Chapter 88

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The next day.

At Arasaka Tower.

The soon-to-be graduates of Arasaka Academy, having forsaken their usual school uniforms, donned sharp suits and lined up to enter the academy's auditorium, ready to attend the meeting.

Tanaka Katsuo was in high spirits today, seated at the very front row of the auditorium's audience section, a slight smile perpetually gracing his face. Dressed in an expensive custom-made suit, he sat relaxed with one ankle resting on the other knee, hands tucked into his pockets. 

He watched closely as his classmates filed into the venue, paying particular attention to their expressions. Some looked worry-ridden as if burdened with heavy thoughts. Others whispered in hushed tones, seemingly discussing matters of great importance with anxious expressions on their faces.

"Once this academy meeting is over, we'll be going out for internships. How has your family arranged for yours?"

"What else can be done? There's definitely no chance at Arasaka Corporation. My dad tried to pull some strings, but it's no use staying."

"Sigh, it's the same for me. If it comes down to it, I'll just intern at the company where my dad works. I might coast through, but the internship evaluation certainly won't be outstanding."

"Well, your situation is still better. Interning at Fuyutsuki Electronics is credible enough to put on a resume, unlike me who can only intern at some small company."

"I heard that quite a few of our classmates managed to secure internships at biotech companies, and some even went on to Militech firms. I have no clue how they did it. If I had such an opportunity, I would work for three months without a penny, I'd even pay them!"

"Don't dream anymore. There must definitely be some of us who can stay at Arasaka..."

Their gaze shifted towards the first row of the audience seating, eventually settling on Tanaka Katsuo.

Everyone knew that Tanaka Katsuo's father was a member of Arasaka Academy's board of directors and the head of Arasaka Corporation's R&D department. Tanaka Katsuo himself had nothing to worry about regarding internships; he was set to remain with Arasaka Corporation, and might even join the company directly after graduation. 

Moreover, being of pure Japanese heritage, he clearly had connections to the Arasaka Family, indicating that the Tanaka family was infinitely close to the pinnacle of Arasaka Tower. Such background and resources were far beyond what others could envy.

Facing the envious gazes of his classmates, Tanaka Katsuo reveled in this feeling, even appearing more arrogant than usual.

In Tanaka Katsuo's view, most of his classmates could sit with him in class today only because they had a little money. They were nowhere near his status as a noble. Now, at the crucial moment of graduation, seeing these people's clueless expressions brought him inexplicable pleasure.

He enjoyed watching them enter society, returning to the lives they were meant for, instead of deluding themselves into thinking that by attending Arasaka Academy, they could reach the same heights as him.

Especially certain individuals in his class who didn't even have money to spare, yet still dreamt of leaping from their station. 

Tanaka Katsuo relished in this, the pleasure of witnessing the moment their foolish dreams were shattered—and that moment had indeed come.

After today's academy conference, everyone would embark on a three-month social practice. Those with the ability and resources would go to big companies, work impressively, and return with enviable internship results. 

Those without would struggle in society, ultimately settling for a minor company or a studio to scrape together some internship experience. There was a vast difference between the two, far more complex than taking an exam and scoring points could measure.

No matter how well one performed at a small company, during a job interview, recruiters would look down on such experience. But even if one did poorly at a big company, that was still considered a prestigious history to flaunt without question.

Immersed in a sense of superiority, Tanaka Katsuo waited quietly for the meeting to start. Besides, he was also waiting for someone to enter—someone who might not even afford decent brand-name clothing.

A fellow student, with a hint of sycophancy in his voice, asked with a chuckle, "Katsuo, has everything about this internship been arranged for you by the great Tanaka-sama?"

Tanaka Katsuo's gaze remained fixed on the auditorium's entrance, responding to his minion's inquiry with a light chuckle. 

"Of course. Where else would I intern if not at Arasaka Corporation? It's not like I'm going to end up in some Militech company across the street, right?"

The student in question adjusted his glasses with a feigned look of astonishment, praising Tanaka Katsuo. 

"Master Tanaka is truly impressive. Katsuo, see if you could arrange something for me as well. Although I could intern at the company where my dad works at Shikirou Optics, you know that it can't compare to Arasaka Corporation."

Another classmate joined in: "Yeah, Katsuo, we could stay at the company and help you out."

Tanaka Katsuo beamed with pride and said, "That's a trivial matter. When I dine with father, I'll report to him, and it shouldn't be a problem."

"After all, since my childhood, father has taught me the importance of knowing and using people effectively."

"Our relationship is good, and your families are also employed at major companies, so it won't be a refusal."

His classmates were elated to hear Tanaka Katsuo vouch for them, smiling because their years of effort finally bore fruit. 

"Katsuo, you're impressive. It's like you own the academy. It's not easy coming from Kyoto to study here."

"Indeed, we're so grateful. We definitely didn't follow the wrong person."

Tanaka Katsuo simply smiled, his thoughts now entirely on another individual.

The chubby student continued, "Katsuo, do you know who the practice committee mentor this time is? Any news?"

Tanaka Katsuo replied impatiently, "It doesn't matter who it is. It's just a formality every year; who would bother about that?"

"The practice results will remain the same. Things will stay as they are."

Nodding, the chubby student pondered and replied, "I remember that previous scores were basically linked to the internship companies. Arasaka has its unique tier, the other top five companies have the second tier, and the rest are categorized into the third tier based on circumstances."

Tanaka Katsuo initially couldn't be bothered to explain such a foolish question.

Fortunately, he was indeed in a good mood and patiently answered once more.

"All the practice results are naturally ranked by the company's tier. Do you think the backgrounds of those who intern at major companies are simple?"

"Rather than individual ability, what's most important are background resources. High-level executives of major companies have private interactions with each other."

"You need to understand, with each step upwards, a whole new world unfolds."

"It directly determines the people and events you can access, as well as the resources and information you control."

"Why else do you think so many people go to great lengths and enormous expense to send their children to Arasaka Academy?"

"Do they really think it's just about studying? Why not just buy some learning chips and train at home with a Neuro Trance?"

"Sending them to Arasaka Academy is for the opportunity to join Arasaka Corporation, for establishing higher-level networks and relationships, to experience true noble education."

After having said so much, Tanaka Katsuo felt he had made his point clear, as he always practiced the teachings imparted by his father.

That was why the type of person he despised the most were those without the power or status yet always tried to squeeze their way up.

Like a dog that was filthy by birth but persistently tried to act like a human; he found it disgusting and nauseating, wishing nothing more than to kick them back to the refuse pile they belonged to. 

The two nearby flattered Tanaka Katsuo, which made him even more pleased, although his smile gradually turned vicious.

It was because he saw David Martinez appear at the academy auditorium's entrance. David stood at the entrance of the academy hall, looking around inside as if searching for his seat. To Tanaka Katsuo's surprise, David was dressed in a brand-new suit today, well-tailored and proper, complete with a tie, and with his naturally sunny appearance, he almost looked like a young gentleman. The only eyesore was the wound plaster stuck to David's forehead.

That injury was inflicted by Tanaka Katsuo himself, to teach David a lesson that when the big shots speak, the lower class shouldn't eavesdrop or interject. Tanaka Katsuo watched closely and noticed that the tag was still attached to David's suit; a corner of it peeked out from under the jacket's hem. A new suit? Tanaka Katsuo couldn't suppress an internal sneer.

Despite Tanaka Katsuo's position in the front row, he kept his eyes glued to David at the main entrance. But David didn't even glance at Tanaka Katsuo, his gaze scouring the hall for his place. As the meeting was about to begin, the students had almost all arrived. On the main platform, most of the Arasaka Academy's management had taken their seats, with only the central main seats vacant, presumably reserved for the president of the Arasaka Academy to preside over the meeting.

Finally spotting his seat, David's eyes lit up, and he made his way towards the back of the auditorium. Since David's seat was in the rear, he had to walk down the aisle, passing by Tanaka Katsuo, who was seated in the first row. Tanaka Katsuo fixated his gaze on David, watching him getting closer with each step. As David approached, Tanaka Katsuo suddenly began to ridicule him.

"David Martinez, you still have the face to attend this meeting at the academy? Honestly, I'm quite worried about your internship. I wonder which company you plan to excel in."

Facing the malicious teasing, David turned his head away, pretending not to hear. This wasn't the first time he had been provoked, and he just had to get through today. He indeed was unsure where to intern after today. His mother hoped he would stay at Arasaka Corporation for his internship, but he couldn't compare to Tanaka Katsuo, who had a father in the corporate high ranks paving the way for him.

Lost and not wanting to waste Gloria's efforts and make her sad, David clenched his teeth and attended the meeting. As for where he could intern, he'd have to take it one step at a time. Seeing David quicken his steps as if trying to slip away under his watch, Tanaka Katsuo spoke again mockingly.

"David, is this your attitude?"

"Sigh, I had thought about pleading with my father for you, maybe he could let you intern at Arasaka."

Hearing this, David stopped in his tracks, his fists clenched tight. He stood still, waiting for Tanaka Katsuo to respond. He knew Tanaka Katsuo's father was a higher-up at Arasaka and could arrange an internship for him. Since the car accident, he really didn't want to disappoint Gloria again nor see her suffer outsider for his sake.

After a moment, Tanaka Katsuo stopped laughing, confused by David's serious and persistent demeanor; David wasn't joking around. Tanaka Katsuo, rubbing the tears from laughing so hard, taunted in a pitiful tone.

"Oh, David, always so tough, look at you now. Were you feeling like you're already part of the company just because you're wearing a suit? What a joke. You don't think just stepping up privately will win over the company's higher-ups, do you? Let me tell you, what counts at Arasaka is your background. Do you think he made it to deputy head of both departments by himself? Ridiculous. After all, he's just one of Arasaka Family's..."

Suddenly, someone cautiously tugged at Tanaka Katsuo's sleeve just as he was indulging in his speech. Tanaka Katsuo waved them off, still not satisfied with his rant, wanting to spill all his thoughts. But his classmate tugged at his sleeve more firmly, voice trembling as he warned, "Katsuo... better stop talking..."

Feeling a bad premonition, Tanaka Katsuo turned around stiffly. The demonic face that appeared before him was unforgettable. This person was the first to dare slap Tanaka Katsuo's face; even his own father never had.

Before Tanaka Katsuo could explain or call for help through his cyberware, he was struck by a resounding slap that echoed through the entire hall, drawing countless stares. Tanaka Katsuo was knocked over, half of his teeth shattered, as he collapsed onto the backrest of the rear seat, tilting back, unconscious, with blood spilling from his mouth.

Stunned, his nearby peers stood silent, no one daring to assist the fallen Tanaka Katsuo. The retaliatory slap was brutally harsh, knocking him out instantly. The students in the hall stood up, their eyes centered on the scene, with only exclamation marks in their minds.

Was Tanaka Katsuo really slapped?

Tang Yu flexed his fingers slightly; he seemed more satisfied with the force of this slap and then turned and walked towards the speaker's platform, taking a seat in the central main seat. The president of Arasaka Academy, who followed in, was sweating profusely and quickly took his seat on the side without a second glance at the fainted Tanaka Katsuo.

A server, dressed in an Arasaka uniform, promptly presented tea and then gracefully retreated. The president turned on his microphone, coughing softly twice, and spoke to the students.

"Everyone, please return to your seats and keep quiet. The general meeting will now commence."

Once the hall became completely quiet and Tanaka Katsuo was removed by security, the president of Arasaka Academy spoke again to introduce the next speaker.

"Next, I would like to introduce with great honor, our practical training judge and mentor. The deputy head of both the Counter-Intelligence and Special Actions Departments, Mr. Tang Yu. Let's welcome him with applause!"