On the other side.
Class A vs. Class D.
Currently, inside the multimedia classroom.
Ayanokouji and Katsuragi sat opposite each other in front of computer screens. These two "quiet types" didn't speak much.
Aside from necessary pressure, Katsuragi didn't care for using words to mess with his opponent's head.
As long as he didn't speak, Ayanokouji remained expressionless and silent.
From time to time, both used their mice to click on class members' icons and move them into event slots. Instructions would then be transmitted to the other teachers waiting in the classrooms.
If any other issues arose, Hoshinomiya Chie and the Class C teacher, Sakagami Kazuma, were responsible for monitoring and relaying information.
However, Katsuragi's strength was indeed not weak.
Ultimately, this exam was simply about arranging the right people for the right events.
As long as one had a certain level of coordination ability, this exam wasn't difficult.
The exam had reached the final round.
Seventh round: Chess.
Required participants: One person. Time limit: One hour (loss upon expiration).
Rules: Follow standard international chess rules. However, after the 41st move, the time limit will not increase.
Commander: May use their own time to give instructions for a maximum of thirty minutes at any point.
Looking at the randomly selected project, Katsuragi couldn't help but look serious.
He had originally thought dealing with Class D would be relatively easy, but he didn't expect it to drag on until the final round.
Still, compared to being an enemy of someone like Ryuen, facing Class D was much more comfortable.
The strength of Class D was indeed somewhat beyond expectations, but their competitive spirit was worth affirming; at least they didn't use any underhanded or dirty tactics.
Without hesitation, Katsuragi chose Sakayanagi Arisu, whom he had saved until now, as the participant.
This core project, from the rules to the participants, was formulated entirely by Sakayanagi Arisu alone.
Aside from the bet with Sakayanagi, the most important thing was that Sakayanagi's chess level was the highest in Class A.
Even as an opponent, Katsuragi had to admit it.
Sakayanagi's strength in this area had far exceeded that of an ordinary student, one could even say it reached the level of a professional player.
This match would definitely not be lost.
Although it would only be a small 4-3 victory, Katsuragi was already very satisfied.
If this were the case, he believed many people would reconsider who the most suitable leader for Class A truly was!
After all, during the last forest camp, Sakayanagi's strategy had directly led to the defeat of the Class A boys' group.
Although Katsuragi was very clear that the strategy itself was fine and the main problem lay with Hikigaya, in the eyes of Class A, Katsuragi and Sakayanagi Arisu were about equal!
In a certain classroom of the special teaching building, Horikita Suzune sat in her seat, staring at the chessboard in front of her, with two staff members responsible for proctoring.
After waiting for a long time, Sakayanagi Arisu finally pushed the door open while leaning on her cane.
She had a gentle smile on her face.
"I am truly sorry. Due to physical reasons, it took a bit more time on the way."
"Please, sit."
One of the proctors nodded.
After all, Sakayanagi's difficulty with walking was an objective fact, and the school was somewhat flexible in this regard.
Whether compelled by the surrounding atmosphere or simply as a human being, no one would be overly harsh toward Sakayanagi.
"Thank you."
Sakayanagi lifted a corner of her skirt and bowed her head in thanks, like an elegant noble, before sitting down in front of Horikita Suzune.
However, although her smile was impeccable, Sakayanagi clearly had no intention of giving a sincere thanks.
After all, in Sakayanagi's eyes, the congenital lack of sensation in her left leg was both her defect and her advantage.
As long as she could make good use of this defect, she could gain advantages in many activities.
Simply put, whether it was waiting in line, public transportation, or PE class, she could obtain preferential treatment that ordinary people couldn't have!
As long as she made the right reaction, this privilege would not only avoid causing resentment but would also win sympathy and pity, becoming a means to control the opponent.
This was also a form of strength!
Sakayanagi never felt inferior due to her own defects; instead, she used them as a weapon—a weapon that worked every time.
As long as the opponent still had a trace of humanity, this weapon could be effective no matter how many times it was used.
Only in front of Hikigaya did she suffer a setback.
Of course, it wasn't that it had no effect, but rather that Hikigaya avoided it.
Clearly, she had been protected too well.
"Now then, let the seventh match begin—Chess!"
"Please give me your guidance!"
Horikita Suzune and Sakayanagi Arisu bowed their heads respectively.
The match officially began.
Watching Sakayanagi habitually hold her cane, Horikita Suzune took the initiative to hold a black and a white piece in each hand, briefly hiding them behind her back before presenting them to Sakayanagi.
"Since this is Class A's core project, you should be very familiar with the rules, right?"
"Of course. The left hand."
At those words, Horikita Suzune opened her fair left hand, revealing the black piece inside. It was her turn to go first.
"Although the time I've spent learning chess is very short—only one week..."
Horikita Suzune chose Pawn to E4 and said in a calm tone:
"I've also discovered that this game consumes more physical strength than mental power. Did you set the time to one hour because you lack confidence in your own stamina?"
In fact, Horikita Suzune naturally knew that was not the case.
If the time set was too long, the project could easily be rejected by the school.
This was merely psychological warfare against Sakayanagi Arisu.
Since this was Class A's core project, and the opponent was likely very confident in this competition, Horikita Suzune naturally had to give it her all.
She needed to find a new breakthrough outside the board!
"Is that so?"
Sakayanagi picked up a piece, her face calm and showing no intention of retorting.
"Hmm?"
This caused Horikita Suzune to knit her brows and glance at her, saying in a cold voice:
"I see. But I'm sorry, in order to win this match, I will not show any mercy."
"There is no need to worry..."
Sakayanagi Arisu placed the piece on the board and laughed elegantly:
"I will be sure to show plenty of mercy. Please, Horikita-san, do your best to fulfill your role as a chess piece."
Horikita Suzune furrowed her brows.
The opponent seemed to not view her as an equal at all.
Although she had only studied for a week, under Ayanokouji Kiyotaka's training, Horikita Suzune was very confident in her own level.
Then don't blame her for being ruthless!
With that thought...
Horikita Suzune launched an attack without mercy.
But as time passed, Horikita's brow furrowed deeper and deeper.
To her eyes, the situation was temporarily split 50/50, but the problem was that Sakayanagi Arisu didn't show any sign of pausing to think.
Whenever Horikita made a move after careful deliberation, the opponent would respond instantly, as if everything was within Sakayanagi's expectations.
It was a clear gap in strength.
Horikita Suzune's face turned extremely ugly. Previously, she might have thought she was playing well.
But now, Horikita was very aware that the opponent was going easy on her, deliberately maintaining the balance.
Just then, the opponent's movements suddenly stopped, leaving Horikita confused.
"I must say," Sakayanagi Arisu looked at the timer and smiled:
"To reach this level in just one week, it seems you have a good teacher. It must be the commander up there, right?"
Horikita Suzune remained silent.
After all, if there were someone in Class D stronger than her, it naturally wouldn't be her turn to serve as the main player; the only one left was the commander above who couldn't participate.
"So?" Horikita Suzune said in a cold voice, "This shouldn't be your true strength. What is the point of playing this kind of instructional game?"
"I said it, didn't I?" Sakayanagi Arisu laughed nonchalantly:
"You can rest assured, I will show plenty of mercy!"
"The current situation is evenly matched. Once my remaining time reaches thirty minutes, you should hand over the decision-making power to that teacher of yours."
"Otherwise..." Sakayanagi's eyes turned sharp: "The only thing you will face is defeat."
Being so belittled made Horikita Suzune's face even more unpleasant.
However, she knew very well that what Sakayanagi said was the truth.
The gap was simply too vast.
Her time had already dwindled to thirty minutes, while Sakayanagi still had fifty minutes left. Now, Sakayanagi was just letting time slip away because she wanted to face a truly strong opponent.
"Is that so?"
"If you lose because of this, you won't be able to recover your standing in Class A, will you?"
Horikita Suzune clenched her fists and stared at the opponent with frustration.
"Oh my."
"Are you worried about me?"
"However, that is not something for you to concern yourself with."
Sakayanagi smiled indifferently.
Although it was frustrating to have Katsuragi take the commander position, participating as a piece wasn't without its benefits.
This way, she could directly duel Ayanokouji and then crush that fake genius!