Echoes of Brilliance: Unveiling the Academic Elite

As I entered the classroom for another routine day of lessons, I must admit that the classes seemed monotonous, and I had no other option but to attend.

"Good morning, Ayanokouji," Shibata greeted me while energetically waving his hand.

"Good morning, Shibata. As energetic as ever," I replied. One of Shibata's defining features was his abundant energy and enthusiasm.

Shibata: "Well, obviously, Ayanokouji. We're teenagers, filled with energy. Although you don't seem like a normal teenager; you're always serious with that imperturbable expression. In short, you look like an old man in a kid's body," he commented. I wasn't sure whether to feel insulted or...

"Don't say that, Shibata," Amikura intervened in the conversation. "Even though Ayanokouji-kun is serious most of the time, it doesn't mean he's wrong. Instead, he's a mature person and seems older than us. Besides, girls like mature guys, not childish ones," she added.

"That's true," Ichinose mentioned, appearing to my right. "Ayanokouji-kun is quite mature and intelligent. No wonder he has become more popular."

Ayanokouji: "Popular?" I asked curiously.

Amikura: "Yes, you've become more popular since you transferred to our class. Look, here's the proof," she then showed me her phone with a "ikemen" ranking that Kushida had shown me in the past. "You're in the third position, moving up two places."

Ichinose: "It's true! I even noticed that more people are approaching you to talk and stuff. Your reputation is on the rise."

It was an unexpected revelation to receive that information, although I suppose it's not bad. After that brief exchange, I headed to my desk, and then Chie-sensei entered the classroom with several documents in her arms.

Chie: "Good morning, my dear students. I hope you had a pleasant weekend and dedicated time to study, as the upcoming exams will be more challenging than the previous ones."

Chie-sensei was referring to the midterm exams we would have soon. It had been a few weeks since the pool day, and it was time to face these midterm exams. I assumed they would be similar to the previous ones, but as I observed their length and heard Chie-sensei's words, I understood they would be more complicated.

Chie-sensei: "Guys, these exams will be more difficult and extensive than the previous ones, as they will be the last written exams of this year. Due to this, the school has decided to organize a small competition for you."

My classmates sank into their thoughts, trying to decipher how this competition would unfold. Even I was intrigued about it.

Ichinose: "Sensei, how will this competition you're talking about work?"

Chie-sensei: "It won't be a competition between classes, like the special exams, but it will focus on measuring your general knowledge of everything you've learned this year. The school will reward the top 3 students with the highest scores in the exams with private points.

The first-place winner will get 1 million points.

The second-place winner will get 500,000 points.

The third-place winner will get 250,000 points."

After Chie-sensei's impactful words, anticipation filled the classroom. We were all eager to learn more details about this unusual competition and the possibility of earning private points as a reward. Curiosity was evident in the gazes of my classmates, who waited attentively for our teacher's next words.

Chie-sensei: "This competition focuses on evaluating not only your memorization ability but also your deep understanding of the topics you have covered during this school year. Don't worry; the exams will contain challenging but fair questions."

As Chie-sensei detailed the format and thematic areas that the exams would cover, I felt the tension in the classroom escalate. However, her reassuring tone encouraged us to strive for those valuable private points.

Chie-sensei: "Furthermore, I want to remind you that the reward is not only for the winners. The school values the effort and commitment of each one of you. Even those who don't achieve top positions will receive recognition for their dedication."

These words relieved the pressure in the atmosphere, generating a sense of fairness and motivation among us. However, uncertainty about the specific nature of the questions and the strategy to prepare lingered in our minds.

Shibata, with some hesitation in his voice, questioned Chie-sensei: "Sensei, don't you think it's somewhat unfair that we haven't been notified in advance to better prepare ourselves?"

Chie-sensei replied: "It might be considered unfair, but life often presents us with challenges at unexpected times. Besides, since it's a small competition, it will be through the results that it's revealed who were the most attentive and responsible students."

Chie-sensei's words, though calm, left a feeling that life, like exams, sometimes subjects us to tests without prior notice. Justifying the competition as a means to highlight attention and responsibility added a layer of reflection on the importance of adaptability in the educational journey.

After Chie-sensei's unusual explanation of the competition, she proceeded to distribute the exams among us. An unusual solemnity filled the classroom; my classmates' faces reflected a mix of seriousness, anxiety, nervousness, and concern. It was evident how much this exam troubled them, and I couldn't blame them; the difficulty had increased unexpectedly. In this school, where an unsatisfactory result could lead to expulsion, their worried expressions were entirely understandable.

The tension in the classroom was palpable as each of us received the challenge on paper. A deathly silence reigned, only interrupted by the faint rustle of pages being turned and the occasional deep breath of someone trying to master their anxiety. While Chie-sensei distributed the exams, I immersed myself in my own thoughts, reflecting on what would be the most appropriate outcome in this situation.

Reflecting on my academic history, I recognized that I used to settle for average results to keep a low profile. However, I now understood that this strategy was no longer relevant. My abilities should not be relegated to the background, especially considering the enticing reward for the first place echoing in my mind. In that moment, I made the decision to fully commit to this exam and offer my best.

This change of focus foreshadowed a new chapter in my life, one that, regardless of its outcome, would attract attention. Whether it turned out positively or negatively, only time would reveal the consequence of my choice.

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After finishing the exams, I left the classroom heading towards the dormitories without specific plans in mind. The most sensible thing to do at that moment was to return to my room. As I walked, someone tapped my right shoulder.

"Hello, Ayanokouji-kun," the person who called me was none other than Ichinose.

Ayanokouji: "Hello, Ichinose," I greeted her back.

Ichinose: "Are you heading to the dormitories?" she asked me.

Ayanokouji: "Yes, I want to continue reading the book I have pending," I replied.

Ichinose: "I see. Do you mind if I accompany you to the dormitories?" she asked.

Ayanokouji: "I have no problem with that," I replied.

Ichinose: "I'm glad, as I want to talk to you about something," she said. I wondered what she wanted to discuss at that moment.

Ayanokouji: "Talk? And what would that be?" I asked.

Ichinose: "It's about the exams," she said.

Ayanokouji: "The exams?"

Ichinose: "Yes, when we were taking the exams, I noticed that you finished very quickly, and I got a little worried. The questions were quite difficult and required more response time, but you did it too fast. I thought maybe you were answering randomly, so I wanted to ask you," she said hesitantly.

Ayanokouji: "Certainly, the difficulty of the exams increased, but I assure you that none of my answers were random. I answered all of them as best as I could," I affirmed.

Ichinose: "I see, I thought you might mess up by going too fast, and I was worried," she said as she sighed. "But don't you think you did it too quickly? You could take more time to think about the questions."

Ayanokouji: "Well, it wasn't necessary."

Ichinose: "Not necessary, huh? It seems like you have a lot of confidence in exams, Ayanokouji-kun."

Ayanokouji: "It could be."

Ichinose: "So, what grade do you think you're going to get?" she asked.

Ayanokouji: "Would you believe me if I told you I'm going to get 100 in all subjects?"

Ichinose: "100?! Well, it's not that I don't believe you, but given the difficulty of the exams, I find it unlikely. Not even Sakayanagi-san could score that."

Ayanokouji: "Well, I guess we'll just have to wait until tomorrow and see the results."

Ichinose: "Since Ayanokouji-kun sounds so confident about his result, why don't we make a bet?"

Ayanokouji: "A bet? What kind of bet?"

Ichinose: "Let's see... how about the person who scores better than the other has to accept any request from the winner?"

Ayanokouji: "Any request?" After saying that, Ichinose looks at me for 3 seconds, and her cheeks turn red.

Ichinose: "Y-yes, any request," she said while stuttering.

Ayanokouji: "I see, it doesn't sound like a bad deal. I accept." After accepting, Ichinose extends her hand towards me, and we seal the deal with a handshake.

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Ayanokouji and Ichinose parted ways after reaching the dormitories. Ayanokouji entered his room with the intention of picking up his book. The night enveloped the dormitory, weaving mysterious shadows that danced in the room's corners. The faint light from his desk lamp created a cozy atmosphere, accentuating the air of mystery hanging in the room.

The book he held in his hands was an intriguing thriller, full of unpredictable twists and enigmatic characters. Each page offered new suspense, and the plot kept Ayanokouji immersed in a world of mysteries to unravel. The nighttime narrative came to life in every word, entangling him in a web of intrigues and emotions.

As he progressed through the pages, the night became a conspirator in the story, contributing to the suspense with its own silence. The clock subtly marked the passage of time, adding a measured rhythm that coincided with the tension of the narrative.

In the midst of this mysterious atmosphere, Ayanokouji's phone vibrated, interrupting the silence with its insistent call. On the screen, an unknown number added an additional element of intrigue to the night. With a mix of anticipation and caution, Ayanokouji prepared to answer, aware that the mystery in his book might have an unexpected echo in his own life.

He answered the call with his unchanging monotone voice.

Ayanokouji: "Hello?"

???: "Kiyotaka-kun, I apologize for this unexpected call, but there is something crucial I need to communicate to you." As soon as the voice spoke, he instantly recognized it from a few months ago.

Ayanokouji: "Director Sakayanagi, indeed, your call is unexpected," he responded.

Director Sakayanagi: "Although I would prefer to discuss this with you in person, unfortunately, time does not permit me. So, please, listen carefully." His tone indicated seriousness.

Ayanokouji: "Please, go on," he nodded.

Director Sakayanagi: "In a few days, I will temporarily step down from the position of director at ANHS. I have been accused of certain matters and will not be able to be present at the institution. I do not know how long this situation will last."

Ayanokouji: "Stepping down from your position? Accusations? Don't tell me it's..."

Director Sakayanagi: "Yes, I share your concern. This could be the work of Ayanokouji-sensei. The evidence for this is the person who will replace me, to be soon named as the new interim director. His name is Tsukishiro. During my visits to the white room, I have seen him on several occasions. So, Kiyotaka-kun, from now on, you must be more careful with your actions. I hope you can continue at ANHS and lead a normal student life. That is all I can tell you for now. I must end the call to avoid raising suspicions."

Ayanokouji: "I see, I also would have liked to have a conversation in person with you, as I wanted to discuss something I noticed when changing classes."

Director Sakayanagi: "And what would that be?"

Ayanokouji: "It's about the sequence of numbers in my identification."

Director Sakayanagi: "Hahaha, nothing escapes you, does it? Kiyotaka-kun, worthy of being called a masterpiece. But we will have to postpone that conversation once I return to my position. Until then, I hope you live as you want. Take care, Kiyotaka-kun." He ended the call right after.

"I see, so 'that man' has started to move. Although I have also taken measures, I must play my cards right. After all, now I have to deal with an interim director."

I left the dormitory to head to class, where today the exam results would be revealed. As I walked, I noticed the expressions of concern and nervousness on the faces of the students around me. It was understandable, considering that in this school, failing an exam meant expulsion. As I observed the person in front of me, I recognized my classmate, Himeno Yuki. Although I hadn't had the opportunity to talk to her yet, I had the desire to do so in the future. According to what I had heard, she was a calm and relaxed person, and I believed we could get along well. So, I hoped to strike up a conversation with her soon.

Upon reaching the classroom, I noticed that all my classmates were already present, with Himeno and me being the last ones to arrive. Since I changed classes, I used to be the last to arrive, not because I was late, but because others arrived early. After greeting some classmates, I headed to my desk, and our teacher entered the classroom with her characteristic smile.

Chie-sensei: "Good morning, everyone. I know many of you must be nervous about the test results, but don't worry. I can assure you that none of you will be expelled." As she said this, many of my classmates sighed, releasing the tension.

Kanzaki: "Sensei, could you tell us who were the top three with the best grades in our year?" Kanzaki seemed eager to know the results, and I also shared some curiosity about the 2nd and 3rd places.

Chie-sensei: "No need to rush, Kanzaki-kun. I will first tell you your results, and then I will tell you who the top three were." She informed while unfolding a sheet on the board, revealing our grades from last to first.

As Chie-sensei slowly unfolded the paper, as if wanting to add drama to the situation, students, upon seeing their names revealed, showed a more relaxed demeanor. Even though Chie-sensei assured them that no one would be expelled, they seemed to want to verify it for themselves. When the teacher finished revealing our results, my classmates directed their gazes upwards. Seeing the name at the top, many opened their eyes in surprise, and some even dropped their jaws.

After Chie-sensei revealed the exam results, a wave of surprise and whispers swept through the classroom. The faces of my classmates ranged from disbelief to astonishment, especially upon discovering who held the first place. It was evident that my position had taken many by surprise, and the atmosphere was filled with a mix of anticipation and curiosity.

While observing the reactions around me, I couldn't help but notice the looks directed towards me. Those who knew my previous academic record seemed particularly astonished, and some murmurs of admiration filtered through the air.

Kanzaki, although visibly surprised, managed to articulate some words.

Kanzaki: "D-Did Ayanokouji-kun really get the first place?"

I nodded calmly, without altering my serene expression.

Ayanokouji: "Apparently, that's the case."

The news caused a stir in the classroom, and I could tell that Chie-sensei was looking at me with a big smile on her face.

Chie-sensei: "Congratulations, Kiyotaka-kun! This is an exceptional achievement and a milestone for our school, and as your teacher, I wouldn't mind rewarding you~" She said while licking her lips and looking at me with a seductive gaze, something inappropriate for a teacher.

Ichinose: "Congratulations, Ayanokouji-kun! And sensei, could you refrain from making those kinds of comments, please continue with the other results?" I was surprised by Ichinose's change of mood, addressing Chie-sensei like that.

Chie-sensei: "Ara~ are you jealous, Honami-chan?"

Ichinose: "Uh, n-no, it's not that, it's just, a teacher shouldn't talk to their student like that."

Chie-sensei: "It doesn't seem like just that to me."

Kanzaki: "Sensei, you could finish the rest, please," Kanzaki said, apparently not interested in anything other than the result.

Chie-sensei: "Alright, alright, I'll tell you who the top three in the year were."

First place: Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

Second place: Sakayanagi Arisu.

Third place: Horikita Suzune.

After a brief moment of suspense, Chie-sensei announced the names of the students who occupied the following places. The attention of my classmates shifted to them, but I remained calm. My gaze turned to the third place; it was a surprise that Horikita's name was there; it seems she has been putting in effort.

After the revelation of the results, the class continued normally. The initial surprise gradually dissipated, and attention shifted to the next topics to discuss. However, the news of my outstanding position left a mark on the atmosphere, and I could feel the looks and comments directed towards me for the rest of the day.

Class D's Point of View

First place: Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

Second place: Sakayanagi Arisu.

Third place: Horikita Suzune.

Ike: "You must be kidding, how is it possible that this bastard won the first place?"

Okitani: "That shady bastard never helped us when he was in Class D, and now he does, DAMNED TRAITOR."

Shinohara: "This must be a mistake, that antisocial bastard must have cheated; I'm sure because there's no way in the world he could have those grades."

Chabashira: "I can assure you that student Ayanokouji didn't cheat. The school investigated this, and there is no mistake." She said, some wanted to refute, but they couldn't.

Yukimura: "It can't be."

Sudo: "Unbelievable."

Horikita: (Thoughts) "I knew he was holding back quite a bit, but at this point, there were college-level questions, and yet he could solve them. I wonder if I'll ever be able to catch up. I wonder if that question will ever be answered.

Who are you, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka?"

Class C's Point of View

First place: Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

Second place: Sakayanagi Arisu.

Third place: Horikita Suzune.

Ichizaki: "Hey, hey, what is this madness?"

Ibuki: "That bastard."

Hiyori: "Wow, I knew it, my book companion is very smart."

Ryuuen: "Kukuku, that monster is not only a monster in fighting but also in academics. Kukuku, I'll enjoy the day I have to bury you."

Class A point of view

First place: Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

Second place: Sakayanagi Arisu.

Third place: Horikita Suzune.

Hashimoto: Wow, worthy of being called king. (Thought) Apparently, Ayanokouji is more than he lets on, I'll have to move quickly.

Sakayanagi: Fufufu, worthy of being called a masterpiece.

Kamuro: Masterpiece? -he asked.

Sakayanagi: It's nothing.

Ayanokouji's Point of View

Classes had ended. As I headed towards my room, I saw Ichinose waving her hands in front of me.

Ichinose: "Hey, Ayanokouji-kun."

Ayanokouji: "Hello, Ichinose."

Ichinose: "It seems I lost our bet, so I wanted to ask you what you want now that you've won." She said shyly.

Ayanokouji: "Let me think...hm... since you're asking, what I want is..."

After making my request, Ichinose agreed, and we parted ways. I had in mind to go to the dorms, but I walked aimlessly to the seaside, feeling the breeze on my face. While contemplating the sunset and enjoying the breeze, my phone started vibrating. Looking at the number, I knew who it was and wondered:

"What does she want from me now?"