SPECIAL CLASS: Classroom of the Elite

INTERMISSION 4: Reflexions

"Each person needs to come to their own conclusions, so that everyone can have confidence in the outcome." - Kyoko Kirigiri

POV : Kyoko

It was a little after 1 PM when I finally found myself standing in front of the dorms, the place that would become my new home for the next three years. After parting ways with Saihara, I let him explore the campus on his own, preferring to take this moment of solitude to organize my thoughts.

This high school, this class, all of it sparked a particular curiosity in me. I had already taken the time to memorize the names and faces of those who would be my future classmates, but one student, in particular, had captured my attention: Erika Furudo. From our first meeting, she had aroused my suspicion. Her reasoning was sharp, almost too sharp for a mere student, and she seemed to have already uncovered far more than she let on. What struck me the most was the way she introduced herself: not as an apprentice or aspiring detective, but as an accomplished detective, confident in herself, asserting her status with absolute certainty.

I had to admit that this confidence was unusual, even suspicious. But she wasn't the only one who caught my attention. Each of my classmates seemed to possess unique abilities, as if each of them carried within them an "Ultimate." Yet, this didn't concern me much for the time being. My immediate goal was to explore the surroundings, to understand this place that would be the stage of our shared life. As for my classmates, I would have plenty of time to observe them, study them, and gather information about them in due course.

Sweeping a strand of hair from my face, I entered the dormitory. The place was quiet, almost too quiet, but that didn't bother me. On the contrary, it allowed me to think in peace. My attention then turned to the janitor, who seemed to be one of the few people around at this hour.

Without wasting any time, I approached him, my mind already focused on the next steps of my exploration. I had learned never to trust first impressions, never to draw hasty conclusions. Every detail, every interaction, had to be carefully analyzed, because in this place, nothing should be left to chance. This was how I operated, methodical and detached, but always attentive to the smallest clues.

After all, in this high school where every student seemed to carry a burden as heavy as mine, it was crucial to understand everyone's strengths and weaknesses, without ever losing sight of the possibility that behind every smile, every word, there was a darker truth, a mystery to unravel.

Kyoko: Hello, sir, I said in a calm voice. May I ask you a question?

My voice surprised him slightly, and he turned quickly to see me. He interrupted his action, the broom still in hand, and his expression quickly shifted from surprise to a broad, kind smile.

Janitor: Oh, hello there, little miss! What brings you here? Do you need something?

Kyoko: Thank you, I simply said, without showing any particular emotion. I just want to know where I can get my room keys.

Janitor: Ah, well you've come to the right place, little miss! He smiled conspiratorially. So, I just need your name and full class, please.

Kyoko: Kyoko Kirigiri, from class 1-S, I stated in a clear and precise tone. I didn't see the point in saying more than necessary.

Janitor: Ah, okay, I'll get that for you right away, just hang on a sec.