Light Novel 2nd Year Volume 7/Summary

Prologue
Hasebe Haruka monologues about how she evaluates herself as a bad person. From an outsider's perspective, her past might not be regarded as significant enough to warrant a 'bad person' title, but because of it, she decided since then not to cultivate any friendships and to distance herself from old friends. That was why she came to this school where she had no prior connections with. She did not expect to make new friends such as Kiyotaka and especially Airi. She was happy to regain her youth, but that same blessing was unceremoniously taken away from her by Suzune Horikita and Kiyotaka Ayanokōji. She was the victim of their selfishness and action, being powerless to stop them and save her friend. Henceforth, she vows to never forgive them and promises to exact her revenge against them.

Chapter 1
Kiyotaka wonders if the view that comes from his seat will be changed in the not so distant future. For now, he appreciates the scenery as Chabashira enters the room. The students all but rid their chatter. With discipline being of utmost importance for class points, unlike when they first came, most wore a serious attitude. She was proud at how far they come as she gave a nod. She then began to inform them about the cultural festival.

Chabashira proceeded to elaborate on the additional funds. A total of 12 people were eligible to earn these funds. The three most notable earners that gained an extra 10 000 points were Suzune Horikita for her student council membership bonus as well as Ken Sudo and Onodera Kayano for their club activity bonuses. Hirata was recognised with 3000 points for his club activity while Akito received 100. Seven other contributors were announced.
 * First grade students will be given 5500 private points per student, 5000 points for second grade students, and 4500 points for third grade students. These funds can only be use to prepare for the festival, with the expenses being at the discretion of the students as long as it's within budget.
 * Additional funds will be awarded for those that have contributed in community services, club activities and in the student council. The sum will varies depending on the event.
 * Initial and additional funds will not be included in the tally of final sales, and will be forfeited if unused.
 * The classes for all years will be completing with each other. 100 class points will be awarded to classes that comes in 1st through 4th. 5th to 8th position will receive 50 class points. No changes will be reflected from 9th to 12th place.

As such, this class had a total of 39 400 in additional funds, placing them first in this aspect. Second place was Ichinose's class with 26 600 points, third was Sakayanagi's class with 18 800 points, and fourth was Ryūen's class with 17 000 points. Kiyotaka ponders how the student council member bonus came in crucial for the top two classes. With this, their class could plan an event that cost as much as 229 400 private points. An absolute advantage right from the preparatory stage, though he knows not to be too conceited. Being too confident and not wisely utilising the points to their maximum potential may turn out to be a liability.

Chabashira went on to explain the guests attending and advises the class that catering to their needs will be an essential step in earning high sales. The guests of honour will be the school leaders and their families, the ages ranging from toddlers to elementary students and even elderly. The age demographic graph showed that there will be 283 adults and 202 minors. Adult guests of honours will have 10 000 points, minors 5000 points, with a total sum of 3 840 000 points. Teachers will also be allowed to act as participants with the only rule being they are forbidden for using points on their own class. To monitor sales, there will be a special app developed that will keep track and collect transactions for each class.

The result of the recent written exams was then displayed. Keisei was first with a perfect score for all subjects, Horikita was 3 points behind him. Everything was considered normal until 11th place was shown. Sudo had scored an impressive 367 points in 5 subjects, all of it being 70 and above. Despite the exam being considered easy, and the difference between his score and last place being a small 15 points lead, it was nonetheless an impressive feat. Currently his academic ability rose to C+ from a D, and could potentially be B in the near future. Kiyotaka was ranked 14th, only scoring a perfect exam in mathematics. It was better for him to allow the class to feel they’ve grown rather than think there’s another person with perfect scores. On average the class scored better than the other classes and even the bottom few showed improvement, likely spurred on by the expulsion of Airi and the fear of it happening to them.

Satō, Matsushita, Mii-chan, Maezono, Horikita and Kiyotaka stayed back after school to discuss the maid event. The topic of Hasebe and Miyake was brought up where they have been avoiding everyone lately. Matsushita speculates that she may do something problematic soon, purposefully keeping Horikita on edge and trying to elicit a reaction out of Kiyotaka. The latter remained silent while the former understood the possibility. However, as a leader, she states that she won’t condone revenge without good reason, and that chances are high she'll act in the festival. Kiyotaka agrees with the latter part of the statement.

They began scouting for a place to set their stall. The third floor being the furthest was also the cheapest at 1000 to 13 000 points. The first floor being the nearest could be rented for 50 000 points. Satō was being uncharacteristically taciturn, with Matsushita saying she’s the type of bottle things up. Kiyotaka replies that if it's true, she'll eventually talk to her about it. Arisu, Kamuro and Hashimoto appears, as he asks whether they are scouting as well. Kiyotaka dodges the question but Hashimoto continues pressing. Horikita decides to interject saying Kiyotaka isn’t aware of the details, though Hashimoto quips that he may just be enjoying his harem. Horikita retaliates saying he’s in a similar position with Arisu and Kamuro being with him. Hashimoto then changes the subject effortlessly as if ignoring what she said.

He inquires whether it was wise to team up with Ryūen and tells them to exercise caution. Sakayanagi was strangely silent throughout the entire engagement as they left. They began questioning Horikita whether they should really trust Ryūen as she answers that they should believe in her if it was easier. It was hard to swallow for but they eventually relented, as they discussed the possibility of a leaker. There after, they decided to play rock (1st floor), paper (2nd floor) scissors (3rd floor), to decide the venue. The results were 4 rocks and 2 papers, it being Kiyotaka and Matsushita. With that settled, Horikita began to share her research on maid and butler cafes, saying they should focus more on the maids since the major demographic were men. Kiyotaka agrees and shares how the girls should show some skin and balance erotism within limits on their uniforms, flabbergasting Horikita.

He rationalises that showing too much like underwear is out of the question, but it was prudent not to turn down hopes either, shocking Horikita who did not think it in that way. She comments that he’s awfully knowledgeable. He continues by saying that they should allow pictures to be taken by a specialised camera and sell them to customers that are interested at 800 to 1200 points depending on quality. With nothing else to add, the silent Horikita could only approve.

Kiyotaka visited Keyaki mall to survey the ingredients needed for their class snacks, choosing not to bring Kei as it would turn into a date. He bumps into Sudo and praises his improvements in the midterms. However, Kiyotaka fear that Sudo's momentum would slow down now that the topics are becoming harder. Sudo reveals that he took time off from his club activities and is here to look for glasses after his eyesight deteriorated from studying. He shares how his dream is still becoming a professional basketball player, but currently, he also wants to enter a normal university. Just then, Akito and Haruka walked past. Sudo empathises with them on the Airi situation since he was once like that with Yamauchi, but he wouldn’t had resolved himself to be expelled in his place. He tells Kiyotaka that if there’s issues facing him, he would be glad to help but added that he probably won't need it. Kiyotaka agrees with the second part of the statement as they bid farewell.

The next day, Kiyotaka met up with Kei downstairs. It seemed that on the previous night, she stayed up past the curfew at his room and had ascended up one step on the stairs of adulthood. She grabbed his hand naturally as they began to walk. Kiyotaka asks if it hurt, which she replied as if it was a rhetorical question. That said, she thought that she had grown accustomed to it but since it was her first time, she felt reassured that he was there for her the entire duration. He agrees as there’s no telling what would’ve happened if he wasn’t there. In other terms, she was able to stand with her hands off the ground with him supporting her back. It was a big improvement from where she wasn’t able to stand anymore. He finds it important for her to learn to get up by herself when she stumbles and that it was a special case unlike other students that could do so in one night.

As they entered the class, they were greeted by Satō. Generally the class has been shaping up. Kiyotaka reflects on how Horikita's leadership skills are awakening though she is a far cry away from being able to unite the entire class. This achilles heel was made up by Kei who was able to create, attract and integrate all the small cliches of people. Kei certainly had the quality to do so, and if they were able to combine their talents, it would be fruitful for the overall strength of the class. Suddenly, an issue that could cause significant problems for the festival arose owing to a particular person that ran into class.

Ike shouts that they will be having a maid cafe. Those who knew could only listen on as acting impulsively would have validated his statement. Horikita asks where he heard it from and it turns out to be from Ryūen's class. Horikita curses her naivety as she thought it impossible that they would snitch. Everyone became agitated at Horikita including Sudo as Ryūen arrives outside their class.

She tells the class to remain inside as she handles the situation. He laughs as he says that he has to 'renegotiate' their agreement due to obvious clashes. Turns out Ryūen wanted to betray them from the start and only waited until today to find out their venue. Ryūen excuses Ishizaki since he was simply chatting and it was Horikita's class impoliteness for eavesdropping on others conversations. Hirata candidly asks Horikita if he’s telling the truth, which she confirms, saying he was going to tell them eventually. Horikita asks their motive for betrayal and if he had teamed up with Ichinose or Arisu. He simply replies that since they’re on equal terms, it wouldn’t be beneficial if their rival class overtake Class A. Thus, he wants to adopt the same concept as them.

Kanzaki and Hashimoto overheard Ryūen's proclamation of war against Class B as he proposes that whoever wins will receive 5 million points from the other class. Ryūen says that Nagumo and the third years ran away and are disinterested in this festival. Thus, he came up with this intense gambit against them. Horikita asks for time to consider as they turned to leave. Hashimoto signals through eye contact towards Kiyotaka as if saying that Class A is colluding with Class C. Horikita declares that they won’t change their plans even if the rest of the school knew about their preparations. Many students hid their annoyance and frustration but could only accept since their budget was already invested in this event. She then tells them to look at the bright side that they could win 5 million private points.

Nagumo announced his class would be heading a haunted house themed maze and rented the entire gym for it. The president seemed to no longer care about earning class points due to their lead and decided to splurge and let his class do as they please. They opened a pre-trial for the school and wanted to garner feedback. Kiyotaka was interested and never tried it before, hence, he decided to line up. As he did, Ichinose's and Kanzaki's voice could be heard being astonished at how open Nagumo was to share his plans. Unlike Kiyotaka, they were scouting for information. Just as Ichinose saw Kiyotaka, she let out an audible gasp and became reticent. The queue was taking longer than expected as silence surrounded them. She then quickly made up an excuse to Kanzaki before leaving, making sure to address Kiyotaka politely as well.

There was no need for verbosity as even a clueless person could tell something had happened. Kiyotaka asks Kanzaki how’s he doing, to which he returns the question to see what he looks like from an outsider's view. To others, his reply made it seemed that Kiyotaka was insensitively provoking him since Class D has been accumulating devastating and high profile losses for a long time. At his turn, Kiyotaka signs up for the haunted mansion and received many rules. By the time he returned his gaze to Kanzaki, he already turned his back and left. He thinks back to Ichinose and ponders when she'll return, most likely after he's long gone.

As Kiyotaka entered the room, he was impressed at how well done the atmosphere was by the 3rd years, specifically its Class A. The walls were narrow, visibility was low, lights were dimmed and there were many quality displays. As he ignored the ghosts, he contemplates how children would be excited and even if the price is expensive, many would still be willing to come. As he turned the corner, the ghost that was attempting to scare him tripped and fell. It turned out to be Nazuna Asahina. He escorted her out of the exit and decided to tend to her injury, surprising her. Seeing how serious it was, he offered to bring her to her infirmary. Nazuna was embarrassed but he could tell he was worried about Nagumo. After addressing her worries, he informs her that Nagumo no longer see him as someone worthwhile.

She shares how the third years classes are still aiming for the top to gain more private points in hopes of transferring to Class A. Nagumo would then allow one student from the class that attained first place to join them. Nazuna tells Kiyotaka that Nagumo isn’t done with him and even if he doesn’t fight back, he would undoubtedly take out someone close to him. Nagumo never had any real opponents when he was climbing up, and he soon became the sole runner with little effort. He has never lost a match and thus, even if he knew Kiyotaka's strength, he wouldn’t think he would lose. After contemplating, Kiyotaka informs her that he's more interested in Nagumo now, wanting to weather the calm before the storm.

The other thing Kiyotaka was intrigued about pertains to Kanzaki and Ichinose's current state. After watching him, Kiyotaka expected him to be waiting for Ichinose, but after 15 minutes, Kanzaki turned to leave with no one around. After he saw Kiyotaka, he immediately spun around and walked to him. He asks if he’s perplexed as to why Ichinose wasn’t with him, which he affirms. He answers that he wanted to continue where they left off and praised his class for their improvement. Kiyotaka waves it off saying unlike their class, they lost students and have many difficulties as well. Kanzaki then optimistically says Horikita's class will eventually have to face Class A and that their positives are way more apparent than the negatives. From his tone, Kiyotaka asks if he gave up on advancing which he confirms.

Ichinose class was in a precarious state. They rarely lose points on blunders but neither have they gain much points in huge events. Kanzaki shares how it would be good if his class was just pretending not to notice their sinking state, but instead, it is terrifying how genuine their obliviousness was. Furthermore, he shares how there’s no longer any use in him rebelling alone, declaring clearly that their Class would never become A-tier. He states that since that route had been reduced to zero, his new plan was to escape by getting 20 million points to transfer. He was rather pleased by Nagumo's implementation, as he feels that two of three people may be saved using this plan. Kiyotaka asks why he decided to tell him this, but Kanzaki couldn’t give an answer and just needed someone to vent.

With the state of his class, Kiyotaka knew he would be orchestrated or belittled if he shared his thoughts. Kanzaki then says he doesn’t care about the relationship between Kiyotaka and Ichinose, but because of his bad influence, the earlier Ichinose couldn’t even observe the 3rd years. Kanzaki then sought his forgiveness but knew he could sympathise with his frustration. His resentment towards Kiyotaka could be felt, and it was a delicate balance between using him as an outlet as well as knowing he’s one of the main players that caused this entire mess. Kiyotaka felt guilty and tells him that they’ll talk soon about the future but he’ll have to finish researching on the stalls. Kanzaki tells him to call him anytime since he had nothing else to work towards. Kiyotaka knew Class D's strategist had given up all hope for his class and was at his wits end, and so, he planned to add another piece into the puzzle.

On Friday, Kiyotaka opened the door to the student council room, surprising Nagumo. Nazuna had told him to come here but he didn’t expect it to be him as he asks Kiyotaka whether he’s eyeing a position in the student council. He rejects that notion and says he’s just here to talk. Nagumo first congratulated him on his recovery from his 'illness' in the sports festivals, but the latter shrugs it off. Nagumo's attitude changse as he tells Kiyotaka to quickly finish what he has to say or he would leave soon. His interest in him dissipated but hasn’t outright vanish, and so, Kiyotaka decides to bide his time. Nagumo allows him to take his time as confirms that Ryūen tried to get him to invest in him but since Kiyotaka decided to call off the game, he refused and chose to let the rest of the 3rd years do as they please until graduation without his meddling.

Nagumo's interest and enthusiasm towards the school had already been lost and he seemed to just want it to be over with. Kiyotaka shares his disinterest in facing him though Nagumo answers that it's his right to feel that way. However, if it weren’t him that said it, he would had gotten angry. Kiyotaka went on to reveal how his mindset changed and how he longer thinks Nagumo deserves to remain and graduate in Class A. Therefore, he’s here to formally issue a challenge to him on one condition. He knew Nagumo was ignored by Manabu and now him, so he would be inclined to accept.

He tells Nagumo that if he fails to accept his condition, he would never fight him again, even if he expelled a classmate or someone of the same grade. Anyone that’s taken hostage by him would be ignored. Nagumo brought up Kei as Kiyotaka answers she’s also included. If Nagumo chose to, he would have the power to expel those vulnerable ones, and Kiyotaka wouldn’t be able to stop it. Knowing it wasn’t a tactic but actual sincerity, Nagumo could sense his seriousness as he lost his smile, knowing he had no choice but to accept. Hence, he offered to land a hand, feeling secured that whatever he did, his position in Class A would still be unchanged.

After asking, Nagumo inquires again whether he was serious as he brought up Honami. Kiyotaka answers that whether it was Kei, Ichinose or Horikita, he wouldn’t be swayed. Nagumo could then understand what Manabu had seen in him. Kiyotaka clarifies that how much he would resist is based on the grounds of saving a classmate, not based on how close or special a person was to him. He adds that if Kei disappears, she disappears, nothing more or less, and it would save him the trouble of cleaning up the after effects. Even Nagumo had to say Kiyotaka was crazy as he leaves. Internally, Kiyotaka disagrees as he felt that those who makes decisions based on temporary feelings are the ones that's truly crazy. Whether it was a stranger, friend, lover or family, when the time for them to disappear comes, that’s the end of the story. The first priority should always be to protect oneself, that is his most consistent, safe and unchanging solution.

Chapter 2
On Monday, Horikita formally accepts Ryūen's competition with the reward being 1 million private points. Kei asks Kiyotaka out on a date but he had to refuse as he already had plans. Unfazed by his rejection, Kei cheerfully asked Sato out instead, wi5h the latter teasing that she was a second thought to him. Kiyotaka then decides to head over to Kanzaki at the special building. On his way there, he saw Mashima talking to others teachers. They were talking about how Chabashira has changed and began laughing more regularly. Mashima saw Kiyotaka who was able to interject successfully and disperse the other teachers. Kiyotaka then asks Mashima some questions to which he confirms, saying it's better if Chabashira is not aware. Mashima wanted to ask Kiyotaka what made Chabashira changed in the previous exam but stopped himself after realising that it isn’t a question to ask a student as he left.

Even though the cultural festival was soon, there was still a problem regarding Ichinose's class he had to deal with. Their self-destruction was progressing faster than even he had expected, and so he had to make some preparations to avoid that from happening. However, he wouldn’t approach the source but rather those under her. However, this needed to be done extremely meticulously, with only one man that has the ability to spark a change. Kanzaki arrives but seemed extremely irritated and displeased. Before Kiyotaka could talk, Kanzaki shares how he is powerful and apprehensive about his life after school. At any rate. his class will never win. To Kanzaki, relationships, friends and the likes are redundant, the only thing important was how to graduate as Class A. Kiyotaka agrees that Ichinose's current state is not at Class A caliber and recognises this as a cry for help from Kanzaki.

Kanzaki's class scholastic abilities, leadership capabilities and physical attributes are not lacking compared to the next class, some aspects may even be more distinguished than others, but he knew victory would still escape them regardless. Kiyotaka asks what he wants from him as a listening ear could be done by anyone. He replies that he needs advice on Ichinose and what's the best thing to do even if he was asking an adversary. He reveals how Ichinose is the type to never hear what anyone has to say. Kiyotaka was surprised as he had pegged her as someone who would listen to anyone. However, that statement was only true when you were in agreement with her. She would spare no expense if you ask her to save someone, but if that same request was used to entrap or hurt someone, she would never agree.

Kanzaki states that she’s too idealistic even if her way of thinking is right. Kiyotaka argues that her idealism is necessary. Kanzaki agrees but only when she succeeds. Ever since her policy was adopted, they have only continued to fail despite initially being the second best class and have now sunk to the bottom with no escape route left. In truth, he had gotten tired of sharing the sorrow and humiliation of losing due to someone else’s philosophy while having no recent victories to offset and motivate him. Kiyotaka asks if it was right for him to be so candid and reveal the interior class dynamic to an enemy which causes Kanzaki to laugh. He despaired as there were no paths left for him and his only choice as unbelievable as it sounds, was to trust an enemy over his leader to save him.

Kanzaki divulged the incident of the unanimous exam and how he was the only student that supported expelling a classmate to gain points. Kiyotaka inquires once again his motive for telling him these inside information. Kanzaki reasons that Ichinose is devoted to Kiyotaka and that he has finally realised this, with him being the only one that can change her and her disastrous policies. Kiyotaka ponders whether a Ichinose that was swayed by his words can be considered growth at all, and that what Kanzaki wants is a pipe dream. Even if Ichinose changed and became ruthless, it would rid her of all her strengths to cover her biggest weakness. There was no guarantee that they could change her back if they went with this route. Thus, although Kiyotaka agrees that their way of doing things needs to change, but the method Kanzaki was proposing was something he disapproves of. Increasingly disappointed at how their conversation wasn’t progressing, Kanzaki pleads one final time that he is the only one that can change her but Kiyotaka stops him and says he has called someone else to join this conversation.

Epilogue
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