(Yuuto's POV)

The time for our exam was up. My hand ached incredibly badly. The exam was 2 hours long, and we had to write for the entire time.

We were dismissed in rows. Since I was in row F, I got dismissed fifth. We had to leave the exam hall in absolute silence, or else we'd be disqualified.

Already, there were three more victims. C Class students, Kamuro Hokyou and Esumi Chirie, and a B Class student, Daita Hachirou. It seems all the classes had suffered a disqualification.

1 in A Class, B Class and D Class. 2 in C Class and E Class. That's 7 disqualifications already... this school was definitely ruthless. I mean, the school revelation should've indicated it enough, but the midterms cemented just how hard we'd have to work in order to climb to the top.

I gulped as I made my way out past the hall and into the long corridor, entering the general area.

Students flocked around in groups and some slumped to the floor. People were lively chatting, so this was a safe zone... I breathed an audible sigh of relief and leaned against the wall.

I had no one to wait for.

I just stood there, watching my surroundings. Everyone seemed to find the test extremely hard, for good reason too.

That wasn't a normal midterm... I've never had to take a midterm so difficult before. It felt more like a finals-level paper. GEN Academy really did pull out all the stops when it comes to making us the best students in Japan. I wondered if any A Class students found it difficult.

"Takanori-san, how was it?" Coming up to me was the bright-eyed Kawaguchi Masaru.

"It was... uh, fine."

"You didn't have difficulty?" Kawaguchi said with sincere perplex in his tone. "That Japanese midterm was so bad. I didn't know how to answer half the questions. I gave it my best though, so let's hope it pays off!"

He was as optimistic as ever.

"Well, of course I found it relatively tricky. I just... Well, I did the same as you. Tried my best."

"What do you think happened to Mitsuba-san then?"

He probably was sitting in E Class with Kouji as Chabashira-sensei lectured them. That's the image I got in my head.

"No clue." I shrugged.

"Want to head back? If I stay in this exam hall for any longer, I might suffocate!"

"If you want. I'm gonna stay here."

"Seriously? You're actually waiting for someone?"

Kawaguchi looked surprised. Was I really seen as one of the big 3 loners...?

"I wouldn't say waiting... but, yeah. I need to talk to someone."

"Well, alright then. See ya around, Takanori-san!" Kawaguchi waved ran off.

I watched him walk away into the distance and join Akihiro and Tanaka.

"Takanori-san!" A cheerful voice came up to me next. It was Ikeda Arata. "There you are! I've been looking all over for you."

Right... I put my stuff in his locker.

"Want to go grab your stuff?"

"I'm..." As I thought of an excuse, I remembered what occurred earlier. "Uh... waiting for someone."

You're a life saver, Kawaguchi.

"Oh, really? Is it alright if I wait with you, then?"

I wanted to seize my chance to talk to Yukina, though... ah, whatever. I'll make up something on the spot again.

"Uh... well..."

"Could it be, you're waiting for Kinoshita-san?"

"No."

That response came scarily fast.

"It was a joke, sorry. Kinoshita-san left before you since she's in row C."

I knew that already.

"Don't worry, like I said, I'm on your side. I heard about your guy's relationship. It's a shame that the school segregated us this badly. I'm sure she'd love to talk to you after that horrible exam." He explained.

"Ikeda-kun, that exam was so bad!" A girl from C Class squealed and ran up to him. She latched onto his blazer and cried into his chest. Then, she looked up at me, and cringed. "I-Ikeda-kun... why is that... thing standing next to you?"

Upon closer inspection of her face, that was Nakasato Hanao.

"Nakasato-san, let's not objectify the students. This is Takanori Yuuto-san, and he's a good person."

"He can't be a good person, he's in Drachma Red! Only horrible people go there as punishment!"

This school sure has some crazy rumours about us, huh...

"Takanori must've done something bad to end up in E Class. We should stay clear of him..."

The lack of a honorific hurt.

"I don't think so. Takanori-san, why are you in E Class?" Ikeda asked.

That's something not even I can answer. Truthfully, at least.

I can't let them know I'm the worst student in GEN Academy. I'd become a laughing stock.

"I don't know. We weren't told why we ended up in E Class."

"Then think back to all the horrible things you did and tell us." Nakasato demanded. "I want you to tell me every last bad thing you did so Ikeda-kun never has to hang out with you again."

Every last horrible thing, huh...

"Now why would I tell you that?" I asked.

"Because Ikeda-kun asked you."

"You also asked me."

"You two. Let's not fight. If Takanori-san doesn't want to tell us, let's respect his privacy. We shouldn't be trying to dig up other people's pasts."

Nakasato clicked her tongue. I hated that she was being so hostile.

"Ikeda-san, just leave me be. I'll come to your locker later to get my stuff."

"Are you sure? I might not be there afterwards."

"You let him use your locker?!" Nakasato exclaimed.

"Yes. He asked earlier this morning, remember?" Ikeda said.

"I... I wasn't paying attention to the creepy E Class guy who came into our class..."

Creepy E Class guy... do I seriously come off that way?

"I'm sure."

Ikeda scratched his cheek, then nodded.

"Alright then. Nakasato-san, let's go."

"Okay!" Nakasato followed Ikeda as he left.

I sighed.

"That girl seemed troublesome."

I flinched, hearing that familiar voice. It was Yogen Emica.

"You're just as bad, Yogen-san."

"If it isn't my favourite Boya-san! Why do you look so depressed today?"

"It's because you're here." I began to walk away. I really didn't want to deal with her.

"Aw... don't be so rude." Yogen grabbed me by the sleeve and held onto my arm. She whispered into my ear, "You're much cuter when you're less hostile."

"The same old seduction tricks won't work on me..."

No, they were definitely working on me. I tried to ignore her attitude towards me, but it was getting harder and harder to get a grip on myself.

Constantly whenever we see each other, Yogen always ends up trying her best to make a mockery out of me by teasing me. I've grown to become sick of it.

"So, about that offer—"

"Denied. I don't want a relationship."

"The one about eating sweets at the cafe, dummy..." Yogen pouted.

I was jumping to conclusions already... what was this woman doing to my head?

"Still no."

I decided to take a firm stance against her.

"Fine~ feel free to contact me though if you do want to go." Yogen let go of me, winked, and whisked away.

Even if I wanted to go, I'm saving my private points for something else.

As everyone began to clear out, I was one of the few people left behind. No, I was the only student to still be here long after the exams were finished.

In the end, I still couldn't find the courage to talk to Yukina. I watched her slip away as usual, and I self-lamented on my uselessness.

I left the exam hall and returned to the main campus.

(Mitsuba's POV)

Welp. I was in the gymnasium, sitting down with six other students. Plus side? I wasn't the only one who got disqualified. Down side? I got disqualified.

At least I managed to drag an A Class student with me. Suck on that, Mitsumori! It's your fault for telling me to shut up and be quiet when I asked you for a pen!

I learned after the fact I got disqualified I could've asked the invigilator for a pen. Oops.

Regardless, I wasn't the only dummy here. Kouji brought his phone with him. Terasaka was whistling in the exam hall. Kamuro, Esumi and Daita were all caught talking.

I wasn't too worried. Sure, a zero on our papers sucked, but it was the first midterm. Big deal, who cares.

Except...

We had to sit here in the gymnasium for two hours. Doing absolutely nothing. While Hiden-sensei over-watched us. I nearly fell asleep.

Mitsumori tried to talk to his homeroom teach, but Hiden-sensei wasn't having it. Yeah, when you're an A Class student getting disqualified, I think you deserve to be in E Class, amirite?

This is my new strategy. To bring Mitsumori down to the bottom of the dumps with me! I'll sacrifice my exam scores for the greater good of 1st Year society! I have nothing to lose, since I only have two points!!

I wasted ten points on more cards... Everyone in the group chat said I was a failure...

My little sister would be proud of me. Yessiree.

"Alright, time to take you seven to the student council room. Feel free to try and appeal there. Otherwise, accept your fate of disqualification." Hiden-sensei smiled.

So he led all seven of us upstairs to the student council room.

He opened it, and boom! The entire student council was there, including the president and King of the school...

...Kishou Arashi-sama!

He was sitting front and centre of the appeal table. Seven seats were lined up, just for us. I took a seat at the far end in-between Kouji and Terasaka.

These guys were terrifying... I had no idea how I was going to appeal my case. By myself too! I'm not a lawyer! I might say something to make the situation worse!

Kishou-sama asked his secretary, a busty hot upperclassman with big boobs, to hand him some files. Oh god, it was our files.

He quickly read through each and placed them on the side. Putting his hand on the pile, he called for a name.

"Mitsumori Jiro-san. A Class 1st Year. Disqualified for talking before the exam could occur at 10:22am. Would you like to appeal?"

Kishou-sama's emotionless tone was scathing! He absolutely struck fear into both mine and Mitsumori's heart!

"...y-yes, your majesty."

Kishou pushed up his glasses and moved the file to a separate pile.

"Daita Hachirou-san. B Class 1st Year. Disqualified for talking after the exam finished at 12:40am. Would you like to appeal?"

Gah! Again! Daita looked like he'd crap himself!

"P-please... if possible..."

Kishou-sama slid the file to the other pile. Hey, I'm a poet and I didn't even know it.

"Esumi Chirie-san. C Class 1st Year. Dis—"

"I-I'm sorry King K-Kishou-sama! I-I'm so sorry for t-talking afterwards i-in the exam!! P-please, p-please let me appeal it!"

"...Of course. However, next time, please refrain from cutting in midway through. It's rude and disrespectful."

Kishou-sama's voice was terrifying... he was looking down at all of us, definitely... Esumi gasped and nodded desperately.

"Kamuro Hokyou-san. C Class 1st Year. Disqualified for talking after the exam finished at 12:34am. Would you like to appeal?"

Kamuro nodded yes weakly. She had tears in her eyes, I think. Kishou-sama moved the file.

"Terasaka Soichiro-san. D Class 1st Year. Disqualified for whistling in the exam at 10:20am. Would you like to appeal?"

"...Sure." Terasaka shrugged. "Also, drop the haughty attitude. I couldn't give a shit whether you're King or President. I hate the way you're looking down at me."

Kishou moved the file. Oh crap, Terasaka's starting beef with the most powerful student at school!

"I don't look down at you. It's simply a figure of your imagination."

"Wanna say it in a way that makes sense to a normal person?"

"In other words, you're scared of me."

"What? Why would I be scared of a guy like you?"

"You and I are both students at this school, so we are on the same level. If you think I am looking down at you, then you believe you are under me in the great chain of being, when that is not the case. You would only think that if you believe I am superior to you."

Terasaka narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth.

"Mitsuba Jun-san. 1st Year E Class. Disqualified for talking before the exam could occur at 10:22am. Would you like to appeal?"

"Y-Yes Kishou-sama!"

He moved my file to the other pile.

"Kouji Tenma-san. 1st Year E Class. Disqualified for bringing an illegal item, a phone, into the exam. Would you like to appeal?"

"No thanks."

Kishou picked up his file and handed it back to his big boob secretary. I wanna fondle her breasts so badly...

"Then, Kouji-san, you may leave."

"Can I make a request?" Kouji asked.

I think this is the first time I've heard him talk.

"What would that be?"

"Disqualify me from every other midterm being held this week."

My jaw dropped. Terasaka bursted into laughter. The two C Class girls held their breath. Daita ignored Kouji's ballsy statement. Mitsumori covered his mouth.

"This is a serious request?"

"Yes. I want to fail all the midterms."

"...Alright. We can arrange that to happen."

Holy. Shit.

"Thank you very much. King Kishou-sama."

Kouji exited the student council room without any remorse. He just threw away his entire future! Why the hell would he do that?!

"As for the rest of you, we shall hold your appeals now. Who would like to go first?"

Everyone looked at each other. Terasaka put his hand up.

"Very well then. Xuelan-san, if you could please escort the rest outside."

His big boob secretary nodded. Xuelan was her name, huh?

"Yes, King President Kishou-sama. If you all could please follow me. I shall accompany you to the waiting room."

The rest of us got up and followed her. Terasaka stayed in his seat as he faced against the seven students in front of him.

The waiting room was admittedly cozy. Though, without any of our phones or anything of note in our pockets, it was an incredibly boring wait. Xuelan stood in the corner, overseeing us.

The only entertainment I had was staring at her boobs and getting hard over it.

"Good going getting us both disqualified." Mitsumori broke the ice.

"How was I supposed to know you could get a pen from the invigilators?!"

"They clearly stated not to talk, whatever the reason."

"And you talked back!"

"To warn you about it!"

"Then it's just bad luck that one of them saw us talk to each other. You can't blame it on me."

"Ugh, and that's the most annoying part of this ordeal. I got myself into this mess by speaking back."

Well, at least he wasn't being arrogant about it. Despite having a white tie, he accepted his mistakes. I respect that.

Still, I didn't feel bad for disqualifying him. Whatever gives E Class the advantage!

"All our cases revolve around talking. I say we discuss and form a defence in our appeal." Daita said.

"What could we even say as a defence...? We might be appealing, but we're appealing to..." Esumi began to shudder.

"The King is... he's... he's like a monster!" Mitsumori spat. "I... I can't breathe or think straight in his presence! It's like a storm absolutely crushes me and thrashes me about like I'm nothing! And I'm A Class for god's sake!"

"N-no way! I c-can't appeal to him! The room drops in temperature when he speaks! I can't, I can't, I can't!" Esumi screamed, curling up.

"Don't worry, we'll be okay. I don't think a King would be that cruel to his subjects." Daita said. "Regardless, if we show no hostility, smile and be open-minded, we'll have a better chance. Freaking out won't help you."

"Daita-san's right... we gotta come up with a strategy. We can't lament over it now. At the very least, I want to overturn Esumi-san's, Kamuro-san's and Daita-san's disqualifications. You guys did your exams at least and are in the lower classes. Me scoring 0 on a single test shouldn't affect me that much, since I'm in A Class." Mitsumori said.

Ah, the martyr type... Wait, what about me?! Don't you wanna overturn my disqualification too?!

"I think you scoring 0 on a test would affect you greater than anyone else, Mitsumori. After all, you're A Class, so you should have "high standards", no?" Kamuro said.

"Heh. I used to think that too, but a guy named Shimada Kuroshi-san in my class has even worse attitude than Kouji-san's. He scores even worse than E Class and bunks lesson all the time. Yet he's in A Class? I dunno how this school works anymore..."

"Huh?! If he really is that bad, why am I stuck in E Class?!"

"Because you can't shut your mouth for a second, you lecherous pervert. Stop staring at that secretary already, you're so obvious." Kamuro hissed.

Yikes, woman... chill, chill! That secretary, Xuelan, laughed slightly.

"I did such a stupid thing..." Esumi cried. "Why did I say anything... why couldn't I have just waited... now those two hours of work have just been wasted..."

It was hard to see a girl cry, even if you didn't find her attractive.

"Terasaka and Kouji both had balls to speak to the King like that..." Kamuro muttered. "What was that E Class reject thinking? Failing all tests? I didn't think your class was that stupid, Mitsuba."

"Hey, hey, don't blame me, no one in E Class even likes Kouji-san. He's one of the big 3 loners! No one's friends with him!"

"The school should really expel him. There's no space for dead weight, especially if they're willing to show their uselessness this early on." Daita said.

I'm surprised Kouji even got in in the first place.

"Anyways, time's of the essence. Anyone got any ideas?" Mitsumori asked.

"Move blame to our teachers for not explaining the consequences of talking clear enough." Daita said.

"I'd say that the pressure was too much and we forgot about the rules. I mean, that paper was... something else." Kamuro said.

"True. I can't believe that's the midterms... wonder how bad the finals will be."

Oh jeez... the way they're speaking scares me. I only did a last minute cram revision session to prepare, but that probably won't be enough!

Maybe this disqualification is a blessing in disguise.

"I think I have a good shot at overturning disqualification. I was trying to tell Mitsuba-san to be quiet, after all."

"And my excuse will be I didn't know you could ask the invigilators for a pen!"

"Your one is flimsy, Mitsuba. You should've been well equipped for the exam."

I pointed at my red tie.

"I'll use my stupidity as a weapon. My excuse for not bringing one is that I'm a crippled E Class idiot!"

"That's stupid." Kamuro said.

"Well screw you too!"

"Sorry to interrupt your discussion, but Terasaka Soichiro-san's appeal has been finished." Xuelan said.

"What was the result?" Mitsumori asked.

"Fail. He has been disqualified."

Well, no surprise. Terasaka's a brute, even if he did do the exam he'd probably fail regardless. This way he fails on a technicality, rather than his own bad skills.

"Who would like to go next?"

Everyone looked at each other. Daita raised his hand.

"Yeah. I'll try my shot."

"Good luck, Daita-san." Mitsumori and Kamuro encouraged him.

"Thanks, you guys. G'luck to you too." Daita left.

And then there were four.

Ten minutes later and Xuelan announced the results.

"Daita Hachirou-san's appeal has been... a failure."

A pit of despair dropped in our stomachs.

How...? How could Daita, the most calm and composed one from us... fail?

If he couldn't overturn it... was there any hope... for us?

"No...... no...... no...... no......!!" Esumi began freaking out, crying and screaming. "I don't want to! I don't want to fail! Please, God, don't let me fail!"

Mitsumori gritted his teeth and stood up.

"My turn. I'll overturn it for sure!" He exclaimed.

And then there were three.

Kamuro consoled the exasperated Esumi for the fifteen minutes Mitsumori was in the room.

"Oh, looks like Mitsumori Jiro-san's appeal is over." She read from her phone. "His appeal... was a success."

"See, Esumi-san? Mitsumori-san did it! He appealed his! We can definitely save our tests!" Kamuro said.

Esumi wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled slightly.

"I'm glad... I'm glad Mitsumori-san got his disqualification removed..."

"Do you want to go now?" Kamuro asked. "Or should I go?"

"I... I want to try." Esumi stood up, wobbling slightly.

"Alright. Try your best!"

"I will!"

"Good luck!" I shouted.

"Thank you... Kamuro-san. Mitsuba-san."

Esumi left the waiting room.

"Just two of us now. Do you want to go first or should I go?" Kamuro asked.

"You go. I don't mind being last."

"Whatever suits you. It doesn't matter to me."

"Same here."

The sound of the clock ticking was driving me insane. How long have I been here for?

Nearly an hour, I think... I was getting bored and staring at Xuelan's boobs were losing their charm. Her boobs are definitely nice, but after staring at the same thing for nearly an hour straight, you just... lose interest, y'know?

"Esumi Chirie-san's appeal was a failure. She has been disqualified."

The shortest appeal yet at a whopping 7 minutes. This was a punch in the gut to Kamuro, who held the same reason for disqualification. Kamuro clutched her stomach and took deep breaths.

Then, a crazy idea popped into my head.

"K-Kamuro-san!"

"What?"

"Try buying the overturn of your disqualification!"

"Huh? Are you nuts? You can't "buy" that."

"Use the school points!"

"Okay, no, that's a stupid idea. I don't even have my phone on me to do the transaction. And even if I did, what kind of ridiculous sum would you have to pay to overturn it? 100,000? 1,000,000? 10,000,000? Do you think I have that kind of money? These are our midterms. Not just any cheap mock exam. Maybe you don't realise it, but this was mine, Esumi-san's and Daita-san's last chances to make the last two hours of work we did mean something. There's no way the escape route for this would be a simple bribe. How about you keep your insane ideas to yourself, next time?"

"Wait, wait. Look, I get it's insane-sounding, but Kouji-san proved earlier that the King was able to listen to unreasonable requests. On the first day of school, Shizuka-chan-sensei told my class that we could spend the points on whatever we want. So why can't I spend my points on overturning it?!"

"What Kouji asked for was failure. That is much different to your request of saving yourself. And I think your homeroom teacher didn't mean it literally. So stop it with trying to find an exit already. The writing's on the wall, for both of us."

With those harsh words, Kamuro left with anger in her eyes.

I slumped in my chair. With only one success and three failures, the odds were stacked against Kamuro greatly.

It was eleven minutes when her appeal was finished. Xuelan told me the results. Though, I expected it.

"Kamuro Hokyou-san's appeal was a failure. Mitsuba Jun-san, it's your turn."

I took a deep breath and exited the waiting room, with Xuelan. I sat in front of the King and President, Kishou-sama, who looked as crisp and cool as when we first met him.

Our eyes locked, and I felt my entire being get torn to shreds by a powerful storm of authority.

This was the boss battle. The one thing standing between me and my test paper. I had no choice but to use the weapon that Kamuro called stupid moments earlier.

I had no real defence. If I tried to explain my situation, the holes Mitsumori poked through would be used against me. All I had left to cling on was the hope that the price of overturning expulsion was within my budget.

MY BUDGET OF TWO GOD DAMN POINTS!

"Mitsuba-san. You may begin your appeal process."

I slammed my hand on the table to assert my dominance. What the King said earlier is true.

He isn't above me. We're both students at this school. We're on an equal level.

So I don't have to be afraid.

I don't have to be scared.

I don't have to run away, like I always do!

Right here, right now, is the moment that will change me forever!!

"Let me buy the overturn for my disqualification!"

I huffed and huffed. All the air in my lungs were knocked out in one fell swoop.

The storm was beginning to build up again, and I could see the tornado that would knock me down.

Kamuro was right... this was a dumbass idea!

"Alright. You can buy the overturning of your disqualification."

—excuse me?!

HOLY SHIT! IT WORKED! IT WORKED! MY INSANE IDEA WORKED!

OH MY GOD, I CAN BUY IT! I CAN BUY MY WAY OUT OF THIS!

ONCE AGAIN, POINTS PROVE SUPERIOR! YEEHAW!

I HOPE YOU'RE PROUD OF ME! THIS IS MY ONE BIG MOMENT, DAMN IT!

"...for 750,000 private points."

My heart sank when I heard that incredulous sum. It was definitely a steal. If I had that sort of money, at least...

My two measly points couldn't carry me to victory...

In the end, even if I didn't spend a dime of my fortune, I couldn't afford it...

This was fate...

Fate that I would be disqualified from my exams...

Ah, what was all this about it being my shining moment.....?

Kamuro was right... this was a stupid idea...

I think, I'm just going to...

"...I accept my disqualification, King Kishou-sama..."

"Very well then."

With that, I was officially disqualified from the exam...

I walked out of the student council room utterly defeated. I collapsed on the floor, where Daita, Kamuro and Esumi were waiting outside.

"I can't believe you were right... you really can but the overturn of your expulsion..." Kamuro gasped.

"B-But 750,000 Pr... we don't have that sort of money, Kamuro-san!" Esumi cried.

"C Class might not, but B Class has. I'll talk it over with Ichinose-san to see if she can help you guys out." Daita said.

"Why are you being so helpful towards us? We're the enemy, you know." Kamuro said.

"I know, but I sympathise with you two. We all got disqualified for the same reason. At the very least, I want to salvage one of our tests. After seeing Esumi-san cry and scream and do her best to try to fight against fate... I think I want her to get it overturned. If possible, your one as well, Kamuro-san."

"I don't care about my test. I hate Japanese. But Esumi-san loves it, so I'll definitely help to buy your overturn. Let's inform the president, now!"

"O-okay... thanks you guys!" Esumi said.

The three of them trampled over my limp, dead body and went back into the student council room to inform of this decision.

Meanwhile, I headed back to E Class in a walk of shame that would last me for the rest of my life.

...my one moment, gone and stolen by some girls in C Class and an overly generous boy in B Class.

My life seriously sucks!!