Classroom of the Elite: The New Elite

Chapter 21

"One more thing. For this 'Paper Shuffle' exam, each class will come up with its own set of questions. Then, these questions will be given for another class to solve. Your overall score will be compared to that of the class that received your questions, and the class with the higher score will obtain fifty class points from the other class.

In the event that two classes end up with each other's questions, they'll have the opportunity to gain 100 class points at once."

"What if the scores are tied, sensei?"

"While it's unlikely for that to happen, neither class would gain nor lose points in that case."

Considering the level of the other classes, our best bet would be to go head-to-head against Class C. Class A's definitely the best academically, and I'm sure Honami's been having her class study diligently. I don't know how Class C fares during exams, but surely they provide us with the highest chance of winning.

"But, sensei, what if a class comes up with questions that are too difficult for us to solve?"

"The school has already thought of that, Hirata. The teachers will be reviewing all the submitted questions and modifying any questions we deem are unfair."

"And, how will the class we compete against be decided?"

"Each class will decide who they want to face. If more than one class makes the same choice, then representatives from each class will draw lots. You'll submit your decision next week before the quiz."

Once Chabashira-sensei was done with her explanation, we were free to do as we pleased.

"Morimoto, are you free? I'd like to discuss the upcoming exam with you and some others."

"Sure."

Horikita has been getting more and more involved with our class's affairs, and I was getting dragged along as a result. Not that I mind, I'm just not used to having influence that isn't a result of fear.

Hirata, Karuizawa, and Kushida joined us as well. The four of us headed to Pallet first and waited for Horikita, Ayanokouji, and Sudou. Having Hirata and Karuizawa around is fine, but it's Kushida I'm worried about. If she's indeed the one who leaked our participant list during the sports festival, then having her take part in these discussions could lead to similar results.

Sudou arrived roughly fifteen minutes after our group while Horikita and Ayanokouji took another ten minutes after that to join us.

"Finally. What took you two so long?"

"Let's get started. Since some of the people here have club activities soon, we don't have any time to waste."

"Did you just ignore me?"

Karuizawa's frustration was justified, but I'd also like to get this over with quickly. After all, today would be my first day practicing with the soccer club, so I'd rather avoid being late.

We ended up mainly discussing the criteria for the pairings, with our leading theory being that high-scoring students would be paired with low-scoring ones. We also decided that Class C would be the best class to nominate as our opponent, even if there's a risk that another class would also target them.

I wanted to ask Ayanokouji about Kushida to confirm my suspicions, but there's only about twenty minutes left before club activities start, so that'll have to wait.

Sudou, Karuizawa, Hirata, and I excused ourselves and made our way to our destinations, with Sudou heading to the basketball court and the three of us to the soccer field.

"Morimoto-kun, are you excited about joining the soccer club?"

"Well, I guess. I'm still pretty anxious, though. I don't really have any experience with soccer, so I don't know how much I'll be able to keep up."