The first month of school had passed in a blur of tutoring and routine. Before anyone realized it, the second month had arrived.
Unlike the usual mornings, where most students trickled into the classroom before 7:45 AM, today was different. One by one, Class D students arrived much earlier than usual, almost all of them seated before 7:30 AM.
It wasn't just the start of a new month—it was the second time the school would issue points since their enrollment. And this time, the number was far from small.
From the moment students took their seats, the classroom buzzed with excitement. Plans for shopping, dining, and leisure trips filled the air. Some wanted to splurge on luxuries, others debated saving up for future necessities.
Despite the lively discussions, there was an unspoken rule: no one asked how many points someone else had.
Not because of some noble sense of respecting privacy, but simply because, in theory, everyone had received the same amount. Asking would be pointless.
Well—except for one person.
879,652 points.
That was the balance displayed on Kure Ragna's phone as he stared at his personal terminal on the S-System.
Of that, 79,000 points had come from the school's monthly distribution, meaning their class points last month had totaled 790 points—slightly lower than expected. He had hoped for a nice round number, maybe something in the 800s, but at least it wasn't a drastic drop.
Another 80,000 points had come from Ryuen Kakeru, likely a result of Class C's earnings. With 40 students per class and 200 class points per person, it all checked out.
And then, there was the 652 points left over from last month.
Ragna let out a small sigh. "Guess I can afford to treat myself this month... maybe stock up on some better tea."
Just as he was lost in thought, the front door swung open.
A tall, dark-haired figure strode into the classroom with her usual brisk steps, carrying a large white poster in one hand. She moved with the single-minded determination of someone who had an entire closet filled with the same OL uniform.
"Back to your seats."
Chabashira Sae's expression was as unreadable as ever, her voice cutting through the chatter. Instantly, the room fell silent.
But… was it just Ragna's imagination, or did she sound slightly happier than usual?
Did something good happen? Pay raise, maybe?
Before he could dwell on it, she pinned the poster to the blackboard and stepped aside.
"Take a look—this is the updated class point ranking for the first-year classes."
The students leaned forward, eyes scanning the board.
---
Class A: 940 pts
Class B: 650 pts
Class C: 490 pts
Class D: 790 pts
---
A brief moment of silence. Then, confusion.
Something felt off.
Wait…
Our points are higher than Class C and Class B…?
Doesn't that mean—
"As I've said before," Chabashira continued, lips curving into the faintest smirk, "the school ranks classes based on their points. A lower-ranked class must always be placed below a higher-ranked one."
She let the realization settle in before delivering the final blow.
"So, congratulations. As of today, you are no longer Class D. Welcome to Class B."
A collective gasp filled the room. Students looked at each other, some in disbelief, others barely able to suppress grins.
Before anyone could process it further, Chabashira turned on her heel and exited the classroom without a second glance.
Just before she disappeared through the door, Ragna caught a glimpse of her pulling something out of her jacket pocket.
Was that—?
Ah. Off to the rooftop for a celebratory smoke, huh?
He glanced at the wall clock.
7:53 AM.
---
Lunchtime – The Library
The tutoring group had just wrapped up their study session and was making their way back to the main building.
Amidst them, Sudou Ken's voice rang out like a broken record.
"Man, this is sick! We're Class B now! Let's see those Class C bastards act all high and mighty now!"
"Sudou…"
Yamauchi sighed, hooking an arm around Sudou's neck like a weary parent.
"You've said that exact sentence nine times today. I counted."
"So what? Aren't you happy?" Sudou frowned. "They were mocking us just yesterday!"
"Wake up, dumbass. They were mocking you. Leave me out of it."
Yamauchi's blunt response immediately soured Sudou's mood.
"The hell's that supposed to mean?!"
Before things escalated, Ragna casually interrupted.
"Sudou."
"Huh?"
"Remember what I told you yesterday at lunch?"
Sudou blinked, gears turning in his head.
"Ohhh, right! Getting back at Class C!" He paused. "...But wait, aren't we already above them now?"
"Revenge isn't about rankings," Ragna said, a sly smile forming. "It's about sending a message."
He turned toward the mall.
"Come on, we've got some shopping to do."
Hirata Yosuke frowned. "Lunch break ends in ten minutes. Are you sure we have time?"
"We'll make time."
---
Back in Class B
With just minutes left in the lunch break, Sudou Ken stumbled back into the classroom, panting like he'd run a marathon. In his arms were two large cardboard boxes.
Sweat dripped down his face, but his eyes shone with excitement.
Several classmates stared, puzzled.
The boxes were labeled Milk.
Without offering any explanation, Sudou strutted to his seat, resting his feet on the desk like he had just pulled off the heist of the century.
Meanwhile, Yukinoshita Haruno's phone buzzed.
[Incoming Call: Kure Ragna]
She answered. "You sure about this?"
"Of course," Ragna's voice came through, cool as ever. "Because it's fun."
The call ended.
A second later, the entire school's PA system crackled to life.
---
"Ahem. Attention, please. This is Kure Ragna from first-year Class B—formerly Class D. I have an urgent announcement."
"Could Yamawaki, formerly from Class C—now from Class D—please come to Class B?"
"Your good friend Sudou went out of his way to buy two whole boxes of milk for you. Come on over and pick them up."
"Repeat: The person who called us 'bottom dwellers' yesterday, but has now become a bottom dweller himself—Yamawaki-san—please come to Class B. Sudou is waiting with your milk."
---
The message echoed across campus.
Silence.
Then—
A stifled snort from Class A. Kamuro Masumi clutched her book, shoulders shaking violently.
In Class C, Ichinose Honami, who had been leading a somber reflection on their class demotion, blinked. Then—burst out laughing.
Meanwhile, in Class D, Ryuuen Kakeru turned slowly, eyes locking onto a trembling Yamawaki.
"...Yamawaki."
"I—I'm sorry, Ryuuen-san!"
And in the director's office—
Muffled, uncontrollable laughter seeped through the walls.
Outside, the secretary hesitated at the door, debating whether to knock—or call the psychiatric ward first.
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