Chapter 17: Strategic Intelligence
Winner’s gaze pierced through Kenta’s, a look of defiance in his eyes. Kenta, wearing an arrogant smile, knew the tension between them was about to reach its peak. However, he had no idea that Winner had anticipated every move far better than he had.
Kenta: “Really, you're daring to challenge me here, Winner? Do you actually believe you can manipulate everyone like you always do from the shadows?”
Winner didn’t respond immediately. He let a silence settle, as if measuring the situation. Then, in a calm voice, he replied:
Winner: “You’re not the one who decides which direction Class D is headed. You're just a pawn in a game you don't yet understand.”
His words struck like a dagger. Kenta, furious, clenched his fists, but restrained himself. He knew better than to show any weakness. Deep down, though, he realized that Class D, under Winner's influence, was far more united than he had imagined.
Kenta (thoughts): I need to shatter that unity. I have to find a way to break this facade. It’s now or never.
He turned to the other students of Class D, observing them carefully. All were in a delicate position, uncertain of what would happen next. Then, as if he had made up his mind, he fixed his gaze on Winner.
Kenta: “So, you want to play your little game of shadows and manipulation? Fine. But there's one rule: whoever loses must face the consequences.”
He gave a signal to his cronies, who suddenly stood up. Salia, sitting next to Winner, tensed.
Salia: “What are you planning to do, Kenta?”
Kenta (with a cynical smile): “We’re going to push you to your limits. Let’s see if your unity holds under real pressure.”
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Kenta’s Psychological Assault
The students of Class D glanced at each other nervously. Kenta had made his move, and it was clear things were about to escalate. His manipulation had begun, and he knew exactly where to strike.
He turned toward a quiet, more vulnerable student in Class D, someone who had always kept a low profile.
Kenta: “You never really had a place here, did you? Why don’t you try escaping this class that clearly doesn’t suit you?”
The student, caught off guard, didn’t know what to say. He looked around, hesitation in his eyes. His classmates watched, but no one seemed ready to act.
Winner: “That’s your plan? Undermining each weak link in our group? You underestimate what unity truly means.”
Kenta laughed—a dark, cold laugh. He stepped closer to the student and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Kenta: “The thing about unity, Winner, is that it breaks easily. All it takes is one weak link.”
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Winner’s Counterattack
Winner, calm until now, knew the situation was reaching a critical point. He couldn’t allow Kenta to sow discord or keep playing his psychological games. With a swift motion, he turned to Salia.
Winner: “It’s time to respond to Kenta… but on our terms.”
He stood and took a step forward, his cold gaze locking onto Kenta.
Winner: “You want to break us, Kenta? Fine. But know this — we don’t fall that easily. You’ve underestimated something crucial.”
Kenta paused, surprised by the confidence radiating from Winner. The latter continued:
Winner: “Our unity isn’t built on fragility. It’s forged in the shadows. You have no idea what that truly means.”
At that moment, a flash of light swept across the room, like a symbol of rebellion. The student Kenta had tried to manipulate stood tall, eyes burning with determination.
Class D Student: “I’m not running away. I belong to this class, and I’m staying right here.”
The other students, inspired by his resolve, rose one by one, forming a circle around Winner. The atmosphere charged with a new kind of energy.