Classroom of the Elite: Liquid Inspiration

Vol 0. Chapter 4.1 - Fall Out

December 26, 2013 - 12:30 AM

Two men sat across from each other, a customized shogi board standing between them. Firelight flickered over the polished mahogany table, casting dancing shadows around the ruby-red wine decanter and half-filled crystal glasses.

The game had been going on for a while, not out of intensity, but it essentially became a backdrop to their reminiscing about old memories and discussing familiar names.

Eventually, the older of the two men paused, adjusting his rectangular glasses before decisively sliding a shogi piece forward with a sharp click of wood on wood.

"So what was Atsuomi thinking, allowing his son out in the open like that?" he asked, his eyes focusing on his opponent's amused expression. "I thought the boy was supposed to be in that facility for a couple more years."

His opponent, a dark-haired, middle-aged man, smiled thinly—more unnerving than friendly. Leaning back, he drummed his fingers lightly on the armrest. "Hm? So that's the reason for this urgent call. You've finally met young Ayanokōji Kiyotaka-kun, I take it?"

A curt nod. "Polite kid. Approached and asked me for a match. I lost."

The thin smile twisted upward as the man mirrored his opponent's move. "You let him win, is more like it, Tanaka-sensei."

Tanaka's mouth tightened but he didn't rebut the statement. "Yes, but let's get back on track. This isn't about the boy. It's about what his father is thinking. Letting that boy out wasn't in his plans the last time I heard."

The other man's smile remained infuriatingly enigmatic. "Ah, right! I apologize. Well, isn't it normal for fathers to take their children with them to a social gathering? Let him know people, make new friends? I'd say it's about time for him to know more people."

"Normal fathers, yes. Not Atsuomi," Tanaka retorted. "That man had the insane idea of placing his own son in such a merciless facility just to sell other people on the idea of doing the same thing."

The White Room.

An experimental facility created with the intention of discovering and refining the perfect pedagogy to cultivate geniuses—individuals who would ideally propel Japan into an age of prosperity and global influence.

At least, that was the official sales pitch to investors.

"Although it's practically a glorified orphanage for the bastard children of the wealthy elite," Tanaka thought derisively. In his eyes, it ended up being a place for the elite to discard unwanted scions without worrying about scandals affecting the family name.

But Ayanokōji Kiyotaka, as always, was an exception to the rule. His existence wouldn't cause a scandal— his father was just a jackass, a self-serving iconoclast willing to sacrifice his son's well-being for ambition's sake.

"Well, what can I say? Maybe Ayanokōji-sensei believes it is time for a change in scenery. It's not like I know everything that he does." The dark-haired man picked up his glass, swirling the wine thoughtfully before taking a measured sip.

Tanaka's eyes narrowed. "Is that so? You seem to be around him more than your usual company lately. I find it hard to believe you're as ignorant as you claim."

A flicker of amusement danced in the man's eyes as he set his glass down with a soft clink.

Tanaka Hiroshi sure wasn't lacking when it came to information, an ironic thought considering the conversation they were having, he noted.

"If only," the dark-haired man sighed theatrically. "Ayanokōji-sensei simply hired me for information. Nothing else. Though I wish he'd share personal stories now and then."