After Hikaru left the student council, his mind kept replaying the discoveries of that day. For instance, the division within the student council. Currently, Manabu Horikita had advanced to his third year, and his term as council president wouldn't last much longer—likely until the end of the second semester, after which he'd pass the baton to Vice President Miyabi Nagumo.
Though they were colleagues, their relationship was clearly strained, and conflicts, both overt and covert, had already begun to surface. "If they both want me to join the council, their intentions can't be that simple," Hikaru thought, stroking his chin as a general idea formed in his mind. " Do they want me to serve as a pawn against the other side?"
The young man's expression remained calm. He murmured softly, "I have no desire to be a pawn. Being the one who moves the pieces is far more interesting."
"If I could get involved in council affairs, I might gather more information. Maybe even use it in the class competition."
"But for now, it's best to proceed cautiously, step by step. Until a clear opportunity arises, it's better to avoid entanglement with them."
Arriving at the foot of his dormitory, Hikaru pulled out his phone to check it. Apparently, his classmates from Class B were closely following his every move, discussing it excitedly in the group chat.
He began typing a message to reassure everyone.
Class B Family Group Chat:
Ryūji Kanzaki: I wonder if Hikaru succeeded? It's really worrying.
Sō Shibata: Relax, with Hikaru's abilities, there's no problem. He's probably already on his way back.
Sayo Andō: I trust Hikaru too. If he succeeded, we should throw a party to celebrate, right?
Honami Ichinose: A victory party? That sounds like a good idea. We could even invite Ibuki.
Chihiro Shiranami: Honami, are you close with that girl from Class C?
Honami Ichinose: We just met, Chihiro, come on!
At that moment, Hikaru's message was successfully sent.
Hikaru Hashima: It's done. Ryūen has been suspended and won't be able to attend classes for a month.
As soon as the message appeared, a cascade of new replies flooded the screen.
Sō Shibata: What? Awesome! I knew Hikaru would handle it.
Sayo Andō: Hikaru, you're incredible! I'll organize a victory party, you have to come!
Honami Ichinose: Hikaru Hashima, where are you right now?
Ryūji Kanzaki: Sayo, have you reserved a place yet? I'm at Keyaki Mall. If not, I can go directly and book a table at the family restaurant.
Chihiro Shiranami: If we're throwing a party, are we really inviting people from other classes?
Honami Ichinose: *I've messaged Ibuki. We'll see if she wants to come.
"Wow, this is lively," Hikaru thought, a slight smile forming on his face as he watched the group chat explode. Who wouldn't want a joyful school life? Unfortunately, this place wasn't an ordinary school.
He typed another message, then closed the chat interface and entered the dormitory building.
Hikaru Hashima: For the party, let's figure it out tomorrow. Today, I'm a bit tired.
Back in his room, Hikaru lay down on his soft bed, closing his eyes to rest. Now that Ryūen was suspended, he wouldn't hear from him for at least a month.
Though Ryūen had loudly declared he wouldn't give up his leadership role, for now, interactions between Class B and Class C would no longer cross Ryūen's path, sparing them a lot of trouble.
On the other hand, Class C had just seen three of its students suspended at once, which would cost them a heavy loss in evaluation points. By selling the rules at the end of the week, Hikaru could maximize the gap with them.
As for Class D, they'd have to wait until Friday's class meeting. By then, Hikaru would check their point consumption before deciding when to sell the rules.
Once all four classes knew the rules, they'd be on equal footing. However, given the differences in quality among class members, it was hard to predict what sparks might fly in the future.
Class A, already divided; Class C, weakened by suspensions; and Class D, which remained silent for now.
Truly, it was all intriguing.
Thinking about it, Hikaru opened his system panel again. In the "Actions" interface, there were still only three options.
Apart from "Sae's Action," which didn't interest him, there was "Suzune Horikita's Action," but Hikaru still didn't know which class this girl belonged to.
That said, when he sold the rules later, he should be able to find out. Plus, he remembered the opening ceremony: he recalled that Class D had a lot of pretty girls. Maybe he'd unlock new actions.
" Please give me an action with a low initial price and a large issuance volume."
Hikaru stared at the system's transaction shop. The available items had tempted him for a long time. By developing a new action and accumulating funds, he could finally afford them.
The next morning, after his sports session, Hikaru entered Class B. As soon as he stepped through the door, the students already present surrounded him, each wearing radiant smiles.
"Hikaru, you're here! We heard your plan succeeded again. You're really incredible!"
" As expected of Hikaru. I knew with you, it would work every time!"
After responding to the compliments, Hikaru took his seat. The students who had participated in the newcomer meeting watched him with joy, clearly delighted.
" Congratulations, Hikaru, on this triumph. You've eliminated another obstacle for Class B."
" Sayo has already reserved a place. After class, come to the victory party so we can thank you for everything you do for Class B."
"Today, no excuses," Sō said, placing a hand on Hikaru's shoulder with a big smile. " You can't refuse!"
"Alright, I'll come."
Facing the general enthusiasm, the young man decided not to be a spoilsport. As he sat down, he noticed Honami Ichinose next to him, her head bowed as she fiddled with her phone.
"Honami, you said you'd invite Ibuki yesterday. Did she accept?"
"No…" The pink-haired girl shook her head, her beautiful blue eyes seeming to hold an indefinable emotion, which piqued Hikaru's curiosity.
" It's okay. After all, she's from Class C. It's normal she wouldn't want to come to our party."
But after saying that, Hikaru noticed Honami's expression seemed veiled with a slight melancholy.
What was going on?
"Honami, is something bothering you?" he asked softly. "If so, you can talk to me. I'm sure we can help."
Hikaru carefully observed the girl's face, but she merely shook her head slightly, replying softly, "No, it's nothing. I was just thinking about Ibuki. She must be happy right now, right?"
"Really?"
" Yes, really."
At her response, Hikaru didn't press further, but his thoughts didn't stop.
"Something's off. Since our conversation the other night, Honami's mood seems strange." Recalling the past few days with her, he remembered her face sometimes showed a worried expression.
"Did something happen to push her into disturbing thoughts?"
Whether out of friendship or as Class B's co-leader, Hikaru wanted to help Honami. After all, she was currently his most important investment, right?
" I'll need to find a chance to have a serious talk with her."
Looking at the pink-haired girl, who still wore a smile, Hikaru made a silent decision.