Chapter 32: Changes
Karuizawa Kei: "Even though this guy has done so much, whether the past will really change... Honestly, it's hard to say."
Sudo: "We've committed so many disciplinary violations before this, and we were even hit with a class-wide absence. What's the outcome now? I'm so anxious."
Ike said in a relaxed manner: "Look at you idiots! Even if our points are still 0 in the first month, it doesn't matter. Didn't we just take first place in the uninhabited island exam that just ended? Now that Hikigaya has joined us, maybe by the time the uninhabited island exam comes around, we'll widen the gap even further!"
Although Ike's words made sense and reassured most of the class, Horikita Suzune was the only one who knew it wouldn't be so simple.
The reason Class D had taken first place in the deserted island exam wasn't because of luck, but because of the existence of Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. However, in this video, Ayanokoji had completely disappeared, replaced by Hikigaya.
She didn't know why, but it was as if this video had been created to erase Ayanokoji's presence entirely.
She glanced at the expressionless boy beside her. No matter what changed, his demeanor never shifted, not even when it seemed like he himself had been erased.
"What a terrifying guy..."
---
The students in Class D each had their own thoughts, while the students of Classes A, B, and C also fixed their attention on the video.
Class A
Sakayanagi: "I never thought I would hold such a high opinion of a boy like him."
Hashimoto: "Oh my, I never thought the princess would like this type of person."
Hashimoto leaned back casually, hands behind his head.
Kitō shot him a glare. "How dare you tease the princess?"
Kamuro also looked at Hashimoto with irritation. "This guy should really change his carefree attitude..."
But Sakayanagi didn't seem angry. She simply waved her hand, silencing them, and returned her focus to the video.
Class C
Ryuen, with his usual amused grin, looked at the screen: "I never thought I'd be so interested in—no, admire—someone from Class D."
Ibuki frowned: "I'm curious too. What kind of magic does this guy have to fascinate you so much?"
Ryuen chuckled as if mocking her lack of insight. "Every class except Class B would be blessed to have Hikigaya Hachiman. No, even Class B would be far stronger with him."
Ibuki: "Why do you say that…?"
Ryuen's face grew cold, his voice sharp. "You really are hopelessly stupid."
Ibuki fell silent, unable to respond.
---
Back in Class D, the points were finally tallied.
Although the amount wasn't much, it was at least something. From last month's 100,000 points, the total had dropped to less than one-tenth.
Still, compared to having nothing, it was a lifeline. Many students who had already wasted points recklessly now felt relieved.
Hikigaya looked down at his phone, deep in thought.
I tried every possible way, and yet it still comes to this… I guess this is my limit.
Fortunately, he hadn't been wasteful. Other than the 10,000 points spent to buy information from his senior, he had barely used anything. Food and daily necessities hardly cost him much at all.
So… these nearly ten thousand points are enough for me to survive. But for the rest of the class… maybe not.
From his classmates' complaints, it was clear they weren't satisfied.
Then came the sharp sound of heels—"da, da, da"—echoing down the corridor.
Chabashira-sensei entered, her black uniform fitted neatly around her tall frame. Even though she wore school attire, her figure and presence were impossible to hide.
Not that the students cared about that now.
"Return to your seats. We'll begin the morning homeroom."
As the teacher entered, everyone sat quickly. Yamauchi was the first to raise his phone, blurting out:
"Sensei, why are our points this low? Didn't we agree on a 100,000-point base?"
Sudo snapped at him: "Idiot! It's because you're always playing games and fooling around in class. We're lucky we didn't get all our points wiped out. That's why I can't stand class activities."
After last time, most of the class didn't object. They knew full well how poorly they had behaved.
If it weren't for Hikigaya, they might not even have a single point now.
That would've been the true disaster.
Chabashira-sensei crossed her arms and answered Yamauchi with her usual coldness:
"You were late or absent 38 times, and used your phone or other devices during class 152 times. Not to mention everything else outside the classroom that was recorded."
"In this school, your class evaluations directly determine your monthly points. I've made that very clear. The result is simple—you went from 100,000 points at the start, down to less than 10,000 now."
The students grimaced, pain written on their faces.
Chabashira pressed on:
"Did you really think the government would hand ordinary high school students 100,000 points for free every month with no strings attached? Anyone with common sense would know that's impossible."
Her eyes shifted to Hikigaya, lips curling into a faint, meaningful smile.
"It seems this year's Class D isn't as hopeless as before."