"What are you doing?"
"Something unexpected came up. So I'm going to have to borrow one of your connections."
Time passes faster than you'd think.
Lunch break ended, classes resumed, and before I knew it, the final bell had rung.
No matter what you're doing, time always moves at the same pace, yet when you're focused on something, it feels like it slips by quicker than usual.
Not that the lessons themselves are interesting.
They're boring. Everything taught to first-years is already committed to memory.
Still, while I was considering how to explain it so others could grasp it perfectly, how to teach it most efficiently, and where that knowledge might be applied in the future, time passed more quickly than I expected.
And now it's after school.
I had planned to head back to the library for the study session.
Instead, I'm being dragged along by Ryuuen.
"I tried taking some seniors to a spot with no cameras to squeeze hints out of them, but they bolted. No way they could've reacted that fast unless someone had done the exact same thing to them before."
Ryuuen had left the study session in Shiina's hands just to bring me here.
In short, the "lead" he'd boasted about for clearing this exam had fallen through.
He treats everything like a game, and that casual attitude bred carelessness—which led to failure.
That said, rising from defeat and making sure the same mistake never happens again is one of his strongest suits. I have expectations for what comes next.
"Looks like the seniors know my face a little too well. Bunch of cowards. You agree, don't you?"
"If you properly judged whether they were boring people or not, it wouldn't have ended that way."
"Kuku, harsh as always."
Since his attempt failed, we have no choice but to use my connection.
We're currently walking the hallway toward a certain individual.
To me, this person will likely prove useful going forward—an event to raise intimacy. I haven't told Ryuuen the real purpose.
There is, however, one problem. The stares hurt.
Because—
"Ryuuen, I never imagined I'd be walking side-by-side with you like this."
"Yeah, no kidding."
Yes, I'm walking right next to Ryuuen.
Students passing by—especially the ones who look like first-years—throw strange glances our way.
The offhand lie I fed Ichinose actually turned into reality just hours later. Slightly unexpected, and I find it interesting.
"So where the hell are we going? You really have a lead, right?"
"Yes. We're here."
We've reached our destination, so I point to one particular room.
I possess at least the talent of a broker.
I'll grant the failed Ryuuen a chance at redemption. Let's see what his negotiation skills can do.
"This is… the student council room."
The student council room has a slightly different layout from ordinary classrooms, giving it an atmosphere that makes it harder to approach.
Still, the chances that our target is inside are extremely high. Unapproachable or not, all we can do is wait.
Fortunately, I also possess the talent of luck, so the wait won't be long.
"You're gonna pry the test questions out of the student council members?"
Ryuuen's guess is, regrettably, inadequate.
That said, it may in fact be one of the answers the school is looking for.
"No. It's the same thing you attempted—negotiating for past exams."
The student council wields considerable authority in this school.
They may very well know the contents of the upcoming first-year midterm.
If we can obtain that information, we can overcome the current crisis. The possibility that the school has prepared such a method is not zero.
"Kuku, gotta hand it to you. The third-years I threatened earlier ran off, but they're idiots. Even though I hadn't said a word, they let a few things slip about past exams. Just as I thought—there's definitely something up with them."
They probably weren't seen as credible.
Yet Ryuuen, sensing what the sudden change in test scope was truly demanding, doubted everything that could be doubted.
One of the conclusions he reached was acquiring past exams, and he appears to have nearly confirmed it moments ago.
"The school is demanding a response to this emergency situation. Obtaining past exams is one valid solution. If we can predict question tendencies, formats, number of items, and time allocation in advance, there's no way anyone would fail."
"That would require a certain amount of prior knowledge."
"Hah, three days is plenty."
Ryuuen isn't stupid. If he studied seriously, he'd easily earn respectable scores.
Tests simply don't matter to him. To someone who believes in "violence" above all, numerical grades are mere indicators—a tiny fragment of true strength.
"So quit stalling and tell me already. Who are we here to meet?"
No need to keep it hidden any longer.
He's probably already half-guessed it anyway. Time to confirm.
I was about to reveal the target's identity to Ryuuen.
But the moment was interrupted.
The student council room door opened.
"Hey, what are you doing out here?"
A male student emerged and addressed us.
The blond student had neatly styled hair and refined features; his build was lean yet solid. His height was roughly the same as Ryuuen's.
I thought he'd come out to scold us for talking in the hallway, but that didn't seem to be the case.
When he opened the door, he appeared briefly startled to find people standing right outside. It was pure coincidence.
"This doesn't concern you."
"I don't recognize your faces. First-years, then. Here to apply for the student council? No reason to come during exam period, though. What's your business?"
His expression and tone brimmed with confidence, yet he was deeply suspicious.
After stating his piece, he fixed us with an aristocratic, questioning gaze.
"I came because I have business with a certain individual."
"A certain individual? Someone in the student council?"
"Yes. But I have no intention of troubling you. They'll be out shortly."
"…Not a very cute kouhai, are you? If I help now, you're far less likely to waste time."
"Unnecessary. They'll appear eventually."
"…Tch. A disappointment. Boring."
Ryuuen's quiet chuckle drifts from behind me—doubtless amused that a phrase similar to my own catchphrase was turned back on me.
"You over there… oh, the infamous first-year Kakeru Ryuuen, right?"
"Hah?"
Ryuuen stops laughing instantly and glares at the blond with clear intimidation.
"You're the talk of the school. Dangerous guy, just like you look."
The "infamous" part doesn't appear to be a lie. His methods stand out—in the worst way.
In just one month he's become known to the upperclassmen who've already adjusted to this school.
Though being known changes nothing.
"Kuku. Is there any power in this world more trustworthy than violence?"
"I see. A lunatic, but one with real strength to back it up. That kelp beside you one of your pawns?"
"Yeah. A handy pawn."
Kelp unmistakably refers to me. I'd prefer a more creative insult.
"I've got high hopes for you, tyrant."
"Hah, what nonsense. Expectations from a small fry like you aren't worth a thing."
Small fry—the blond reacts visibly. His temper seems short.
His pride is high as well.
"Calling me a small fry? I thought you were the boss ape, but you're just a frog? The name doesn't suit you at all."
"The frog in the well, huh… kuku, not wrong. Still, I don't like hearing it from trash like you."
The taunting started abruptly, but Ryuuen speaks while looking at me, not the man in front of him.
By making it clear through gesture that his opponent isn't worth noticing, the blond's voice rises.
"If that's really what you think, you're a disappointment, Kakeru Ryuuen. Hahaha! You agree, don't you, kelp bastard?"
The blond turns only his eyes toward me, seeking agreement. His confidence far surpasses Ryuuen's.
He certainly possesses ability that matches his arrogance, yet he's needlessly persistent.
He must have time to burn—quite relaxed for exam week.
As I consider how to respond—
"No business with small fries."
He saved me the effort. I truly have no use for this man.
He is, without question, one of the standout talents in this school.
Yet to me, he is boring.
Above all, he could never become "hope."
The blond, who had been leaning back with apparent ease, now shows faint anger on his face.
He looks ready to keep talking, but the opportunity has passed.
Because our target has finally arrived.
"Nagumo, what are you doing? I could hear laughter all the way down the hall… Ah, it's you."
The target approaches the student council room from the corridor.
He appears, as always, buried in student council duties.
Upon spotting me, he quickly grasps the situation.
"I've come to make use of you."
"Very well. Let's hear it. Nagumo, my apologies, but…"
"Yes, yes, the intruder will excuse himself."
The blond student—the fourth person to appear, Student Council President Manabu Horikita—complies and departs.
He glances back at us while leaving, but with the president present, he says nothing more and walks away briskly.
"I didn't know you were acquainted with the student council president."
"Yes. I utilized the connection to verify points."
We do have prior contact.
I should explain how that came about.
…
The second day after the entrance ceremony.
One of the goals I pursued—even turning down Ibuki's invitation—was making contact with a specific student.
I didn't expect much from questioning the teachers. Their responses are meticulous.
In short, their mouths are too tightly sealed to extract much information.
Yet to organize what I do know, I inevitably needed to speak with someone more familiar with this school than I am.
Hacking the school's database would be faster, but with my current points, purchasing the necessary equipment would incur a massive debt and force me into destitution.
Invading a single camera or mobile device wouldn't cost much, but the target here is the school's entire database—government-operated and highly secretive. Cracking it would be considerably difficult.
Attempting such a strategy without understanding point values carries too much risk.
Therefore, I must gather information in person.
The senior I contacted for that purpose was, of course, carefully chosen.
Meeting an outstanding third-year—rather than a second-year—holds particular significance.
Another objective this time was determining how many points the school's top students possess.
Earlier, I saw seniors eating the free mountain-vegetable set meal looking as though despair was moments away.
Yet that was only some of them. Others ate regular meals, and some spent points on entertainment. The latter group was actually larger.
As I had speculated, some form of point fluctuation will occur in the future. That fluctuation stripped points from certain students. But where points decrease for some, they naturally increase for others.
Nearly every phenomenon in this world follows a binary oppositional order. It is reasonable to assume the same here.
If I can learn the extent of those increases, I will understand the true value of points.
It will also bring me closer to the real meaning behind Sakagami-sensei's statement that points can be used for anything.
Then the question is how to identify and approach a student with substantial points.
Simple. There is one student all first-years have unquestionably seen who must possess a large amount.
The student council president. I remember he delivered the response address as the student representative at the entrance ceremony.
Someone entrusted with leading this school would undoubtedly hold many points.
In other words, my goal was to make contact with the president and extract as much information as possible.
Yet there was one more senior I remembered.
A single source is insufficient for credibility. So I decided to obtain information from that other student first.
I had already located them. They were walking about five meters away.
The fact that they are conveniently approaching makes even luck feel boring.
"Excuse me—are you a senior?"
I initiate contact, employing talents from acting, fraud, psychology, negotiation, and more to guide the conversation amicably.
The person I addressed was the female student who assisted the president at the entrance ceremony.
A petite third-year with gentle features and purple hair tied into symmetrical odango buns.
She turns at the sound of my voice.
"I'm a first-year named Hajime Hinata. I have something I'd like to ask—do you have a moment?"
"Ah, yes! If it's just a little, that's fine! I'm third-year Akane Tachibana. Hinata-kun, was it? So, what would you like to know?"
The approach is flawless. I successfully made contact with Akane Tachibana without raising any suspicion.
As expected, the name Hajime Hinata creates a far better first impression than Izuru Kamukura.
She is curious about my appearance, but her guard remains low.
"I'd like you to tell me what you can about this school's points."
Tachibana's face clouds slightly.
The change is unmistakable. As I thought—this one's a hit.
"Points? I believe the school explained them thoroughly…"
"Don't you think 100,000 yen a month is far too much for high school students?"
I cut in before she can finish, letting her know just how much I already understand. That should cut off any unnecessary back-and-forth.
"…You're sharper than I expected. But it's not like that at all. You were all admitted to this school. That alone means you're each considered worth more than 100,000 yen."
Almost the exact same answer as Sakagami-sensei's. Prepared in advance.
The school must have instructed the upperclassmen not to answer questions from lower years.
"I see. Then just two more things, please. How many points do you have right now, senpai?"
"…That's a secret."
She brings a hand to her mouth and raises her index finger.
The gesture suits her petite frame and gentle aura perfectly—something that would normally stir maternal instincts and make people overlook the brief pause.
But I feel none of that.
From the pause, it's clear this topic is off-limits too.
"Eh? Is it a rule that you're not allowed to tell anyone!?"
"Fufu, that's a secret too! But a talented student like you should figure it out eventually! …So, what's the last one?"
She smiles brightly, clearly enjoying herself.
Boring. Extracting information this easily is almost disappointing.
Still, I need it this time, so even boring tasks must be done.
The last thing is to glimpse her phone screen. Just for a second—that's enough to see her point balance.
Her guard is low, so I've been able to close the distance little by little during the conversation.
At this range, I can see her device clearly.
She's talented enough to have been chosen for the student council.
That means she's reasonably outstanding—and likely holds more points than the average student.
"The last one is… um, how to transfer points…"
"Transfer? I can teach you that!"
I step closer, phone in hand, until our shoulders are nearly touching.
This girl really is gentle. Slow to sense malice, quick to return a smile with one of her own… pure, you could call it.
But boring. Truly no caution at all.
Kindness is a virtue, but zero wariness is just foolishness.
Now, next—
"Hey, Tachibana, what are you—hm? That student…"
Luck strikes again. His arrival means I can't achieve my final objective.
"P-President!? I'm sorry! I completely lost track of time!"
Black hair, black-rimmed glasses. Uniform worn perfectly, tie straight. The very picture of an honor student—the student council president approaches.
This man possesses considerable talent.
You could even call him Ultimate Student Council President.
From the way he moves, he's clearly trained in martial arts to a high level; his other abilities likely aren't lacking either.
"S-Sorry! Tachibana-senpai, were you waiting for your boyfriend…? My apologies!"
"B-Boyfriend!? Horikita-kun is my—!?"
"Eh? He isn't?"
Tachibana Akane blushes furiously and flusters.
Obvious. Even without Ultimate Analyst, it's plain she has feelings for the president.
"Tachibana and I are not in that kind of relationship."
Tachibana's shoulders slump, her disappointment blatant.
Oblivious. The kind of protagonist trait that makes everyone around him sigh.
"Ah, I see… But I'm truly sorry for taking up your time."
"It's fine. Still, why are you at school so late? You're a first-year, correct?"
"Yes, I'm a first-year! Actually, I had questions for the teachers and seniors! I asked the teachers first, but it took longer than expected… By then most seniors had gone home, and Tachibana-senpai was the only one I could find!"
Not entirely a lie. Mixing half truth with half fiction lends credibility.
With Ultimate Con Artist, this is child's play.
"President, he's sharp. He asked about points."
"Hoh, impressive… Your name?"
"I'm Hajime Hinata. Um… if I'm not mistaken, you're the student council president who spoke at the entrance ceremony?"
Time to extract as much as I can from him too.
"That's right. I'm Manabu Horikita, student council president of this school."
Things were going smoothly.
Until his next words.
"Now it's my turn to ask a question. Why are you using a false name—Kamukura Izuru?"
His sharp gaze pierces my expression, never leaving my face for an instant to catch any change.
Ah, rather unexpected.
Still, this level won't cause any shift in my expression.
"K-Kamukura? Who's that?"
"No need to play dumb. I've memorized the faces and names of this year's standout first-years. Kamukura Izuru—that long hair is far too distinctive."
He points at my hair and states it definitively.
Though it doesn't show on my face, I'm slightly surprised.
An unknown variable. A touch of excitement stirs as I continue using Ultimate Con Artist.
"So who are you talking about?"
"You achieved perfect scores on the entrance exam and displayed exceptional physical ability—an extraordinarily talented student. Your individual capabilities are rated the highest since this school's founding."
"P-President? What are you saying?"
Tachibana, unable to keep up, looks utterly confused.
"Tachibana, this one was trying to extract as much information from you as possible."
"N-No way… I thought I'd finally found a promising kouhai…"
The president shifts his gaze from the disappointed Tachibana back to me.
"So? Kamukura Izuru. Will you keep showing me that Hollywood-star-level acting?"
His confident smile confirms he already knows about me.
The source is intriguing, but irrelevant for now.
Sufficiently unknown. I'm satisfied, so I'll end this exchange.
Any more suspicion would hinder my goals.
I judge it so and release all the talents I'd been using.
"Well spotted, President."
"Finally using your real tone. So what's your objective?"
"Just confirming things about points."
He scrutinizes my face and eyes, checking for lies.
"…Hmph. Only two days since school started, yet you've noticed the points' true nature and taken action. Your method—extracting information through perfectly natural conversation. It seems your ability stands head and shoulders above the other first-years."
"Stating the obvious is a waste of time."
"Trying to secure time to extract information from me?"
"Merely a fact. And extracting anything from you now that you're on guard would be troublesome."
We lock eyes, facing off.
Though our eye levels are nearly the same, my field of vision is still far broader.
"Heh. Depending on your future actions, I might invest in you. 100,000 points—or perhaps over a million, depending. …That should answer what you sought."
His confident words carry certainty; the eyes behind his glasses flicker.
He'd seen through my goal as well. He truly can't be underestimated.
"Yes. Then I'll take my leave. You two must be pressed for time as well?"
"Wait. You're the first to notice the points this quickly and deeply, then act on it. If you're willing, I could offer you a seat on the student council."
"P-President!? What are you saying!?"
The student council. With my talents as president, secretary, treasurer, and every other role, it would be nothing but tedium.
There's only one answer.
"I'll decline. However, personally, I'd like our relationship to remain amicable."
"Heh, I see. Then let us be amicable. I'll take the chance to evaluate you as well."
"P-President, it's almost time…"
"Right… Until next time, Kamukura Izuru."
With that, the two hurry off at a brisk pace.
…
We enter the room the president guides us to. It's starkly tidy—almost like a guest room.
Only three chairs and one desk.
"Rest assured, there are no surveillance cameras here."
Thoroughly considerate. He's clearly experienced.
This isn't his first such negotiation.
"So for you two to visit at this time of year…"
"Yes, it's about the midterm exam."
"As I thought. What do you want?"
"The past midterms—the ones you took as a first-year. We'd like to use them as reference."
A faint smile appears in his face, the first change in the president's expression. He takes out his phone and begins operating it.
A few seconds later, he shows us an image.
It displays math problems.
"I figured someone would reach this conclusion, so I prepared in advance. Don't worry—all five subjects are complete, and I can transfer them right now."
"But everything has a price. Let's say… 30,000 points."
From his words and preparedness, this seems to be the correct approach.
Past exams are apparently the hidden solution. But not free.
Naturally. The slightly high price is probably to test the other side's negotiation skill.
"Seems so, Ryuuen. What will you do?"
"Don't toss it to me, kelp-head."
"You're the one who needs the past exams. I'm already guaranteed perfect scores, so you should negotiate."
Ryuuen clicks his tongue, then turns to face Manabu Horikita.
Let's see how he brings the price down.
"Tch… Mind if I switch negotiators, Mr. President?"
"I don't mind, Ryuuen Kakeru. How much of a discount do you want?"
He knows Ryuuen too.
The blond earlier—Nagumo—called Ryuuen infamous, so the president is aware of his nature as well.
"It's obvious—zero points!"
Suddenly, Ryuuen throws a punch at the president. Predictable.
No cameras means just take them by force. Very him—but proper negotiation would have been wiser this time.
Because the blow never lands.
"…Robbery, huh. Very you."
He perfectly blocks Ryuuen's fist with his palm.
The gamble fails. Discounting from 30,000 just became far harder.
No one lowers the price for someone who attacks them.
"Tch. Thought you were just a goody-two-shoes, but you've got some bite. Guess the 'greatest president in history' title isn't for show."
"Your read was shallow. So what's next?"
"…Fine. I'll pay. But for 30,000, throw in the first-year quiz too."
After a moment's thought, he agrees. And he'd noticed it too.
The quiz problems—unusually difficult for first-years—are meant for verification in this process.
Even hard questions are solvable if you know the answers.
If the quiz matches exactly, the midterm could follow the same pattern. It's possible it's a bluff, but it's unquestionably useful reference.
"Very well. Deal."
Ryuuen takes out his phone and exchanges contact info to transfer the data.
"Kuku. Getting your contact info makes the 30,000 expenditure a net gain."
"Heh. I've heard about you. Your methods aren't praiseworthy, but your ability is undeniable. This year's first-years look promising."
"Yeah, expect big things. My class will reach Class A eventually. Though I don't know if you'll still be around to see it."
Ryuuen's in high spirits now that he's achieved his goal.
Afterward, I exchange contact info with the president too.
The connection with him is more than enough harvest for whatever may come.
A result obtained for a mere 30,000 points is excellent.
"We're done. We'll be taking our leave, Mr. President."
"Yes, get home safely."
Ryuuen and I leave the room quickly and head straight for the dorms.
Walking side-by-side with him again on the way back—I'm honestly used to it by now.
In any case, midterm preparations are complete.
If I consider these boring days temporary, life becomes a little easier.
...
Shortly after returning to the dorm, Ichinose sends me a photo of Ryuuen and me walking together along with a message.
[It was true (lol)]
For just a moment… the tiniest moment, I consider a little payback.
***
If you want to read up to 25 chapters ahead, don't hesitate to visit our patron: pat reon . com / XElenea (remove space)