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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: The Bet and the Entrance Ceremony

"Um... how should I put it? It's been a while."

It was Saionji Ryosuke—the one who had volunteered to invite Sakayanagi to the rooftop—who spoke first.

Looking at the girl sitting gracefully on the bench, even Ryosuke, normally cheerful and confident, found himself unsure of what to say.

He liked this girl.

But because she used to often mention a boy named Ayanokōji Kiyotaka, he had never confessed his feelings.

After two and a half years apart, he had no idea how to begin. All he could do was open with that old, predictable greeting.

"Pfft," Sakayanagi chuckled softly.

"What's this? The great Sword Saint himself, nervous before a weak little girl like me?"

"Not really. It's just... been so long. There's so much I want to say, but I don't know where to start."

Ryosuke scratched his hair awkwardly.

"Hehe, that's just like you. Still, I didn't expect you'd be studying here too. If I'd known earlier, I should've—"

She stopped mid-sentence, as if realizing something, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

"Should've… what?" Ryosuke asked clumsily.

"Nothing. Anyway, the young master really made quite the impression today."

"...I feel like there's a hidden meaning behind that. And don't call me 'young master.'"

"Oh, of course. Young master."

Seeing her teasing smile, Ryosuke couldn't help but remember how mischievous she'd always been. Maybe it was because of how easily he got flustered, but she used to enjoy teasing him—something he could never quite be mad about.

"Whatever you say."

He gave up on correcting her and simply looked at her with a helpless expression.

The two locked eyes for a while before Ryosuke, unable to endure the playful stare, decided to change the subject.

"This school is even stranger than I expected. Forget all the cameras everywhere—just the idea of points that can supposedly 'buy anything' is insane."

Sakayanagi stopped teasing him, letting out a small laugh before responding seriously.

"The teacher did say that next month's point allocation isn't fixed. It could be more, or less. Which means the amount must be tied to rewards and punishments between classes."

"Rewards and punishments, huh? So the differences between classes will grow from that. And if points can buy everything..." Ryosuke paused, then realized—

"...then the school is basically designed for class competition."

"Exactly. The more points a class has, the greater their power. The less they have... the closer they are to being discarded."

Hearing that, Ryosuke couldn't help but grin inwardly.

Looks like I really chose the right school.

Whether it was the "rival" his father had once mentioned, or the intense competitiveness this place seemed to thrive on—

The next three years were going to be interesting.

He thought briefly of Katsuragi Kouhei, who had already begun building connections within Class A.

"Sakayanagi, if this really turns into class warfare, then having a capable leader would be crucial, right? And knowing you, you've already thought about that."

"Of course."

"But that Katsuragi guy's already getting a head start with everyone. Doesn't that put you behind?"

"How unfortunate," she said calmly, a faint smirk on her lips. "But in my eyes, Katsuragi isn't even worth considering an opponent. Let him form his little circle if he wants. I have plans of my own."

Her confidence was unmistakable—and when she mentioned Katsuragi, there was even a hint of contempt in her eyes.

Ryosuke knew this childhood friend of his well. She'd always been brilliant, calculating, and quietly ruthless. He simply nodded, deciding not to interfere.

"Still… this class could become more interesting if a certain someone decided to get involved."

She's talking about me. Definitely me, Ryosuke thought, feeling a spark of competitiveness.

And so, rather than wait, he decided to act.

"Sakayanagi, if it's a challenge you want, I have an idea."

She blinked, a bit surprised by his sudden boldness.

"Oh? I'm listening, young master."

Ignoring her tone, he continued:

"Since points are everything in this school, how about we see who can earn more in a given amount of time?"

"That sounds intriguing. I see you've already thought this through. Fine then—how about one week?"

"Deal. What's the wager?"

"Hmm… if I win, you'll be my servant for a day."

Her eyes gleamed with mischief.

"A servant, huh? And if I win?"

Sakayanagi tilted her head, pretending to think, then leaned closer and whispered:

"A lap pillow massage. How about that?"

"Eh?!"

Ryosuke nearly choked on his words.

It was hard to tell if he should be terrified or thrilled. Knowing her, it could go either way.

"Don't believe me?" she teased, her cheeks slightly red now—something Ryosuke completely missed in his confusion.

"You said it, so no backing out."

He decided to take it as a promise of joy rather than a trap.

"Ara~ young master, you really are a naive boy. You actually think you can win?"

"We'll see. Either way, it's settled."

Just as he was about to respond further, the school broadcast echoed through the speakers:

"All first-year students, please assemble in the gymnasium for the entrance ceremony."

"Shall we? It's time," Sakayanagi said, standing up with her cane.

Ryosuke immediately moved to steady her arm.

"So considerate, aren't you, young master?"

Though the words were polite, her tone made it sound more like she was teasing a personal butler.

"...Yes, my lady," he replied dryly.

And so, the two made their way to the gymnasium, walking side by side toward Class A's assigned area.

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