Prologue
The soft hum of the engine was the only thing standing between my existence and the imminent sleep that haunted my eyelids. Honestly, I don't think I slept very well last night; I don't know why, but I can make a couple of deductions, and perhaps one of them is correct.
Young sir, we're about to arrive.
The person driving the limousine addressed me briefly, intending to warn me. Matsuo, that's this person's name; he's been my butler since the White Room was temporarily closed due to some leaks of information to the outside world. You know, nothing that man can't resolve with his immense political power
For fifteen years I have been rigorously training in a white-colored facility, easily passing each test set for me and imposing my legacy of success on future generations. Starting today, my graduation exam as a masterpiece of the White Room begins. I have no details about it, but I don't intend to hold back. After all, I was created to be a ruler and a leader, someone whose sole responsibility for the future is to manipulate masses; not in the gastronomic sense, I'm talking about people.
Here it is, young man. The Metropolitan School for Advanced Education; you will live here for the next three years, and as soon as you graduate, I will be there to collect you, were the orders your father gave me
Take care, old man.
I bid farewell to the person in question with those unorthodox words, then stepped out of the limousine. I could tell I attracted attention right away; that's probably due to the extremely luxurious vehicle I had just stepped out of. Limousines are often used by high society, so it would be odd for any student to see someone their own age step out of one.
Young man, before I go, I'd like to ask you a small favor. If you're obliging, then you'll listen to me; if not, then I'll simply keep my feelings to myself and leave quietly.
That's unusual. Matsuo had never asked me for anything directly, though on many occasions I had shown a certain degree of trust in him. I don't think it's about money; otherwise, he would speak to my father directly, knowing beforehand that I don't have a single penny in my pocket—because I'm not even granted any capital or power in the first place.
What's wrong?
I tilted my head curiously and fixed my gaze on him.
Like you, there is a young woman who aspired to enter this high school; Nanase Tsubasa, that is her name. Fortunately, she managed to get in and will fulfill her dream. I beg you to take care of her or at least keep an eye on her situation; she was a very important person to my son
I see, so that's what it's about.
I have no problem with that; it's alright to be merciful once in a while. This person's son died in a traffic accident a few months ago. Since that day, he hasn't been the same and treats me with much greater formality. He might think it was somehow orchestrated by my father, but I highly doubt it. That man doesn't do anything unnecessary; he wouldn't be interested in a commoner family.
I'll take a look. If it was assigned to my class, then it'll make things a lot easier for me.
- That's enough for me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, young sir.
- If you have nothing more to say, then I'll be going.
That's all, forgive me for being so cheeky and asking this.
- No problem.
I turned around and put my hands in my pants pockets, watching out of the corner of my eye as the limousine I came in disappeared over the horizon. Okay, time to get on with this nonsense.
I can't say I'll be living the life of a normal high school student, but it'll certainly be very interesting for me from now on. The wind gently ruffled my hair as I focused on looking at the facilities; the infrastructure is definitely beautiful. Just as I was about to take my first step, the screeching sound of tires being braked reached my ears.
So this is what they call a bus, huh...
People wearing the same uniform as me got out of the vehicle, so I can assume they're new students. They walked past me completely ignoring me. It seems the only person who was aware of my presence was that girl; blonde hair and blue eyes, she's quite beautiful. Besides that, she has nice thighs.
"Could you stop staring at her skirt?"
A female voice landed beside me. I turned to see who it was. Black hair and red eyes; her gaze on me is intense. It seems she now thinks I'm a pervert or something. She caught me at a bad moment. I was assessing that girl's appearance and wasn't truly aware that my gaze had lingered on her skirt, more specifically on her legs and butt.
How can I deal with this?
It's not like I can deny it.
"What are you talking about?"
I played dumb and stared at her monotonously. Now that I see her more closely... She's also very pretty. However, that cold look she has on her face just makes it seem like she wants to kill me
You're sick. People like you just disgust me, unable to contain their lust.
What an annoying woman. She should just leave and not care what he's doing. She's perhaps the kind of person society calls a busybody.
Whatever you say, I'm leaving.
I completely ignored the tantrum that was about to happen and quickened my pace. That was troublesome. I'm free to see whatever I want because I have eyes. Maybe she should understand that.
I was assigned to class D. My seat seems to be located right at the back of the room, next to a window. So far, I'm the only student in the classroom. It will probably fill up in a few minutes. There are about forty seats, maybe. Not that I cared too much
While waiting for my classmates, I took one of the many books I had in my backpack. Exquisite Corpse is a good book if you're a fan of cannibalism and gross stuff; there were good reviews of it online, so I had it bought. The main premise is basically about a society where the government has legalized the trade in human flesh, apparently due to a virus that infected the animals.
It's certainly interesting, but I'm not a big fan of books that tell a story; perhaps I prefer encyclopedias, although I enjoy anything that can be read. Niccolò Machiavelli is my favorite author; it's just a fun fact. Probably many people have read his most popular work: The Prince. Although I must admit it's a masterpiece, people are always swayed by popular opinion. Machiavelli has many other good works, such as The Art of War and The Mandrake.
If people would take the time to investigate this magnificent philosopher and writer in more detail...
The entrance ceremony will be in the gym in one hour. I'll be handing out the list of special rules and the registration guide.
Impossible...
Could this be our homeroom teacher?
I seem to have been so deep in thought that I didn't even notice when she arrived; the classroom is also full of students. That's a problem, but fortunately, I didn't miss anything important
The teacher's name is written on the board; that's the only relevant piece of all this.
Chabashira eh...
She's a woman who looks to be about thirty. Brown hair and an extremely curvy figure. If I had to point something out, I'd definitely say her bust. Since I'm a student, I suppose I should refer to her breasts in a more vulgar way—let's call them tits.
I received a pamphlet and quickly read through it. Going outside or having any contact with the outside world is not allowed, but there are facilities for student entertainment and acquiring basic necessities. You know, a shopping mall, a cafe, karaoke, and that sort of thing. The only thing that caught my attention was this point system, but I'll look into it later.
Now I'm going to hand out this student ID card. With this card, you can buy anything at any of the facilities or stores on campus. However, be careful with how many points you use. There's nothing you can't buy at school; if there is something, you can get it
Oh...
Is this really how it works?
Student cards are used by swiping them into the machines. The machines are really easy to use, so you shouldn't have any trouble with them. Points will be credited automatically on the first day of the month. Everyone should have 100,000 points by now; also, one point is worth one yen. Any further explanation is unnecessary. Transfers are possible, but no blackmail of any kind is allowed.
For a moment, the classroom became noisy.
Classes are arranged alphabetically. This room doesn't really seem to be full of model or elite students, so I'm already getting an idea of how this works. A meritocracy, huh...
It seems this won't be as boring as I thought. The only problem is that I've been assigned to a class of deadbeats and failures, according to the school; I'll have to carry the cart myself this time, if I so decide
That's fine, it doesn't matter. After all, my existence isn't very different from that of a divine being. Everyone in this school is like an ant, while I am the representation of a human; I have the power to decide their fate, I can decide whether they live or die. The strong always prevail, it's something ingrained even in nature itself.
It seems no one has any questions. Well then, please live a student life.
She left the classroom as soon as she entered. The classroom exploded with excitement, and they were even already making plans to stupidly spend their points. Now, I wonder how true that statement is; you can buy anything in this school with points. If it works like that, then I could even buy a person—teachers are a good option.
Anyway, I'll think about it later.
"Don't you think it's very strange?"
Yes, it is. I answered almost instinctively.
Umm...
It's the blonde girl from earlier; she's much prettier up close. If I were an idiot, I probably would have fallen in love at first sight. It seems she and I are going to be neighbors. At least the black-haired girl who called me sick isn't here; she'd be a pain.
Never mind, I already saw her.
Involuntarily, I sighed deeply.
Oh, am I bothering you?
Great, now she'll think I can't stand her just because of my stupid carelessness
Not at all, it just irritates me a little to have such noisy classmates. Look at them, they're planning to squander their private points without any limits, it seems almost shameless. I got away with a quick excuse.
You don't seem interested in chatting with them, you even seem worried. She looked at me curiously and rubbed her hair at the same time. I've said it before, but this girl is extremely beautiful.
You're right, I'm not very good at socializing anyway.
Don't put it in such a depressing way. I didn't have many friends in middle school either, maybe only one; but, he died...
That's unfortunate, I'm sorry for your loss. It's always sad to lose someone close to you.
Even though I said this, I didn't feel even the slightest trace of sympathy for this girl. Honestly, I'm just apathetic about it; I'm incapable of feeling anything and the people close to me are meaningless, premature deaths are quite normal in this society.
Wait...
She said her friend died.
Is that a coincidence?
Fate is certainly very capricious.
- Tsubasa Nanase, that's your name.
Huh, how do you know that? I don't remember introducing myself yet...
It seems I'm right.
Matsuo asked me to look after you; he was my butler.
Silence fell between us for a couple of seconds, then she reacted.
- I see! So you're that super-amazing guy I was always talking about. I never thought I'd meet you in person; though, it's kind of embarrassing that he asked you to look after me...
A blush spread across her cheeks as she murmured the last part; I found it rather adorable.
Matsuo was apparently talking about me to his son; if he revealed something about the white room, perhaps his son's death wasn't just a coincidence.
- Matsuo is a nice person, so I had no choice but to accept his request. He seemed quite insistent about it; it's easier now that you're in my class
- Umm... She nodded up and down as if she agreed, but shyly hid her face in her hands. She seems embarrassed; I don't know why.
Kiyotaka is my name. Ayanokouji is my surname. You can call me whatever you like. I'll even accept a nickname, if it's not embarrassing, of course.
Is it okay if I call you senpai?
That would be weird. We're in the same grade, you know...
I'm in your care now, remember that.
She gave me a small smile, but it seemed too bright in my eyes. Yeah, I could fall for her.
It's fine, I don't mind.
Fufu... She giggled sweetly, like a little girl who'd been given her favorite doll. Okay, if I keep seeing her, I'll probably die from a diabetic coma; that's the conclusion I've come to.
Can you listen to me for a moment?
A student with greenish-brown hair stood up and drew everyone's attention. He seemed to have that typical popular guy or model student vibe, not appearing to hide anything behind the friendly smile on his face. Anyway, I wasn't deeply interested in it; I was just finishing organizing a few facts in my mind. I can safely say I've learned quite a bit about this academy just by making deductions. Now, I just need to find a way to gain private points; legally or illegally, as long as I don't get caught, it's fine.
From today on, we'll all be in the same class. It would be great if we could introduce ourselves to get to know each other better.
I agree!
After the first person gave their consent, the previously hesitant students voiced their support. I considered it a waste of time to let inferior beings know my name, but they'll find out one way or another in the future anyway, so it's fine. Nanase also seemed to be pondering this deeply, then nodded to herself with seemingly renewed determination
Every gesture this girl makes is incredibly adorable, I swear.
My name is Hirata Yousuke, since in middle school they called me by my first name, feel free to use it. Although I like all sports, honestly, soccer is my favorite. Please take care of me. - The student in question introduced himself with dignity, flashing a smile that made too many girls and even some boys blush. My seatmate incredibly didn't react at all; perhaps she has romantic feelings for someone else.
Anyway, the introductions went off without a hitch, and I did a quick mental analysis of my classmates, though I didn't find anything incredible; maybe my standards for a high school student are just too high. Although, if I may express my honest opinion about them, I'd say they're all idiots. The guys seem desperately desperate to get a girlfriend, while the girls seem like a couple of crazy fanatics who always go to any mediocre singer's concert in a market square. There's one narcissistic guy who proclaims himself to be the perfect existence; if he keeps spouting that nonsense, I'll have no choice but to beat the crap out of him.
In this life, the only perfect thing is me.
Something without flaws or shortcomings—those words completely represent my existence. It's a shame not everyone can appreciate that, but it's because they're definitely too blind.
- Umm, senpai. It's your turn, I think...
Nanase timidly tugged on my sleeve, pulling me from my thoughts. As soon as I understood his words, I noticed the entire room turning its gaze toward me. I sighed at how troublesome he was and stood up, straightening my tie and clearing my throat.
"My name is Kiyotaka Ayanokouji. I'm quite proud of my intellectual and physical abilities. I don't really have a specific hobby. But if I had to name one, it would definitely be reading or playing the piano; I also practiced calligraphy when I was a child. That's all. Let's get along from now on."
I took my seat, finishing my introduction, receiving a couple of ungrateful claps at the same time.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Hirata smiled kindly at me, and I returned the gesture with a nod. Then he turned his gaze to my seatmate, so she simply stood up, sporting a serious expression; which, for some strange reason, I liked.
How spectacular, I'm falling in love.
Just kidding, idiots
- My name is Nanase Tsubasa... Ah, I'm not that great academically; but maybe I'm above average. I enjoy my free time observing landscapes and writing poems. Please be kind to me. - She finished that with an angelic smile, which charmed the entire class.
She's so cute!
Do you think she has a boyfriend?
- Of course, idiot.
You know, one of these days I'll make her write a poem for me. Then she'll confess her lo-...
I sighed wearily, so I grabbed my backpack and quickly left the classroom. Of course, no one stopped me; they probably didn't care about me in the first place. However, just as I was about to start my walk down the hallways, a female voice stopped me:
- Senpai, espéramel
I turned around, finding her again. She ran towards me and stood right next to me; I looked at her curiously.
Why did you follow me?
- Umm... I don't think there's any specific reason. Although, I guess my brain must have assumed that senpai is much nicer than anyone else in that room. I didn't like the way they were looking at me, I mean...
- I see, I understand. Then follow me to the entrance ceremony.
- Okay!
She exclaimed excitedly.