Class 1-B versus Class 1-A—the outcome was already evident.
Mashima Tomonari explained the Command Tower system to the students.
During the official exam, each class's Command Tower would operate the system from this location.
Similar to playing chess, the Command Tower could freely select students from their class to compete and exercise their authority to intervene in the exam at opportune moments.
Communication between the Command Tower and the frontline was one-way: the Command Tower sent text messages to the frontline, where students received instructions via walkie-talkies.
Considering that mobile phones couldn't be used in some events, walkie-talkies were employed instead.
These devices used AI to relay the Command Tower's instructions, preventing direct communication between both sides.
"Only one student may wear a walkie-talkie per event, even in team competitions," Mashima Tomonari concluded.
"That covers all the exam details. Any questions?"
No one raised any.
Thus, the assembly concluded.
...
On the way back, Sakayanagi Arisu lagged behind the group, walking slowly.
Ichinose Honami deliberately slowed her pace as if to accommodate her.
"It seems you've confirmed your resolve."
The afternoon glow filtered through the window, casting shadows across the long corridor where Sakayanagi Arisu's petite figure emerged.
"I'd like to know what Sakayanagi-san thinks."
Ichinose Honami didn't beat around the bush, "Have you ever had feelings for him?"
"How strange of you to ask. Is this the unrealistic hostility a girlfriend holds toward everyone?"
Sakayanagi Arisu maintained her composure, leisurely walking out of the special teaching building.
"Well, I've been curious about Sakayanagi-san's ring."
Ichinose Honami openly admitted her feelings, "Why do you always wear it?"
"Oh? What kind of answer are you hoping for?"
Sakayanagi Arisu suddenly stopped, raising her ring-adorned hand.
The glittering reflection shone in her eyes and fell upon Ichinose Honami's lovely face.
"Even if I were unwilling, when facing my father, I had no choice but to comply."
Her words were somewhat difficult to comprehend.
Ichinose Honami couldn't help but imagine the scene of them meeting parents - Kaoru Mitoma gaining approval from her family.
"I don't like having my destiny decided by others."
The young woman grasped her own hand, "Like is like, dislike is dislike. It has nothing to do with parents. That's why I wear his ring."
Sakayanagi Arisu had noticed it long ago - the other girl was also wearing Kaoru Mitoma's ring.
Everything was already self-evident; everyone knew about this couple's relationship.
"Perhaps it's just his Game. I won't throw myself into the fire like moths to flame like you all, bringing about my own destruction."
Sakayanagi Arisu said, "I haven't considered romance. I have things I need to do."
"Is that so?"
Ichinose Honami placed her hands behind her back, slightly turning her body as her long hair cascaded down.
She looked at Sakayanagi Arisu beside her, "Yet I feel Sakayanagi-san's curiosity about him is about to explode."
"Just curiosity about a dead man."
Sakayanagi Arisu sighed deeply, "Actually, the person I can't understand is you. He had over twenty women before. Everything you've experienced with him, he's already experienced with other women."
Yes, what she had told Ichinose Honami earlier was Kaoru Mitoma's secret.
"I see. Sakayanagi-san cares deeply about his past."
Ichinose Honami smiled slightly, "I don't really mind though. The Kaoru I love is the present Kaoru, not the past one."
Sakayanagi Arisu chuckled lightly - this girl was beyond saving, completely love-struck.
"How he returned from death, what his purpose is here, what his past was like."
Ichinose Honami returned to her usual demeanor, expression calm, "I don't care. I'll only learn about these as part of who he is, but it won't affect my feelings for him."
Even if Sakayanagi Arisu hadn't told her, she felt she would have discovered Kaoru Mitoma's secret eventually.
"That's rather heavy, Ichinose-san."
Sakayanagi Arisu laughed, the more she laughed, the tighter she gripped her cane.
"I used to struggle with whether I should stop your bet. Now I feel relieved."
Ichinose Honami seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, "You only feel curiosity toward the unknown about him, like a chemist marveling at elements beyond the periodic table. You want to get closer to him and uncover his secrets."
"Is that your assessment of me?"
"In my eyes, your relationships are so fragile they could crumble at any moment," Sakayanagi Arisu said coldly.
"The only reason nothing has happened yet is because you're consciously excluding others. If anyone else wants to get close to him, they must first get your permission."
She had a key to his room, yet found it difficult to get near it because Karuizawa Kei, Horikita Suzune, Kushida Kikyo, Ichinose Honami, and the others were there.
Sakayanagi Arisu had no desire to squeeze in with them.
"I love him."
Ichinose Honami's voice was soft. "I love him so much it's hopeless, to the point where I'm afraid of losing him. So say whatever you want, I will stay by his side."
After speaking, she flashed a smile that Sakayanagi Arisu found particularly grating.
"I'll never let him go in this lifetime."
Things like making his producer hang himself were enough to make Ichinose Honami detest Kaoru's past, she had no desire to learn about that part of his life at all.
"Heh, do as you please."
Sakayanagi Arisu's gaze was cold.
What's with this 'I'm the main wife' expression?
The two fell silent for a moment, only to see Ryuen up ahead, seemingly waiting for them.
"What a great atmosphere you two have. Mind if I join in?"
Ryuen Kakeru grinned. "Although we're not opponents this time, I've got high hopes for you, Ichinose. This little shrimp is just a third-rate hack."
"I'll teach you a proper lesson next time, Ryuen-kun."
A cold smile touched Sakayanagi Arisu's lips, her usual composure completely gone.
Ryuen was momentarily stunned, then clicked his tongue in admiration.
"You've done a fine job, Ichinose, managing to put her in such a foul mood."
"If you don't mind, I'd appreciate it if you kept your mouth shut, Ryuen-kun."
Ichinose Honami wore a smile, but it held no warmth. "This is a battle between me and Sakayanagi-san."
A chill ran down Ryuen Kakeru's spine.
Even though it was broad daylight, he found himself sweating, a hint of coldness creeping over him.
"Don't tell me you're fighting over a guy..."
The words had nearly tumbled out of his mouth, but he was cut short by a dual glare, which made Ryuen shut his mouth for a rare change.
"I almost forgot, I have something to take care of today."
Ichinose Honami suddenly pressed her hands together. "My apologies, Sakayanagi-san. I hope we can have a pleasant and frank chat next time."
Her smile made Sakayanagi Arisu feel extremely uncomfortable.
It was a feeling she had never experienced before—no, that wasn't right.
She had felt it several times before this.
"That's a great expression you've got there, Sakayanagi."
After Ichinose Honami left, Ryuen brazenly sized up Sakayanagi Arisu's face, his grin widening.
"I said, it has nothing to do with you."
Sakayanagi Arisu took a deep breath. "Don't think I don't know what you're up to. Such childish provocations have no effect on me."
"My, my, I just love seeing you make that face. It's even more pathetic than a child who's had their toy snatched away, Sakayanagi."
Ryuen recklessly continued to provoke Sakayanagi Arisu, completely ignoring the girl's increasingly icy expression.
However, before Sakayanagi Arisu could get angry, Ryuen Kakeru turned and left, thoroughly satisfied.
He gazed up at the sky.
Komiya should have sent the photos to the 283 Agency by now.
"Mitoma, I'm very curious to see what you'll do next."
Ryuen didn't see any problem with his actions.
Dirty tricks like this were precisely his favorite kind.
As long as it led to victory, he would stop at nothing to move forward.
He had a feeling the next semester would be even more interesting.