Soon after the brief but unpleasant meeting ended, Saiki Kusuo and the others left the room, leaving Mashima Tomonari alone to sigh.
For the first time, he felt utterly helpless toward certain students.
After leaving, Saiki intended to return to his room to rest. However, noticing his classmates gathering, he reluctantly followed.
The others exchanged information about the upcoming exam. Kushida Kikyō and Horikita Suzune, who arrived later, hadn't joined the group discussion yet. They could only learn the exam details from others.
"Kushida and Horikita will be in the same group since their meeting time and location are identical."
Saiki glanced at them. Horikita sat alone, listening intently, while Kushida looked curious, asking questions about the exam.
Just then, Ayanokōji Kiyotaka approached Saiki and whispered, "Saiki, what's your take on this exam?"
"Karuizawa…"
Saiki almost revealed that Karuizawa Kei was the privileged student but caught himself. The identity hadn't been announced yet, and even Ayanokōji couldn't know.
"Karuizawa?"
"No, I meant our priority is to identify the privileged student. We'll decide our next steps after that…"
Saiki quickly changed the subject.
"We'll know for sure at 8 a.m. tomorrow when the identity is confirmed."
"Right."
Ayanokōji nodded, unable to gain more meaningful information for now.
"Nothing else here. I'll head back to the dorm."
...
The next morning at 8 a.m., Saiki was having breakfast at a café. His phone buzzed with a message:
"You have not been selected as the privileged student. Act as a group member and challenge the exam, starting at 1 p.m. today. The exam will last three days. Group U students, gather in Room U on the second floor."
So the privileged student's identity is confirmed? Saiki thought, hearing nearby thoughts.
"Damn, I'm not the privileged student!"
"I wish I were the privileged student! What a shame!"
"Am I the privileged student?"
Saiki recognized Kushida's voice among them.
Kushida's the privileged student? But she's in another group, so it doesn't affect me.
Saiki finished his coffee and prepared to leave. Just then, he heard another familiar thought. As he stood, the voice's owner appeared before him—Horikita Suzune, with Ayanokōji beside her.
"Saiki, were you leaving because you saw me?" Horikita asked sharply.
"I just finished eating."
"You're free, right? Let's discuss the exam."
Her tone left no room for refusal.
Saiki's here, as expected.
Did she come looking for me? Saiki thought, resigning himself to stay.
"Ayanokōji, you're in the same group as Saiki, right?" Horikita asked, ordering coffee and sitting beside him.
"Yeah."
Ayanokōji sat on the other side, nodding slowly.
"Here's our group list."
Horikita placed her phone in front of them, displaying their group's roster—Group Dragon.
Saiki glanced at it. Horikita and Kushida were paired, as was Hirata Yōsuke. The other members from different classes stood out: Ryūen Kakeru (Class C), Kanzaki Ryūji (Class B), and Katsuragi Kōhei (Class A).
Ryūen and Katsuragi were leaders in their classes, while Kanzaki was Ichinose Honami's deputy in Class B. Group Dragon consisted mainly of class leaders.
"The grouping must follow a pattern—maybe academic ability or overall scores."
Horikita said, "So the privileged student in each group isn't random. It follows a rule. By the way, I'm not the privileged student."
It does follow a rule, but if I tell you it's alphabetical order, you'd be disappointed…
Saiki thought.
I need to ensure Class D members in each group score high. That'll boost our class points further.
Horikita focused on the entire class's progress.
We're just one step from Class A… A little more effort, and we'll reach it!
Her expression turned serious.
We're in Class B now, but the gap with Class A is still significant.
Ayanokōji remained expressionless.
Horikita's probably thinking about elevating the class to A.
You really understand her.
But our class upgraded from D to B in four months—far exceeding my expectations. This class lacks unity, and its leaders need refinement. I calculated we'd reach Class C by next semester, but we're already in B. Saiki's abilities are truly remarkable.
Why involve me? I just want a peaceful high school life.
Saiki thought.
"Who on this list is most dangerous?" Ayanokōji asked.
"Ryūen."
Horikita answered instantly.
"Not Katsuragi?"
"Katsuragi's undoubtedly the most talented, but Ryūen's the one to watch."
She continued,
Ryūen has flaws, but his thinking aligns with mine in some ways. With refinement, he could be a useful tool.
Even someone like him? You see everyone as tools. Are you a school janitor?
Saiki quipped.
"Yo, Suzune! Here so early!"
Ryūen's casual voice came from the side. He appeared with Ibuki Mio.
"I told you not to call me by my first name, Ryūen. And you, Ibuki, stopped pretending to be innocent. Now you're openly working with Ryūen. No need to hide anymore."
Horikita's gaze landed on Ibuki, her tone challenging.
Though no major conflict erupted, Ibuki's role as a Class D spy was known to others.
Ibuki looked annoyed but didn't respond.
Was Horikita the one feeding me false info?
She wondered.
Saiki was Class D's first leader, but he seemed ordinary and unthreatening.
"Still eating with your followers?" Ryūen laughed, glancing at Ayanokōji and Saiki.
Don't include me. I'm the one being followed.
Saiki just wanted to leave.
"The school email came, right? Any of you privileged students?" Ryūen asked.
"Why would I tell you? Would you tell me if I asked?"
"Maybe?"
Ryūen sat down, signaling the conversation would continue.
Saiki noticed Ryūen's thoughts:
Our privileged student is Kushida. Horikita has no idea I know.
How did Ryūen find out so quickly? Did Kushida leak info again?
Saiki thought but didn't speak up.
"During the island exam, how did you manage it?" Ryūen asked, eyeing Horikita.
"I won't answer your questions."
Horikita ignored him, sipping her coffee.
"Ibuki's report says you couldn't design such a strategy."
Ryūen pressed.
Horikita's talented, but her type can't devise such plans. Feeding Ibuki false info isn't her style. It's more like mine.
There must be another mastermind in Class B.
Maybe the one behind the recording incident.
As long as they don't suspect me, it's fine.
Saiki thought.
"I'm not stupid enough to be seen through by someone like you."
Horikita glanced at Ibuki before focusing on her coffee, treating her as insignificant.
I'll punch that arrogant brat!
Ibuki's angry thoughts annoyed Saiki.
"No, there's someone in your class controlling everything. I'm sure of it. The original leader, Saiki Kusuo—you're friends with Sakayanagi. I remember you."
Ryūen studied Saiki but found no clues on his expressionless face.
"If leadership shifted to you, the mastermind must be someone connected to you."
Ryūen turned to Ayanokōji, finding no emotion on his face either.
Ibuki stared intently at Saiki and Ayanokōji.
Two poker faces.
"The most likely suspects are right here."
Horikita emphasized, using the situation to divert suspicion.
They're unlikely. If one were the mastermind, they wouldn't be following Horikita like puppies.
I'm cleared, but that's oddly annoying.
Saiki's eyebrow twitched.
"Let's settle this in the exam."
Ryūen leaned back, preparing to stand.
Saiki secretly used psychokinesis to tilt Ryūen's chair forward. As Ryūen stood, he lost balance and fell.
That feels better.