A stranger stood before Saiki and the others—a first-year with a physique rivaling Yamada Albert's, his face oozing arrogance. Beside him was a petite girl whose name Saiki had seen in the OAA system.
Nanase Tsubasa, with B-level academics or higher.
But through telepathy, Saiki picked up thoughts that didn't match their appearances.
"What are your names?" the tall boy asked, turning to Nanase, who pulled out her phone to check the OAA system.
"Horikita Suzune, second-year Class A, A- academics. Perfect. She'll save me some trouble," the boy smirked.
*[First-year Class D, Hōsen Kazuomi. Academics B+76, Physical B+80, Flexibility D32, Social Contribution E12.]*
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka's mind instantly processed Hōsen's data. He'd recorded nearly everyone's info from the OAA system.
Whether they stood out or seemed ordinary, Ayanokōji didn't overlook anyone—the White Room assassin could be anyone.
*[Class D first-years, strangers to us. They're here because of us. White Room assassins?]*
Ayanokōji observed them covertly, pretending to check his phone.
"I'm Nanase from Class D, and this is Hōsen, also from D," Nanase introduced politely, while Hōsen looked carefree, uninterested in the group.
*[That's Hōsen?]* Ryūen thought, while Saiki noticed Ryūen and Hōsen seemed acquainted.
"Sudō Ken, D-level academics? Slightly better than expected," Hōsen sneered.
"You—!" Sudō's anger spiked.
In the past, he'd have charged at Hōsen. But now, he restrained himself, though visibly furious.
Saiki narrowed his eyes at the first-years.
*[Ayanokōji? He looks so ordinary, both in the OAA and in person.]* Hōsen thought.
*'Ayanokōji? Usually, he's invisible in a crowd. But Hōsen's focusing on him—is he the White Room assassin?'* Saiki wondered.
*[Expelling him earns 20 million points. Tempting.]*
*'Yare yare, so that's it?'* Saiki realized.
Tsukishiro or Nagumo Miyabi likely put a bounty on Ayanokōji, urging first-years to expel him.
But only a few students were involved. If it were widespread, the news would've spread, and earlier in the gym, other first-years hadn't reacted to Ayanokōji.
Those chosen for this task weren't ordinary.
Hōsen was simply interested in the points.
What caught Saiki's attention was Nanase.
*[Ayanokōji, I've finally found you. If I get you expelled, I'll meet your father and make him pay.]*
*[He killed 'me' and my father. I need revenge.]*
*[That's why 'I' came to this school.]*
*'Wait, do you have a split personality?'* Saiki was confused. Her thoughts seemed artificially constructed.
*'Is it chuunibyou? No, it's different. She knows Ayanokōji's past—not a White Room assassin... She claims Ayanokōji's father killed hers...'*
Saiki recalled something.
Ayanokōji's enrollment was thanks to Matsuo, a butler whose son was persecuted, leading to his suicide.
Could it be...?
"You're here to find partners, right? For second-year Class A, your average ability seems mediocre," Hōsen smirked.
"We're just observing first-years. No plans to team up with your class," Horikita replied firmly.
"Really? Your class's average is below second-year Class B. How did you even reach Class A? Luck?" Hōsen mocked.
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" Sudō stepped forward, but Horikita stopped him.
"And if you fail to find partners, you risk expulsion. Unlike you second-years, we won't be heavily affected," Hōsen added, turning to Nanase for confirmation.
"Yes, points won't update for three months—max 240,000. Not a fatal issue," Nanase agreed.
*[Three months, 240,000? Do first-years start with 80,000 points?]* Horikita realized.
"Horikita-senpai, you get it now?" Hōsen smirked, his arrogance growing.
"You..." Sudō struggled to control himself, standing in front of Horikita.
*[Don't fight, don't fight...]* he repeated mentally.
*'Yare yare, tough situation,'* Saiki noted, sidelong glancing at Sudō, now removed from his 'idiot' list.
"Wanna fight?" Hōsen taunted Sudō, towering over him.
"Don't lose it, Sudō! You know this school's rules," Horikita said, pointing at the nearby camera.
"Fine..." Ryūen grudgingly stepped back.
But Hōsen stepped forward, shoving Sudō.
"Ah!" Sudō stumbled, nearly falling. Saiki, having read Hōsen's intent, used psychokinesis to weaken the push.
Still, Sudō wobbled.
"Not bad," Hōsen was surprised. He'd expected to knock Sudō down.
"I know your type. Locally famous, but you look dumb, and your strength is mediocre," Sudō retorted.
Ryūen Kakeru stepped forward, smirking at his opponent.
"Do you know him, Ryūen?" asked Mio Ibuki.
"Ryūen?" Hōsen Kazuomi's expression changed upon hearing the name, and he burst into laughter. "Well, well, what a surprise! I've heard so much about you, Ryūen. Quite the reputation you've got."
"Seems you have the intelligence to remember names," Ryūen retorted. "But I'm surprised the infamous Ryūen is so scrawny."
Ryūen's build was slightly inferior to Sudō Ken's, but he was far from weak. However, compared to Hōsen, he paled in comparison.
"You're exactly as I imagined—all muscle and no brains."
"I've wanted to take you down during expeditions, but you must've been too scared to show up. Hiding and letting others do the work, huh?"
"You were just lucky, Hōsen. If we'd met, you wouldn't be so cocky now. Guess you've never tasted defeat."
The two stood chest to chest, their minds filled with visions of an intense battle.
*Is this a shounen anime or Tokyo Revengers?* Saiki Kusuo thought. *They're just middle school delinquents. Why are they so hyped up?*
"Wanna play a little?" Hōsen challenged Ryūen.
The student council president said this school values individual strength. If both parties agree, fighting is allowed!
"I don't play games with no benefit," Ryūen replied, unusually rejecting the challenge.
Fighting Hōsen now isn't wise.
"Let's go," Ryūen said, turning to leave.
Can't let them leave! I'll show them my strength! Hōsen thought, targeting Mio Ibuki. But she was too far, so he aimed at Ryūen instead.
Now! Hōsen lunged, punching at Ryūen's back.
Ryūen, unaware of the attack under the surveillance cameras, suddenly heard a voice in his mind.
*Watch out for the ambush!*
Ryūen dodged just in time, avoiding Hōsen's attack.
"What?!" Hōsen was stunned.
"Looks like self-defense is justified!" Ryūen spun, kicking Hōsen. Though untrained, Ryūen's ruthless style was formidable. An average student wouldn't withstand it.
But Hōsen was no average student. He blocked the kick with ease.
"Is that all?" Hōsen mocked.
*Not even close,* Saiki thought. Hōsen was getting too cocky. Time to teach him a lesson.
Hōsen felt a sudden, immense force in his hands, pain shooting through him.
"What?!" He stumbled back, shaking off Ryūen's attack. His hands trembled.
"Who's talking big now?" Ryūen taunted.
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