Reborn in the White Room: Akash Chaturvedi's Ascent

Chapter 8: Subtle Manipulations

As I made my way toward the dormitory, I began thinking about the day ahead. Though I had everything planned out in my mind, there was one matter that needed immediate attention—supplies. The school provided points for us to use, but they could disappear faster than expected if one wasn’t careful. Basic utilities, such as soap and toiletries, would be necessary, and it was better to get ahead of the curve than fall into a trap that I had already foreseen.

Once inside my dorm room, I took a moment to inspect the space. It was minimal but functional—everything I would need for the foreseeable future, except for the essentials I would purchase from the school’s convenience store. Before heading out, I mentally mapped out the conversation I intended to have with Suzune Horikita. She would play a pivotal role in my strategy. Her independence and self-reliant ideology mirrored my own to some extent, which would make her a useful ally in the long run.

I stepped out of the dormitory and headed to the convenience store. The path was relatively quiet, with only a few students milling about. As I approached the entrance, I wasn’t surprised to see Horikita inside, browsing the shelves. She was sharp and methodical in her movements, carefully selecting her purchases without a second thought. This was an opportunity—one that could help plant a seed of doubt in her mind about the school’s system.

“It’s you,” I said, stepping into the store, loud enough for her to hear. “What a surprise seeing you here.”

She didn’t acknowledge me at first, her focus on the items in front of her. I knew better than to expect an immediate response from someone like her. She wasn’t the type to engage in casual conversation.

“You’re in my class, right? In fact, you’re my neighbor in the classroom,” I continued, unfazed by her lack of response. “I didn’t get your name during the class introductions. What’s your name?”

Horikita continued to ignore me, her cold demeanor not wavering. She moved to another aisle, picking up a few more items, still silent. It was clear she didn’t want to interact, but I wasn’t one to back down easily.

“Ah, it’s fine if you don’t want to answer,” I added casually, picking up a small basket to collect my own purchases. “I suppose you’re the kind who prefers to keep things to herself.”

I noticed a slight twitch in her movements. She was irritated but trying to keep it hidden. It was only a matter of time before I could engage her.

I lingered near the shelf she was browsing, casually looking through the items. Finally, she spoke, her voice cold and curt.

“Horikita.”

“Ah, Horikita, then,” I said, as if I’d been expecting her to answer all along. “I’m Ayanokoji. Nice to officially meet you.”

I smiled inwardly at the small victory. She’d responded—albeit reluctantly—but it was progress. Now, I needed to steer the conversation toward the true purpose of this encounter: the points system.

“So, you’re picking up a few essentials as well,” I said, glancing into her basket. “but why are buying the cheap ones? I thought you are to only use premiun products.”

Her expression didn’t change, but I could see the slight furrow in her brow. She was listening.

“what's this? ” I continued, looking over at a small section of free items placed by the school. “They are offering free stuff to students how nice of them or may be they are offering this to the students who spend all of their points early.”

Horikita glanced toward the direction I was pointing at, her gaze lingering on the soap and other essentials that were marked as free. It was subtle, but I could tell she was now curious about the school’s system. I had her attention, though she was still guarded.