17 Chapter 17 - The situation
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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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"I AM RIGHTEOUS!! I'm the hero who's liberating people from fear. I'm the savior who's going to be like a god of this perfect new world!" ~Light Yagami
"Why did you suddenly leave? What's happening?" Ibuki's voice caught me off guard, prompting me to turn around.
"Ibuki," I began, exhaling a tired sigh, "the situation is complex. To put it simply, Ryuen acquired the original exam through me and exposed it, leading to an unexpected change in the test questions. Those who relied solely on the leaked questions without studying are bound to fail."
"So, you're upset because he played dirty," she asked, leaning casually against the wall with a resigned sigh.
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"Essentially, yes. But why did you come after me?" I inquired, curious about her motives.
"I was tailing you, obviously. Seeing Ryuen's smug expression was infuriating. When Ishizaki, Albert, and I decided to follow you, Ryuen ordered us to stop. As if I'd ever listen to him," she scoffed, then gestured towards Class D. "Besides, it's probably for the best that I'm here. You weren't seriously considering walking into Class D, were you? If expulsions are on the line, do you think they'd want to see you—the one responsible for their 750,000-point loss? I wouldn't be surprised if you received a less-than-warm welcome."
"Thank you, Ibuki," I replied, offering a grateful smile.
She averted her gaze with a nonchalant "Tch, whatever," then turned her attention to the front of the classroom. "Looks like the Class D teacher is writing the names and grades."
I focused on the teacher's actions, eager to assess the fallout. The entire class was now fixated on the whiteboard as she listed names and grades, then began to draw ominous red lines.
"If Ryuen aimed to cause chaos, he's certainly achieved it," Ibuki remarked as Chabashira finished her task.
I nodded silently, acknowledging the extent of the damage. Names like Ken Sudo, Kanji Ike, and Haruki Yamauchi—often dubbed the 'idiot trio'—were expected to be there. Still, others like Kei Karuizawa, Hideo Sotomura, Kokoro Inogashira, and Maya Sato also fell below the red line. Seven students were expelled in an instant.
(Authors note: This is based off real academic ability scores and actual midterm scores, if people were to fail these 7 would be the most likely)
As tears began to flow freely among the students, I performed a quick mental calculation before approaching the door to Class D.
Stepping through the doorway, I'm immediately met with Chabashira's stern voice addressing the students on the brink of expulsion. "There's no further discussion. If you're not in the faculty room by the end of this period, we'll have you removed," she declares without a hint of empathy.
Hirata, with a tone of resignation, asks, "Is there truly no alternative?" His eyes meet mine as I stand at the front door of the class.
"You're not offering them any hints?" I question Chabashira, stepping into the fray.
Sudo, his anger real, charges at me. "This is your doing, isn't it?!" he accuses, his fist raised.
As predicted, Ibuki intervenes with swift precision, and her training is evident as she deflects Sudo's attack.
Placing a hand on Ibuki's shoulder, I address the room. "It's understandable. They're looking for someone to blame, and I'm the first they see."
Sudou's confusion is apparent. "What are you talking about?"
"That's a conversation for a later time. Right now, there's a pressing matter that needs resolution within ten minutes," I say, glancing at the clock. Turning back to Chabashira, I press her, "Why won't you assist your class?"
She meets my gaze, unflinching. "They need to learn to solve their own problems," she retorts.
I can't help but feign indignation. "So their futures are inconsequential to you?"
"You're a student; I'm the teacher. You wouldn't understand," she dismisses.
With a touch of sarcasm, I reply, "A teacher of Class D, indeed. Let's hope you don't instill your students with aspirations to emulate you. Now, Chabashira, how many private points for an exam point?"
Ryuk, ever curious, inquires, "What's your plan, Light?"
Ignoring his question, I await Chabashira's response. "One hundred thousand private points per exam point," she states.
The class murmurs in disbelief.
Hirata rises to his feet, rallying his classmates. "We might be able to save our peers if we pool our points. Quickly send your points to me or someone you trust, and we'll manage this together!" His voice carries the urgency of the situation.
Kushida's plea echoes through the room, her voice a mixture of desperation and determination. "Everyone, please contribute as many points as you can! I can't bear to watch our classmates leave like this. Every point counts, and I'm contributing all of mine!" she declares, showcasing her phone to prove her commitment.
The class is spurred into action, with even those who failed the midterms joining in the collective effort, hoping for salvation.
Hirata's expression darkens as he checks his phone; a little over 500,000 points have been amassed. It's a sum that could save either Maya Sato or Kei Karuizawa, the two friends who likely studied together, that's probably the reason their grades were so close. They were the closest students to passing marks, achieving similar averages across their subjects. Kokoro Inogashira, fared worse, possibly due to her shyness and lack of study partners because of that.
The potential here is obvious; both girls wield considerable influence within the class. If I play my cards right, I could secure a strategic position within Class D.
Kushida's voice trembles with uncertainty. "How do we choose who to save?" she asks, the gravity of the situation dawning on her. Both girls are a mere five points shy of passing, yet only one can be rescued.
I clench my fists, feigning emotions of anxiety.
Koenji's laughter cuts through the tension. "What an amusing predicament. Shall we leave it to a game?" he suggests, his enjoyment clear.
"A game?" Karuizawa's voice is laced with disbelief. Her eyes seek Hirata's, who slowly looks away. Is there more to their relationship than meets the eye?
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"Rock-paper-scissors," Koenji proposes, his smile unwavering. "There's no fairer method than leaving it to chance."
Sato's voice is laced with anxiety. "Our futures, decided by rock-paper-scissors?"
"Seven minutes remain," Kōenji announces, shifting the focus to the two girls, tears brimming in their eyes as they face each other.
Sato extends her fist, a tear trailing down Karuizawa's cheek as she mirrors the gesture.
"Best out of three?" Koenji inquires, almost drawing a laugh from me, but I restrain myself.
Kushida interjects, her voice soft. "One game… it's already too heartbreaking to prolong this any further."
As the gravity of the situation sinks in, Sato and Karuizawa, tears streaming down their faces, nod in understanding. They begin the game of chance that will determine their fates: "Rock, paper, scissors, shoot." In an instant, Karuizawa's fate is sealed.
Koenji remarks dryly, "Should've chosen rock."
Karuizawa's tears flow uncontrollably, her sobs echoing through the room. "I'm sorry, Karuizawa," Sato whispers, retreating with a heavy heart.
Hirata approaches Chabashira, his voice hollow with defeat. He hesitates, but it is Sato or nobody, so in the end, he proceeds: "Five points for Sato's exam…" he says, and the transaction is made.
Karuizawa's gaze turns to Hirata, her voice breaking. "You were supposed to be my boyfriend. You promised to protect me, you swore… so why?" Her words dissolve into sobs, her despair palpable. "Why is it always me? Things were supposed to be different this time." she cries out, collapsing to the floor.
The scene unfolds like a tragic play; Doubt and resentment are now ingrained within Class D. They will grow against the one who provided the exam paper, against Hirata, who couldn't prevent this calamity, and from Karuizawa towards her classmates who could only watch her unravel.
Also, the expulsions that will occur in Class D will make it almost impossible for them to rise up. If the students realize this, the class will break apart. Many will be willing to betray their class if it means a chance to gain points.
Feigning hesitation, I pull out my phone. "Do you want to remain in the school?" I ask Karuizawa.
She pauses, her eyes meeting mine. "Are you mocking me too? What's the point, except to humiliate me further?"
I move closer, ensuring Ibuki catches a glimpse of my phone screen.
"Stop," Ibuki interjects, grasping my arm. "If you do this, you could be expelled. You made a promise in front of everyone."
Indeed, I did vow to use my points solely for the class's benefit. However, the definition of 'benefit' is so broad, and spending 500,000 points to save Karuizawa could be justified as such. It's a move that could be seen as an act of kindness, potentially earning the trust of Class D.
Ibuki's warning is precisely what I needed — it makes my following action appear as a noble sacrifice.
"This situation is too cruel," I declare, my resolve firm. "I cannot stand idly by and watch while this is happening in front of me." With that, I gently remove Ibuki's hand from my arm.
All eyes were focused on me the moment Ibuki spoke of my possible expulsion. Everyone seemed curious about what I would be doing.
The classroom's attention was fixed on me, the air thick with anticipation and anxiety. I made my way to Karuizawa, who recoiled at my approach. "Don't touch me!" she cried out, but I was already transferring 500,000 points to her account.
"Consider this a gift," I told her, showing her the updated balance on her phone. Whether you use it to stay or leave is your choice. I understand no matter what you do, but I would like it if you stayed," I said with a smile.
Karuizawa's hands trembled as she took her phone, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why? I don't understand."
I offered no explanation, only a reassuring smile, which she returned with a nod before standing and approaching Chabashira.
Yamauchi's voice broke the silence. "What about us?" he asked, desperation in his eyes as he gestured to Sudo, Ike, Inogashira, and Sotomura.
I bowed my head slightly. "I apologize," I said, my voice steady despite the tension.
Sudo's anger flared as he grabbed my uniform. "You have more points, don't you?" Ike added, his voice laced with hope.
"The issue isn't a lack of points," I began, but Chabashira interjected, capturing the room's focus.
"The points Yagami used weren't his own," she explained. "He risks expulsion for this act."
Karuizawa's shock was evident. "He could be expelled for helping me?" she asked, seeking confirmation.
Chabashira nodded. "It's possible, though unlikely, given his standing in his class."
The students looked at me with newfound surprise, not fully grasping the unlikelihood of my expulsion. After all, I had amassed nearly five million points through my actions in Class C; a mere 10% of that wasn't a big deal. The chances of my actions leading to expulsion were slim unless an overwhelming majority of the class opposed them.
As the realization set in, Sudo's grip loosened. The bell rang, signaling the end.
"Yamauchi, Sudo, Ike, Inogashira, and Sotomura, come with me," Chabashira commanded. "Leave your belongings; you won't need them anymore."
Like zombies, they followed her out, their fates sealed.
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Hope this chapter is good i was thinking of uploading it tomorrow as idk when i will be free again but decided to just give it to you guys today.
hope you enjoyed and are excited for the next chapter!
