Honami Ichinose was undeniably intelligent.
Though momentarily stunned by the school's generosity of 100,000 points, she quickly realized that Hoshinomiya-sensei's evasion was itself an answer.
It meant there were indeed hidden rules, unknown to the new students. And if those rules were worth 2 million points, their importance was undeniable.
So, Honami decided to contribute in her own way.
— "Hashima-kun, wait a moment."
That was exactly what Hikaru was waiting for.
— "Oh? Does Ichinose-san find my words questionable?"
— "No, I fully trust your judgment. If there are truly secret rules in this school, then these 2 million points should be collected by the entire class."
— "I completely agree. That's my opinion as well."
Hikaru nodded. Gathering 2 million points meant each student in class 1-B would have to contribute half of their freshly acquired 100,000 points. No small feat.
This was the perfect moment for Honami to take center stage. If she had managed to integrate so quickly, she would know how to influence her classmates' decisions.
— "In that case, Hashima-kun, could you share your analysis with us?"
Honami scanned the class, drawing everyone's attention.
— "I'm sure with convincing arguments, we'll succeed in gathering the necessary points."
— "Thank you for your trust," he said with a slight smile.
"Let's start with what we all know: this school boasts a 100% success rate in exams and employment. That means its graduates are exceptional. If the school imposed intense training and strict discipline, these results would be understandable."
— "Yet, as Hoshinomiya-sensei said, the school is filled with entertainment venues and generously distributes 100,000 points as pocket money each month."
— "If I were the administration, how would I ensure students study instead of slacking off?"
— "100,000 points represent considerable purchasing power."
Honami understood immediately. After all, they were just teenagers. Only a handful would resist such temptations.
— "Moreover, the school is entirely enclosed. We'll live together here for three years. Even the most disciplined would eventually be influenced by seeing others fully enjoy their school life."
As he spoke, Hikaru observed his classmates' reactions. They all seemed absorbed by this new perspective. Exactly the intended effect.
— "If students give in to pleasures, how does the school maintain its impeccable success rate?"
In a clear, firm voice, he delivered his conclusion:
— "This proves there's a hidden rule, unknown to us, influencing everything behind the scenes. A rule that defies all logic and guarantees unchanging results."
A heavy silence fell over class 1-B.
On the podium, Hoshinomiya no longer hid her satisfaction. She, who thought class 1-B was just a group of substitutes with no real potential, had just discovered a student capable of uncovering the school's secrets on the very first day.
A first in the school's ten-year history.
And this student was in her class. The next three years promised to be exciting.
— "So, Hashima-kun, are you ready to pay in points?"
— "I'm waiting for everyone to be convinced. I can't decide for others to sacrifice half their points."
Saying this, Hikaru gave Honami a meaningful look. Though it was their first day together, she felt an odd trust in him—after all, being a handsome guy had its advantages.
— "After Hashima-kun's analysis, you must realize this school is more complex than it seems. After all, nothing falls from the sky without reason."
Honami stood up:
— "50,000 points is a lot, but if these rules influence our future, then it's a wise investment."
— "Better to know them now, right?"
Facing lingering hesitations, Honami played her trump card:
— "If some are reluctant to participate, consider it a loan I'll repay from the next installment!"
"Anyway, we're supposed to receive 100,000 points per month, right? I'm sure you won't even spend 40,000." Hashima added nonchalantly.
The effect was immediate.
— "I trust Ichinose-san! I'm in!"
— "Me too! It's only 50,000 points, we'll get more."
— "True, the remaining 50,000 will be more than enough for a month."
Under Honami's leadership, every student in class 1-B contributed half their points. The 2 million were gathered in the blink of an eye.
— "Thank you for your efforts, Ichinose-san."
Hikaru, impressed by her boldness, whispered to Honami.
— "You've united class 1-B. Congratulations..."
— "Thank you... even if I think you took the biggest step, Hashima-kun."
Hikaru turned his attention back to the podium.
Once the 2 million points were transferred, Hoshinomiya finally revealed the truth.
Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School was indeed a school where only merit mattered. Its success statistics were authentic.
But only students in Class A could benefit from them. The others would receive diplomas from another institution.
The S System had deeper rules:
Each class had an evaluation score convertible into personal points (1 point = 100 personal points), credited monthly.
Most importantly, class assignments were not random. Class 1-A had the top performers, while Class 1-D had the lowest.
The school encouraged fierce competition. Special exams would allow students to climb the rankings. Even Class 1-D could reach Class 1-A.
Conversely, rule violations would result in point deductions.
Finally, personal points were an omnipotent currency. With enough points (20 million), one could even avoid expulsion or change classes.
Class 1-B remained stunned into silence.
The good news: they weren't the worst.
The bad news: the competition would be far more ruthless than in an ordinary high school.
As silence reigned, Hikaru suddenly stood up:
— "Sensei, will these special exams include physical tests?"
— "Of course. The school aims for overall excellence. Sports are essential."
— "Thank you."
As he sat back down, his expression darkened. His 3 endurance points on the system interface burned in his eyes.
A major handicap in physical competition.
*I need to improve this ASAP.*
He opened the [System Shop]. The [Physical Booster (30 days)] cost 100,000 points.
His gaze fell on Honami. This selfless, responsible girl was the ideal target to increase his endurance.
*Let's do it. Full investment!*
[Purchase Ichinose Honami's shares?]
[Purchase confirmed: 5,000 shares.]
He had 50,000 points left.
Two notifications appeared:
[Secret rules revealed: +30 affection points. Current: 40]
[Class cooperation: +10 points. Current: 50]
Hikaru contemplated his shares. At 50 points each, selling them would yield 250,000 system points.
His gaze at Honami changed instantly.
Was she a pretty girl?
No. This baby girl was a gold mine equivalent to Bitcoin!