There's an old saying: "Once you enter Class D, you're in deep waters."
Before learning about the S-System, Shimizu Akira naively believed that achieving good exam results would guarantee at least 30,000-50,000 points, even if not the full 100,000. Now he realized how young and naive he'd been.
The harsh reality of personal points being forcibly tied to class points felt like a bucket of ice water dumped over his head.
His gaze swept across the classroom, and what he saw made his heart sink:
It was only the second day of school, during Chabashira Sae's afternoon class, yet several students were already sneakily using their phones. In the corner, a conspicuous surveillance camera silently recorded it all.
(Are we really going to lose all our class points by the second day...?)
Shimizu suddenly realized that in this class, the greatest enemy wasn't the school's strict rules, but these utterly oblivious classmates.
(So this is how it is...)
He finally understood the deeper meaning behind Chabashira's warning to "spend wisely." These rules, which should have been transparent, were deliberately obscured by the school.
He watched as another classmate strolled in late without a hint of urgency.
Now he faced a choice: Should he disclose this information?
But the thought of freely sharing intel he'd paid 10,000 points for with these clueless classmates filled him with exasperation. It reminded him of being exploited by lazy seniors in his past life.
Being used as a "blood bank" was something he'd had enough of - he wanted no part of it now.
Upon reflection, speaking up likely wouldn't change anything.
In Class A or B, elite students would adjust immediately to protect collective interests. Even without knowing the rules, they wouldn't lose many points.
But this was Class D - a gathering of problem students who couldn't follow basic discipline.
By the second day, with teachers turning a blind eye, some students had already started slacking off openly.
(So Class D is essentially vocational school tier...)
Just imagining being mocked for explaining the rules made his temples throb.
Being the "good guy" brought no benefits - only risked becoming a laughingstock.
(Is this what it means to be good in Class D? A vicious cycle.)
This was a losing proposition he wouldn't take even if crazy.
(What bleak numbers...)
Shimizu calculated the intel: Class 2-D's monthly personal points were under 30,000, meaning class points below 300 - barely enough for basic meals. And this was after exam bonuses. Class D's situation was dire.
(Class points? Distant water can't quench present thirst.)
His eyes were on his textbook, but his mind was on practical matters.
Rather than hoping classmates would suddenly improve, securing personal points was wiser. In this survival-of-the-fittest campus, personal points were real capital.
Class points were too intangible.
...
When the bell rang, Shimizu packed swiftly.
He headed to the gymnasium - clubs were recruiting, per the noon announcement.
(Club activities... an opportunity.)
His senpai had mentioned: club participation earned points. Outstanding performers got extra allowances.
Far more reliable than unstable class points.
Of course, these were personal rewards.
A citrus fragrance drifted over.
"Shimizu-kun~" Kushida Kikyō leaned in. "Take out your phone. I've exchanged contacts with almost everyone!"
Shimizu nodded. "Sure."
They completed the exchange quickly.
"Horikita-san... if possible..." Kushida smiled sweetly at Horikita nearby.
"No." Horikita didn't even pause, vanishing out the door.
"Aww~ Rejected again." Kushida sighed, then brightened. "I'll try harder next time!"
Shimizu watched silently. He knew the truth behind that smile - making it all the more terrifying.
(How much pressure does she endure to keep smiling after rejection?)
(How does she relieve stress? Watching relaxation videos?)
(...Can she recommend me some methods?)
Learning about the S-System had stressed Shimizu greatly.
"By the way," Kushida turned to him. "You seem to talk with Horikita-san normally."
"Just desk neighbor talk. I don't have her contacts." Shimizu shrugged.
Horikita would never share casually.
"Oh! You didn't introduce yourself yesterday! Let me help!" Kushida beamed.
Japanese schools dismissed early - not even 4 PM. With an hour until 5 PM, Shimizu could stay and socialize.
Perfect for adding more contacts. "Then I'll leave it to you."