章 4: The Price of Knowledge
Asahina-senpai's reaction when I mentioned the amount of private points was revealing. It only confirmed what I already suspected: the class points directly reflect the private points we receive. If this month we received 100,000 private points, it would imply that our class points are 1,000, at least according to the available information and Asahina-senpai's reaction.
—It's interesting how quickly you pick up on things, Osawa-kun —said Asahina, regaining some composure—. But I suggest you don't jump to conclusions too soon. Things here can change in the blink of an eye. Though I must say —she added with a playful tone—, aside from that cute face of yours, you seem quite intelligent.
—Thank you for the compliment, Asahina-senpai. So, was I right about your points or not? —I asked, looking at her with a slight smile.
—As I said before, don't rush to conclusions. You might be right, or you might be completely wrong —she replied, smiling mysteriously.
—Come on, senpai, your reaction was too obvious. I just want a simple answer: yes or no —I insisted, though I was sure I was correct, I needed her confirmation.
—Umm, I'm not sure... that could get me into trouble —she said, hesitating.
—Firstly, you wouldn't be revealing anything important. You'd just have to answer with a simple "yes" or "no," nothing more.
—But haven't you considered that I might lie to you? —she asked, with a challenging tone.
—As long as you answer, you can choose to lie or not. That's up to you —I responded, aware that it would be easy to tell if she was lying.
—Umm, then the answer is yes —she admitted finally, deciding to be honest.
—I see, thank you for answering —I thanked her.
—But I remind you that I might be lying —she said, with a playful tone.
—I know, but I trust my senpai —I replied, with a playful smile. As we spoke, I noticed Ichinose-san watching us, visibly thoughtful.
—Senpai, I have another question —I said, turning to Asahina.
—Hmm? What would that be? —she asked, raising an eyebrow with curiosity.
—I just want to know if the student council in this preparatory school is different from those in other schools —I inquired, hoping for an answer that could confirm my suspicions.
—Ah, that... Well, it's certainly very different. After all, this student council has much more power compared to those in other schools —Asahina replied, with a tone suggesting that this fact was well-known among the students.
—Hmm, I see. That would be all. Thank you, senpai —I thanked her, satisfied with the information obtained.
—Well, it was very entertaining talking to you guys, but your senpai has things to do. So, I'm leaving. Goodbye! —Asahina-senpai said, waving her hand as she walked away.
—What a friendly senpai, don't you think? Although she could get into trouble, she answered your question —commented Ichinose-san, once Asahina-senpai had left.
—Indeed, she is a kind person. Now that we're done here, do you think we should discuss the information we've gathered? —I suggested to Ichinose-san, intending to see if I could piece everything together and reach the same conclusion I had.
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—How about we sit over there? —suggested Ichinose-san, pointing to a wooden bench under the shade of a large oak tree. The wood, weathered by time and use, contrasted with the vibrant green of the freshly cut grass around it.
—Sounds good to me —I replied, feeling the gentle whisper of the breeze as we headed towards the bench, the crunch of dry leaves under our feet.
—So, Ichinose-san, based on everything we've discovered and what I've told you, what do you think? —I urged her to share her thoughts.
—Let's see... It's clear that the monthly allocation won't be fixed. Thanks to what we found in the second-year section and Asahina-senpai's confirmation, we know that classes are evaluated as a group, which determines the points they receive. And those points are reflected in the private points at the end of the month. As you mentioned earlier, the cameras in the classrooms monitor us, but I'm not clear on how class points are earned —Ichinose-san seemed to be piecing everything together in her mind.
—One way to earn class points, according to my theory, is through our behavior and grades —I added, trying to guide her reasoning.
—Certainly, now that I think about it, that makes sense. Given that we're in the best school, they would likely take our behavior and performance into account. But, will those be the only ways to earn class points? —she asked, clearly focused on understanding the system.
—I wonder the same thing. It's likely there are other ways to earn class points, something that allows for large amounts to surpass other classes —I responded, sharing my doubts.
—Surpassing another class... You mentioned there could be a hierarchy between classes. But what would be the purpose of this, aside from earning many class and private points? —Ichinose-san looked intrigued, reflecting on the system.
—Before answering that, did you notice the small slip-up Asahina-senpai had when you mentioned you were from Class B? —I asked, slightly diverting the conversation.
—Yes, she said 'me too' and then quickly changed the topic, didn't she? By the way, now that I remember, why did you lie about being in Class D and not in B? —she asked, curious.
—I wanted to gauge Asahina-senpai's reaction. If there is a hierarchy, Class D could be considered the lowest. I wanted to see if her attitude towards me changed because of that —I explained, recalling how Asahina had murmured something when I mentioned being in Class D.
—I see —Ichinose nodded, understanding my strategy.
—And about Asahina-senpai's slip, I suspect that when she entered the school, she was in Class B, just like us. But over time, her class surpassed the previous Class A in points and moved up from B to A. Although I still want to know if there are other ways to earn more class points —I said, still intrigued by the possible dynamics of the school.
—That makes sense —she said.
—And about the reason for the hierarchy between classes, I have something in mind —I said, preparing to explain my theory.
—What would that be? —asked Ichinose, tilting her head with curiosity.
—Ichinose-san, when you decided to come to this school, what factors did you consider before enrolling? —I asked, trying to guide her thought.
—Well... Who wouldn't want to attend Japan's best school? Plus, this school guarantees 100% employment or entry to any university upon graduation. I think those would be my reasons. Aren't they the same for you? —she answered, though I noticed she hesitated a bit before replying. I wondered why.
—I suppose you could say that. But that's precisely where the reason for the class hierarchy lies —I said, setting the stage for my explanation.
—Eh? Are you talking about the 100% employment rate and guaranteed university admission? —Ichinose asked, tilting her head in confusion.
—Exactly. Although this school is the best in the country, it doesn't mean that all students enjoy that benefit. I mean, even though this school is a government creation, they're not going to give that privilege to 160 students every year. That's unlikely —I explained, hoping she would understand the implication.
—But if it's not like that, who will get the privilege...? Wait... —Ichinose-san seemed to connect the pieces in her mind, her eyes widening in realization.
—Just as you're thinking, only the students of Class A, where the best students are, will receive the benefits of 100% —I concluded, watching as realization dawned on her.
—And what do you think will happen to the other classes? —Ichinose asked, with a tone of concern in her voice.
—They simply won't receive that kind of privilege —I responded directly—. But they will still graduate from Japan's best school. That in itself is a considerable privilege, don't you think? Even if they don't graduate in Class A, they will have better opportunities after leaving this preparatory school than at any other.
—Certainly, but... I think most students came here for that 100% privilege. Once the truth is revealed, many of them will be dissatisfied —Ichinose expressed her concern, considering how it might affect her peers.
—That would be normal, but it would also create a desire for competition, which in turn could enhance everyone's skills. Rivalry might make everyone strive harder —I explained, trying to highlight the positive aspect of the situation.
—You're right. I think we should tell our classmates about this, don't you think? —Ichinose suggested, with determination in her voice.
—Sure, we can tell them tomorrow. After all, that information could give us an advantage over the other classes. But we'll have to be quite convincing when we do. We barely know our classmates, just their names... well, I only know their faces —I said, laughing slightly at the end, trying to ease some of the tension.
Ichinose chuckled softly before speaking.
—Hahaha, that's true. During the class, you were completely absorbed in your thoughts. Even Amikura-san spoke to you a couple of times, but you didn't respond.
—I was trying to solve the mystery of this school, after all —I replied with a smile, recalling how I had been immersed in my theories.
—So, it's decided. Tomorrow, we'll tell our classmates everything we know —Ichinose said with determination.
—Sure. I guess it's time to part ways since I have something to do. I appreciate you keeping me company —I said, valuing her presence throughout the conversation.
—No, I should be the one thanking you. Without you, I wouldn't have discovered all this information —Ichinose responded sincerely.
—Hahaha, you're welcome. See you tomorrow —I said, smiling.
—Goodbye, see you tomorrow —she responded, bidding farewell with a slight bow.
After saying goodbye to Ichinose-san, I headed to the last place I had planned to visit today. Initially, I hadn't thought of it, but with the information gathered, I believe it will be quite beneficial... if everything goes well.
Standing in front of a double door with a plaque that read "Student Council," I knocked, waiting for a response.
After a few seconds, the door slowly opened. My gaze dropped to find a young girl of short stature. Her lilac hair, cut to her shoulders, was adorned with two cute bows. Her brown eyes reflected a serene calm. She wore the school uniform with impeccable precision, showing a straight posture and a confident attitude.
—Can I help you, junior? —she asked in a soft but firm voice. The term "junior" made me question if this petite girl was really my superior.
—I'd like to speak with the student council president. Is he available? —I asked.
—Just a moment, please —she replied with a serious and professional tone.
After a few seconds, she reopened the door.
—The president says you can come in —she said, opening the door fully and letting me enter the room.
The student council room was spacious and modern, with white walls adorned with photographs and framed certificates. A long, dark wooden desk dominated the center of the room, behind which was a comfortable chair and a large office chair. In one corner, there were shelves filled with documents and books. The lighting was soft, creating a formal but welcoming atmosphere.
My gaze settled on the boy at the desk. Despite his aura of seriousness and authority, his appearance reminded me of a girl from Class D. Could they be related, or simply share some traits?
—So, what matters do you have with me, Kayden Osawa? —the president asked with a sharp look, which surprised me as he knew my name.
—I didn't expect you to know my name —I replied, somewhat puzzled.
—As the student council president, it's my duty to know all the students in this school —he said seriously.
—Wow, it must be quite tedious to memorize all those names. By the way, can I sit here? —I asked, pointing to the chair in front of him.
—Go ahead —he replied, nodding.
—I don't want to take up too much of your time since you seem quite busy. So, straight to the point —I said, raising an eyebrow with curiosity.
—How much power does the student council have compared to other schools? —I asked, repeating the same question I had asked Asahina-senpai.
—Let's just say that compared to other schools, this council has a lot more power —he answered honestly.
—So, could we say that the student council monitors if any student reveals important information about the System S to first-year students? —I suggested, making an assumption based on the small senpai's reaction, and it seemed I was on target.
—What made you think that? —he asked, leaning towards me with interest.
—It's just an assumption. Is it true? —I asked, with a challenging smile.
—We could say that's correct —he admitted, surprising me with such a direct answer.
—Now let me ask you a question —the president said, changing the topic.
—Of course —I replied, smiling.
The president narrowed his eyes and asked:
—How much do you know about System S?
—Let's just say I know everything I shouldn't know in the first month —I responded with a confident smile.
—And what exactly is that? —he asked, visibly curious.
—About the class hierarchy, that only Class A is entitled to the 100% employment rate and university access; that private points reflect class points; that each classroom has four cameras monitoring and analyzing our behavior to grade our class points; that each class starts with 1000 class points; and that there are probably other ways to gain class points to surpass others and advance. That's more or less what I know —I said, smiling. The small senpai had her mouth open, and the president seemed quite surprised.
President: I didn't expect you to know so much; I'm honestly surprised —he said, touching his chin, then continued.
—But I don't think you're here just to reveal what you know, right? —the president said, analyzing me with an expectant look, as if waiting for me to ask for something more.
—Correct. Since I was right, I'd like to make a request —I replied straightforwardly.
—Tell me what you want —he asked, with a slight smile on his lips.
—I want 2 million private points in exchange for not revealing all the information I have about System S to Classes A, C, and D first-year students —I dropped the bomb, keeping my calm.
—Threatening the president himself, you certainly have guts —he commented, still smiling, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
—It's not a threat, it's simply a fair deal. You give me something, and I keep quiet. That's all —I said firmly.
—2 million is too much. How about 1 million? —he tried to negotiate, his tone reflecting a mix of surprise and challenge.
—Impossible. I want 2 million. I highly doubt the school can't afford it. Plus, consider the potential loss if the truth about System S is revealed. In the end, you'd lose much more than just 2 million —I argued, pointing out the real cost to the school.
The president tapped his index finger on the desk a few times, clearly contemplating his response.
—Alright, give me your number for the transfer. You'll also need to sign a confidentiality agreement —he concluded, resigned.
—Sure, go ahead —I replied, waiting as they prepared the contract.
A few minutes later, the contract was ready.
—Here it is. Sign it —said the president, handing me the document.
Contract:
"In exchange for Kayden Osawa, first-year student of Class B, not revealing information about System S to Classes A, C, and D first-year students during the first month, the president of the student council will grant 2 million private points for his silence. In case of breach of the agreement, a punishment will be imposed, which will be selected by the president of the student council."
I quickly signed the document, intending to finish the meeting as soon as possible. I felt it was crucial to do so before this guy tried to investigate more about me.
—By the way, would you be interested in joining the student council? —the president asked with a smile that seemed to try to convince me.
—I appreciate the offer, but I'd prefer to avoid such tedious responsibilities. Besides, since I don't want to keep taking up your time, I'll take my leave —I replied, standing up from the chair calmly and heading towards the door.
—If you change your mind, I'll be here. Don't hesitate to seek me out.
—I'll keep that in mind... although I doubt it —I said with a slight smile as I closed the door behind me.
With that, the day had ended, and I had gained much more than I had imagined. Without a doubt, this school never ceases to surprise me.
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