Chapter 4 Part I

he next day, the time of the quizzes arrived.

I thought that we would begin immediately, but Chabashira-sensei addressed the class first.

"The quiz will start here in a moment, but I have something to report on before that happens. The class that you had nominated to attack for the final exams, Class C,  was approved as it did not conflict with the choices from any other classes."

"Did Class A and Class B both nominate Class D? Regardless, it's great that we're able to attack the unstudious Class C without leaving luck and misfortune up to the heavens."

It seems that we've surpassed the first hurdle, and Horikita was relieved. Next would be finding out which class would be attacking Class D.

"Then, the class that will be attacking Class D was also determined to be Class C. This was also because their nomination had no conflicts with other classes."

Put differently, this battle is in the form of Class C versus Class D, and Class B versus Class A.

"It's an ideal combination."

"Seems like it."

There were no conflicting name selections, which means that the upper classes had both chosen to attack their closest rivals in order to expand, or shrink, the difference between each other. It was such a case.

What can be seen from this, is that Class A's nomination was decided by Sakayanagi. Katsuragi would have nominated Class D, which would have given them the highest chances of winning.

Furthermore, it can also be predicted that the overall influence of Katsuragi is declining.

Class C was selected as our nomination just as Horikita desired.

"Even though we're about to take a quiz, Ike and Yamauchi look entirely fine. Before tests, you two usually have dark circles under your eyes. Do you have some form of secret strategy this time?"

"Hehehe. Please watch carefully, sensei."

Ike was full of confidence, but it was as expected. After all, he hadn't done any studying.

What he should be afraid of would be getting a partial score on the quiz. The difficulty level of the content seemed to be incredibly low, but if you don't understand a single question, all you can do is write your name and hand it in as a blank sheet. If he was to take this unique quiz seriously it would only go to increase his risks in the future.

There was no way Chabashira-sensei would be unable to see this.

"Don't regret your decision afterward. You should face this quiz seriously."

"I am serious. After all, it doesn't affect my grades, right?"

"Of course. There will be no reflection on your grades."

"Then I can be at peace with not having to get a high score."

"That's only if it goes how you're expecting it to."

Towards her ambiguous response, Ike and the others who hadn't chosen to study fell silent for a moment.

"Should we aim for good scores on this quiz…?"

Sudō unintentionally lost his peace of mind due to her words.

"Don't let her fool you. There is no mistake in our plan."

The collected words from Horikita managed to calm the worried students. Sudō regained his composure in an instant.

"...…Also. I just have to believe in Suzune."

Chabashira-sensei witnessed the situation, confirmed that the atmosphere in the class had been restored, and then picked up the quiz handouts.

"Well then, we will start the quizzes. Please remember not to cheat. If caught cheating, regardless of whether it influences your grades or not, we will impose a merciless penalty."

Sensei handed the examination paper to the front of each row and let us pass it back.

Since we were told to keep it face down until it starts, I flipped the quiz over immediately after it was handed to me.

"Are you not worried about it? About whether or not the pair selection method you came to is correct?"

"No. I am confident about it this time."

There was no sign that Horikita was swayed by Chabashira-sensei's words. Because of this, Ike and the others weren't swayed as well.

If the leader shows fear or hesitation, those emotions will easily begin to spread.

A symbol of change. The students began to shape into an entirely new Class D.

It was only a little bit, but I think this was transmitted to the homeroom teacher who faced the students every day.

"Begin."

The quiz started at her signal.

I slowly overturned the quiz papers.

"Oh…"

I couldn't help but make a sound. I probably wasn't even the only one surprised. Although the difficulty was expected to be very low, it turned out even lower than that.

It was at a level where even students in the upper grades of primary school would be able to answer. Of course, there were some questions with increased difficulty, but even then someone like Ike could easily score above a 60 as long as they didn't panic.

It's a sweet trap. A disaster easily could have happened had we absentmindedly jumped into it. But due to Horikita's strategy, Class D wouldn't end up with unreasonable results.