October arrived, and a cool autumn breeze swept across the school grounds.
The excitent of the sports festival had completely faded, and inside the enormous gymnasium of Advanced Nurturing High School, students from every grade had gathered together under a solemn atmosphere.
Today was the day of the Student Council Transition Ceremony, where the third-year student council mbers would retire and hand leadership over to the new council.
At the center of the stage stood the forr student council president, Manabu Horikita, beside the newly appointed president, Miyabi Nagumo.
"—As of today, the third-year officers will step down from managing the student council. From here on, Advanced Nurturing High School will be led by the new administration centered around President Nagumo."
Manabu's short speech carried overwhelming authority.
The gymnasium erupted into applause.
(Manabu-senpai… Tachibana-senpai… thank you for all your hard work…)
From the edge of the stage where the officers sat, I quietly watched their backs and offered my appreciation inwardly.
Then Nagumo stepped up to the microphone, wearing his usual fearless grin as he looked over the student body.
"My na is Miyabi Nagumo from Class 2-A, the new student council president. The disciplined school Horikita-senpai built was certainly admirable. But… I intend to change the current state of this school."
A murmur spread through the gym.
"True ritocracy. A school where those with ability are properly recognized and can climb to the top. That is the ideal I seek. From now on, I'll make this school far more interesting—with my thods."
It was a speech perfectly suited to Nagumo: provocative, overflowing with confidence in his own power.
The second-year students aligned with him broke into enthusiastic cheers.
Afterward ca the introduction of the new council officers.
Kiriyama from Class 2-B would be promoted to vice president.
The other vice president would remain —Sosuke Aizen of Class 1-A.
Likewise, Honami Ichinose would continue as secretary.
And newly joining the council as secretaries were two second-year boys from Class 2-A: Tonokawa and Mizowaki.
(…Sigh. So it turned out like this after all.)
As I watched the two new mbers bow on stage, I sighed inwardly.
(Nagumo stuffed two of his own lackeys into the student council. Now the entire council is practically filled with his faction. And honestly… Tonokawa and Mizowaki? They're so forgettable I can't even tell which one is which. Whatever. I'll just register them in my brain as "Mob A" and "Mob B.")
---
After School — The New Student Council
The first student council eting under the new administration was wrapped in a strangely awkward atmosphere.
"Um, Tonokawa-senpai, Mizowaki-senpai… these docunt formats are organized in this file here…"
"Ohh, I see. So we just copy this over there?"
"Yes, exactly! Also, regarding the club application forms…"
At one corner desk, Ichinose—a first-year—was painstakingly teaching the two newly appointed second-years how to do secretary work.
Normally, seniors should be the ones teaching juniors.
But the two had entered the council solely because they were Nagumo's yes-n, aning they had absolutely no practical experience.
anwhile, Nagumo lounged arrogantly at the president's desk, occasionally glancing at while grinning maliciously.
(Ugh, what a pain!)
While reviewing paperwork at my desk, I internally groaned.
(He keeps smirking at like he's so proud of himself. He's obviously trying to say, "See, Aizen? Aside from Ichinose, everyone here belongs to my faction." Is he really trying that hard to isolate ? This guy's supposed to be incredibly capable at manipulating people, so why does he act like such a petty villain specifically around ? Does he just want attention?)
Ignoring Nagumo's irritating gaze completely, I continued calmly handling my work without expression.
And thus, the new student council under Miyabi Nagumo began—with an incredibly annoying atmosphere hanging over it.
---
Several Days Later — Mid October
During horoom in Class A, Chie Hoshinomiya announced the rules for the next special exam, scheduled for early December.
"Okay everyone, pay attention! The next final exam isn't just an ordinary test. It's called the Paper Shuffle! This exam can dramatically change class points, so make sure you rember the rules!"
The rules written on the blackboard and explained by Hoshinomiya were extrely complicated—and harsh.
[Paper Shuffle — Exam Rules]
> The test consists of 8 subjects. Each subject contains 50 questions worth 100 points total.
> Each class will create exam questions for another class to solve (attack), while simultaneously solving questions created by another class (defense).
> Attack: Compare your class's average score against the target class's average. The winning class steals 50 class points from the loser.
> Defense: Compare your class's average against the class that targeted you. The winner steals 50 class points.
> Classes may choose which class to target beforehand. However, if multiple classes target the sa class, selection will be determined by lottery.
> If a class fails to create questions before the deadline, the school will provide an extrely easy test instead.
> Students must form pairs of two within their class and take the exam together.
> Pair assignnts will be determined by the school based on results from a pre-exam quiz (100 questions, middle school level).
> If a pair scores 60 points or lower in even one subject, both students are expelled.
> If the pair's overall score falls below the school's border line, both students are expelled.
> Every year, this exam results in at least one or two pairs being expelled.
"Also, since Class A has 41 students and Class C has 39, there'll naturally be one student left without a partner, right? That student will be selected randomly based on the quiz results, but don't worry—the failing standards will be halved for solo students. So do your best not to get expelled!"
Despite Hoshinomiya's casual tone, the classroom atmosphere beca heavy.
This was a survival exam that combined direct competition between classes with the terrifying penalty of expulsion.
As I reviewed the rules ntally, I calmly realized just how unfavorable this exam was.
(I see. Unlike the island or cruise ship exams, this isn't sothing that can be overturned by one individual's brilliance or improvisation. This exam purely asures the academic strength of the entire class. And when it cos to academics… Sakayanagi's Class B is clearly superior based on past test averages. Even if I score perfect marks in every subject, this is decided by class averages. One person alone can't carry the entire class. …This is going to be an extrely difficult battle.)
---
After School — Strategy eting
Later, in my dorm room, the intellectual core of Class A gathered for a strategy eting:
Ichinose, Kanzaki, and Hiyori.
"Here everyone, I brewed so tea. There are madeleines as snacks too."
"Thank you, Hiyori-chan! It slls amazing."
Hiyori elegantly arranged the teacups.
After taking a sip of tea, Ichinose's expression turned serious.
"About the Paper Shuffle… I think the key point is definitely the pre-exam quiz that determines the pairs."
"Yes… The invisible cards distributed beforehand shall determine the fated pairings."
Kanzaki crossed his arms and agreed with a slightly more stylish tone than usual.
(Kanzaki… he's becoming more chuuni…)
I set down my teacup and spoke quietly.
"—A ga without punishnt is rely a prelude for arranging the board. To bind heaven and earth together, forging chains that support the fools… that is the quiz's true purpose."
Hiyori smiled softly and translated as usual.
"He ans, 'There's no expulsion penalty during the quiz. Therefore, the school will probably pair top students with weaker students to balance them out.'"
"Yeah! I think so too!"
Ichinose's face brightened.
"If they pair strong students with weak ones, one can cover for the other and help them pass the border line. I agree with Aizen-kun's theory. But…"
Her expression darkened slightly.
"Our class has 41 students now because Hiyori-chan joined us. That ans soone will end up alone, and we don't know who."
"That's true. If a weaker student gets chosen as the solo participant, there won't be anyone to cover for them…"
Hiyori nodded worriedly.
"The only solution is to hold study sessions and raise the overall academic level of the class. …The bigger issue is which class we should attack."
Kanzaki steered the conversation forward.
"In terms of total points, our Class A has the advantage because we have more students. But this exam is decided by average scores. Which ans… against Sakayanagi's academically specialized Class B, victory will be difficult. If we could crush Class B here, the point gap would beco huge. Aizen, what do you think?"
After a brief mont of thought, I answered quietly.
"—The beasts covered in mud will tear into one another within their cramped cages. anwhile, the white queen who smiles elegantly shall bare her fangs directly at our throats. …As past records show, her pieces are slightly heavier than ours."
"Umm…? aning…?"
Ichinose blinked blankly while Kanzaki closed his eyes and desperately tried to interpret my words.
Only Hiyori giggled softly.
"He ans, 'Ryuen's Class C and Horikita-san's Class D will probably target each other. And given Sakayanagi-san's aggressive personality, Class B will definitely target us, Class A. Based on previous exam results, a straightforward academic battle may be difficult.'"
"Ahh… I see."
Kanzaki nodded in relief.
"Hmm… Yeah. If it's purely academics, we really are at a disadvantage against Class B right now."
Ichinose thought for a mont before raising her head firmly.
"…But that's exactly why I want to challenge Class B."
"Why? Even if it likely goes to lottery in the end, wouldn't it be safer to target Class C or D instead?"
Kanzaki asked calmly.
Ichinose answered with unwavering eyes.
"Sure, if we only care about winning, that's the best option. But if we only pick battles we can easily win, the class itself won't truly grow. Even if we stayed in Class A thanks only to Aizen-kun's strategies and strength, it would be aningless if everyone else didn't improve too. So even if it's disadvantageous, by challenging Sakayanagi-san's class, maybe we can raise everyone's sense of crisis and improve the entire class academically."
Kanzaki deeply considered her words.
"…I see. Instead of chasing easy victories, you want to build the foundation necessary for us to beco truly strong. You may be right."
"Fufu. I agree with Honami-chan too. There's much more to gain when everyone overcos a difficult obstacle together."
Hiyori smiled gently.
(Ooooh! As expected of Ichinose! She's not focused on short-term wins, but on the growth of the entire class. Truly the ideal leader!)
While I applauded internally, Ichinose looked apologetic.
"Sorry, Aizen-kun. You thought so hard for our sake, and now I'm dragging everyone into my selfish decision…"
I quietly shook my head and smiled gracefully.
"—There is no need for apology. What fledglings require to soar the skies is not food handed to them, but wings strong enough to face the storm themselves. …I shall walk alongside the path you choose to lead."
Hiyori translated warmly.
"He says, 'You don't need to apologize. I think your idea of challenging Class B for everyone's growth is wonderful. I'll support it with everything I have.'"
"Aizen-kun… Hiyori-chan… thank you!"
Ichinose's voice brightened instantly, and Kanzaki nodded firmly.
Outside the window, the world continued growing colder as autumn deepened.
Yet inside this room, filled with the rich aroma of tea, there was only quiet passion for the coming battle—and the promising signs of their growth.
The new special exam—
Paper Shuffle—
had quietly begun to move.
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