The screen changed as Chabashira continued.
Exam Rules:
Voting repeats until unanimous agreement. If time runs out, the result is invalid, regardless of progress. Unanimous decisions are final, even if the exam fails. Completing all 5 topics grants 50 class points. Failing to complete within the time limit deducts 300 class points.
Exam Procedure:
First vote within 60 seconds after the topic is presented. If unanimous, proceed to the next topic. If not, repeat the process. 10-minute break between votes for discussion. Voting time is 60 seconds, with no talking allowed. Late votes incur penalties. Over 90 seconds late results in expulsion. Results are announced. If unanimous, proceed to the next topic. If not, return to step 3.
Completing all 5 topics passes the exam. Failing any topic means failure.
*'The rules sound simple, but Chabashira's thoughts suggest someone might get expelled.'*
Saiki narrowed his eyes, while others seemed unaware of the danger.
....
After explaining, Chabashira left the classroom.
Students immediately began discussing the upcoming exam.
For Saiki, the exam didn't involve other classes, so it wouldn't affect him much.
Unanimous decisions weren't hard for him.
Now, he needed to focus on the café.
What should he do?
First, he needed staff. According to Satō's plan, they needed ten maids.
Satō Maya, Wang Mei-Yu, Matsushita Chiaki, Sakura Airi, and Hasebe Haruka made five.
*'So, I need to find a few more. Maid roles seem to require good looks, and I don't know our class girls that well, but they should be fine based on what I've seen.'*
*'Horikita dumped this on me, so she's responsible too…'*
*'But…'*
Saiki couldn't imagine Horikita Suzune as a maid. It would be terrifying.
However, her cooking skills were decent, so she could work in the kitchen.
*'What about the others… Karuizawa Kei could be an option. For some reason, I feel she'd be upset if not chosen. Kushida is perfect—she's great at socializing.'*
...
The next morning, Chabashira entered Class A to prepare for the exam.
This time, teachers from other grades were also present, sitting at the back as supervisors to ensure fairness and prevent the homeroom teacher from influencing students.
"The exam might take a while, so there are up to four 10-minute breaks. Breaks are only allowed after unanimous decisions, not during voting. If a break isn't needed, it can be skipped."
Chabashira seemed distracted as she explained.
*"When I was a student here, my class suffered greatly during this exam… It's my biggest regret. But this class is now in A, so they might handle it differently."*
*'I never thought Chabashira, who used to be indifferent, would change so much.'*
Saiki thought.
"Chabashira, it's time."
The supervisor noticed her distraction and reminded her.
"Oh, right. Apologies. The exam begins now. Follow the rules strictly. Standing during breaks or talking during no-communication periods will result in warnings. Be careful."
As the exam started, the first topic appeared on the screen.
Topic 1: Choose the class to compete against in the third semester final exam.
*(Even if class rankings change, this choice remains final.)*
Bonus points for victory:
B Class (100) / C Class (50) / D Class (0)
"Choose the class to compete against in the final exam. As noted, even if B Class drops to C by then, the opponent and bonus points remain the same. If no unanimous decision is reached, the school will decide randomly."
Chabashira explained slowly.
"First vote now. Time limit: 60 seconds."
For Saiki, the choice didn't matter.
But he could hear the thoughts of the others.
"The safest choice would be Class D, as they're the weakest."
"The reward is 100 class points, so undoubtedly, choosing Sakayanagi's class would be the best option! Especially since we've already won against them once."
"Considering everything, I think Class C, where Ryūen is, would be the better choice."
Everyone had different opinions, and Saiki Kusuo predicted that the first vote wouldn't reach a consensus.
"Everyone has voted. Let's announce the results," said Chabashira Sae, revealing the outcome of the first vote.
First Vote Results:
Class B: 8 votes
Class C: 16 votes
Class D: 15 votes
The votes were scattered, but Class C and Class D were the most competitive options. Class D, where Ichinose Honami was, posed the least risk but offered no significant reward. Class C, with Ryūen Kakeru, was a more balanced choice overall.
"Let's open the floor for discussion," Chabashira Sae announced.
"I'll start," said Horikita Suzune, standing up. "I think Class C is a good choice. It seems almost half the class agrees with me..."
She then shared her thoughts, gradually convincing the other students. In the end, the class unanimously decided to target Class C as their opponent.
The second topic followed:
Topic 2: Choose the destination for the school trip scheduled for late November.
Options: Hokkaido, Kyoto, Okinawa
Despite some disagreements, Hokkaido was ultimately chosen.
With two topics resolved quickly, the students relaxed a bit. However, the third and fourth topics became more complex, requiring careful consideration of pros and cons.
Topic 3:
Options:
Monthly personal points based on class points are set to 0. Instead, 3 random students in the class receive protection points. Personal points are halved, and 1 student of your choice receives protection points. If neither option is chosen, the bottom 5 students in the next written exam will have their personal points set to 0.
Topic 4:
For the midterm written exam, choose one of the following rules for your class:
- Increased difficulty
- Higher penalties
- Reduced rewards
These topics sparked discord, with some students openly disagreeing during the preparation phase. However, Hirata Yōsuke and Horikita Suzune managed to resolve the issues.
Finally, the fifth topic was presented:
Topic 5: Expelling one student grants 100 class points.
(Unanimous agreement is required to determine and vote on the expelled student.)
Options: Agree / Disagree
"This is the ultimate question that could determine our class's survival," thought Chabashira Sae, hoping it would end quickly.
*'Yare yare, is this really a topic?'* Saiki Kusuo sighed internally. He knew that if this issue wasn't resolved in one vote, it could create irreparable divisions in the class. If necessary, he'd have to use his mind control abilities.
However, after sensing the others' thoughts, Saiki decided against intervening.
"Let's announce the results," said Chabashira Sae, turning to the screen.
39 votes: Unanimous disagreement.
This was the only time in Class A's history that a vote had no dissent. The entire class reached a unanimous decision in just one minute.
*'We made it through?'* Chabashira Sae sighed in relief.
*'Unanimous agreement—a year ago, this would've been impossible for us.'*
Below the stage, Ayanokōji Kiyotaka thought to himself, his gaze shifting to Saiki Kusuo.
The class had many unpredictable elements. The first was Kushida Kikyō. Ayanokōji still didn't know how Saiki had neutralized her hostility and turned her into an asset. Though dangerous, Kushida's abilities were now Class A's greatest weapon.
The second was Kōenji Rokusuke. His rebellious nature made him hard to integrate, but his promise to Horikita Suzune forced him to act in the class's interest. Saiki's victory in the uninhabited island exam was key to this outcome.
"Congratulations on passing this test," said the teacher, finally standing up. "While there were disputes earlier, the fifth topic was resolved so cleanly. This must be why you rose from Class D to Class A. I've never seen anything like it."
"I also sincerely congratulate everyone," added Chabashira Sae, a rare smile on her face. The exam was finally over.
---
After the special exam, the second-year students prepared for their second sports festival. With last year's experience, training went smoother, and Class A felt more united than ever. Their focus now shifted to the upcoming cultural festival, which not only affected their class points but also the school's reputation, as many outsiders would attend—including Saiki's parents.
As the nominal manager of the café, Saiki began formal preparations. After class one day, he sat at his desk, reviewing his stats:
Academic Ability: B+ (85)
Physical Ability: A (90)
Adaptability: B (70)
Social Contribution: C+ (60)
Overall Ability: B (71)
Though Saiki wasn't pleased with the results, there was nothing he could do.
Just then, Hasebe Haruka approached, smiling meaningfully.
"Are you free?"