Unveiling the Mastermind - Classroom of the Elite Reaction Day 3

Day 3 Continues - Violence: What is gained and what is not

Violence. People think it's a solution. A tool to get what they want, to assert dominance, or to silence those who oppose them. But in the end, what does it really accomplish? You hurt someone. Maybe you break them physically, maybe mentally. Maybe, for a fleeting moment, you feel powerful. You might even win.

But violence is short-sighted. It's crude. There's nothing lasting to be gained from it—only scars, anger, and fear. Those who use violence often forget that the damage runs both ways. The one who inflicts pain becomes tainted by it, bound to their actions. Control through violence is weak; it's unstable.

You win a battle today, but what about tomorrow? The fear you instill in others won't hold forever. Eventually, the oppressed find ways to push back. Violence breeds resentment, and that resentment only grows.

Real power doesn't come from force. It comes from control. From understanding, from manipulation, from bending others to your will without them ever realizing it. True strength lies not in how hard you can hit someone, but in how well you can avoid the need to hit them at all. Violence may bring temporary victory, but in the end, it always leaves you with less than you started with.

So, what is gained? A moment of satisfaction, perhaps. But what is lost? Much more. Trust. Control. And, in time, the very power you sought to preserve.

I Climbed the stairs step by step. A shadow loomed in front of me, blocking the path to the roof.

It was Yamada Albert. He looked me over as if sizing me up.

"May I pass?" I asked.

He continued watching me, not moving a muscle. Did his silence imply refusal, or did he not understand? His large hands swiftly withdrew his phone.

"Don't panic. I'm the one you want," I said to him in English. Albert stopped moving. "I'm ending this today. No one else will interfere," I added.

Albert seemed to give this some thought. He stood aside and silently signaled me to pass, apparently having acknowledged me, but I needed him on the roof for what was to come.

"I intend to crush Ryuuen. He doesn't stand a chance without your help," I told him, switching back to Japanese. Albert looked downstairs once more. After he confirmed that there wasn't anyone else around, he followed me to the roof, stopping by the door and watching me from behind.

"Is he seriously walking up there alone to face Albert? That guy's a mountain!" muttered Sudo, his voice a mix of disbelief and anxiety.

"Albert didn't even flinch... just stood there like a wall," said Ike, shaking his head. "I'd be terrified, man."

"Of course, he didn't. Ayanokoji knows exactly how to handle people. He even spoke English. Did you hear that? English," muttered Hirata, clearly impressed but also slightly worried. "But still... what's his plan?"

"I agree with you Hirata, did you hear that? His English was flawless," Keisei said, wide-eyed. "It sounded so natural, like he was born speaking it or something and his accent was perfect too"

"He has no tells, no hesitation. Whether it's Japanese or English, he's the same—calm, controlled, and impossible to read," Hashimoto added quietly, watching Ayanokoji intently. "It's like talking is just a tool for him, nothing more."

The gray clouds hanging in the sky threatened rain. I saw Karuizawa near the fence, cowering away from the door. Having noticed the door open and close, Ishizaki and Ibuki looked over at me, as did Ryuuen.

I checked the area for surveillance cameras, noting that the sole camera's lens was painted black. I see. He'd covered it with spray paint, huh? I turned my gaze back toward Ryuuen.