Chapter 2 - Experiment Class

"—Let's all get along well, shall we?" Those words remained hanging in the air, as the whole class remained silent.

Most of the Class E students were the quiet type, so it was understandable. But the select few who could handle the same energy chose to remain quiet.

From their silence, Kiyotaka knew it wasn't just him who felt something odd.

Despite Ellen's high, bubbly energy, her eyes told a different story. Her eyes were analyzing their every move. She observed what their responses would be, or what move they'll make.

It was that feeling that made Kiyotaka feel somewhat uncomfortable. He could feel her facade, as natural as it seemed.

All in all, it felt like she was testing them.

"Silence, hm? That's fine. For this day, we'll just try to get to know each other, after all!

We'll start with how this school works, my dear class." Ellen beamed, making the less aware students relax slightly.

It seemed like Ellen's high energy was slowly infecting them.

However, the smarter ones remained vigilant. One instance was a certain red-eyed girl at the front. She remained cold, and composed. Her guard remained on despite the teacher's defenseless approach.

Even Akabane, who was such a teasing demon earlier, had adopted a far more serious expression on his face, not once letting his guard down.

Somehow, Kiyotaka felt glad that someone aside from him, and his childhood friend had noticed this unsettling feeling from their teacher.

"As most of you probably know, this school differs from the multitude of other Japanese high schools in a few key ways.

Here, all students are required to live in dormitories located on school premises. Also, except for special cases, such as studying abroad, students are forbidden to contact anyone outside the school. Even contact with your immediate family is forbidden without authorization.

Naturally, leaving school grounds without permission is also strictly forbidden." It was information that Kiyotaka already knew, so he blocked his hearing for a moment, and let his brain do some work.

Even before he enrolled in this school, Kiyotaka already had suspicions about this school.

At first, he didn't pay that much attention to it. But Kaori's input changed his thinking.

According to Kaori, schools aren't supposed to be like this. A school that did not allow outside contact is not normal, according to Kaori, and his research.

That was when he had begun to develop some doubts.

Upon more research, he found that some schools had some sort of a hierarchy system implemented in them.

Naturally, the both of them, especially Kaori, got worried when they received word that they'll be in Class E.

Being at the lowest class meant being ridiculed. And Kiyotaka didn't want that. He'd rather experience a peaceful life at the top, rather than a hectic life at the bottom.

But, Kiyotaka scrapped such a thought. He was confident in his entrance exams. And thus, he had no reason to doubt his class placement.

And yet, Kiyotaka remained wary. Why was this school's inside information kept a secret? Not a single student was able to give their reviews nor experiences inside the school.

It was odd. After all, it was very vital information to have so he'll know how to get along with the others. Plus, from the school's side, such reviews will definitely attract more students.

And such important information missing from them made him really suspicious.

Though, Kiyotaka was quickly brought out of his trance as Kaori passed a small booklet to him.

One had his name, and the other had the name Jabami Yumeko. To which, he assumed was the girl that was sitting behind him. So, he passed that last booklet to her, and observed the one in his hands.

As soon as he opened the booklet, an ID fell out from it with his name, and some other essential information needed in an ID.

He slowly observed the ID, and allowed himself to hear the teacher's words once again.

“Those cards inside the Guide Books are your student ID cards. By using your card, you can access any of the facilities on campus, purchase goods from the store, and so on. It acts like a credit card.

However, it is imperative that you pay attention to the points that you spend. At this school, you can use your points to buy anything. Anything located on the school premises is available for purchase.”

'So this is our money, eh?' Kiyotaka thought to himself, staring at his ID card with indifference, and wonder.

'Just how much money are we getting, I wonder?'

“Your student cards can be used simply by swiping them through the machine scanner. The method is simple, so you shouldn’t get confused. Points are automatically deposited into your account on the first of every month. You should all have received 100,000 points already. Keep in mind that one point is worth one yen. No further explanation should be necessary.”

'100,000 huh... WHY 100,000?!' Kiyotaka exclaimed in his thoughts, also feeling quite shocked at the revelation.

Slowly, gears began turning in his head. He technically has 100,000 yen. All for a damn student.

There are fourteen students in this classroom. 100,000 times 14.. 1,400,000..

By logic, there'd be four other classes before Class E. And, if they have the same amount of students, that'd be 5.6 million per batch. And over all, that'll be 16.8 million..

And there isn't even a guarantee that the amount of students are the same for each class.

'Isn't 100,000 per student a bit too much?!' Everyone asked in their heads in shock. And yet, they chose to remain silent, for now.

At this point, even the normally composed ones from earlier became extremely shocked by the amount of points given to them.

Who wouldn't be? They just gave mere high school students such a huge fortune..

At this point, even the less composed people put their guards up, as gears started turning in their heads.

This time, it wasn't just the intelligent ones who were suspicious. Now, the whole class was aware that something was extremely off.

“Shocked by the amount of points you’ve been given? This school evaluates its students’ talents. Everyone here has passed the entrance examination, which itself speaks to your value and potential. The amount you’ve received reflects the evaluation of your worth. You can use your points without restraint.

After graduation, however, all of your points return to the school. Because it’s impossible to exchange your points for cash, there’s no advantage to saving them. Once points have been deposited into your account, it’s up to you how to spend them. Do as you like.

In the event that you don’t want to spend your points, you may transfer them to someone else. However, extorting money from your peers is not allowed. This school monitors bullying very carefully.” And then, Ellen paused.

That silence was something that everyone understood. Ellen was done. And she was waiting for her students to ask something, or anything.

Almost instantly, several hands rose up. Most of these people were the confident ones. However, even those who didn't raise their hands had the same question.

"Yes, Shinomiya-san?" And so, Ellen called the closest person to her.

A girl with such cold, emotionless eyes, yet radiated the air of nobility. That was the type of person this Shinomiya person was.

And yet, Kiyotaka didn't feel unnerved from her presence.

"Sensei, if I may. Why do we have such a high allowance? If one yen is equal to a single point, our class alone takes up 1.5 Million Yen. Obviously, there are four classes, Classes A, B, C, and D before us, Class E. To which, would already amount to 6 Million Yen per batch. And for three batches, that'll be over 18 Million Yen, no?

Why would the school give high school students such high allowances? Wouldn't this promote bad habits such as impulsive spending?" Shinomiya's words made the whole class nod in union.

Shinomiya's calculations weren't off. It was the most logical response. Even Kiyotaka had arrived at such conclusions.

'While it is basic Math, if she noticed it, it seems like I cannot underestimate my class.' Kiyotaka thought to himself, his eyes narrowing slightly as he noticed how everyone had agreed to Shinomiya.

He had initially thought that some students at least would doubt her words. But, seeing how everyone had agreed meant that they're really aware of what's going on.

"I apologize, but I cannot answer such questions, Shinomiya-san." And with that, the whole class froze.

'This is it. That's the response I was looking for. But, how can I make this woman cough up the answer itself?' Shinomiya thought with a click of her tongue.

Ellen's answer gave everything the class needed to know. There was something that this school was hiding that they cannot know yet.

Shinomiya knows that even with such little information, she could quite literally, make it. If, for some instances, their behavior could impact their points, and it could be deducted, she'd be safe.

However, what she truly was worried about were her classmates.

There must be a whole system behind all of this. And if, in instance, she actually shares points with the whole class, she'll fall as well.

She cannot have that.

But the problem was, how could she make the teacher speak? She knew her Shinomiya ways wouldn't work here. She could get expelled at a school that will definitely benefit her parents.

'I cannot risk myself falling down just because of these clueless imbeciles.. So—'

So just what can she do, then?

"'At this school, you can use your points to buy anything. Anything located on the school premises is available for purchase', you said.

If that's the case, how much would it cost for you to answer our question, Sensei?" At that very moment, Kaori's voice made Shinomiya freeze.

Someone had found the answer to her needs before she could.

"Actually, let me rephrase that. How much is it to answer all of our questions without any catch, nor secrets hidden?" Kaori confidently asked, waving the card in her hand, while Kiyotaka smiled.

"Hironaka-san.. You.." Ellen trailed off, her expression faltering for a moment.

Of course, Kiyotaka noticed. But, this was exactly what he wanted.

This was Kaori's purpose for Kiyotaka. To be the puppet that can control this class.

She knew exactly what was going on in Kiyotaka's mind, because they were brought up in the same methods.

And as such, she knew exactly what Kiyotaka wanted.

'There's only one thing that can make Ellen-sensei speak. I can say it myself, but Kaori can lead these people better than I will.

And, if the school's system does follow a hierarchy set up, this'll be for the good. She can lead at the front, while I eliminate her enemies in the shadows.

This is perfect.' Kiyotaka smiled coldly, while Kaori confidently smirked.

Seeing the silence from their teacher, Kaori's smirk widened further, as she stood up, and began waving her ID card around.

"Well, Sensei?" The girl asked once more. This time, her voice seemed mocking, waiting for the teacher to answer her.

If Ellen agrees, Kiyotaka knew he had figured out a whole new system under these points.

It meant that he could use points for anything. Literally, anything.

He could bribe a teacher, or even a student to cheat test or quiz answers with him.

It'll be quite the discovery for him, and will open up a whole door of possibilities for any future plans he might have.

"15– no, 30% of your points as a whole class. That much, and I'll agree to answer everyone's questions." Kiyotaka's eyes narrowed at Ellen's response.

30% was such a big number. He was confident that a lot of points will be lost in this mere exchange.

Although Ellen's answer had given him what he needed to know, he needed to confirm, and know more.

It was just like Shinomiya's thinking. He didn't want the class to fall down, and bring him with them. It was a situation he would like to avoid.

"Now, Sensei. Won't you lower down your price?" Kiyotaka stood up, and offered with a wicked smile on his face.

Noticing Kiyotaka's words, the whole class, especially Akabane and Kaori, looked at him with intrigue.

Well, who wouldn't be? He's trying to negotiate the price with a teacher.

"Why would I even bother doing so, Ayanokouji-san?"

"Allow me to return that question to you, Sensei. Why should we pay for such a high price, considering that we can basically make assumptions on our own.

We're paying this much to ensure our safety. But, if you're asking for that much, I suppose we'd be better off without it.

If there's such a condition where we would lose our points monthly, it would be safer to just keep the points, rather than risk losing the 30% of our points for a month, no?" Ellen's face grew tense, and so did everyone else.

This was Kiyotaka's intention. He knew that Ellen would have no choice but to lower down the price. And he also knew that this class wouldn't back out in this transaction.

Kaori's condition was that Ellen would answer their every question. This meant that they could not only ask her about the system, but for everything else as well.

They could know so many things that'll give them a huge advantage. And that was what both Kiyotaka, and Kaori were after.

"20%. That's as much as I can bring it down to. Any more, and I'll reject this transaction." Ellen huffed, before going silent, as she allowed her students to interact, and decide for themselves.

This was the most crucial part of this day for Ellen. This is what would decide for her if these students were deserving of this experimental class, or if it was all just for naught.

"Everyone, maybe, we should accept this transaction." Kaori started, facing her fellow classmates with a determined gaze.

This was perfect. Kaori was acting like the leader this class needed. It was exactly what Kiyotaka wanted her to do.

"But.. It's 20% of our Points.. Isn't that a bit too much..?" A girl at the front with chestnut hair asked. She wasn't wrong, because this was a big sacrifice.

In the first place, they weren't even sure if it was worth it. However..

"I support Kaori on this one. I understand everyone's concerns regarding this issue. But, this might be our chance to get an answer to our every question.

Kaori's condition for this transaction is perfect. Her condition is that our questions must be answered at all costs. No matter what it is, Sensei would have no choice but to answer."

"I support Hironaka-san as well. While there may be a risk that this might be turn out to be a waste, we could still obtain detrimental information that we may eventually need.

As such, I believe this may be a risk worth taking." Shinomiya followed, to which Kiyotaka smirked at deep inside.

Shinomiya's backing at this words were perfect. The students were slowly beginning to realize the advantage Kaori had gave them, and so did Ellen.

At the corner of his eyes, he could see Ellen's expression turning grim. It seemed that she didn't notice the hidden meaning behind Kaori's conditions.

"Why don't we try? If there's a way to lose points, then there's obviously a way to obtain them, anyways." Someone with blonde hair, and dark blue eyes said. He looked so.. Sleep deprived, that Kiyotaka felt somewhat bad.

'Why does this person look like he missed a year of sleep–?'

"My, I guess it wouldn't hurt to try." The girl seated behind Kiyotaka followed. If he could remember correctly, this girl is Jabami Yumeko.

It didn't take long for the rest of the students to agree. After all, if most of the people agree, they'll feel obligated to join in as well.

And their agreement was the only thing Kiyotaka needed to know that he won.

"Hm, fine, then. I'll accept your transaction. Everyone, sit down and listen carefully." Eager to find answers to their questions, the students who were once standing immediately sat down, and watched Ellen like a hawk.

And yet, she didn't give in to the tense atmosphere, and picked up her whitebiard marker.

"Regarding Shinomiya's question, I didn't lie when I said that you were given these points because all of you deserved it for getting into this school. But, that's probably not the answer your looking for, is it?

What you truly want me to answer, is this, am I right?" Ellen asked, writing diagrams on the board which said S-system.

The said 'S-system' written on the board was then branched by Ellen into 'Class Points' and 'Private Points'

"You're already aware of what Private Points are. And Class Points are pretty self explanatory. Your Class Points are what you get as Private Points.

Every single class starts off with 1000 CP, and these points can be decreased, or increased."

"Then, Sensei. How does this event happen? How can we Increase, or Decrease or Class Points?" A boy at the back, just beside Yumeko, asked. He has dark hair, and dark blue eyes.

He seemed pretty stoic, just like how most of the class were. But, Kiyotaka didn't dwell too much in that, yet.

"Class Points can be decreased from your behavior in this school. That much should already be an enough explanation for everyone. And, there are many ways to increase Class Points.

For instance, it can be through exams, or clubs. It depends, really. Eventually, I am quite sure that everyone will figure out and understand how to properly earn your Class Points." Although Ellen finished, there's still a lot of questions within Kiyotaka's mind.

He knew it wasn't just him. The people whom had spoken so far all had skeptical looks in their faces. Actually, most people were.

But, it seemed like no one would ask. So, he gave Kaori one look. A look that told her everything she needed to do.

"What's the point of this 'S-System' that you call of, Sensei? I'm sure it's not just to give us allowances. There must ba deeper meaning to this." Ellen's smile, which had been lost somewhere along the way, had returned to her face.

It seemed like it was the one question she had been looking for all this time.

"There's a hierarchy system in this school, you see. The 100% employment rate this school boasts of? Only the students from Class A can attain that. The higher your Class is, the better chance you have to attain that 100% employment rate."

"If that's the case, then why are we at Class E? Looking around, I myself am confident that the people in this Classroom are more than capable of passing their Entrance Exams. Heck, I am confident that some had even aced it.

But, following the letters of the Alphabet. We're the lowest in the rankings, no? So why is it that we're in Class E?" Most students at the classroom froze.

Well, why wouldn't they? Kaori just voiced out the question they wanted the answer to.

It was a question that everyine had been asking in their heads, all this time. Why were they at the last?

"Why, might you ask? That's because this Class, Class E, is a special one, only created just for this batch.

This class, is what you would call, an Experimental Class."

♕✾—✾♔

『 𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚕, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔. 𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚝, 𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚊𝚗𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗. 𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜, 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚘 𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖 𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚢. 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 』

Side Note: These are their seating arrangements, btw.