Outsider : Classroom Of The Elite

Chapter 4.9 - Raven

「The discussion period has ended.」

Just like that, the final seconds of the zodiac exam ticked away. The weight of those monotone words settled heavily on the group, leaving an oppressive silence in their wake. The previous cheerful and lighthearted air was replaced with uncertainty, anxiety and nuanced relaxation of listlessness.

It felt like a game of Russian roulette. One where we'd either gain a massive number of points, or ironically pull the trigger on ourselves. The stakes had never been higher. Soon, it would be revealed whether we'd emerge as victorious, or if I had just made everyone commit a mass suicide.

"Best of luck, I guess?" Oda murmured. His eyes darted nervously, as if he were searching for reassurance that wouldn't come.

"Yeah. We'll really need that. We're still at the mercy of whoever is watching us." Asaka nervously said. "Do you think they'll actually follow through?"

"It's hard to say," Yonezu replied, looking down at his shoes. "We have less than thirty minutes before the final submission,"

"I wonder if the VIP is even listening right now," Kinoshita said, glancing around. "They might have an idea of what to do. But if they're like us, they're also feeling the pressure."

"Guys, you should be aware that it's illegal to hold a discussion anymore," Mori cautiously said while gesturing towards the wall clock.

She was right. It was forbidden to hold discussions with group members from other classes outside the discussion period. No one was curious to know what'd happen if we defied that rule.

"Let's all just hope that we did our best, and wish each other luck."

Everyone silently nodded to Mori's observation.

"Yeah. At least let's be proud that we chose the best option out of all," muttered Yonezu.

"I guess there's nothing else left to do now but to wait for it.." Asaka said.

"Okay, everyone! Before we go..." Amikura suddenly raised her arm in front of her at chest length and said, "Let's put our hands together, shall we?"

I.. no, in fact, I'm sure everyone understood what Amikura was trying to do. It was probably her final attempt to create a sense of camaraderie amongst everyone, and thus, encouraging the VIP to reveal themselves.

At first, it seemed like a childish and cringy thing to do. So, nobody wanted to do it, which slightly made Amikura's smile and determination waver.

"Of course. Why not?"

That's why I stepped forward and placed my hand on top of her. Amikura's eyes widened, but immediately returned to normal and her smile grew after that. It also had it's intended effects.

"It's silly, but.." Asaka reluctantly placed her palm on top of mine.

"Eh, what gives?" Kinoshita shrugged before placing her hand.

"Hey, let me join too." Satou clawed her way on top of the pile.

The room erupted at our collective effort to encourage them. Most of the students came together, and overlapped their palms on top of each other.

Then another palm went over ours, a large one with a dark skin tone.

"Y-you too, Albert?" Oda muttered in broken English, which in response Albert replied in fluent English

[Seems fun. Why not?]

I dumbfoundedly looked beside me. It was Albert. The Albert Yamada himself joined our palm pile.