Houtarou Oreki Classroom of the Elite

However, Houtarou wasn't one to comment on other people's names.

"Manabe-san, do you think the students in your class can gather enough points? I heard about a violent incident in your class. That's why I added the third point in the agreement about keeping it confidential from Ryūen. I don't want to get involved with such troublesome people."

At the mention of this name, disgust flashed in the eyes of the Class C students.

Kakeru had been using violent methods to force submission, and most were unhappy about it. The students assigned to Class C were, in some ways, similar types — delinquents or academically poor students with certain flaws.

These individuals despised discipline the most. Former delinquents like Daichi and the others felt they couldn't tolerate it. Even with Albert about to be subdued by Kakeru, they still felt compelled to resist.

"I've given you the conditions." Houtarou said, "If you're interested in cooperating, you can contact me again."

"We need to discuss it." Daichi said, glancing at Shiho.

From his perspective, it seemed she was about to sign the agreement immediately. However, he had an idea forming.

Kakeru's side was unpleasant, and if Albert were subdued, they might be at a disadvantage in confrontation. Should they submit to this delinquent? He didn't want to.

But Houtarou's store idea could be useful. If they could gather enough people to open the store together, it would give them a voice. They could rally more support to confront Kakeru.

With this plan in mind, Daichi hurriedly left with the Class C students.

"How many Class C students do you think will join?" Kikyō, who had been blending into the background, suddenly chimed in.

She had witnessed Houtarou's pitch numerous times over the past two days, so she simply waited on the sidelines. It was just a matter of seeing how many people would participate. He was offering her a 5% commission on the Points she acquired, so the more students participated, the more compensation she could get.

The three of them sat down but didn't order bubble tea. They had consumed quite a lot over the past two days to promote the store and were nearly sick of it.

However...

"I want a coffee." Suzune said. She still maintained her daily study habit and needed coffee to stay alert.

Perhaps it was because of the two cute girls beside him, but the booth area seemed to have a pleasant aroma.

"Probably about half the class." He said, "Everyone in Class C seems to dislike Ryūen, so they might unite because of that."

"Is that so?" Kikyō asked, blinking lightly.

After all, how often do people unite simply because they share a common dislike?

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At 9 PM that evening, her assumption was proven wrong.

The bubble tea shop opened by the second-year students suddenly filled with students — members of the first-year Class C. A blonde boy was already present in the shop.

The group consisted of both boys and girls, totaling 36 students.

"Are you certain?" Houtarou asked.

Given Daichi and the others' evident dislike for Kakeru, Houtarou had decided against returning to the dormitory and teleporting home.

The school's campus network and signal blocking posed potential issues. Taking his phone off-campus might raise concerns about his missing signal, while leaving it in the dormitory would cut off immediate communication.

His decision to stay longer paid off as Daichi and the others arrived with a group of Class C students.

"We're certain." Daichi confirmed, "We're opting for the second profit-sharing plan."

Houtarou surveyed the other Class C students, noting their lack of objection.

He promptly set Kikyō to work. His earlier preparation of 30 contracts had been too conservative; with six additional students, she needed to make another trip.

In a gesture of goodwill, Houtarou treated all the Class C students to bubble tea.

"I hadn't anticipated 36 of you joining."

As Kikyō began collecting Points from the newly signed Class C students, Houtarou found a moment to chat with Shiho, the girl who had blushed at him earlier.

"It's because everyone despises Ryūen." She explained, "Naturally, besides him and Albert, two others didn't join — they couldn't be persuaded. One is Mio Ibuki, who's skeptical about such a good opportunity. The other is Hiyori Shiina, who seems to avoid associating with us. I informed her, but she declined. She even hoped I wouldn't join. However, upon learning everyone else had, she relented."

After she finished speaking, she gazed at him for a moment before speaking again.

"Um... Oreki-san, can we exchange phone numbers?" Shiho asked, blushing slightly.

This was typical behavior for a girl attracted to a handsome guy — seeking his contact information purely based on looks.

Houtarou felt conflicted. His ongoing task for 20 million Points included a punishment of receiving confessions from two girls weekly for three years.

Now, it seemed he might face romantic entanglements even without failing the task. Without being narcissistic, he suspected Shiho's request might lead to a confession.

Nevertheless, she had provided valuable information about Class C.

Mio, a Class C student, was straightforward and skeptical of seeming windfalls. Hiyori, on the other hand, appeared to be the class's wise one. She had seen through the store opening as a potential scam.

Not only did she abstain from participating, but she also tried to dissuade Shiho. Upon learning everyone else had joined, she chose to remain silent — a savvy move to avoid conflict.

Clearly, Hiyori was adept at navigating tricky social situations.

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