The trial didn't end with a conclusion.
It ended with silence.
We sat in the result hall. Four classes. One screen.
> "Trial Results:
1st place — Class 2-D
2nd place — Class 2-A
3rd place — Class 2-C
4th place — Class 2-B"
A moment of stillness. Then — a faint rustle. The reactions were restrained. Because that wasn't all.
A new message appeared on the screen:
> "According to the rules:
The class in last place must lose one participant.
Expelled: Mayu Hirose (2-B).
Reason: Deliberate destabilization of the trial."
A whisper swept through the hall like a current.
Mayu stood up. Slowly. No outburst. No words. Just a look — full of hatred. Not toward the system. But at me.
I didn't look away.
She walked out.
When it was over, I stepped outside.
The air was cold. But it tasted like freedom.
Mina walked beside me. She didn't say anything — just walked.
"Thank you," she finally said. "I didn't think we'd win."
"This wasn't a win," I replied. "It was just a move."
She looked at me but didn't argue.
At the entrance to the main building, someone stopped us.
More precisely — stopped me.
She stood in front of me: the leader of Class 2-A. Ai Sanada. Reserved, direct — as if she were made of ice and steel.
"Let's talk," she said curtly.
Her subordinates tactfully led Mina away.
We were alone.
"You performed surprisingly well," she said, staring at something over my shoulder. "It's impressive how quickly someone can enter… other people's interests."
I remained silent.
"Some believe you're rising too fast. And in this system… those who rise too quickly tend to fall just as fast."
She turned toward me.
"But I see it differently. I believe it's easier to work with those who know how to play, rather than cleaning up the mess afterward.
For the next trial, I suggest we join forces. One round only. A temporary, mutually beneficial alliance."
"And if I refuse?" I asked.
She gave a faint smile.
"Then… perhaps your path will become a bit more difficult.
Sometimes, the system doesn't eliminate the weak — but those who end up where they shouldn't be."
I met her gaze.
"Fine. But I don't play blind. I follow my own rules."
"Perfect," she replied calmly. "Then maybe we'll make… something interesting."
The next day, a message appeared in the school chat:
> "The trial has ended.
The second stage will begin in one week.
Details to follow.
Prepare yourselves."
I closed the screen.
This time — we survived.
But the next game will be different.