Chapter 3: True Meritocracy
Ichihashi Honami was undeniably intelligent.
Though momentarily dazed by the school's extravagant handout of 100,000 points, she quickly realized that Hoshinomiya-sensei's evasion was itself an answer.
This meant the school indeed had core rules unknown to the freshmen, and the fact that this information cost two million points spoke volumes about its value.
Thus, Honami decided to contribute her strength.
"Hanashima-kun, please wait a moment."
Hikaru had been waiting for her. He immediately countered, "Oh? Does Ichinose-san find something wrong with what I said?"
"No, I trust Hanashima-kun's judgment. If this school truly has hidden rules, the two million points should be paid collectively by everyone."
"That's exactly right. It's what I think too."
Hikaru nodded. To gather two million points, every student in Class 1-B would have to contribute half of their newly acquired 100,000 private points—clearly no easy task.
This was where Honami could step in. Since she had already bonded with her classmates on the very first day, she could surely influence their decision.
"Then please share your thoughts with everyone, Hanashima-kun," Honami glanced around the classroom, where all eyes were now focused. "I believe if we can convince everyone, gathering the points shouldn't be a problem."
"Alright, thank you for your trust."
After a brief pause, Hikaru began explaining his analysis.
"First, the publicly known information: this school boasts a 100% university admission and employment rate, meaning its graduates must be exceptionally outstanding. If the school implemented high-pressure study plans and rigorous training, such results would be imaginable."
"But as Hoshinomiya-sensei mentioned, the campus is filled with recreational facilities for students, and every month, the school generously provides 100,000 points in living expenses for everyone to spend freely."
"If I were the school administration, how would I ensure all students would study hard after receiving this money, rather than wasting time on entertainment?"
"After all, 100,000 points is no small sum—its purchasing power is enough for students to live quite comfortably on campus. Once the idea takes root, it's human nature to indulge in enjoyment."
Upon hearing Hikaru's words, Honami felt a dawning realization. After all, they were all teenagers in their early teens, and only a very few could truly resist temptation.
"Not only that, this school is completely closed off, meaning we'll be spending long periods together. Even if some students have enough self-control to study diligently every day, won't their hearts waver when they see everyone else enjoying a carefree campus life?"
As Hikaru spoke, he observed his classmates' expressions. Everyone was pondering this new perspective he'd presented—exactly the effect he wanted.
"If students start wanting to enjoy themselves, how can the school guarantee its 100% university admission and employment rates won't be affected?"
Hikaru slowly delivered his final statement with resounding impact.
"That means there must be unknown rules behind the scenes playing a decisive role—rules that can overturn all possibilities to ensure only one outcome remains."
After this analysis, Classroom 1-B fell completely silent.
Standing at the podium, Hoshinomiya Chie watched everything unfold with utmost satisfaction toward Hikaru. She had always considered Class B students as merely backup options, yet here was a student who'd detected the school's Hidden Rules on his very first day.
In over ten years since the school's founding, this was unprecedented.
And this remarkable student belonged to her Class B. She was certain he would shine brilliantly in the competitions over the next three years.
"So, Hanashima-kun, will you pay the Private Points now?"
"I'll wait until everyone understands before paying. After all, handing over half our starting points isn't a decision I can make for everyone."
Though he said this, Hikaru clearly gave Honami a meaningful glance, signaling it was her turn to perform.
Despite having just met Hikaru today, Honami felt an odd sense of trust toward him and immediately took up the thread.
"After hearing Hanashima-kun's analysis, I'm sure everyone realizes this school isn't as simple as it appears on the surface. After all, free lunches don't just fall from the sky."
Honami stood up from her seat and began persuading their classmates.
"Though 50,000 points is a lot, if these important Hidden Rules could affect our future university admissions or employment, paying now seems worthwhile."
"Wouldn't it be beneficial to understand the rules right from our first day?"
"But..."
Seeing some classmates still hesitating, Honami played her final card.
"If you're unwilling, consider this points as a loan from you. I'll repay everyone once we receive new points."
This statement had astonishing impact. Immediately, classmates stood up declaring:
"I believe in Ichinose-san! I'll pay the points!"
"Me too! We're here for three years—50,000 isn't much when we'll get more later."
"Exactly, the remaining 50,000 after a month is still plenty. It's fine."
Following Honami's organization, every student in Class B contributed half of their newly acquired points, and the two million points were quickly gathered.
"Thank you for your hard work, Ichinose-san."
Hikaru whispered to Honami. He hadn't expected this girl to dare propose the idea of borrowing points, gaining a deeper understanding of her character.
"Class 1-B is a united group. I'm willing to do whatever it takes for our class."
"Alright, thank you."
Hikaru didn't say anything more and instead turned his gaze toward the podium.
After Hoshinomiya-sensei confirmed the transfer of two million points was correct, she revealed the full truth to Class 1-B.
Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School was truly a meritocratic institution. The school's advertised 100% university admission and employment rates were real.
However, not everyone could graduate from here. Only students who remained in Class 3-A by their third year would receive such treatment, while those in the other three classes—B, C, and D—would graduate with diplomas from other high schools.
Moreover, the school's S-System had even deeper rules.
Each class would be evaluated based on class points and private points.
Class points represented a class's ranking within the grade. Every 1 class point would be converted into 100 private points, which would be deposited into the accounts of all students in that class on the first of every month.
More importantly, class assignments weren't random—they were determined through rigorous assessment and screening. Class 1-A consisted of the most outstanding students, while the weakest were placed in Class 1-D.
Of course, the school's goal wasn't to determine everyone's fate from the start. Instead, it encouraged fierce competition over the next three years. By achieving good results in designated special exams, students could earn class points that would directly affect their overall ranking.
In other words, even the worst-performing Class D has a chance to strive for Class A—everything depends on everyone's performance.
After the start of the semester, each class is allocated 1,000 class evaluation points, which is why the first month comes with 100,000 private points.
However, while there are opportunities to earn points through exams, there are also ways to lose them.
For example, violating school rules will result in deductions based on the severity of the offense, and the cost will be deducted from the class's evaluation points.
Finally, Hoshinomiya Chie revealed another rule regarding points: the school encourages students to accumulate them, as points can buy anything within the institution.
As long as you have enough points, you can even transfer classes or avoid expulsion—though the price for the latter is a staggering 20 million private points.
Once the rules were explained, the classroom of Class 1-B fell into silence once again. Everyone was too stunned to speak, overwhelmed by the implications.
The good news was, they weren't the worst.
The bad news was, they would face a far more brutal and comprehensive competition than in a regular high school—with the added risk of expulsion looming over them.
Amid the silence, Hikaru suddenly stood up from his seat and asked another question.
"Teacher, will future special exams include physical competitions?"
"Of course. The school aims to cultivate well-rounded students, and physical education is just as important."
"Understood. Thank you, teacher."
As he sat back down, the boy's expression darkened. He hadn't expected the school's underlying rules to be this extreme.
Hikaru glanced at his system panel—his 3-point stamina stat glared back at him, painfully inadequate.
With such low physical ability, participating in a fitness-based exam would be suicide. Not only would he drag his class down, but in individual battles, his situation would be even more dire.
"I need to restore my stamina to a normal level as soon as possible."
He opened the system's [Exchange Shop], where the [Physical Enhancer (30 Days)] was priced at 100,000 points. It could boost his current stamina, but required 30 consecutive days of exercise to take effect.
Hikaru couldn't help but glance at his neighbor, Honami Ichinose. The scene from earlier was still fresh in his mind.
This pink-haired beauty had a strong sense of teamwork and responsibility. With someone like her, he was confident he could raise her favorability.
Well then, he'd start with her.
All in!!!
[Would you like to purchase Honami Ichinose stock?]
[Honami Ichinose stock fully acquired.]
[Current holdings: 5,000 shares of Honami Ichinose.]
After the purchase, his remaining funds stood at 50,000. But just then, two new notifications popped up on the system screen.
[You revealed the school's hidden rules. Honami Ichinose's trust in you has increased. Honami Ichinose stock rises by 30 points. Current price: 40.]
[Your efforts to unite the class have pleased Honami Ichinose. Honami Ichinose stock rises by 10 points. Current price: 50.]
Hiss!
Hikaru looked at the stocks he had just acquired. The share price had now directly risen to 50. If he sold them all, he could immediately convert them into 250,000 in system funds.
Somehow, the way he looked at Honami had completely changed now.
Was she a beautiful girl?
No, she was a glittering gold mine!