The noisy chatter in Class D persisted until the chime of the school broadcast sounded. As freshmen new to the school, they still held a natural reverence for the school bell. The circles led by Ichinose Honami and the others also took this opportunity to end their conversations, and everyone gradually returned to their seats.
With excitement and anticipation for their new environment, many students of Class D couldn't help but glance toward the door, curious about their homeroom teacher.
Much to the boys' disappointment, the person who stepped through the door a minute later was a burly, intimidating-looking middle-aged man. Built like a P.E. instructor, he walked silently to the podium, his stern expression enough to make even the whispering boys go quiet.
"Welcome, Class D freshmen. I am your homeroom teacher, Mashima Tomonari. I will also be teaching you English."
Low murmurs of complaint followed, such as "He looks more like a wrestler," and "Where's our black-stockinged beauty homeroom teacher?" Mashima shook his head in mild exasperation. Having previously taught multiple generations of Class A students, he had suddenly been reassigned to Class D this year. Though the principal had assured him privately that his benefits wouldn't change, the contrast clearly dampened his mood.
Nevertheless, as a seasoned professional, Mashima pulled himself together and began to explain the school's rules and his expectations.
"This school has never changed homeroom teachers mid-term. So barring any major incidents, I will be with you for all three years. I hope we can learn and grow together. Let's support one another moving forward."
"The entrance ceremony will be held in one hour in the gymnasium. Before that, I'll be distributing materials explaining the school's special rules. Some of you may have already read these online, but it's best to review them again. Violating school rules could lead to expulsion in extreme cases."
Packets began circulating from the front, along with student ID cards and smartphones.
Kitagawa Ryo flipped through the packet casually. It mainly elaborated on the school's "full lockdown" management. Some students had thought this place wasn't much different from a regular boarding school. But upon seeing the rule "No external contact or leaving school grounds unless in special circumstances," several couldn't help but gasp.
But Mashima's next statement quickly drew their attention again.
"The student ID cards you just received are one of the most important items you'll use here. All school facilities require it for access. You can think of it like a credit card. You'll use the points stored on it to shop or enjoy various services on campus. In this school, there's nothing you can't buy with points. Anything within school grounds is up for grabs."
He paused before continuing.
"As for points, you can think of them as the free monthly living allowance provided by the school. They'll be automatically deposited into your student ID on the first of each month. You can check on your phone now that all 100,000 points for this month have been distributed. One point equals one yen."
Aside from Kitagawa Ryo, Horikita Suzune, Ichinose Honami, and Sakayanagi Arisu, the atmosphere in Class D exploded.
Oh, and also Sakura Airi—the little rich girl whose limited edition fan-made support outfit already resold online for over 55,000 yen. Even she might not afford two sets with just 100,000 yen.
Still, for most first-years, 100,000 yen per month was a huge sum. Even those from well-off families rarely had that much freely disposable cash.
With no parental supervision and all kinds of entertainment available, many students were already itching to splurge.
"However, I hope you will develop a sound understanding of money and spending habits. This school only covers three years of your life. Wastefulness could impact your future."
Seeing the spark in their eyes, Mashima reminded them earnestly. Though he hadn't expected much from Class D's overall quality, his professional duty still compelled him to guide them.
Still, he couldn't disclose too much due to school regulations.
"Sensei, may I ask a few questions?"
Mashima turned his gaze toward the girl in the front row who raised her hand, instantly recalling her student profile:
[Ichinose Honami: Academics: B+, Intelligence: A, Judgment: B+, Physical Ability: C+, Cooperation: A]
The interview notes had been redacted, but based on these ratings, she certainly qualified for Class A. Yet Mashima could not access any explanation for her assignment to Class D—as if someone had deliberately tossed her into this pit.
She didn't behave like a troublemaker, so Mashima softened his tone.
"Yes, Ichinose-san, what would you like to ask?"
"I was just wondering if the monthly allowance might be too generous. Even for our family of three, we don't spend that much in a month. Since the school is already tuition-free, giving out 100,000 points seems excessive. As you said, it could encourage bad financial habits."
"This is one of the top schools in Tokyo, and yet this policy seems oddly indulgent."
"That's 1.2 million yen a year. The average salary for a Tokyo office worker is around 4 million, and they don't spend all of it. Personally, it feels way too extravagant."
Her genuine words sparked reflection in others.
Most of Class D weren't from wealthy families. Her comment made them recall their parents' monthly earnings. Considering that room, utilities, and tuition were all free, the 100,000-point allowance suddenly felt suspicious.
"Maybe it's to teach us financial management. I used my dad's credit card to trade stocks at nine and made a killing."
Yamauchi Haruki chimed in casually.
Most ignored him, flipping through the packet or stroking their chins in thought.
Mashima's brief enthusiasm was quickly doused. Yup, this was Class D thinking.
"So, Sensei, why does the school give us this 100,000-point allowance?"
As Ichinose pressed on, Mashima nodded.
"The school has its reasons. Also, the amount may not always be 100,000 each month."
His vague answer didn't sit well with her. Sakayanagi Arisu followed up:
"That concept is too ambiguous. Will it go up or down? Shouldn't you at least give us a rough range?"
"I can't answer that."
"Because it's a variable range?"
Mashima, feeling a headache coming on, sighed. But recalling her surname matched the chairman's, he calmed himself.
"I can't answer that for now."
The school's first special exam focused on evaluating the class's behavior during their first month, so rules here were tight.
"Fine, let me ask this instead," Sakayanagi continued. "Will the points next month be distributed equally to everyone, or will it vary by individual?"
"Class D is a collective."
Satisfied, Sakayanagi returned to her seat. Most students, however, struggled to follow the conversation. Ike scratched his head and asked:
"Uh, so are we getting 100,000 points next month or not? If not, I better start budgeting."
"Didn't the teacher just say the amount changes?"
"I get that, but he didn't say why or how much. What if it's like a raffle every month?"
Ike turned to ask a chubby otaku behind him:
"Hey, Sotomura, what do you think?"
Sotomura adjusted his glasses and said dramatically:
"Hmph. I investigated as soon as I got here. Each grade has four classes: D, C, B, and A. Looks random, right? But it's clearly an homage to Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu!"
"Battle your way up by grades! That's why I was placed in Class D!"
"Uh... I have no idea what you're talking about."
Ike rolled his eyes and turned away. It was a perfect snapshot of Class D's loose discipline.
More students began ignoring Mashima entirely, chatting and speculating aloud.
"If we're students, it must be about test scores."
Yukimura Teruhiko offered his theory.
"In middle school, we had weekly quizzes and monthly exams. Maybe here, too, they test us monthly and use the results to decide our allowance."
Confident in his logic, he added:
"Like a scholarship system."
Some students nodded in agreement. That explanation fit Mashima's earlier hint.
But the idea made some underachievers pale.
"Didn't he say Class D is a collective? So it's probably based on the class average."
"Then I'm not worried."
"Let's hope our top students carry the weight."
"Even 50,000 points a month would be plenty."
"Phew, I was worried for nothing. I'm good at cramming before exams."
As the discussion veered off again, Mashima sighed.
Since the founding of Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, no Class D had ever made it to Class A. Occasionally, a genius would emerge, but they always fell along the way.
A couple of prodigies couldn't change Class D's fate.
"Not planning to speak up, Suzune?" Ryo asked, noticing the earlier exchanges from Ichinose and Sakayanagi.
"No need," Horikita replied, flipping her book. She had more detailed intel from her brother but saw no reason to reveal it yet.
"You sure know how to pick your moments."
She squinted her purplish-red eyes.
"But I'm more curious where the school found this group of students."
"Ryo, remember Kushida Kikyou?"
"Why bring her up?"
"If she were here, she'd have this whole class dancing in her palm within a month."
"Calling this group a disorganized mob is generous."
"Ichinose and Sakayanagi probably think the same."
She closed her book and looked at the two girls — one deep in thought, the other writing something.
"They're likely already planning how to use the class to build their influence."
"You're sounding like your old self again, Suzune."
Ryo rolled his eyes. He suddenly missed the version of her who got flustered by a goldfish a year ago.
"Do you think I should go around sweet-talking like Ichinose?"
She blinked at him.
"That's your choice."
"...I heard my judgment stat is A, so you should trust my judgment."
"And maybe mine is A+."
"Then your A+ judgment decided to sit here and watch with me."
Suzune smiled faintly. She had grown in many ways over the past year.
"Yeah."
Ryo stretched and rested his head on his hand.
"Sometimes, watching from the sidelines gives you the clearest view."
"Who to discard."
"And who to keep."
He glanced at the ever-noisy Yamauchi with a faint smile, though his eyes were cold.
"Your words sting, Suzune. But I like them."
"After all, even the leader of a pack of worthless dogs is still just a dog."
"If they ever succeed... then that would truly be a case of power falling into unworthy hands."
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