"Everyone, take your seats."
With those short words, silence filled the entire classroom. I could hear the sound of my own breathing.
She was a woman in her late twenties, with a strict and serious demeanor.
I don't know why, but I feel like I've met her before.
Her eyes wandered across the classroom as if searching for someone—or something. When our eyes met, she paused on me for a second.
It might go unnoticed by an ordinary person, but loners are always sensitive to others' gazes.
Without saying another word, she headed straight to the podium and began speaking, her words resembling a formal speech:
"Welcome, new students. First, let me congratulate you on your acceptance into this distinguished institution. I am your homeroom teacher, Chabashira Sae, and I will also be teaching Japanese history. Unlike other schools, there will be no class changes over the next three years. I will guide you throughout your academic journey. I look forward to working with you."
So she's a teacher. Not that it was hard to guess—her presence reminds me of Hiratsuka-sensei. Oh right, they give off the same impression.
Could it be that the reason behind her stern expression is that she hasn't found a husband yet?
What caught my attention more, however, was the idea of not changing classes for three whole years.
One of the things students usually look forward to the most is changing classes. It helps expand one's social circle and gives a chance to reset relationships.
So why would this school deprive its students of that? Could there be some hidden reason behind this policy?
"Now, I will explain the school rules. You've likely already gone over some of them during the orientation session, so this will mostly be a review."
All the students nodded. Almost everyone had already learned the basics about this school from the handbook they received after being accepted.
In short, you study here for three years, then graduate with the opportunity to enter any university—or even choose any job you want.
That's very strange.
Can your life really become this easy just by enrolling in this school?
"This school also has another unique feature: the S System. The smartphone you will receive serves as your student ID. Communication is limited to within the school grounds only, and all external contacts will be blocked. Additionally, this device will be your only means of payment within the school."
I had heard that communication with the outside world was restricted, but I didn't expect it to be this strict. Does that mean I won't even be able to contact Komachi?
Well, I'll make this my motivation to graduate as soon as possible… no, forget it. Three years is three years—you can't skip them no matter what. Just wait for me, Komachi. Your brother will come back.
The teacher began distributing smartphones to the students. Are they really giving every first-year a phone? Who's paying for all of this?
"The interface is simple. After logging in using facial recognition, you can use the phone to handle all transactions—just like mobile payments. However, what you spend isn't money, but points issued by the school. As long as you're here, you can buy anything you need using these points."
After hearing all that, I can only say: as expected of this school. Thought has been put into everything—from payment systems to communication—while also restricting external contact. It seems the school is equipped with the latest technology.
But the phrase "anything" opens the door to many possibilities. When she says "anything," does she really mean anything? You know… like that kind of thing…
Well, high school boys don't only think about those things… they also care about… world peace?
I followed the steps to log in. The process was smooth and simple—no experience required.
A screen appeared showing my full name, student ID, and photo. My eyes still looked like those of a dead fish.
Also, 100,000 points. I wonder how much that's worth in reality.
"The points will be transferred automatically at the beginning of each month. As of now, each of you should have received 100,000 points. By the way, one point equals one yen. Any questions?"
"W-what… 100,000 yen?"
"No way! Is all of that for our personal use?"
Whispers spread across the classroom. An amount like that is something an ordinary high school student could only dream of.
The offer was so appealing that no one even stopped to wonder if there was a catch.
"Are you surprised? There's no need to be. This school evaluates students based on their abilities and potential. The points you receive reflect the school's evaluation of you. Feel free to use them however you see fit."
What does she mean by evaluation? Does the school already know our abilities? And if so, are we all considered equal?
And will this evaluation stay the same, or change over time?
I looked around, but no one seemed to notice these details. Am I overthinking this?
Impossible.
There's something important I learned from my father: any money you receive must be earned.
If your boss gives you a bank card and says, "Spend freely and enjoy," just know you'll be working overtime all month—maybe even on holidays.
Don't underestimate my father's experience. A first-class corporate slave.
The teacher placed her hands on the desk, as if there was still more she hadn't revealed.
The students immediately responded to her gesture.
"Once points are given to you, they are yours. You can even transfer them to others if you wish. However, be careful—bullying will not be tolerated."
It seems this school takes bullying seriously. Is that the real reason behind the large number of cameras?
Definitely not. There's no way all those cameras were installed just to prevent some student conflicts.
No matter what, students will always find ways to bully others. Source: me.
"These are the important details. Any other questions?"
Does that include questions about the system as a whole? Like whether we'll receive the same amount every month?
It seems no one else is interested in asking questions.
Even I'll stay silent—I don't want to embarrass myself. And this teacher doesn't seem very approachable. Is that just her personality, or the school's policy?
I don't know.
"Well then, it seems there are no further questions. I wish you all a wonderful school life."
The teacher quickly left the classroom, and with her, the silence disappeared. Conversations began everywhere. Clearly, everyone was excited—some already planning how to spend their money.
I decided to ignore my surroundings, put my hands in my pockets, and leaned back in my chair.
A school where, just by enrolling, you receive a monthly allowance equal to a salary.
Equipped with the latest technology to support your studies.
Devices and cameras everywhere to protect you.
And once you graduate, you can pursue your dreams anywhere.
This feels like a dream—because it is one.
I'll find out the price that must be paid for all these privileges.
"Hikigaya-kun…"
A girl's voice calling my name brought me back to reality.
I regained my senses and saw a girl with long silky black hair, snow-white skin, and blue eyes staring at me.
"I want you to make miso soup for me every morning…" I muttered unconsciously.
Yukinoshita blushed, her eyes darting around nervously.
"Hikigaya-kun, what are you saying?"
Oh no… what have I done? I basically proposed to her. That must be how she understood it.
This is so embarrassing…
Bad Hachiman. Very bad Hachiman.
I looked around the classroom to ease the awkwardness. It seemed everyone had already left.
Oh right, we were told to gather in our classes first, then head to the opening ceremony.
"Shall… shall we go?"
"Yeah…" It seemed her embarrassment had eased a bit.
I stood up, slung my bag over my shoulder.
"Let's go."
We left the classroom and walked down the hallway. A few students were coming out of their classes—some in groups, others alone.
I glanced beside me to see Yukinoshita in her new school uniform.
"I didn't tell you this, but the uniform suits you. You look beautiful."
Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at me.
"What?"
"Nothing. It's just… it's not like you to say things like that."
"Oh… yeah."
"Thank you."
She muttered it so softly it was almost inaudible—but it was enough to reach my ears.
"So, what do you think of the school?"
She placed a hand on her chin, as if taking a moment to think.
"Well… I can't help but say it's suspicious. Just like your eyes."
"Could you stop looking for every chance to insult my eyes?"
She covered her mouth to hide her laughter. I wouldn't have known she was laughing if not for the slight shaking of her shoulders.
"Well… I haven't fully organized my thoughts yet, but I can't shake the feeling that something is off."
"Yeah." As expected of Yukinoshita—she noticed something unusual, but hasn't had the chance to fully process it yet.
The human mind is both simple and complex at the same time. It can process data quickly, yet easily reach wrong conclusions. That's why we must focus before making judgments.
For now, I decided to keep my thoughts to myself and head toward the opening ceremony.
But seriously… this school is as suspicious as my eyes.