Asuna sat perched upon her black throne, propping her cheek on one hand as if weighing the fate of the world. In reality, her internal monologue was a frantic scream:
(What on earth are these two doing?!)
(What "instructions" are they even talking about?)
(Just go do whatever it is you want to do! Why do you keep circling around me like sharks? You're making me feel so awkward!!!)
Despite the mental hysterics, her exterior remained composed. She cracked her eyes open slightly and spoke with regal brevity:
"Come with me for a moment, you two."
Asuna rose from the throne, descending the steps with practiced grace and heading toward the exit. Katsuragi and Hashimoto trailed behind her like devoted chicks following a mother hen.
Masumi, who was sitting nearby keeping Arisu company, couldn't help but comment.
"What is Asuna planning now? Does she actually want to be an emperor?"
"Hehe," Arisu giggled, shielding her mouth with her hand. "Just let her be. Besides, with her out in the front lines, we have so much more time to spend with our man."
Masumi didn't argue; the logic was sound. They had gained a rare pocket of leisure time by offloading the class's burdens onto someone else's shoulders.
Miki raised her hand hesitantly.
"Um... is it really okay for us to be lounging here drinking tea while Yuuki-san carries the weight of the entire class?"
Miki, still possessing a shred of conscience, felt this was a bit much. Arisu and Masumi had completely washed their hands of the exam, leaving Asuna to run herself ragged. Miki felt a twinge of guilt, being part of the "unemployed" group.
Arisu took a casual sip of tea and replied without a care in the world:
"Don't worry, I've already discussed this with Yuuki-san, and she agreed. Of course, I had to pay a small price for her cooperation."
"A pre-order for the Aincrad trial tickets for the end of the year, complete with the NerveGear virtual helmet. Since she agreed to take on this heavy lifting for that, we have nothing to worry about."
Arisu explained that she had promised the upcoming virtual game, the hardware, and even a premium account. Given that the game hadn't even been released yet, the rarity of such an item was astronomical. If it weren't for her influential father, she never would have secured such a prize.
As a hardcore gamer, how could Asuna possibly refuse? And so, the bribe was accepted. The girl had actually thanked Arisu for the "opportunity."
Arisu smiled proudly and set down her teacup.
"Since we're free, shall we play a game of chess?"
The others didn't object.
◆━⊰✿✧✿⊱━◆
Meanwhile, Asuna reached the highest parapet of the castle. Looking out over the vast, endless landscape, she murmured softly to herself.
"What a beautiful place..."
Asuna stretched her arms wide as if embracing the entire world. However, to the two men standing behind her, the gesture took on a far more ominous meaning.
Katsuragi's body practically trembled with excitement. He interpreted Asuna's gesture as a declaration of intent: she wanted to seize the crystals of every class, ensuring Class B's ascension to Class A!
Truly, the magnificent Asuna-sama!
"Heh," Hashimoto snorted quietly. "She truly deserves to be our King. Such grand ambition. And that is exactly why I adore you, Asuna-sama!"
Hashimoto stared at her with pure, unadulterated admiration.
Asuna, still blissfully unaware of how sideways the situation was turning, reached a hand out toward the moon in the night sky and whispered:
"It really is something beautiful. Sadly, beautiful things like this can't stay with me for long."
She lowered her hand and stood in silence with her back to them. The two men immediately translated this as: "We must act fast. Asuna-sama wants to wrap this up and go home soon."
Shortly after, Asuna went inside to rest. In her absence, Hashimoto and Katsuragi gathered nearly every member of Class B to announce Asuna's "grand design."
Hashimoto adjusted his non-existent glasses, tucked his hands behind his back, and announced grandiosely:
"Our Asuna-sama has declared that she will dominate every single class!"
"From the first-years all the way to the third-years!"
"As her subordinates, it is our sacred duty to see Asuna-sama's ambition realized!"
Hashimoto's shout was met with a thunderous cheer from the class.
Asuna (inside her room): (I never said that! Stop misinterpreting me!!!)
Back at the tea table, Arisu, Masumi, and Miki watched the commotion in stunned silence.
Masumi muttered, "What is actually wrong with those people?"
Despite the absurdity, Hashimoto's competence remained undeniable. He immediately issued orders to the class. First, ten scouts were dispatched to gather intelligence. Another ten were assigned to patrol the perimeter. The rest remained to fortify the castle and await the scouts' return.
◆━⊰✿✧✿⊱━◆
The following morning, the sun rose over the horizon.
Katsuragi and Hashimoto received reports from the scouting teams. Hashimoto scanned the notes. In terms of raw combat power, Class C was clearly the apex predator. With Ayanokouji, Ryunosuke, and Koenji, they were a group that couldn't be toppled without sacrificing the entire class.
Therefore, Hashimoto easily decided to avoid direct hostility with Class C. The exam was simple: who had the bigger fist, and who could hide their crystal best?
Hashimoto had considered digging a hole and burying their crystal until the final hours, but the rules dictated that the crystal couldn't be left unattended. Guarding it was mandatory, meaning they couldn't stray too far from it.
Seeking guidance to win the match, Hashimoto approached Asuna. At that moment, she was sitting on her throne with her eyes closed, clearly catching up on sleep.
Hashimoto knelt on one knee and spoke:
"Forgive me for disturbing your rest, Asuna-sama. Please, have mercy on my intrusion."
"Ah?" Asuna had indeed just drifted off. She woke up looking dazed and confused. But seeing Hashimoto in front of her, she snapped into a straight posture, crossed her arms and legs, and put on a mask of stoic calm.
"Speak. What is it?"
Because Hashimoto was bowing his head, he missed her frantic recovery. He never saw the confused face of his "King." Though, even if he had, he likely would have assumed it was all part of some deep, unfathomable plan.