Chapter 16 - The Second Bout
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I hope everyone enjoys the chapter powerstones are greatly appreciated and so are reviews and opinions on the story thus far.
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"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle." ~Sun Tzu
Upon entering, I found Ryuen, the infamous leader of Class C, gazing out the window, his back to the room.
"You're back quickly. I assume everything went according to plan?" Ryuen inquired, his attention still fixed outside.
"Yeah. Despite everything being a setup, Sudo definitely isn't innocent," I replied, maintaining my composure.
Ryuen faced me, nodding in agreement. "Impulsive individuals like him are a liability, yet he holds potential, like you said, that could be problematic for us."
"True. And your preparations for the midterms? Have you committed the material I provided you to memory?" I probed.
Ryuen chuckled a hint of nonchalance in his voice. "Dont worry, I'll clear the midterms. Though, something you mentioned has been on my mind," he confessed.
Curiosity piqued, I pressed, "Oh? And what might that be?"
A smirk played on Ryuen's lips. "It's of no concern to you. Let's focus on the more pressing issue how many points did you extract from Class D?"
"Seven hundred fifty thousand," I stated.
"More than I anticipated. You've negotiated well. It's perfect," Ryuen remarked a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.
"And how so?" I inquired, intrigued by his implication.
"Let's just say I'm in need of points. They're important to me," he explained.
I nodded, understanding, "If you're after your forty percent, you'll need to arrange that with them. The points will probably be allocated soon."
"I'll handle it," Ryuen assured me, his tone laced with sarcasm as he bid me luck for tomorrow's midterms.
Left alone with Ryuk, the question arose, "What's next?"
"Preparation is key. Tomorrow holds significance, so I'll head home early and study," I explained.
"Oh, thats no fun. Isn't there anything better to do?" Ryuk asked.
"Regrettably, there's nothing more at the moment," I concluded with a sly grin, embracing the calm before the storm of the midterms.
***Kiyotaka Ayanokoji - Midterms***
Horikita arrives early, as punctual as ever. "You're here quite early," she remarks, settling into the seat beside me.
"It's preferable to be early on such an important day," I reply, acknowledging the significance of the midterms.
She nods, a silent gesture of understanding. "Are you confident?" she inquires, her voice steady.
"Confidence is necessary. This is our first significant challenge at this school; we cannot let it be let it scare us," I state, my tone even.
As the classroom fills, the air buzzes with a mix of confidence and anticipation. Students express their gratitude to Kushida for her assistance with the test answers, which are a lifeline for many.
Sudou strides in, his confidence slightly less than usual. Ike questions him about the upcoming test. "I've memorized all the answers Kushida provided, though I'm not entirely confident about the English section. But I'll give it my best," Sudou admits, a rare hint of weakness in his voice.
Horikita takes note of this. The confidence within Class D isn't unfounded; many have diligently studied Yagami's guide, while others have relied on memorization.
Chabashira enters, distributing the tests with a rare expression of encouragement. "If no one fails the midterms, a pleasant island vacation awaits you all. Good luck," she says, her words igniting a spark of excitement, particularly among the boys.
A chorus of determined voices rises. "Let's all pass together!" they proclaimed.
Silence descends as Chabashira signals the start. Test papers flip, and I quickly survey mine. In a moment, the atmosphere shifts noticeably; confidence morphs into despair. Eyes dart across the room, seeking silent comfort in shared despair.
The test was completely original; it was nothing like the one we had secured from the upperclassmen. This discrepancy can't be a mere oversight; it's a deliberate act, a scheme designed to sabotage us.
If this ploy against Class D succeeds, it will be a defining moment, an unforgettable scar on our collective memory. 'I observe the classroom, noting the sunken faces a testament to the gravity of our situation.' This will definitely be a day we will never forget.
***Light Yagami***
"Ryuen, this was your doing, wasn't it?" I confront Ryuen immediately after submitting the midterms, just as Sakagami steps out to have the tests graded.
His laughter echoes through the room. "You caught on quickly," Ryuen admits, while the students of Class C wear expressions of confusion, unaware of the original midterm content.
"That's low, even for you, Ryuen," I comment as Sakagami re-enters the room. I approach him, "Did anyone fail?"
He pauses before answering, "No." With that, I exit the classroom, a triumphant grin spreading across my face.
"It was almost too easy," I declare, amused by the simplicity of my scheme.
Ryuk, ever curious, inquires, "What's going on, Light? I noticed the exam was different from the exam you made the guide from, but why? What happened?"
As we walk, I explain, "The study guide was a trap, not for the average student, but for the geniuses and fools of this school."
"A trap? How so?" Ryuk probes further.
"Sakayanagi almost grasped the true purpose of the guide, though she likely remains unaware. The guide hinted at a method to acquire the original midterm questions, a realization only one who is sharp could reach. My intention was for all class leaders to believe they could safely secure the original exam as a safety net for their weakest students, including Class C's leader Ryuen," I clarify.
"And what do you gain from Ryuen having this knowledge?" Ryuk questions.
"Manipulation is an art, Ryuk. It's about understanding the desires of those you wish to control. For instance, you prefer apples over strawberries. If I wanted to get you to eat a pie, an apple pie would be the obvious choice. Ryuen is intelligent, opportunistic, and, above all, ruthless. I fed him information, hinting at my knowledge of the original exam, the fact the exam can change under special circumstances and played into his ambition to undermine Class D. Because of his intellect, I knew he would piece together the information I gave him, because of his opportunistic nature I knew he would devise a plan of attack, and because he is ruthless, I knew he would follow through. This plan, conceived months ago but unfeasible for me to execute because of how I present myself, was subtly suggested to Ryuen, allowing me to maintain my front. At the same time, Ryuen believes everything is going along with his plan," I reveal.
Ryuk laughs, "So when you handed him the original exam, you anticipated he would expose it, nudged by your influence. But how did he manage without anyone noticing?"
"To expose the test without detection, I would have placed the real exam on every class's desks after school two days ago. The janitors would likely be the first to find them, leading to their confiscation and a midterm switch, completely unnoticed unless someone returned to class during the setup," I speculate.
"Does this mean mass expulsions for the first years?" Ryuk wonders.
"Not exactly. Classes A and B might see a few expulsions, but most will likely purchase test points to avoid it. Class C, as you heard, passed the test, they never saw the real exam, so they prepared and crammed out of fear of expulsion. As for Class D," I chuckle, "they're screwed. The less dedicated students likely relied on memorizing the answers to the test, while the smarter and more capable ones probably studied or have been paying attention in class. Most girls should be safe, thanks to Hirata's study group, but many of the boys, supposedly disliking Hirata, probably didn't study much. And there was one more trap in the study guideâ€"it was designed to benefit only those who actually studied, further disadvantaging the academically weaker members of Class D. As Ryuen put it, those willing to study would have passed regardless."
Ryuk responded, "If I recall, you mentioned that many believe the passing grade is what was announced during the mock test, but it's actually half the class average, right? That means the high achievers inadvertently raise the bar for the less capable."
"That's precisely the case," I confirm, a sense of satisfaction in my voice. "Most remain oblivious to this grading scheme. Moreover, our strategic move against Class D has resulted in the theft of 750,000 points from their reserves. They were due for deposit yesterday, after the meeting. Therefore, Class D finds itself in a dangerous position, unable to rescue its failing members. Everything has unfolded flawlessly."
Approaching Class D's territory, I observe their teacher entering with an unreadable expression. Yet, it's the chaos within that captures my attention. The classroom is in turmoil. Debates seemingly rage over the answer sheet and study methods. Hirata, the so-called leader, is like many others in the class, reduced to a silent figure, head bowed in defeat. Amidst the disarray, a blonde individual, Rokusuke Koenji, stands out, seemingly indifferent to the unfolding drama. It's evident to all that Class D has been played.
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I know it's not the longest chapter but I'd like to think it's a good one. Give me your thoughts on it.
I think some people may be upset class d and ayanokoji to a loss this quickly or easily but I think it's pretty realistic that this could happen in the original if someone had leaked the midterm exam.
I think this is one of my favorite scenarios that i have written realism wise and in terms of depth but once again would love to hear your thoughts.
Also if you haven't read my other COTE fic (it's about L) and you like this one please give it a shot it's on Hiatus but it reached the he end of the first special exam.
Lastly there still is no schedule for this fic uploads are based on my avalibility and whatever i am dealing with at the time. I try to be consistent but can't make promises.