Chapter 3: The True Nature of Meritocracy

There was no doubt that Ichinose was a sharp individual.

Although the school's extravagant distribution of 100,000 Private Points had initially left her stunned, she quickly pieced together an understanding of the situation.

Hoshinomiya-sensei's refusal to answer directly was, in itself, an answer.

This meant that the school indeed had hidden core rules that the new students were unaware of—rules so crucial that even acquiring them required a staggering 2,000,000 Private Points. That alone spoke volumes about their importance.

With this realization, Ichinose decided to act.

"Hashima-kun, please wait a moment."

Hikaru had been expecting her to step in, so he immediately countered, "Oh? Does Ichinose-san think I was wrong?"

"No," she replied confidently, "I trust your judgment. If this school really has hidden rules, then the cost of 2,000,000 Private Points should be shared by everyone."

"That's exactly my thought," Hikaru nodded.

Raising 2,000,000 Private Points meant that each student in Class 1-B would need to contribute half of their freshly issued 100,000 Private Points—which was no small request.

This was where Ichinose's strengths came into play. Since she had already built strong rapport with her classmates on the very first day, she was in the best position to persuade them.

"Well then, Hashima-kun, why don't you explain your reasoning?" Ichinose said, sweeping her gaze across the classroom. By now, all eyes were on him. "If you can convince everyone, gathering the points shouldn't be a problem."

"Alright, and thank you for your trust."

After a brief pause, Hikaru began his analysis.

"Let's start with what we all know."

The school publicly advertises a 100% university acceptance rate and a 100% employment rate. That means every graduate must be exceptionally capable. If the school enforced strict academic rigor and intense military-style training, I could understand how such results would be possible."

"But as Hoshinomiya-sensei just mentioned, this school is filled with entertainment facilities, and students receive a generous 100,000 Private Points every month to spend freely."

"If I were the school's administrator, how could I ensure that students prioritize studying instead of wasting time on leisure after receiving such an amount?"

"100,000 is no trivial sum. It gives us the power to live comfortably and indulge in entertainment. And as long as the option exists, many students won't be able to resist. After all, it's basic human nature."

Ichinose's eyes widened slightly at Hikaru's words. Teenagers—especially those just entering high school—were naturally prone to distraction. Only a handful would have the discipline to focus solely on studying.

"And more importantly, this school is completely sealed off from the outside world. We'll be spending three years together in this enclosed environment. Even if some students have strong self-control and dedicate themselves to studying, how long do you think they'll last when everyone around them is living carefree lives?"

As Hikaru spoke, he carefully observed his classmates' reactions. Many of them were beginning to process the implications of his words.

This was exactly what he wanted.

"So if students naturally gravitate toward enjoyment, how does the school guarantee a 100% success rate in university admissions and job placements?"

With that final statement, Hikaru's words resounded through the silent classroom.

"There must be hidden rules that shape this system, rules so absolute that they determine the only possible outcome."

A heavy silence settled over Class 1-B.

On the podium, Hoshinomiya watched the scene unfold, utterly impressed.

She had always believed that students assigned to Class 1-B were merely backup choices—students with potential, but not the elite.

Yet now, before her eyes stood a student who had uncovered the school's deeper mechanics on his very first day.

In the entire history of the school, spanning over a decade, this had never happened before.

And to think that this student was from her own class.

A contender had emerged—someone who could stand at the top in the next three years of fierce competition.

"Well then, Hashima-kun," Hoshinomiya finally spoke, breaking the silence. "Are you going to pay the Private Points now?"

"I'll wait until everyone has made up their minds," Hikaru replied. "Since it requires half of their initial points, I can't make that decision for them."

Despite his words, he subtly signaled Ichinose with his eyes—it was her turn to take the lead.

Though this was their first real conversation, Ichinose instinctively trusted Hikaru. Without hesitation, she stepped forward.

"Everyone, after hearing Hashima-kun's analysis, I think we can all agree that this school is more than it appears on the surface. After all, there's no such thing as free lunch."

She walked to the center of the classroom, ready to persuade her peers.

"Fifty thousand points might seem like a lot, but if this hidden rule impacts our future prospects, isn't it worth paying now?"

"Besides, wouldn't it be better to understand the system from the very first day?"

Some students still hesitated. Ichinose didn't miss a beat.

"If you're unsure, then consider it a loan from me. I'll personally repay everyone one by one when the next round of points is issued."

The moment those words left her lips, the effect was instantaneous.

"I trust Ichinose-san! I'll pay!"

"Me too. We're going to be here for three years—50,000 points isn't that much in the long run."

"She's right! We still have another 50,000 coming in a month anyway."

With Ichinose's encouragement, the entire class pooled their Private Points together—and in no time, they had collected the full 2,000,000 points.

"Well done, Ichinose-san."

Hikaru whispered, genuinely impressed. He hadn't expected her to propose a loan, and his respect for her strategic thinking grew.

"Class 1-B is a team, and I'm willing to contribute to it," she replied with a gentle smile.

"Thank you."

Turning his gaze toward the podium, Hikaru watched as Hoshinomiya-sensei confirmed the transaction—and then, she finally revealed the truth.

Advanced Nurturing High School truly operated on a meritocratic system.

The 100% university admission rate and employment rate were real.

However—only Class 3-A students could receive these benefits.

Students in Classes B, C, and D would graduate with a standard high school diploma instead.

And that wasn't all.

The S-System was far more intricate than they had been led to believe.

Each class was assigned a Class Point score, which determined monthly Private Point distribution.

1 Class Point = 100 Private Points per student.

Every month, students' earnings were directly tied to their class performance.

Moreover, class placements weren't random—they were meticulously calculated based on student rankings.

Class 1-A housed the best students.

Class 1-D contained the weakest.

The school did not predefine their fates—students had three years to compete, with Special Exams determining their progress.

Success in Special Exams meant climbing the ranks.

Failure meant falling further behind.

And then came the final bombshell—Private Points could buy anything.

Even… changing classes.

The price?

20,000,000 Private Points.

Silence fell upon the class.

Some were relieved they weren't in Class 1-D.

Others felt the looming weight of cutthroat competition—and the very real risk of expulsion.

But while everyone else processed their shock, Hikaru stood up once more.

"Sensei, do future Special Exams involve physical competition?"

"Of course! The school aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals—so athletics are just as important."

"...I see. Thank you."

Sitting back down, Hikaru's expression darkened.

He glanced at his system panel—his Physical Ability score was only 3.

At this rate, he would be dead weight.

"I need to fix this. Fast."

Then, he turned to Ichinose.

This girl had collective awareness and a strong sense of responsibility—the perfect first target to increase favorability.

With a grin, he went all-in.

[Purchased: Ichinose Honami Stock – FULL ALLOCATION.]

[Stock Price: 10 → 50]

Ichinose wasn't just a beauty.

She was a gold mine.