"Formal exams could lead to expulsion... Is that really true?"
"Maybe the teachers are just saying it to scare us."
"I... I don't know."
Upon hearing Chabashira Sae's words, all the students in the room began discussing among themselves.
For Saiki Kusuo, however, this news wasn't a big deal. After all, he had known about this rule since the first day of school.
"I hope you can at least maintain your position in Class C during the next exam," Chabashira Sae said with a smile.
...
After class ended, Chabashira Sae left the classroom immediately, and the heavy atmosphere that had settled earlier didn't lighten much.
Although they had surpassed Class D in this exam, the news that failing any future exam could lead to expulsion made almost everyone's shoulders feel heavier.
Except for a few.
"Regardless, thank you, Kushida!"
As soon as class ended, Ike Kanji hurried over to Kushida Kikyō and expressed his gratitude.
Finally, I can talk to Kushida again!
'Your real goal is just to chat with her, isn't it?'
Saiki Kusuo read Ike's thoughts and muttered to himself.
In a way, Saiki Kusuo was also grateful to Ike Kanji, Sudō Ken, and others. If they hadn't been so careless in class and scored so poorly despite knowing the test answers, their class might have jumped straight to Class B. While not as prestigious as Class A, it would certainly have drawn envy from the lower classes.
'But to score so low even with the answers... in a way, it's kind of impressive...'
Saiki Kusuo thought, noting that Ike and the others had firmly held onto the bottom three ranks.
'Staying in Class D with enough points is ideal since fewer classes would see us as a threat. But moving up to Class C is acceptable for now—a decent outcome.'
Saiki Kusuo sighed in relief.
As far as he knew, the first month of school was the most critical for class rankings, setting a baseline score for each class. Later exams wouldn't impact class points as significantly as this initial evaluation.
If they could stay in Class C instead of dropping to Class D, it wouldn't be a bad result.
After all, Saiki Kusuo had no intention of climbing higher. Staying near the bottom was best.
"Even though midterms are next month, we've barely made it through today!"
"Should we have a celebration tonight?"
"Sounds good. Ayanokōji, want to join us?"
At that moment, Ike Kanji turned to Ayanokōji Kiyotaka, who seemed lost in thought, and asked.
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka's grades are also at the bottom, just like ours. He's just as useless! We should stick together!
'It's rare to see someone so proudly call themselves useless.'
Saiki Kusuo turned and glanced at Ayanokōji Kiyotaka.
"Me?"
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka seemed surprised that Ike had mentioned him.
Ike invited me to the celebration. We haven't interacted much before. Is it because my grades are as low as theirs? That's why he invited me?
'You're spot on.'
Humans are inherently social creatures. Some rely on those stronger than themselves, while others ally with those weaker to showcase their abilities...
'It's just an invitation. No need to overthink it...'
If I refuse, it might worsen my already poor social standing.
Though Ayanokōji Kiyotaka's thoughts raced, only a second had passed.
"Sure, I'll come."
He gave a firm reply.
"Everyone,"
Just then, before anyone could leave the classroom, Hirata Yōsuke stepped onto the podium and spoke,
"I'd like you all to hear me out, especially Sudō."
"Tch, what's this about?"
Sudō Ken seemed to know what Hirata was going to say and looked impatient.
"While our grades last month were decent, and we've moved up to Class C, our class points are still significantly reduced. Starting this month, I think we should all watch out for each other—no more tardiness or using phones in class."
Hirata Yōsuke smiled politely and warmly.
"What's that got to do with me?"
Sudō's impatience grew more apparent.
Sensing Sudō's unconcealed resistance, Hirata maintained his smile:
"If I've offended you in any way, I apologize."
I must unite everyone. I won't let a single student be expelled!
Saiki Kusuo heard Hirata's unwavering inner resolve.
'He's truly remarkable.'
Saiki Kusuo mentally praised Hirata.
Unlike Kushida's superficial efforts, Hirata genuinely cared about the class.
Hirata then announced he'd hold a meeting after school to discuss study plans and improve the class's overall performance.
However, a few students immediately declined. One was Sudō Ken, and the other was Horikita Suzune.
"Sorry, I won't waste my time on something so pointless."
Horikita Suzune bluntly told Hirata.
"I think this is a test for Class C..."
"I've already refused, so I won't be attending."
Horikita Suzune cut Hirata off before he could finish.
I did well on the entrance exam, so why am I stuck with these dead weights?!
Horikita Suzune was filled with confusion and frustration, unaware that her own thoughts were the correct answer.
"Saiki, will you attend the meeting?"
The slightly exasperated Hirata turned his attention to Saiki Kusuo.