COTE: Starting With Love Stock Market System

After securing his access to the swimming pool, that night, Hikaru spent another 100,000 Private Points to purchase a new dose of the [Athletic Booster], leaving his funds dangerously low—only 7,000 points remained.

Currently, he held two stocks: the high-valued [Ichinose Honami Stock] and the steadily increasing [Kushida Kikyo Stock], which had now reached 40 points. If he could push it up to 50, he would finally have enough funds to purchase [Mastery in Martial Arts], a skill he had been eyeing for a while.

After testing it twice already, Hikaru was confident that as long as he continued leveraging Suzune, Kushida would take the initiative on her own.

As for [Ichinose Honami Stock], while it hadn't increased in a while, it remained highly valued. Since Special Exams hadn't even started yet, it was best to hold onto it for now. There was no telling if even more valuable skills might appear in the [Trading Shop] later—cashing out too soon would be a waste.

Bringing up his stock interface, he reviewed his holdings:

[Ichinose Honami Stock]

Current Stock Price: 150

Shares Held: 5,000

[Kushida Kikyo Stock]

Current Stock Price: 40

Shares Held: 5,000

Other stocks like [Chabashira Sae Stock], [Horikita Suzune Stock], and [Shiina Hiyori Stock] had high initial prices. Hikaru had to ensure he had enough liquidity before making additional investments—getting stuck with no funds could be disastrous.

"Funds are tight. Once I cash out the Kushida Kikyo stock, I need to decide on my next investment immediately."

---

May 4th—Ryūen's Return to Class

Two days passed quickly, bringing them to May 4th—the day Ryūen Kakeru returned to class.

In the now-demoted Class 1-D, a palpable tension filled the air.

Though most students had gradually acknowledged Ibuki as the de facto leader in his absence, Ryūen's return was an unpredictable factor. No one knew what he was planning or what he would do next.

At 8:10 AM, the classroom door finally swung open.

A tall figure with fiery red hair stood at the entrance, lingering as his gaze swept over the metallic nameplate outside—where it now clearly read "1-D".

> "Class 1-D, huh? Hah... One month was all it took for you guys to fall to the bottom. Looks like you did a great job under Ibuki's leadership."

His voice dripped with mockery.

Ryūen strolled into the classroom with his usual arrogance, his smirk directed straight at Ibuki.

She wasn't one to take insults lightly. She stood up, her sharp glare meeting his with unrestrained hostility.

"You think I'm the reason we lost points? Who do you think caused the penalty in the first place?"

"If I recall correctly, that would be you, right?" Ryūen shot back with a cold smile. "Making deals with another class, setting up your own classmates to be suspended... and then getting welcomed back as a 'leader.' How ridiculous."

"You—!"

Ibuki clenched her fists, her small face contorted with anger.

Sensing the tension, Hiyori quickly stepped in to mediate.

"Ibuki, calm down. We all supported your decision at the time, and there's nothing Ryūen can say to change that."

"Besides," Hiyori continued, her voice calm but firm. "Ryūen, you were the one who started a fight on the first day. Did you really think that wouldn't result in a penalty?"

Ryūen simply grinned, his confidence unwavering.

"A necessary sacrifice. If I had full control over the class, we'd already be on our way to A-Class."

Ibuki scoffed.

"What a joke. Are you dreaming in broad daylight?"

"No, I'm dead serious." Ryūen took a step closer, his piercing gaze locking onto Ibuki's. "Not that it matters if you believe me. I'm here to issue a challenge."

"A challenge?"

"You stole the position of class representative while I was gone. Naturally, I'm going to take it back."

"Hah! You think it's that easy? Leadership is determined by the class vote. You'd need everyone's support."

"I know," Ryūen said coolly. "Which is why I've already made my move."

His words made Ibuki frown.

"You think I spent a month sitting around in my dorm? I've planned everything."

Turning away from Ibuki, Ryūen addressed the entire class.

"Since we're at the bottom, the only way left is up. We'll take down the other classes one by one, until we stand at the top."

Ibuki folded her arms.

"What kind of ridiculous scheme are you planning this time?"

"That," Ryūen smirked, "is classified."

Ibuki scoffed again.

"You're full of shit. All you know how to do is start fights. There's no way you came up with some brilliant plan."

Ryūen's smirk widened as he glanced at Ishizaki and Komiya, his two most loyal subordinates.

"You remember my orders, right?"

"Of course, Ryūen. This is your comeback mission—we won't fail." Ishizaki thumped his chest.

"We'll make sure everything goes according to plan." Komiya nodded.

Satisfied, Ryūen turned back toward the door.

"Then let's begin."

As he left the classroom, Ibuki clenched her fists.

"That bastard is definitely up to something."

"It's fine," Hiyori reassured her. "If he actually helps the class, then we benefit either way."

Ibuki clicked her tongue.

"Tch. Like hell I'd ever trust him to do something for the class."

Meanwhile, just outside, Ryūen walked confidently, his hands in his pockets.

"So, Hashima Hikaru's class is now A-Class, huh? Talk about unlucky."

His expression darkened, resentment flashing in his eyes.

"That bastard was the reason I got suspended. Because of him, I lost a month—an entire month where I could have solidified my power."

His hands clenched into fists.

"Don't worry, Hikaru. I learned a lot from our last encounter. And this time—"

A twisted grin spread across his face.

"—I'll drag you straight into hell."

~~~

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