"Saiki didn't seem to do anything special during the final exams, but I'm sure he did something. The rock-paper-scissors victory wasn't a coincidence... I didn't notice him before, but after the sports festival and the class vote, I realized he's different."
'Honestly, this isn't my choice...'
Saiki thought.
"I've observed our class. Even with excellent students like Horikita and Hirata, it's impossible to surpass C-Class, B-Class, or even A-Class in a short time. But we did it, which is unbelievable. That's why I didn't stand out in class—I stayed in the middle. I don't hold back in important moments, but I don't like being too noticeable. Plus, the girls I'm close to are... not very skilled."
'Come on, that's harsh.'
"His academic and physical abilities are almost on par with mine. From his actions this year, he's not someone you can easily influence. But I'm confident in predicting behavior and psychological warfare. I'll make him think I'm just curious, draw out his true nature, and get him to cooperate... We're in A-Class now, but to stay here long-term, I'll need his help."
'Really? Do you think you're better than a psychic?'
"But my motivation isn't just that. It's boredom. I'm on a stable path, but I crave excitement. I want to uncover the mystery around him—that's why I want to approach Saiki."
'...'
Saiki sighed. Looks like he'd have to deal with Chiaki for a while.
'Should I tell her directly? No, that might make things worse. I'll pretend I don't know and try to ease her suspicions.'
With that, Saiki left the classroom. Minutes later, Chiaki quietly followed.
---
Meanwhile, Ayanokōji Kiyotaka was strolling around the school when someone stopped him.
"Ayanokōji, you seem to be enjoying spring break. Quite the student, aren't you?"
The speaker was Tsukishiro, who seemed to know Ayanokōji would be there.
"What do you want, Vice Chairman Tsukishiro?"
Ayanokōji wasn't surprised to see Tsukishiro.
"Finding me through security cameras isn't hard."
"Oh, looks like I'm not welcome."
Tsukishiro raised his voice just enough to avoid drawing attention.
He did it on purpose, knowing Ayanokōji didn't want to stand out.
"Talking to the chairman would be too noticeable. In this school, weak students should stay in the shadows. What do you want?"
"Something important. It's a long story."
"Alright, take your time."
"Should we start with the weather?"
Tsukishiro smiled, testing Ayanokōji's reaction. Seeing his blank expression, he narrowed his eyes.
"Just kidding. Let's get to the point."
"How about treating this spring break as your last vacation and returning to your father?"
---
Chiaki hid in a corner, watching Saiki from afar.
After school, Saiki went to a café, slowly sipping milk tea and eating desserts. Chiaki observed him from a distance.
"Is Saiki such a slow eater?"
Chiaki wondered.
'It's all because of you.'
Saiki thought, deliberately slowing down to test her patience.
He even took a mystery novel from his bag and started reading in the café.
"Saiki... carries books around?"
'Actually, I teleported it into my bag.'
Saiki had used his psychokinesis to move the book, pretending he'd brought it along.
With the book, he could stay in the café longer.
"Saiki, what are you reading? A mystery novel?"
Chiaki moved closer, curious.
'Keep wearing her down...'
Saiki thought.
But then, a gentle voice interrupted.
"Saiki? What a coincidence!"
It was Shiina Hiyori.
"Shiina?"
Saiki had been focused on Chiaki and didn't notice Shiina approaching.
Seeing Shiina's gaze on his book, he felt uneasy.
"Am I disturbing you?"
"No, I'm just killing time."
Saiki put the book down.
Meanwhile, new questions flooded Chiaki's mind.
"Who's that? A D-Class student? Shiina Hiyori... Wait, D-Class beat C-Class, so their rankings might change."
"Saiki knows students from other classes? I've never seen him so close to anyone outside our class. They seem friendly... Could Shiina be why Saiki got so many praise votes in the class poll?"
"No... The votes were from A-Class... But why? Not just Saiki, Ayanokōji is also notable—beating Sakayanagi in chess."
Shiina smiled at Saiki.
"Congratulations! You're about to replace A-Class, right?"
"Just luck. You did well too."
"Not exactly, but we managed."
Shiina explained Ryūen's strategy.
"Ryūen's methods had issues. But to move up, some risks are necessary. Is that too cunning? C-Class had doubts, but we avoided the cameras. Five wins were great, but Ryūen's risky strategy backfired. Pressuring C-Class was fine, but making them sick was a mistake, even against a kind class like C-Class."
"True."
"But Saiki, beating A-Class 6-1 is amazing!"
"Just luck."
Saiki listened to Chiaki's thoughts. She was far away and couldn't hear their conversation, but she'd try to get closer.
"What are Saiki and Shiina talking about? Class exams?"
If this continued, it might cause trouble, so Saiki changed the topic.
'No choice...'
"Shiina, any novel recommendations?"
"Sure!"
Shiina's eyes lit up as she talked about books.
Chiaki finally moved closer, hearing their conversation. But upon hearing Shiina, she paused.
"They're talking about... mystery novels?"
Chiaki realized Saiki and Shiina were book friends.
"Saiki likes reading. Noted. No other topics."
After a while, Shiina finished and left. Saiki stood up to return to the dorm, with Chiaki following.
But seeing Saiki head to the dorm, Chiaki's patience was running thin.
"Saiki just eats desserts and reads after school? Nothing special."
'Right. Act like there's nothing special.'
Saiki smirked. If this continued, Chiaki might lose interest.
But then, he stopped—
His telepathy picked up a familiar voice.
Meanwhile, Ayanokōji faced Tsukishiro just meters away.
"If you don't drop out, school will get tough."
Tsukishiro smiled.
"I want peace, but I'm prepared."
"Want to make this a one-sided game?"
"Game?"
"Next semester, I'll bring a student from the White Room."
"Is that wise to tell me?"
"No problem. You probably expected it. That student will end you. By the time you realize their true nature, you'll be dropping out."
Tsukishiro smiled.
"Lies mixed with truth are the most deceptive. The White Room assassin is already arranged—but there's more than one."
"You don't seem to believe me. Do you think I'd send in four or five people? This school isn't naive enough to let me do that. It'd be absurd."
Though he thought this, Tsukishiro kept smiling.
"Whether it's one person or a hundred, I won't believe anything you say."
"Maybe you're right."
"But how would this game work?"
"Next year's first-year class has 160 students. If you can identify which one is from the White Room by April, I'll step down. How's that? It's a generous offer, right?"
Tsukishiro's smile didn't falter.
*I wouldn't be naive enough to reveal the truth to a kid and make a firm promise—though this guy isn't exactly a normal kid. Still, I believe those two White Room assassins will cause Ayanokōji Kiyotaka some trouble. Even just mentioning this should distract him a bit.*
"It's hard to believe."
"Just listen for now. There's no risk for you."
"Fine, I'll accept this game, at least formally. But while you're confident in the White Room students' abilities, I'm confident in one thing too—"
Ayanokōji narrowed his eyes slightly.
"No one from the White Room can defeat me."