Chapter 084 Unexpected Results / The Unanimous Decision Exam Concludes for Three Classes
"Chabashira-sensei? Chabashira-sensei?"
The proctoring teacher, seeing Chabashira Sae staring blankly at the students, couldn't help but offer a reminder.
"Sorry, I spaced out for a moment." Chabashira Sae finally snapped back to reality. "Then, we shall proceed immediately to the fourth task."
Several lines of text appeared on the screen.
Task 4: Choose one of the following advantageous conditions for the Sports Festival in October and the Culture Festival in November.
Option 1: Sports Festival: Increase the class's overall initial score by 30 points. Option 2: Sports Festival: Gain the advantage of tripling the score for up to five selected events. Option 3: Culture Festival: Absolute priority in selecting one stall location (skip the bidding process). Option 4: Culture Festival: The final turnover of one food stall can be multiplied by 1.1.
The students looked at each other, somewhat unable to believe it. These were choices directly related to the upcoming Sports Festival and Culture Festival, and they were substantial buff options.
Shimizu Akira's mind immediately flooded with many thoughts, but since time was limited, he simply picked one. After sixty seconds, the first round of voting results was as follows:
Increase initial score by 30 points: 9 votes Triple score for five events: 8 votes Absolute priority for one stall: 11 votes Turnover multiplied by 1.1: 11 votes
"Chabashira-sensei, what is going on? Why are the options like this this time?"
"Exactly! We only know the rules for the Culture Festival; we have no idea about the specific rules for the Sports Festival. What does this 'initial score' even mean?"
Once the free discussion began, some students couldn't contain themselves and asked directly.
Chabashira, well-prepared, said: "I can temporarily tell you part of the rules. The Sports Festival is held with all three grades together, but when the final scores are tallied, only the
total initial scores of the four classes in each grade are compared. These two options can increase your initial advantage in the Sports Festival. I don't need to say much about the Culture Festival; those are also choices that can increase your initial advantage. In short, choose one of the four."
"Only a portion of the information was revealed!"
"But no matter how you look at it, these four options are pure welfare. We just need to simply pick one advantage!"
Shimizu Akira couldn't help but raise his hand: "Chabashira-sensei, since the Sports Festival and Culture Festival are held for the entire school, the first and third years don't have the Unanimous Decision Exam, right? Is this a benefit specifically for us second-years?"
Seeing it was Shimizu Akira asking, Chabashira answered without hesitation: "Yes. This is a benefit task specifically given to you by Chairman Sakayanagi, considering that only the second-year has an additional special exam. Actually, originally, it was supposed to be a penalty option that added difficulty and punishment conditions for your final exams."
"Chabashira-sensei!" The proctor sitting at the back immediately warned, "The latter half was unnecessary. You explained too much!"
Chabashira Sae, having been called out, could only nod awkwardly: "My apologies!"
She gave Shimizu Akira a helpless look and then tapped the podium: "Alright, there are still a few minutes left for free discussion. Please discuss freely!"
Hirata Yousuke was the first to stand up: "Options one and two are related to the Sports Festival, and options three and four are related to the Culture Festival. Let's first discuss which festival we should prioritize strengthening."
Ike Kanji raised his hand: "I choose the Sports Festival! Our class isn't good at that kind of selling stuff in a Culture Festival."
"But Option 3 gives absolute priority for a stall," Sato Maya said with a wave of her hand. "If we pick the location first, we can take the spot with the most foot traffic. The turnover will definitely be much higher."
"Option 4 can even multiply it by 1.1."
"It's only 1.1, that's not much, right?"
"Don't look down on that 0.1. If the turnover is high, it's a significant amount!"
The class was divided, and no one could convince anyone else. At this time, Horikita Suzune suddenly spoke.
"Let me share my view."
The crowd gradually quieted down.
"Since it's a benefit, picking any of them won't be a loss. However, the rules for the Culture Festival have been made clear beforehand—even if we rank last, there's no need to expel students or deduct class points. Meanwhile, the Sports Festival rules aren't fully clear yet. If the ranking is very poor, there's a high probability that class points will be deducted, right? Chabashira-sensei."
Chabashira remained silent for a second, scanned her, and then said: "That is information that cannot be disclosed at present. It's considered part of this exam's test on how you make decisions and analyses under uncertain information."
In fact, that second of silence was already a tacit admission.
But the teacher in charge of monitoring at the back couldn't help saying: "Enough! From now on, asking the teacher questions unrelated to the exam rules is prohibited."
Horikita Suzune had already obtained the information she wanted, so she said rationally: "If we consider it for safety, to avoid becoming last place, strengthening the win rate of the Sports Festival is a good decision."
Hirata Yousuke leaned toward being conservative and strongly agreed with Horikita Suzune's idea: "I agree with Horikita-san. She's right. Since the Sports Festival likely has a penalty for ranking last, we should prioritize strengthening our advantage there."
Kushida Kikyo couldn't think of anything specific, so she naturally looked at Shimizu Akira sitting in the front row.
"Dear, what do you think?"
At this moment, everyone's eyes turned to him, including Chabashira herself.
Shimizu Akira's mouth twitched; he felt he couldn't continue slacking off, so he had to ask: "Chabashira-sensei, the other three classes should be facing the exact same tasks as us, right? If our class chooses the third option, and other classes also choose the right to prioritize stall selection, how will that be handled?"
This question was directly related to this special exam and was crucial, so the proctor did not interfere. Chabashira quickly replied: "First, it's a blind selection. If other classes have no intention of competing, the stall is yours. If several classes select the same stall simultaneously, we compare the total time taken to complete this Unanimous Decision Exam. Whoever spent fewer rounds will have the priority. If a winner still cannot be determined, then it's rock-paper-scissors."
The best stalls at the school gate were naturally the East Main Gate 1 and 3, and the West Main Gate 2 and 4. These four locations were all priced at ten thousand points. Therefore, even if all four classes of the second year chose to pick stalls, they could all find the four best locations.
After learning this information, Shimizu Akira continued: "We don't know the rules of the Sports Festival, and nobody knows the actual effect of options one and two. Although option four is stable, the 1.1 coefficient is too low. Even if we make our single stall's turnover the highest in the entire grade, the actual gain is limited."
"But Option 3 is different. Absolute priority for stalls means we can pick the best locations. This is something we can control; we don't need to gamble on luck, and we can even start making the most appropriate plans from now on."
Ike Kanji was the first to speak: "I agree with Shimizu! That makes sense! Among these four options, this is indeed the one we can control the most! If we can set up the Culture Festival stall at the school gate, the foot traffic alone would be worth more than that 1.1 multiplier."
"But..." a student hesitated, "what about the Sports Festival? What if we really end up in last place?"
Kushida Kikyo said with a laugh: "We took second place in last year's Sports Festival, and that was even while being targeted by Ryuen Kakeru."
"What Shimizu said is naturally well-thought-out. Even without an advantage, we can achieve a high rank in the Sports Festival. Do you not trust me, or do you not trust Shimizu Akira?" Sudo Ken glared at the student.
Given Horikita Suzune's personality, she didn't take Shimizu Akira's rebuttal to heart. Instead, she agreed with his point: "I think Akira-kun has a point; this is also a solution. Simply put, Option 3 is what we can control most at present. If we consider safety for the Sports Festival, then choose Option 1 or 2. Now, those who support choosing the Sports Festival advantage, please raise your hands."
About ten people in the class raised their hands.
Kushida Kikyo then said: "Now, those who support Option 3, raise your hands?"
This time, twenty people raised their hands.
Shimizu Akira was somewhat surprised. There were actually so many people in the class supporting him? Even though his opponents were Hirata Yousuke and Horikita Suzune.
Kushida Kikyo, however, wasn't surprised at all. Shimizu Akira's popularity in class was actually not low; he just rarely spoke in public. Besides, what he said was indeed reasonable. What the class could grasp now was indeed this right to pick stalls in advance. Last year's Sports Festival results weren't bad either, so it wasn't strange for other students to agree with him.
Just like that, the minority followed the majority, and the second vote went to Option 3 with 39 votes.
"Alright, Task 4 ends here. The advantage chosen by Class 2-A is: absolute priority in selecting one stall location for the Culture Festival."
Chabashira glanced at the time; it was only two o'clock in the afternoon. Only an hour had passed since the start of the exam, and this group of students had already quickly completed the first four tasks.
"Then... next is the final task."
Task 5: Expel one classmate; in exchange, the class will receive one hundred class points. (If there is unanimous approval, a follow-up vote will be held to designate the student to be expelled.) Options: Approve / Disapprove
Chabashira Sae had thought her emotions would turn sour when announcing this expulsion task, but unexpectedly, she felt fine—her heart was quite peaceful. On the contrary, below the stage, the faces of many students changed instantly.
No talking was allowed during the voting time, so everyone could only start blind voting. Sixty seconds later.
"...Since everyone has finished voting, I will now announce the results."
For the first time, Chabashira herself read out the results with some astonishment: "First vote results—Approve: 0 votes, Disapprove: 39 votes. For the fifth task, the entire class chose to give up those 100 class points; therefore, no one needs to be expelled. This is also the first task to reach a unanimous decision in the first round of voting."
"According to the rules, all five tasks have been completed within the allotted time, so the special exam concludes here."
"What? Everyone actually chose Disapprove!"
"For real?"
"It's just over in one go?"
Many students hadn't reacted yet. For the grand finale question, they didn't even use the discussion time—it was finished instantly in the first round?
Horikita Suzune also felt it was unexpected. She looked at Kushida Kikyo and asked directly: "Kushida, I remember saying that to ensure every special exam has enough time to discuss the tasks, I asked you to keep voting for option one. Why did you choose Disapprove this time?"
To her surprise, Kushida Kikyo said with a smile: "I judged that there was no need to waste discussion time on this kind of task. As long as the whole class agrees, we can just pass it. After all, it's only a hundred class points; it's not worth expelling someone over."
"Well done, Kushida!"
"Exactly! Your choice was great!"
On the other hand, Koenji Rokusuke clicked his tongue with some regret: "My, my, I thought someone would vote 'Approve.' So I chose 'Disapprove' this time, and it just ended so easily. A pity, such a pity."
"What kind of mischief are you holding back!" Sudo Ken couldn't help but glare at him. "Were you actually planning to choose Approve? What benefit is there for you!"
Koenji said as a matter of course: "It's simple. If the class points increase, the personal points I receive will also increase accordingly. Why wouldn't I do something that benefits me?"
"Just for such a casual reason?"
"Wait! Didn't you already get a million personal points in the uninhabited island special exam last time? You also got five hundred thousand in the treasure hunt. You have a full 1.5 million on hand; do you still care about that ten thousand every month?"
"Exactly!"
Quite a few people felt a lingering fear. Luckily, Kushida Kikyo chose Disapprove and the exam ended completely; otherwise, who knew what trouble Koenji would have caused.
Since the special exam was over, the two teachers proceeded to return the phones, and everyone slowly went back to their seats.
Horikita Suzune still found it hard to let go. A special exam that tested the human heart? Just that simple? It ended that easily? That woman Kushida actually didn't take the chance to cause trouble?
On the other side, as if knowing Horikita Suzune was full of questions, Kushida Kikyo rarely let her friends leave first and then waved to her. The two came to the back of the classroom.
"You didn't take the chance to vote away the people you hate?"
"I had planned to. But I thought about it last night and gave up on that idea."
"Why?"
"Because you would definitely have chosen Disapprove. By then, we would probably have started arguing again."
"So, you only chose 'Disapprove' to avoid worsening our relationship?"
Kushida Kikyo said with rare seriousness: "I just feel that the relationship between the two of us doesn't need to become a life-and-death struggle like Chabashira-sensei and Hoshinomiya-sensei."
After hearing about the past mess between Chabashira and Hoshinomiya and hearing Shimizu Akira use them as an example, she actually felt some resonance in her heart. How should she put it—while it was true she didn't like Horikita, no matter what, the two of them were currently sharing the same man. They would be seeing each other constantly in the
future. If they really let their relationship deteriorate further over something like a vote, making Shimizu Akira's head ache more, there was really no point.
"Just that?"
"Our class is already Class A and ahead of Class B. We aren't really lacking these hundred class points. The general will of the class is to protect people; even for me, it would be hard to persuade everyone to vote otherwise."
"And?"
"You really are persistent. Fine, actually I asked Akira a similar question, and he said he would choose to protect people. We slept together last night and he made me very happy, so this time I won't give him a headache and will follow his wishes. You accommodated me once in Task 1, so I'll accommodate you once too."
Horikita Suzune gave a cold laugh. In the end, it was because of Shimizu Akira that she changed her mind.
However, she couldn't help but correct her: "Kushida, you've got it wrong. In Task 1, I simply agreed with your view; it wasn't meant to accommodate you."
Kushida Kikyo shivered with a look of disgust: "You really do say some nauseating things occasionally. What do you mean you 'simply agreed with my view'? Isn't that even more disgusting?"
Indeed, their personalities just didn't clash well; they couldn't become friends.
Although Chabashira and Hoshinomiya were "plastic" best friends, at least they looked like good friends to outsiders. Meanwhile, for her and Kushida Kikyo, let alone being classmates, even a stray dog on the street would know they didn't get along.
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In the neighboring Class D, the same exam was taking place. Hoshinomiya herself was looking at the results on her hand with a flat expression.
"First vote results—Approve: 0 votes, Disapprove: 42 votes. With this, the special exam concludes."
"Great! Then the exam is completely over, right!"
"The last question was very simple!"
"Exactly. Sensei, is our class the fastest to complete the tasks?"
Hoshinomiya glanced at the notification in the group and said listlessly: "You guys are only second place. First place is Class 2-A."
"As expected of Shimizu Akira's class!"
"Sigh, I knew it!"
"Honami, looks like your boyfriend's side is safe and sound too. Don't keep such a stiff face."
Ichinose Honami said with a slight blush: "I actually wasn't that worried... their class would definitely make a rational choice."
She stood up and looked around. Most of the class seemed very happy, except for Kanzaki Ryuji, whose expression was still very solemn. She walked directly over.
"Kanzaki-kun, are you alright?"
Kanzaki Ryuji only then seemed to snap out of it: "Uh... Ichinose, I'm fine. I'm just thinking—is this result really the right choice?"
"Are you referring to the decision to protect people?" Ichinose Honami asked.
Kanzaki Ryuji sighed: "Yes. In this Unanimous Decision Exam, we chose the task to pay half of the whole class's personal points for half a year to give the Protection Point to you, and in this round, we completely gave up the price of a hundred class points to choose to protect everyone. I'm wondering if it's because we always choose to protect everyone that our class has gradually become Class D."
Ichinose Honami opened her mouth, not knowing what to say.
Seeing her troubled look, Kanzaki Ryuji said helplessly: "I'm not blaming you. Like you, it's hard for me to accept any classmate leaving our class; otherwise, I wouldn't have voted 'Disapprove' just now."
As soon as he finished speaking, a steady voice immediately chimed in: "At least Totsuka and I are very grateful for everyone taking us in."
The two turned around to see Katsuragi Kouhei. He and Totsuka Yahiko had walked over together.
"Yeah. Thanks to you guys, otherwise I would have been expelled long ago," Totsuka Yahiko said gratefully.
Kanzaki Ryuji quickly waved his hand: "It wasn't just our intention; it was the opinion of the whole class."
Katsuragi Kouhei said steadily: "But you and Ichinose are the leaders; it was you who took the lead in agreeing. I also heard what you said just now. From the results, you might be right, but speaking of the process alone, the fact that Totsuka and I can stay in this school smoothly is
thanks to everyone's efforts. Therefore, protecting people is not meaningless. At least, our class now has forty-two people, making us the most numerous among the four classes."
Kanzaki Ryuji froze for a moment. It seemed that made sense.
Katsuragi Kouhei stroked his chin. "Having many people gives us a huge advantage in special exams that allow for many participants. For instance, in the upcoming Sports Festival and Culture Festival, I think we can aim for the top three."
Ichinose Honami was somewhat surprised. "But last year our Sports Festival was in last place. For this Culture Festival, other classes will surely come up with very good plans."
"That's why we need to prepare in advance," Katsuragi Kouhei said unhurriedly. "Our class having many people means we have more hands available and can cover more areas. Whether it's the Sports Festival or the Culture Festival, in the end, it's a contest of overall strength."
Totsuka Yahiko nodded beside him: "Big brother is right! There is strength in numbers!"
Katsuragi Kouhei continued with a specific plan: "The reason we were last last year was because you chose to go head-to-head with Sakayanagi; their 'high-grade horses' ate up our class's 'high-grade horses.' If we can ensure our class's seed players take first place, the result is still unknown, so there's no need to be discouraged.
As for the Culture Festival—Ichinose, your interpersonal relationships are the best in the whole school. If you step forward, it's not impossible to pull in a few people from other grades or even school staff to help. After all, the rules don't say only students can participate; seeking help from the homeroom teacher is also a permitted act."
Ichinose Honami's eyes lit up: "Indeed!"
"Currently, the Sports Festival rules are not yet clear, but the Culture Festival rules are already quite clear. Since we are comparing overall turnover, why don't we open more shops and make good use of our class's advantage of having many people and many helpers?"
Totsuka Yahiko muttered: "But big brother, if there are more projects, the funding is fixed. If it's spread out like that, it'll be hard for each shop to have a budget."
Katsuragi Kouhei explained, "So we need to decide on a few core projects, and then think of some service projects that don't need much budget but can be handled with manpower while also being needed by the guests.
For example... a cloakroom."
"A cloakroom?"
"Yes," Katsuragi said. "During the Culture Festival, everyone who comes to visit will be carrying a bunch of things. Food, drinks, little trinkets they bought, backpacks, coats... it's very
inconvenient to walk around with these things. If we provide a cheap storage service, 500 points a time, how many people do you think would be willing to use it?"
Kanzaki Ryuji couldn't help but nod: "That's a good idea. The cost is almost zero; we just need a few tables, some number tags, and two or three people to watch over it. We definitely aren't short of people."
Totsuka Yahiko also said: "Then how about, for example, a charging service? Everyone carries a phone nowadays; you spend most of the day at the Culture Festival, and it's no good if your phone runs out of juice. We can set up some power strips, rent out power banks, or just make a charging corner and charge by the hour."
"And! How about a photo spot?"
"A lucky draw would be okay too!"
Ichinose Honami didn't quite understand Sakayanagi Arisu's ways: "Katsuragi-kun, your ideas are clearly very good. Why did Sakayanagi-san keep suppressing you in class instead of making plans with you?"
Katsuragi Kouhei spread his hands: "Because Sakayanagi Arisu wants to control the class alone. So for her, she is even willing to do things like betraying class interests or destroying my image. But that situation doesn't exist in our class. So, let's unite and work hard for the Culture Festival and Sports Festival."
There was some movement from a nearby seat. Himeno Yuki walked over and asked coldly: "Then what if the third semester's special exam requires sacrificing one person? What will we do then?"
Kanzaki Ryuji and Ichinose Honami didn't know what to say.
Instead, Katsuragi Kouhei said without hesitation: "When that time comes, let me and Totsuka take turns being the sacrifice. After all, the two of us were taken in by your class."
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The neighboring Class B had also made a quick choice.
"Everyone, let's all choose 'Disapprove.' There's no need for us to sacrifice one person to get those hundred class points."
"Eh, is that okay?"
"But we could get a hundred class points!"
Sakayanagi Arisu said as a matter of course: "Our class only has thirty-eight people now. If we continue to reduce our numbers, future special exams will only become more and more
disadvantageous. Shimizu Akira's class and Ichinose Honami's class should have done the same. As for Ryuen, their class points are still far behind ours; even if he chooses to sacrifice someone, it won't affect us much."
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