A quiet space is unexpectedly not bad.
Without worrying about the surroundings, one can fully immerse oneself in what they want to do.
Do you have such a space too?
For example, your own room where hardly anyone comes and you can do what you want in your true state.
The students in this school live in dormitories, so they must be experiencing that feeling to a great extent.
I also feel dominated by that feeling when I'm in the dormitory.
The dormitory itself is not bad either. However, there is a place I want to recommend.
The library.
It is a space used by everyone, but since people generally don't talk, it can be considered a quiet space.
Here, you can borrow and return books or read them on the spot, but some students use this place for other purposes.
Especially students who utilize it as a place to study are not few.
The library in this school is quite spacious, and desks are available in various places, so if you look around a bit, you can easily find students studying.
That's how good this place is. You can spend time while relaxing.
I learned about this quiet space from Shiina-san.
I wasn't expecting much when she forcefully took me here, but by discovering this place, the outcome became overwhelmingly positive.
I am somewhat grateful to her for that.
Actually, I only expressed my gratitude because it was the appropriate timing to do so, but I think it would be good to understand such emotions eventually.
By the way, Shiina-san was truly a literature-loving girl. Perhaps she also possesses the talent of a Super High School Level Literary Girl.
Or maybe she is even more deserving of that title.
The Super High School Level Literary Girl I saw in the documents before was not unworthy either.
However, she has an issue with her dual personality.
Well, Shiina-san also has a drastic difference between her on and off states, so it's like a dual personality...
Since both aspects have the talent of a Super High School Level Literary Girl, let's conclude it that way.
Now, let's get back to the present.
I am currently in the library.
It's the exam period, so it feels like there are more people than usual.
Therefore, the situation where I can have relaxation time is slightly disturbed.
However, this time I'm not alone, so I didn't come here to relax.
Now, before explaining the current situation, there is something I want to ask you, who I haven't talked to in a while.
Why do you think I am holding a study group in the library?
Well, I can already predict your answer, so there's no need to respond.
Who cares, idiot. That's probably how it goes.
Well then, let's explain it.
To understand that, we have to go back a bit, so please bear with me.
***
Two days ago, I surrendered to Ryuen-kun's command.
I thought my school life would be boring, but it might become somewhat more colorful.
I'm hoping for something unknown. He showed me possibilities.
By the way, even though I beat him up, he forgave me quite easily.
In return, he told me to produce results in the future.
So, my free time after school will gradually diminish.
And he, as someone who has taken command, won't hesitate to give orders.
I wonder if he can handle me... I have high expectations for his abilities.
While pondering about such things, the chime rings.
It seems someone has come to my room.
Currently, it's after school, and I've returned home to enjoy my own time.
It's the first time someone has come directly to my room.
I don't know who it is, but I wonder what they want.
I go to the entrance and open the door.
There stood a familiar guy and his companions.
"What do you want? Ryuen-kun."
In front of the entrance were Ryuen Kakeru, the king of Class C, and his lively friends: Ishizaki-kun, Yamada-kun, and Ibuki-san.
"Hey, Kamukura, lend us your room. This is an order. You don't have the right to refuse."
Certainly, I predicted that he wouldn't hesitate to give orders to someone who has surrendered.
However, isn't that a bit too pushy?
***
"Oh... no furniture."
"...It's exactly as it was when I first entered. Didn't you think about changing it even a little? Also, I'm thirsty."
"Hey, Ishizaki, find a desk. I'll look for the bed."
"Got it!"
Currently, there are five people in my room, including myself.
Does this make me someone who is popular and surrounded by friends?
Answer: Impossible.
These people who enter someone else's room so brazenly and demand tea are definitely not contributing to a fulfilling social life.
What's going on? Are they some kind of barbarians? And Ryuen-kun, why are you immediately searching under the bed after entering someone else's room? Why are you clicking your tongue?
Ishizaki-kun, what's with the "it's not here!" expression? Why do you look so frustrated?
And Ibuki-san, why are you rummaging through the fridge without permission? "Can I have a paper cup?" Well, there's none.
Yamada-kun... Ah, you haven't done anything, have you? It's good to see someone with common sense. In fact, you're impressive, with your shoes neatly aligned. And you even took care of Ishizaki-kun's and Ryuen-kun's shoes too.
It seems he has a big heart. Even among these unreasonable people, there is someone who possesses common sense.
You shouldn't judge people solely based on appearances.
"Albert, quickly go buy paper cups. And also some snacks and drinks."
"Hey boss!!"
Ah, my one and only conscience...
"...What's the meaning of this, Ryuen-kun, without any explanation? And please put everything back as it was."
"Hey, Kamukura, don't you have any cushions? I can't sit without them."
"...Then sit on the bed."
Chaos. It's pure chaos.
"Well, wait a moment. Let's wait for Albert to come back. Besides, you can already guess, right?"
"Well... I suppose."
The discussion is probably, no, most likely, about the change in the test scope for the midterms that was announced in today's HR after school.
The test scope that was announced three weeks before the exam suddenly changed two weeks ago.
It's unfair. But for those who are not good at studying, it's honestly not a big deal. They probably haven't studied yet anyway.
On the other hand, for those who diligently studied every day, it must have been unbearable.
Even if a boycott were to happen, it would be somewhat understandable.
"But did you have a reason to come to my room?"
"I could have used my room or Ishizaki's, but I don't want to because they're messy."
Ryuen-kun looks at Ibuki-san. I see, it's easy to guess her straightforward answer.
"Hmph. Do you think I want to go to a dirty place? Albert seemed surprisingly neat, but he refused. I also didn't want four guys in my room. So, that makes you the suitable one. You're serious and your room seems tidy."
It's a response befitting her. And it's understandable that Ryuen-kun and Ishizaki-kun seem to struggle with keeping things organized.
"Kukuku, well, that's how it is. But seriously, this room has absolutely nothing. Not even any erotic books."
"Those things are a waste of points."
"Oh? So, are you using that device to search for erotic videos? Kukuku, isn't it a bit naive not to be cautious about the devices provided by the school? Your predictions aren't that great, huh?"
"In that case, did you buy books?... No, did you make someone buy them for you?"
I look at Ishizaki-kun who is nearby. He had a rather awkward expression. It seems he didn't want that to be known.
"Kukuku, since the beginning of this school, I've been researching entertainment extensively. This school is cautious, but they are lenient when it comes to students' discipline. It's the same with the dorms. If they were selling alcohol, they would have condoms too. And even erotic books and AVs. Well, the places where you can buy them are limited... I haven't found a hotel yet. But I have identified some places without surveillance cameras. Would you like me to introduce them?"
What is he talking about?
Most likely, besides researching about points since the school started, he has been spending his time on these kinds of things. It's just too detailed.
Ibuki-san, sitting on the bed, has eyes as if she's examining trash.
Truly, he never fails to exceed expectations in various ways.
"...So, you intended to use the presence of erotic books in my room as a weakness?"
"Well, you're under my command now. As long as you don't betray me, I won't do such a thing. But I wonder if even you couldn't handle having your sexual preferences exposed?"
"I don't have any sexual preferences."
"Well... It's something that tends to make people want to lie. But by hiding it like that, it makes me think that your preferences might actually be quite unusual."
He seems unlikely to believe whatever I say, so it doesn't really matter anymore.
Well, talking about such vulgar things is a low method in a way, but I learned that using this method can help build a somewhat amicable relationship with people of the same sex.
"Indeed, I'm curious about your preferences when it comes to girls, Kamukura-san."
"Ishizaki, that's a rather good opinion coming from you. I'm also curious."
"Preferences?..."
Since that day, Ishizaki-kun's way of addressing and talking to me has changed. It's similar to how he talks to Ryuen-kun, so he must consider us equals.
But still, preferences regarding women? Unfortunately, I haven't thought about it.
However, even if unnecessary emotions, hobbies, thoughts, and so on have been removed, the instinct of a human being, such as sexual desire, has not been completely eliminated.
Some degree of instinct remains, so it is possible to think about it...
"It's too vague to make a judgment."
"Then let me ask... Well... "
As Ryuen-kun is pondering, the sound of the door opening interrupts.
"Boss, bought it."
"Ah, good work. Well, let's talk about serious matters since you came here for that."
Ryuen-kun instructs Ishizaki-kun and Yamada-kun, who have brought snacks and drinks.
Honestly, I thought this joke would be dragged on, but it seems they can switch topics quickly.
"It's obvious what this is about, it's regarding the midterms. First of all, let me make it clear that I don't intend to fail in C Class this time."
"Hmm, surprising. I thought you would say it's the responsibility of those who fail."
Ibuki-san is right. He's the type of person who can casually discard his pawns. So it doesn't matter to him even if someone can't become one of his pawns.
"Normally, I would discard the riff-raff, but the problem lies after discarding them. The change in class points (CP) due to the students dropping out. I believe a significant portion of the points will be taken away."
It's risky for him to experiment by causing students to drop out. He's not the kind of fool who would gamble on such things right from the start.
"Sakagami said that there is always a way for everyone to overcome this. There should be some technique or trick apart from the straightforward method."
"If it succeeds, will the CP increase?"
"Probably. But I have no intention of increasing the CP."
"Why not? Are there any drawbacks if the points increase?"
The other two, aside from Ibuki-san, seem to be thinking the same thing. They're looking at Ryuen-kun, waiting for his next words.
"In short, I'm just observing for now. I plan to crush all the classes eventually, but it's too early. It would be troublesome to attract hate at this point. There are still things I want to try."
Things he wants to try. Ibuki-san was about to retort, but he seems unwilling to explain and brushes it off vaguely.
"Also, we don't have enough information. We don't know what kind of opponents we're facing and what means they have. It's not wise to reveal ourselves without knowing that. Well, it would be interesting to turn the tables from there, but..."
I agree with what he's saying. However, there is a flaw. It's based on the assumption that the trick will be found.
If we assume that the trick cannot be found, Ryuen-kun might find it entertaining, but other students who are pushed into a corner would no longer have the luxury of composure and would likely revolt.
"...Can you find the trick?"
"Of course. That's why you're here. Even if I can't find it, you should. The reverse is also true."
I see. He seems to have a lot of confidence in me.
Indeed, if Ryuen-kun and I can't find the trick together, it would mean that the only option left is to study seriously and prepare for the actual exams.
However, that would mean there would be no class changes. Class A would remain as Class A, and Class D would remain as Class D.
Considering that, there must be a trick. Moreover, there are likely multiple tricks.
Considering the way Ryuen-kun mentioned Sakagami-sensei and the school's policies, it can be said that it's almost certain.
"So, that's the plan for Class C this time. By the way... the school sure knows how to make things complicated."
"I really wish they'd give us a break..."
The guy who bemoans it is the one who ranked last in the small test.
"Ishizaki, you were the lowest in test before. It's true that you're the one closest to being expelled in Class C."
"Can't you put it more delicately, Ibuki..."
Certainly, except for Ishizaki-kun, there is almost no possibility of anyone else here being expelled. Ibuki-san and Yamada-kun scored reasonably well in the previous test.
There's no need to worry too much.
"Kamukura, I believe you understand, but I need you to work the hardest this time. Tomorrow, I'll gather those who are at risk of failing and send them to you. Don't let them drop out; you can even hold study sessions."
"If we find the trick, wouldn't that be unnecessary?"
"C Class is my nation. I won't abandon those who come along, and I need to show those idiots in the class that we have people like that."
In short, he wants to increase the number of obedient pawns. It's troublesome, isn't it? Well, I don't have the power to refuse.
"During the remaining spare time, I want you to search for the trick and gather information about other classes. Although you don't need to put too much effort into finding the trick, there is one method to conquer this situation. So, while collecting information, take care of those idiots."
"...Understood. Frankly, it's boring."
"Well, don't say that. It's still the preliminary stage. Endure it until then."
"...The phrase 'endure' doesn't suit you."
Ibuki-san and Ishizaki-kun also nod in agreement.
"I am aware. Now, let me give instructions to everyone other than Kamukura. Ibuki, you will also gather information on your own, but prioritize the test. You don't need to put too much effort into it. Ishizaki, you will learn from Kamukura. Albert, you will follow me. It will be more efficient that way."
"...Understood."
"I hate studying..."
"Hey, boss."
***
And that's how I ended up being forced to hold study sessions. It's boring, but it's his instruction, so I have no choice.
"You look gloomy, Kamukura-kun."
"...Please don't mind it, Shiina-san. My face naturally looks like this."
Since it was more efficient to have two people teaching instead of just one, I asked Shiina-san, who seemed to have some free time, to help me. Even though she wasn't interested in the class struggle, she didn't want our classmates to drop out, so she lent a hand.
The venue is the library, and we hold these study sessions during lunch breaks and after school, for the fifth or sixth time now. There are seven people, including me and Shiina-san, studying here. The ones gathered here are the students at risk of dropping out.
However, Ibuki-san is also here for some reason. I thought she wouldn't be particularly worried, but she said she was acting as a supervisor, so I have to accept it. So, in reality, there are only four people in danger.
Actually, I've noticed it multiple times, but I'm not needed here. The current situation is that it's only Ibuki-san being popular, and I'm left teaching her. Especially Ishizaki-kun, do you want to be taught by a girl? I'll tell that to Ryuen-kun.
And Yamawaki-kun and his friends are the same. They have their eyes set on him too much. It's true that his teaching skills are excellent, and he's a handsome boy, so it can't be helped. But I'm human too. Don't you feel sorry for me?
"Kamukura? Are you okay?"
"...Yes, I'm fine. But let's take a break for now."
I conveyed that intention to Ibuki-san and Shiina-san, and we entered the break time.
After finishing conveying that, I left the library for a moment.
Where are you going? Just to pick some flowers.
When studying, taking regular breaks is essential. In studying, it's not about quantity, but quality. So, one way to improve the quality is by taking breaks. Studying for three hours with one or two breaks in between is more efficient than studying continuously for three hours.
I remember seeing a research paper about this at some university.
Well, everyone has their own way of studying, so I don't intend to impose anything.
However, since I'm the one holding the study sessions, I'll teach in my own way. That's why I plan to get Ibuki-san's score to a perfect score. She's not dumb, and she's quite efficient, so it's rewarding to teach her. Well, she has some difficulties in her personality, though...
...Then, shall we go pick some flowers?
***
After returning from picking flowers, I found Yamawaki-kun being grabbed by the collar by a tough-looking redhead student who seemed like a troublemaker.
I want to ask what happened while I wasn't there. Ishizaki-kun should have intervened, but why is he just sitting there?
Judging from the surrounding attitudes and atmosphere, it's clear that the redhead, who I'll refer to as Akagami-kun, is about to throw a punch.
The top priority is to stop him.
Using my talent as the Super High School Level Assassin, I move as quietly as possible, masking my presence and footsteps, getting as close as possible in the shortest amount of time.
I made it just in time. If I were a few seconds late, Yamawaki-kun's face would have turned into an unbearable expression.
Now, let's defuse the situation.
"What do you think you're doing?"
The surrounding gazes are painful, so could you please answer quickly, Yamawaki-kun?
Yamawaki-kun doesn't attempt to answer. Instead, he looks at me with frightened eyes.
How dull...!
Suddenly, Akagami-kun starts moving, slightly surprising me.
He releases Yamawaki-kun and immediately brushes my hand away, stepping back.
He moves quite well. However, it doesn't matter. I'm talking to Yamawaki-kun, not him.
I don't have time to deal with you.
"I'm asking you what you're doing, Yamawaki-kun. Well, I can make a rough guess without you saying anything..."
"S-Sorry. I just got carried away for a moment. Hey, so, please, spare me from telling Ryuen-san about this..."
Getting carried away, probably causing trouble for the students present. They're probably students from Class D. The blonde girl among them matches the description of one of the key figures in Class D that I heard during my recent information gathering. I believe her name was Kikyou Kushida.
This is mostly my fault. Yamawaki-kun is the type of person who acts tough towards those weaker than him and acts meekly towards strong people like Ryuen-kun. He's good at surviving in society, to put it nicely, but he's a frustrating person.
This situation probably arose from provoking him due to Class D's position. To make matters worse, he was about to be turned on, and I had to help him. Thanks for helping me without even saying a word.
"Enough already."
"Huh?"
"...Never mind. You guys should go back to the classroom. You're just a nuisance."
"Y-Yeah, understood."
Their voices change from apologies to relief as they leave the scene.
He stands up, gathers his writing tools, and immediately heads toward the exit with his cheerful friends.
I notice that Shiina-san and the others are also preparing to leave.
They want to leave this place quickly and avoid any trouble.
"I'll leave it to you since you're such a nuisance."
Ibuki-san, aren't you supposed to be the supervisor? Where are you going?
...She really is an irresponsible person.
By the way, I heard that even this irresponsible girl has made friends with another girl.
Well, it's Shiina-san, though.
Ibuki-san, I didn't miss the fact that you took Shiina-san, who seemed likely to stay in this situation, with you.
The students from Class D are looking at me.
There's nothing I can do about it. It's troublesome, but let's resolve this situation peacefully.
"Well, it seems like some students from Class C have caused trouble."
I glance at the Class D students. They seem quite unique and formidable.
The black-haired girl, who looks like a model student, is a bit nervous but keeps staring straight at me.
Akagami-kun, the redhead delinquent, has a hostile, or rather, extremely wary gaze.
The blonde girl, Kushida-san, seems to be displaying some fearful gestures. However, it's just superficial. Her eyes reveal clear vigilance.
She seems to have some talent as well.
There are three others who appear to be ordinary students.
However, the boy standing behind the black-haired girl, who seems plain and unremarkable, is looking at me with an intriguing expression.
He's also cautious, but his eyes are filled with excitement, like a child opening a toy box.
He's interesting. He's a type of broken...human that I've never seen before.
He's worth being cautious about. However, that's just a first impression. For now, it's okay to leave him alone.
If he has the abilities he seems to possess, he will eventually become a conspicuous presence. I can deal with it when the time comes.
"....Well, can you promise me that there won't be any more incidents like this in the future? I'm asking you because you seem reliable."
...She's pushing herself. The black-haired girl is clearly pushing herself. It's not because she can't handle my presence or anything like that. It seems like she's clinging to something... Well, it's fine. There's no need to think too deeply about it.
"Don't worry. I'll mention it later."
With these words, the wariness of the Class D students starts to dissipate.
But luck is on my side. What was supposed to be a study session in the library has turned into an opportunity for information gathering. It's like killing two birds with one stone.
Now, shall we leave from here soon?
"Hahaha! Looks like I didn't need to intervene after all!"
A cheerful girl with pale pink hair approaches me from behind and starts talking.
If I were to describe her characteristics, she has a fantastic figure. She's about 160cm tall, but her ample chest doesn't look like that of a high school student.
In fact, she has caught the attention of the boys in Class D.
And she has a face so well put together that it wouldn't be strange to see an illustration titled "The Beautiful Girl Who Makes Everyone Smile."
"Ah! Ichinose-san!"
"Oh! Kushida-san! Long time no see!! Are you studying for the test now?"
Ichinose, I see. Is she the de facto leader of Class B?
With the cohesion that Class B is known for, she must be quite popular.
But honestly, it's tiresome.
If Ichinose-san is as rumored, Ryuen-kun is her natural enemy.
I can see what's coming. Well, I won't say I can predict the outcome, but it doesn't seem so difficult to bring down Class B, even if it takes some time.
"You're Kamukura Izuru-kun, right? It's honestly surprising to see you organizing a study session."
Certainly, as the top-ranked guy in the introverted boys ranking, it wouldn't be strange to think that way.
By the way, I confirmed with Ibuki-san, and she reported that she included me in that dishonorable ranking, so it must be true.
"Kushida-san, who is she?"
The black-haired girl asks Kushida Kikyou.
"She's Ichinose Honami-san! She's a really nice person from Class B!"
"Aw, come on, Kushida-san is the nice one!"
Such tiresome pleasantries.
"Thank you for the explanation, Kushida-san. Ichinose-san, and is it okay to call you Kamukura-kun? I have something I want to ask you. It's about the scope of the midterms that you were taught."
The scope of the midterms? Why would you ask about that?
"You're Horikita Suzune-san, right? Nice to meet you! So, about the scope of the midterms, huh? Hmm, can I borrow the textbook for a moment?... Here, it's from here to here! Ugh, the school can be so unfair, you know! Changing the test scope just a week ago?!"
"A week ago... they changed the test scope?!"
Horikita, the black-haired girl, has a look of shock on her face.
From her actions and expressions, it seems like she's hearing this information for the first time.
Ichinose-san isn't lying.
In other words, there must have been some mistake in the communication from Class D.
This is unfortunate. But it's also fortunate. Class D, which seemed troublesome, is self-destructing on its own.
Well, it's not confirmed yet. If they learn about the existence of our secret techniques, there's still a good chance they can overcome this situation.
"...So, the test scope is different from what we know. And they changed the test...?"
"Oh? Did it not reach Class D? Isn't that quite problematic?... Maybe each class has a different test scope... Hey, Kamukura-kun, what did you hear about the scope from Class C?"
"It's the same as what you taught."
A communication error... Is the homeroom teacher of Class D that incompetent? It's a problem even before measuring their abilities.
"So, probably all the classes will take the same test. Why is Class D the only one experiencing this... Could it be a communication error?"
Her speculation is likely correct. It's impossible for Class D to have a different test.
If there's no clear standard, valuable evaluations cannot be made.
"Thank you, Ichinose-san, Kamukura-kun. We'll take our leave here."
"Are we going to the staff room? We only have about 10 minutes left for lunch break, so we should hurry a bit!"
As Ichinose-san says that, the Class D students check if they have everything and walk quickly towards the exit.
Now, it's time for me to leave from here as well. I need to return to the classroom quickly and complain to Ibuki-san.
As I prepare to take action, the girl with pale pink hair from earlier, Ichinose Honami, approaches me and starts talking.
"Kamukura-kun! Thank you again for stopping their fight."
"I see. Well then, goodbye."
Since I have no particular business with her, I quickly end the conversation. I have to return to the classroom and prepare for the next class.
"Huh? Wait, wait, wait! Why are you leaving so quickly?!"
"? I want to get back to the classroom quickly."
"But even so, your response was too bland!!"
"...What do you want?"
I show her that I'm willing to listen, and she lets out a relieved expression.
And immediately, she looks at me with a smug smile.
How bothersome...
"Straight to the point, I came to talk to you!"
"If you want someone to talk to, I have someone already."
I briskly walk away, leaving her behind.
"Stoooop!! Why are you leaving so fast?!"
"...You're quite noisy. This is the library, you know."
"I wonder who's at fault?"
...She's persistent. She seems to have the momentum to keep talking endlessly even if I ignore her.
It's troublesome, but let's talk to her for a bit while also gathering information.
Besides, regardless of how incompatible she is with Ryuen-kun, there's no denying that she has some talent.
"...We're almost out of break time, so please make it brief."
"Phew, you're quite a unique person. You're a bit different from the rumors, and it's giving me a bit of trouble."
"Rumors? Are you talking about the rankings?"
"Nah, not the rankings... Well, it's not good for me to know about it either."
"I don't care, so you don't have to worry."
It's true that I don't care. However, the people who created those rankings should think about how they would react when they receive the same treatment.
"Oh, I see... But I'm sorry. I apologize on behalf of the girls."
"Is that all you wanted to say?"
"I wonder why you're in such a hurry to leave... Well, let's get to the main point. I have something I want to ask about Ryuen-kun. Are you on his side?"
...I see. She's indeed not to be underestimated. She's not just an airheaded girl.
Being able to conduct direct information gathering using her communication skills is one weapon she has. If she learns to skillfully extract information from others, she can become quite talented.
She has that potential. That's why it's regrettable.
"I'm close friends with Ryuen-kun. We're so close that we walk home together after school."
Now she should understand that I'm on Ryuen-kun's side.
However, I won't reveal anything else. I'm not generous enough to disclose my position or the current situation of Class C that she may want to know based on that.
"...Hahaha. I don't think Ryuen-kun would do something like that, though."
There's one thing I've learned about her.
She's too nice.
Because of her good nature, even if someone tells an obvious lie, she can't mock their friends.
It's different if she's like Ryuen-kun, who doesn't care about anything.
However, this is the library, and there are people around. Making careless remarks will quickly become gossip, so there's a certain risk for someone as "popular" as her to dig deeper.
"People cannot be judged by appearance alone. If you want to know about him, you should ask him directly."
Well, it's impossible for Ryuen-kun and me to walk together. It's a terrible lie even for me.
"...You're tough. But I guess it's good to know that you're not someone to let their guard down. Hey, hey, can I have your contact information?"
"...Sure, I don't mind."
"Oh! Thank you!"
We quickly exchange contact information, and when I check the time, there are 5 minutes left until class starts.
"...Mmm! It's almost 5 minutes before class! Thank you for your time, Kamukura-kun! Let's chat again next time we meet!"
The intimacy with Ichinose Honami has increased!!