Cote: Elite in Action

The Sacrifice Game

"Today, guys, I have an important announcement to make," said Hoshinomiya-sensei, her tone slightly different from the usual, with a hint of seriousness that didn't normally accompany her usually cheerful demeanor. Some students exchanged curious glances, anticipating what was to come.

"Another special exam, Sensei?" asked Shibata, his carefree attitude suggesting that the possibility of more academic pressure didn't affect him in the slightest.

"That's right," she replied, crossing her arms and casting a glance at the group. "Even though it was only a month since the mixed camp ended, the school has decided it's time to present you with a new challenge."

"Wow, the school doesn't give us a breather, does it?" Mako commented, letting out a frustrated sigh as he leaned back in his chair.

Kanzaki, always pragmatic, raised his hand slightly before asking, "What is this special exam about, Hoshinomiya-sensei?"

"As always, I will distribute the instruction sheets. If you have questions, I will be happy to answer them. Please read everything carefully before asking," she said while starting to hand out the papers among the students. Her smile was a bit tenser than usual, and some noticed it.

When the sheet reached my hands, I took it with some caution. The atmosphere in the classroom grew quieter, the usual laughter and murmurs fading away to the sound of paper crumpling between my classmates' fingers. I immediately began reading the first lines. The title of the exam stood out in bold letters, like an implicit warning:

Instructions for the Special Exam: Class Voting

This special exam will test the relationships among students, as well as their ability to make strategic decisions. Below are the rules, rewards, and penalties that will govern the exam.

Exam Rules:

Voting System:

-  Each student will receive 3 praise votes and 3 criticism votes that must be distributed among their classmates.

Final Result: Praise votes and criticism votes cancel each other out. At the end of the exam, each student's result will be calculated by subtracting the received criticism votes from the accumulated praise votes. (Praise Votes – Criticism Votes = Final Result).

Example: If a student receives 5 praise votes and 3 criticism votes, their final result will be 2.

Voting Restrictions:

- You cannot vote for yourself. Votes must be cast exclusively for other students.

- You cannot cast more than one vote for the same person. Each of your 3 praise votes and 3 criticism votes must be for different students.

- You cannot abstain from voting or leave your ballot blank. You must cast all the votes assigned to you.

Repetition of the Exam:

- The exam will be repeated as many times as necessary until it is clearly determined which student holds the first place (the highest number of net praise votes) and which holds the last place (the highest number of net criticism votes).

Mandatory Inter-Class Vote:

- In addition to the votes within your class, each student must cast one additional praise vote for a student from another class. This vote must be carefully considered, as it can influence inter-class dynamics.

Rewards and Penalties: Highest Number of Praise Votes (First Place):

- The student who receives the highest number of net praise votes will receive a Protection Point. This point is an invaluable resource, as it allows the student to nullify a future expulsion in any exam. If you fail a future exam and are at risk of expulsion, you can use this point to avoid it.