"Yes, Saiki told me to come."
After a moment of thought, Ayanokōji Kiyotaka nodded.
"What did he tell you to do? Warn me to drop out? Hmph..."
Ryūen Kakeru let out a bitter laugh and shook his head slightly.
"Let me handle this alone. I'll drop out..."
"What are you talking about!? And why did you give me the points?"
Ibuki Mio's face showed a hint of anger.
"Because you hate me, that's why I gave them to you. Share the remaining points among yourselves. Katsuragi and Sakayanagi will probably declare the contract void once I drop out, but there's nothing we can do about it."
Ryūen shrugged.
"Ryūen, are you serious!?"
Ishizaki Daichi exclaimed, unable to believe Ryūen's words.
Though he had submitted to Ryūen's violence, Ishizaki actually admired Ryūen deeply.
"Shut up, I can hear you without shouting."
Ryūen waved his hand dismissively.
"Saiki sent me here to convince you to reconsider."
At that moment, Ayanokōji said expressionlessly.
"Convince me?"
"Saiki doesn't think dropping out is a wise choice. He believes you'll regret leaving this school."
Ayanokōji explained.
*If it were Saiki, he'd probably do the same.*
"Why does Saiki care about this?"
"If you leave without understanding why you lost here, your growth will end."
"What are you talking about?"
"Why did you lose to Saiki? Does it not matter to you?"
"What nonsense. What's the point of keeping me here? I know your class's secrets, and I could expose them anytime. That's a threat to you, isn't it?"
"Well... if we had to find a reason, it's that if you stay, you could help us take down Sakayanagi or Ichinose. That would make things easier for Class B later. Plus, keeping your contract with Katsuragi would gradually harm Class A. Most importantly, if you drop out suddenly, Sakayanagi or Ichinose will think you were defeated by someone. That would cause problems for Saiki later. In other words, keeping you benefits Class B more."
Ayanokōji paused, then continued,
"But ultimately, dropping out is your choice. We won't stop you, but Saiki has no intention of spreading what happened here. You have no reason to drop out, but if you do, we won't interfere."
"Then don't stop me. I don't trust anyone easily."
With that, Ryūen left the rooftop, leaving Ibuki and the others staring at each other.
"Ugh, I can't understand what's going through that idiot's head!"
Ibuki grumbled, but followed Ryūen, leaving the rooftop.
Ishizaki and Albert also prepared to leave, but Ayanokōji stopped them.
"You don't want Ryūen to drop out so easily, do you?"
Ayanokōji said slowly.
...
A few hours later, the school dormitory was quiet, with almost everyone asleep—except Saiki Kusuo.
Using his clairvoyance, he observed Kushida Kikyō's movements.
It was late, but Kushida wasn't asleep.
Today's events kept her awake.
"Damn it, damn it, damn it!"
Kushida cursed in her room. Even without telepathy, Saiki knew who she was targeting.
Losing to Horikita Suzune was unacceptable to Kushida.
"Damn it... because of the bet, I can't openly target that woman anymore! I won't let her get away with this... Whether it's Yamauchi, Ayanokōji, or Saiki, I'll make them suffer!"
*She's really persistent... But she'll cause me trouble later. I need to deal with this.*
Saiki thought.
Unlike with Ryūen, Saiki couldn't use direct force to subdue Kushida.
But an idea came to him.
He could use mind control to make Kushida more rational.
Kushida targeted Horikita and others because she believed they knew her past and might expose it.
If he could make Kushida believe they wouldn't reveal her past, it might solve the problem.
*I don't usually use this power, as it could affect reality. But if I don't, Kushida will cause me trouble for the next two years.*
Saiki activated his mind control.
*Kushida, you believe I, Horikita Suzune, and Ayanokōji Kiyotaka won't reveal your past. You won't target them anymore.*
Saiki felt he'd forgotten something but couldn't recall what.
After Saiki's ability took effect, Kushida froze, then muttered in confusion.
"Strange, why did I care about this? Horikita, Saiki, and Ayanokōji won't reveal my past. I don't know why, but I trust them. There's no need to target them!"
Hearing Kushida's words, Saiki sighed in relief. For now, Kushida wouldn't cause him trouble—
"But I won't spare Yamauchi. He embarrassed me during the test... I won't forgive him!"
Kushida's face twisted with malice.
*Did I forget Yamauchi? But if it's him, it's fine. In a way, it benefits Class B.*
Saiki thought,
*Today's troubles are finally over. It felt like several chapters. Time for a break.*
Saiki teleported home.
...
Meanwhile, Karuizawa Kei lay in bed, unable to sleep.
After tonight's events, whenever she closed her eyes, Saiki's face appeared.
She realized Saiki was more talented than others, hiding his abilities—but tonight, he single-handedly resolved the situation with Class D...
"This is ridiculous... It's like a hero saving the girl in a movie!"
Karuizawa muttered, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"He's handsome, athletic, and smart... Though he's usually cold, he risked himself to help me. And when eating sweets, he's completely different... Is this a gap moe?"
Karuizawa recalled Saiki's demeanor, unconsciously adding a "filter" to her memories.
She already had a crush on Saiki, but tonight's events amplified her feelings.
"What am I thinking—"
"I should thank him properly."
"Maybe I'll make a cake or pudding..."
...
The next day, Saiki returned to the dormitory, tidied up, and headed to the elevator for class.
As he opened his door, another door nearby opened.
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka stepped out of his room.
*Saiki did as I expected, defeating Ryūen and making Karuizawa depend on him.*
*Does he already know about yesterday?*
Saiki wasn't surprised.
*I just wanted to avoid Ryūen causing more trouble later.*
"Good morning, Saiki."
"Morning."
They exchanged brief greetings and entered the elevator together.
The elevator arrived at their floor, and Kushida Kikyō was inside.
"Good morning, Saiki-kun and Ayanokōji-kun!"
Kushida greeted them with a bright smile.
"Morning."
Ayanokōji nodded.
*We clashed yesterday, yet she's acting normal now?*
Ayanokōji was puzzled.
"About yesterday, please don't hold it against me. I overreacted. Let's get along as classmates from now on!"
Kushida smiled.
*Why is Kushida acting like this? It contradicts yesterday's behavior. Is she trying to lower our guard? No, Kushida wouldn't use such tactics. She openly declared war yesterday, so this act today makes no sense.*
*Why did she change overnight? Because of Ryūen? Unlikely...*
*Did Saiki do something to Kushida?*
*Seriously?*
Saiki felt helpless.
"But I must warn you, Yamauchi is still my enemy. If you help him, you'll be against me. Don't side with him."
"Understood."
Saiki and Ayanokōji nodded.
*At least the trouble seems over.*
Saiki thought.
...
For a while, Saiki enjoyed a peaceful time.
Kushida didn't target Saiki or his allies—except Yamauchi Haruki, who lived in fear daily but improved his grades.
In Class D, rumors spread that Ryūen had stepped down as leader.
He no longer acted with Ishizaki and became silent, avoiding everyone.
Many believed Ryūen and Ishizaki had clashed, with Ishizaki winning.
But no one knew the truth.
One night, Ryūen received a call and left the dormitory for the school plaza.
It was late and cold, with no one outside.
But at the plaza, a group awaited Ryūen.
"Didn't expect you to visit me, Sakayanagi."
Ryūen looked at them—Class A students, with Sakayanagi Arisu in the center.
"I had questions for you."
Sakayanagi smiled.
"You're badly injured, not from a fight but a fall."
"Assume it was a fall."
"I heard you stepped down as Class D leader."
"I knew you'd confirm this."
"Is it true?"
"What would you do if it were?"
Ryūen smiled.
Sakayanagi came to confirm one thing—
Was Ayanokōji Kiyotaka the one who defeated Ryūen?
"Was it Ayanokōji who defeated you?"
"Ayanokōji?"
Ryūen looked momentarily confused.