Cote: Elite in Action

Pawns in Action

Mashima: —Now that everyone is here, I will announce the results of the special exam —Professor Mashima said firmly, while classes A, B, and D were assembled. The students of class C had abandoned the competition on day 3, except for Ibuki and Kaneda, who had sought refuge in other classes... or at least, that's what everyone thought.

???: —Don't tell me you're starting this party without me? —interrupted a voice. A student approached slowly towards where everyone else was gathered. His tattered and dirty appearance reflected better than anyone the harshness of surviving on the island.

—Ryuuen?! —a red-haired student from class D shouted in surprise, immediately recognizing the newcomer: Ryuuen Kakeru, the leader of class C.

Ryuuen: —Hello, losers —he greeted with his typical sinister smile.

—It can't be! What is Ryuuen doing here?

—Look at him, he looks like a beggar!

—Why did he stay until the end?

Whispers and comments of astonishment began to fill the air. However, Ryuuen's sudden appearance did not alter Professor Mashima's stance, who continued with the announcement.

Mashima: —Well, now I will reveal the results. In last place... class C, with 0 points.

Laughter immediately erupted.

—Hahaha! 0 points! Who's the loser now? —Sudo laughed uncontrollably, mocking Ryuuen. But Ryuuen, instead of his usual arrogance, remained still, incredulous. He couldn't understand what had happened. He was convinced he had secured the victory... or at least, he thought so.

Mashima: —In third place... class B, with 20 points.

Another shockwave hit the students. The murmur of confusion was immediate.

—What does this mean?

—Explain yourself, Katsuragi!

—Weren't we supposed to win? We followed you for that!

The students of class B did not hide their frustration, and their accusing glares were directed at Katsuragi, who had led their decisions. However, Katsuragi, instead of responding, fixed a furious gaze on Ryuuen, looking for a culprit. But Ryuuen, showing no sign of alteration, smiled disdainfully.

Ryuuen: —Don't look at me like that, bald guy. Even I don't know what the hell happened —he mocked, although internally his confusion was evident.

But there was still more to uncover.

Mashima: —In second place... class D, with 225 points.

The news struck like lightning. Class D, considered by many as the worst, had surpassed all expectations. The astonishment was palpable on the faces of everyone present.

—Even the class of "defectives" beat us! —murmurs of disbelief were heard among the students.

And then, the most important revelation arrived.

Mashima: —And the first place goes to... class A, with 405 points —Professor Mashima announced, revealing the most surprising result of all.

—405 points?! —someone exclaimed, clearly shocked.

—That's insane!

—How did they achieve that? —they asked, perplexed and completely impressed by class A's performance.

The murmurs intensified as students tried to process the surprising figure. Class A had accumulated such a high number of points that it seemed almost unreachable. Ryuuen and Katsuragi, observing the result, quickly concluded that class A had played a crucial role in the defeat of the other classes, just as class D had exceeded expectations.