CHAPTER 41 - Study Results.
(Pov- Saik, age 6.)
Legendary Ghost Number 2, the Ghost of Intelligence.
Special Power: Intelligence. Temporarily enhances the wielder's intelligence. Even without using her power, she can solve mathematical equations in seconds.
According to Number 1, Number 2's weakness is young children. Cute things in general.
"And… that's why you're dressed like that?"
"What's wrong with it?"
"Ah… Saik, sometimes I forget you're still a little kid. You lack experience. If they find out you can see ghosts and that you're trying to capture the legendary ghosts, your life and the lives of those you love will be in danger. Take off that childish outfit and put on a mask or something!"
I had planned to lure Legendary Ghost Number 2 with very childish, ridiculous clothing—a sailor suit with a beret—but Number 1 made me see reason. If I go out to capture legendary ghosts without a secret identity, my family will be in danger.
I took off the clothes and put on the outfit I rarely wear: a simple black ensemble.
"Now I need something to cover my eyes… Hmm…"
There are too many security cameras in this part of the city. Even with a mask to cover my eyes, the cameras would catch me. How should I leave the house and hide my identity?
"Hey, Number 1, don't you know how to leave my house without the security cameras seeing me?"
"Without being seen, huh? Hmm… Legendary Ghost Number 3 is pretty lazy, but if you capture it, you can use its powers."
"And what's its power?"
"Illusions."
According to Number 1, Number 3 can hide my presence and change my appearance. Having it under my control would save me a lot of trouble.
"And where is it?"
"Legendary ghosts are located in different places across this country. I, the Legendary Ghost of Disease, was in a hospital. Where do you think the Legendary Ghost of Illusion might be?"
Illusion… Hmm… Creating something that doesn't exist but others can see… Movies use a lot of special effects… Wait… It's a very lazy ghost…
"Is it gluttonous?"
"Way too much."
Free food, illusions… I have two locations in mind.
I found Number 1 in the hospital where my mom works, the most important hospital in the country.
Number 3 could be at the "Bollean" film studio or the "Blood Rose" shrine. Both are here in the Capital.
But how do I get in…? Ah, right… Throwing a tantrum.
I left my room and knocked on my parents' door.
"Come in."
I entered and saw my dad adjusting his tie.
"What's up, Saik?"
"I want to see how movies are made! Take me to the Bollean film studio!"
The shrine is my second option. People go there with the illusion that God will solve their problems. Illusions center around that place, but the film studio seems better. There, Number 3 could have food; at the shrine, there's only food during festivals.
"Sorry, Saik, I can't—"
"I wanna go, I wanna go, I wanna go!"
Filled with embarrassment, I kept throwing a tantrum. My dad kept refusing. I went on for over 20 minutes, but he wouldn't budge.
"Let a maid take me, but I wanna go!"
I knew my dad had to go to work. I threw a tantrum for 20 minutes just to show how much I wanted to go.
He finally agreed, and one of our family's maids took me to the studio. A friend of my dad works there and let me in to watch. Having a dad with important connections will be very useful.
Number 1 went to find Number 3 while I pretended to be interested in what was happening at the studio.
Luckily, Number 1 found Number 3 sleeping in the wardrobe storage room.
I escaped from my caretaker. I asked permission to use the bathroom and slipped out through the window. There was security, so I used Number 1 to break windows with some rocks I'd stored in my pockets, distracting the guards. I entered the storage room. They'd check the security cameras, so I made sure Number 1 disabled them. They'd notice the cameras were off quickly; I had less than three minutes to capture it, but there was a problem.
"So… how do I wake her up?"
Number 3 was a little girl, but very strange. She had dog ears and a tail, and she wore highly inappropriate clothing for a child. A short black crop top that reached above her navel, a small red vest, and a short pink skirt. That style was very inappropriate, but she's a ghost. I guess she feels comfortable in it, and since no one can see her, she doesn't care about wearing it in public. What surprised me were her dog-like features. She doesn't have human ears… Ah, legendary ghosts are weird. I'll probably meet a woman with nine fox tails or a frog man someday.
"No need to weaken her; you can take her by surprise. Use 'that.'"
Ah, my body aches after using it.
My eyes turned gray, and I placed my right hand on her left cheek. She caressed my hand; I thought she'd woken up, but she was still asleep. A smile appeared on her face. She probably missed being touched. It'd be touching, but to me, she's just an object I'll use for my benefit. Getting attached to a legendary ghost is a bad idea; it could kill me. I must never get attached to any ghost. Never.
After three seconds, I captured Legendary Ghost Number 3, finally having two legendary ghosts under my control. I was lucky this ghost is so lazy, but I know not all will be like this. I need to learn to fight and control the abilities they give me.
I deactivated "that," and my eyes returned to normal. It felt like my bones had been shattered, but I know it was my soul that suffered, not my body. A few tears fell from my eyes, but I wiped them quickly. I'm still a little kid, I know, but if I want to capture the legendary ghosts, I need to leave that immaturity behind and adapt. I don't have time to be a kid or "enjoy" my childhood. All I want right now is to have all the legendary ghosts under my control.
"Let's go."
"Enduring all that pain… Saik, you're definitely not a normal kid."
"I'm used to this pain. It's similar to the pain the ghosts caused me. I'm used to it."
I returned to the bathroom through the window and continued the tour.
When I got home, the first thing I did was lock my bedroom door and close my eyes.
"Legendary Ghost Number 3, the Ghost of Illusion."
I felt her power coursing through my body… Yes, it's definitely active. My body feels strange.
Number 3's illusions are so powerful they can even be felt.
"Ah… Well… I want to be an adult."
A black mist surrounded me, and I unexpectedly felt myself growing. I thought this power only made others see what I wanted them to see, but I didn't imagine I'd see and feel it too.
The mist vanished, and I looked at my arms. Adult arms.
"Did I grow?"
"Ah, so sleepy. Are you my new master?"
Looks like she woke up.
"Yes. Explain why I actually grew."
"You only think you grew; you're still the same size."
"But even my point of view isn't that of a little kid."
"That's how powerful my illusion is. One of the few downsides is that your total strength decreases by 90% when your body changes."
"That much? That's a huge drawback… And the clothes? If I use your power to create clothes, does my strength decrease?"
"As long as they're not weapons or combat-related, your strength doesn't decrease."
I see. Anything related to fighting reduces the wielder's strength. No wonder she's so weak and easy to capture. She's almost useless. "Almost," because she has her advantages.
But as long as she helps me hide my identity, the rest doesn't matter.
"I want clothes… Clothes that hide my identity… Ah, and change my hair color, please."
"Clothes, huh? Judging by your outfit, I guess you like black. What color do you want your hair?"
"Hmm… White?"
I've seen that hair color is pretty popular on TV.
A black mist surrounded me and vanished faster than before.
"Done. Hope you like it."
I looked in my bedroom mirror… Wow… I really look like some anime protagonist, but…
"I still look like me."
My face is the same. Changing my face would help… Wait… Hmm… I see… Yes, it could work.
I'd tell Number 3 to change my face, but no, I won't. The one capturing the legendary ghosts will be Saik, or his secret identity.
"Shadow."
Changing my face would just make me uncomfortable. And since the clothes are an illusion, no one will ever see my eyes.
Ah, and the white hair doesn't quite convince me. The black clothes are cool and all, but the hair isn't.
"I want black bandages over my eyes and make my hair gray again."
"At your command, master!"
Black bandages appeared over my eyes, and my hair turned gray.
I can see perfectly; after all, these bandages are just an illusion.
"Do I look good?"
"If I may say, master, you look awesome! Like an anime protagonist!"
I guess that's good. I'm the same size, but I look completely different. Ah, wait, what about my voice?
"Can you modify my voice?"
"Of course!"
Then it won't be a problem. I opened my bedroom window.
"According to Number 1, Number 2 is at an elementary school. Going at night would be a good idea, but let's investigate first. Number 3, make sure no one can see me while I head to the elementary school."
"Uh… That… Ah… Look, master, you're still a kid. The energy cost will be…"
"I know; I've practiced with Number 1. I can handle it. Just do it."
"Yes… But I'm not responsible for the damage."
I jumped out the window and landed in the garden. It hurt a bit, but I can handle it. I looked at the gardener and threw a small rock at him. It hit his back, and he looked around, searching for the culprit.
"Where'd that come from?"
Perfect, he can't see me. Let's go.
•
•
I reached the elementary school and entered the men's bathroom. I underestimated how much damage this does to my body.
"I-Incredible, you actually endured it this whole time."
I sat on a toilet and locked the door. My head's burning, and my nose is bleeding. Shit… I need to get stronger. According to Number 1, my body needs to be resilient to withstand the legendary ghosts' power. I need to exercise more.
"Just… five more minutes. Let's keep going."
"I think you should rest more, master."
"You felt the presence, didn't you, Number 3? That ghost is close. We'll just see her and go home. The longer we wait, the more time we lose. We need to make use of every moment."
We need to devise a strategy. First, we need to know our enemy… Wait… Number 1 said Number 2 wouldn't dare harm a young child.
"I have a plan."
•
•
The plan is as follows: we'll fight her hand-to-hand. Number 1 is useless in this fight, but Number 3 will be very useful. She'll cast an illusion when I tell her to make Number 2 think she killed me. She'll feel guilty and lower her guard, and that's when I'll attack with all my power.
A simple plan, but according to Number 1, the first 30 legendary ghosts are the weakest.
I went out to the school courtyard, where kids are playing. I didn't have classes today because several teachers got stomachaches. Obviously, I used Legendary Ghost Number 1 to make them sick and skip. I didn't want to go to school today.
Well, better not think about that. Where is she…? Ah, I found her.
She's talking to a young boy, sitting in the shade of a tree. A boy with Down syndrome. Number 2 looks like a woman in her 40s. She feels like a mother to me. She's pretty, and her breasts are huge. I see why Number 3 called her "cow."
"Saik, that boy can see her," Number 3 said.
Yeah, I noticed. He's like me… Ah… This… I have a theory.
"Did he get Down syndrome because of his power?"
My power has caused me a lot of pain since I was very young, maybe even in my mother's womb. I need to confirm this theory.
"Well… I don't know."
"Number 1, what do you think?"
"I'd say 50/50. Most people born with the power to see ghosts die at birth because their bodies can't handle the power. The bodies of those born with this power are different from human bodies, adapted to the power. You're one of the few who survived birth healthy, Saik. But that boy survived too, though with Down syndrome. There are two possibilities: he was born with Down syndrome just by bad luck, or his body couldn't fully handle the power to see ghosts."
I see… But… Wait… He survived?
According to Number 1, it was a miracle I survived the ghosts' attacks. I defended myself as best I could, but he doesn't seem to have the mental or physical strength to defend himself.
"Well, well. Looks like Number 2 got very attached to that boy. What do we do, Saik?"
"Huh? Did you forget the plan?"
"Huh? Wait… We're still going through with the capture plan?"
"Of course. Why would we cancel it?"
"Look at him. No one approaches him; they call him weird for talking to himself. He has no friends, and Number 2 is his only company. Will you take away his only friend?"
"Should I care? I don't care about that kid. You think I pity him just because he has Down syndrome and no friends?"
I admit, I do feel a bit of pity, but I promised myself I'd do whatever it takes to have all the legendary ghosts under my control.
"You're more evil than I thought."
"I'm not evil; I'm just doing what's necessary."
"Master, you're so cruel! Awesome!" Number 3 said.
Those two seem to know each other too well.
"Number 2 got too attached to him. Did he capture her?"
"No, I don't think so, but it's very possible she protects him. His soul, unlike yours, hasn't taken as much damage."
"…Number 2 protects him?"
"It's very possible."
That means… he got help. While I cried in pain at night from the ghosts' attacks, he slept peacefully, knowing Number 2 protected him. We were born with the same power, but he got help, and I didn't… The little pity I felt for him vanished.
"If I capture Number 2, that kid…"
"Yes, it's very likely he'll die. His body is very weak. What will you do, Saik?"
"Huh? Did you forget the plan again?"
"You're really going through with it, knowing that kid will die?"
"It's not my fault that kid is weak. My only goal is the legendary ghosts; nothing else matters."
As long as I achieve my goals, nothing else should matter.
"…Ah…"
It's true, she's too attached to him… I have a new plan.
Fighting her, even with Number 1 and Number 3 under my control, won't guarantee victory. She's intelligent; she won't be an easy opponent if we fight. But she has a big weakness.
"A weakness I'll exploit."
Ah, my nose started bleeding again. My body's burning. I think I'm going to pass out.
"Number 3 and Number 1, guard my body. That's an order."
They're under my control now; they can't disobey or harm me. I'd be on guard if they could, but they can't—I've done the necessary tests.
I entered the school and looked for an empty place… Hmm… There's a dirty, empty classroom here. They probably plan to turn it into an art room, since I see boxes with paints and brushes.
Whatever, it doesn't matter. It's dirty, so no one will likely come in.
I deactivated Number 3 and returned to my normal form.
I vomited some blood. My stomach hurts, it hurts a lot, but complaining and crying won't make me feel better. I need to rest.
"Number 1, our new master is… awesome. He's really 6 years old?"
"Ah, you'll get used to it."
I lay under a desk and closed my eyes.
"Wake me when classes are over."
Phase 2 of my plan will begin soon.
•
•
"🎶Good night, rest well, dear. Tomorrow's a new day, with new experiences to share.🎶"
She's really attached to him. She even sings to him while he sleeps. Considering her personality, I think she was a loving mother when alive.
It'd be a sweet scene, but given what I'm about to do, it doesn't stir anything in me.
It was nighttime, and I entered the boy's room through his window. I used Number 3 to muffle the sound I made.
"You really got attached to that retard, huh?"
That was harsh; my mom taught me to treat everyone with respect, but I need to anger her to get results.
She turned to me, furious.
"Doesn't his face disgust you? It just makes me nauseous. Ah, by the way, I'm here to capture you. Fight here or outside?"
"You can see me… Who are you? Another one of those ghost hunters?"
Ghost hunters? They exist? I knew there were organizations that capture people who can see ghosts, but I didn't know there were ghost hunters too.
If so, why didn't they find Number 1 and Number 3? They were in obvious places… I'll investigate that later.
"If you can see me, it means you're a naturally gifted hunter. I can't let you live."
"Ah, wow, you're aggressive. I admit, I like it."
I jumped out the window, and Number 2 followed. We stood face-to-face, and she raised her fists.
"Ready?"
"I already won."
"Huh?"
"Why don't you go check on your disgusting adopted son?"
"N-No… You didn't… Damn you!"
She rushed back into the room. Ah, what a hassle to climb back up.
I climbed to the second floor using my hands. Luckily, I'm strong and light.
I entered the room through the window. Number 2 is crying furiously, and Number 1 has a knife to the boy's throat.
"Let him go!"
"Listen to Shadow."
"That's me."
I stood between them.
"He's just a little kid, let him go!"
"If you let me capture you without resistance, we won't kill him."
"You… That voice… You're a little kid… I thought you were a dwarf. How old are you?"
"I'm 6…"
My disguise vanished.
"Just 6 years old."
"Why are you doing this?!"
"I just want the legendary ghosts to grant my wish, that's all."
"You'll die. You're a little kid. Even if you train your whole life, you'll never capture them all, let alone Number 100."
"That's my problem, not yours. Sorry, but I don't have time. Let me capture you, or I kill the kid."
"You… You're just a little kid. You don't have the guts to—"
I pulled another knife from my pocket and threw it at the boy. It pierced his left shoulder, and he screamed in pain.
Number 1 covered his mouth and eyes so he wouldn't see me.
Number 2 kept crying, probably regretting challenging me. It's cruel to harm an innocent, but I don't care. As long as I get what I want, nothing else matters. Only the result matters, no matter how vile or cruel the method.
Number 2 was likely a loving mother when alive, which is why she cares for this boy so much. She won't let anything happen to him, I know it.
"Without me, he'll die. Please, don't do this to me."
"He'll die anyway if you don't surrender."
Number 1 started making a small cut on the boy's neck.
"Stop…! Stop… Please, stop."
"I survived. This kid has a chance to survive if you surrender, but if you fight, his chances are zero."
"Why are you like this? You're just a little kid… Just a little kid… Why are you so cruel?!"
"The ghosts ruined my life. If I didn't have this damn power, I'd be a normal kid. My parents wouldn't be disappointed in me. As long as I have this power, I'll never be normal… All I want is to be a normal person. That's why I'm doing this. As long as I can achieve my dream, I don't care what I have to do; I'll do what's necessary. You have five seconds to decide. 5. 4. 3. 2…"
"I surrender! I surrender… I surrender… Don't hurt him."
I approached her and placed my hand on her abdomen.
"Good choice."
I activated "that" and captured her.
"Three ghosts under my control. Ninety-seven to go."
I left, satisfied with the result. Number 2 was furious with me, but I didn't care. As long as she's under my control, she'll do what I say.
I got to my room and collapsed on my bed, exhausted.
"My body… is burning."
"Obviously, you endured my power for too long. I wouldn't be surprised if you couldn't move for a while, but you're acting like it's nothing. You're really weird, master."
"You're the weird one. Why do you have animal traits?"
"You mean my cute dog ears and tail?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I don't really know; I've been like this as long as I can remember."
"Ah… Well… I have a question. If ghost hunters are looking for you, why haven't they found you? I found Number 1 and Number 2 in places with lots of people. Why haven't they been discovered?"
"Only people with the natural power to see ghosts can see us. Most ghost hunters gain their powers artificially. And security cameras can't detect us. Even if someone with the natural power watches a security camera recording, they wouldn't see us, making it harder to find us. And the legendary ghosts they have under their control wouldn't betray the others. Ah, and also because the others probably don't know the locations of the other legendary ghosts."
"I see… Very few are born with the natural power to see ghosts, which lowers the chances of finding legendary ghosts. They have legendary ghosts under their control, meaning I'll have to fight them to steal their ghosts."
"By the way, master, how did you know I was at the film studio?"
"Illusions. They use special effects, similar to your illusions."
"Huh? You thought I was there because of that?"
"Yeah. Was I wrong?"
"Honestly, I was just there for the free food and to watch them film movies."
"So, it was pure luck?"
"Yeah, though it's true that we legendary ghosts are drawn to places related to our powers. You weren't entirely wrong, master."
I see… I'll need to think more carefully about possible locations.
For now, I'll focus on training and getting stronger. I was very lucky to capture three legendary ghosts so easily, but the rest won't be that easy. I need to train.
Days after capturing Number 2, I learned that the boy died of a heart attack from ghost attacks. Number 2 fell into depression but followed me regardless. This outcome was expected.
Three legendary ghosts under my control. Little by little.
•
•
(Present Day.)
(Pov- Saik.)
Today is Monday, September 22, the start of the exams. I really worked hard to teach the trio of idiots how to study. Surprisingly, Naok did better than Bell and Evelyn. He's stubborn, but with some inspiration like a reward, he tries hard. There are eight subjects, seven exams; physical education doesn't have an exam. They just need to score above 60; it shouldn't be too hard… Or so I hope.
Last week was relatively normal. The president congratulated me because, thanks to my recording, her class lost 20 class points. I struck the first blow, but I'm sure she'll strike back.
That was the only really interesting thing that happened. I spent the week studying with the others to make them at least a bit smarter.
Today, we need to show what we've learned.
We need to prove we're intelligent.
"You don't get it, do you?"
"No."
Ah, I forgot a lot of what I studied. Luckily, I have Yuki with me.
"Time to cheat!"
Yuki knows. I can't become intelligent overnight, no matter how much I study.
I'll answer the questions I think I know, and Yuki will help with the ones I don't understand. I know I'm cheating, Mom, but as long as I keep studying, it doesn't matter that I cheated.
Hours passed like this. In the practice exam, I got a perfect score; in fact, I was the only one to do so. I became a strong enemy for students in other classes. If our class gets a good average, we'll become Class A, but…
I looked around; everyone's exhausted. Even though the first exams are over, they're still tired. The exam was too hard for them. Not many students in this class scored above 75 on the entrance exam; we were doomed to be Class C or D from the start. Thanks to me, we got the 100 class points, but without me, Tanya's class would be Class A, not us. Even now, we're in danger. I can only use positive points on myself, not others. If I could, I'd buy tons of answers and make us Class A, but I can't. I have to believe and trust that the others will get at least a decent result.
Sylphie and the others are studying on their own. It's lunchtime, but they'll keep studying. Even Evelyn is. Naima isn't studying. She's not that dumb, but I'm still worried about her results.
She's using her phone while eating at her desk… Ah, I hope she doesn't ignore me.
"Hey, Naima, you seem confident. Not studying more?"
She turned to me.
"I don't need to study; I know enough to pass. Mind your own business, weirdo."
Ah, aggressive Naima is back. I love that.
"I see. Good luck."
I grabbed my lunches, got up, and headed for the exit. Naima's an aggressive girl; chocolates or roses won't work on her.
How do you win over a girl like that?
•
•
Everyone's busy studying, so I can eat peacefully with Yuki on the school rooftop. So lonely. Ah, I love it.
"Why do you keep talking to Naima? She always insults you."
Yuki spoke while chewing a piece of her sandwich. If my mom saw you, she'd scold me. It's the big brother's duty to teach manners to his little sisters.
For now, I won't say anything. Yuki helped me; she's probably tired.
"Naima's a girl who could be useful in the future. Having her as an ally will be very helpful."
No doubt about that. Danna's the most sociable in the class, with lots of friends in different classes; having her as an ally would be useful, but thanks to Kaeyko, I learned she can be very manipulable. She's a good person, no doubt, with no hidden malice. What happened with Kaeyko was probably because she was forced. If she was forced, I can't get involved with her. She let herself be manipulated; I can't trust someone like that.
But Naima's different; she wouldn't let herself be manipulated, or at least not easily. Having her as an ally, even if she has fewer friends and connections, will be very useful.
"Oh. Hey, Saik!"
Yuki quickly hid her sandwich behind my back.
"Hey."
Danna, the cheeriest in the class. She's very popular with everyone. A girl who wants to be friends with everyone… Ah, I feel secondhand embarrassment.
I ignored her and kept eating.
"Hey, why don't you eat with the others? Why eat alone?"
…Seriously? Are you one of those people?
"I'm antisocial. I enjoy solitude. I like silence, that's all."
"Oh… I see… Can I eat with you?"
"It's a public space; eat wherever you want."
She smiled and sat next to me.
"Want some of my lunch, Saik?"
"No, thanks."
If I offer her some of mine, she'll think I consider her a friend. I won't offer anything.
"So… Uh…"
She's uncomfortable; she doesn't know what to say.
"There will always be people who don't want friends or don't want to be your friend."
"Huh?"
I turned to her.
"It's sweet that you want to be friends with everyone and all, but don't ignore the harsh reality. Not everyone will want to be your friend, and that includes me. Don't bother trying to be my friend because you'll never get my friendship."
"W-Why would you say something so cruel?"
"I don't hate you; I don't even know you, don't get me wrong, but I don't want to be your friend either. To me, you're just a classmate, that's all. And I don't want to get involved with someone who'd hurt another person. Kaeyko told me what you did to her; I don't want to risk going through something similar."
She lowered her gaze… Ah, she's crying.
"Wow, you made her cry, Saik."
"You… You don't… I'm sorry…"
She stood up and ran off, leaving her lunch behind.
She's a good girl who just had the bad luck of being manipulated.
"Hey, Saik, don't you think you were too harsh?"
"I just did what was necessary."
She needs to realize not everyone will be her friend. Life isn't all rainbows.
(Epilogue.)
Friday came, and with it, the exam results.
Ram was second in the class. Average: 96.
Max was third, average: 94.
Saoto was fourth, average: 87.
Danna was fifth, average: 84.
Mariana, the foreign student, was sixth, average: 82.
Bann, average: 80.
Elinnei, average: 78.
Corazón, average: 76.
Ludius, average: 76.
Naima, average: 75.
Sylphie, average: 75.
Rangel, average: 74.
Mark, average: 72.
Yesei, average: 71.
Reiko, average: 69.
Naok, average: 65.
Bell, average: 62.
Evelyn, average: 62.
Yuno, average: 60.
And me, with an average of 100.
"And that gives an average of 76.9. Decimals don't count, so you earned 76 class points."
We currently have 276 class points.
If I recall correctly, Class A had 189 class points. Class C had 181. Class D had 197. And Class E had 170.
I raised my hand.
"Saik."
"Will we switch classes next week?"
Everyone looked at the teacher, hoping to move up to Class A. Honestly, our results were awful; even Ram knows it, which is why she's so nervous. It'd be overly optimistic to think we'll move to Class A. If we hadn't gotten the 100 class points from the previous special exam, we'd be in trouble.
"Class D got an average of 84. They have 281 class points. Class D will become Class A next week. Class B got 276 class points and will remain Class B. Class A currently has 268 class points and became Class C. Class C has 255 class points and became Class D. Finally, Class E has 235 class points and will remain Class E."
Class A earned 79 points from the exams. I expected more from them, but they're still better than our class. Class C earned 74 points. Class D, 84. And Class E, 65.
Objectively, without the 100 points from the previous special exam, our class would likely be Class C or even D.
Staying in Class B is, therefore, a positive outcome. We're in a class we don't deserve. Well, they don't deserve. Thanks to me, we're still here. Should I use my positive points now and switch classes?
Ah, no, I can't yet. There's still Sylphie; I need to keep helping her, and there's the matter with Naima. I can't abandon this class yet.
Well, I'll remain a Class B student. Our results were disappointing, but at least no one was expelled.
Were there expulsions in other classes? I'll investigate later.
"Class B…"
It really hit Ram hard; she truly hoped we'd move up.
Our class still has students below 80.
Sylphie and Naima got an average of 75. I knew Sylphie was smart; she just needed to study more.
Bell and Evelyn barely passed, but there was someone worse than them.
Yuno. He got an average of 60.
He's always sleeping in class or not paying much attention, but I don't think he's stupid; there's something more to him. What is it?
He even got 60 on the practice exam. It can't be a coincidence.
"You're only in your first year; you still have plenty of time to improve and move up to Class A together. With the results several of your classmates have shown, I'm confident this class could be the future Class A. Don't lose faith so quickly. Don't give up before trying."
Every month, we'll have a chance to move up. We shouldn't panic. For my part, I'm certain I'll graduate from Class A. I have points to move up, but I also trust Ram. This will be a lesson for her. Not everyone here is like her; everyone has different qualities. A true leader knows how to handle these issues. Will Ram give up? I hope not.
On the other hand, we have Saoto, relieved that no one failed. He's not worried about the other results. If he thinks the only important thing is that no one gets expelled, he's very wrong.
After an hour of talking with the teacher about the results, we can finally go home.
Well… that's what I wanted.
"To the beach!" Bell and Naok shouted.
"Let's go, Saik!"
Evelyn tried to hug me, but I stepped away. Not in front of Naima.
"So, Ram, you coming with us, or are you going home to cry because we didn't move up to Class A?"
"…Ah… I'd be mad at you, but without you, our class would definitely be Class C or D. Without your positive points and your 100 average, this class wouldn't be Class B… Yeah, I've got my suitcase; we'll meet at the train station."
"My first long train trip… Awesome," Sylphie said.
"Should we bring a board game so we don't get bored?" Ludius said.
"Ah, I forgot to mention. Nergio lent us one of his private planes."
"Huh?"
"We're traveling by plane."
"A private plane?!" everyone shouted, making others turn to look at us.
Ah, I'm already regretting this, but I promised them.
"Go get your suitcases, and we'll meet at the airport."
"Studying so hard was worth it!" Bell shouted.
It's just a weekend. Nothing can go wrong. I just need to try to enjoy it. I have legendary ghosts under my control; with me by their side, nothing will go wrong, and they'll enjoy their little vacation.
"Let's go."
Nergio, old student, your teacher hopes your results are better. I didn't take the trouble to teach you everything I know… or, well, everything I could teach you, for nothing.
•
•
(Pov- Wooden Doll.)
The beach. Solerk92 City, the place where Saik was nearly defeated. One of the few times Saik was almost killed.
How do you feel, Saik? Are you happy to return to the place where you had that epic battle? Well, knowing you, you probably don't care.
Don't worry, Saik, you won't be bored.
"I'll make sure of that."
The Goddess of Ghosts warned us not to try anything against you, but I really can't help it. I want to kill you. I want to kill you. I want to kill you.
"I want to kill you."
I don't care what the Goddess of Ghosts says; I want to kill you. I want to see you suffer. And there's no better place than here, where you were nearly defeated.
"The place where you learned about human evil. The place that changed you."
You'll arrive soon; I hope you're enjoying the time you have left.
"Because it'll run out soon."
(Extra- Choosing a Swimsuit.)
(Pov- Sylphie.)
Sylphie, you need to decide! You've been staring at the swimsuits your mom bought you for over 30 minutes, and you can't pick one!
"Ah… Uh… The red one?"
With the red one, I look… I-I think good, b-but it shows too much skin. What if Saik thinks I'm a pervert?! I-I need to wear something more modest.
"Still choosing?"
"I-I can't decide, Mom."
"You look beautiful in any of them, sweetheart."
"B-But I don't want to show too much skin either."
"Oh, well, well. If you want to catch the eye of the boy you like without him thinking you're a pervert, I recommend this one."
She handed me a new swimsuit.
"I wore that one when I was younger. Why don't you try it on?"
"Okay."
I put on the swimsuit… W-Wow… A fitted black short. My breasts are still very visible, but these shorts make me feel like I'm showing less. It's perfect!
"Thank you so much, Mom!"
"Don't forget to take lots of pictures. Oh, and buy me a souvenir."
"Yes, I will!"
My relationship with my mom has improved a lot since she regretted her suicide attempt. I got my mom back… I really missed talking to her like this.
(Extra- A Worthy Rival.)
(Pov- Ram.)
We didn't move up to Class A, but I don't want to complain either. Our class has a lot of flawed students. Without Saik, we'd definitely be Class C or D. And he got a perfect score again.
"I'm really jealous of you."
But I also admire you. Thanks to you, the trio of idiots didn't fail.
Since I was a little girl, I was always proud of being the best in my class; no one surpassed me, and that bored me. I joined this school hoping to find a worthy rival.
"And I found one."
And not just one rival—I found several. Saik, the Keeno twins, Tanya, the leader of Class C… no, Class D.
But among them all, Saik is the one who intrigues me the most. Not just for his grades but for his personality. I pride myself on knowing my classmates by their behavior, but Saik acts so… weird. He slept in class, seemed lazy, but he expelled two third-year students and earned a ton of points. Honestly, I thought he cheated on the entrance exam, but given his results, it's obvious he deserves them.
Will I ever be able to surpass him?
I don't know.
"But I won't give up."
Luckily, Saik is my ally, not my enemy. For now, we need to focus on surpassing the Keeno twins and Tanya; then I can focus on surpassing Saik.
Teamwork is the most important thing right now.
"And our class has a powerful weapon. Someone named 'Saik.'"
(Author's Note: The fourth volume is over. Did you like it? Please leave your comments and follow me on Twitter: @HectorAngelAlv2)