After meeting with Katsuragi, Yukimura immediately took Saiki back to the dorm. Without delay, they found Horikita Suzune and told her what had just happened.
"I understand. Thanks for your help, Yukimura."
Horikita politely replied. However, Saiki could clearly hear her thoughts.
*"Is it really that simple? No, while Katsuragi is definitely unhappy with Sakayanagi, it's unlikely he'd betray Class A just because of that."*
After a brief exchange, Yukimura left. As Saiki prepared to leave, Horikita called out to him.
"Saiki, wait a moment."
"What is it?"
"What do you think about Katsuragi?"
Horikita asked, frowning.
*"Saiki's abilities must far exceed my expectations. He's probably already figured things out—but given his usual behavior, he might pretend not to know anything."*
'Can't I just brush it off? Even if it's not Horikita, someone else will probably figure it out.'
Saiki thought, then replied,
"I don't think it's reliable. Sakayanagi might've anticipated our moves and had Katsuragi act that way on purpose. After all, Katsuragi is probably completely under Sakayanagi's control now."
"Hmm, I agree."
Horikita nodded.
"But I think some of Katsuragi's information is useful, like the events Sakayanagi arranged—that's likely true. As for him holding back during the exam, I doubt it. It's probably a trap."
"Right."
"Either way, we need to give it our all. I've listed various scenarios and selected students for different events. This is my current best plan, and it should give you some ideas."
As she spoke, Horikita sent a file to Saiki.
*"This is definitely the optimal solution."*
Saiki opened the file, which detailed the ideal student assignments for each event, even accounting for unexpected situations.
'Horikita's really something. This'll save me a lot of trouble. I'll just follow her plan during the exam.'
Saiki thought.
After chatting with Horikita a bit more, Saiki returned to his room and carefully reviewed the document.
Horikita had considered various event scenarios and created plans, as different subjects being chosen could drastically change student assignments.
But for Saiki, this wasn't an issue.
After all, he could easily manipulate the system to choose any event he wanted. Everything was under his control.
'I'll just pick a plausible event combination...'
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
*"Perfect chance to settle things with Saiki."*
It was Ayanokōji Kiyotaka.
'Ugh, this guy again?'
Saiki sighed but opened the door.
"Saiki, are you free?"
Ayanokōji asked, holding a chess set.
*"I never cared much for chess; it was just part of White Room training. But now, I'm actually looking forward to challenging Saiki. Maybe Sakayanagi feels the same. I understand a bit now."*
"What's up?"
Saiki asked, already knowing Ayanokōji's intent.
"I wanted to discuss chess with you. You said you play, so I thought we could talk about it."
Ayanokōji said slowly.
'Should've said I didn't play. Too late now. I'll just say I'm not good...'
Saiki thought, about to speak.
*"Saiki will probably claim he's not skilled to refuse."*
Ayanokōji, having guessed Saiki's thoughts, thought the same.
'Is this guy a psychic too?'
Saiki swallowed his words and thought quickly.
'I can't refuse directly... I'll agree for now. After a clear win or loss, he'll probably leave me alone.'
Saiki nodded and said,
"Fine, but I'm not very good."
"Thanks."
"How about you?"
Saiki asked curiously.
"I just know the rules."
Ayanokōji replied slowly.
*"I've played White Room members over a thousand times. Since learning the rules, I've never lost."*
'Perfect.'
Saiki had an idea.
'If Ayanokōji's that strong, I can just lose on purpose. Then he'll leave me alone.'
Saiki knew chess rules but wasn't interested. With telepathy, he could beat anyone just by knowing the rules.
Even Ayanokōji.
That's why he disliked such games.
Ayanokōji set up the pieces and began the first match.
*"If he moves the knight here..."*
*"Then I'll..."*
*"And my next move..."*
Saiki could read Ayanokōji's thoughts, making winning effortless.
But Saiki's telepathy wasn't for winning—it was for losing convincingly.
'Losing isn't easy. To lose without raising suspicion, you need skill.'
'If I make a blunder, Ayanokōji might notice I'm throwing the game. That'd cause more trouble.'
'So I'll lose naturally!'
Saiki thought, creating a fierce battle illusion before "accidentally" losing mid-game.
Everything went as planned. After about ten minutes, Ayanokōji won.
'Should I slam the table in frustration? Nah, it's just one game. No need.'
Saiki thought, smirking.
'Ayanokōji won, so he'll probably leave me alone.'
But then Saiki heard Ayanokōji's thoughts.
*"Saiki was holding back, right?"*
'Huh? He noticed? Really?'
Saiki's eyes widened in surprise.
*"I played at a beginner level, just knowing the rules. Even then, Saiki only kept up early on before being crushed. Clearly, he was holding back. I expected this, so I tested him with a low-level game."*
'This guy wasn't trying either?! Even then, he thought so many steps ahead?'
Saiki was shocked.
This made things worse.
"Let's call that a warm-up. Another game?"
Saiki said immediately.
"Sure."
Ayanokōji nodded, starting the second match.
'He tested me with beginner skills... If I lose again, it'll look like I'm throwing the game. I'll play seriously this time.'
Saiki thought, using telepathy to dominate Ayanokōji from start to finish.
Ayanokōji started quickly but soon slowed, thinking harder with each move.
Saiki read his thoughts, guiding him into a losing position.
After half an hour, the game wasn't over, but Ayanokōji knocked over his pieces.
"I lose."
*"It's not over, but I can't win. No point continuing."*
"You didn't go all out, did you?"
Saiki said immediately.
'This should turn things around...'
"No, I was serious in the second game."
Ayanokōji replied.
Saiki's eyebrows twitched.
"Huh?"
*"In the first game, I tested Saiki with beginner skills. He threw the game, so I thought he didn't want to play. But he started the second game."*
*"In the second game, I went all out, but Saiki crushed me from the start... I've never lost at chess or any board game, but Saiki beat me easily... It's like he read my mind... He's terrifying... Not only that, I get why he wanted two games. He's showing he controls the outcome."*
*"After the game, he said I didn't go all out—not a humble remark, but serious. Does he think my full effort is no different from holding back? Fair enough. To an elephant, ants and mice are the same... Is this my first all-out defeat? Saiki's far more terrifying than I thought... Like he has mind-reading powers..."*
Ayanokōji thought to himself.
Beside him, Saiki Kusuo's expression gradually turned blank:
'??????'
'You held back in the first round and then suddenly went all out in the second. What's going on in your head?'
'And what's with all the overthinking? You almost guessed my telepathy.'
Saiki Kusuo pressed his lips together, completely unprepared for how things had unfolded.
"I thought my skills were decent, but it's clear I'm not even half as good as you, Saiki."
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka stood up and addressed Saiki.
"Ah, it was just luck. No need to take it too seriously. Let's play another round."
Saiki quickly replied.
"No need. The gap between us is obvious, Saiki. Even if luck plays a part, I'd probably only win two out of ten games."
Ayanokōji organized the chess pieces on the table and continued,
"This match showed me how much further I have to go. I'll be counting on your guidance."
'...'
Saiki wanted to say more, but Ayanokōji had already left.