chap 1

Year 2 Volume 12 Chapter

1: "Unusual Year-End

Special Exam"

July 20, 2024 by Anime TV

Introduction

The second week of March.

Finally, the second year of my school life is coming to an

end.

In terms of events, it was probably just as intense as the

first year.

A lot of good and bad things happened, but the final touch

to complete the whole picture is still on the horizon.

The year-end special exam can significantly spoil or,

conversely, improve the memories of the second year of

study.

Remember the special exam that was held in the first year.

Class battles one-on-one. For winning each of the 7

rounds, you could take 30 class points from the opponent.

In reality, winning seven rounds in a row turned out to be

not so easy, but with proper preparation, the gap with the

opposing class could increase by 520 points, as the

winning class was additionally rewarded with 100 class

points.

Just this fact clearly shows that the year-end special exam

is far more important than any other.

"Good morning, class."

Chabashira-sensei entered the classroom right on time

and hastened to greet the students.

However, no clear response followed. Understandably:

recently, students have been waiting for more than just a

regular greeting from Chabashira-sensei, but information

about upcoming challenges.

And it seems today is the day X.

"Today, I will share information about the upcoming final

exam of the second year, but first... I have something to

say."

Chabashira-sensei had previously given quite detailed

explanations about the essence of special exams, but

today everything looks completely different.

"I have been working at this school for 8 years. Twice

before you, I became a homeroom teacher, but never in

those 6 years did I manage to get out of class D. Actually,

if you remember me from two years ago, it's not

surprising..."

When I first came to this school, Chabashira-sensei

behaved extremely cold and detached.

But these two years were not in vain for her.

"My previous experience as a homeroom teacher was

under the motto of absolute impartiality. I always believed

that any teacher, good or bad, should stay away from their

students. Of course, the educational philosophy of our

institution fully supports this position... But looking back, I

can fully admit that this way I only concealed my

immaturity as a teacher."

The students silently listened to Chabashira-sensei's

speech.

"A teacher must be fair. We have no right to interfere in the

exams and distort the results, that's true. But as adults and

full-fledged members of society, we should not turn a blind

eye to the growth and development of our wards, our

students. And recently, I finally understood this."

Chabashira-sensei continued:

"It was you, the students of this class, who helped me

realize this truth. You may have heard about it, but class D

before you practically did not move in the overall class

ranking. This continued for at least several generations of

students, so those who were assigned to class D were

considered 'inferior'."

Chabashira-sensei paused to catch her breath, then

continued:

"But now, looking at you, no one dares to call class D

inferior anymore. You shattered this illusion in just 2 school

years."

Chabashira-sensei paid tribute to her students, then

pressed a button on her tablet and displayed an image on

the board.

Class rankings as of March 1.

"Class 2A – 1098 class points"

"Class 2B – 983 class points"

"Class 2C – 730 class points"

"Class 2D – 654 class points"

Class A is led by Sakayanagi, class B by Horikita, class C

by Ryuuen, and class D by Ichinose.

At the end of the final special exam, these numbers may

change significantly, so this list served only one purpose.

At the very beginning of the first year, our class points

were deducted for misbehavior, absences, and other rule

violations. But now, all these problems will remain in the

past.

Looking at this ranking, it becomes crystal clear. The

students of Horikita's class have grown significantly over

these two years.

"983 class points. I look at them and can't believe my

eyes. Such heights were achieved by a class that lost all

its points in just the first month of study."

Chabashira-sensei seems genuinely impressed by the

result.

"It feels strange to call you class B, but it's a fact. Through

hard work, you have reached these heights. But it's

important to understand that this result is still far from your

limit. Based on the results of the upcoming exam, you can

take a place in class A."

At the moment, the gap with class A is only about 100

class points.

The path to class A, which Chabashira-sensei could only

dream of before, is now within reach.

"But please, don't be overconfident. Evaluate your

strengths realistically and don't lose your composure on

the way to your goal, so you don't lose what you have

achieved with such hard work. That's what I wanted to

say."

Chabashira-sensei bowed her head to her students, stood

like that for a few seconds, and then looked at her wards

again.

"Well, now let's discuss the upcoming special exam."

Chabashira-sensei's speech ended, and she moved on to

the most important topic for the future of the entire class.

She touched her tablet again and displayed information

about the exam:

"Year-End Special Exam"

"Location: Special Building"

"Opposing Classes:

Class 2A vs. Class 2C

Class 2B vs. Class 2D"

"Preliminary Preparation:

 Each class must select three students in advance for

the roles of 'vanguard,' 'main force,' and 'commander.'

(Both genders must be represented among the

participants)

 In case of the absence of a participant on the day of

the exam, a substitute may be chosen.

 If the required number of participants is not provided

by the start of the exam, the school will randomly

select the necessary number of participants."

"Exam Rules. Summary:

 Representatives of each class follow a certain

system: Vanguard -> Main Force -> Commander.

 The vanguard receives 5 life points, the main force –

7 life points, and the commander – 10 life points.

 The class that loses its commander first is considered

defeated.

 The competition takes place in a class vs. class

format, according to the established order.

 The special exam will continue until a final result of

victory or defeat is obtained for each participating

class."

The screen displayed only a brief summary of the

upcoming exam, so we still had no clear idea of what

we were supposed to do.

"Proper preparation for this special exam is crucial.

You need to distribute roles among the three

candidates and approach this issue with great

responsibility, as the outcome of the entire exam

depends on it."

It turns out that the wrong choice of candidates will

lead to defeat.

So, it's necessary to choose the best of the best, with

the only condition being to adhere to gender diversity

when selecting candidates.

In addition, if one candidate cannot participate, they

can be replaced by another, so it makes sense to

choose several backup options as well.

"Combat actions will occur through clashes of several

ranks. In other words, initially, the vanguard fights

each other, and then the winner of this battle gets the

opportunity to attack the enemy's main force, and so

on, until the commander is defeated. Once the

commander is defeated, the class automatically

loses."

The development of events described by Chabashirasensei sounded quite straightforward, although in

reality, winning this exam requires considering many

factors.

Obviously, putting a good student in the role of

commander would be the best decision, as they

would have 10 life points.

But is it worth the risk to put the class leader in the

commander's position? That's a debatable question.

However, Chabashira-sensei's rhetoric does not deny

that playing as the vanguard might be a more

favorable outcome.

Anyway, we don't have enough information to judge.

"You need to hurry with the selection of candidates.

This Sunday is the last day for submitting

applications. If you don't meet this deadline, the

school will choose the participants itself."

Time limits have always been and will be only nominal

constraints for special exams. Of course, no class will

intentionally exceed the time limit.

"The outcome of the entire exam will be decided by

just three students from the class...? Why is that?"

It's not surprising that Yosuke asked this question,

given everything he had heard earlier.

"This is, of course, mentioned in the section on

preliminary preparation for the exam, but in fact, the

entire class will participate in the exam. The rest of

the students have a role just as important as the three

candidates."

"An important role...?"

Chabashira-sensei once again changed the image on

the board.

"Exam Rules"

"Other Participants"

"- Students who are not selected as candidates will

also participate in the special exam"

 If the attendance at the exam is less than 35 people,

the class will be fined:

+ For each student absent due to illness, below 35,

the class will lose 5 class points.

+ For each student exceeding the established

number, the class will be rewarded with 5 class

points."

"In other words, all students will participate in this

exam. There are 38 students in your class, which

means three candidates can be nominated for the

battle, and the remaining 35 people will participate in

the rest of the exam. If any student cannot attend the

exam, the class will be fined. On the other hand,

classes with many students receive some

advantages."

Horikita's class has only 38 students, while

Sakayanagi's class has 37, so these classes will not

receive any benefits.

In Ryuuen and Ichinose's classes, there are 40

students, so each of them will receive 10 additional

class points.

This is quite a significant bonus that will help not only

raise their class in the overall ranking but also adapt

to any conditions that the upcoming exam may

present.

Getting this bonus would be extremely beneficial.

But it can't be called an unfair incentive.

Ichinose's class has not lost a single student in two

years, which has cost them tremendous effort and

loss of class points.

Ryuuen's class spent 20 million personal points to

attract Katsuragi to the class after Manabe's

exclusion, which cannot be called an easy decision

either.

Despite this, we still do not know the role assigned to

other students in this special exam.

It is only clear that victory will depend on both parts of

this equation.

And just as I thought that the screen would now

change the image and provide more detailed

information, it suddenly went dark.

Could it be technical problems?

"At the moment, this is all I can show you."

"All? What does that mean? We haven't really learned

anything."

Horikita, who had remained silent until now, spoke up.

"I fully understand you, but this is not my whim. We,

teachers, were not informed of more detailed

information either. You will learn everything else on

the day of the exam."

The atmosphere in the class immediately changed

from tense to almost hopeless.

The class teacher was unaware of the special exam

awaiting his students.

In the past two years, this was the first such

precedent.

"Your primary task is to choose three candidates. But

remember that nominating yourself does not bring any

advantages or disadvantages. You will not receive

personal points for selflessness, but you will also not

be excluded if you lose."

It turns out that participating in this test is a doubleedged sword that can bring both benefits and troubles

to the class.

"I understand that you don't know all the details, but

the choice must be made by this Sunday. On what

basis should we choose?"

"I would like to know that myself. But rules are rules."

Apparently, Chabashira-sensei had the same

information as we did.

"I can't be absolutely sure about this, but since the

exam location is a building and the composition of the

teams requires gender diversity, it's unlikely that you

will be tested on your physical abilities."

Chabashira-sensei mentioned only the part that could

already be predicted.

Of course, she can't guarantee anything, but her

arguments sound quite logical.

If that's the case, then should we choose students

with high intelligence?

Most likely, no.

The year-end special exam is unlikely to be limited to

measuring only academic abilities.

A one-on-one competition that does not test either

athletic or academic readiness of students.

So what is it really?

"Maybe debates...?"

Horikita suddenly stood up from her chair and shared

her assumption.

"That's quite likely."

We can't be 100% sure, but considering the rhetoric

of the exam, it could very well be debates or

something similar.

In this case, appointing someone like Yosuke or

Kushida to these candidatures would be the right

decision.

Even if, in the end, the exam turns out not to be

related to dialogue between students, these two will

be able to adapt and compete with dignity under any

conditions.

"Ahem... As for the reward, the winning class receives

200 class points. In case of defeat, you lose nothing.

In addition, given the results of your voting in the

unanimous special exam, the reward for winning this

exam will increase to 250 class points."

So, class points are not lost in case of defeat.

However, defeat will still significantly widen the gap

between the classes. Considering the importance of

this reward, any class will strive to obtain it.

Especially Ichinose's class, for which losing this exam

could mean dropping out of the race.

But will these points help the class that is already in

the lead to pull even further ahead of the second

place?

The next school year holds many special exams, so

the true winner will remain unknown until the very

end.

"This concludes the explanation. When it's time to

announce the candidates, I will get in touch with you

additionally."

With these words, Chabashira-sensei ended her

speech.

Part 1

On the way home with Kei, I recalled our conversation with

Hashimoto. The final year-end special exam is scheduled

for next week. The details of the rules are still unknown,

but even now, it can be said with confidence that there will

be significant changes in class points. The winner will

celebrate, while the loser will face indescribable

disappointment. Each side will strive to snatch victory from

the opponent.

However, in the current reality, there is another detail that

will significantly impact the course of the exam.

Sakayanagi and Ryuuen have made an agreement that

the losing side will be expelled from the school, regardless

of the content of the special exam. The rules known to us

clearly indicate that there will be no ties. A winner will be

determined. In other words, one of them will permanently

leave this school as a result of the special exam.

One could say that my invisible goal, which I set for

myself, "To ensure that at the beginning of the third year,

all four classes have a chance to compete for a spot in

Class A," will essentially be unattainable. I need to prepare

for every possible outcome. Regardless, the loss of one of

the leaders will undoubtedly affect the state of the class.

But I am not going to abandon my goal. The very nature of

the competition between classes encourages students to

compete with each other.

That is why it is necessary to do everything possible to

win. Both Manabu Horikita and Miyabi Nagumo adhered to

this dogma and therefore reached the top of the school's

ranking system. Will only Classes A and B end up fighting

for the top spot? Surely, such situations have occurred

countless times in the school's history. That is why I made

the decision to provide all four classes with equal

conditions for victory. To break the existing prejudices.

But now this future is under threat. Perhaps I could cancel

their deal before the special exam begins, but a third party

has no right to interfere in someone else's agreement.

One of them will definitely leave the school. So what

should I do? In both Ryuuen's and Sakayanagi's classes,

there are people capable of organizing everyone else, but

their level still does not match that of the current leaders.

The balance will inevitably be disrupted.

What should be done when maintaining the balance

between the four classes becomes impossible? Should

measures that have been postponed until now be taken?

— Hey, Kiyotaka...

Kei, who was walking beside me, suddenly began to

whisper.

— Yes?

After my brief response, Kei, who should have switched to

a normal volume, continued whispering for some reason.

— Next time... Shall we watch a movie together?

— Sure.

I was about to end this small conversation, but Kei

continued:

— You seem lost in thought, don't you?

— Sorry. I got distracted thinking about the special exam.

I definitely did not show my thoughts through facial

expressions or gestures, but perhaps Kei felt the

atmosphere emanating from me. It must not be her

personal feature but a skill that arises from long close

contact as lovers.

— It's wrong to think about that while we're walking home

together. Are you mad?

— No, of course not... But I'm curious... Will you cooperate

with the class this time?

— Anything is possible. I'll think about it. But if you have

something to say, I'll listen.

I focused all my attention on Kei, but she seemed to

decide to take a step back slightly.

— No... I don't have any special ideas... It's just, you know,

the final exam is very important... So if you, Kiyotaka,

seriously get down to business and our class wins, we'll

get 250 class points and become Class A, right?

A smile involuntarily appeared on Kei's face. She naturally

oversimplified everything, but such a chance definitely

existed.

— Ahem, speaking of that. Can I cancel our date for the

weekend? Of course, I'll make up for everything next

week.

— You can, of course... But... What is so important that it

makes me wait for our date for a whole week?

— Before the special exam begins, I'd like to meet and talk

with the leader of each class.

Actually, I planned to arrange a meeting with someone

else, but the current conversation did not require such a

detailed deep dive into my plans.

— Each class? Not just with Horikita-san?

Kei's head is filled exclusively with thoughts of her own

class's victory, so it's not surprising that she is surprised by

my connection with the leaders of other classes.

— Yes. All four leaders. You don't want me to see

Ichinose?

— M? Eh?!

Kei instinctively flinched at the mere mention of Ichinose.

— I don't... I mean, yes, but... I'm sure it's a necessary

meeting. You need something from her, right?

— This time it's very important.

Kei reluctantly nodded.

— Kiyotaka has every right to contact whoever he wants

and whenever he wants... But I'm glad you told me about

it.

Judging by Kei's muttering, she was now talking more to

herself than to me.

— You trust me, don't you?

Ultimately, I still need a clear answer from Kei.

— I meet with the leaders of all the classes only to find out

what will happen next. Nothing more, nothing less.

But even after sharing my true intentions with Kei, I did not

get the proper answer. Even looking at Kei's behavior in

general, one can say that compared to her former self, she

has changed now. The reason for all this is, of course,

romantic relationships.

Even the warmest and most trusting relationships between

a man and a woman will eventually crack. There are

countless reasons for this: violence, deceit, even banal

boredom. But turning to a partner can be difficult.

"Do you not like me anymore?"

"Have you fallen in love with someone else?"

"Are you tired of me?"

It takes a lot of courage to say these phrases out loud. But

no one can guarantee you that after saying these words all

problems will immediately disappear.

— I understand. I'm okay with it. I also don't expect any

reports from you.

Kei firmly stated that she would not demand any

explanations from me regarding meetings with other

leaders.

— That's good.

Now I could prepare for the final special exam without any

worries.

— But... Can I at least stay over at your place for the

night?

It's not surprising that Kei tried to get as much time with

me as possible. In general, I have no reason to refuse,

rather the opposite. Time spent together will soothe Kei's

heart from the pain of separation.

— No, let's postpone it to next week. Right now, I want to

prepare for the end of the year.

And yet, I decided to refuse. Right now, we are in a state

where the connection between us has become just a thin

thread, and there is nothing in sight that could strengthen

our relationship. But however thin the thread between us

may be, Kei clung to it with a firm grip.

— Just a little... Will it really bother you that much?

— It won't work. I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait.

Despite my words, Kei continued to insist:

— I am ready to try for you... Try my best... I want you to

love me even more, and I will do everything possible for

that...

When I turned to respond to these words, Kei suddenly bit

her lip and closed her eyes.

— Sorry. Excuse me... You said it's very important... I

behaved very selfishly.

— It's okay. After the exam, we'll watch a movie together.

Kei just nodded quietly.

Part 2

Kei and I entered the dormitory, said our goodbyes, and

went to our respective floors. Starting from tomorrow,

Friday, through Sunday, I have to complete my task. I

need to meet with Horikita, Ichinose, Sakayanagi, and

Ryuuen. I will have a personal conversation with each of

the class leaders.

The nature of the special exam does not guarantee that

everyone will remain safe, so I must hear about their

strategies and then act accordingly. The order of the

meetings is not particularly important. Just as I thought

about this, I received a message on my phone. This

person wanted to meet with me, specifying the date, time,

and place, which spared us unnecessary communication. I

decisively accepted the invitation and returned to thinking

about the schedule for meetings with the leaders. I needed

to fit them all into just a few days.

Back in my room, I immediately sent messages to the

leaders asking if it would be convenient for them to meet

in the coming days. I could talk to Horikita tomorrow,

Friday, while meetings with the others would have to be

either on Saturday or Sunday. Regarding the content of

the messages, I, of course, hid my true intentions to avoid

alarming them prematurely.

Ryuuen was the first to read my message. I wouldn't have

been surprised if he refused to meet with me, but suddenly

I received a reply: "I'll find time for you after school

tomorrow." Ryuuen agreed to meet tomorrow, Friday, the

same day I planned to talk with Horikita. Well, if I arrange

to meet Horikita earlier, there shouldn't be any problems.

Ryuuen and I quickly settled on the time and place for our

meeting. Thus, the meeting with Ryuuen was scheduled

for 7:00 PM on Friday at a karaoke bar.

Ichinose responded next. After a brief conversation, we

agreed to meet on Sunday afternoon. About an hour later,

Horikita replied. She quickly understood that I intended to

discuss the special exam, so she informed me that we

would meet tomorrow afternoon, after school, at a cafe in

Keyaki Mall.

Sakayanagi was the last to respond. She mentioned she

would be busy over the weekend, but I could call her on

Sunday evening. Ideally, I planned to speak face-to-face

with each leader, but a phone conversation would suffice. I

immediately informed Sakayanagi of my agreement.

The meeting with Horikita was set for Friday afternoon at

the cafe in Keyaki Mall. I would see Ryuuen the same day,

in the evening, at the karaoke bar. The meeting with

Ichinose would take place on Sunday morning on a bench

along the way to school. The conversation with

Sakayanagi would happen on Sunday evening.

These four are crucial elements of my plan, but my

preparations are not yet complete. Thus, I have sorted out

my future schedule.