Classroom of the Elite 2nd year Volume 12.5 Chapter 1

Classroom of the Elite 2nd year Volume 12.5


Chapter 1. Behind the Stage



The year-end special exam continued under pressing time constraints.

Surveillance cameras were set up in multiple corners.

The participants’ discussions could be observed through the monitors.

A one-on-one SOLO between the representatives, where no one was allowed to intervene.

Not even the homeroom teachers were informed of the full scope of the exam in advance—a twisted set of rules.

Faced with this sudden stage, the students were struggling with all their might.

Hoshinomiya Chie watched the special exam, holding her breath and suppressing her anxious feelings.

Her wish was simple.

Her class's victory.

She clenched her teeth so tightly that her jaw began to ache, but she didn’t even notice.

In this special exam, she was prepared to use any means necessary, as long as she could make a difference.

The original plan for the year-end special exam allowed for slight teacher involvement in the rules.

But when it was revealed, it turned out to be an entirely different test.

There was no notification from the school explaining the sudden change, leaving the truth unclear.

Hoshinomiya wasn’t the only one; the entire second-year teaching staff was left in the dark.

However, the reason became apparent now.

The anomaly sitting in front of her—or rather, the observer.

It was likely due to this observer’s arrival that the original plan had been distorted.

"Why…"

Hoshinomiya murmured softly.

Hope had seemed within reach after defeating Horikita Suzune, only for an unexpected development to occur.

Kiyotaka Ayanokouji appeared resolutely. His behavior, unbefitting of a student, and his merciless strategies.

Ichinose, hanging her head in defeat, confirmed her loss.

"This is too unfair..."

No one heard her quiet sigh.

An overwhelming presence, a joker card.

Hoshinomiya once again realized there was no way to overcome this ultimate trump card, held by Chabashira.

She could only watch the outcome unfold on the screen.

"The year-end special exam is over. Well done, everyone,"

Chairman Sakayanagi said, offering words of appreciation.

The male visitor, who had witnessed the special exam results alongside the four homeroom teachers and several men in black, rose slowly from his luxurious chair.

The men in black standing behind him hastily began preparing to leave.

"Thank you for the exceptional hospitality, Chairman Sakayanagi."

The visitor extended his hand in gratitude. Despite the expensive coffee served in a high-end cup and the unfamiliar but delicious refreshments, he barely touched them.

Sakayanagi quickly grasped his hand and bowed deeply.

"It was no trouble at all, Prime Minister Kijima. We are truly grateful for your visit."

The current Prime Minister—Kijima.

As a key figure promoting Advanced Nurturing High School, he had come specifically to observe the special exam.

Realizing this, Hoshinomiya could only accept it.

For the Prime Minister’s visit, no number of changes would seem excessive.

Kijima turned his gaze back to the screen.

On it, Ichinose sat helplessly, unable to even stand on her own, while Ayanokouji ignored her and left the room.

"It’s regrettable that there were dropouts, but the freedom to use the rules as one sees fit should be respected."

"I’m glad you think so. Ogiso-sensei also strongly advocated not to fear the risk of dropouts in our operations—"

Kijima subtly interrupted Sakayanagi, who was about to explain the dropout situation.

The teachers exchanged knowing glances, realizing that Ogiso referred to the Minister of Education.

"I understand. Of course, those who drop out will be taken care of appropriately, right?"

"Certainly. We will promptly find a suitable school for her abilities and personality."

"Good. I’ll leave it to you."

Kijima checked the time on his watch, which didn’t appear expensive.

He then turned to leave the room, with Sakayanagi hastily following him.

"I’ll visit again as scheduled on April 1st."

"Understood. President Koenji seems excited to meet with Prime Minister Kijima as well."

"That’s wonderful. It’s been three years since we last saw each other. I’m looking forward to it."

With that, Sakayanagi and Kijima exited the room.

The remaining four homeroom teachers finally relaxed, relieved to be free of the tense atmosphere.

"…Congratulations, Sae-chan. With this, you’re tentatively in Class A."

"While I’d like to thank you, the exam has just ended... and there’s the matter of Maezono’s expulsion. I can’t celebrate wholeheartedly."

A student’s expulsion was more significant than the joy of reaching Class A?

Chabashira’s earnest response only deepened Hoshinomiya’s agitation.

Was she mocking their continuous downfall?

Or… did she not even see Hoshinomiya as a worthy opponent?

Every time anxiety surged within her, so did her resentment.

She would never let this woman win.

Graduating as Class A? Over her dead body.

This resolve—or perhaps malice—swelled even greater than before the exam.