will she ever get truly mad at me? It hurts to imagine it, so I'll avoid anything that might bother her.
I entered my classroom and met up with Sylphie.
Eating alone, no one else is here… It took me 33 minutes to go and come back, and considering her lunch is almost full, she eats very slowly. Was she waiting for me…? She's relying too much on my company… Ugh, what a hassle.
"Hey, Sylphie."
"H-Hi, Saik."
"Did you go check the available tasks?"
"Yes, but there were a lot of people, so I came back."
"Ah, I figured. I went to get information. The teacher hasn't told us yet, but class A is the best, and E is the worst. I confirmed it with a third-year student."
"W-What?! B-But the teacher hasn't said anything about that… And if it's true, why am I in class B? I should be in E, and you should be in A."
"I think they just mixed everyone up and assigned classes randomly. Maybe next semester they'll assign us different classes, since groups depend on the total points. If we're the class with the most points, we'll be assigned to class A. There are also a lot of benefits, at least for people with limited resources like us."
"L-Like what?"
"Aw, she looks so cute blushing. She wants to keep talking to you. Fufu. I'll leave the lovebirds alone."
Lovebirds? What's that?
Yuki left… Ugh…
"Saik?"
"Sorry, I was recalling something."
I need to avoid staying silent when Yuki talks to me; I'll raise suspicions if I keep doing that.
I told Sylphie what they told me in the other class about the benefits and how to move up.
"That's the main thing. It sounds simple but hard to achieve."
"… Do you think we can make it to class A?"
…
To be honest, I don't care that much. As long as I keep my 100 average, I'll be the best student, no matter what class I'm in. The different classes are just to make students fight for those benefits, but it won't affect grades.
I'll die after graduating, so the benefits don't matter to me.
… But… Sylphie wants a good future. And she has financial problems; she won't be able to afford a good university.
Those eyes she has on me are full of hope. She wants to be better, overcome her problems, improve herself to make her mother and her father's memory proud.
… Yes… I'll help Sylphie get ahead; I promised her father. Being in the best class will help boost her self-esteem… Ugh, what a hassle.
Sylphie, I admire your effort to move forward and be a better version of yourself. That's something I wish I'd done in the past… Your father is proud of you… Meanwhile, I disappointed mine… Ugh…
"… Yes, I'm sure we can reach class A."
I'll make sure of it.
•
•
Free period ended, and I returned to my seat, ready to sleep. I've put in too much effort today; my brain deserves a good rest.
I yawned, and Yuki came back, very excited.
"You're famous now!"
Famous? Why?
"Did you hear what happened? A third-year student was expelled for losing all his points."
"So it's true about the expulsions?"
I see. News spreads fast in this school. I'll keep that in mind.
Yuki started giving me soft pats on the back; I can feel her ghostly hand. It's not the same as her physical hand, but it's relaxing, like a massage.
"There, there, don't cry. You did the right thing, Saik. Don't feel guilty."
Huh? I don't even feel guilty. Is she mocking me…? Considering that smile and wink, yes, she's mocking me.
But yeah, Yuki's being extra adorable today.
The teacher entered the classroom and stood in front of the board with a very serious expression. Bad news?
"Well, I didn't think it'd be so soon. The first weeks of classes are mainly used to get you adapted to our teaching method. In October, we explain the situation better; we're not allowed to talk about it before then. But something important happened today involving a first-year student, so I was given permission to speak."
To speak?
•
•
The teacher explained what I already knew.
Ugh… Damn it, I wasted a cake to get that information, and it was for nothing.
Today's not my lucky day. How ironic.
"Now, about the situation that triggered all this… Today, a first-year student from this class bet against a third-year student from class E… And the first-year won all his points, causing his expulsion."
Everyone started murmuring, and I kept resting.
I already know all this; I don't need to pay attention… Hmm?
I feel Sylphie's eyes on me, and Ludius's too. Oh, wow.
"Teacher, could you tell us who it was?" Ram said.
"That information will be made public, so it doesn't matter… It was Saik."
I can feel almost everyone's eyes on me. I don't need to open my eyes to confirm it.
"Saik bet and managed to expel a student, earning the reward that comes with that action."
"Reward?" Saoto said.
"Get ready for the insults," Yuki said.
Ugh, I know.
"When a student manages to expel someone from another class, all students in the winner's class receive 1,000 points."
"Does that mean each of us will get 1,000 points?!"
"Thanks, Saik!"
"Ten guaranteed answers!"
Ugh, they'll hate me for what's coming… Oh, I don't care.
"Fufu. Poor things," Yuki said, mocking them with that smug expression.
Are you sure you're not evil? I'll love you anyway, don't worry.
"A round of applause for Saik!" Naok shouted, standing up and clapping.
Ugh, seriously, I hope they don't start whining.
"Quiet, I'm not done yet."
"Sorry, teacher, I got too excited," Naok said, sitting down.
"Don't celebrate. Since Saik was the winner, he had the option to distribute those points or use them to buy a protection point. That protection point will prevent his expulsion if he fails a special exam or ends up with the fewest positive points at the end of the semester. He used the points to buy it, so none of you will receive any points."
I can already feel angry glares on me, and before they start complaining, I looked up.
"In my defense, before you get mad, I remind you we're in a special exam. I wasn't going to help the enemy."
I went back to sleep.
"Selfish son of a…! Hmph!"
I guess they covered that girl's mouth.
"With those points, we could've bought ten answers!"
"Idiot!"
"I lost those guaranteed answers!" Naok shouted, worried.
Blah, blah, blah.
Should I care about the others? This is supposed to be a competition. Why are they mad? This was predictable; any of you would've done the same… Except Saoto; he would've chosen the points. A stupid choice, since he could use that protection point to save the student expelled at the end of the semester, but he'd want everyone to be happy, not think about future benefits.
Well, at least I have a protection point. If I fail a bet, I'll avoid expulsion.
"You're officially the most hated in the class. Congratulations…? Oh, I don't think this is worth celebrating," Yuki said.
Ugh, I'll keep sleeping.
•
•
"Saik, wake up, classes are over!"
Huh? It's already 4 p.m.? I really slept a long time.
I yawned.
Wow, that was a good nap. I feel brand new.
I earned positive points, a protection point, Yuki's expressions today were super adorable, and I slept like a baby. I wish every day were like this… But I'm hungry; I haven't eaten… And neither has Yuki… I feel bad for falling asleep and not feeding her, but a feast awaits her tonight; her suffering will be rewarded. I need to make some calls to have food delivered. I won't cook that much on my own.
"You sleep so heavily; Sylphie and Ram tried to wake you, and nothing."
And I woke up right at 4 p.m. What luck… Luck… Is it still active? I erased the number. Residual effects? Ugh, whatever.
I started packing my things, and Ram stood next to me.
"How does it feel to expel someone who was about to graduate?"
"Hmm… At first, I felt satisfaction because that student tried to hit me and was annoying. But then the satisfaction faded, and I didn't care… Yeah, nothing. Why?"
She… smiled and got closer to me. That smile is… adorable? It's a challenging smile, but considering her short height and flat chest, that smile is cute on her.
"You're starting to grow on me."
"Oh, wow… And what do you want me to do with that information?"
"Fufu. You're weird. Annoying, but interesting."
She walked away. That girl's weird, and I'm saying that as a weirdo. What does she want from me? A challenge? A rival? I don't get it.
Sylphie and the rest of the team approached me to congratulate me. I don't feel like they're mad at me. Well, after all, they know I earned positive points. My victory is their victory.
"Saik, did you really manage to expel someone?!"
"Awesome! Tell us everything!"
"Though it's a bit cruel."
"T-The important thing is Saik didn't lose his points… N-Not that I only care about your points; I just don't w-want you to be expelled!" Sylphie said, covering her face after speaking.
That clarification wasn't necessary.
"She looks so cute with a red face…! Though I feel bad for her too," Yuki said.
Yeah, it's pitiful. Ugh…
Naok and Bell, the extroverted idiots. Ludius, the understanding normal guy. And Sylphie, the shy girl… What a weird team I have.
"You could say I got lucky."
"And how did you get that student to bet all his points, Saik?" Naok said.
"When I won his 1,580 points, he was left with 10 points. I bet all my points for those 10, and he took the risk. Unfortunately for him, I won, and he was expelled."
"Y-You're incredible, Saik…! Wait… 1,580?!" Sylphie said, shocked, and the rest of the group turned to look at me, including Ram.
"T-That many?" Bell said.
"And in a single day…" Ludius said.
"Hahahahaha! Simply incredible, bro!" Naok said, putting his arm around my neck.
Does he not know personal space?
"Fufu. Keep talking. We're awesome, I know. The 'Yuki Team' is the best!" Yuki said, puffing out her chest proudly.
Since when are we the 'Yuki Team'? I demand a fairer name, like 'Yuik Team' or 'Saki Team'… Wait, they think I only won 1,580?
"Oh, I forgot to tell you."
I took out my phone and opened the app.
"I bet against everyone; that student was the only one who risked betting everything."
I showed them my phone screen, and Naok started celebrating with Bell, hugging each other.
"We're gonna win!"
"Saik, thank you so much!"
"5,805 points?"
"S-Saik… I-I don't know what to say… Y-You're incredible!"
"Yes, yes, we're awesome, I know. Keep talking, cutie," Yuki said, groping Sylphie's chest.
Yuki's so weird sometimes.
Ram approached me and looked at the screen.
"You… You really…"
She smiled in a strange way. Is she more excited? I can feel her happiness increasing.
… What's with that sudden change? Wasn't she a cold, emotionless girl? I don't understand women.
"You've become an even more exciting challenge."
"Thanks?"
I put my phone away and grabbed my things.
"I gotta go."
I left the classroom, and Sylphie started walking beside me.
"S-Saik, I want to congratulate you for winning, but you shouldn't have taken such a big risk. What if you'd lost? I-It's not worth the risk of expulsion for points."
"If I'd lost, I'd be the one expelled, but I won, and that's all that matters."
"But… Why did you do it? How were you so sure you'd win?"
"I promised you we'd get at least second place, and I'll keep that promise… Though I didn't think I'd win that many points… After all, we might even get first place."
"Saik… In the short time I've known you, I've realized you're truly someone incredible."
"Thanks… I guess."
You've said that several times.
"Saik, I need to talk to you."
Oh, the teacher called me. I hope I didn't get in trouble for defending myself.
"See you tomorrow, Sylphie."
"S-See you tomorrow, Saik."
After saying goodbye to Sylphie, I followed the teacher to the staff room.
Upon entering, I noticed the presence of a certain ghost trying to scare me again.
But this time, it's not alone. There are eight ghosts in total, all with grotesque appearances. A normal person would have a heart attack or be terrified seeing them, but my heart rate stayed steady, and I showed no emotion. Two of them look like my parents, with mangled bodies and disfigured faces, but since it's fake, I didn't care. I was mentally prepared for a situation like this.
"Kya! Gross! Why do they keep bothering us?!"
"Son!"
"My dear son!"
How fake. My parents called me by my name.
Don't worry, Yuki, they won't do anything to us.
"First off, I've already proven I earned the points fairly. I provided evidence. And you can't cheat at rock, paper, scissors."
"That's not what I want to talk about."
She sat at her desk and looked me in the eyes… or tried to.
"I heard you don't know what community contribution you made. Do you really not know?"
"I guess you're referring to the woman I saved when she tried to commit suicide."
"… So you did know… Why didn't you tell anyone?"
"Why would I tell them? I don't think they'd want to wait for someone to attempt suicide to save them."
"You know that's not what I mean."
… It's not?
"What do you mean?"
"The person you saved was the mother of one of your classmates."
"Yes, Sylphie's mother."
"Why didn't you tell her?"
"Why would I tell her?"
"You… You're not trying to make her fall for you? If you tell her you saved her mother, I'm pretty sure she'd fall in love with you."
"… Is love that easy? No wonder there are so many unfaithful couples these days… If you think I'm trying to make Sylphie fall for me, you're wrong. I just want to be her friend. And if she falls for me, I'll reject her. I don't want a girlfriend."
"You don't? I thought it was normal for students your age to want a girlfriend."
… Normal? Is that really normal?
… Seriously?
"And by the way, good deeds aren't done so others see you as a good person; they're done because it's the right thing. If you brag about them, you're just showing you only want others to see you as a good person. True good people do the right thing whether anyone's watching or not."
I felt like laughing at that line.
I only said it to get her to stop asking.
I don't even consider it a good deed. After all, I'm the one responsible for her action.
"Is that all?"
"… Yes, you can leave."
What a weird talk. What was she trying to get from me?
I left the staff room, and Yuki started laughing.
"Hahahahaha! Seriously?! I can't believe she bought that! Saying all that about good people to make her stop asking. You're not such an idiot, Saik! Hahahahaha!"
She doesn't know me completely yet.
"And how long do you think they'll keep following us? It stopped being scary and now it's just pathetic," Yuki said, pretending to hit the ghosts following me.
I can't answer you, but they'll disappear soon. Ghost hunters are always busy; they can't waste time on me.
… They're gone. That was quick.
Alright, let's go home and eat.