Classroom of the Elite: Alter - Self-Test

August 8th, 6:30 AM.

It was time to enjoy my summer vacation.

We've been granted free access to this luxurious cruise ship. Wasting my time inside this four-person room would be the worst move to make. Although to be honest, that's probably what I would do if I didn't have any friends.

"Good morning, Ayanokouji-kun." I was met with Hirata Yousuke's early greeting.

This guy has been my friend since the start of school, even before Ken. He's saved my butt many times whenever I'm in a pinch (socially). Handsome, kind, smart— he was every girl's dream. Well... That description pretty much describes me, too, according to a lot of my classmates. Kikyou and my other female friends have been hammering that thought into me. They say that I'm too oblivious to my own popularity.

I can't help it, okay? I was born a loner. I can't be accustomed to that kind of attention easily.

"Good morning, Hirata," I replied.

Kouenji was up early and was nowhere to be found while the usual early bird that's Yukimura slept soundly on his bed. I wonder if this is how our wake-up order was going to be for the rest of the week.

"What do you plan to do, Ayanokouji-kun? The morning buffet will start at eight, but we were allowed to eat earlier if we wanted."

"I don't know, actually. I didn't really plan anything for myself."

"Ahh, you're right. Everyone just wanted to get some rest yesterday. There really wasn't any time to plan stuff."

"Well, our vacation will begin for real. I'm sure our classmates are very excited. I won't be surprised if most of them are already awake at this time, trying to figure out what they wanna do."

"Wanna hang out for a bit, then?"

"Sure."

After washing our faces, Hirata and I got on the elevator. Upon arriving on the 5th deck, the two of us headed towards the ship's bow. A few students from other classes were there, minding their own business.

"The ocean looks so amazing, doesn't it?" Hirata held the starboard rails while basking in the gusty wind.

"The morning breeze feels nice. It's not too cold since the sun is starting to rise."

We looked at the bluish horizon, experiencing the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.

"How are you finding the class, Ayanokouji-kun?" Hirata asked, breaking the silence.

"I wonder what I'm supposed to say?" I shrugged. "Hmm, I think they're alright."

"Haha— sounds like something that you would answer." Hirata chuckled before facing the ocean. "I've been thinking about it a lot... If you weren't there to save our class in April, I'm sure things wouldn't be the same as now."

"That's true. In the likely case that our classmates stayed ignorant for an entire month, our class points in May would've been significantly lower, if not nothing at all. We might still be in Class D right now if that were to be the case. It's the critical first month, too, for their academics."

Both of us chuckled bitterly while thinking about such a gruesome timeline.

"You know, when I got to this school, I was ready to lead the class if no one stepped up. Of course, I immediately knew that the role would suit you the most."

"I think you're fit for it, too. I can't do the same things that you do."

"That goes for most people since we're all different... But even if I can keep the class together, what we'd need are results. You're the only one who can give us that," he sighed. "Up until now, the reason why you got assigned to Class D is still a big mystery for me. Our classmates feel the same. But of course, they know that you don't like talking about your personal life, and we respect that."

"That's the same for you. You're an excellent student through and through, but you ended up in Class D. We're in the same boat. I'm sure our classmates are wondering about that, as well."

To be honest, I think a lot of it is due to the purpose of equalizing the power balance between classes. I'm pretty sure Horikita and I have talked about that before, although briefly. Excellent students are still placed in lower classes, and they may or may not have one or two glaring flaws. Horikita's initial lack of cooperativeness, Kouenji's indifference to the class, Yukimura's weak physique, and Mii-chan's lack of confidence are some examples.

Of course, enigmas like Matsushita and Nishimura are present. And speaking of Matsushita, we've known each other for so long, so apart from Kikyou, who knows the situation about my father, she's probably the girl who knows me the most and the girl I know the most. Up until now, even after knowing Matsushita's family life and past educational achievements, her placement in Class D is still a mystery. The only explanation was my initial theory of power balancing.

Kikyou would've been the same as Matsushita and Nishimura, given her above-average overall abilities, but she was most likely assigned to Class D due to her past. Hirata can still fall into either category depending on his past.

"Do you want to know?" Hirata probed with a smirk.

"If you want to trade information, then I'd pass."

"Ahaha, I understand. It was worth the try, though."

"I hope none of you take it with an offense. The reason why I don't talk about myself too much is that I'd rather stay silent than lie to you guys."

"Yeah. If it's something that you want to keep hidden no matter what, then who are we to pry? But on the contrary, I want to talk about myself."

"Is that fine with you?"

"Of course. My past... isn't the most pleasant thing, but it might make you understand me more. Why do I want to save everyone? Why am I willing to go so far? What drives me? As your friend, I want you to know that. It doesn't matter if you don't tell me about yourself in return, Ayanokouji-kun."

"I see..."

"Now's not the time, though. I don't feel like opening up old wounds just yet."

"I'll wait... Thank you."

"Haha, you're very welcome."

Hirata Yousuke was a good guy. I'm sure that opinion won't change even if he tells me about his past. It might be tragic, it might be dark, but in the end, he's become the current guy that he is— a kind and thoughtful classmate who's willing to help his friends without asking for anything in return.

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August 8th, 9:10 AM.

I was on my way to the elevator when a familiar voice called out from behind me.

"Yo, Ayanokouji. Can we take your time for a sec'?"

It was Class A's Hashimoto Masayoshi... and if I remember correctly, Kamuro Masumi.

Hashimoto waved at me while Kamuro continued talking on the phone. Due to the lack of students on this deck, I could clearly hear what she was saying.

"That was stupid. Did you seriously have to type the actual thing instead of a typical 'haha'?" Her eyes narrowed while arguing with the person on the other end. "Hah? What do you mean by 'trademark' chuckle? Are you doxxing yourself?"

A fight? Well, it sounded more like scolding a superior when they mess up rather than fighting with a friend, though.

"Is everything alright?" I asked.

"Ah... Haha... Don't mind them for now. I just wanted to congratulate you on your win during the exam. You really gave Class A and D a run for their money."

"It was nothing. You guys are still in the lead, you know?"

"Don't sell your achievements like that, man. You're the sole reason why Class D is the current Class B and a contender for toppling Class A off its throne. You wouldn't tell me that the class plays a big part now, would you? Given how this school was structured, I'm sure most of them wouldn't have been able to keep up."

Like the ones on the student body's top brass, Hashimoto also knew how things worked. Of course, it's also possible that, like Ryuuen and Katsuragi, Sakayanagi already figured out that I was behind Class D's rise in May.

"You're right, but I think they just need time to improve."

"Oh, of course. That's certainly the best way to look at it."

At that moment, Kamuro approached us and handed the phone to Hashimoto.

"Yes... Yes, of course. I'll put him on, now." Hashimoto pulled the phone away from his ear and gave it to me. "Our princess wants to talk to you. Is that alright?"

"Sure."

I see. On the other end of this call... was Class A's Sakayanagi Arisu. The leader of the other faction... and the chairman's daughter.

"Hello?"

"Fufufu... I finally get to hear your voice, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka-kun." Pleasant sounds rang inside my ear. She had the voice and tone of a well-bred young lady.

"It's nice meeting you, Sakayanagi Arisu-san."

"It would've been ideal to meet you personally, but this will have to do for now."

"Do you have any business with me?"

"Oh, that's an amusing question. Given how you're currently doing things, I thought you were the one who had some business with me," she chuckled.

Did the chairman tell her about our meeting? No... Given his show of partiality, there's a very low chance for that to happen.

"Why do you say so?"

"You just defeated Katsuragi-kun. I thought you were thinking about defeating me, next," she replied like it was a matter of fact.

It was clear that Sakayanagi Arisu was an intelligent person, but as of now, I can't fathom the limits of that intelligence.

"That's reasonable. However, I'm just planning to enjoy my summer vacation right now."

"Yes, of course." Her tone tells me that she was in a really good mood. "Well, class conflict aside, I didn't really plan to make contact with you, Ayanokouji-kun— at least, not this soon."

"Then why did you?"

"I heard that you got injured. Are you faring well?"

Some Class A students might've seen me walking around the halls with a bandaged head. It shouldn't be too strange for her to know about this if I was a person of interest, being Class B's leader and all.

"I'm fine, thank you for asking. But it surprises me that you're concerned about my well-being when we haven't even met yet."

"Fufufu. It's been four months since school started. I'm sure you've made a lot of close friends. However... I know more about you than any of them combined."

Knowledge about the White Room was roughly equivalent to knowing my entire life. Sakayanagi was technically right, in that sense.

"We can talk about that in length once we return."

"Oh? You don't sound surprised at all."

And because she sounds surprised about my reaction, I can basically confirm that the chairman didn't tell her anything.

"Not really. Your father and I met once. He's told me about you."

"I see..." Sakayanagi continued after a brief pause. "Thank you for being considerate enough to tell me about it."

"Think of it as a show of my gratitude. Acting like you didn't know me was also an available option for you."

So this was Sakayanagi Arisu. If she wants to fight me head-on, then I'd gladly reciprocate.

"Yes. Well then, it seems like I've taken too much of your time. Please enjoy your summer vacation, Ayanokouji-kun."

"Same here."

"I look forward to the day when we finally meet in person."

I gave the phone back to Hashimoto, who had been chatting with Kamuro while Sakayanagi and I were talking. He took the call and nodded a few times before finally hanging up.

"So, how was it? What's your impression of Class A's true leader?" he asked.

Kamuro calmly observed me with crossed arms.

"Hmm... I can't really say much right now, but I guess I can see why she doesn't get along well with Katsuragi."

He could've been sly with using her knowledge about me, but Sakayanagi chose to meet me head-on.

"Right? Katsuragi's pretty boring, isn't he?" Hashimoto laughed heartily before facing Kamuro. "It's about time we go. See you whenever, Ayanokouji."

Sakayanagi knows about me. On the other hand, I know nothing about her. After we meet in person, that's where I'll confirm her stance on my matters regarding the White Room.

Will she help me hide my past? Or will she use it against me?