dictatorkoji

The Class Point Overtake

The aftermath of Ryuuen's downfall left Class C in disarray, and the entire school was abuzz with speculation. Despite their defeat in the previous exams, Class C had been holding on to their position above Class D by a slim margin in terms of class points. However, Ayanokoji had no intention of letting that stand.

The Advanced Nurturing High School's ranking system wasn't just based on individual exams but also on class points. The next major hurdle for Class D wasn't a special exam based on skill or cunning, but rather a strategic opportunity to overtake Class C through accumulating class points—an opportunity that Ayanokoji was ready to exploit.

The Announcement of the Next Exam

At the start of the new semester, an announcement came from the school administration that would set the stage for Class D's next move.

"The next few weeks will involve a series of tests based on academics, behavior, and participation in school activities," Chabashira-sensei explained, her usual cold demeanor unchanged. "Each class will be scored based on collective performance, and the results will impact your class points heavily."

A murmur spread through the classroom. These types of exams were notorious for not just testing students' abilities but also for fostering division and mistrust. Points could be gained or lost through a wide variety of factors, ranging from individual participation to disciplinary actions. The class that navigated this period most effectively would see the biggest gains.

Ayanokoji sat in the back of the room, his face as expressionless as ever. But inside, he was already calculating. This wasn't just about performing well—it was about setting Class C up for failure while ensuring Class D climbed the ranks.

The question was: How?

Step 1: Undermining Class C's Strengths

Class C had always been known for their aggressive tactics, but now, without Ryuuen's leadership, they were vulnerable. Ayanokoji's first step in ensuring Class D's victory was to quietly exploit their weaknesses.

A few days into the exam period, rumors began circulating within Class C about potential spies from other classes—planted rumors that Ayanokoji had orchestrated. Fear spread, causing chaos and mistrust within their ranks. The once-cohesive group began pointing fingers at one another, and their performance suffered as a result. Absenteeism increased, discipline waned, and their overall engagement dropped.

But that wasn't enough. Ayanokoji needed a more direct hit to their class points. Through Karuizawa, who had connections across the school, he planted the idea in the minds of Class C students that the easiest way to improve their standing was to individually outperform their peers. As a result, many students in Class C began focusing on their personal scores rather than collective class effort.

As a result, group activities, where collaboration was key, suffered heavily. Class C's once strong test scores and teamwork plummeted as their infighting grew more intense. The once-feared class was now struggling to even maintain basic harmony, and it showed in their performance during the exam period.

Step 2: Improving Class D's Performance

Simultaneously, Ayanokoji worked behind the scenes to strengthen Class D. He understood that their success wasn't just about sabotaging Class C—it was about ensuring his own class performed perfectly. Unlike before, where he stayed hidden, Ayanokoji began directing subtle improvements across the board in Class D.

Horikita was assigned to lead study sessions for the academically weaker students, ensuring no one fell behind. Hirata was tasked with improving team morale and unity, organizing school events and extracurricular activities that boosted Class D's participation scores. Kushida, ever the social butterfly, played her part by manipulating students from other classes to overlook Class D's efforts in group activities, allowing them to quietly excel without drawing attention.

Karuizawa, who had gained a position of influence within the class thanks to Ayanokoji's protection, ensured that any dissent or issues within Class D were quelled before they could spread. She handled discipline discreetly, ensuring that no one drew the negative attention of the school administration.

All of this went unnoticed by the school at large. Class D's behavior and academic scores improved across the board, but not dramatically enough to attract suspicion. Ayanokoji was making sure they climbed steadily—slowly, but surely.

Step 3: The Nail in the Coffin for Class C

As the exam period reached its midpoint, Class C was falling apart. Their infighting had reached new heights, and their academic performance had suffered so much that they were losing massive amounts of class points.

But Ayanokoji wasn't done yet.

The final week of the exam period introduced a group project that would contribute heavily to the class points. Each class had to collaborate on creating a presentation on a subject chosen by the school. The quality of the presentation and the teamwork demonstrated would determine the point allocation.

Class C, riddled with distrust, barely managed to organize themselves for the task. When it came time to present, their performance was lackluster at best. Team members contradicted one another, and the lack of coordination was painfully obvious.

Meanwhile, Class D executed their project flawlessly. With Ayanokoji's subtle guidance, Horikita and Hirata led the class in producing a well-coordinated and academically impressive presentation. The judges, consisting of the school's faculty, were visibly impressed, awarding Class D the highest points for teamwork and presentation.

The Class Points Reveal

After the final project was submitted, the school gathered the results for the exam period. The entire student body was called into the auditorium, where the points for each class would be revealed.

The tension in the air was palpable. For weeks, every class had been fighting to gain an edge. But for Class D, this was more than just another exam. It was their chance to rise above Class C once and for all.

Chabashira-sensei took the stage, her expression as unreadable as ever. "We have completed the scoring for this exam period," she began, her voice echoing through the large hall. "The results will now be displayed."

The screen behind her lit up, revealing the updated class points:

Class A: 1,120 points

Class B: 870 points

Class D: 620 points

Class C: 570 points

A stunned silence fell over the room.

Class D had overtaken Class C.

The murmurs started almost immediately. Class C had always been a tier above Class D, even if only barely. But now, the once-dominant class had fallen behind, and Class D was closing the gap with Class B.

Kushida turned to look at Ayanokoji, who sat at the back of the room, his face as calm as ever. To anyone else, he would appear indifferent to the victory, but Kushida knew better. She understood that this shift in power wasn't just luck—it was Ayanokoji's doing.

After the Assembly

Later that evening, Horikita approached Ayanokoji in the hallway. "We did it," she said, her voice filled with a rare sense of satisfaction. "We've overtaken Class C."

Ayanokoji glanced at her. "This was just the first step. Class C's downfall was inevitable after Ryuuen fell. But don't get too comfortable. Class B is our next target."

Horikita frowned slightly. "Ichinose's class is much stronger than Class C ever was. They won't fall apart like Ryuuen's class did."

Ayanokoji's gaze was as cold as ever. "Everyone has a weakness, Horikita. Even Ichinose. We'll take our time and exploit theirs."

Horikita, ever the strategist, nodded. She knew better than to question Ayanokoji's methods at this point. His plans were always several steps ahead, and while she didn't always agree with his cold approach, she couldn't deny the results.

Class D had risen from the bottom, and now, they were within striking distance of the top.