The sun cast a frail light through the classroom windows. It was silent; everyone minded their own business. Most were on their phones, some were reading books, while others just chilled.
I sat in a wooden chair across from a polished wooden desk.
Beside me, Reika sat with her long hair hiding her features. Her bag rested on the desk as she read The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, her expression glum as usual.
The 48 Laws of Power, huh? Is she interested in psychology, power, or maybe she's just curious?
"Why are you looking?" Reika asked, her tone flat as usual, but with a sharpness like a feigned temper.
"Nothing," I replied, then glanced out the window beside me.
We were on the third floor. Through the glass, I could see the campus below—students chatting on benches and chairs scattered around the courtyard, corners, and under the trees.
It looked livelier outside than in this silence-filled room.
I turned my attention back to the classroom and glanced around, observing everyone.
Though nothing really caught my interest. Everyone seemed like a normal teenager—no visible dark side. But I'm not complacent. The unexpected can still come, and façades exist.
The silence broke when the door opened.
It was our teacher—Miyu Takahashi. She wore a white blouse under the school uniform, paired with black trousers. Her long, wavy pink hair flowed naturally as she walked toward the desk with quiet grace, carrying what looked like a folder. Her presence alone seemed to shift the air in the classroom—calm, elegant, and composed.
Most students turned their attention to her, including Reika. Though, as expected, a few still kept to their own world, barely looking up.
She reached the desk and placed the folder down before facing us, her soft, bright pink eyes calmly scanning the room.
Somehow, I made eye contact with her.
She straightened up slightly and spoke, her voice gentle but clear.
"Good morning, everyone. My name is Takahashi Miyu. I'm a new teacher here at Kazehaya Senior High School. I'll be your homeroom teacher for the next three years."
A brief pause—then she continued.
"This school's system is unlike any other. That's why I'm here today—to explain the basics, and help you understand what lies ahead."
Interesting.
I took a deep breath and focused on her. Reika did the same. Though, she didn't show much on her face, but I could tell she was listening closely.
"I'll begin by explaining the most basic and essential system within Kazehaya—our Currency System."
Miyu opened the folder and began reading aloud with a clear, composed voice.
"As the name suggests, this system governs all transactions within the school. Please note that outside currency—such as Yen—is entirely invalid inside Kazehaya.You will not be able to use real-world money to purchase anything on school grounds. This includes essentials such as food, medicine, electronics, and even services."
A soft murmur spread through the classroom. Miyu raised her hand calmly, signaling the students to quiet down before continuing.
"Instead, the school operates with a unique internal currency called Credits. Credits are used for daily necessities—food, medicine, entertainment, electronics, and various services, including recreational activities like movies, spa sessions, and more. You can even rent dormitory spaces using Credits."
She took a short breath, letting the information settle before continuing.
"Credits are distributed monthly through your school-issued phones. The amount each student receives is based on individual performance, though class performance also contributes. In short—your actions and results matter. You can earn Credits by achieving above the passing line in exams, completing tasks such as assisting teachers or student council members, and by working part-time roles within the school system, such as helping at the canteen or serving as a cashier in the campus café. However, these roles are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis."
Miyu paused and scanned the room, her gaze briefly meeting mine and a few others.
"This system rewards effort, contribution, and excellence," she said firmly. "If you come from a humble background and want to avoid the hardships of part-time work, then focus—study, help, and participate. Kazehaya values hard work and competence. With enough drive, you can live comfortably here, regardless of your background."
She looked back down at the folder and turned to the next page.
"Ah, one more thing—Credits can be transferred through your school-issued phone. If you're feeling generous, you're allowed to share them with classmates. However, if you're caught using Credits for bribery or in any way that violates school rules, strict penalties will apply."
She raised a hand briefly, then lowered it. "A moment," she added, before quietly scanning the next page of the folder.
The room stirred. Murmurs filled the silence like a low static.
Student 1: "Are they serious!?"
Student 2: "That's way too complicated…"
Student 3: "Then what am I supposed to do with my money now!?"
I get it now.
Credits—the school's internal currency—are used for basic necessities like food, medicine, and services. But they don't cover everything. And even if bribery is banned, I know it'll still happen. People will break the rules.
And I would too.
If it ever became necessary.
I glanced at Reika, who was clearly deep in thought. Her eyes shimmered faintly with curiosity, though her expression remained as cold as ever.
"He—" I began, but before I could finish, one of the male students stood up and drew everyone's attention.
He was modest in height, with yellow hair that fell neatly to either side of his forehead. Sharp, cunning green eyes and refined features gave him a striking, almost handsome presence.
"What are we supposed to do with our money now?" he asked. His voice was low, polite, and genuinely curious.
Miyu let out a soft giggle.
"Oh? You're asking me that?" she said with a gentle smile. "Well, unfortunately for some, this school doesn't value wealth or family background. That's exactly why this system exists—to level the field. Also, in case you're wondering—one Credit is equivalent to one Yen."
The boy flinched slightly as he processed her words. Without saying another word, he quietly sat back down.
So… earning Credits can make you rich—but only within the school, and only for the next three years.
It made me wonder: What happens to all those Credits after graduation?
I'll ask when the time's right.
It clearly hadn't crossed her mind to mention it. Maybe she left it out on purpose. Maybe it's a secret. I wasn't sure.
The silence lingered until Miyu turned to face us again.
"There is one more currency—Seal… but that's for you to discover."
Her words dropped like a stone in still water.
Some students exchanged looks. Others murmured quietly, trying to make sense of what they'd just heard. But no one dared to ask.
Miyu gently closed the folder with a soft thud that somehow felt final.