From the moment I was born, there had scarcely been anything I questioned.
Why couldn't the people around me predict such obvious things?
Why did they encounter things they didn't understand?
Why did they give up, declaring something impossible, and shove the task onto others?
Why did people seek hope?
Whenever such questions arose, the conclusion was always the same.
Boring.
The first true unknown I ever encountered was despair. That was why I became despair and sided with her. I held expectations. Yet even that despair failed to overturn my predictions.
Boring. Ah, so boring.
Afterward, despair lost to hope. As expected.
But despair did not go down without a fight. Whether victory or defeat, it had prepared a means to birth new despair. As expected.
Yet hope wrought a miracle, and no one was dyed in despair once more.
That… was not as expected. It was I who used Junko Enoshima to bring her Alter Ego—no, her virus—into the "hope rehabilitation" program. All to test which was less predictable, Hope or Despair.
Still, there would be minimal sacrifices. In exchange for defeating Junko Enoshima, the Remnants of Despair could not return to normal lives. Despair could not be released into the world again. Hence the sacrifices.
That was how it should have gone. The entity known as Izuru Kamukura should have vanished there as well.
Yet Hajime Hinata wrought a miracle. He, who should have possessed no talent at all, exceeded my predictions.
Even if our forms differed, Hajime Hinata was me—so could he have produced a different outcome?
No. He possessed no such talent. He should not have.
"Look, told ya—if you just do it, things work out somehow!"
If you just do it, things work out.
Boring words.
I possess no emotion corresponding to them.
Yet those words from her became the trigger that drew out all my talents.
I don't understand it. That is something I cannot comprehend.
But now, perhaps I can view it from a different angle. This sensation might be connected to one of the things I once discarded—"emotion."
...
Roughly one month has passed since school began.
Nothing unknown occurred in that time; the days were nothing but tedious.
I skipped the orientation Sakagami-sensei mentioned. If anything stood out, it would be the short quizzes and the matter of the student council president.
Well, those will become clear in due time, so they hardly matter.
My routine was roughly: wake up → go to school → classes → return home → sleep.
Tedious days. To kill time, I spoke with Ibuki-san enough to learn a bit about her character. Even someone as lone-wolf-like as her apparently considers me a friend after our conversations.
But such things are irrelevant.
Today is May 1—the point distribution day.
Thus, the students' restlessness was far beyond the usual.
"Hey, isn't something weird about how the points were deposited?"
"Totally. I only got like 50,000 points~"
"Same here~"
A group of three girls was chatting about it. Utterly boring. Had they forgotten Ryuuen's question on the first day?
"Good morning."
Ten minutes before homeroom, Ibuki-san arrived. After spotting me, she quickly set her bag down and turned to face me.
Interest and wariness flickered across her expression.
"…Just like you said, only about half the points were deposited."
"As predicted."
Ibuki-san lowered her voice to a whisper. Understandable—if she loudly declared she knew points would decrease, people would swarm her.
For someone poor with social interaction like her, that would be quite distressing.
"How many do you have left?"
"Over 80,000 points."
"Same for me… You told me to be careful with points, so I saved accordingly. Today we'll know if your prediction was right, but you don't think you were wrong?"
"I do not. My prediction is correct."
"I see. Then my effort paid off. But I guess I'll keep making bentos…"
She seems bad at making bentos.
No gap moe there, it seems. The rough image suits her better.
"Good morning, everyone."
While I was thinking, Sakagami-sensei entered the classroom. The morning homeroom chime had not yet rung.
In his hand were his usual teaching bag and a large rolled sheet of white paper, easy to carry.
He would likely display the contents of that paper for all to see.
"I'd like to start morning homeroom a little early. Before explaining, I'll take questions. Anyone with a question, raise your hand."
Words he could not have uttered without anticipating them in advance. As expected, he would explain points here today.
"Oh? I fully expected questions about why you didn't receive 100,000 points… Hmm. This year's Class C seems to have many capable students."
Sakagami-sensei swept his gaze across every student. His demeanor felt slightly colder than the attitude he had shown over the past month.
In truth, there was no emotion whatsoever in his final remark praising the class.
Most likely, he was merely adopting the optimal attitude to warn and motivate students with the coming explanation.
"Now, before explaining points again, take a look at this."
He took out a marker and began writing on the whiteboard.
In about ten seconds, he finished. Listed there were each class and points labeled in units of "cp."
Class A: 940 cp
Class B: 650 cp
Class C: 490 cp
Class D: 0 cp
"First, let me explain 'cp' or Class Points. This school evaluates students based on ability. You may think of these points as representing the overall ability of the class."
I see. The class as a whole is evaluated on merit.
Each class is treated as a microcosm of society, quantified and graded. A forward-thinking evaluation method—admirable.
"Each class is initially granted 1000 cp. We then evaluate your daily conduct, deducting from the 1000 cp whenever we observe behavior unfit for students of this school. Today's deposited points—given the formula of 1000 cp = 100,000 pp (Private Points)—mean your class has 490 cp, resulting in 49,000 pp deposited. Does that make sense?"
"May I ask a question?"
"Hmm. Ideally after I finish, but very well. Something unclear, Ryuuen-kun?"
All eyes turned to Ryuuen, who had quietly raised his hand. A repeat of the scene I'd witnessed before.
"Tell us the details of how points decrease."
"That I cannot do. It's about performance appraisals, once you enter society and join a company, whether detailed evaluation criteria are disclosed is up to the company. The school has a policy of not revealing these criteria. However, since that alone may not satisfy you, I'll offer a personal hint: the reason for the decrease is that you failed to properly perform the ordinary things you've been taught all your lives."
"Hah, got it. Crystal clear."
Ryuuen sat down, apparently satisfied. He hadn't grasped it in a single instant.
He had likely formed his own hypothesis, and the teacher's words confirmed it—hence the swift acceptance.
"The school fundamentally does not interfere with your lives. Everything is your own responsibility. Even tardiness or skipping class draws no direct reprimand. However, the consequences return not only to the individual but to the entire class. This result demonstrates that clearly, doesn't it? Particularly this year's Class D has achieved the worst—no, the highest—record in history."
0 cp—meaning 0 yen. From the explanation so far, simply doing the bare minimum should not yield such a disastrous outcome.
Indeed, it is less boring and more impressive.
And a new fact clarified.
The point gap is almost too neatly divided.
Given that I am in Class C, the class assignments are clearly not based solely on simple ability.
"Intelligent students like yourselves have probably noticed, but this school's class division is unique. Students are assigned from most excellent downward into Class A. Of course, I cannot explain the specifics of this division either. Please accept that. And you are Class C—meaning the school evaluates you as slightly below average."
The classroom atmosphere grew murderous. Likely their first insult from Sakagami-sensei. Having their assumptions struck true, anger rippled through the room, palpable on the skin.
"Don't be so upset. That doesn't mean I look down on you. I said it at the beginning, didn't I? Merely enrolling here means you've passed through a narrow gate. And this too must be conveyed: while the school boasts 100% university admission and employment rates, that applies only to students who graduate in Class A."
Now the entire class erupted in murmurs. Understandable—many students chose this school precisely for those rates.
His statement fundamentally negated that, so confusion was inevitable.
"And the most important point: depending on cp, it is possible to rise to a higher class."
"…I see. So it truly is meritocracy."
"Exactly, Ryuuen-kun. These cp are not merely money deposited monthly. The cp value determines class rank. In other words, had you earned 651 cp this time, you would have become Class B."
Ryuuen grinned fearlessly, fully comprehending.
More than half the other students, hearing that class changes—overthrowing those above—were possible, shifted focus to aiming upward regardless of their low evaluation.
"Now, that covers the school's system. Next, take a look at this."
He unrolled the large white paper he had brought and pinned it to the whiteboard for all to see.
Displayed there were the results of the short quizzes conducted recently.
Names and scores were listed clearly; the highest scorer was placed top-left, with ranks descending from there.
From the top: 100, 90, 85. From the bottom: 45, 55, 60.
Several students tied around 60 in the lower ranks.
The average appeared to be in the low 70s.
"This time there were no failing marks in the class, but in the midterm and final exams starting in about three weeks, anyone who fails even a single subject will be expelled. I want you all to understand this deeply."
The classroom grew noisier than at any point today. Failing a test meant immediate expulsion.
Expulsion. Just as their dream high school life began, an unexpectedly harsh trial loomed.
Indeed, the boy with the lowest score wore a ghastly expression.
"Expulsion is no empty threat. Ask the upperclassmen if anyone has been expelled—you'll learn the truth. Any questions? …If not, today's homeroom is over. Dismissed."
Having delivered the warning, Sakagami-sensei left the room.
The classroom's unrest grew louder. Yet no one showed signs of calming it.
As time passed, many students regained composure, but mercilessly, first period began with most still unsettled.
...
All classes ended, and after-school hours arrived.
I had intended to enjoy a leisurely tea time this afternoon, but that wasn't possible today.
After all, the boy who had questioned the teacher on the first day—Ryuuen-kun—had gathered everyone in the classroom.
Normally there would be no reason to attend, but thinking it might involve discussion about points, I decided to participate this time. If it proved boring, I planned to leave immediately.
Looking around, every single classmate remained.
I see—this class is indeed unusual. Nearly everyone harbors ambition. The nature of that ambition requires no guesswork.
"Alright, everyone's here. It feels a little late after a full month, but let's start with introductions. I'm Ryuuen Kakeru. I'm this class's 'king.'"
Declaring himself king, Ryuuen-kun positioned two students around him like bodyguards.
One was a half-Japanese boy easily over 180 cm tall with athlete-level musculature; the other was the intimidating, delinquent-looking boy—none other than Ishizaki-kun, who had scored lowest on the short quizzes.
The classroom atmosphere grew tense. Even Ibuki-san in the seat ahead radiated killing intent.
"Good. Plenty of you crawling around who refuse to acknowledge me as king. So we'll settle that first. Who will rule this class—we decide that now."
Ryuuen-kun continued.
"This school is abnormal. To fight and win as a class, we need someone to unite us."
"There's no rules so any means allowed. Watch for openings in everyone but yourself. Crush everyone else. The last one standing is king.
"…Ah, anyone who doesn't care about class conflict can leave now. Things will get rough for the next week or two—stay out of it if you don't want to get dragged in."
"But no complaining about the king once decided. That's the condition. Your final choice."
Ryuuen-kun provoked the entire class, spurring them on.
From these words alone, his charisma was evident. The other students surely recognized it too.
Yet they were all eccentric in their own ways.
They disliked his words, thought he was getting cocky, found it amusing, or believed they themselves should be king—and planned to oppose him.
That is precisely why this self-centered class needs a leader, a "king," to bind it together.
But let me say it plainly—
Ryuuen-kun will become king anyway…
No matter how much the others dislike him, it no longer matters.
He has already seized the initiative. His question about points on the first day was a perfect opening move.
First to act controls others; late to act is controlled by others.
Those words perfectly describe the current situation.
Acting ahead of others allows one to dominate them; lagging behind leaves one dominated.
On the first day, in total darkness with no information, who was the one asking questions that offered a glimmer of light to classmates who could only flail blindly?
Any slightly capable or cautious student would at least choose Ryuuen-kun over the rest.
Was there any other student who suspected the points so early and reached an answer through their own effort? Even if there was, did they possess greater initiative than him?
And crucially—he already has two pawns. That alone creates an obvious gap.
Boring. There is no point in participating in something so predictable.
I stand from my desk to leave the classroom.
Almost simultaneously, a girl with hair an intermediate shade between aqua and silver also rises. The gentle, relaxed air of the roughly 155 cm girl, carrying what appears to be a personally purchased book into her school bag, marks her as the quintessential literary type.
Every gaze turns to us.
In this atmosphere, on the verge of a discussion that will shape the class's future, standing to leave is beyond their comprehension.
Ibuki-san directs an expression at me that says, Well, it's you, as if it's no surprise. Our slightly longer acquaintance has allowed her some prediction.
Ryuuen-kun appraises me and the girl like specimens.
Our eyes meet.
He mocks me. To him, anyone leaving now is beneath notice. The aura he exudes is indeed that of a king.
I have no interest in his ideology, but he will undoubtedly become a notable figure in this school eventually.
Yet—boring.
At his current level, he doesn't even reach that pale girl.
Knowing where he will stumble and end, he is no different from any ordinary student in my eyes.
I avert my gaze from Ryuuen-kun and exit through the rear door.
I'll ask Ibuki-san about the rest later.
Now, where shall I go next?
Having no particular destination, I turn toward the dorms out of habit. But my steps halt.
A voice called from behind.
"You have no interest in the class conflict either?"
The owner of the clear, high soprano voice was the girl who had stood with me moments ago.
I had no intention of speaking with her, so I offered only a slight nod and planned to head home quickly.
"Why do you have no interest?"
She approached as she asked.
It wasn't worth ignoring, so I answered.
"Because it's boring."
"Boring?"
"Yes. Boring. Whoever becomes king is irrelevant to me. And I can already see the outcome beyond that. Joining in would hold no value."
"…I see. This may not be my place to say, but dismissing everything as boring isn't good."
"Then why did you leave the classroom?"
"Because I dislike conflict. Also… today is the release day for a new book."
Apparently neither reason is a lie.
This girl genuinely has no interest in class conflict.
To her, the new book is far more important.
Frankly, she is a rare type. At the same time, her aura reminded me of her.
Of that Ultimate talent who was utterly devoted to her passions, immersing herself single-mindedly in what she loved, moving at her own unhurried pace.
Perhaps that is why I stopped walking and continued the conversation.
"You like books."
Unthinkable.
Izuru Kamukura voluntarily initiating a topic with another person.
Hearing my words, the girl's previously gentle demeanor instantly shifted to eager excitement—practically snorting with interest—as she brought her face close to mine.
Her face is exquisitely beautiful. The kind every one of a hundred people would call stunning.
For an average male student, having such a face brought so near would be overwhelming.
"You're interested in books?!"
"I possess knowledge of famous works, but I have no interest in reading."
"Then you should become interested! In reading!"
Her attitude flipped completely as she enthusiastically invited me.
Somewhat annoying.
"If you're free today, let's absolutely go to the library to read. I'll show you the way!"
Too close. Her sparkling eyes and face were near enough for our noses to touch.
The pleasant scent of shampoo tickled my nose, reminding me how abnormal her sense of distance was. Moreover, rejecting her offer—which allowed only "yes"—would be troublesome afterward.
No choice—I'll yield to her enthusiasm this time.
Books are merely notebooks for intellectuals, but this is a good opportunity to reconsider.
"I'll accompany you for a little while."
"Really?! Really?! Then let's go to the library!"
Her excitement soaring, the girl grabbed my hand and tried to drag me toward the library.
"There's no need to hold my hand—I won't run away."
"…? This was simply the quickest way to get there."
She didn't seem to be joking. A genuine natural airhead.
"Come to think of it… we haven't introduced ourselves. I'm Hiyori Shiina. And you?"
"Kamukura."
Upon hearing the name, Shiina-san's eyes widened slightly. Her next words made the reason obvious without asking.
"You're the one who scored higher than me on the recent short quiz, right?"
I affirmed with a nod.
Leaving her impressed gaze aside, I proceeded toward the library.
Shiina-san trotted to catch up and walk beside me.
The after-school hours on the first point distribution day were spent with Hiyori Shiina—just the two of us.
***
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