The excited commotion faded, and a tense, icy atmosphere set in.
A hundred eyes, filled with shock, turned to me.
It felt like the day I first answered the professor's question.
No one moved, as if time had stopped for everyone but me.
The classroom remained deathly silent until I reached the podium. Even then, the professor only stared down at the envelope in his hand, saying nothing.
After waiting patiently, the professor finally spoke.
"This is your first time entering the special class, isn't it? No matter how many times I checked, you were indeed the last student to make it into the special class."
"Yes, it's my first time."
"Jumping from 98th to 10th place is no easy feat. I can't imagine how much effort you must have put in. I hope you continue to achieve good results."
For the first time, the professor smiled faintly at me.
'That's all good but….'
Why did he have to mention the 98th place so openly…?
Well, it doesn't matter. If it's well-known that Luca had a zero-point grade that others didn't know about, it's no surprise.
I put on the warmest smile I could manage and thanked him.
"Thank you, Professor."
* * *
"Congratulations."
I headed straight to the training ground as usual. Leo was already there.
"You too."
"It's no surprise for me anymore, but I didn't expect you to make it into the special class…."
"Didn't you see it coming?"
"No, I thought you could do it with your determination, but seeing it happen is still surprising."
Leo patted the spot next to him.
I plopped down beside him and leaned against the wall.
Leo, lost in thought, started to speak.
"So, you're starting soon?"
"I have to. I can't just drag this out with my brother."
"You saw the reaction from the others earlier, right?"
I nodded, and Leo continued.
"It's not just our class. The whole school is reacting the same way."
"I know. The rumors will spread quickly."
"Yeah, the rumors will spread outside the school, then the capital, and eventually the Empire. Of course, it's just about school grades, so it won't cause a huge stir. It might just be a passing mention among those interested in Pleroma."
Leo went on.
"But among those interested are your brother and his associates. They'll know about your achievement immediately. Are you prepared for that?"
"Yes, someone had to fire the signal eventually."
Of course, my brother has given no signals until he decides to kill Luca.
If I don't change the course of events first, the only outcome will be him killing me in about 700 days.
Leo opened his mouth to say something but closed it a few times before finally speaking on a slightly different topic.
"...Okay. Is your previous plan still valid?"
"Of course. It's just beginning."
Leo burst into laughter at my response and stood up.
"Alright, let's get started."
* * *
On the day of the September monthly evaluation.
I leaned toward Leo, who was focusing on my words, clasping my hands together.
"But instead, this will take place after the midterms."
Leo's face grew tense.
"...What is it?"
"I'm going to form an organization."
"..."
"..."
Leo and I stared at each other for a long time. Leo was the one to break the silence.
"Are you thinking of becoming a gang leader?"
"No, I'm going to create a secret organization to research Pleroma."
Ignoring Leo's small sigh of relief, I continued.
"As you know, Pleroma is a serious social issue. We'll analyze past Pleroma-related crimes, develop predictive models, and determine their future actions. If necessary, we could even propose our models to the imperial family."
"Hmm, sounds plausible."
Leo nodded, then looked at me with slightly changed eyes.
"I get the official explanation. So, what's your real goal?"
'Official explanation'—I appreciate how quickly he catches on.
Of course, this isn't what I should be telling Leo.
"To increase my allies."
"Your allies?"
"Yes, I can't keep living while being misunderstood as Pleroma. As you know, my brother is highly esteemed both within and outside the Empire. It's impossible to face him alone. You know there are countless people who trust and follow him, right?"
"Yeah. Your brother… he's probably going to end up in a biography."
Leo clicked his tongue, narrowing his eyebrows.
I had to pause for a moment.
That was similar to something Leo said ten years later in the last chapter I read. Though I can't remember every word perfectly, it might have been exactly the same. A subtle sense of familiarity washed over me.
Anyway, although it's a bit of an exaggeration for now, if my brother continues living as he is without engaging in unnecessary politics, it could very well happen.
"...So, I also need to gather my allies. People who know I'm not Pleroma and who will join me in the greater cause."
Leo smiled at my words.
"The greater cause, huh? And we happen to have a common enemy in Pleroma. I see where you're going with this."
"Yeah, we need to use the group. Using an external enemy can strengthen community bonds. But right now, I'm an external enemy to the students here, even if we're in the same school and class. In terms of 'normalcy.'"
The previous tension was completely gone. Leo snapped his fingers, smiling as he did during training.
"I like it. You're essentially saying you'll use the core of our in-group. By predicting Pleroma's actions and forming a group to take them down."
"Exactly. If the students won't integrate me into the group, I'll just insert myself into it."
"You know that's not usually possible, right?"
"I know."
Leo leaned in and spoke.
"The fact that you're telling me this means my actions are also crucial. Right?"
"Yes, you're an integral part of my plan. Thanks in advance."
Leo chuckled and nodded.
"Quite the honor…. Alright, I get your big picture. But you're at the extreme end of this issue. Moving to the opposite side will be extremely difficult. Are you ready for that?"
"Difficult, yes. If I'm at one end, I'll just have to bring the other end closer to me."
"...Hmm."
"Then it'll only be a small step. Don't you think?"
Leo smiled at my calm response.
"Alright, you seem to have thought this through. Let's hear the details."
"There are three key points to this plan: an invitation-only membership, secrecy, and divine power. I'll only share my story with those who are invited."
Leo nodded, signaling for me to continue.
"Given the sensitive nature of the issue, we need to stimulate desires to avoid problems. We must ensure they are fully on our side, loyal to the group, and motivated to maintain it voluntarily. Pride, a sense of belonging, and self-efficacy should be sufficient."
Leo exhaled sharply, almost laughing.
"…You really… Never mind. Yeah, it's effective. Meeting in secret and talking about a greater cause isn't bad for fostering a sense of belonging. You plan to operate by invitation only to target this?"
"I had no choice but to operate covertly given my situation. I just found a way to use it to our advantage."
There's a big difference between being pushed around by circumstances and using them. The environment is always limiting. Waiting for perfect conditions for a smooth start? I might as well wait for my brother to kill me.
Your thoughts determine the nuances of your words, which in turn convey different messages. If this is the only option left, analyze every element and use them appropriately rather than being pushed around.
'Of course, initially, it's Leo who must act, so everything I've said must be understood by him.'
Desires for recognition, belonging, and so on.
In this regard, I've chosen my ally well. He can think this far.
Leo burst out laughing.
"You're honest."
"I have to be. You're not the target of the group; you're a partner."
"You say you trust me in such a roundabout way…."
"Alright, let's correct that. You're my most trusted friend."
"Oh, great. That's… a lovely way to put it."
Leo narrowed his eyes with a skeptical look.
He reacts like this when I say it directly, huh….
I laughed at Leo's reaction and got back to the main point.
"You're the right person for this."
"You just said you'd stimulate their desire for recognition, and now you're saying this to me?"
I shrugged at Leo's laughter.
"That's right. I'm just stating the fact. If I go up to them out of the blue and say, 'Please join our secret group researching Pleroma,' will they feel any desire for recognition?"
"They'd be glad if they didn't think it was nonsense."
"Exactly, but if you propose it, it's different. With your social position and trust, you can instantly fulfill their desire for recognition. So… I'd like you to persuade them first before I show my face. Can you do that?"
"Sure, that's not difficult. But…."
Leo, who had been nodding agreeably, suddenly looked me straight in the eye and asked.
"You know this is an optimistic scenario, right? People's minds don't always move within predictable boundaries. So far, you've only talked about generalities."
"That's why we need to choose the invitees carefully. And… we have a friend with the unique ability of insight."
This plan wasn't made with Narce's abilities in mind.
Even without her trait, Leo already has a good eye for people. Most of the people here have been friends with Leo since childhood.
I continued, keeping that in mind.
"Of course, your judgment alone is sufficient. We shouldn't invite people who always take things at face value or lack desires. You'd know who's suitable without me spelling it out."
"I know. I already have a rough idea of whom to bring."
Quick.
If we verify Leo's judgment with Narce's ability, the risk significantly decreases.
If problems arise, I can use mind-control magic.
'After the midterms, there's no need to desperately hide my information.'
There's no way the midterm grades won't reach my brother's ears.
Once the signal of change has been fired, it's fine.
Leo, lost in thought, tapped his temple with the hand supporting his chin.
"You chose this group because you have plans for practical work, right? Confident it will succeed publicly?"
"Of course."
Leo nodded.
"Good. From what you've told me, there's no reason to refuse. If you break free from your brother before the entrance exam, you can use the group's achievements. If the achievements are substantial, you might start with a high position in the imperial family."
I wanted to say, 'It's not an issue since you'll be making a new emperor anyway.'
"So, how do you plan to convince them you're not Pleroma? You're not bringing up your brother, are you?"
"Of course not."
I smiled as I answered.
My brother must remain a hero.
At least in this scenario.
* * *
A week after the midterms ended.
"When's Narce coming?"
"In an hour!"
"In an hour."
I repeated Pai's answer to Leo's question.
On the day of the monthly evaluation, when I told Narce about the plan upon returning by carriage, she reacted more enthusiastically than expected and agreed.
Leo nodded.
"So, you plan to start recruiting today?"
"Yeah."
"How many are you thinking?"
"Three to four a week."
The sooner, the better, but considering physical limitations, I set a reasonable goal.
Ding―!
〈 Chapter 3. Constant dripping wears away a stone (1) 〉
Suggestion 3: Live boldly! Recruit 10 members. (1/10) (71 hours 59 minutes 59 seconds)
* Route 1 — 〈 Chapter 4. Constant dripping wears away a stone (2) 〉
* Route 2 — 〈 Chapter 4. Don't Put Off Till Tomorrow What You Can Do Today 〉
"...."
I held my head and called Leo.
"Leo."
"Yeah?"
"Join my organization."
"Aren't I already in it? What are you talking about?"
Ignoring Leo's words, I checked the suggestion window.
Suggestion 3: Live boldly! Recruit 10 members. (2/10) (71 hours 59 minutes 47 seconds)
'Alright.'
Including Narce, that makes three.
So I need to bring in seven more within 72 hours….
I read the title of Route 2 again.
'Don't Put Off Till Tomorrow What You Can Do Today.'
It feels like the title is speaking directly to me.
I felt my fist clench as I laughed.
Fine. The sooner, the better. Whether I succeed or fail, I'll give it a shot.
I only need to bring in two to three each day. The problem is that the entire 72 hours are weekdays, and the only time to persuade people is in the evening.
'I need to save time.'
Bringing two together?
No, I must avoid any method that gives even a hint of substitution.
Leo and I planned to spend about an hour convincing a student, followed by a conversation with me.
The conversation with me is crucial. I need to clear up any misunderstandings and present the purpose of the group.
'Providing something to solidify the deal would speed things up.'
There is a way.
No time for elegance.
I closed the suggestion window and stood up.
"Leo, I'm stepping out for a bit."