Capítulo 31: Chapter 31 - D Losers?
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The fic has been performing well recently,thank you for that.
I hope everyone enjoys the chapter. Powerstones are greatly appreciated, and so are reviews I would really appreciate reviews.
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"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena." ~Theodore Roosevelt
It was natural; every eye in the room was fixed on me with interest. Yet, among all the stares, Ayanokoji's gaze stood out, probably because I now knew his secret.
"Good morning, Ayanokoji," I said, scanning the faces in the Class D group. "Is something the matter?"
"… No, it's nothing."
"Where's Horikita?"
"She had to drop out," Ayanokoji responded calmly.
"I see. I hope she's alright."
Before I could gather more thoughts, Mashima picked up a megaphone, his voice cutting through the students, "Alright, let's get to it. We will now reveal the results of this special examination. In last place, with 90 points, is Class D."
Instantly, whispers erupted to my right. Faces from Class D turned pale with disbelief.
"90? We definitely should've gotten more than that."
"Did we use more points than we thought?"
"How did we get less than Class C? Could they have guessed our leader?" a student said, attracting some attention to me.
I simply smiled at the students in Class D.
Mashima didn't pause, his voice building anticipation, "Next, in third place, is Class A with 120 points."
The shock on Katsuragi's face was priceless. Many of the normally composed students of Class A exchanged confused looks, trying to process the outcome. But seriously, 500 points? How delusional could one be?
But this result was still intriguing. It seemed Class A's leader had been guessed or possibly sold out to another class, likely Class D, given that 90 points was still higher than I expected from them. Still, 120 points is also low for Class A. It seems like the Class A traitors did a lot more than simply sell out their leader.
Mashima's eyes scanned the crowd, the anticipation reaching a high. "Now, in second place, is Class B with 140 points."
Next, a wave of whispers passed through Class B. The students stared at each other, their expressions a mix of confusion and disappointment, although they did not reach the level of Classes A and D.
The tension was finally at its highest as everyone held their breath for the final announcement, interested in Class C's results.
"Finally," Mashima paused for dramatic effect, "in first place, Class C with 184 points."
Silence overtook all the groups of students while all I could do was awkwardly stand in my lane.
"Sensei, how is that possible? Everyone knows Class C did nothing but laze around during this exam. There's no way that's possible!" Totsuka, the cardholder of Class A, said, upset with the result of the exam.
But Mashima didn't even bother to respond to him.
"How did you do it?" Katsuragi asked, breaking the silence.
I looked at him curiously before answering, "I mean, it should be pretty self-explanatory, no? It was originally Ryuen's idea to give up on this exam and just figure out all the class leaders, but I took over his place to make sure the plan was executed perfectly. While my class was on the cruise ship, I was able to focus on occupying spots on the island for additional points—150 points for guessing leaders and 34 for occupying different spots."
Before Katsuragi could say anything, Ichinose responded with a smile, "Congrats on your victory, Yagami. You make that all sound easy, but I'm sure it was difficult managing things in your class and traveling around the island."
"Thank you, but it was something anyone could've done, really. Most of the credit should go to Ryuen, Ibuki, and Kaneda," I responded.
"I think you're being modest. If it were so simple, you wouldn't have had to stay on the island. But I'm curious: do you mind telling us the leaders of every class? It doesn't seem like the school has any intentions to elaborate on the results of the exam. It's much easier to ask you than to ask around in other classes," Ichinose said.
"That's not a problem, Ichinose. Well, to start off, the cardholder of your class was Chihiro Shiranami. Class A's cardholder was Yahiko Totsuka. My class's cardholder was me, as I alluded to, and Class D's cardholder was Suzune Horikita," I explained, and Ichinose nodded.
But Katsuragi responded to my explanation, "That can't be right. I should've definitely finished with more points if you are correct," he said, looking at me and then at the teachers on the stand.
"I told you to redo your calculations, Katsuragi. Even if you're arguing, you should've finished with 50 more points; a second ago, you were arguing; you should've had 500 points by the end of this exam. Where is the rest of the 300+ point differential?"
"Are you mocking me?" Katsuragi responded, clearly annoyed.
"Of course not. I'm just pointing out the facts, and the facts say that you likely aren't nearly as smart as you believe yourself to be. I don't mean that with any disrespect, but it's just to say don't overestimate yourself," I responded, earning glares from Katsuragi and some of his followers.
"The exam results have been double-checked. We can 100% guarantee the results' accuracy. If you are confused about your result, do some self-reflection," Mashima responded.
"I don't know about Class D, but Yagami definitely got Class B's cardholder correct," Ichinose said, addressing Katsuragi, likely in hopes of lightening the mood.
Then Kushida spoke up next, "Same goes here. Our cardholder was Suzune Horikita."
Hearing them, Katsuragi simply nodded his head. It seemed he would be thinking about the results of this exam for a while. And it also seemed, as expected, Ayanokoji didn't inform his class of the leader swap.
I'll do you the small favor of not bothering you by revealing your identity as the cardholder of your class for entertaining me, even if it was for a short moment.
Katsuragi soon spoke to me, "Yagami, don't think I'll forget this, and I hope you also remember what you said here today because if I ever get the chance to compete against you personally, I'll definitely make you eat your words."
"I welcome a challenge, Katsuragi, but if that time ever comes, I'll expect you to back your confidence with more than just mere words."
And just like that, a trap had been set for Katsuragi in the future. He wasn't an aggressive figure in terms of how he goes about his actions for his class or his personality. No, on the other hand, he was very defensive, and that is something I could take advantage of in the future. Being a leader of Class A, I would certainly have to face him in the future, after all.
"Final thing, with this exam, Class C has now been promoted to Class B, so congratulations, Class C. The class rankings are now as follows: Class A is in first place with 1124 points, Class C is in second with 813 class points, Class B is in third place with 803 class points, and Class D is in fourth with 90 class points. Good job to those who performed well in this exam, but remember, don't get complacent. All it takes is one mistake to lose everything you've built up as of now."
The exam was over, so we promptly got off the island and headed to the ship. And to no surprise, the second I embarked, I had someone waiting for me.
"We need to talk," Ryuen said.
***
It was a random room on the cruise ship with no cameras, and I doubted anyone would randomly walk by here. It was just me, Ryuen, and Albert. But I was confident I could get out of this situation unscathed. Worst case scenario, I doubted Albert would actually harm me. No, Ryuen brought him for intimidation.
"What's the problem, Ryuen?" I asked.
"Cut the crap. I know what you did."
I sighed at his words. "If it means anything, I really do regret my actions. It's just… we needed to win this."
Ryuen remained silent, grabbing a nearby chair and sitting on it.
"Fine. You're lucky I've had some time to cool down, so I'll hear you out," Ryuen said.
"Then I'll explain quickly. I'm sure you can fill in the holes. Class D knew you were the cardholder of Class C. They also knew and took advantage of the leader-switching rules in the exam. If you continued the exam as a cardholder, Class D likely could've ended up with nearly 200 class points, and Class C would've ended up with zero," I explained.
"And when you refer to 'they,' I assume you mean the shadow master of Class D? Horikita herself isn't smart enough to be this analytical and think this far ahead."
"That's right."
Hearing me speak, Ryuen clenched his fist. "So they were trying to make a laughing stock out of me? That pisses me off. And what pisses me off more is that I don't know the damn identity of the one pulling Horikita's strings."
Ryuen looked up at me. "But you do, don't you? You figured it all out, or else you wouldn't have achieved our optimal score on this exam. Who is it?"
"Do you really want me to say? I prefer not to. And plus, I've had my bouts with them. Don't you want to challenge them directly yourself?" I responded, knowing Ryuen's character. He sees himself as superior to everyone else in this school, unbeatable. I didn't think he'd let down a chance to challenge Class D's true leader like this.
"Hmm, I guess that does sound like fun. Fine, I'll pull that little rat out of his hiding spot," Ryuen said with a smirk. "Fine, Yagami, you've bought yourself another day of life," Ryuen said, standing up. "I wouldn't normally say this, but working with you these last couple of months hasn't been bad, so thank you, I guess…" he said. But right before leaving with Albert, he added something, "Ah, you should visit Shiina. She's been depressed ever since she got here. But well, I'm out."
With that done, I began to head to my room on the cruise ship to shower and change out of this tracksuit.
After three minutes passed, Ryuk whispered to me, "Light, someone is following us. They recently began, but they're pretty good at it."
I slightly nodded my head, acknowledging Ryuk's words, and redirected my destination to the top deck of the ship.
Quickly, I walked up the nearest staircase to me. Following that, I entered one of the lounging areas and took another staircase up to the highest accessible level of the cruise ship. After waiting a couple of seconds, I took action.
"You can come out now. There's no one here but us," I said, looking at the view of the ocean and island from the top deck.
"Was I that obvious?" a bored voice said from behind me.
"No, on the contrary, you're quite impressive," I responded.
Ayanokoji walked next to me and looked over the railing I was currently holding onto. "The view is nice," he said.
"It is. Maybe you following me was a good thing, or else we may have both missed this."
"…"
Silence was all I received in response. Actually, all we did was stand in silence for multiple minutes.
For most, it would be overbearing, awkward, or annoying.
But neither one of us seemed the slightest bit bothered.
"Does anyone else know?" Ayanokoji finally asked.
"About your deep involvement in Class D? No, only I do. Although, I'll give you a warning: Ryuen will be hunting you down soon, and he can be quite relentless."
"I see. I'd prefer to keep things that way. I'd assume you are the true mastermind of Class C then," Ayanokoji responded, showing no care about his possible Ryuen situation.
"Sadly, I can only gain so much control in Class C with the hand I've been dealt."
"Is that so? I assume Ryuen does play a big role in your class, and I've heard he's quite forceful."
"He is, sadly. I am not capable of fighting back against him, but to be honest, I'm not interested in doing so anyway. I'm not a believer in violence. Plus, I do think while most of Ryuen's actions are rooted in some selfish reasons, he does mean some good."
"Is that so? You seem to be close with him," Ayanokoji responded.
"I wouldn't say that. I've gotten to know him, I guess, but that's all."
"I understand. Well, I'll handle him."
"Well, I'll give you another friendly warning. Do whatever you want, but Ryuen won't accept an indirect loss, and he can also be quite persistent. Taking control of our class, he lost many times to Albert Yamada, but he kept coming to attack him constantly—at lunch, in the bathroom, on the staircase, on the street, even at his own home. Ryuen would come and wait. Their fight wasn't over until Ryuen won. Such a thing can result in high levels of anxiety and stress, as you can imagine, never knowing when you'll be in danger next. Unless you can do something about this attitude of his, he will continue looking for you. Even if you beat him, it won't mean he is done with you. Good luck," I explained, hoping that I could get Ayanokoji to help me take Ryuen down a peg or two. He hasn't been too much of a problem so far, but he could use some "character development."
"I could see how that could make him a nuisance. Well, I'll take that into account," Ayanokoji responded.
"Well, if you need any help with him or with anything else, let me know. I will see what I can do for you," I responded.
It was a strange experience calmly conversing with Ayanokoji. He seemed uncaring, relaxed. It's strange. These things in themselves weren't strange, but could I act like this if one of my plans were completely undermined? No, why am I doubting myself? I definitely could, but inside, I'd be seething. I'm curious: what do you feel right now, Ayanokoji? Are you truly uncaring, or is there something more?
Do you simply not accept this as a loss because you're handicapped, given you are limited to supporting your class from the shadows?
That can't be. Even in that situation, one would feel something. Even if I were somehow outwitted while handicapped, I would be frustrated. It makes me wonder what's going on in his mind right now. Why is he so calm? No, is he really calm to begin with?
The only thing I could think of is that he truly hasn't felt like he has lost. Whether or not you win battles doesn't matter if you can't come out victorious in the war.
That must be it, the mentality of someone who feels their success is a natural outcome of their actions, a kind of ingrained "I haven't lost" mentality. But to think those words and truly believe them are two different things. It takes an enormous amount of confidence, competency, and, most importantly, adaptability.
I should keep my guard up, then. It seems like this likely won't be the last battle I will have with Ayanokoji or Class D.
Soon, the loudspeakers of the cruise ship rang aloud, and a female voice could be heard.
"Congratulations to all students for their success and accomplishments during the Deserted Island special exam. Now that you've arrived back on deck make sure to relax and enjoy the free commodities allotted to you."
Ayanokoji and I looked at each other as the voice stopped but promptly continued.
"We understand all students just want to relax now, but we have deemed it necessary to inform all students of the next special exam you will be participating in soon: the High Stakes Gamble Special Exam."
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I'm excited about the next arc, which is original (as in, I'm not basing it on any source material). I hope you guys are, too.
Give me your thoughts on everything so far, and let me know if you like the change; I never really liked the zodiac exam, and Light himself would find it too easy so I'm excited for this.
Oh, and thank you, everyone, for giving Powerstones. The stories are at a high we haven't reached in a while in terms of reach. If you could keep giving Powerstones, I'd really appreciate it!
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MilkywayAndromeda
MilkywayAndromeda Creation is hard, cheer me up!
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