Classroom of the Elite: Alter - Self-Test

Two more messages were sent to me after a brief moment.

(8:01) [Ayanokouji, I'm the VIP in our group.]

(8:01) [Ayanokouji-kun, I'm the VIP.]

As instructed, any VIP from our class will immediately send me a text.

"How many others?" asked Horikita.

"Two— Karuizawa from the Rabbit Group and Minami from the Horse Group," I replied.

"I see. That further strengthens our theory then," said Horikita.

"-That there are three VIPs in each class, right?" asked Kikyou.

Hoshinomiya-sensei stressed it near the end of our briefing. The school will be fair and impartial. The equal number of VIPs across each class made sense.

"Yeah," nodded Hirata. "We can't really help out our classmates too much, so our main priority is to hide your identity, Kushida-san."

Once our classmates meet up with their groups, our movements are limited. Of course, the option of eavesdropping on them via call is possible, but I'm sure we'll be preoccupied with our own groups' matters.

"Yes. For the nine remaining groups, I believe we need more time to figure out what's happening, before making any moves."

The four of us were fairly confident that a pattern or code existed. After all, Hoshinomiya-sensei explicitly stated that they would "consider some elements" before choosing the VIPs. It's the perfect scenario to really test our cognitive thinking. On the other hand, engaging in discussions will test our abilities in psychological warfare.

Now that we have three VIP names, cracking the code will be significantly easier.

Horikita and I decided to have lunch in a yakitori-ya on the first deck. It seems like she wanted to talk about the test. It's open as a restaurant during the day, but since the place still serves alcohol, it's off-limits to students during the night.

It's inconspicuous, to say the least. We're the only ones inside, so our conversation would normally be very audible to others, but the music was loud enough to drown out our voices. We weren't too worried about someone else coming. And besides, even if an eavesdropper wanted to sneak in, they'd instantly be seen by both of us the moment they reached the entrance.

"Now this is quite the secret meeting," I commented while waiting for our orders.

"Quite frankly, I wanted to feel the summer breeze back on the upper decks. However, this is a special exam. Anything that would give us an edge must be exclusive to our class," sighed Horikita.

Having a meeting in a place like this basically had zero risks so we didn't need to hold back in talking about potential strategies. Of course, once this location gets known to our rivals, it'd be extremely dangerous.

"Why didn't you invite Hirata and Kikyou?" I asked.

"I wanted to discuss everything with you first," replied Horikita.

"I see." After a quick sigh, I looked at Horikita with a serious expression. "There's a big chance that we'll become Class A after this, you know?"

"Yes, of course. That's why I'll do everything to win." Horikita's usual calm was still present, but her eyes exhibited a different kind of vibrance.

"Do you think your brother will recognize you after we get there?" I asked in an offhanded manner.

Inevitably, Horikita's composure took a hit.

"I don't know..." Knowing that I didn't have any malicious intent behind my question, Horikita chose to tackle it in an objective manner. Well, at least she tried to.

"He's the student council president, Horikita. I doubt he'd be in the dark about whatever happens in our special exams."

"Which means he'll know exactly who runs the show... right?"

"Yeah. With the way things are right now, you're nothing but my pawn," I said so without even looking at her.

I uttered cold and harsh words, but they were also truths that she couldn't deny. Horikita didn't get angry. Instead, she had a look of frustration.

"I... I admit that I wasn't the most useful person during our previous exam, but that won't be the case this time. I'll do everything I can..." she replied with a strained voice.

The Deserted Island Special Exam, as I like to call it... That environment wasn't for an honor student like Horikita. However, this test might be her chance to shine.

"Well then, why don't we use this opportunity to see a preview of Class A's future leader?" I crossed my arms and leaned back. "Of course, I'll help you, but only in the smallest way possible."

Horikita didn't look too surprised. She probably understood my implications right from the start.

"I see... You want me to take the lead."

"Yeah. I'll be your pawn this time, but you have to bring our class to victory. Can you do it?"

"Of course, I can." Horikita nodded with unyielding determination in her eyes. "Leave it to me, Ayanokouji-kun."

"Against Katsuragi, Ichinose, and Ryuuen... Do you think you'll win?" I asked.

"I'll win," Horikita answered bluntly.

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Day 1, 12:45 PM.

Horikita and I made our way to the 2nd deck. I recalled our meeting from earlier and etched the details in my mind.

"We may have three VIPs right now. But they won't be enough, even if a pattern really exists," I said.

"You're right. We have to search for clues," she replied.

"Well, the clues were already given to us, right?"

Horikita nodded in agreement before getting specific.

"First of all, didn't you find the wording of the email quite strange?"

"Ohh, you mean the one we got when the VIPs were assigned."

"I didn't like it. It's like they were saying I wasn't qualified to be the VIP."

How competitive. I bet she and Ibuki would get along.

"Do you think it's a clue?" I asked.

"Definitely," Horikita replied without batting an eyelid.

"I see."

"Next up was how we were grouped. The Dragon Group being the last one to be briefed and the Class Representatives being its members— it's definitely another clue."

I nodded silently.

"I think you're on the right track, but even if we line up every clue, we won't see the pattern unless we get our hands on—..." I stopped myself before asking. "Horikita, how many VIP names do we need to figure it out?"

"What a coincidence. I was about to ask you the same thing."

"I don't know," I shook my head.

"Is that really the case?" Horikita probed me with doubtful eyes.

"I've answered a lot of puzzles in the past, but I never really paid attention to my own methods. As long as I see the pattern, I answer. That's all there is to it."

"I see," Horikita sighed in defeat. Even if I didn't tell her the truth, prying further won't help. She knew that all too well. "If we get 50% of the required variables, I'm sure the pattern will become clear. So at least three other names are needed to figure everything out. If we use all of the hidden clues, then maybe two are enough."

"Three, huh?"

"I've made a spreadsheet of all the groupings. Here, I'll send it to you."

"Ahh, thanks."

"I'll send it to Kushida-san and Hirata-kun, as well."

Last night, the class group chat was filled with names after Kikyou asked everyone to send their group members. Horikita made good use of that information.

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While admiring Horikita's abilities in my memories, the two of us finally entered the room labeled "Dragon".

"Oh, Ayanokouji-kun, Horikita-san, hey there~!" Ichinose's cheerful voice greeted us.

She and her classmates were seated on the chairs prepared for us. Along with Class C, Katsuragi's Class A was already settled in, as well.

"Ah, you two are already here."

It wasn't long until Hirata arrived with Kikyou.

"Hello, everyone! Good afternoon." Kikyou made her way beside me and sat closely.

She sat there, smiling, without saying a word. Ichinose, Tsube, and even Class A's Yano and Nishikawa gave us a curious look.

"Oh, seems like the family is complete."

Just before the time hit 1:00 PM, Ryuuen and his gang finally showed their faces.

And with their arrival, the first discussion for the Zodiac Test will finally commence.