CHAPTER 1
Hoshinomiya Chie Soliloquy
To me, Sae-chan is a close friend.
To me, Sae-chan is a rival.
It may seem contradictory at first glance, but it surprisingly works out.
Moreover, having these two emotions coexist is not that rare.
Despite appearances, I actually have quite a few friends.
Friends from elementary and junior high school, friends from high school, friends I met in college, and friends I got to know after starting work.
However, Sae-chan is the only one with whom I have maintained a relationship where we can speak candidly.
I don't know what Sae-chan thinks, though.
Even if I lose to someone else, I cannot afford to lose to Sae-chan.
The days we spent together in the same class, aiming for Class A, instilled in me these feelings.
Originally, Sae-chan didn’t want to become a teacher.
But on that day, when it was made clear that we couldn’t graduate in Class A, I realized that Sae-chan wanted to become a teacher and aim for Class A again.
That’s why I decided to become a teacher as well.
Honestly, it’s a profession far from what I originally wanted to do.
Every day, I’m looked down upon by arrogant students, and the salary isn’t very promising.
Even so, I became a teacher.
There’s only one goal.
To ensure that Sae-chan’s dream, the goal of graduating in Class A, is not fulfilled.
Because, you see?
That day, I couldn’t graduate in Class A because of Sae-chan’s trivial romantic feelings.
If it hadn’t been for that, I wouldn’t have become a teacher and could have lived a more glamorous life.
Yet Sae-chan is going to make her students graduate in Class A?
And find self-satisfaction and make amends for the past?
I can’t allow that.
I’m still bound by the past.
So, as long as I can see it, I will never let her win.
If my class loses in the end-of-year special exam…
If Sae-chan’s class ends up in Class A───
I must prevent it by any means necessary.
I don’t care if I’m branded as a failed teacher.
I don’t mind being driven out of the profession.
Even if it means dragging others down with me, I will absolutely stop it.
This is my vow.
The end-of-year special exam for second-year students is about to begin.
The outcome of this battle will determine the fate of my class, which is on the brink.
For me and for my students, this is an important fight that we absolutely cannot lose.
CHAPTER 2
The Unusual Year-End Special Exam
It's the second week of March, a Thursday. The second year of school life is now reaching its climax.
This past year has been as intense and unforgettable as the previous one, if not more so.
There have been many good and bad times, but for those enrolled in this school, the answer will vary greatly depending on whether they can safely overcome the next challenge.
The year-end special exam itself holds a significantly important position, setting it apart from other special exams.
Think back to the special exam held last year when you were first-year students.
It was a selection event test conducted as a one-on-one class competition.
The rules stated that for every win out of seven matches, you could take 30 class points from your opponent.
The outcome was a close call, but a 7-win streak could net a total of 210 class points.
Additionally, the winning class received a reward of 100 class points.
In other words, the difference between the winner and the loser could be up to 520 points.
This alone shows how significant the year-end special exam is.
“Good morning.”
Chabashira-Sensei calmly entered the classroom. The students responded with scattered greetings. For the past few days, the students had been paying attention to what Chabashira-Sensei said after her greeting.
Although there had been a string of false alarms, it seemed today was finally the day.
"Starting now, I'll inform you about the year-end special exam. But before that, I want to talk to you a little about my personal feelings."
Until now, we had heard many stories about special exams from our homeroom teacher, Chabashira-Sensei.
However, this introduction was clearly different from the previous ones.
“This is my eighth year as a teacher at this Advanced Nurturing High School. In the past, I was in charge of two classes and spent six years as a homeroom teacher, but during those six years, none of my classes ever rose above Class D. Considering my behavior when I first enrolled, it’s not particularly surprising.”
It’s hard to imagine now, but Chabashira-Sensei had been quite cold-hearted when we first enrolled.
Knowing a bit more about her circumstances than other students, I didn’t think too deeply about it.
“When I was in charge of the previous two classes, I had one thought: to observe without unnecessary emotions, maintaining a fair and calm stance. I believed that keeping a distance as a teacher, whether times were good or bad, was correct. This aligns with the school’s educational philosophy and isn't wrong. However, I now feel that it was also my immature way of running away.”
The students listened quietly to Chabashira-Sensei’s words.
“Fairness is important. Teachers must not intervene in class competition to distort the results. However, missing the opportunity for students to grow is something that a homeroom teacher, an adult, and a member of society should never do. I recently realized this.”
A reflection on her past actions.
“The ones who made me realize this were none other than you, the students of this class. You may have heard before that Class D never advanced. Rumors spread, and students assigned to Class D were increasingly ridiculed as 'defective.'”
After a pause, Chabashira-Sensei continued.
“But now, no one calls you defective anymore. It can be said that you have completely dispelled the bad image that had accumulated in the past with just one class.”
Words of praise to the students.
Chabashira-Sensei operated her tablet, turning on the monitor.
This displayed the rankings and statuses of each class as of March 1st.
Class 2-A: 1098 Points
Class 2-B: 983 Points
Class 2-C: 730 Points
Class 2-D: 654 Points
For clarification, Class A is led by Sakayanagi, Class B by Horikita, Class C by Ryuuen, and Class D by Ichinose.
Class points fluctuate significantly during special exams, but during uneventful months, they mostly see slight decreases.
Initially, tardiness, absenteeism, and unseen negative evaluations caused significant losses, but such instances have decreased.
Seeing the class point ranking this way, it's clear how much this class is on the rise.
It's not just the students who feel this way.
“983 class points. No matter how many times I see it, it’s hard to believe. It’s difficult to think that this class, which lost all its points within a month of enrollment, has achieved this.”
Chabashira-Sensei, while looking at the ranking in amazement, briefly reflects on the past two years.
“Most notably, Class 2-B. Being in Class B still feels strange to me, no matter how many times I say it. But this B Class is not the goal. Depending on the results of the year-end special exam, this class could even become Class A.”
Currently, the difference with Class A is about 100 points.
The path to Class A, which Chabashira-Sensei dreamed of, or rather, was not even allowed to dream of, is now within reach.
“However, do not become complacent. Now that you are within reach, stay focused and push towards your goal. This is a request from an unskilled teacher.”
Chabashira-Sensei bowed her head to the students.
She then slowly raised her head, took a deep breath, and opened her eyes wide.
“Now, I will explain the outline of the year-end special exam.”
Chabashira-Sensei’s words surely steadied the students' feelings.
Without panicking, they faced her words head-on.
When she operated her tablet, the monitor displayed the details of the special exam.
Year-End Special Exam
Exam Venue: Special Building
Opponent Classes:
Class 2-A vs. Class 2-C
Class 2-B vs. Class 2-D
Preliminary Preparation:
Select three representatives (vanguard, middle guard, and commander) from each class by the deadline (one male and one female at least).
Designate substitutes in case of the representatives' absence.
If there are fewer than three representatives, the school will randomly select them.
Exam Rules
Representatives Overview:
The competition will be a knockout format between the representatives (vanguard → middle guard → Commander).
The vanguard has 5 points, the middle guard has 7 points, and the commander has 10 points of life.
The class whose commander loses all points first loses.
The battles will be one-on-one under specified rules.
There are no ties, and the exam will be extended as needed until a decision is made.
The monitor displayed only the opponent classes (which were known early on), the preliminary preparations, and the very simple rules.
At this stage, it's entirely unclear what kind of competition it will be.
“To conduct the year-end special exam, you need to make preliminary preparations. This is straightforward if you look at it, but I will explain it verbally just in case. After this explanation, you will need to discuss within the class to decide on the three representatives. It's a very important role in determining the outcome of the special exam, so please discuss thoroughly and decide without regret.”
If the three representatives lose, the class loses. Regardless of the exam content, the importance is clear.
Basically, anyone can be chosen freely, but the only restriction is gender, so you cannot form a team of three boys or three girls.
If any of the representatives are absent on the day, substitutes can be arranged.
Therefore, it's not a bad idea to have multiple candidates ready just in case.
“As indicated by the terms vanguard, middle guard, and commander, the order of battle is predetermined. Representatives will fight in a knockout format, meaning the vanguards of both classes will fight first. The winning vanguard retains their current life points and continues to battle the middle guard and commander of the opposing class until they lose all their points. In theory, if the vanguard can defeat all three opponents, their class wins. Putting your most capable student as the vanguard might seem appealing, but I don’t recommend it.”
While the scenario described by Chabashira-Sensei is quite exciting, it is realistically challenging.
Given that the commander has 10 points, more than the vanguard and middle guard, it is clearly advantageous to place the most capable students at the back.
It's unlikely that placing leaders like Sakayanagi, Ryuuen, or Ichinose as vanguards would outweigh the clear benefits of placing them as commanders.
Unless the exam heavily favors vanguards, which cannot be predicted from the current rules, it seems prudent to ignore that slim chance.
“You don’t have much time to decide the representatives. The deadline is Sunday. If you miss this time, the school will randomly select three students.”
This follows the usual procedures.
Naturally, no class would miss the deadline.
“Are the three representatives solely responsible for determining the outcome of the special exam?”
Given the explanation so far, it’s not unreasonable to think so.
Yousuke raised this concern and questioned Chabashira-Sensei.
“From the preliminary preparation and exam rules, it might seem that way. However, the remaining students will also have significant roles to play.”
“A significant role?”
Chabashira-Sensei operated the tablet, switching the monitor screen.
Participants Overview:
Students other than the representatives will participate as commander participants.
If the number of students present is less than 35 due to health issues, a penalty will be imposed.
Penalty: 5 class points per absent student.
Classes with more than 36 students will earn 5 class points for each extra student beyond 35.
"Except for the representatives, all participants must fulfill their roles in the special exam. As mentioned, there are penalties. Our class has 38 students. Subtracting the 3 representatives, that leaves 35. If even one person is absent for any reason, penalties will be imposed. Conversely, classes with extra students can handle unexpected situations better and receive some benefits.
Horikita's class has 38 students, and Sakayanagi's class has 37, so they don't have any surplus participants. Ryuuen's and Ichinose's classes have 40 students, giving them an extra 10 points. While this isn’t a large class point bonus, the difference between getting it and not is significant. Receiving these points regardless of victory is certainly a welcome factor.
It’s not fair to simply complain about this. Ichinose's class has fought for two years without losing a single member. This reward is barely enough as recognition for that. Ryuuen’s class spent a lot to bring in Katsuragi after losing Manabe. So, it’s not like they’re getting a simple benefit either.
Nevertheless, the roles of representatives and participants remain unclear. It’s certain, though, that their responsibilities differ.
Just as we expected more details, the screen suddenly blacked out. It wasn’t due to equipment trouble or an operational mistake.
“This is all I can tell you for now.”
“What do you mean? Honestly, we understand nothing about the special exam.”
Horikita, who had been silently listening, responded to the unusual statement from the teacher.
“I understand that. But as I said, I can’t tell you more because I haven’t been informed by the school either. The details will be revealed on the day of the special exam.”
The class atmosphere shifted dramatically at this unexpected statement. It was unprecedented for the teacher not to know the details of an exam over the past two years.
“Your first task is to select three representatives. There are no direct benefits or drawbacks to becoming a representative. Simply put, you won’t gain a lot of private points, nor will you risk expulsion if you lose.”
This means that while it’s an important position, it doesn’t come with immediate rewards or risks.
“I understand that you don’t know the rules. But how should we choose the representatives?”
“It would be nice if I could tell you, but I don’t know that either.”
It seemed even the criteria for selection were unknown, showing a troubled expression.
“Though it’s not absolute, considering the special building is the exam venue and considering mixed-gender competition, it’s unlikely to be a purely physical contest.”
This was just an educated guess.
Given this, should we select students who excel academically?
Probably not. If it were purely an academic contest, they wouldn’t keep it a secret.
The competition likely won’t involve simple academics or athletics.
What could it be?
“Could it be a battle of dialogue?”
Horikita muttered to herself, half standing.
“Quite possible.”
It’s not certain, but the possibility of a dialogue-based contest can’t be denied. If smooth communication skills are essential, then students like Yousuke or Kushida might be prime candidates for representatives.
Even if the test isn’t dialogue-based, versatile students like them could adapt. Ultimately, we should choose students who can compete regardless of the content.
“And about the rewards: the winning class earns 200 points. If you lose, you simply don’t get the reward. However, as the unanimous special exam decision will be reflected, winning will earn you 250 class points.”
We learned that losing doesn’t cost any class points, which is a relief, but the gap will widen.
Given the substantial rewards, the impact of losing is significant. For Ichinose’s class, already in a precarious position, the gap with higher classes could become insurmountable, even if they win all special exams next year.
“That concludes the explanation. Report as soon as you decide on the representatives.”
With that, the teacher finished the discussion.
By the way, there's no illustrations in this trial.
Lemme know if there are any mistakes... :p