Time passed imperceptibly, and soon it was the evening of April 30th. During the first month since school began, apart from the tense point collection plan at the beginning, Hashima Hikaru had spent the rest of his time quite pleasantly.
Sitting at his desk, the young man was watching the constant stream of messages in the Class B group chat on his phone.
Tomorrow would be May 1st, and the new class rankings would be announced in the morning. Class B had worked hard together for a month, so naturally everyone was looking forward to the results.
In the Class B family group chat:
Ando Sayo: What kind of results do you think Teacher Hoshimiya will announce tomorrow? Can we be promoted to Class A?
Kanzaki Ryuji: On this point, I think we have a good chance. Didn't Hashima add 100 class points for us? That's an advantage.
Himeno Yuki: But I heard that Class A students are all excellent. Their classroom order has been perfect since school started.
Shibata Sou: Haven't we been working hard too? Under the leadership of Hashima and Ichinose, we've completely banned all the things school doesn't allow.
Ichinose Honami: Yes, everyone has worked hard. I think we have a good chance.
While other classmates were enthusiastically discussing whether they would be promoted, Hashima Hikaru didn't send any messages. After all, the power to calculate class points rested with the school, and they had no idea whether points had been deducted or how many.
On the other hand, Katsuragi and Sakayanagi were not simple characters. Although they were currently fighting fiercely for control of the class, as Class A members, they naturally would demand that students in their factions maintain excellent habits.
Plus, Class A students already had high overall quality and knew what not to do without needing much emphasis.
So whether they could be promoted or not, the young man really wasn't sure.
Though Class B students were united, it didn't mean they all wouldn't make mistakes. At the very least, this probability was higher than in Class A.
"In any case, everything will be clear tomorrow."
Hashima Hikaru lay on his bed when suddenly his phone emitted a beeping sound.
Kushida Kikyo: Hashima, will the new class rankings be announced tomorrow?
Hashima Hikaru: Yes, I expect the class teachers will explain it to everyone since it's important.
Kushida Kikyo: I'm a bit worried. Although our class purchased the hidden rules from you, many people couldn't stick to them.
Hashima Hikaru: It's okay, I think Kushida has worked hard. Haven't your study sessions been effective?
Kushida Kikyo: That's true. Recently, some classmates have been motivated to participate. They all want to get involved.
Hashima Hikaru: That's good. What about Horikita? Have you become friends with her?
The young man stared at the screen, casting his fishing line once again.
Although he had been chatting with Kushida Kikyo frequently during this period, her stock price hadn't changed. Besides her difficult personality, more importantly, Kushida had been busy trying to get closer to Horikita Suzune, so they had few opportunities to meet.
With the new month approaching, Hashima Hikaru decided he needed to speed things up.
Kushida Kikyo: Well... progress is okay, but we don't have much to talk about yet.
The short-haired girl was sitting on her bed, wearing pajamas with a cartoon bear print. Her expression was somewhat gloomy.
Since the first unpleasant parting, she had organized several more study sessions. Although Horikita Suzune arrived on time each time, her attitude remained cold, and she showed no interest in anything except studying.
However, Kushida Kikyo hadn't been completely without gains. At least now she could confirm with certainty that Horikita had graduated from the same middle school as her, which meant she might have heard about "that important matter."
As for how much she knew or whether she understood the specific causes and effects, these couldn't be determined yet.
Given the recent series of events, Kushida Kikyo had developed a new idea.
Although Horikita Suzune's temperament was indeed poor, this was also a good thing. At least she currently had no friends to talk to, which meant the probability of her spreading the matter was relatively low.
On the other hand, since agreeing to participate in the study sessions, Horikita had always fulfilled her promise and never missed a session.
So Kushida Kikyo felt there was a possibility of winning her over. The key was to find out how much she knew about the secret, which was crucial.
However, these were all backup plans. The best option was always only one: to make Horikita Suzune drop out of school.
To better get closer to Horikita Suzune, Kushida Kikyo thought of her confirmed "tool," Hashima Hikaru, and wanted to hear if he had any good operational strategies.
In the chat:
Hashima Hikaru: After all this time, Horikita still doesn't want to be friends with you? That's hard to imagine.
Kushida Kikyo: I'm not sure either. I feel that someone like Horikita is probably used to being alone and acting independently.
Hashima Hikaru: Don't worry, I believe with your abilities, you'll surely succeed.
During this time, Hashima Hikaru had been constantly pondering a question: why did Kushida Kikyo, who according to the Stock Analyzer wanted to make Horikita Suzune drop out of school, keep trying to become her friend?
He had messaged Horikita Suzune to inquire about this, and the answer was that Horikita had no interest in Kushida Kikyo and didn't want to be friends with her.
So the entanglement between these two people remained unclear to Hashima Hikaru, and he could only play along with Kushida Kikyo's various topics.
Kushida Kikyo: Actually, I was wondering if there might be an opportunity to meet with you. After all, your proposal last time was very effective.
Hashima Hikaru: So Kushida means... you want me to continue devising plans to help you get closer to Horikita?
Kushida Kikyo: Yes, yes, I think Horikita is really amazing—good at studying and responsible. I really want to become friends with her soon.
Hashima Hikaru: I understand. I'll think of something. Please wait a little, Kushida, and I'll contact you when I come up with a suitable plan.
Kushida Kikyo: Okay, I'll look forward to it.
After putting down his phone, Hashima Hikaru immediately began reviewing the situation.
First, he needed to quickly think of a more reliable way to help Kushida get closer to Horikita Suzune. This person was really too troublesome—it had been more than two weeks, yet her stock price hadn't risen at all.
Could it be that until he figured out what her so-called "other side" was like, would he remain stuck here?
Moreover, the stagnant stock price created another problem: he had no incoming funds.
With the new month approaching, the Athletic Enhancer was about to expire and needed to be renewed.
But one Athletic Enhancer cost 100,000 funds. Hashima Hikaru had 118,000 left, and if important items appeared in the Trading Store that he couldn't afford, he would have to cash in the highest-priced stock he currently had—Ichinose Honami's.
After a silent night, May 1st arrived as expected.
The young man, who had woken up early, immediately looked at his system panel. Finally, a fresh system notification sounded.
[New month has arrived. Trading Store items have been refreshed. Please check.]
[Trading Store]
[Stock Analyzer: 1,000]
[Wooden Sword: 2,500]
[Athletic Enhancer (30 days): 100,000]
[Martial Arts Skills (Master): 250,000]
[Chess (Proficient): 200,000]
[Charm: 500,000]
"Martial Arts Skills?!"
Hashima Hikaru was startled. This was a very important skill that probably no man would refuse.
Plus, after tricking Ryuen into acting before, he felt that if he could master some combat abilities, they might prove more useful in this school.
After all, when faced with situations where communication through language is impossible, violence can also persuade your opponent.