Sudō... Again

"Ah, that was quite a normal entrance ceremony for this school. Don't you think so, Kōenji-kun?"

Hasebe asks for my impressions after the entrance ceremony.

Just as narrated in the novel, it was a completely normal ceremony. For a school with such status, one would expect something grand. However, I know that all of this is just a game to deceive us, the first years.

"Yeah, I was expecting something grand too."

"Isn't it? Anyway, it's still a unique school. Giving 100,000 yen to its students is truly incredible."

"So, Hasebe-chan, what do you think?"

"About what?"

"The fact that such a large sum was given right from the start. Don't you have any concerns about that?"

I want to know if my exchange with Chabashira raised any questions in the class.

Hasebe puts her index finger under her chin while pondering.

"Hmm... Well, at first, I thought it was just the school's policy, but after you raised that point in class, I feel a bit confused... Ah! I don't know, I'm not very clever, so I don't understand it too much."

As if tired of her own thoughts, Hasebe stops thinking.

'At least she feels some doubt about it, that's something.'

"So, Kōenji-kun, what do you think? I know you have some doubts."

She then asks me.

I just wanted to see her general thoughts, but might as well warn her in advance as a friend.

"If you want my opinion, there must be a catch somewhere. I still can't quite grasp what it is, but there's no doubt in my mind that this story isn't as rosy as it seems."

"Do you think the school is testing us?"

'Interesting, although she claims not to be very clever, she just touched on the truth.'

"Maybe. It's a school that trains future leaders after all. I would advise you not to waste your points unnecessarily; we have no guarantee that we'll receive the same amount next month."

"That's not wrong."

We arrived at the campus courtyard. It's a landscape reminiscent of a park with its benches, pond, and vegetation.

"So, where do we start?"

I take out the school map that was given to us at the entrance and unfold it in front of Hasebe and me.

Moving closer to me, she starts scrutinizing the map.

"What if we go to the Keyaki Center?"

She suggests.

It's obvious that it's the most mysterious place in this school. As a reader of the novel, I'm also curious to see what it looks like in real life.

I nod.

"Hey, you!"

We're about to set off when a voice stops us from behind.

We turn around to see who the source is.

'What a surprise?'

It's Sudō.

"What do you want?"

With undisguised contempt, Hasebe asks Sudō. Even she had a bad impression of him earlier.

"Why are you coming at me? I haven't done anything."

"Not yet, anyway."

"I just want to talk to Kōenji-kun."

At these words, Sudō turns his gaze towards me.

"What's up, Sudō-kun?" I inquire. I'm genuinely intrigued as to what he wants to discuss with me.

"Is it possible for us to talk alone?"

'Interesting.' My curiosity is further piqued.

"What? You want to finish what you started in class? Kōenji-kun, don't go anywhere with him," Hasebe interjects, positioning herself between Sudō and me.

It's rather kind of her to worry about me, but I don't think Sudō has any ill intentions.

"It's okay, Hasebe-chan," I reassure her, placing my hand on Hasebe's shoulder to calm her.

"Are you sure, Kōenji-kun?" She turns to me for confirmation.

"It's fine. I don't believe Sudō-kun has any bad intentions. Am I wrong?" I address the last question to Sudō.