Class B

V1: Chapter 8

Our third-period, history, class didn't go how it usually went. Instead of doing the lesson, Sensei sprouted a surprise quiz on everyone.

"Since it's nearly the end of the month, we'll have a short test. Pass these to the back." She said, handing out papers to the first row. Eventually, the test reached my desk. I quickly scanned through it and there were several questions from each of the 5 major topics.

"Chie-chan-sensei~ I don't wanna do it." Some of the less academically gifted people were moaning about the surprise test.

"Calm down class~. It's only for future reference~. It won't be reflected on your report card or anything. There's no risk, so don't worry about it. But remember," She winked, "Cheating is a big no-no."

Once the test, started, I looked through the questions properly. 20 questions; 4 per section, and 5 points per question for a total of 100. However, the questions were so extraordinarily easy, they felt anticlimactic. It seems as though the test was made for middle schoolers.

That's what I thought at first but about 3 questions on the test paper were harder than the others.

...The last math problem probably can't be solved without using multiple complicated formulas.

These are clearly not for first-year high school students. The last three questions are of a different nature; it wouldn't be surprising if they were put on the test by mistake.

Are they measuring our ability with this test?

I suppose I shouldn't hold back on my academics.

----

The morning bell for the first school day of May rang. Soon after, Sensei walked in, holding a poster rolled into a tube with a content look on her face.

I checked my balance this morning, and 100,000 points weren't added. Instead, 82,000 were added. Meaning we lost 18,000 points.

"This is the best class I've had in my time of teaching." She hummed.

She spread out the white poster that was rolled into a tube. Taking out a magnet, she stuck it to the board in front of us. Everyone looked at it in confusion.

It was the results of the class, I'm presuming.

Class A through to D were listed on the paper, with numbers beside them; Class D with  0, Class C with 490, Class B with 820, and Class A had the highest number with 940. 1000 points probably mean 100,000 yen. All the classes lost points in some way.

"9 total absences and tardies. 50 incidences of talking or using cellphones in class and 28 times when people were not paying attention. As a result, you lose 18,000 points. But maintaining 820 is something you should all be proud of!" Sensei explained.

The school did indeed say we would be judged by merit. In someone's 9 years of compulsory education, they've always told you that such things are frowned upon. What a shame for class D, It seems that they failed to hold even 1 point.

This school is created by the government to train excellent people and future leaders. Why would one think that they'd be getting 100,000 points every month without any restrictions? Those of class D should have just used their common sense and not left their doubts as doubts.

I raised my hand, "Sensei, can I have the permission to know the details about how points are increased or decreased?" I asked. 

For decreasing, it'd be hard to pinpoint exactly how many points we lost by doing certain things, but for increase, it's a different story. There will most likely by competitions of some sort. Or, we'll be able to gain more points through exams.

"Kiyotaka-kun, Honami-chan, your theory was very close to being correct~." Sensei said. Ah yes, I'd nearly forgotten. We had shared our thoughts about the system with our class a few weeks prior to now. Our theory... The class hierarchy system.

"In this school, all the students have been divided into classes by merit. The best students are put in class A, and the worst in class D."

We are far from the worst but still yet to be the best.

"Of course, the points are just linked to the amount of money you get each month. It's also an indicative of your class rank."

So this means that if we had held onto 950 points, we would be promoted to class A?

I raised my hand once more, "What's the catch Sensei?" I asked.

A small smile formed on her lips, "The 100% college acceptance rate."

This school has the highest employment and college acceptance rate. If you successfully graduate from this school, a usually difficult college or company will become a lot easier to join. Some say that graduating from this school is like getting a recommendation to be admitted to Tokyo University, the best college you could ask for.

"To achieve that, you have to surpass class A and become the new class A. The school doesn't guarantee anything for all the other students."

For someone whose future is already guaranteed, I have no reason to be concerned about the ranking in classes or the 100% college acceptance rate. I have all the money in the world to keep me going for life and I also have my god-like intelligence and physical ability that would also get me accepted to whatever college I desire.

I glanced around the room and saw that some faces had dropped. Of course, the less academic people were shocked seeing as this school was their one way ticket to any college they wanted. Now, they have to achieve class A and maintain it for three years.

Our class isn't too far off of class A, our difference is 120 points. For us to drop down to class C in the near future would probably be impossible; it's over 300 points after all.

"Looking at these numbers, I have a feeling that I needn't worry about the mid-terms coming up in three weeks." She said as she put one more piece of paper onto the blackboard. The names of all the classmates were listed; next to them was a number.

"These are the scores from the test a few days back. I'm happy to say that none of you got below the failing mark." The majority of the class got above 60 with the occasional 59. A handful of the students got a notable difference in their scores since they were higher than the rest, myself included. Unshocking to me, I scored 100, "If this test was recorded, none of you would have to drop out!" She said happily.

Drop out? As in, get expelled?

"If you get a failing mark on either a midterm or a final exam in any subject, you have to drop out of school. Luckily, I have reason to believe that wont happen with this class." She interjected before anyone could question her words.

I glanced to my seat mate who was scanning the paper; I watched as her eyes widened once she reached the top.

"... Kiyotaka Ayanokouji... 100/100..." She mumbled, "EH?!" Her face quickly turned towards mine but I averted eye contact and moved my head.

"That's not my name." I said.

"Yes it is."

"I know not of whom you speak."

"Oh shut up~," She rolled her eyes at me, "Still, I never expected you to be so smart..."

"Did you think I was an idiot?"

"... Potentially. You act like one anyway..."