COTE: Hikigaya's Classroom of the Supreme Being

Hikigaya still vividly recalls the parting words of Hiratsuka-sensei.

Before leaving, she smiled warmly, praised him for his dedication, and sincerely apologized for her shortcomings as an educator. She admitted that she had occasionally overlooked her students' feelings, and she expressed her gratitude that Hikigaya had overlooked her lapses.

It was clear that she felt honored to have taught him.

Following this incident, Hikigaya ceased his involvement with the club.

He found himself uncertain about how to confront the lingering issues with the two people involved.

"Don't worry about Karuizawa," Hikigaya said, trying to reassure Matsushita.

"I won't be doing anything to her."

The bell rang, signaling the end of their conversation as classes were about to begin.

Although Matsushita remained somewhat concerned, Hikigaya's assurance seemed genuine. His primary concern was Haruno, not Karuizawa, who seemed insignificant in comparison.

To Hikigaya's dismay, the class schedule included yet another meeting before the official start of lessons. It seemed a little excessive to have both a morning and an afternoon meeting every day.

"The class meeting will commence shortly," Chabashira-sensei announced as she entered the room, capturing the student's attention with the mention of "midterm exams."

Many students were anxious about the exam, fearing failure and expulsion. They hoped for a chance to retake the exam.

However, their hopes were quickly dashed.

"Starting now, for every midterm and final exam, I will award points if you place in the top three for any subject. Additionally, if you rank in the top 30 from the entire grade, you will receive points," Chabashira-sensei declared.

"This is Hikigaya's suggestion."

Hikigaya muttered a curse under his breath.

The additional commentary was unnecessary, and the students' interest waned rapidly. Scholarships were a luxury few could afford, and complaints about the reward system surfaced immediately.

"This isn't fair! Only the top students benefit!" one student protested.

"Exactly! The rewards should be distributed equally. We're a team!" another added.

Ike and Yamauchi were at it again with their complaints, but Chabashira-sensei paid them no mind.

After the class meeting finally concluded, Hikigaya anticipated Haruno's arrival but was surprised to see a male teacher he had never seen before.

"Hello everyone. I need to inform you that Yukinoshita-san will be on leave for a week due to personal matters. During this time, I'll be your substitute. Please guide me well," the teacher said.

A collective groan erupted from the boys in the class.

"What?! Why is this happening?"

"I wanted to see Yukinoshita-sensei!"

"That's the only reason I came to class."

The girls looked disdainfully at the boys, their expressions clearly showing their disapproval.

Hikigaya was stunned. He hadn't anticipated Haruno taking sudden leave.

Did she leave yesterday? Why hadn't she informed him beforehand? He felt a pang of self-loathing. He and Haruno weren't particularly close; why should she have informed him?

He shook off the negative thoughts, just as Matsushita poked him with a mechanical pencil, looking displeased.

"What's up?" Hikigaya began, but Matsushita interrupted him.

"Hikigaya-kun, class is starting. If you keep daydreaming, we might lose points."

Hikigaya refrained from voicing his annoyance about the nonexistent point deductions and refocused as class was about to begin.

---

"Thanks to the Zero Points system, our class discipline has improved significantly," Shiina remarked as Hikigaya joined her in the library after school.

While reading, they chatted about class issues.

Class C had accumulated 490 points—still significantly less than the top classes but enough to keep the atmosphere manageable. Shiina is concerned that her comments might irritate Hikigaya; tread carefully.

Unexpectedly, Hikigaya seemed remarkably at ease, almost indifferent to the class dynamics.

"Gloating over others' misfortunes? Not at all," Hikigaya said with a serious tone.

"I believe that zero points might benefit those students. If they focus solely on the school's incentives and ignore what truly matters, they're doing themselves a disservice."

Shiina, perceptive as always, grasped his meaning immediately.

"You're referring to Class A?"

Hikigaya nodded. "

Yes. Although Class A's privileges are tempting, real growth comes from focusing on personal development rather than striving to reach the top overnight. The latter approach is counterproductive."

His involvement in the student council had provided him with a broad view of the situation. Class A students were top performers, while Class B was also commendable.

The lower tiers, Classes C and D, had more room for improvement.

If these classes worked on their personal growth over the next three years, they could still emerge as valuable individuals, even if they didn't reach Class A.

"I realize these are just idealistic statements," Hikigaya admitted with a self-deprecating smile.

"Hard work often doesn't guarantee rewards, and relying on such incentives can be misleading."

The school intended to foster competition among the classes to develop exceptional students. Yet, the reality was that, while the rules seemed well-conceived, their application often led to unforeseen complications.

Shiina expressed gratitude after reflecting on his words.

"Your insights have been very helpful. Thank you."

Hikigaya waved off her thanks.

"It's nothing. Just my perspective."

Curious, Shiina asked, "Have you shared these thoughts with your classmates?"

Hikigaya hesitated before replying, "I'm not very visible in my class, so my words might go unnoticed. By the way, did you manage to solve the last three questions of the quiz?"

"No, those questions were beyond our syllabus," Shiina said, shaking her head. She sensed that Hikigaya was steering the conversation away from his class issues.

"Yes, it seems like the school is hinting at something related to the midterm exams," Hikigaya speculated.

Shiina appeared hesitant. "Hikigaya-kun, you might not want to discuss this." Depending on how things unfold, our classes might become competitive."

Hikigaya shrugged. "I'm more interested in personal growth than in class rivalries."

Shiina, resolute, declared, "I'm not fixated on Class A, but I will step up when needed."

Hikigaya admired her determination, especially considering her position.

"By the way, Hikigaya-kun, are you managing okay financially?" Shiina asked abruptly.

"I notice you're quite frugal. If you need help, I can lend you some money."

Hikigaya was moved by her proposal. Compared to Sakayanagi's recent mocking message, Shiina's kindness felt like a breath of fresh air.

"It's fine. I've always managed to stay frugal. I'll manage," he replied.

Just then, a commotion erupted from across the library. Hikigaya turned to see several students arguing over seats.

"Excuse me, Shiina, I need to check on this," he said.

"Sure, be careful," Shiina responded.

Hikigaya returned shortly, looking frustrated.

"Thanks for your patience. It seems Class C is causing trouble for Class B over seats," he stated. "The midterm exams must be making everyone anxious."

Shiina noted Hikigaya's irritation. "Student council work must be challenging."

Hikigaya agreed, "It is." "The president can be quite demanding."

He sighed and continued, "How's your class handling the academic pressure? Have you started organizing study sessions?"

Shiina nodded. "I've been busy tutoring other students, so I might not be in the library as often. But Ryuuen-kun has been effective in leading our class."

"Hm, Ryuuen... I remember him. Hikigaya remembered the magenta-haired delinquent from the first day.

Shiina confirmed, "Yes, Ryuuen-kun quickly took charge, dealing with troublemakers and establishing his leadership."

The two continued reading for a while. As they felt the time approaching, they exchanged farewells and went their separate ways.

Hikigaya watched Shiina leave; his expression was thoughtful and complex.

His earlier question had been intentional; he already had a grasp of Class C's situation. Ryuuen had already begun asserting control over Class C even before the official introduction of the S-system.

His actions quickly suppressed the troublemakers and established his dominance within the class.

Hikigaya had encountered Ryuuen before—an abrasive presence with an eye for talent. Ryuuen had even sent Shiina to investigate him, and he had identified him as a student council member well before the official announcement.

This foresight impressed Hikigaya, who noted that even Sakayanagi had only learned it from him.

What stood out most about Ryuuen was his proactive approach. His readiness to engage positively in the school's competitive environment set him apart from mere delinquents.

Ryuuen's abilities as Class C leader were evident.

"I hope he doesn't stir up too much trouble," Hikigaya mused.

Though he had no particular interest in Class C's dynamics, Hikigaya respected those who strived to climb the ranks. He found actions like scouting and creating minor conflicts acceptable, provided they didn't overstep certain boundaries.

Should Ryuuen push too far, however, Hikigaya was prepared to take decisive action.