GIFTED ACADEMY: THE PERFECT STUDENT

In the end, Takeuchi got the lowest score in the class. As a result, he would be sent down to class 2-D.

-

Class 2-C Exam Overall Results

1. Kaoru Hiroto - 327

2. Kai Furukawa - 310

~~

4. Aiko Hamasaki - 306

~~

14. Mizuhara Ayato - 250

~~

21. Akane Itsuki - 214

22. Honoka Airi - 211

~~

35. Lucy Kobayashi - 82

36. Kaito Takeuchi - 0

-

Below the results board, there was another statistic showing the top three students in each class, along with the lowest-ranking student. I guess this would be a good time for me to formulate some understanding of the other classes. These types of statistics showed not only surface-level information but also details on the inner workings of each class.

---

Class 2-A

1. Tachibana Emi - 388 [Overall Highest Scorer] > [Point Reward]

2. Hasegawa Mio - 381

3. Fujiharu Sara - 358

[Lowest]. Katsuragi Alex - 201

>

Class 2-B

1. Ester Hamasaki - 334 > [Promotion]

2. Naegi Saka - 332

3. Teruhashi Ren - 324

ƥαṇdα- ηθνε|·ƈθm [Lowest]. Kikuchi Tendo - 159

>

Class 2-C (My class)

1. Kaoru Hiroto - 327 > [Point Reward]

2. Furukawa Kai - 310

3. Miura Kenji - 304

[Lowest]. Takeuchi Kaito - 0

>

Class 2-D

1. Akasaka Uya - 319 > [Point Reward]

2. Yogi Fukuda - 318

3. Tamura Ritsu - 301

[Lowest]. Katsuki Andrea - 0

>

Class 2-E

1. Murakami Akio - 362 > [Promotion]

2. Kurosawa Sora - 299

3. Lawano Botan - 296

[Lowest]. Bluml Max - 42 [Expelled]

---

Based on the results, there were a few observations I could make.

First of all, even in this high-stakes environment, Fujiharu was supporting herself quite well, managing to get a very high score. I wasn't sure how she'd fare in a place like this, but it seemed that she didn't struggle with the competitiveness of this school.

Aside from that, it seemed that Fukuda had pulled something in his own class as well. From the limited information I had, I assumed that he threw someone under the bus in order to protect Kanako. I still didn't completely understand their situation, but I could only assume that this was the work of Kanako's father.

There seemed to be a surprise result in class 2-E. Murakami achieved a score that was significantly higher than everyone else in the. His score was probably one of the highest at the school at that. I could only assume that he was someone to watch out for. Also below him was a girl named Kurosawa Sora—a name I remember from the Ideal Human Project.

Anyways, after a few minutes, the teacher dismissed the class.

"In order to deal with some administrative tasks, the school has allowed you guys to take today off. Support teachers will be provided in the library for external studying. However, there will be no formal lessons today."

With that, everyone gradually left the room.

Takeuchi was still looking painfully at the results.

I decided to make my way back to my dorm.

***

Looking around the commercial area, which was still partially under construction, I was approached by a familiar face.ραпdα `nᴏνɐ| сom

"H-hey Mizuhara."

"Hi, Kinoshita."

"S-so, um, what do you think about this new school?"

She quickly moved in beside me. The two of us were now walking side-by-side as I observed some of the new buildings that were being built around this area. The sound of drilling and other mechanical noises were always around, but they weren't intrusive enough to cause any major issues.

"I don't mind it."

"Ah... so who's your roommate?'

"It's Kimura from class A."

"I see. Well, my roommate is Hamasaki, who was in my class, although she's in class A now."

"Well, that's good for her."

"U-um, so I wanted to talk to you about something, Mizuhara."

"What is it?"

She suddenly took in a deep breath.

"It's been pretty hard to make friends here... everyone's so competitive. I've been a bit lonely, so can you come with me... to... the library or something...? So we can study together!"

"I don't want to."

"Huh."

Her expression suddenly became extremely dejected. She looked down at the ground like her dreams had just been crushed. With tears forming in her eyes, she covered her face.

"We can have a walk around if you want. But I don't want to study in the library."

She looked up with a sad expression.

"Is there a reason why you don't want to...?"

"I don't really feel like going there."

"S-so it's not because you don't like me...?"

"No."

She put her hand on her chest as a subtle smile flashed on her face.

"...thank goodness..."

Slowly, we made our way around the schoolyard.

"...did you do well on the last exam?" she asked.

"Yeah, I did alright."

"That's good~ I messed up my maths exam a little."

"Ah."

I felt her tugging against my shirt.

"What's the matter?"

"That girl's been staring at us for a while..."

I had also noticed it. However, all of the time I've spent with Fujiharu has been making me less sensitive to being watched. As I turned around, I saw Akasaka looking at us from a distance. She had quite an unpleasant look on her face.

Before long, she stormed towards us.

"Mizuhara! You've done it now."

Out of nowhere, she grabbed my tie and pulled me down to her eye level. With an extremely angry look in her eyes, she glared straight into me.

"I'm going to make your life a living hell!"

"Ah. Can you not."

"No, you've embarrassed me. Now you're going to suffer the consequences!"

"What did I do?"

"You know what you did."

"I don't"

"I know you know what you did!"

"I really don't."

"Grr... whatever. Play innocent all you want. Mizuhara Ayato, you're going to regret humiliating me!"

"Eh."

She pushed me away and stormed off. Leaving just as quickly as she came.

Kinoshita looked at me with a concerned expression.

"W-what was that...?"

"Don't mind it."

"B-but she said she's going to make your life a living hell."

"I'll deal with it later. Is there anywhere else you want to go?"

"Um... how about the fountain? I want to have a close look at it."

"Alright."

The two of us made our way to the large fountain near the middle of the schoolyard. There was a gardener watering the plants around the footpath and several teachers supervising the area. It seemed that it was quite a popular gathering place.

Ah. Not another hassle for me.

Afterwards, I went back to the dorm and lay in bed.

***