Chapter 11: Tyrant, Angel, and Absolute Monster
Class C and Class B both had leaders. That left the most formidable Class A.
From what he'd observed, Class C and Class B were completely different in style, but… no matter which class, they were already far ahead of Class D.
Whether it was information about the school, its rules, points, or rankings, Chabashira-sensei had only briefly touched on them. Yet Hikigaya could clearly sense that this school wasn't as simple as it seemed.
A tyrant, an angel, and what else? What kind of existence would appear in Class A?
[Ichinose: "I didn't expect to be observed right from the start of school."]
[Ryūen: "You noticed this guy, I didn't sense at all…"]
[Sakayanagi: "After all, Dragon Boy, as prey, you can't sense a harmless hunter."]
[Ryūen: "Prey? Hahaha, hunters often appear in the form of prey. Even now, I don't think I would lose to you, Wheelchair Girl."]
[The tension between Classes A, B, and C was as intense as ever. Class D's students, however, just watched the boy in the video with confusion, unable to believe he was investigating other classes on the first day of school.]
[Sudo: "No way, who would go out of their way to do this on the first day?"]
[Ryūen: "Even idiots get to speak now? How pathetic."]
[Hearing Ryūen's mockery, Sudo slammed the desk, looking like he wanted to storm over to Class C for a confrontation. But he wasn't the same Sudo from the start of the year. After venting briefly, he slowly calmed down.]
Under normal circumstances, Hikigaya would never go out of his way to do something like this. He'd be the first to leave the classroom after school, return to his dorm, and end his tiring day. But now, things are different. He had too many unanswered questions. After crossing into this world, this school was clearly not an ordinary one. If he didn't clear up his doubts, he couldn't feel at ease.
What was the true nature of this school?
With these thoughts, Hikigaya's mind stirred with waves. Though it was a school, Class D seemed completely clueless about it, while Classes B and C appeared to know something.
Hikigaya continued walking forward. He had already glanced at Classes B and C. Though it was just a brief look, he gathered quite a bit of information. Overall, they were choosing their class leaders—some through force, others through kindness. But without exception, they would become the absolute backbone of their classes, and the leaders' personalities were completely different.
Hikigaya walked slowly through the academic building's corridor with his hands in his pockets. Class A's classroom seemed to be just ahead. He noticed the sign, identical to those of the other three classes.
However, unlike Classes B and C, though he hadn't reached Class A's classroom yet, there wasn't a single sound coming from it.
Had they… already dismissed?
Or was it absolute discipline?
Hikigaya was about to take another step forward when someone blocked his path.
A girl with a small ponytail stood in his way. Her figure was perfectly accentuated even in the school uniform. She stood on the path to Class A, arms crossed, staring at the boy.
Kamuro Masumi: "Why are you here? Which class are you from?"
Hikigaya didn't waver, responding as if giving a simple, foolish reason: "Just looking for a bathroom. I'm a new student with no friends, so getting lost is normal, right?"
The girl kept her arms crossed, her gaze sharpening as if trying to see through his lie.
But unfortunately for her, the boy's purpose was indeed to wander and look for a bathroom while gathering information. In a way, he wasn't lying.
The easiest lies to believe are those that are half-true.
"Also, I'm from Class 1-D."
Hearing his response, Kamuro's tense expression finally relaxed, and her lips seemed to curl up unconsciously. Of course, Hikigaya noticed all these subtle changes in her expression.
'It seems the class rankings aren't just about overall ability but involve other factors too.'
Based on the information he gathered along the way, Hikigaya vaguely realized that the higher-ranking classes seemed to know more about the school. They were more familiar with it and didn't seem swayed by the 100,000-point reward. Could there be another use for these points?
Class A was so close, but since someone had already given him the boot, he couldn't take another step forward.
Still, he could sense that Class A was likely far more terrifying than he imagined. If he wasn't mistaken, they were probably also looking for a leader… no, they likely already had one.
A leader far more formidable than those in Classes B and C, with absolute strength to dominate Class A. The students in the class likely had strong overall abilities as well, which explained why this ponytail girl was here—because their execution was overwhelmingly powerful.
The girl kept her arms crossed, looking at Hikigaya's dazed expression. Hearing he was from Class D, she slightly lowered her guard.
"Anyway, the bathroom's not here. Turn around and leave."
"And don't try any funny business, or… Sakayanagi won't let you off."
'How many times have I been put in my place today…? But… Sakayanagi, huh?'
Hikigaya nodded lightly, then walked away with his hands in his pockets, not looking back.
With his recent observations, he had a better understanding of the academic building's layout. He memorized the positions of the cameras and the arrangement of each class.
After leaving the academic building, he strolled through the school.
For now, he'd head to the convenience store to buy some things.
( End of this chapter)