บท 35: Chapter 35 - Worries

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I know I missed my Thursday upload I've been a bit busy but in return I've made this Sunday upload double the length of a normal chapter to make up for it, here you go please enjoy.

Have you still not given me your power stone? Powerstones are greatly appreciated, and so are reviews I would really appreciate more reviews.

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"The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that is changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks." ~Mark Zuckerberg

"A coin game?" Katsuragi asked curiously.

"Yes, quite simple. We will each have a coin, and like all coins, it will have two sides: heads and tails. The goal of the game will be straightforward. I will have one of two win conditions unknown to you and randomly given to me: either to get you to accept the coin or get you to decline it. Essentially, if my win condition is for you to accept my coin, you would have to decline the coin to win. And if my win condition is for you to decline, you would want to accept."

"Are you requesting a game of pure luck? The chances of victory are exactly 50/50 in this game. Even if there is a mental aspect, honestly, I didn't think you would request something so boring. I'm not interested in this—"

"Wait, Katsuragi, you didn't let me finish," I said, cutting him off. "You didn't even ask how the win conditions are decided," I continued with a smile on my face. "A draft lottery. That's how win conditions will be given. Inside a box, there will be four papers with the win condition stated on them. Two will have something like 'accept coin' written on them, and the other two 'decline coin,' but these only outline my win condition."

Katsuragi now seemed a bit intrigued. "So why four?"

"When the game commences, you will be handed a random paper from the lottery box."

"But you said these papers only outline your win condition?"

"Exactly. You said you didn't want a game of complete chance, right? So once you get your random paper, I will get handed mine stating my win condition—the real win condition."

Ryuk seemed surprised the more I spoke. "Light, are you sure about this? You are handing this guy the advantage in this game. I'm not great at math, but to me, it seems like he has a 67% chance of victory."

"Is that all?" Katsuragi asked, looking for more clarification.

"No, there's a bit more. At any point in the game, you'll have the option to receive a third draw from the lottery box. But if you do so, I'll be given the chance to add either of the two win condition papers from my table into the lottery box. We will call these trick papers," I explained.

"I see. After we both do our initial draws, there will only be two papers in the lottery, so you'll be able to add a trick paper to stop me from achieving a guaranteed win, as I won't be able to tell which of the two possible win conditions you added. It makes this a mental game, but if one can win the mental aspect, they'd likely be the victor. But still, you underestimate me too much if you are putting the advantage of this game into my hand," Katsuragi responded.

"There's just a bit more. There will be a third participant in this game if that's allowed," I said, looking at Sakagami and Mashima until one responded.

"It is certainly allowed. As long as both High Rollers agree to the rules of the game, other students can be forced into participation, although they won't gain any rewards on behalf of the school," Mashima responded.

"Good. Well, this third participant will be in a party of their own," I continued.

"What do you mean by that?" Katsuragi asked.

"It will be a random participant selected by the school from either Class B or Class D. I think that's fair, given our lack of affiliation with those classes. Anyway, this participant will be a third party. They can go the whole game without doing anything, but they will have two 'abilities,' so to speak. They can, at any point, request to see a trick paper or instead check all papers in your possession. What they do with any information they receive if they use this ability is up to their discretion."

"You really are bold, Yagami, you know that? This game you've set up is blatantly disrespectful towards me. From giving me the advantage of the initial draw to adding in a third participant who is in all ways more detrimental to you than me, you do understand, right? Worst case scenario, if I can't get a reading of you, I remain with a 66.67% chance of victory."

"Maybe I'm just trying to get in your head? Did you ever think about that, Katsuragi? Maybe I've just started playing the psychological aspect of our game early."

"Early? Ha, our game has a static win percentage. You can only do so much mental play. Fine, Yagami, I'll accept your coin game. But before that, we have something else to discuss. On the island, you told me you expect me to back my actions with more than just mere words if I ever challenge you. So why don't we both put something on the table here?"

"What do you want, Katsuragi?" I asked.

"The contract I made with Class C and Ryuen—I want it gone if I win our little game. It will be nothing but a hindrance given our less-than-optimal exam performance."

"…" I remained silent.

"What? You were beaming with confidence a moment ago. Don't tell me—"

"Fine, I'll accept. But in all honesty, you don't really have anything I want, Katsuragi," I said, getting both teachers' and Katsuragi's attention.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Katsuragi asked.

It means requesting points would be worthless at the moment because running Class A into poverty isn't an easy feat, especially given they've already accumulated a decent amount. It would take too long, and that's not even considering how Class A will likely gain private points in this upcoming exam. Not only that, but I don't care much for points at the moment. There's also the fact I don't want the Katsuragi faction to lose all its power. I don't want to deal with a unified Class A just yet, so I can't take too much from Katsuragi.

"How about this then, Katsuragi? If I win, you'll work with me."

"Are you asking me to betray my class?" Katsuragi asked with a frown.

"No, nothing like that. I told you I want the best for this school and every class in it. I want to make a small group of like-minded individuals in this way," I explained to Katsuragi, extending my hand to him, but he didn't take it. One final push was necessary. "Of course, there will be other incentives too… Katsuragi, I know there's a lot I haven't explained. It's not that I don't want to tell you, just that I can't. But if you join me, you'll learn everything—the secrets of the student council and school and the reason behind your rejection to the student council."

I needed Katsuragi to decide to join me because he was genuinely intrigued by what I had to offer, not simply because he had been forced into it by a game. Otherwise, he'd be useless.

"Secrets?" Katsuragi asked, and I simply nodded. "What are these other incentives you speak of?"

"Well, you'd, of course, get my assistance whenever you require it and a guaranteed transfer to Class A before graduation."

"Do you really have the capital for that?" Katsuragi responded unbelievingly.

Without responding to Katsuragi's question, I simply took my phone out and showed him how many points I had in my account. It wasn't like it was confidential information. If one learned how much was taxed in Class C from a student, they could easily come to a rough estimate.

"8.1 million? There's no way those are all your points," Katsuragi responded.

"They're not, as you may have suspected. They are my class's, but I can use them however I wish as long as my use of them is to the benefit of the class."

"Are you that confident in your Class C's ability to reach Class A?" Katsuragi asked.

"Yes, it may be difficult to maintain. We may fluctuate in position, but we will definitely achieve Class A."

"Fine then. If you win our game, I'll join your little group."

"Good, then it seems everything has been decided," I said, looking at Sakagami and Mashima.

Mashima quickly responded, "This is what I have: there will be three participants in this game—Kohei Katsuragi, Light Yagami, and a randomly selected participant from Class B or D. The materials used in this game will be a coin, a lottery box, four lottery papers with win conditions, and two fake lotteries. Light's goal is outlined in his initial draw—to get Katsuragi to accept or decline the coin. Katsuragi's goal is to deduce and act contrary to Light's win condition. Two of the lottery papers will have the win condition to 'accept the coin,' and the other two papers will say 'decline the coin.' Katsuragi will be given a note from the lottery first, then Light will be given his stating his win condition. Katsuragi can request a third draw at any time. If so, Light is given the opportunity to add one of two trick papers to the lottery box. The third participant can request to be shown a trick paper or can check all papers in Katsuragi's possession instead. The outcome of the game is determined by whether Katsuragi's choice aligns with or contradicts Light's win condition. I took into account all details. Does this all sound correct?"

Mashima did indeed take into account the details of the game. When I was explaining the game, I was testing for this to see how detail-oriented the judges and games would and could be, and it seemed that every detail of the game would be accounted for.

"Yes, it sounds good," I responded to Mashima, and Katsuragi nodded his head.

"Well then, what time will the game commence?" Sakagami then asked.

Katsuragi responded, "What's the latest time?"

"9 PM to 10 PM is the latest," Sakagami replied.

"We will take it. I want to ensure everyone sees my victory over you," Katsuragi said mockingly.

"Well then, Sakagami and I will report the details of what we've spoken of here and begin preparations for your game," Mashima said before making an exit. Sakagami and Katsuragi also took this opportunity to leave.

"I don't get it, Light. Was there something I missed? It seems like you just handed Katsuragi the advantage with no strings attached with no way to get it back. There's some catch, right? Like somehow things will mathematically work out to your advantage?" Ryuk asked.

"Hmmm? Not really, Ryuk. It's a pretty simple game. Given that, I couldn't hide a way to gain an advantage."

"Then why? Is this really all to prove a point to Katsuragi and the other classes or because of what you said to Shiina? It's 50 class points you're risking, after all, so I'm curious."

"A bit, but neither of those is the main reason. Ryuk, it's simple. I chose to play Katsuragi the way I did because it's the easiest road to victory."

"Hmmm." As Ryuk hummed, I took out my phone to message Karuizawa and inform her I was free.

***Ayanokoji***

"Rethink your decision. If you challenge Yagami, you'll definitely lose."

"So what am I supposed to do? He humiliated me, Class D, and the other classes, and he didn't even seem to break a sweat in the process. Am I just supposed to stand by and accept that?" Horikita responded.

That would be the wiser option, but sadly, I can't say that.

"Horikita, you're smart. I'm confident that with enough time, you can compete with whoever you desire, but now just isn't the right time," I told her.

Horikita's hands balled up as she took on a look of contemplation. "Could you beat him?" she then asked.

"Sorry?"

"If you were a High Roller competing against him in this exam, could you win?"

I was thinking of giving Horikita a simple answer like 'I'm not certain' or 'It would be close,' but I decided to take a moment to consider her question.

I'm not currently operating at my maximum potential. I never thought anyone could make me operate at that level, but if I was forced to compete against Yagami, that much would be necessary. Still, could I be 100% sure I'd win?

"I'm not sure. It would be close." After some contemplation, I responded, not because it was an easy out, but because for one of the first times in my life, I truly meant those words I was saying.

Horikita was right. Everything he did seemed effortless as if it came naturally to him. It makes me question how much control Ryuen really has over Class C.

What bothers me most is how I fell into his trap during the last special exam.

The human mind is fascinating. I've been holding back because I wanted to be defeated, to prove that man wrong. When I first arrived, I thought it was impossible, but maybe he was right. Defeat might be impossible for me now. It's been a while since I'd lost, but now I remember what it's like to lose, and I don't want to experience that again. At the same time, I don't want to prove him right, and I want to live a normal life.

It's a contradiction.

I thought I could do it, but with Yagami around, it seems I can't have it all. I can't win like this, and while that proves him wrong as I desire, I don't want to accept defeat. But how can I enjoy a peaceful life?

To continue with my peaceful life or to revert to what I know.

I guess a completely peaceful life was never truly possible. Chabashira made that clear. Things were always going to end like this. If ever threatened, if it meant survival, I would have reverted without a second thought.

"So then, what should I do?" Horikita asked.

"Just wait. If you really want to challenge him, you'll get a chance. Either way, it's likely Katsuragi already challenged him if you remember their talk this morning. Think of that as a blessing of sorts. You'll be able to get an opportunity to see Yagami in action during this exam and prepare to challenge him if you wish."

Horikita nodded her head. "Then I'll challenge Ryuen instead."

It was another person currently out of her league but more realistic than Yagami if my assumptions about Class C are correct. I can't prove that Yagami is masterminding everything in his class, but someone like him can't just be controlled unless he really is naive.

Plus, with our truce with Class B, it was hard to challenge them even though we will be forced to. And Katsuragi was a taken opponent, leaving only Ai Morishita, the second High Roller of Class A, and Ryuen.

***Ai Morishita***

"Did you see the details and terms of the game between Katsuragi and Yagami, Morishita?" Kamuro asked me.

"Indeed, I had my interest piqued and looked through them," I responded.

Light Yagami is an interesting figure. He's had my interest wholly piqued since our encounter in the previous special exam.

"So, what did you think?"

"It was an intriguing game idea, although I must admit, strange."

"I know, right? Why would he give up the advantage in a game like that? Who do you think will win?" Kamuro then asked.

"Ah, I see you are worried about your Sakayanagi faction. Are you worried Katsuragi may actually win and gain a one-up on Sakayanagi?"

"…" Kamuro's silence answered all my questions, so in return, I gave her a response.

"Yagami will win."

"Huh? How are you so sure? Do you know what he's planning?"

"I haven't the slightest idea, but speaking to him, I can tell he's smart. So unless he plans on losing on purpose, he wouldn't set up a game like this," I responded confidently.

"That's weird logic… but I guess it kind of makes sense," Kamuro said, letting out a sigh. I hope you're right. But anyway, who do you plan on challenging?"

"I already sent out my challenge. My only options were the two leaders of Class B, as challenging Class D would've left them without any competition. Not that I'm upset about that."

"So, who did you pick?"

"I thought Ichinose would be the most interesting option. She is one of the most renowned class leaders, after all," I responded, leaving Kamuro to nod her head.

***Ryuen***

"Help you expel Horikita, huh?" I think to myself, smirking.

"It might seem like a hassle, but trust me, it'll be worth it. I'll help Class C in return. If you play along, I can guarantee you 50 class points, just like that. Or, if you target Horikita, I can give you her strategy for your game. That could easily net your class 100 points," Kushida says, smiling.

"I see. Not a bad deal. I get a rat in Class D, and you get rid of a pest. But there's something I want just as much as class points in Class D."

Kushida looks curious. "Oh? What's that?"

"The mastermind in your class, the one pulling Horikita's strings and leading your class from the shadows, you must have some idea who it is," I explain.

But all I get is a confused look from Kushida. "What are you talking about?"

"It seems you really don't know. How annoying. Fine, you have a deal. You help Class C and give us information, and in return, we'll help with your Horikita problem."

"Sounds great! Oh, but what about Yagami?" Kushida asks, putting a finger on her chin. "He doesn't seem like the type to agree with my idea."

"He doesn't have to know. I control most of Class C. He's unnecessary. Just leave it to me and keep your part of the deal."

"Okay then. I'll do my best to help you, so I hope you do too," Kushida says before leaving.

"What an idiot," I whisper, taking out my phone to message Yagami about what just occurred.

***Kanzaki***

"Is all this planning really necessary?" one of the students in Class B asked, raising their hand. "I mean, we aren't even planning for any of the upcoming games but just a possible one. We all understand Yagami is capable, but is all this necessary to prepare for one person?"

Ichinose quickly responded, "Well, Class C is our main competitor, especially now that they overtook us in the rankings. Plus, just because we're designing this game to defeat Yagami doesn't mean we can't use it against anyone else."

Ichinose said that, but I knew the real reasons behind designing this game. Yes, it was truly a game with the main purpose of being played against Light Yagami, a game Class C, Ichinose, and I should understand like the back of our hand.

Why?

Well, what Ichinose previously said was part of the reasoning, but the true reason is to instill a sense of hope. Yagami is a beloved figure, but it's to the point that he is seen as perfect by many in the school. The fact that he's never scored below 100 on any test is charismatic and adored and apparently ranks the highest in his class in terms of fitness just serves to amplify this.

After the final special exam, in which he alone was the last one from his entire class left on the island and seemingly singlehandedly beat three classes, his image as invincible only soared further.

This image of perfection makes him seem unbeatable. It's not good for anyone to see someone they have to face as infallible, whether they are facing them individually or as a group. In a way, this was a game with the hopes of breaking down Yagami's seemingly impenetrable armor.

"Yes, but the game is still being made specifically to be used against him. What if someone else just challenges Yagami before we get the chance?" another student asked Ichinose.

Ichinose shook her head. "That won't happen. Yagami will play Katsuragi first, so he's unlikely to play him after that. Either way, I plan on making a deal with Class A to stop them from challenging Yagami, and Class D is our ally, so they will be easier to dissuade. I'm even hoping to get Horikita's assistance in planning this game," Ichinose said, looking at the board.

On the board, the words "Random Lottery Number Elimination Game" were written in big letters, and the numbers 1 through 10 were also written with information on the game's functions, as well as the phrases 5x and ½.

"Yagami will have no choice but to accept our challenge. He won't have any other options, and unless he wants to play the randomly chosen game by the school, he will accept our game," Ichinose continued with a smile.

"And what if he just lets the school randomly select the game?" another student asked.

"He won't. You know the saying, 'Better the devil you know than the one you don't.' Our game isn't inherently unfair to Yagami. He will have no reason to decline it for a game that could, for all he knows, be completely random, especially since accepting a known game will give him time to prepare," Ichinose explained.

Once Yagami plays his first game against Katsuragi, we will be able to put the final touches on our game, given our understanding of him. It was the best way to construct a game in our favor, both in terms of understanding and play.

***

"There's no point in worrying, Kei. If you think about it, we're just playing games."

"I guess so; maybe I'm just overly worried," Kei says, sighing before looking up from her food at me. "I'm curious, though. We're essentially playing games, but people cheat in games. Does that mean cheating is on the table in this exam?"

"It's probably in the low-stakes games, but I doubt it in the high-stakes ones. The rules will be more defined and broadcasted to everyone on the ship. It would be too risky."

Kei stares at me as she drinks her drink before speaking again. "Well, you have me, so you don't have to take that risk. If I learn anything useful, I wouldn't mind telling you. It's not like it would have much impact on Class D at this point."

"You should worry more about yourself. I'll be alright in the end. But how are things in Class D?"

"Honestly, not much has happened since the high rollers were picked. I've heard from my friends in other classes that they've been making game plans for the high-stakes games together, but Class D hasn't done any of that together, although Horikita and Kushida have been planning things together as the leading figures in this test."

"Oh, so they've been planning games out. Interesting," I say aloud.

"Class C hasn't been planning either?"

I shake my head. "Planning isn't a bad idea, but it's not how we do things."

"You know, I miss this. I don't think we've gone out like this in a while, especially in a nice restaurant like this."

"Well, soon we'll be able to hang out like this more often," I respond to her with a smile, leaving her blushing slightly.

For now, everything was in place. Soon, I'd be playing Katsuragi. After that, who knows what's to come, but it's nothing to worry about.

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We are getting into the juicy stuff soon; I'll warn you in advance it may take me a bit longer than usual to write to get everything down perfectly so please keep that in mind.